Press Alt + R to read the document text or Alt + P to download or print.
This document contains no pages.
HomeMy WebLinkAboutFD Marin County Multi-Jursidictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan____________________________________________________________________________________
FOR CITY CLERK ONLY
Council Meeting: October 7, 2024
Disposition: Resolution 15346
Agenda Item No: 2.e
Meeting Date: October 7, 2024
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Department: Fire, Office of Emergency Services
Prepared by: Quinn Gardner
Deputy Director of Emergency
Management
City Manager Approval: ______________
TOPIC: MARIN COUNTY MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL LOCAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN
SUBJECT: RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE 2024 MARIN COUNTY MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL
LOCAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN AND THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL ANNEX.
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt a resolution adopting the 2024 Marin County Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
(MJLHMP) and the City of San Rafael Annex.
BACKGROUND:
What is a Local Hazard Mitigation Plan?
A Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) is a living document that assesses regional risks and
vulnerabilities and identifies and prioritizes mitigation projects, describing updated strategies for
sustaining and building on current mitigation activities to ensure the future safety of lives, preservation of
property and protection of the environment during times of disaster. Mitigation planning also improves
the ability to recover from a disaster. An annex to an LHMP is a document that provides additional
information specific to a jurisdiction, such as a city or special district, which participates in the plan.
Annexes supplement the information in LHMP, which includes federally required elements that apply to
the entire planning area. This City of San Rafael Annex (Attachment 3) provides additional information
specific to the City, with a focus on providing additional details on the hazard risk assessment and
mitigation strategy (i.e., mitigation actions) for the community.
State and Federal Regulations for LHMPs
The Disaster Mitigation Act (DMA) of 2000 (Public Law 106-390) requires local governments to develop
and adopt pre-disaster LHMPs to minimize property damage and the risk to public health and safety that
might otherwise result from the effects of a natural or human-made disaster.
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 2
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requires the plan to be updated every five years
to maintain federal hazard mitigation grant eligibility. In addition, California Assembly Bill No. 2140 (AB
2140, 2006) allows cities to be considered for additional state cost-share on eligible public assistance
projects by adopting their current, FEMA-approved local hazard mitigation plans (LHMPs) into the Safety
Element of their General Plan. This adoption, along with other requirements, makes the City eligible to
be considered for up to an additional 6.25% local share to be funded by the state-eligible public
assistance projects.
The City of San Rafael’s Planning Efforts
In February 2016, FEMA approved the City’s application for a grant to develop a Local Hazard Mitigation
Plan for San Rafael. Previously, the City did not have a FEMA-approved, locally adopted Hazard
Mitigation Plan and, thus, was not eligible to apply for any FEMA funding to support City Hazard Mitigation
projects. After more than a year of meetings, staff analysis, research, and working with a specialized
consultant, on November 17, 2017, the City Council adopted San Rafael’s first Local Hazard Mitigation
Plan.
In 2018, the Marin County Sheriff’s Office, which then included the County Office of Emergency Services
and County Department of Public Works, spearheaded the development of a countywide Marin County
Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan. The plan included jurisdiction-specific mitigations and
countywide mitigation measures that applied to all of Marin County’s twelve (12) cities, towns, and
unincorporated areas. This effort was intended to create communitywide resiliency, as large-scale
disasters rarely adhere to jurisdictional boundaries, especially in cities and towns in Marin that share
natural features, such as waterways and hillsides. San Rafael adopted the Marin County Multi-
Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan in July 2019.
In August 2021, the San Rafael City Council adopted the General Plan 2040, which included a Safety
and Resilience Element. The City’s current Safety and Resilience Element of the General Plan includes
language and goals relating to hazard mitigation and specifically references the 2019 MJLHMP.
Responding to federal mandates in the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-390), the 2024
MJLHMP updates the previous plan adopted in 2019.
ANALYSIS:
Mitigation planning allows for improved emergency management and disaster response for all
communities we serve. These include targeted assistance to those with access and functional needs,
migrant populations, ethnic populations/language accessibility, essential workers, the elderly, and more.
Outreach was conducted with efforts to reach various demographics. This section describes the planning
process, organization, and review of the 2024 MJLHMP.
The 2024 MJLHMP Planning Process
In Marin County, jurisdictions collaborate on LHMP updates in a multi-jurisdictional planning effort,
reflecting that hazard risks extend beyond jurisdiction borders. Multi-jurisdictional planning efforts have
many benefits, including promoting compliance with state and federal disaster mitigation requirements,
maintaining eligibility for FEMA mitigation grants, improving communication between jurisdictions, and
avoiding duplication of efforts by pooling resources and sharing costs.
The 2024 MJLHMP updates the 2019 MJLHMP. The planning area for the MJLHMP encompasses the
entire geographic area of Marin County. The preparation of the 2024 MJLHMP was led by the Marin
County Office of Emergency Services, with participation from the Marin County Operational Area and the
sixteen (16) cities, towns, and special districts in Marin County. Much like what occurred in 2018, this
recent planning effort was intended to advance community-wide resiliency.
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 3
To ensure eligibility for FEMA and the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES)
grants, the MJLHMP development process included the following activities:
1. Identification of potential planning partners. Partners who chose to participate submitted Letters
of Intent committing resources to the development effort;
2. Identification and assessment of the risks of natural hazards;
3. Development of actions to mitigate the risks and a plan to implement the actions over the next
five years;
4. Public involvement in the development and review of the MJLHMP; and
5. Review and approval of the MJLHMP by Cal OES and FEMA.
As part of the update process, City staff from various departments reviewed previous hazard mitigation
plans, pending projects, and newly identified needs. In collaboration with the County of Marin and their
consultant, City staff provided input to ensure the plan updates meet the City’s needs for mitigating natural
and human-caused disasters.
The Organization of the 2024 MJLHMP
The MJLHMP is organized with a main document (Volume 1) addressing countywide hazards and
mitigation actions. Volume 1 (Attachment 2) is accompanied by Volume 2, which contains annexes (i.e.,
appendices) for each participating jurisdiction. Participating jurisdictions are known as “planning partners”
in the document.
The City of San Rafael Community Profile is contained in Volume 2 of the MJLHMP and is provided as
Attachment 3 to this report.
Although Volume 1 addresses hazard mitigation on a countywide basis, and Volume 2 considers these
same topics for each city, town, and special district, both documents are organized as follows:
• An introduction with an overview of the jurisdiction and a description of the planning process.
• A systematic hazard identification and risk assessment of natural and human-caused hazards
such as flooding, drought, wildfire, landslides, severe weather, terrorism, cyber threats,
pandemics, and the impact of climate change.
• Mitigation strategies and actions to reduce injury, property damage, and community disruption.
• A process for adopting, monitoring, and evaluating the plan.
FEMA and Cal OES Review
Jurisdictions must submit their Local Hazard Mitigation Plans to FEMA for approval to be eligible for
FEMA funding from the Pre-Disaster Mitigation and Hazard Mitigation Grant programs. In July 2024,
FEMA and Cal OES approved the City of San Rafael Annex to the 2024 MJLHMP (Attachment 4). This
plan's expiration date will be January 31, 2029. After local adoption, the signed resolution is returned to
FEMA for final approval. Final plans are made publicly available via the County Office of Emergency
Management website and City sites as needed.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH:
Community outreach was incorporated into the planning and update process. This included a website
and public survey, a public comment period, social media campaigns, flyers, and two Town Hall Meetings
in San Rafael that were broadcast via Zoom and included translation services. The Town Hall meetings
were advertised via press releases and digital communication. Following a presentation, the meetings
concluded with question and answer sessions. No members of the public joined in person, and none
provided public comment via Zoom. The plan includes full details about the outreach efforts.
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 4
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION:
The adoption of the 2024 MJLHMP is not a project under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
Guidelines Section 15378(a) because it has no potential to result in either a direct physical change in the
environment or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment. Instead, the 2024
MJLHMP is a planning study that identifies hazard risk and outlines potential future mitigation actions the
County and planning partners may take to reduce hazard risk depending on funding and staffing
availability, including projects that are already planned or in progress. Accordingly, even if the adoption
of the 2024 MJLHMP were a project, it would be exempt from CEQA under CEQA Guidelines Section
15262 as a planning studies for possible future actions which has no legally binding effect on later
activities. Since there would be no potential for a significant effect on the environment, the adoption of
the 2024 MJLHMP also qualifies for the common sense exemption as described in CEQA Guidelines
Section 15061(b)(3).
FISCAL IMPACT:
Adopting the 2024 MJLHMP and the City of San Rafael Annex has no fiscal impact. However, it maintains
the City's eligibility for FEMA mitigation grant funding.
OPTIONS:
The City Council has the following options to consider on this matter:
1. Adopt the provided resolution
2. Adopt resolution with modifications.
3. Direct staff to return with more information.
4. Take no action.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Adopt a resolution adopting the 2024 Marin County Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
(MJLHMP) and the City of San Rafael Annex.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution
2. Volume 1 of the MJLHMP: Planning Area-Wide Elements
3. Volume 2 of the MJLHMP (Excerpt): City of San Rafael Annex
4. Marin County FEMA Approval Letter, July 2024
RESOLUTION NO. 15346
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL
ADOPTING THE 2024 MARIN COUNTY MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL LOCAL HAZARD
MITIGATION PLAN AND THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL ANNEX
WHEREAS, natural hazards, such as earthquakes, floods, and wildfires, pose a significant
threat to the residents and visitors of Marin County and San Rafael; and
WHEREAS, disasters start and end at the local level, and it is the inherent responsibility
of government to lead hazard mitigation and the reduction of risk and vulnerability to hazards; and
WHEREAS, an adopted Local Hazard Mitigation Plan is required as a condition of future
funding for mitigation projects under multiple FEMA pre-and post-disaster mitigation grant
programs; and
WHEREAS, the City adopted a Local Hazard Mitigation Plan in 2017 through Resolution
No. 14418; and
WHEREAS, the San Rafael 2040 General Plan includes a Safety and Resilience Element
which expresses the City’s commitment to maintaining an LHMP and minimizing San Rafael’s
vulnerabilities and, in accordance with AB 2140, acknowledges the importance of coordinating
the most recent LHMP and Safety Element by incorporating the 2017 LHMP and any future
amendments to the LHMP by reference, as allowed by California Government Code Section
65302(g); and
WHEREAS, the Marin County 2024 Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
(MJHMP) amends the 2017 LHMP by fully updating and replacing it; and
WHEREAS, the Marin County 2024 Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
(MJHMP) complies with all requirements set forth under Disaster Mitigation Act (DMA) 2000 and
includes information also relevant to the Safety Element. The MJHMP presents environmental
hazard analysis, describes important transportation and utility infrastructure at risk from
environmental hazards, describes emergency evacuation systems, and mitigation actions to
protect Marin County populations and infrastructure from environmental hazards; and
WHEREAS, the adoption of the 2024 MJLHMP is not a project under California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378(a) because it has no potential to
result in either a direct physical change in the environment or a reasonably foreseeable indirect
physical change in the environment; and even if the adoption of the 2024 MJLHMP were a project,
it would be exempt from CEQA under CEQA Guidelines Section 15262 as a planning studies for
possible future actions which has no legally binding effect on later activities, and also under the
common sense exemption as described in CEQA Guidelines Section 16061(b)(3) because there
would be no potential for a significant effect on the environment; and
WHEREAS, adoption by the governing body for the City of San Rafael, demonstrates the
jurisdiction’s commitment to fulfilling the mitigation goals and objectives outlined in this Local
Hazard Mitigation Plan; and
WHEREAS, adoption of the plan authorizes responsible agencies to carry out their
responsibilities under the plan.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of San Rafael
hereby adopts the 2024 Marin County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan and the City of
San Rafael Annex and adopts the updated 2024 MJLHMP by reference into the Safety and
Resilience Element of the San Rafael 2040 General Plan.
I, Lindsay Lara, Clerk of the City of San Rafael, hereby certify foregoing resolution was
duly and regularly introduced and adopted at a regular meeting on the City Council of said City
held on Monday, the 7th day of October 2024, by the following vote to wit:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Hill, Kertz & Mayor Kate
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Bushey & Llorens Gulati
___
LINDSAY LARA, City Clerk
COUNTY OF MARI
Cover Photo: The image provided by the Marin County Office of Emergency Management,
illustrates the precarious balance of mitigating potential wildfire fuels to ensure a safe
evacuation corridor while preserving the exquisite natural beauty unique to Marin County.
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
i
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Marin County Operational Area (OA) and the sixteen (16) jurisdictions and special districts
within the Marin County OA prepared this Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP)
update to the 2018 Marin County MJHMP to guide County, City, and Special District managers
in protecting the people and property within the County from the effects of natural disasters and
hazard events. These planned actions will make Marin County and its residents less vulnerable
to future hazard events, demonstrates the communities’ commitment to reducing risks from
hazards, and serves as a tool to help decision makers direct mitigation activities and resources.
HAZARD MITIGATION
Hazard Mitigation is defined as “any sustained action taken to eliminate or reduce long-term risk
to human life, property, and the environment posed by a hazard”.
Hazard mitigation planning is the process of making any sustained plan or course of action
taken to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people and property from both natural hazards
and their effects. The planning process includes establishing goals and recommendations for
mitigation strategies.
Hazard mitigation may occur during any phase of a threat, emergency, or disaster. Mitigation
can and should take place during the preparedness (before), response (during), and recovery
(after) phases. The process of hazard mitigation involves evaluating the hazard’s impact and
identification and implementation of actions to minimize the impact.
PURPOSE OF THE HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN
Information in this plan will be used to help guide and coordinate mitigation activities and
decisions for local land use policy in the future. Proactive mitigation planning will help reduce
the cost of disaster response and recovery to communities and their residents by protecting
critical community facilities, reducing liability exposure, and minimizing overall community
impacts and disruptions. The Marin County OA planning area has been affected by hazards in
the past and is thus committed to reducing future impacts from hazard events and becoming
eligible for mitigation-related federal funding.
MITIGATION PLAN UPDATE
This 2023 MJHMP is a comprehensive update of the 2018 Marin County Local Hazard
Mitigation Plan, which included the unincorporated county, eleven (11) jurisdictions and the
North Marin Water District. FEMA approved the 2018 plan on December 27, 2018, and it will
expire on December 27, 2023. The current update meets federal requirements for updating
hazard mitigation plans on a five-year cycle. It represents the fifth iteration of the Marin County
hazard mitigation plan. Fifty-eight planning partners participated in this update, as listed in
Tables 2.2 and 2.4.
The Marin County Office of Emergency Management was the lead County Department
coordinating this MJHMP update. The Marin County Office of Emergency Management
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
ii
appointed new leadership in 2023 and the Director, Steven Torrance, made the update to this
plan a priority.
The planning area and participating jurisdictions and special districts were defined to consist of
the unincorporated county, eleven (11) jurisdictions and five (5) special districts within the
geographical boundary of Marin County. All partners to this plan have jurisdictional authority
within this planning area. The jurisdictions participating in the 2023 Marin County MJHMP were
represented by:
Table 2.1: 2023 MJHMP Participating Jurisdictions
Jurisdiction Representative Title
1 Marin County Hannah Tarling Emergency Management Coordinator
2 Marin County Chris Reilly OEM Project Manager
3 City of Belvedere Irene Borba Director of Planning
4 City of Larkspur Loren Umbertis Public Works Director
5 City of Mill Valley Patrick Kelly Director of Planning and Building
6 City of Novato Dave Jeffries Consultant/JPSC
7 City of San Rafael Quinn Gardner Deputy Emergency Services Coord.
8 City of Sausalito Kevin McGowan Director of Public Works
9 Town of Corte Madera and
Sanitary District #2 RJ Suokko Director of Public Works
10 Town of Fairfax Loren Umbertis Public Works Director
11 Town of Ross Richard Simonitch Public Works Director
12 Town of San Anselmo Sean Condry Public Works & Building Director
13 Town of Tiburon Sam Bonifacio Assistant Planner
14 Bolinas Community Public
Utility District
Jennifer Blackman General Manager
15 Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary
District Dale McDonald Administrative Services Manager
16 North Marin Water District Eric Miller Asst. General Manager
17 Southern Marin Fire District Marshall Nau Fire Marshall/South Marin Fire Dist.
PARTICIPATING JURISDICTION HAZARD ASSESSMENT
Each Marin County OA MJHMP participating jurisdiction and special district reviewed and
approved the Top Hazards identified by the Planning Team. Each participating jurisdiction and
organization then completed a more complex assessment tool to further develop their hazard
assessment and prioritization.
The planning process used the available FEMA tools to evaluate all the possible threats faced.
The primary tool selected was the Hazard Assessment and Prioritization Tool. This matrix
allowed the participating jurisdiction or organization to assess their own level of vulnerability and
mitigation capability. Each participating Jurisdiction and organization assessed the top hazards
for:
• Probability and frequency
• Impact to property, resources, and humans
• Mitigation capacity
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
iii
The results of these participating jurisdiction and organization hazard assessment and
prioritization are illustrated in the following tables.
Table 3.4: Marin County Hazard Risk Assessment
Hazard
Probability/
Likelihood of
Future Events
Geographic
Extent
Magnitude
/ Severity
Climate
Change
Influence
Significance Risk
Score
Dam Failure Unlikely Negligible Extreme Low Medium 9.00
Debris Flow,
Erosion,
Landslide, Post-
Fire Debris Flow
Occasional Extensive Severe Medium Medium 13.00
Drought Highly Likely Extensive Moderate High High 16.00
Earthquake Highly Likely Extensive Extreme None High 15.00
Flooding Highly Likely Limited Severe High Medium 14.00
Land Subsidence
(Sinkhole) Occasional Limited Moderate Medium Medium 10.00
Levee Failure Unlikely Negligible Moderate Medium High 9.00
Sea Level Rise Highly Likely Limited Extreme High High 16.00
Severe Weather –
Extreme Heat Highly Likely Extensive Moderate High Medium 15.00
Severe Weather –
Wind, Tornado Highly Likely Extensive Moderate High Medium 15.00
Tsunami Highly Likely Limited Extreme Medium High 15.00
Wildfire Highly Likely Significant Severe High High 16.00
1 ~<;>U·N· TY OF a
~ARIN ~
I I I I I I
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
iv
Risk Level Risk Numerical
Score
High Risk 12 - 16
Serious Risk 8 - 11
Moderate Risk 4 - 7
Low Risk 1 - 3
MITIGATION GOALS
The information developed from the risk assessment was used as the primary basis for
developing mitigation goals and objectives. Mitigation goals are defined as general guidelines
explaining what each jurisdiction wants to achieve in terms of hazard and loss prevention.
Hazard Risk Prioritization
Mitigation Goals & Objectives
Mitigation Project Identification
Mitigation Project Implementation
16 16 16 15 15 15 15 14 13
10 9 9
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
We
i
g
h
t
e
d
R
a
n
k
P
e
r
c
e
n
t
a
g
e
V
a
l
u
e
Hazard Types
Hazards by Rank
1 ~<;>U·N· TY OF a
~ARIN ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
v
Goal 1: Minimize risk and vulnerability of the community to the impacts of natural hazards and
protect lives and reduce damages and losses to property, economy, and environment in Marin
County.
• Minimize economic and resource impacts and promote long -term viability and
sustainability of resources throughout Marin County.
• Minimize impact to both existing and future development.
• Provide protection for public health.
• Prevent and reduce wildfire risk and related losses.
Goal 2: Provide protection for critical facilities, infrastructure, utilities, and services from hazard
impacts.
• Incorporate defensible space and reduce hazard vulnerability.
• Develop redundancies in utilities and services.
• Enhance resilience through enhanced construction.
Goal 3: Improve public awareness, education, and preparedness for hazards that threaten our
communities.
• Enhance public outreach and participation in the Alert Marin Emergency Notification
System.
• Enhance public outreach, education, and preparedness program to include all hazards
of concern.
• Increase public knowledge about the risk and vulnerability to identified hazards and their
recommended responses to disaster events, including evacuation and sheltering
options.
• Provide planning and coordination for "At-Risk" populations.
• Provide planning and coordination for companion animals, livestock, and other animal
populations.
• Increase community awareness and participation in hazard mitigation projects and
activities.
Goal 4: Increase communities' capabilities to be prepared for, respond to, and recover from a
disaster event.
• Improve interagency (local, state, federal) emergency coordination, planning, training,
and communication to ensure effective community preparedness, response and
recovery.
• Enhance collaboration and coordination of disaster-related plans, exercises, and training
with local, state, and federal agencies, neighboring communities, private partners, and
volunteers.
• Enhance the use of shared resources/Develop a strong mutual aid support system.
• Create and maintain a fully functional, interoperable radio and communication system
with all regional public safety partners.
Goal 5: Maintain FEMA Eligibility/Position the communities for grant funding.
• Review hazard events and ongoing hazard mitigation projects annually.
• Assess the need to pursue or adjust hazard mitigation projects after significant hazard
events.
Goal 6: Reduce exposure to High Hazard Dams that pose an unacceptable risk to the public.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
vi
• Improve alert and warning systems to provide residents downstream of a High Hazard
Dam to receive timely warning to evacuation when threatened by potential or imminent
dam failure.
• Enhance overall community preparedness to respond and evacuate a potential or
imminent dam failure.
• Increase public awareness of the risk posed by High Hazard Dams and the potential for
relocation of housing outside a possible inundation zone.
• Prioritize High Hazard Dam Mitigation projects and programs.
MITIGATION STRATEGY
The mitigation strategies and activities designed to reduce or eliminate losses resulting from
natural hazards are the centerpiece of the mitigation planning process. Through the mitigation
actions, participating jurisdictions will become more resilient to disasters.
The 2023 Marin County OA MJHMP was revised to reflect progress in local mitigation efforts.
Mitigation projects were selected for each hazard and for Marin County, the eleven (11)
jurisdictions and the five (5) special districts based on the hazard risk assessment. The projects
are supported by the mitigation goals and objectives and are ranked using the following criteria:
approximate cost, timeframe of completion, whether the project requires Board of Supervisors
regulatory action, and an assumption as to whether or not the project would be subject to CEQA
or NEPA requirements. Funding sources are identified for all projects. All projects consider
new, future, and existing development.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
1
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Marin County Office of Emergency Management and Preparative Consulting would like to
thank those collaborators and partners who participated in the planning and development of this
document.
The official Marin County Operational Area Hazard Mitigation Steering Committee provided the
oversight and dedication to this project that was required and without their commitment, this
project would not be possible.
As with any working plan, this document represents planning strategies and guidance as
understood as of the date of this plan’s release. This plan identifies natural hazards and risks
and identifies the hazard mitigation strategy to reduce vulnerability and make the communities
of the Marin County Operational Area more disaster resistant and sustainable.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
2
This page is intentionally blank.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
3
LETTER OF PROMULGATION
January 2024
To: Officials and Employees of Marin County
The preservation of life and property is an inherent responsibility of all levels of government.
Whereas disasters may occur in devastating form at any time, Marin County must provide
safeguards which will save lives and minimize property damage through mitigation planning and
training. Sound mitigation planning carried out by knowledgeable and well-trained personnel
can and will minimize losses.
The Marin County Operational Area Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan identifies the
hazard risks and vulnerabilities for the Marin County Operational Area and identifies mitigation
projects and actions to help reduce those risks. It provides for the integration and coordination
of planning efforts of Marin County, the Cities of Belvedere, Larkspur, Mill Valley, Novato, San
Rafael and Sausalito; the Towns of Corte Madera, Fairfax, Ross, San Anselmo and Tiburon; the
Bolinas Community Public Utility District, the Central Marin Fire Department, the Las Gallinas
Valley Sanitary District, the North Marin Water District, the Sanitary District Number 2, and the
Southern Marin Fire Department.
The content of this plan is based upon guidance approved and provided by the Federal
Emergency Management Agency and the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services.
The intent of the Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan is to provide direction on how to
mitigate against the threat of disaster through effective mitigation strategies and initiatives.
Once adopted, this plan will be reviewed and tested periodically and revised as necessary to
meet changing conditions and requirements.
The Marin County Board of Supervisors gives its full support to this Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard
Mitigation Plan and urges all public employees and individuals to mitigate against the threat of
disaster before they occur.
_________________________________
Stephanie Moulton-Peters
President, Board of Supervisors
Marin County
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
4
This page is intentionally blank.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
5
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Executive Summary .................................................................................................................. i
Acknowledgements ..................................................................................................................1
Letter Of Promulgation .............................................................................................................3
Table of Contents ......................................................................................................................5
SECTION 1.0: Introduction .......................................................................................................9
1.1 Hazard Mitigation Principles .................................................................................................... 9
1.2 Purpose ..................................................................................................................................... 9
1.3 Scope ...................................................................................................................................... 10
1.4 Legal Authorities ..................................................................................................................... 10
1.5 History and Overview ............................................................................................................. 11
1.5.1 Demographics.................................................................................................................. 25
1.5.2 Critical Facilities and Infrastructure ................................................................................ 31
1.5.3 Natural, Historical, and Cultural Resources .................................................................. 33
1.5.4 National Risk Index and Social Vulnerability................................................................. 55
1.5.5 Social Vulnerability and Risk in Marin County .............................................................. 60
1.5.6 Economics ........................................................................................................................... 66
1.6 Existing Authorities, Policies, Programs, and Resources ................................................... 67
1.7 New Items for the 2023 MJHMP ........................................................................................... 68
1.7.1 Revision of the Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment ....................................... 70
1.7.2 Climate Change ............................................................................................................... 70
1.7.3 Progress on Local Mitigation Efforts .............................................................................. 70
1.8 Plan Organization and Structure ........................................................................................... 70
SECTION 2.0: Planning Process ............................................................................................72
2.1 Planning Approach ................................................................................................................. 73
2.2 Grant Funding and Consultant Selection ............................................................................. 74
2.3 Establish a Planning Partnership .......................................................................................... 74
2.4 Define the Planning Area and Participating Jurisdictions ................................................... 75
2.5 Steering Committee ............................................................................................................... 76
2.5.1 Steering Committee Planning Process .......................................................................... 78
2.5.2 Steering Committee Tasks ............................................................................................. 79
2.5.3 Steering Committee Future Tasks ................................................................................. 80
2.6 Coordination with stakeholders and agencies ..................................................................... 80
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
6
2.7 Review and Incorporation of Existing Plans ......................................................................... 87
2.8 Public Engagement ................................................................................................................ 92
2.8.1 Website............................................................................................................................... 94
2.8.2 Public Meetings ................................................................................................................. 94
2.8.3 Social media ...................................................................................................................... 96
2.8.4 Press Releases.................................................................................................................. 96
2.8.5 Survey ................................................................................................................................ 97
2.8.6 Public Comment on the Plan ............................................................................................ 98
SECTION 3.0: Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment ................................................ 100
3.1 Hazard Identification ............................................................................................................ 100
3.1.1 Disaster Declaration History ......................................................................................... 102
3.1.2 Omission of Hazards ..................................................................................................... 104
3.2 Hazard Analysis .................................................................................................................... 106
3.2.1 Climate Change ............................................................................................................. 111
3.2.2 Participating Jurisdiction Hazard Assessment ............................................................ 119
3.3 Hazard Risk Assessment..................................................................................................... 120
3.3.1 Dam Failure ................................................................................................................... 120
3.3.2 Debris Flow .................................................................................................................... 154
3.3.3 Drought ........................................................................................................................... 176
3.3.4 Earthquake ..................................................................................................................... 185
3.3.5 Flooding.......................................................................................................................... 196
3.3.6 Land Subsidence ........................................................................................................... 241
3.3.7 Levee Failure ................................................................................................................. 247
3.3.8 Sea Level Rise............................................................................................................... 265
3.3.9 Severe Weather – Extreme Heat ................................................................................. 276
3.3.10 Severe Weather – High Wind/Tornado ..................................................................... 281
3.3.11 Tsunami ....................................................................................................................... 290
3.3.12 Wildfire ......................................................................................................................... 322
3.4 Additional Hazards Profiled ................................................................................................. 372
3.4.1 Air Pollution ................................................................................................................ 373
3.4.2 Critical Infrastructure/ Utility Disruption .................................................................... 376
3.4.3 Cyber Threats ............................................................................................................ 378
3.4.4 Oil Spills ...................................................................................................................... 383
3.4.5 Pandemic .................................................................................................................... 386
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
7
3.4.6 Transportation Systems ............................................................................................ 392
SECTION 4.0: Mitigation Strategy ........................................................................................ 399
4.1 Changes in Development .................................................................................................... 399
4.2 Changes in Priorities ............................................................................................................ 401
4.2.1 Vulnerability and Risk Reduction ................................................................................. 401
4.3 Capability Assessment ......................................................................................................... 402
4.3.1 Regulatory Capabilities ................................................................................................. 402
4.3.2 Administrative and Technical Capabilities................................................................... 408
4.3.3 Fiscal Capabilities ......................................................................................................... 412
4.3.4 Outreach and Partnerships Capabilities ...................................................................... 414
4.4 Participation in the National Flood Insurance Program..................................................... 415
4.4.1 Substantially Improved Or Substantially Damaged Properties ................................ 421
4.5 Mitigation Goals .................................................................................................................... 423
4.6 Hazard Mitigation Actions .................................................................................................. 425
4.6.1 Progress in Local Mitigation Efforts ............................................................................. 425
4.6.2 Status of Previous Mitigation Actions .......................................................................... 426
4.6.3 New Mitigation Actions.................................................................................................. 430
4.7 Plan Integration .................................................................................................................... 463
4.8 Future Development Trends ............................................................................................... 464
SECTION 5.0: Plan Review, Evaluation, and Implementation ............................................ 468
5.1 Plan Adoption ....................................................................................................................... 468
5.2 Plan Monitoring And Public Engagement ........................................................................... 468
5.3 Plan Evaluation ..................................................................................................................... 469
5.4 Plan Update .......................................................................................................................... 470
Figures and Tables Index ..................................................................................................... 471
Acronyms .............................................................................................................................. 478
Appendix A: Adoption Letters.............................................................................................. 483
Appendix B: Documentation of the Planning Process ....................................................... 513
Appendix C: Public Outreach Survey .................................................................................. 531
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
8
This page is intentionally blank.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
9
SECTION 1.0: INTRODUCTION
Each year in the United States, natural disasters take the lives of hundreds of people and injure
thousands more. Nationwide, taxpayers pay billions of dollars annually to help communities,
organizations, businesses, and individuals recover from disasters. These monies only partially
reflect the true cost of disasters, because additional expenses to insurance companies and
nongovernmental organizations are not reimbursed by tax dollars. Many natural disasters are
predictable, and much of the damage caused by these events can be alleviated or even
eliminated.
Hazard mitigation is defined by FEMA as “any sustained action taken to reduce or eliminate
long-term risk to human life and property from a hazard event.” The results of a three-year,
congressionally mandated independent study to assess future savings from mitigation activities
provides evidence that mitigation activities are highly cost-effective. On average, each dollar
spent on mitigation saves society an average of six dollars in avoided future losses in addition to
saving lives and preventing injuries.
This plan was prepared pursuant to the requirements of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 so
that the Marin County Operational Area (OA) would be eligible for the Federal Emergency
Management Agency’s (FEMA) Pre-Disaster Mitigation and Hazard Mitigation Grant programs
as well as to lower flood insurance premiums (in jurisdictions that participate in the National
Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rating System).
1.1 HAZARD MITIGATION PRINCIPLES
Hazard mitigation is any sustained action taken to eliminate or reduce long-term risk to human
life, property, and the environment posed by a hazard.
Hazard mitigation planning is the process of making any sustained plan or course of action
taken to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people and property from both natural hazards
and their effects. The planning process includes establishing goals and recommendations for
mitigation strategies.
Hazard mitigation may occur during any phase of a threat, emergency, or disaster. Mitigation
can and should take place during the preparedness (before), response (during), and recovery
(after) phases.
The process of hazard mitigation involves evaluating the hazard’s impact and identification and
implementation of actions to minimize the impact.
1.2 PURPOSE
Marin County and its participating jurisdictions prepared this Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard
Mitigation Plan (MJHMP) update to the 2018 Marin County MJHMP in order to make the Marin
County OA and its residents less vulnerable to future hazard events. This plan demonstrates
the communities’ commitment to reducing risks from hazards and serves as a tool to help
decision makers direct mitigation activities and resources. This plan was also developed to
make the Marin County OA eligible for certain federal disaster assistance, specifically, the
Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP),
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
10
Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, and Flood Mitigation
Assistance (FMA) program.
1.3 SCOPE
The Marin County OA MJHMP is a multi-jurisdictional plan that geographically covers the Marin
County OA, which encompasses the area within Marin County’s jurisdictional boundaries. This
area includes the County and its unincorporated communities, the Cities of Belvedere, Larkspur,
Mill Valley, Novato, San Rafael and Sausalito; the Towns of Corte Madera, Fairfax, Ross, San
Anselmo and Tiburon; the Bolinas Community Public Utility District, the Central Marin Fire
Department, the Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District, the North Marin Water District, the
Sanitary District Number 2, and the Southern Marin Fire Department.
This MJHMP was prepared pursuant to the requirements of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000
(Public Law 106-390) and the implementing regulations set forth by the Interim Final Rule
published in the Federal Register on February 26, 2002, (44 CFR §201.6) and finalized on
October 31, 2007. The 2007 amendments also incorporate mitigation planning requirements of
the Flood Mitigation Assistance program authorized by the National Flood Insurance Act of
1968. While the Disaster Mitigation Act emphasized the need for mitigation plans and more
coordinated mitigation planning and implementation efforts, the regulations established the
requirements that local hazard mitigation plans must meet in order for a local jurisdiction to be
eligible for certain federal disaster assistance and hazard mitigation funding under the Robert T.
Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Act (Public Law 93-288).
Information in this plan will be used to help guide and coordinate mitigation activities and
decisions for local land use policy in the future. Proactive mitigation planning will help reduce
the cost of disaster response and recovery to communities and their residents by protecting
critical community facilities, reducing liability exposure, and minimizing overall community
impacts and disruptions. The Marin County OA planning area has been affected by hazards in
the past and is thus committed to reducing future impacts from hazard events and becoming
eligible for mitigation-related federal funding.
1.4 LEGAL AUTHORITIES
Federal, state and local regulations and policies form the legal framework to implement
Marin County’s, and its participating jurisdictions’, hazard mitigation goals and projects.
Federal Laws
• “The Federal Civil Defense Act of 1950”
• Public Law 96-342 “The Improved Civil Defense Act of 1980”
• Public Law 91-606 “Disaster Relief Act"
• Public Law 93-288 “The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief Act of 1974”
• Section 322, Mitigation Planning of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and
Emergency Assistance Act
• Public Law 106-390 enacted by Section 104 of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000
(DMA)
• Interim Final Rule for DMA 2002 as published in the February 26,2002, 44 CFR Part 201
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
11
State Laws & Plans
California Government Code, Section 3100, Title 1, Division 4, Chapter 4
Defines public employees as disaster service workers. Disaster service workers are subject to
such disaster service activities as assigned to them by their superiors or by law. The term
"public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, city and
county, state agency or public district, excluding aliens legally employed. The law applies when:
• A local emergency has been proclaimed.
• A state of emergency has been proclaimed.
• A federal disaster declaration has been made.
This Section provides the basic authorities for conducting emergency operations following a
proclamation of Local Emergency, State of Emergency, or State of War Emergency, by the
Governor and/or appropriate local authorities, consistent with the provisions of this Act.
The California Emergency Plan - Revised
Promulgated by the Governor, and published in accordance with the Emergency Services Act,
the Plan provides overall statewide authorities and responsibilities, and describes the functions
and operations of government at all levels during extraordinary emergencies, including wartime.
Section 8568 of the Act states, in part, that "...the State Emergency Plan shall be in effect in
each political subdivision of the state, and the governing body of each political subdivision shall
take such action as may be necessary to carry out the provisions thereof." Local emergency
plans are, therefore, considered to be extensions of the California Emergency Plan.
California Civil Code, Chapter 9, Section 1799.102
This section of the California Civil Code provides for "Good Samaritan Liability" for those
providing emergency care at the scene of an emergency. Specifically: "No person, who, in good
faith and not for compensation, renders emergency care at the scene of an emergency, shall be
liable for any civil damages resulting from any act or omission. The scene of an emergency
shall not include emergency departments and other places where medical care is usually
offered."
State Hazard Mitigation Plan (SHMP) - 2018
The State Hazard Mitigation Plan (SHMP) identifies policy, establishes goals, and stipulates
actions associated with the implementation of enhanced hazard mitigation strategies for
California. The SHMP is foundational for local government hazard mitigation planning efforts,
and provides inter-organizational guidance and direction based upon established state agency
actions and principles.
Operational Area Governmental Authorities & Plans - Local Codes and Ordinances
Local government codes, ordinances, and executive policies are identified in Section 4.3.
1.5 HISTORY AND OVERVIEW
The first people to inhabit the area of Marin County thousands of years ago are the indigenous
Coast Miwok. The origin of the name “Marin” is unclear, but it is thought to be either named
after the Chief of the Licatiut, a Coast Miwok tribe, or after Bahía de Nuestra Señora del Rosario
la Marinera Bay between San Pedro Point and San Quentin Point. European colonization of
Marin County began in the 1500’s when Sir Francis Drake landed in the area of modern-day
Drake’s Bay in 1579. The Spanish eventually made claims to California and established their
first settlement in Marin County in 1817. The Settlement of Marin County was incorporated in
1850 as one of the original 27 counties of California.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12
Marin County is located on northern California’s Pacific coast and is bordered by Sonoma
County to the north; the Pacific Ocean to the west; San Pablo Bay and San Francisco Bay to
the east, and the City and County of San Francisco to the south. Marin County spans 828
square miles, of which 520 square miles is land and 308 square miles is water. This footprint
makes Marin County among the four smallest counties in the State. Within the boundaries of
Marin County are 11 municipalities, 20 Census Designated Places, and 8 recognized
unincorporated communities. The county seat is the City of San Rafael.
County Government
Marin County is a general law county, whereby the Board of Supervisors is elected by district
and principal officers of the County are regulated by statutes that assign their duties. County
departments are responsible for providing a wide array of services to the unincorporated areas
of Marin County, as well as within municipalities. Departments are managed by elected officials
or appointed directors who are responsible for administering local programs and services, in
accordance with both applicable state law and county regulations. Many county departments
are further sub-divided into divisions, offices, and programs, which provide specific services to
the public. The following is a list of Marin County departments:
• Administrator
• Agriculture, Weights and Measures
• Assessor
• Board of Supervisors
• Child Support Services
• County Administrator
• County Counsel
• Community Development
• County Clerk
• Cultural Services
• District Attorney
• Finance
• Elections
• Enhanced Court Collections
• Farm Advisor
• Health and Human Services
• Housing
• Human Resources
• Information Services and Technology
• Library
• Parks
• Probation
• Public Administrator
• Public Defender
• Public Works
• Recorder
• Retirement
• Registrar of Voters
• Sheriff’s Office
• Superior Court
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
13
Figure 1.1: Map of Marin County
Source: Marin County OEM
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
Marin County / Full County
Cities and Towns
OlnCIOI
EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT
J
I
I
\
}
I
I
I
Point Reyes
Nalional
Seashore
\
Marin Cities / Towns (shading)
CITY OF BE LVEDERE
CITY OF LARKSPUR
CITY OF MI LL VALLEY
CITY OF NOVATO
CITY OF SA N RAFAEL
\
101
---.... ~--
CITY OF SAUSALITO
TOWN OF CORTE MADERA
TOWN OF FAIR FAX
TOW N OF ROSS
TOWN OF SAN ANSELMO
TOWN OF TIBURON
12
116
121
J7
San Pablo Bay
Wildlife Area
0
Fairfax,
Ross
l!.arkspur
Corte Madera
MIii Vall ev
Mt. Tamalpais
State Park
Mill Valley
2 .5
Golden Gate
Nalional
Recreation Area Sausalito
,--.,,..-~r-
-s------1 1 o
Miles
Marin County OEM / Woody Baker-Cohn
emai l: OEM _GIS @Mar inCounty.org
Date Printed : 08/08/23
/
/
/
(
I
!
_,7'
/j•n
N
County of Marin, california State Parks, Esr i, HERE, Garmin, SafeGraph , FAO, METI/NASA, USGS, Bureau of Lan d Management, EPA, NPS
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
14
Municipalities
Marin County has six cities and five towns.
City of Belvedere
The City of Belvedere was initially developed by the Belvedere Land Company who built homes
and building sites, a water system, roads, and other amenities in the area. The city was
officially incorporated on December 21st, 1896 and it’s first post office was opened in 1897.
Early Belvedere had a grocery store, telephone exchange, beauty shop, laundry, boatyard,
plumber's shop, coal, wood and ice yard, blacksmith's shop, gas station and a jail. After World
War 2, The Belvedere Land Company dredged a lagoon in San Francisco Bay and created
additional living areas for Belvedere residents. The city has a total area of 2.4 square miles. It is
predominantly hilly and is surrounded on three sides by San Francisco Bay. The City’s
population lives in three distinct neighborhoods: Belvedere Island, Belvedere Lagoon and
Corinthian Island. Many City residences are considered historically significant.
Belvedere had an estimated population of 2,126 in 2020, with 1,060 housing units in the City.
The median income for a household in the City was $246,500 and the per capita income for the
City was $153,697. Approximately 4.4 percent of families and 5.8 percent of the population were
below the poverty line (2020 data, U.S. Census Bureau).
Town of Corte Madera
The Town of Corte Madera is named after Corte Madera del Presidio, an 1834 Mexican land
grant of the area to Irish immigrant John Reed that also established several communities in
Marin County. Spanish for “cut wood”, Corte Madera provided redwood and oak timber for the
growth of early San Francisco, including much of the construction at the Presidio. As the timber
disappeared, Corte Madera became a farming and ranching community. Corte Madera
continued to grow with the formation of the North Pacific Coast Railroad Company in 1872, and
a railroad station was constructed by 1875 with freight and commuter service. Development of
the town’s harbor allowed for further trade of goods. The town grew around the railroad station
with the development of a town square and several neighborhoods. The Adams’ Hotel and
Tavern was the Town’s first commercial business when built in 1898 and it served as the
Town’s first post office. The town was officially incorporated on June 10th, 1916. Further growth
of the town occurred during World War II, when the Marinship Corporation built a shipyard in
Sausalito and attracted thousands of ship workers to the area. The town currently has a total
area of 3.2 square miles and is situated just south of the South Quentin Peninsula on San
Francisco Bay. The terrain consists of hills and marshland where numerous creeks empty into
San Francisco Bay.
The Town of Corte Madera had an estimated population of 10,222 in 2020, with 4,174 housing
units in the Town. The Town has a total area of 4.406 square miles. The median income for a
household in the Town was $183,661 and the per capita income for the Town was $95,257.
Approximately 2.1 percent of families and 4.9 percent of the population were below the poverty
line (2020 data, U.S. Census Bureau).
Town of Fairfax
The Town of Fairfax is named after Lord Charles Snowden Fairfax, whose estate in the area
served as the site of the last political dual in California in 1861. Charles and Adele Pastori
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
15
purchased the Fairfax property and built a hotel and restaurant in the 1890’s, attracting visitors
who could take the ferry from San Francisco and travel on the newly constructed North Pacific
Coast Railroad Company rail line. The first post office was opened in 1910. Fairfax continued
to grow with the development of an incline railroad to Manor Hill in 1913, and numerous
permanent residences were established. The town was officially incorporated on March 2nd,
1931. Fairfax continued to grow as a “center of grooviness” throughout the 1960’s and 1970’s.
The town currently has a total area of 2.2 square miles and lies inland in the valleys of San
Anselmo Creek and its tributary Fairfax Creek. Fairfax is generally hilly and is bordered to the
south by the Mount Tamalpais protected watershed.
The Town of Fairfax had an estimated population of 7,441 in 2020, with 3,479 housing units in
the Town. The Town has a total area of 2.204 square miles. The median income for a
household in the Town is $111,290 and the per capita income for the Town is $59,011.
Approximately 0.3 percent of families and 10.1 percent of the population is below the poverty
line (2020 data, U.S. Census Bureau).
City of Larkspur
The City of Larkspur was first developed through an 1834 Mexican land grant to Irish immigrant
John Reed that established several communities in Marin County. Much of the area of Larkspur
was logged in the 1840’s to supply lumber to San Francisco and the building of Presidio. Two
sawmills were built to float logs down Corte Madera Creek to San Francisco Bay. Further
growth was spurred by the formation of the North Pacific Coast Railroad Company railroad, with
a railroad station being built in Larkspur. C.W. Wright and his American Land and Trust
Company purchased much of present-day Larkspur in 1896, subdividing the land and piping in
water. Wright’s wife Georgina named the town Larkspur after she mistakenly identified the
native lupine as Larkspur. C.W. Wright laid out the town in 1887 and the first post office opened
in 1891. Larkspur quickly became a weekend destination for visitors from San Francisco, and a
hotel, bathhouse, grocery store, and several retail shops were built. The City of Larkspur was
officially incorporated on March 1st, 1908. Larkspur's Downtown Historic District, known also as
Old Downtown Larkspur, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. The city
currently has a total area of 3.2 square miles and lies just inland of San Francisco Bay with hilly
terrain on the southwest side.
The City of Larkspur had an estimated population of 13,064 in 2020, with 6,459 housing units in
the City. The City has a total area of 3.243 square miles. The median income for a household in
the City was $135,260 and the per capita income for the City was $94,909. Approximately 1.5
percent of families and 7.7 percent of the population were below the poverty line (2020 data,
U.S. Census Bureau).
City of Mill Valley
The City of Mill Valley was first developed through two land grants: an 1834 Mexican land grant
to Irish immigrant John Reed that established several communities in Marin County and an
1838 Mexican land grant to English immigrant William Richardson. A sawmill was built by
Richardson in the 1830’s to supply lumber to San Francisco and the building of Presidio, and a
dairy ranch was established by Samuel Reading Throckmorton in 1854. Mill Valley continued to
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
16
grow with the development of the North Pacific Coast Railroad Company and the building of a
resort hotel by Dr. John Cushing in the 1880’s. The Tamalpais Land and Water Company took
over possession of the land owned by Throckmorton and in 1889 built roads, pedestrian paths
and step-systems and the Cascade Dam and Reservoir for water supply. They also set aside
land for churches, schools and parks. New residents built houses and the City of Mill Valley
was officially incorporated on September 1st, 1900. The post office opened under the name
"Eastland" but was changed to "Mill Valley" in 1904. Mill Valley was almost lost to a wildfire in
1929, when 117 homes were destroyed, but a change in winds saved the city. Further growth
of the town occurred during World War II, when the Marinship Corporation built a shipyard in
Sausalito and attracted thousands of ship workers to the area. Since the mid-1960s, growth in
the city has generally remained constant. The city currently has a total area of 4.9 square miles
and is located between Mt. Tamalpais on the west and the Golden Gate National Recreational
Area on the south. Mill Valley is generally hilly and wooded and is surrounded by hundreds of
acres of state, federal, and county park lands. In addition, there are many municipally
maintained open-space reserves, parks, and coastal habitats. The Arroyo Corte Madera del
Presidio and Cascade Creek flow from the slopes of Mt. Tamalpais through Mill Valley to the
San Francisco Bay.
The City of Mill Valley had an estimated population of 14,231 in 2020, with 6,502 housing units
in the City. The City has a total area of 4.847 square miles. The median income for a household
in the City was $179,529 and the per capita income for the City was $110,356. Approximately
2.4 percent of families and 4.5 percent of the population were below the poverty line (2020 data,
U.S. Census Bureau).
City of Novato
The City of Novato is name after Rancho Novato, the first rancho established in the area
through a Mexican land grant to Fernando Feliz in 1830. Novato was developed through four
additional land grants that established ranchos in the area: Rancho Corte Madera de Novato to
John Martin in 1839; Rancho San Jose to Ignacio Pacheco in 1840; Rancho Olómpali to Camilo
Ynitia in 1843; and Rancho Nicasio to Pablo de la Guerra and John B.R. Cooper in 1844.
Early pioneers Joseph Sweetser and Francis De Long planted orchards and vineyards in the
area in the 1850’s, and the original town grew around Novato Creek. A post office opened in
1856 and a school was built in 1859. With the development of the North Pacific Coast Railroad
Company, the center of the town shifted around the newly built railroad station in 1879. Many
farmers in Novato lost their land in the Great Depression, but growth accelerated with the
building of the 101 freeway. The City of Novato was officially incorporated on January 20, 1960.
The city has an area of 28 square miles and includes ten Marin County Open Space District
preserves: Mount Burdell, Rush Creek, Little Mountain, Verissimo Hills, Indian Tree, Deer
Island, Indian Valley, Ignacio Valley, Loma Verde, and Pacheco Valle. Novato is located on
San Francisco Bay and has extensive farmland and wetlands with hilly terrain on the southwest
side.
The City of Novato had an estimated population of 53,225 in 2020, with 21,271 housing units in
the City. The City has a total area of 27.440 square miles. The median income for a household
in the City was $107,975, and the per capita income for the City was $57,297. Approximately
2.5 percent of families and 7.9 percent of the population were below the poverty line (2020 data,
U.S. Census Bureau).
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
17
Town of Ross
The Town of Ross was established as part of a Mexican land grant to Juan B.R. Cooper in 1840
known as Ranch Punta de Quentin Canada de San Anselmo. Ross was named in honor of
James Ross, who purchased the land from Cooper in 1857. The first post office opened in
1887, and the Town of Ross was officially incorporated on August 21, 1908. The town continued
to grow through the 1900’s as residents moved into its shaded canyons and gently sloping hills.
The town has an area of 1.6 square miles and lies inland of San Francisco Bay. Most of Ross is
forested with greater open space on its east and west sides.
The Town of Ross had an estimated population of 2,338 in 2020, with 880 housing units in the
Town. The Town has a total area of 1.556 square miles. The median income for a household in
the Town is $250,000 and the per capita income for the Town is $128,126. Approximately 0
percent of families and 3.5 percent of the population is below the poverty line (2020 data, U.S.
Census Bureau/ 2021 American Community Survey).
Town of San Anselmo
The Town of San Anselmo received its name came from the Punta de Quintin land grant, which
marked the valley as the Canada del Anselmo, or Valley of Anselm. The original area of San
Anselmo consisted mostly of cattle ranches until the North Pacific Railroad Company formed
and built a railroad line through the area in 1874, bringing in visitors from San Francisco. The
town began to grow with the building of the San Francisco Theological Seminary in 1892 and
the first post office opened in the same year. Summer homes were built in the area by San
Francisco residents, and many of these homes became permanent after the 1906 San
Francisco Earthquake. The Town of San Anselmo was officially incorporated on April 9th, 1907.
Growth in the town continued until leveling off in the 1960’s. On March 12th, 1974, San Anselmo
officially became a town. The town has a total area of 2.7 square miles and lies inland almost
completely within the Ross Valley Watershed that flows into San Francisco Bay.
The Town of San Anselmo had an estimated population of 12,830 in 2020, with 5,518 housing
units in the Town. The Town has a total area of 2.677 square miles. The median income for a
household in the Town is $153,381 and the per capita income for the Town is $ $87,951.
Approximately 0 percent of families and 3.9 percent of the population is below the poverty line
(2020 data, U.S. Census Bureau). A large part of southern and western San Anselmo is built on
a natural floodplain. San Anselmo's historic raised railroad bed acts as a dike, providing some
flood protection to the west-side houses, upstream of the business district.
City of San Rafael
The City of San Rafael is the county seat of Marin County and is named for the Archangel
Raphael. Mission San Rafael Archangel was founded in the area of what is now downtown San
Rafael in 1817. In its first year, the Mission gained 300 converts. By 1828, there were 1,140
converts. The Mexican government took over the Mission in 1834. Mission San Rafael was
abandoned in 1844, eventually deteriorating into ruin. The city continued to grow, however, and
was officially incorporated on February 18th, 1874. Further growth of the city occurred when the
North Pacific Railroad Company built a rail line through the area in 1879 and when Dominica
University of California was built in 1890. The United States Navy operated a San Pablo Bay
degaussing range from San Rafael through World War II. The city has a total area of 22.5
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
18
square miles and lies along San Francisco Bay. The San Rafael shoreline has been historically
filled to a considerable extent to accommodate land development. San Rafael has a wide
diversity of natural habitats from forests to marshlands.
The City of San Rafael is the county seat of Marin County. San Rafael had an estimated
population of 61,271 in 2020, with 24,502 housing units in the City. The City has a total area of
22.422 square miles. The median income for a household in the City was $104,521 and the per
capita income for the City was $61,962. Approximately 5 percent of families and 9.2 percent of
the population were below the poverty line (2020 data, U.S. Census Bureau).
City of Sausalito
The City of Sausalito was founded as a place where ships near San Francisco could pick up
fresh water in the 1830’s. A mariner named William A. Richardson had arrived in the area and
built a rancho in 1925 in the Marin headlands where a freshwater spring was located. Sausalito
is named after the Spanish words for “little willow”, for a stand of small willow trees in the town
where the fresh water ran down to San Francisco Bay. The town grew throughout the mid-
1800’s into a small fishing, boat repair and ranching center, inhabited by both fisherman and
yacht enthusiasts. The North Pacific Railroad Company developed a southern rail terminus in
Sausalito in the 1870’s, providing a link to the Sausalito pier where ferries transported people
and goods to and from San Francisco. The first post office was opened in 1870, and the City of
Sausalito was incorporated in September 4th, 1893. The neighborhoods of Sausalito continued
to grow throughout the early 1900’s, with the development of car ferries to and from San
Francisco and the building of the Golden Gate Bridge in 1937. In 1941, the Marin Shipyard
Corporation filled in a marshy area north of Sausalito to build the Marin Shipyard, bringing in
thousands of ship builders to the area. After World War II, waterfront communities grew out of
the abandoned shipyards, contributing to the development of houseboat communities that still
exist today. Sausalito maintains its reputation as an art colony and literary enclave. The city
has a total area of 2.3 square miles and encompasses both steep, wooded hillside and
shoreline tidal flats.
The City of Sausalito had an estimated population of 7,269 in 2020, with 4,425 housing units in
the City. The City has a total area of 2.257 square miles. The median income for a household in
the City was $140,410 and the per capita income for the City was $111,167. Approximately 0
percent of families and 7.3 percent of the population were below the poverty line (2020 data,
U.S. Census Bureau).
Town of Tiburon
The Town of Tiburon is named after the Spanish word for “shark.” The town was first developed
through an 1834 Mexican land grant to Irish immigrant John Reed that established several
communities in Marin County. The town began to grow in 1884 with the formation of the North
Pacific Railroad Company and the first post office opened the same year. The rail line extended
from San Rafael to its original southern terminus in Point Tiburon with connection to San
Francisco by ferry. Industry including codfish canning, brick making, powder making and train
building and repair brought growth to the Tiburon area in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. The
U.S. Navy established a coaling station in Tiburon in 1904. World War II brought additional
growth to Tiburon, and the Town of Tiburon was officially incorporated on June 23rd, 1964. The
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
19
town has a total area of 13.2 square miles, and lies on a peninsula jutting into San Francisco
Bay.
The Town of Tiburon had an estimated population of 9,146 in 2020, with 4,047 housing units in
the Town. The Town has a total area of 13.182 square miles. The median income for a
household in the Town was $192,292 and the per capita income for the Town was $119,477.
Approximately 0 percent of families and 1.3 percent of the population were below the poverty
line (2010 data, U.S. Census Bureau).
Unincorporated Communities
All unincorporated areas of Marin County are under jurisdiction of the County. Unincorporated
communities include Bel Marin Keys, California Park, Dogtown, Fallon, Forest Knolls,
Greenbrae, Hamlet, Ignacio, Inverness Park, Lagunitas, Los Ranchitos, Lucas Valley, Marconi,
Marshall, Olema, Paradise Cay, San Quentin, Tamalpais Valley and Tocaloma. In
unincorporated areas, basic services like water, sewer, police and fire protection are provided
by the county. The County Service Area (CSA) Law (Government Code §25210.1 et seq.) was
created in the 1950’s to provide a means of providing expanded service levels in areas where
residents are willing to pay for the extra service. CSAs allow small communities in
unincorporated areas to pay for and receive specific services from the county. The CSAs in
Marin County include:
County Service Area 1 - Loma Verde
County Service Area 6 - Gallinas Creek
County Service Area 9 - Northbridge
County Service Area 13 - Upper Lucas Valley
County Service Area 14 - Homestead Valley
County Service Area 16 - Greenbrae
County Service Area 17 - Kentfield/Larkspur
County Service Area 18 - Las Gallinas
County Service Area 19 - Los Ranchitos, Country Club, and Santa Venetia
County Service Area 20 - Indian Valley
County Service Area 27 - Ross Valley
County Service Area 28 - West Marin
County Service Area 29 - Paradise Cay
County Service Area 31 - Fire Service in Unincorporated Marin
County Service Area 33 - Stinson Beach
Special Districts
The following is a list of independent Special Districts in Marin County:
Almonte Sanitary District
Alto Sanitary District
Bel Marin Keys Community Services District
Bolinas Community Public Utility District
Bolinas Fire Protection District
Homestead Valley Sanitary District
Inverness Public Utility District
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
20
Kentfield Fire Protection District
Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District
Marin City Community Services District
Marin Healthcare District
Marin Municipal Water District
Marin Resource Conservation District
Marinwood Community Services District
Muir Beach Community Services District
North Marin Water District
Novato Fire Protection District
Novato Sanitary District
Richardson Bay Sanitary District
Ross Valley Sanitary District
Sausalito-Marin City Sanitary District
Sleepy Hollow Fire Protection District
Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit District
Southern Marin Fire Protection District
Stinson Beach Fire Protection District
Stinson Beach Water District
Strawberry Recreation District
Tamalpais Community Service District
Tiburon Fire Protection District
Tiburon Sanitary District No. 5
Tomales Village Community Service District
The following is a list of dependent jurisdictions in Marin County:
Corte Madera Sanitary District No. 2
Marin County Parks Open Space District
San Rafael Sanitation District
San Quentin Village Sewer Maintenance District
Sausalito Marin City Sanitary District
Sewerage Agency of Southern Marin
Murray Park Sewer Maintenance District
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
21
Figure 1.2: Fire Protection Districts in Marin County
Source: Marin County Community Wildfire Protection Plan
l ~<;>U·N· TY O F
~ARIN
a ~
,
~✓J-... .)
-----!
\
'> (
\
\
I
/
!
Inverness
Publi.5lUtility
Di stri ct
Mar in Co un ty
Fi re Auth orities
County Fire
(CSA31)
101
OIRCIOf
EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT
11b
Novato Fire
Protecti onIato
District
\
Mari nw.g!)d
Communi ty
Services District
County
Fire
(CSA 19)
12'
37
12
/
/l
/
San Rafa e l
Fire !
Department
\
-..... _
-------------------------------'""-----,...-/\,
Fire Service Providers
FlreAuthority
Sol inas Fire Protection District
Central Marin Fire Department
County Fire (CSA 31)
I nverness Public Utility rnstrict
Kentfield Fire Protection District
Marinwood commun ity Services District
Novato Fire Protection Dist ri ct
Ross Valley Fire Department
San Rafael Fire Department
Southern Ma rin Fire Protection District
Stinson Beach Fire Protection District
Tiburon Fire Protection District
',
0 2.5 ""•·5-----l 10
Miles
Mar in County OEM / Woody Baker-Cohn
email : OEM _GIS @Ma ri nCounty.org
Date Printed : 08/11/23
County of Marin, californ ia State Parks, Esri, HERE, Garmin, SafeGraph, FAO, METI/NASA, USGS, Bu reau of Land Management, EPA, NPS
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
22
Figure 1.3: School Districts in Marin County
Source: Marin County OEM
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
Marin County
School Districts
OIIIClDf
EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT
West Sonoma ('>
Coun ty,Union High • -' ,,,...
ScHool Distric t ---·<
\
l
(
' \
I
I
\
~ I
.... '
' ' '\ ~h'pf~line
Urnfied ·Schoo l
'District
~ I
'I. /
/
'l \.
\
I'-
; J ( •
<( _, 1 t/ Point Reyes
I
I .. \ National
"~ f A Seashore I
I
,,
I
,., ' .......... ,, ..... .::::,..,
\.... ( >
-->r ..! ..;::-:.
r--
I
/I
../
' '
,, ,,
I
\
..
\
,,
'..--,
o•
12
-Two'Rock Union
Elententary
Sc hool District
116
Laguna Joint
Ele mentary, "
Schoo l Di strict
\
(
l
I
' \
'
',
1~---~-9)
~.1 ·~ l
/
Uncoln Elementary t.,, -.... 1 School D,s tnct 1
r
( ,I
Olo ·Adobe Union
El ement'ary School
) Distri~I\
Nova to tlnifiecl
Schoof Di stric t
121
3?
Nicas io Elementary
School District I..
I", ' I ' ' ' ~--.... fiiiii --/
.,.,... _ , Di xie Elementa'}I , San Pablo Bay
Wildlife Area ,. ' _ ,,,. ~~/ School District 1
\ Lagu nitas J ''-s a.n ~alael~ ..,, "' /
A "• Elementary f ~ Coty _l;i I9h . '-., /
'\ School Dist rict --< Schootp1stnct . (
) / t • , !?,.an Rafael City '
"'-" , ..... / \ , ... ! S!t;t.'!1!.'1~a .... ~ ...... v J '-I Tamalpa is 1.,Jnio n _ ,.·~, School D!!!t!)CJ· '-J Hi gh School \ • • -'-.., • •' ~.. I
', Di strict \-,.. .. ~ __ ;~---.. _ .... ' 1
Solinas-Sti nso n.., ~ I \
U . El ,~.,. ,.,a,•c-., \ noon emen tary \ r Larkspu r ' -• l\
...., School District ' .. ~ ..... "" -r E lementary'" \
' \. '\ ,. -• vSchool Districi' -
'I..., ,,Millv'i f . '\':.
, Mt < lpa•·~ill Va ll ey '•t eed lJ,n ion
, St t P .Elementary ; , •~ Elementary ,
, a e ,'school District ~:: School -District•._
-, t l I -
I -.., ,,·..:,-<""' ,.:"'"
~ ... , ..... ,
Re re ion Area ._ ;_,:;
\ .,.,.--
San Franciscd'
~ ,~Unifi~d ·SChool
2 _5 --,_,,__ ____ ! 10 District 0
Miles
Ma ri n County OEM / Woody Baker-Cohn
email : OEM _GIS @Mar inCounty.org
Date Printed : 08/08/23
[!an
N
County of Marin, (allfomla State Parks, Esrl, HERE, Ga rmin, SafeGrap h, FAO, METI/NASA, USGS, Bu reau of Land Manage ment, EPA, NPS
10
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
23
Protected Areas
The following protected areas are within or contiguous to Marin County:
National Protected Areas
• Golden Gate National Recreation Area
• Marin Islands National Wildlife Refuge
• Muir Woods National Monument
• Point Reyes National Seashore
• San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge
• Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary
State Parks
• Angel Island State Park
• China Camp State Park
• Mount Tamalpais State Park
• Olompali State Historic Park
• Samuel P. Taylor State Park
• Tomales Bay State Park
Marine Protected Areas
• Duxbury Reef State Marine Conservation Area
• Estero Americano State Marine Recreational Management Area
• Estero de San Antonio State Marine Recreational Management Area
• Point Reyes State Marine Reserve & Drakes Estero State Marine Conservation Area
Figure 1.4: Muir Woods National Monument
Source: National Park Service
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
24
Figure 1.5: Marin County Parks and Public Lands
Source: Marin County
Marin County’s identity is largely shaped by its abundant natural resources and long history of
open space preservation efforts to retain its rural character. A variety of factors have strictly
limited development in the County over the last 5 years including large swaths of permanently
protected federal and state parkland, large acreage of farm and ranch lands permanently
protected through conservation easements, and Countywide Plan policies and development
codes which restrain growth in sensitive habitat areas and/or flood hazard areas. Similarly future
development is limited by these same constraints, as outlined in Section 4.10 Future
Development.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
~L,, , ...
\\:.· l_:l
k
I
j
,,.. C
• <: V /'
,..i\-1 \~·--. .... l
,/
Open Space and Parlra
D Marin CcKJnty Opati Sp;ac■ FIRISGIVCIS
CJ M,:uT1 Coon,y P-alkS
D N.sl:ia1 ;3 I P;skServic:.e
D Cthet" Parks .std P ublic L ::sn:B
LJV.~~s
..---,
L. .. -.! Cttull~ E!o,undary
c::::Jc.ty&uod~
--1-fgh.w:3.)"5 ;zir-d Map-IRc;uis
Streams
--l'rnesmi'llml
Water BodlH
C]w..,
+ -
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
25
1.5.1 DEMOGRAPHICS
Marin County is the 26th most populated county in the state of California. According to the U.S.
Census Bureau, the population of Marin County in July 2021 was 260,206, an increase of
2.99% from the 2010 population of 252,409. The estimated population of Marin County in 2023
is around 265,294.
Figure 1.6: Population of Marin County 1860-2020
Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2020 Survey
Marin County grew rapidly from the 1930’s to the 1970’s, with slower growth from the 1970’s to
the 2020’s. Between 1960 and 1970, the population of Marin County grew by 71.48% and has
only grown by 21.45% since. Since the last plan update in 2018, the population of Marin County
has remained fairly level.
Table 1.1: Marin County Population Changes 1860-2020
Year Population Change Growth Rate
1850 323 N/A N/A
1860 3,334 3,011 932.20%
1870 6,903 3,569 107.05%
1880 11,324 4,421 64.04%
1890 13,072 1,748 15.44%
1900 15,702 2,630 20.12%
1910 25,114 9,412 59.94%
1920 27,342 2,228 8.87%
1930 41,648 14,306 52.32%
1940 52,907 11,259 27.03%
1950 85,619 32,712 61.83%
1 ~<;>U·N· TY OF a
~ARIN ~
POPULATION OF MARIN COUNTY 1860-2020
YEAR
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
26
1960 146,820 61,201 71.48%
1970 206,038 206,038 40.33%
1980 222,568 16,350 8.02%
1990 230,096 7,528 3.38%
2010 252,916 22,313 9.70%
2020 262,321 9,405 3.77%
Table 1.1: Marin County Population Changes 1860-2020
Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2020 Survey
The California Department of Finance shows an overall estimated decrease in the population of
Marin County since the last plan update in 2018. Of the total estimated 257,135 residents of
Marin County in 2022 based on the 2020 U.S. Census Survey, 190,148 residents live in the
incorporated county and 66,987 residents live in the unincorporated county.
Table 1.2: Marin County Estimated Jurisdictional Population
Jurisdiction Population 2022
(Estimate) Population 2020 Population 2018
(Estimate)
Percent Change
2018-2022
Marin County 257,135 262,321 262,179 -1.92%
Unincorporated
Marin County
66,987 66,987 68,963 -2.87%
City of Belvedere 2,080 2,126 2,102 -1.04%
City of Larkspur 12,797 13,064 12,396 3.13%
City of Mill Valley 13,850 14,231 14,702 -5.80%
City of Novato 52,441 53,225 54,036 -2.95%
City of San Rafael 60,560 61,271 59,851 1.17%
City of Sausalito 7,072 7,269 7,449 -5.06%
Town of Corte
Madera
10,028 10,222 10,104 -0.75%
Town of Fairfax 7,418 7,605 7,625 -2.71%
Town of Ross 2,301 2,338 2,566 -10.33%
Town of San
Anselmo
12,645 12,830 12,853 -1.62%
Town of Tiburon 8,956 9,146 9,542 -6.14%
Table 1.2: Marin County Estimated Jurisdictional Population
Source: California Department of Finance
Population counts of the Marin County unincorporated area were taken in the 2020 and 2010
U.S. Census Surveys.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
27
Table 1.3: Marin County Estimated Jurisdictional Population
Community Population 2020 Population 2010 Percent Change
2010-2020
Marin County 262,321 262,179 -1.92%
Unincorporated
Marin County 66,987 68,963 -2.87%
City of Belvedere 2,126 2,102 -1.04%
City of Larkspur 13,064 12,396 3.13%
City of Mill Valley 14,231 14,702 -5.80%
City of Novato 53,225 51,904 -2.95%
City of San Rafael 61,271 59,851 1.17%
City of Sausalito 7,269 7,449 -5.06%
Town of Corte
Madera 10,222 10,104 -0.75%
Town of Fairfax 7,605 7,625 -2.71%
Town of Ross 2,338 2,566 -10.33%
Town of San
Anselmo 12,830 12,853 -1.62%
Town of Tiburon 9,146 9,542 -6.14%
Table 1.3: Marin County Estimated Jurisdictional Population Change 2010-2020
Source: California Department of Finance
The Association Bay Area of Governments (ABAG) projects that the population in the
unincorporated County will grow by only 2% in the next two decades. Tam Valley,
Kentfield/Greenbrae, and the Marinwood/Lucas Valley communities are the most populous
areas within the unincorporated County.
The median age of Marin County residents in 2020 is 47.1, with 45.6 for males and 48.4 for
females. The male to female ratio in Marin County as of 2020 is 126,529 males (48.77%) and
132,912 females (51.23%.) There are 207,467 adults in Marin County as of 2020, 57,834 of
whom are seniors.
Table 1.4: Marin County Population Age by Gender 2020
Age Population Male Female
Under 5
years
12,014 5,852 6,162
5 to 9 years 13,355 6,703 6,652
10 to 14
years
16,784 8,574 8,210
15 to 19
years
15,122 7,676 7,446
20 to 24
years
11,663 6,009 5,654
25 to 29
years
10,562 5,709 4,853
30 to 34
years
11,896 6,237 5,659
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
28
Table 1.4: Marin County Population Age by Gender 2020
Age Population Male Female
35 to 39
years
14,253 7,160 7,093
40 to 44
years
16,191 8,237 7,954
45 to 49
years
20,074 9,925 10,149
50 to 54
years
20,430 10,051 10,379
55 to 59
years
20,887 9,616 11,271
60 to 64
years
18,376 9,071 9,305
65 to 69
years
17,971 8,307 9,664
70 to 74
years
15,424 7,088 8,336
75 to 79
years
10,040 4,689 5,351
80 to 84
years
7,083 3,195 3,888
85 years + 7,316 2,430 4,886
Table 1.4: Marin County Population Age by Gender 2020
Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2020 Survey
By race, Marin County is predominantly white. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 69.7 % of
the population is White, 17.1% is Hispanic, 7.1% is Asian, 4.3% is Two or more races, 2.7% is
Black or African American, 1.0 % is American Indian or Alaska Native, 0.3% is Native Hawaiian
or Pacific Islander as of 2022.
Table 1.5: Marin County Population by Race or Ethnicity
Race or Ethnicity Percent
White, alone 69.7
Hispanic, Non-white 17.1
Asian, alone 7.1
Two or More Races 4.3
Black or African American, alone 2.7
American Indian or Alaska Native, alone 1.0
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, alone 0.3
Table 1.5: Marin County Population by Race or Ethnicity
Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2022 Survey
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
29
The average family size in Marin County as of 2022 is 2.97, and the average household size is
2.41 with an approximate home ownership rate of 63.6%. As of 2022, 70.9% of the housing
stock was single family structures, 27.3% was multi-family structures, and 1.8% were mobile
homes and other types of units. In unincorporated Marin County, the largest proportion of the
housing stock was built from 1960 to 1979, with 10,258 units constructed during this period.
Since 2010, 1.2% of the current housing stock was built, which equates to 360 units.
Table 1.6: Marin County Housing Stock
2022 and 2018
Year Total
Units
Single Family Multi-Family Mobile
Homes Detached Attached 2 to 4 5 plus
Marin County
2022 Number 111,879 68,004 11,314 8,524 22,013 1,984
Percent 100.0% 60.8% 10.1% 7.6% 19.7% 1.8%
2018 Number 112,294 68,697 11,318 8,307 21,986 1,986
Percent 100.0% 61.2% 10.1% 7.4% 19.6% 1.8%
California
2022 Number 14,583,998 8,341,577 1,010,851 1,168,669 3,500,674 562,223
Percent 100.0% 57.2% 6.9% 8.0% 24.0% 3.9%
2018 Number 14,157,502 8,160,864 985,926 1,129,761 3,318,946 562,005
Percent 100.0% 57.6% 7.0% 8.0% 23.4% 4.0%
Table 1.6: Marin County Housing Stock
Source: California Department of Finance
Table 1.7: Marin County Jurisdictional Housing Stock
2022 and 2018
Year Total
Units
Single Family Multi-Family Mobile
Homes Detached Attached 2 to 4 5 plus
Unincorporated Marin County
2022 Number 29,293 22,456 1,875 1,443 2,939 580
Percent 100.00% 76.66% 6.40% 6.43% 10.03% 1.98%
2018 Number 29,723 22,833 1,909 1,409 2,993 579
Percent 100.00% 76.82% 6.42% 4.74% 10.07% 1.95%
City of Belvedere
2022 Number 1,062 890 51 84 37 0
Percent 100.00% 83.80% 4.80% 7.91% 3.48% 0.00%
2018 Number 1,048 881 49 81 37 0
Percent 100.00% 84.06% 4.68% 7.73% 3.53% 0.00%
City of Larkspur
2022 Number 6,460 2,653 439 479 2,614 275
Percent 100.00% 41.07% 6.80% 7.41% 40.46% 4.26%
2018 Number 6,479 2,650 427 488 2,625 289
Percent 100.00% 40.90% 6.59% 7.53% 40.52% 4.46%
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
30
City of Mill Valley
2022 Number 6,521 4,269 648 380 1,210 14
Percent 100.00% 65.47% 9.94% 5.83% 18.56% 0.21%
2018 Number 6,509 4,296 657 331 1,212 13
Percent 100.00% 66.00% 10.09% 5.09% 18.62% 0.20%
City of Novato
2022 Number 21,337 12,465 3,395 1,362 3,572 543
Percent 100.00% 58.42% 15.91% 6.38% 16.74% 2.54%
2018 Number 21,448 12,581 3,427 1,335 3,557 548
Percent 100.00% 58.66% 15.98% 6.22% 16.58% 2.56%
City of San Rafael
2022 Number 24,631 11,318 2,490 2,174 8,235 413
Percent 100.00% 45.95% 10.11% 8.83% 33.43% 1.68%
2018 Number 24,078 11,123 2,399 2,090 8,059 407
Percent 100.00% 46.20% 9.96% 8.68% 33.47% 1.69%
City of Sausalito
2022 Number 4,435 1,711 802 934 906 82
Percent 100.00% 38.58% 18.08% 21.06% 20.43% 1.85%
2018 Number 4,581 1,776 829 953 938 85
Percent 100.00% 38.77% 18.10% 20.80% 20.48% 1.86%
Town of Corte Madera
2022 Number 4,182 2,468 621 376 717 0
Percent 100.00% 59.01% 14.85% 8.99% 17.14% 0.00%
2018 Number 4,207 2,498 609 373 727 0
Percent 100.00% 59.38% 14.48% 8.87% 17.28% 0.00%
Town of Fairfax
2022 Number 3,486 2,185 338 499 451 13
Percent 100.00% 62.68% 9.70% 14.31% 12.94% 0.37%
2018 Number 3,594 2,281 345 486 469 13
Percent 100.00% 63.47% 9.60% 13.52% 13.05% 0.36%
Town of Ross
2022 Number 882 817 17 23 25 0
Percent 100.00% 92.63% 1.93% 2.61% 2.83% 0.00%
2018 Number 892 831 16 19 26 0
Percent 100.00% 93.16% 1.79% 2.13% 2.91% 0.00%
Town of San Anselmo
2022 Number 5,539 4,177 266 376 683 37
Percent 100.00% 75.41% 4.80% 6.79% 12.33% 0.67%
2018 Number 5,563 4,211 269 356 690 37
Percent 100.00% 75.70% 4.84% 6.40% 12.40% 0.67%
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
31
Town of Tiburon
2022 Number 4,051 2,645 386 383 624 14
Percent 100.00% 65.29% 9.53% 9.45% 15.40% 0.35
2018 Number 4,036 2,644 384 370 624 14
Percent 100.00% 65.51% 9.51% 9.17% 15.46% 0.35%
Table 1.7: Marin County Jurisdictional Housing Stock
Source: California Department of Finance
1.5.2 CRITICAL FACILITIES AND INFRASTRUCTURE
A critical facility may be defined as one that is essential in providing utility or direction either
during the response to an emergency or during the recovery operation. FEMA uses the
following three categories of critical assets (Essential Facilities, High Potential Loss Facilities,
and Infrastructure Systems). Essential facilities are those that if damaged would have
devastating impacts on disaster response and/or recovery. High potential loss facilities are
those that would have a high loss or impact on the community. Infrastructure systems are a
third category of critical assets.
Marin County maintains a listing of critical facilities in Marin County and the list is categorized
according to FEMA’s critical facility definition. Additionally, each jurisdiction in Marin County lists
the critical facilities specific to that jurisdiction. The following are general categories of critical
facilities in the Marin County OA:
Critical facilities include, without limitation, public safety, emergency response, emergency
medical, designated emergency shelters, communications, public utility plant facilities and
equipment, and government operations.
• Public Safety - Police stations, fire and rescue stations, emergency operations centers
• Emergency Response - Emergency vehicle and equipment storage and essential
governmental work centers for continuity of government operations
• Emergency Medical - Hospitals, emergency care, urgent care, ambulance services
• Designated Emergency Shelters
• Communications - Main hubs for telephone, main broadcasting equipment for
television systems, radio and other emergency warning systems
• Public Utility Plant Facilities - including equipment for treatment, generation, storage,
pumping and distribution (hubs for water, wastewater, power and gas)
• Essential Government Operations - Public records, courts, jails, building permitting
and inspection services, government administration and management, maintenance
and equipment centers, and public health
• Transportation Lifeline Systems - Airports, helipads, and critical highways, roads,
bridges and other transportation infrastructure (Note: Critical highways, roads, etc. will
be determined during any hazard-specific evacuation planning and are not identified
in this plan)
At risk population facilities include, without limitation, pre-schools, public and private primary
and secondary schools, before and after school care centers with 12 or more students, daycare
centers with 12 or more children, group homes, and assisted living residential or congregate
care facilities with 12 or more residents.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
32
Hazardous materials facilities include, without limitation, any facility that could, if adversely
impacted, release of hazardous material(s) in sufficient amounts during a hazard event that
would create harm to people, the environment and property.
Transportation
Marin County has an ever-developing transportation system, with most travel concentrated
along key highways and arterial streets. There are 5 Highways passing through, terminating, or
located wholly in Marin County: Interstate 580, U.S. Route 101, State Route 1, State Route 37,
and State Route 131.
Marin County is connected to surrounding communities by bridges. The Golden Gate Bridge is
to the south; the Richmond/San Rafael Bridge is to the east; State Route 37 is to the northeast
(across filled bay land over San Pablo Bay); and Highway 101 is to the north (which narrows to
a 4-lane uncontrolled road that traverses San Antonio Creek). One of the major problems Marin
County faces during an emergency is the possibility of being isolated from the surrounding
communities and any resources or help. Light rail service recently began supplementing existing
transportation options along U.S. Route 101 between Marin and Sonoma Counties.
Utilities
Municipal utilities in Marin County include water (drinking water, stormwater, sanitary
sewerage), power (electricity and natural gas), telecommunications, and solid waste. Several
water management utilities supply treated water for domestic and fire suppression purposes.
These distribution systems rely largely on the County’s topography for collecting surface water,
storing it in reservoirs, and distributing it with gravity-fed systems. As such, the water
management utilities are separated by both functional area and geography, but they are working
more and more to coordinate within watersheds.
Marin Municipal Water District (MMWD) is the largest water district in Marin, serving central and
southern portions of the county east of Mount Tamalpais and Bolinas Ridge. North Marin Water
District (NMWD) serves Novato and communities along Tomales Bay including Olema, Point
Reyes Station, Inverness, and Dillon Beach. Bolinas and Stinson Beach, two communities in
West Marin, have separate water and sanitary districts. To include the Bolinas Community
Public Utility District. Inverness Public Utility District is the primary water utility for Inverness
Park and the Estero Mutual Water Company serves Dillon Beach. There are 23 agencies
providing wastewater services in Marin County, including special districts, municipalities, JPAs
and the Federal and State government.
Stormwater utilities such as open channels, catch basins and storm drains are managed by the
cities, towns, and the county in unincorporated areas and are coordinated through the Marin
County Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program (MCSTOPPP). Additionally, the Marin County
Flood Control and Water Conservation District maintains some larger drainage infrastructure
where zones have been designated. The District and some cities/towns such as San Rafael,
Corte Madera, and Novato operate stormwater pump stations.
Natural gas and electricity distribution occurs through infrastructure owned and maintained by
PG&E, a private utility corporation. Natural gas is piped into Marin from the central valley around
the North Bay through Solano, Napa, and Sonoma Counties. The main transmission pipelines
are underground along Highway 101 and flow south, branching into local distribution lines and
private laterals. PG&E also brings power into Marin around the North Bay on overhead
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
33
transmission lines that emanate from the Ignacio substation in Novato. Additional substations
are located along Hwy 101 in Las Gallinas, San Rafael, Greenbrae, and Mill Valley to the South
and in Novato, Stafford, Tocaloma, Olema, Bolinas and Woodacre to the North and East.
Telecommunications include telephone service, cable television and wireless services. AT&T
maintains infrastructure for providing landlines, while Comcast provides cable television. A
variety of cellular and wireless service companies operate in Marin and provide access points in
the form of cellular towers, wireless antennas and equipment.
There are six solid waste haulers that operate within Marin County organized geographically
and with agreements with cities and towns. All of this garbage, recycling, and greenwaste is
brought to one of two processing centers; Redwood Landfill in Novato and Marin Resource
Recovery Center in San Rafael.
1.5.3 NATURAL, HISTORICAL, AND CULTURAL RESOURCES
Assessing Marin County’s vulnerability to disaster also involves inventorying the natural,
historical, and cultural assets of the area. This step is important for the following reasons:
• The community may decide that these types of resources warrant a greater degree of
protection due to their unique and irreplaceable nature and contribution to the overall
economy.
• In the event of a disaster, an accurate inventory of natural, historical and cultural
resources allows for more prudent care in the disaster’s immediate aftermath when the
potential for additional impacts is higher.
• The rules for reconstruction, restoration, rehabilitation, and/or replacement are often
different for these types of designated resources.
• Natural resources can have beneficial functions that reduce the impacts of natural
hazards.
Natural Resources
Marin County is located along California’s Pacific Coast (between San Francisco and Sonoma),
including 72 miles of coastline. The highest point in the county, Mount Tamalpais, is 2,572 feet
above sea level. The county has many microclimates with varying weather patterns, but the
climate is generally Mediterranean with an average annual temperature of 56.5 degrees
Fahrenheit.
The Marin Countywide Plan divides the 606 square miles of land and water that make up Marin
County into four distinct environmental regions called corridors. Each corridor is based on
specific geographical and environmental characteristics and natural boundaries:
• The Coastal Corridor is adjacent to the Pacific Ocean and is primarily designated for
federal parklands, recreational uses, agriculture, and the preservation of existing small
coastal communities.
• The Inland Rural Corridor, in the central and northwestern part of the county, is primarily
designated for agriculture and compatible uses, and for preservation of existing small
communities.
• The City-Centered Corridor, along Highway 101 in the eastern part of the county near
San Francisco and San Pablo bays, is primarily designated for urban development and
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
34
for protection of environmental resources. This corridor is divided into six planning areas
generally based on watersheds.
• The Baylands Corridor, encompassing lands along the shoreline of San Francisco, San
Pablo, and Richardson bays, provides heightened recognition of the unique
environmental characteristics of this area and the need to protect its important
resources. The area generally contains marshes, tidelands, and diked lands that were
once wetlands or part of the bays, and adjacent, largely undeveloped uplands.
Figure 1.7: Marin County Environmental Corridors
Source: Marin Countywide Plan
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
SOURCE.. COunly or Morn
c:J C,>u,ily Bo'°""'IJ'
D Ci)' Boundiuy
= t,tgl,W'$)0, •I'd M•jot R<iild5
Water ,Bodies
l.8kt:5 Em,lronm!!nlial Corrldaro
B~ods COfiidol
LJ Clrf.C..,10,..,; COni:lor
D ""RtJ,.1J COOidor
~ICmlDI<
N
D , A
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
35
Within its environmental corridors, Marin County is home to a number of diverse and important
natural communities, from coastal marine environments to bay marshlands and mudflats,
riparian habitats, and an upland mosaic of forests, woodlands, grasslands, and chaparral.
Figure 1.8: Marin County Habitat Types
Source: Marin Countywide Plan
Since the mid-19th century, grazing, logging, agriculture, road building, and development have
markedly altered the natural landscape in Marin County. The continued loss of oak woodland,
oak savannah, and other native woodland habitat through their conversion to primarily urban
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
Ban-er»'Rod(BAl
Ct,.,par (CA/COi
D c...., S.11 lwoh IHCI
O eo., ·Scrub l CK/NCj
D Oooglos , .. /RO<l,rood ..,..,.. fOl'IRDj
O oime j OU j
D Frest,,,-. Manh jHTIHJI
D Gni-Agrioul-. V,.G/j,jG.loiMIIG)
D N-31i .. ~-.in .. <Sonib jOZI IC-'lt.ll lS)
D O.,k Woodlond (QAIOO/OG/Q.)
O..kl&y Woodlord (tllXKJB I
LJ Pin..Cyi;ross FGrest (t,11.l'l.el/PR,PMI
Rodwoa:I FDl=1 IRW I
D Rip;,ri"'1 SallblWGa:llond (~EIQO/OYM\.)
D Urbm,JtJom:,pedl(E)WB)
n.· puYdlc•~m ■ir.~taAat~
111lrlK.1-<l.-tb,htU~flA.f ~i!'.n-.:::alaimrilfl•~
2D4\IU:EJAlk>.i~ ~ M::lc::i6.dUSt:MiFo:::ll•S-
I:::'.,;... ·~...!:::.~,;.,.,_-~-----
Legend
[:~] Ca.mty Boor.t..y
D City 8:Jl,r;xlal)'
0 1 2
--Highways .andl M..,r Roads
Streams
--P.eti!!nnlilll
--KT~ille!l1il!
E:ph,,meral
11 .. ~-.,g~q:Jlil:GGfiltiil.PUiilPlRPCililili
liif.COUll't' ~..,._...lti!IIOT ~(RU!'AJ; R!lR
US:G' lhtl~ la'DIDITl~FtHIPClliC
t-. ~1,.JD
+
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
36
uses resulted in the adoption of the County Native Tree Preservation and Protection Ordinance
in 1999. This regulates the removal of native trees and is intended to use local regulations to
protect sensitive resources. Sensitive natural communities are natural community types that are
considered particularly rare or threatened by the California Natural Diversity Data Base of the
California Department of Fish and Game. Sensitive natural community types in Marin include,
but are not limited to, coastal and valley freshwater marsh, freshwater seep and spring, riparian
forest and woodland, coastal brackish marsh, coastal terrace prairie, central dune scrub, coastal
bluff scrub, northern coastal salt marsh, northern maritime chaparral, northern vernal pool,
serpentine bunchgrass, valley needlegrass grasslands, old growth redwood and Douglas fir
forests, and deciduous woodlands dominated by valley oaks or Oregon white oak.
Marin County’s abundance of natural resources and progressive environmental leadership have
supported a long legacy of open space preservation to help protect and restore wetlands and
other ecosystems for both habitat and flood control, amongst other co-benefits. The Marin
Countywide Plan includes goals, policies, and implementing programs for the acquisition,
conservation, and restoration of wetlands, riparian areas, and other habitats.
Watersheds and Wetlands
Marin’s watersheds and wetlands are some of its most valuable assets and can provide
protective functions that reduce the magnitude of hazard events. Bounded by ridges, Marin’s
watersheds carry water, sediments, nutrients, and more, downstream into large water bodies
including the Pacific Ocean, San Francisco Bay, and Tomales Bay. Wetlands can be found in
the lower watersheds, with habitat types including fresh-, salt-, and brackish-water marshes
which provide food and shelter for a variety of flora and fauna, including special status plants,
fish, birds, amphibians, and mammals. These ecosystems can also buffer flood impacts by
reducing wave attenuation from storm surge or serve as detention basins during large rainfall
events. Sea level rise threats have led to heightened interest in the use of wetlands and other
living shorelines such as oyster beds, eelgrass, and sand dunes as adaptation strategies to
protect lives and properties while providing habitat, recreation, carbon sequestration, and other
co-benefits.
One of the goals of Marin County is to avoid and minimize potential adverse impacts on existing
wetlands and to encourage programs for restoration and enhancement of degraded wetlands.
By establishing a Wetland Conservation Area, the County seeks to require that development to
avoid wetland areas so that the existing wetlands and upland buffers are preserved and
opportunities for enhancement are retained. Maintaining and enhancing wetlands serves to
reduce the costs of flood damage, water pollution, and water supply redistribution. Several living
shoreline pilot projects are currently underway throughout Marin County to demonstrate their
effectiveness.
The Marin County Watershed Program identifies fourteen watersheds throughout the County.
The following pages provide information about watersheds in the unincorporated area of the
County.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
37
Figure 1.9: Marin County Wetlands
Source: Marin Countywide Plan
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
:~:·
\ .. 4,'
:_ ., ... "";.,.
I;, • I -\ ".•$ ~
•• , .-·-;..~_ :
rv-~"'L.:.
~.!E. D:dla:f!hm!!lli ~lcnal ,WrlaD.,.rf:rl
~nb!t111161a.-.bi::ii.lil.-~
I .
('-.
. \ .•
L,.' ◄ .... '!., . .,,.
':-.:J Coonly Boundary
DcilyBoor<f.,.,
== Mbjor Road's
Wo llands I S~e•m•
C]w ... nd ,
--l'eelVIW
lnl""'""'""L
!Efti"""~r.tl
I 2
~iMU.~FtAGaalJL.'A.M~
'aloCOAIT1G'IIMRhiSillOt'Ra.-~CiA l v.alJ:
Fmlllli:a MlliF'M'rOal!T,l,~FUIPCl!IIE"
+
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
38
Figure 1.10: Marin County Watersheds
Source: Marin Countywide Plan
Bolinas Lagoon
With a 16.7 mi2 watershed, Bolinas Lagoon consists of mudflats, marshes, tidal channels and a
flood shoal island. Other watershed habitats include coastal scrub, Douglas fir, redwood forests,
and grasslands as well as small patches of eucalyptus, oak and oak-bay woodland, and pine
cypress forest. Noteworthy species include ridgeway and black rails, salt marsh common
yellowthroat, California red-legged frog, California brown pelican, American peregrine falcon,
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
[_.J Ca!Jnfy BoundarJ
Ocit111ou""'"1'
= ~h""'F•r>:l Map Road>
W ate r Bodies
LJ L>ire,
D L>g,:,oll~
M.;,r Wai...hods
•.llLLER Cfi/£E.K Wa l>nhod t4.,,, ..
NSIWl'Mldi~~Fal~ff:VII ~
11&' m.MffCI-IIIWthlS.~ ~-.SQA UliA.lt:P:11.
JS~ D>a'MAIII~ r1'5DmaEmPUIF'DE
Da.n1pllmS
+
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
39
Point Reyes mountain beaver, Point Reyes jumping mouse, Coho salmon, steelhead trout,
northern spotted owl, black swift, and Marin manzanita.
In 2008 the “Bolinas Lagoon Ecosystem Restoration Project: Recommendations for Restoration
and Management” was completed by a working group of community representatives and
scientists, with recommended actions including restoring natural sediment transport and
ecological functions of the lagoon, identifying and managing non-native species, and protecting
water quality. The Marin County Parks’ Bolinas Wye Wetlands Resiliency Project also serves to
restore habitat, improve road safety, and adapt to sea level rise in Bolinas Lagoon.
Estero Americano
The County’s northernmost watershed, the 49 mi2 Estero Americano watershed straddles the
Marin and Sonoma County boundaries. Americano Creek draining into Bodega Bay, is the
watershed’s only tributary, and is ephemeral, generally drying up for 4-6 months between late
spring and fall. The Estero Americano contains 301 acres of open water, and 412 acres of
wetland habitat with mudflats, seasonal brackish marsh and freshwater marsh. With streamside
habitat of grazed pastures with few trees interspersed with dense willow thickets, and coastal
oak woodland in the upper watershed, Estero Americano has been identified by the California
Department of Fish and Game as among the most significant habitat areas in the State. The
watershed’s special status species include the Northwestern pond turtle, steelhead trout,
California red-legged frog, Myrtle’s silverspot butterfly, tidewater goby, and tricolored blackbird.
A 1987 enhancement plan led to repair of many of the watershed’s eroded areas, which was
undertaken by the Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District (RCD) with funding from the
State Coastal Conservancy. In 2007 the RCD developed the Estero Americano Watershed
Management Plan.
Gallinas Creek
Located in Eastern Marin, the 5.6 mi2 watershed has two main drainage areas; the north fork
and South Gallinas Slough. The watershed is highly urbanized with fragmented native plant
communities. Upper watershed habitats include annual grasslands interspersed with mixed
evergreen forest, coastal scrub and small outcroppings of serpentine habitat. Continuous with
China Camp State Park is a large tract of oak-bay woodland along the southern watershed
boundary. Lower marsh habitats represent some of the largest remaining tidally influenced
habitats in the Bay Area with noteworthy special status species including the San Pablo song
sparrow, California black rail, salt marsh harvest mouse and the ridgeway rail.
A three-acre tidal marsh restoration effort by the Marin Audubon Society and Marin Community
Foundation was completed in 1977. The Friends of Gallinas Creek, San Pablo Watershed
Restoration Program Partners, the Bay Institute and Marin County Stormwater Pollution
Prevention Program are planning extensive restoration in the upper and lower watershed to
improve riparian cover, provide habitat, reduce erosion, and restore wetlands.
Tomales Bay
The Tomales Bay Watershed encompasses the subwatersheds of Lagunitas Creek, Walker
Creek, Inverness Creek, and east shore drainages including Millerton Gulch, Grand Canyon,
and Tomasini Canyon. Resource rich, nearly 500 species of birds and the most robust
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
40
population of native coho salmon remaining in the Central Coast region are supported by the
Bay. Tomales Bay is a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance with intertidal, subtidal, and
benthic habitas, as well as dunes, mud flats, salt marshes and freshwater marshes. Eelgrass
beds are also found throughout Tomales Bay, and provide important habitat for fish, birds, and
other species, while combatting shoreline erosion by dampening wave energy and storms.
The Tomales Bay Watershed Stewardship Plan was completed in 2003. Restoration projects
are underway in the Walker and Lagunitas Creek areas.
Miller Creek
With a watershed covering 12 mi2, Miller creek uniquely has a relatively intact riparian area with
very high widths and depths relative to its drainage area. While relatively urbanized, the
watershed still supports a small population of steelhead. Its lower marsh habitats include some
of the Bay Area’s largest remaining tidally-influenced habitats that support abundant waterfowl.
The watershed is dominated by annual grasslands interspersed with oak-bay woodland and oak
savanna in the upper watershed with patches of chaparral. Middle reaches are primarily
urbanized. The watershed’s lower reaches east of Highway 101 support saltwater and brackish-
water marshes subject to tidal action.
Noteworthy special status species include the San Pablo Song Sparrow, California black rail,
saltmarsh harvest mouse, ridgeway rail and steelhead trout.
Novato Creek
As Eastern Marin’s largest watershed, Novato Creek Watershed’s creeks flow eastward through
oak and bay forests, grasslands, unincorporated Marin County, and the City of Novato, and into
San Pablo Bay near the mouth of the Petaluma River. The basin is 45 mi2 and its main drainage
is the 17 mi2 Novato Creek, which has 6 major tributaries. Diverse habitat types include
saltwater marsh, brackish marsh, freshwater wetlands, oak woodlands, annual grasslands and
oak savanna. Special status species include the San Pablo Song Sparrow, California black rail,
saltmarsh common yellowthroat, ridgeway rail and Western pond turtle. Salmonids including
steelhead and Chinook salmon are also found within the watershed.
Point Reyes National Seashore Creeks
This watershed is comprised of almost 100 mi2 of land and nearly 80 miles of undeveloped
coastline, with subwatersheds that drain into Drake’s Estero, Abbotts Lagoon, Estero de
Limanotour, the Pacific Ocean, portions of the Bolinas Lagoon and the Tomales Bay. Habitat
types include estuaries, mud flats, sandy shores, intertidal communities and a variety of upland
habitats. Special-status species include the endemic Mountain Beaver, Point Reyes jumping
mouse, California freshwater shrimp, Myrtle’s silverspot, Point Reyes blue butterfly, San
Francisco forktail damselfly and steelhead trout.
Richardson Bay
With San Francisco Bay’s second largest eelgrass bed, Richardson Bay supports genetically
diverse and extensive intertidal habitat. As an Important Bird Area along the Pacific Flyway, the
Bay supports hundreds of thousands of migrating waterbirds during the winter months.
Noteworthy special-status species include the California black rail, San Pablo song sparrow, salt
marsh harvest mouse, and Point Reyes bird’s-beak.
Salmonids including steelhead trout are also supported.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
41
Ross Valley
Receiving over 50 inches of rain annually, the 28 mi2 Ross Valley watershed is one of Marin
County’s wettest areas. With 28 miles of stream channels, the watershed supports a great
diversity of habitats including redwood forests, serpentine outcrops, chaparral, oak woodlands,
grasslands and tidal wetlands. Special status wildlife include steelhead trout, spotted owls, San
Pablo song sparrow, ridgeway and black rails, and salt marsh harvest mouse.
Led by the Marin County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, the Ross Valley Flood
Protection & Watershed Program’s objective is to reduce flooding throughout the watershed.
Creek improvements being considered include debris clearance, invasive vegetation removal,
creek bank stabilization, and habitat enhancement.
Rush Creek
At the Northern edge of Novato, Rush Creek’s wetland habitats includes coastal saltwater and
coastal brackish water marsh habitats. The wetlands provide suitable habitat for San Pablo
song sparrow, California black rail, saltmarsh common yellowthroat, California brackishwater
snail, and ridgeway rail. Restoration efforts include the Rush Creek and Bahia restoration
projects.
San Antonio Creek
Covering around 25% of the Petaluma River watershed, the San Antonio Creek watershed
extends from Antonio Mountain and Chileno Valley in the northwest to Petaluma Marsh and the
Petaluma River to the southeast. The upper San Antonio Creek watershed is dominated by
annual grassland and mixed evergreen forest with patches of oak and bay woodland. The lower
watershed includes extensive coastal salt marsh and brackish marsh. Special status species
include the California black rail, ridgeway rail, salt marsh common yellowthroat, San Pablo song
sparrow, Townsend’s big-eared bat, California red-legged frog, northwestern pond turtle, and
salt marsh harvest mouse.
Limited salmonids have also been recorded in the watershed.
The Petaluma River Watershed Enhancement Plan was completed by the Southern Sonoma
County RCD in 1999 with information on riparian and fisheries enhancement. In 2008 the
Southern Sonoma County RCD completed the San Antonio Creek Watershed Plan in tandem
with local landowners and residents.
San Rafael Creek
The 11 mi2 San Rafael watershed is densely developed from its hills to filled wetlands. A small
marsh at Pickleweed Park provides habitat for native species, and the watershed’s northern
edge include intact woodland, grassland and lagoon areas.
Southern Coastal Creeks
Several smaller watersheds along over 10 miles of southern Marin’s rugged coastlines are
protected within National and State Park boundaries. These include Webb Creek, Lone Tree
Creek, Cold Stream, Redwood Creek, Alder Creek, Rodeo Lagoon and Tennessee Valley. A
variety of habitat types exist amongst these watersheds including seasonal wetlands, riparian
woodlands, and freshwater marsh. Special status species include Coho salmon, steelhead trout,
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
42
California red-legged frog, monarch butterflies, northwestern pond turtle, northern spotted owl
and more.
Stemple Creek
Bisected by the Sonoma-Marin County boundary, this 50 mi2 watershed begins just west of
Petaluma and empties into the Pacific Ocean through the Estero de San Antonio. Like Estero
Americano, the Estero de San Antonio was identified by the California Department of Fish and
Game as among the most significant habitat areas in California with densely wooded riparian
ravines, saltgrass areas, mudflats, eelgrass beds and freshwater ponds. Special-state species
include the California freshwater shrimp, northwestern Pond Turtle, tidewater goby, Myrtle’s
silverspot butterfly, and the California red-legged frog.
In 1994 an enhancement plan was completed, leading to local landowner gully stabilization
projects to reduce erosion. The Marin and Sonoma County RCDs, along with the Natural
Resources Conservation Service have brought funding into the watershed to improve water
quality.
Baylands
Baylands are areas between historic high and low tide elevations. The baylands ecosystem in
Marin County forms a varied pattern of open water, tidal marshes and mudflats, rocky shoreline,
seasonal wetlands, and adjacent uplands. Baylands ecosystems are vital to the health of San
Pablo, San Francisco, and Tomales bays and have undergone tremendous change, as
historical tidal areas were diked for agricultural use, marshes filled and drained for development,
and channels dredged and straightened for navigation. An estimated 82% of the historic tidal
marshlands along the edge of the San Francisco Bay–Delta Estuary has been filled or altered.
Marin County seeks to a establish bayland buffer zones between development and remaining or
historic tidelands and wetlands in order to enhance the diversity of its baylands ecosystems and
reduce the costs of flood damage, water pollution, and habitat degradation.
Grasslands and Forests
Marin County has extensive topographic diversity that supports a variety of vegetation types.
Environmental factors, such as temperature, precipitation, soil type, aspect, slope, and land use
history, all help determine the existing vegetation at any given location. In the central and
eastern parts of the county, north-facing slopes are usually densely wooded from lower
elevations to ridge peaks with a mixture of mostly hardwood tree species such as coast live oak,
California bay, Pacific madrone, and other oak species.
Grasslands with a mixture of native and nonnative annual and perennial plant species occur
most often in the northern and western parts of the county due to a combination of soil type,
lower rainfall, and a long history of ranching. The southern and western slopes tend to have a
higher percentage of grasslands.
In the west portion of the county closer to the coast, where precipitation is higher and marine
influence is greater, most areas are densely forested with conifer species including Bishop pine,
Douglas fir, coast redwood, and associated hardwood species. Chaparral vegetation also
occurs in parts of the county, especially on steeper south- and west-facing slopes.
Insect infestations and plant diseases, such as California oak mortality syndrome (Sudden Oak
Death), are increasing and threaten to change the structure and overall health of native plant
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
43
communities in Marin County. Sudden Oak Death has had a major impact on native habitats in
Marin since its initial detection in the mid-1990s in Mill Valley, The pathogen believed to be a
major cause of Sudden Oak Death, Phytophthora ramorum, is known to affect at least 31
species of plants. Two other plant diseases prevalent in Marin County are pitch canker (which
affects conifers such as Bishop pine and other pine species), and madrone twig dieback (which
affects Pacific madrones).
Oak woodland and savannah are also threatened by development. The continued loss of oak
woodland, oak savannah, and other native woodland habitat through their conversion to
primarily urban uses in the County resulted in the adoption of the County Native Tree
Preservation and Protection Ordinance in 1999. This regulates the removal of native trees and
is intended to use local regulations to protect sensitive resources.
Geology
Marin County is located within the central portion of the Coast Range Physiographic Province of
California, composed of a series of northwest-southeast aligned coastal mountain chains
dominated by the San Andreas Fault Zone. The geology of Marin County is distinctly different
on either San Andreas Fault, with areas east of the fault dominated by the Franciscan
Formation and associated mélange and west of the fault by granitic rocks and overlying
sedimentary rocks. Areas located east of the San Andreas Fault, have a geology dominated by
Cretaceous and Jurassic Age Franciscan Complex bedrock composed of sedimentary and
volcanic rocks, serpentine, and sheared mélange. Overlying the bedrock is a layer of colluvium
and soil of varying thickness. Slopes underlain by the sheared mélange bedrock tend to have a
higher density of deep seated landslides compared to those areas underlain by more competent
sandstone. Alluvial sediments made up of unconsolidated sands, gravels, and silts are found
along the valley bottoms.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
20
2
3
M
a
r
i
n
C
o
u
n
t
y
O
p
e
r
a
t
i
o
n
a
l
A
r
e
a
Mu
l
t
i
-Ju
r
i
s
d
i
c
t
i
o
n
a
l
H
a
z
a
r
d
M
i
t
i
g
a
t
i
o
n
P
l
a
n
44
Fi
g
u
r
e
1.
11
:
M
a
r
i
n
C
o
u
n
t
y
G
e
o
l
o
g
i
c
U
n
i
t
s
(
E
a
s
t
o
f
S
a
n
A
n
d
r
e
a
s
F
a
u
l
t
)
So
u
r
c
e
:
M
a
r
i
n
C
o
u
n
t
y
w
i
d
e
P
l
a
n
Geologic; t'Ytip Units
&.irficiill D~osits
Qaf.lifti iieial Fi0
llnJA1ii,;i~ Filo'll!l rMiill'Sle and Minh Dtp<ds
Ct.·9'1~f'i~nd!
D:t•l).nt Sar-d
On .-,'al'Sl t -and Mi11Gh 0 (4)0SCi
(J:5,b't4.ijfhll!posit:.
lli1·10u'lium
-llJ-1.kdi~~n'liai e-d! Swicill Oepo~,
D>al-Oli!ert41u1'iurn
ll -Mlril'lt ~d 'Strt.m T itQt,t O!po~iti
O'ni.JAUtrltlrl f (l mvli o,i
Ck:-Oiilmiilfom.tii;n
Rocks Wes1 Of And Wilhin The San Andreas Fault Zone
UfrrtM?rced Rim\a:iori
Tse-Sn.a Clu i Mlldi:Wlll
Tm-M..ne"y Sh-alt
Rocks: Ea-st Of And With in The San Andf@as fiill '-'1 lone ~ Tw11-VLbon UIO~ f(ll'1'TV!ion
111111 f,-.,.smo,rui \hle:3nk:s
111111 Ts-Unr1:umd Sal'Jdstone
f ranoi 101n Com pl•)(
Hf.S:.l'ld:!:IIGl'lt.ll"td $Nila
nl-Un"l!:,t.one Jnd O\en
t.1g-Gre<enSWl'lt!
""""°"" ~.(;r-a ~~ll
~Cbba 511
KJtn,Mm,O~y_u:1:1kae
K.tth-Oli!R
t'JQC-Cceensone ;and OIEft
~-Greenstme
Jtn~t-tata-()unstori,a
..ltNh-Met.W-.•n
Jrngo-t.a.1-Cft~Ol'le :!ndli11!21chE:rt
)ts-Ch!eRStOM
Jtng-~m,:rph ~ Rx:IG, Gneis:s:ic
tr-Melangia
Oru t V~l•y Co tl'!p l l!c<
KJp ll'ldi i.4~ SJlrdJtol\e , 5 h!le, and Congl«ntt3le
V.gwi-ttr«o Co~lorneme .. l(.Jl116-S•mdsone.in,i Cla)Sone .. iP·St:IP'ln'linh Ill '°' smc:1,, C:artM:111 Riek
e[?,•' I ,,. . ,.,..,,..;..o.., " . -)' .... -~-w J -"*.· '•··~-----_' / 1 ;-;:.",<-, '• · "-I / K·
', '· ' ' l ' --,,. J •~, it·),_.~· I,~ I,-{._(' •
~).·,:' ..r,. i.. • -'I ' -
h I ~ E--:; w '~ ir~~ ',, '1
\_\•·")_ ~ ..... ~ '!,~ \ ' "\. "" ·,·\,fr.... _,.-;-~r _v ~ } . ',J
' I ,: • ---.~ I J V. ' °'\. \ ~ ' __ ., " 1· ---....;,/ ·-"""' l -1., •.. --·.,,-~,,...--,· , .1_ j
J ~ ~ • . , ." ·'1 l \ _ .__f' "· :., _.-.... -.;,_'.~. { : -~' k \ ' / -~.~~-~-~, _,., \ '1
~ , .. '\ ~,I ( . ./ ,~ :-:~,-..-!~!.,.'-.---~i.-J---
J ,J .. , ,, \ ,_. .
• '). CJ • ~ '" ) '\, _I, 1 .~. < ' • ,I I . ' ' ,_,. ... -,·..,. ,',.--/ .r' I . r ' . J I\.,.) r
.,..1,, -:.~-• \-
,..,, -l . t \_
' ·~
f i
~1
~I '
r::::] Co unty B oundar;
c~:J City Bo undary
= Hlgnways and Majo r Roads
St r eams
Perennial
I nterm ittent
W a te r Bo di es
D Lakes
D Lagoons
f ~i r , u·n (•,A ~-:-__ -'1 ;~ / \, (~-!'? v / ·-; -' .--~ • • ! )t,.}-:.1:( /_.., • • , -
I _,,.. ' ,. I ~ '-~-. •
l
; IJ ,
-~ ~ / _,_-'~\;c,---~-, f"'ll:t ; ............... -'~•'';>; -~-(°\' ',~~~ ) i-:~ ' "~' , ~ ~ . -~
:; 1 , ·-, -· , ·:Sa ~{'llC~b~-:i WiH,L"""@.*~
.._,., \1\ ·1 "l'' r .,. °"""' ._ !
-~, t • .,_-, 0 ·. i
kt,/ ,~ r l ,;~~~~..,._ ,
N
A
r,~c: \ r f / ,.,. • ....~
•. -..,( 1 : I ••-
o,.. .. , '..J /l \ in ti ., ..
• \. ✓ • "b .i •·. t . .:,-' ; -1 uro,,
."'" "'<._I _ 1 "'=-~ .... II \
• I
~~re
o.-=::i,-==!12--•4===0:■.-~e Mies _.,-:;.~
h ·)> ~
;;,c ....
--< z~
Cf)
20
2
3
M
a
r
i
n
C
o
u
n
t
y
O
p
e
r
a
t
i
o
n
a
l
A
r
e
a
Mu
l
t
i
-Ju
r
i
s
d
i
c
t
i
o
n
a
l
H
a
z
a
r
d
M
i
t
i
g
a
t
i
o
n
P
l
a
n
45
Fi
g
u
r
e
1.
12
:
M
a
r
i
n
C
o
u
n
t
y
G
e
o
l
o
g
i
c
U
n
i
t
s
(
W
e
s
t
o
f
S
a
n
A
n
d
r
e
a
s
F
a
u
l
t
)
So
u
r
c
e
:
M
a
r
i
n
C
o
u
n
t
y
w
i
d
e
P
l
a
n
Geologic Map Units
as.Beach Sand
ad-Sand Sheet an d Dune Deposits
Qa ~,Alluvi.Jm
Gls-Land sli de Deposis
Qo d-Old er Dune Sands
Cl-Marin e and Sire am Terrace Deposits
-Qoc-Olema Creek Formation
CJni-Mi ll erto n F ormalion
QTm-Merced Formatio n
Twg -Wt loon Gro~e Forma tion
Tp-Purisima Formation
_ _ Tse-San ta Cruz Mudzon e
-TsrreSanta Ma rgarita Sandsto ne
--Tm-Mon terey Sha le
Tl-Laird Sandstone
~1'i-: •, ,I I .
,~--·J1 r~/v i '?¾:. ,-,, l . J . I ·, ·,"'t: \s-,. 1· ..:.~~~"
\ I • ' ~" \ '· • I '··, . I
,,\.[~°\
\·\i -\, .
-:.._,
' .i J J _ .. ,,
• ' '" })• I \ \
1 i I ' ',t,/
·-J ,~-/ .J .,._ . "'"Y.\. I ~-
• ~• I /•,I.}. . ...-.
• ! -.... J---0, i .___ ' \ . J !
• ( • ,., .. ,_ -~'-.,\
":,-.-., i ' , \ I~ ---· ', , ~--l ~ --,1 . _r.....--, ..L.•••',·'-· • . • I . ' ,.,
• \ ·, -•-, ' ,.__ • , (~1x ... _.,-' ' ;_:'7_:_,,,.-_r ..
--.../ \~1,t 1 ---·-, ,· -1 "_!
-Ir ; ··.,,.r--;, ''· ,-,,
\ .j 1-t ·-·\ ~i
• • •'"1 ;· -_;, ,,£ .... r
.,,,_i ',,. -I •·~J
, y .. ' :::---... ;;, ½,.ry,.,, \
' ., ;,i'•• "--~ I'
:-;.\:f1.~ '
•Jo..,'I .,
' ~ I I ,, I}""""',•'< I ~-'1 ,, :-,.._:
...
Tpr -Point Reyes Cong lomera te of Gall OWlly 1977
Kg.Por phyritic Granolliorte
Kgr, Granodiori te and Grani te .. ..
'•
f<i!d-Quartz Diorite
KJ(.fra nciscan Comp lex, Undivided
-m-Metamorphic Rocks
N
A
-==-=----====---M iles
4 e a
~-··-··1 L__.; Co uni y Boundary
C::J City Boundary --Highways an d Major Roads
streams --Perennial
----lnt ermiUent
Water Bodies
LJ La kes
c::::J Lagoons
'"f"
i
~-\
::::::.::.,::, ...
iburo~
y-
! -, i ... ·~~:
'~rp re
( 'l....J \ ... -, ....
h ,)> ~
;;,c -< --< z~
Cf)
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
46
Mineral Resource Zones are grouped by the State of California into four categories based on
geologic factors, with Class 2 (MRZ-2) lands having the greatest importance. Class 2 sites are
underlain by demonstrated mineral resources considered important to the region or the state as
a whole. All of the Marin County’s mineral resource sites are identified by the State as Class 2,
except for Ring Mountain, which is considered a Scientific Resource Zone (and therefore not a
production site) due to the presence of rare geologic formations.
Figure 1.13: Marin County Mineral Resource Sites
Source: Marin Countywide Plan
1 ~<;>U·N· TY OF a
~ARIN ~
! z ..:;;;;j(
.fi m •• i I' J J • l I
j Ii . iii!
' ) ll . 11,
fif d 1•1
H " 1!1
dJ'-~ -Ii! .i ~ i I " Ill
n □i l..i D I
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
47
Climate
Marin County has many microclimates with varying weather patterns, but the climate is
generally Mediterranean with mild and wet winters and hot, dry summers. The average annual
temperature is around 56.5 degrees. High temperatures normally range from 49 to 63 degrees
in the summer months, which is cooler than most places in California. Low temperatures
average around 42 degrees in the winter months, and rarely fall below freezing.
Precipitation generally increases with altitude. The topography in Marin County varies greatly,
from sea level to elevations around 2,500 feet on Mount Tamalpais. Marin County averages 39
inches of rain per year, making it wetter than most places in California, though it rarely gets
snow.
Figure 1.14 shows average annual precipitation and Figure 1.15 shows average annual
temperature over time.
Figure 1.14: Marin County Average Precipitation 1895-2022
Source: National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
Marin County, California Precipitation
January-December
80.00 in
70.00 in
60.00 in
50 .00 in
40.00 in
30.00 in
20.00 in
10.00 in
2,032 .00mm
1,778.00mm
1,524.00 mm
1.270.00mm
1,016.00mm
762.00mm
508.00 mm
254.00mm
0.00in 4---~---.-----,---~--~--~--~--~--------~--~---+-o.oomm
1895 1905 1915 1925 1935 1945 1955 1965 1975 1985 1995 2005 2015 2022
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
48
Figure 1.15: Marin County Average Temperature 1895-2022
Source: National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration
Marin County can experience Northern California Diablo winds in the late summer through early
winter. These easterly winds occur as systems of high-pressure form in the Great Basin and flow
over the Sierra Nevada Mountains toward the Pacific Ocean. As winds flow over the Sierra
Nevada, the winds compress, become warmer, and lower the relative humidity while drying out
vegetation. As the winds move through canyons, they pick up speed and create strong gusts
which can contribute to large and destructive wildfires.
Figure 1.16: Diablo Wind Patterns
Source: National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
Marin County, California Average Temperature
Jan uary-Decem ber
S9.0 °F
ss.o·F
57.0'F
S6.0 °F
55.0"F
54.0"F
53.0 "F
1895-20 22 Tr end
(+2 .1 "F/Centu ry)
1s.o·c
14 .4 •c
13.9'C
13.3'C
12.s·c
12.2 'C
ll.7'C
52.0 "F+----.------..----.-----,----,-----,.-----.------.-----,-----,-----..----,----J-11.1•c
189S 190S 1915 1925 193S 194S 195S 1965 197S 1985 1995 2005 201S 2022
What creates
dangerous winds
The Diab lo winds that were forecast
for Northern Ca lifornia usually come
In the fall, bu t their behavior is hard
to predict because mountains,
valleys and even cloud formations
can alter th eir speed and dlrecton.
8 The excessive Q Squeezing through
wind can cause canyons and gaps of
power tines to the coastal mountain
topple and ranges, w ind speed is
spa rk. setting dynamically Increased
fires. to over 40 mph.
~
G
0 High pressure builds
over the Great Basin.
Winds flow In a
clockwise direction ---+--◄
8 Jet stream adds ----1---+-=-~':f!
to downward push
of strong winds
UTAH
0 Winds come Into
contact with warm
Central Valley air,
increasing its
temperature.
O High -pressure wind cascades over the Sierra
mountains. The air is compressed. increasing
temperature and reducing humidity.
Central Valley
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
49
Historic and Cultural Resources
Marin County has a large stock of historically significant homes, public buildings, and
landmarks. To inventory these resources, the Marin County MJHMP Planning Team collected
information from a number of sources. The California Department of Parks and Recreation
Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) was the primary source of information. The OHP is
responsible for the administration of federally and state mandated historic preservation
programs to further the identification, evaluation, registration, and protection of California’s
irreplaceable archaeological and historical resources. The OHP administers the National
Register of Historic Places, the California Register of Historical Resources, California Historical
Landmarks, and the California Points of Historical Interest programs. Each program has
different eligibility criteria and procedural requirements.
• The National Register of Historic Places is the nation’s official list of cultural resources
worthy of preservation. The National Register is part of a national program to coordinate
and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect historic and
archeological resources. Properties listed include districts, sites, buildings, structures,
and objects that are significant in American history, architecture, archeology,
engineering, and culture. The National Register is administered by the National Park
Service, which is part of the U.S. Department of the Interior.
• The California Register of Historical Resources program encourages public
recognition and protection of resources of architectural, historical, archeological, and
cultural significance and identifies historical resources for state and local planning
purposes, determines eligibility for state historic preservation grant funding, and affords
certain protections under the California Environmental Quality Act. The Register is the
authoritative guide to the state’s significant historical and archeological resources.
• California Historical Landmarks are sites, buildings, features, or events that are of
statewide significance and have anthropological, cultural, military, political, architectural,
economic, scientific or technical, religious, experimental, or other value. Landmarks
#770 and above are automatically listed in the California Register of Historical
Resources.
• California Points of Historical Interest are sites, buildings, features, or events that are
of local (city or county) significance and have anthropological, cultural, military, political,
architectural, economic, scientific or technical, religious, experimental, or other value.
Points designated after December 1997 and recommended by the State Historical
Resources Commission are also listed in the California Register.
It should be noted that as defined by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), any
property over 50 years of age is considered a historic resource and is potentially eligible for the
National Register. Thus, in the event that the property is to be altered, or has been altered, as
the result of a major federal action, the property must be evaluated under the guidelines set
forth by NEPA. Structural mitigation projects are considered alterations for the purpose of this
regulation.
The Marin County OA has 52 places on the National Register of Historic Places. Notable
architects that helped create the Marin County historic places including W.G. Carnes, Frank
Lloyd Wright, James A. Shore, William Mercer and Solomon Pierce. Prominent architectural
styles found in the Marin County OA are Bungalow/Craftsman, Italianate and Mission/Spanish
Revival.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
50
Table 1.8: Historic Sites in Marin County
Name/Landmark
State Plaque
Number
National
Register
(NR)
State
Landmark
California
Register
Date
Listed
(NR)
Jurisdiction
Alexander-
Acacia Bridge X 1/5/1984 Larkspur
Angel Island,
U.S. Immigration
Station (529)
X X X 10/14/1971 Tiburon
William G.
Barrett House X 6/17/1980 Sausalito
Boyd House X 12/17/1974 San Rafael
Bradford House X 6/6/1980 San Rafael
Camilo Ynitia
Adobe (210) X X Novato
China Camp
(924) X X X 4/26/1979 San Rafael
The Dipsea Trail X 6/4/2010 Mill Valley/
Stinson Beach
Dixie
Schoolhouse X 12/26/1972 San Rafael
Robert Dollar
Estate X 12/11/1972 San Rafael
Robert Dollar
House X 7/23/1991 San Rafael
Dolliver House X 5/22/1978 Larkspur
Drakes Bay
Historic and
Archeological
District
X 10/16/2012 Point Reyes
Station
Lord Charles
Snowden Fairfax
Home (679)
X X Fairfax
Fashion Shop
and Stephen
Porcella House
X 6/25/1980 Novato
First Sawmill in
Marin County
(207)
X X Mill Valley
Forts Baker,
Barry, and
Cronkhite
X 12/12/1973
Unincorporate
d Marin
County
Golden Gate
Bridge (974) X X
Unincorporate
d Marin
County
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
51
Table 1.8: Historic Sites in Marin County
Name/Landmark
State Plaque
Number
National
Register
(NR)
State
Landmark
California
Register
Date
Listed
(NR)
Jurisdiction
Green Brae
Brick Kiln Yard
(917)
X X X 3/24/1978 Larkspur
Griswold House X 9/12/1985 Sausalito
Hamilton Army
Air Field
Discontiguous
Historic District
X 11/20/1998 Novato
Larkspur
Downtown
Historic District
X 10/7/1982 Larkspur
Lighter Wharf
Site (221) X X Bolinas
Lyford's Stone
Tower X 12/2/1976 Tiburon
Benjamin and
Hilarita Lyford
House
X 11/10/2000 Tiburon
Marconi-RCA
Bolinas
Transmitting
Station
X 2/23/2018 Bolinas
Marin Art and
Garden Center X 6/6/2022 Ross
Marin City
Public Housing X 9/18/2017 Marin City
Marin County
Civic Center
(999)
X 7/17/1991 San Rafael
Marinship
Machine Shop X 12/20/2016 Sausalito
Erskine B.
McNear House X 1/11/1982 San Rafael
Miller Creek
School Indian
Mound
X 10/14/1971 San Rafael
Mission San
Rafael Arcangel
(220)
X X San Rafael
Mount
Tamalpais
Mountain
Theater
X 2/2/2015 Mill Valley
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
52
Table 1.8: Historic Sites in Marin County
Name/Landmark
State Plaque
Number
National
Register
(NR)
State
Landmark
California
Register
Date
Listed
(NR)
Jurisdiction
Muir Beach
Archeological
Site
X 1/26/1981 Marin City
Muir Woods
National
Monument
X 1/9/2008 Mill Valley
Olema Lime
Kilns (222) X X X 10/8/1976 Olema
Olema Valley
Dairy Ranches
Historic District
X 4/9/2018 Olema
Outdoor Art
Club (922) X X X 11/16/1978 Mill Valley
Pierce Ranch X 12/6/1985 Inverness
Pioneer Paper
Mill (552) X X Lagunitas
Point Bonita
Light Station X 9/3/1991 Sausalito
Point Reyes
Lifeboat Rescue
Station, 1927
X 11/7/1985 Inverness
Point Reyes
Light Station X 9/3/1991 Point Reyes
Point Reyes
Naval Radio
Compass
Station
X 6/29/2018 Inverness
Point Reyes
Peninsula Dairy
Ranches
Historic District
X 10/29/2018 Inverness
RCA Point
Reyes Receiving
Station
X 2/23/2018 Inverness
Rancho
Olompali X 1/12/1973 Novato
Valentine Rey
House X 4/22/1982 Belvedere
St. Hilary's
Mission Church X 2/3/2020 Tiburon
San Francisco
and North
Pacific Railroad
Station House-
Depot
X 8/4/1995 Tiburon
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
53
Table 1.8: Historic Sites in Marin County
Name/Landmark
State Plaque
Number
National
Register
(NR)
State
Landmark
California
Register
Date
Listed
(NR)
Jurisdiction
San Rafael
Improvement
Club
X 3/29/1984 San Rafael
Sausalito
Woman's Club X 4/15/1993 Sausalito
St. Vincent’s
School for Boys
(630)
X X San Rafael
Brock Schreiber
Boathouse and
Beach
X 7/7/1978 Inverness
Station KPH
Operating
Station
X 7/24/1989 Marshall
Station KPH,
Marconi
Wireless
Telegraph
Company of
America
X 7/24/1989 Marshall
Steamship
TENNESSEE
Remains
X 4/15/1981 Marin City
Tocaloma
Bridge X 9/14/2018 Tocaloma
Tomales
Presbyterian
Church and
Cemetery
X 8/1/1975 Tomales
West Point Inn X 12/22/2011 Mill Valley
Table 1.8: Historic Sites in Marin County
Source: California Office of Historic Preservation and the National Register of Historic Places
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
20
2
3
M
a
r
i
n
C
o
u
n
t
y
O
p
e
r
a
t
i
o
n
a
l
A
r
e
a
Mu
l
t
i
-Ju
r
i
s
d
i
c
t
i
o
n
a
l
H
a
z
a
r
d
M
i
t
i
g
a
t
i
o
n
P
l
a
n
54
Fi
g
u
r
e
1.
17
:
H
i
s
t
o
r
i
c
S
i
t
e
s
i
n
M
a
r
i
n
C
o
u
n
t
y
So
u
r
c
e
:
C
a
l
i
f
o
r
n
i
a
O
f
f
i
c
e
o
f
H
i
s
t
o
r
i
c
P
r
e
s
e
r
v
a
t
i
o
n
Lis.1 of properties in Mam on the National or Cali!omia Regl!iter
I Tornales Pr~ytenan Clnm::tl an(! Cemet.H)'
2 Flter-ceR.a~ll
J OC.;Je-v. Hoose NDftll Of San frarn:;15,co Bay
~ &latlan KPH Marecwtl Wlreli:S-6 Telegraph, Company Of A.'T!er,ca
5 S>,t·*:liaMan.s.!"00
6 S:ephE!n Porcetta: Ho0&2 and FalilliOn ShDp
7 6roct; Scme.lla BoathOOlie ana Beacti
8 Hamlltoo Ann-y Alr fie[(! Dl&e00llgoo115 K sill<IC Dlslr1cl
9 Pron.!a ?aper Ml
10 Polm Re-yes NatlOO<f! SeaShtf"e ~ry OISUlct
11 51. V\ncenfS. Sehool Tor 83')'&
12 OIXle SCOOOII006e
13 Polm Re-yes llgflt Statton
1.:: cttna camp
15 Pl:lln1 Re-yes L/Teboa:t ReliCU!: statJCfl
16 Mat1n county CMc Centef
17 o:ema lime-Kltls.
1a Home 01lDfd c11ar1es Srl O"MIE!l'l falr".ax
19 Eturne-B. ~ear H<lus.e
20 Roben Dollar Ho~
21 ~attrord House
22 Rcti eA Doilar E6tat.e
23 5oyl1 Hoose
~ \lic::x Tal:rlg Maeh t'l e Ellllbft
25 San Raiclel lmprovemen CCUO
26 Mlli&IOO s:an Ril'ael Areangel
'Zl Sir Frandsorate-Br1dQ2
28 Sila:Jy La'le B,M._Je
29 Norwood ,',venue Bmlge
JO Gfen:,1'0od ,'.venue 6.Jl~e
31 lagl.Slltas Bfk!ge
32 Gleefl Blae-Br:k:l Yarn
3J se e-or ::.t?.e Ll;lh:eJ Whart' at B oll ll3s.
.l: Larlilipll" OoM\to"Ml tt'..&Clrtc. Dlstrtct
35 Defflve1J-1ou.se,
.36 ~Hat10!!r • Acad.1 Bll~e
37 Mll V"<Cey Nr forc:e Sbtklrl Hl6totk: [1$1Jk:::1
38 OUtdOOf Aft Cl'Ub
Jg flrl:il Samii In Mal"II COin)'
.SO Eenjamln. aoo ttllama L)1tlftl Hoose
d.1 Lytord'£ Stone Ta,,,'.et"
d.2 Son franciliOO aml NOOll PacF.lc Rililrt:rall statlOO HOIIE@·Depo(
.s.J Vale-rlt!he' Rey HOU5e
4A. Angel ISiand , U.S. lmirtgratroo staUon
d.5 wIuam G. Barren i-1.0Use, casa Mam-on.a HolEf
46 $3'Jsa..,"1Q Central 611Slne61i Hlmirtc CU6trlct
47 Sa:us.a::ta woman'& C.IUb
48 Gr19A'Oliil Houlie
49 Forts. Bal.e.r. 6a1JY and Crontt,tt.e
50 ?cilrl.Bonl'.aUghlS'lillfOO.
~ .~
,_-,-, 1·1 · "'.¾,, "M '""TT .L .J' ; (( \_
~ ..... l ); , .r-rc••.r\':r, , ·~
~-r--·,,.,, ·~ -1~ ...... '1 ..... if<'·
'
~_,,._l _~I . _ , I 1 '\_(
l\{.~, ,-,1L .,.i\1/1 ·:,n, ""'\ ' /<J , \V--•-.....t I •
' 2 ... ·... .-i..._ ( -, .. -1, ',.;, , ',' '),--, 1''<._i, I
~ >~ :\ :~:_ ,_ :~·-/ ,'_:.,,·_,·;,
L>' \ ~ / , ·•.~--..c~·-·•·';-~ -_ I ' '\ ., -. ,\ ·,~,.,p-_r.
/.,,r--'\. /'l .,., 1 .-_..-l ,~·· J' .l t '.!...,,..'., 1::..:-,,
/tC"" ' , .... ' Jr--J ,·· • ~-ii -\
V-, .... i •
~ I \/ I\ .. ., /1
v_,
'-7 -· "" ,, "....,. _;_~ i"Nl?Cll;bQ\
41
l~~e "W "
)I. •11~··
\,j~ ... -~ ....
\'ff ",....
HISTORIC RE SO U RC ES
Lege n d
c:J """'1ty Boondary
D Cll)'B-
= Hlgh,nys. arw:i Ma;or Roatls
Streams
:Paennlal --lntenrtnerll --i:;µheme-ra l
Wa te r Bodies
D La,,. □-
Historic. Resources
Lan n .ark Type Nation.al Reg i ster o r
State Historical La ndmark
""""'"
CIJUreh
h Fe<l«at
h """' -·
HOOse
Sdloo\
Sdlool
Pllva:e-
Na.tonal
""'"
Na::on.JJ
5ia-:e
NilU:lnal
Sla.r-!
Na~ooal
$ia.'2
Naklr\.3I
0!""'~1 -.---=~.--8M'es.
~'6iftll>-tlrVnOPCP ~(.DIDUIL~llll!PiCIIU
'Ol:.:,oun-,'(Y'M-11.IIOTJIUttaG-.c;QJlu,r,.LI.--IIK(l:,_ll,l,;l ~!'nl,.:O.OU:,PIIJUIOlll
+
h ·)> ~
;;,c--< --< z~
Cf)
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
55
1.5.4 NATIONAL RISK INDEX AND SOCIAL VULNERABILITY
All communities in the U.S. experience natural hazards, and there is a wide range of
environmental, social, and economic factors that influence each community’s risk to natural
hazards. The likelihood that a community may experience a natural hazard can vary drastically,
as can the associated consequences. Additionally, a community’s risk is influenced by many
social, economic, and ecological factors.
A community’s susceptibility to natural hazards varies from location to location. The 18 hazard
types evaluated by the National Risk Index were chosen after reviewing FEMA-approved State
Hazard Mitigation Plans for all 50 states in early 2016.
Risk Calculation
In the National Risk Index, risk is defined as the potential for negative impacts as a result of a
natural hazard. The risk equation behind the National Risk Index includes three components: a
natural hazards risk component, a consequence enhancing component, and a consequence
reduction component. Expected Annual Loss (EAL) is the natural hazards risk component,
measuring the expected loss of building value, population, and/or agriculture value each year
due to natural hazards. Social Vulnerability is the consequence enhancing component and
analyzes demographic characteristics to measure the susceptibility of social groups to the
adverse impacts of natural hazards. Community Resilience is the consequence reduction
component and uses demographic characteristics to measure a community’s ability to prepare
for, adapt to, withstand, and recover from the effects of natural hazards. The Social Vulnerability
and Community Resilience components are combined into one Community Risk Factor (CRF)
which is multiplied by the EAL component to calculate risk using Equation 2.
Figure 1.18: Generalized NRI Risk Equation
Source: FEMA National Risk Index Technical Documentation, 2023
Risk Components Overview
The Risk Index score is based on Social Vulnerability, Community Resilience, and Expected
Annual Loss, with EAL based on Exposure, Annualized Frequency, and historic loss ratio (HLR)
factors, for a total of five risk factors. Each risk factor contributes to either the likelihood or
consequence aspect of risk and are classified as one of two risk types: risk based on
geographic location, represented by the Community Risk Factor (CRF), or risk based on the
nature and historical occurrences of natural hazards, represented by EAL. The five risk factors
are summarized in Table 1.9.
1 ~<;>U·N· TY OF a
~ARIN ~
Equation 2: Generalized National Risk Index Risk Equation
Risk = Expected Annual Loss x Community Risk Factor
(
Social Vulnerability )
where Community Risk Factor= f C . R T ommumty esi ience
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
56
Table 1.9: Risk Components and Factors
Risk Component Risk Factors Risk Factors
Description Risk Contribution Risk Type
Assignment
Social
Vulnerability
Social
Vulnerability
Consequence
Enhancer Consequence Geographic Risk
Community
Resilience
Community
Resilience
Consequence
Enhancer Consequence Geographic Risk
EAL Exposure Expected
Consequence Consequence Natural Hazard
Risk
EAL Annualized
Frequency
Probability of
Occurrence Likelihood Natural Hazard
Risk
EAL HLR Expected
Consequence Consequence Natural Hazard
Risk
Table 1.9: NRI Risk Components and Factors
Source: FEMA Na�onal Risk Index Technical Documenta�on, 2023
Social Vulnerability
According to the 2023 National Risk Index Technical Documentation, Social Vulnerability is
broadly defined as the susceptibility of social groups to the adverse impacts of natural hazards,
including disproportionate death, injury, loss, or disruption of livelihood. Social Vulnerability
considers the social, economic, demographic, and housing characteristics of a community that
influence its ability to prepare for, respond to, cope with, recover from, and adapt to
environmental hazards. As a consequence-enhancing risk factor, the Social Vulnerability score
represents the national percentile ranking of social vulnerability for a given county or Census
tract in comparison to all other communities at the same level. The higher a county’s or Census
tract’s Social Vulnerability is, the higher the risk. Because social vulnerability is unique to a
geographic location—specifically, a county or Census tract—it is a geographic risk factor.
Social Vulnerability Source Data
Social Vulnerability source data provider: CDC/ATSDR SVI
SVI is a location-specific assessment of social vulnerability that utilizes 16 socioeconomic
variables (listed below) deemed to contribute to a community’s reduced ability to prepare for,
respond to, and recover from hazards.
1. Below 150% Poverty
2. Unemployed
3. Housing Cost Burden
4. No High School Diploma
5. No Health Insurance
6. Aged 65 & Older
7. Aged 17 & Younger
8. Civilian with a Disability
9. Racial & Ethnic Minority Status
10. Multi-Unit Structures
11. Mobile Homes
12. Crowding
13. No Vehicle
14. Group Quarters
15. Single-Parent Households
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
57
16. English Language Proficiency
The dataset was acquired from the CDC/ASTDR website, and users looking for more
information should consult CDC/ASTDR.
Social Vulnerability Consideration for Hazard Mitigation Funding
The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) has initiated the “Prepare
California” grant program focused on building community resilience amongst vulnerable
individuals living in the areas of the state most susceptible to natural disasters. The Prepare
California Initiative is aimed at reducing long-term risks from natural disasters by investing in
local capacity building and mitigation projects designed to protect communities.
Prepare California leverages funds approved in Governor Gavin Newsom’s 2021-22 State
Budget and is designed to unlock federal matching funds for community mitigation projects that
vulnerable communities would otherwise be unable to access. This program is intended for
communities that are the most socially vulnerable and at the highest risk for future natural
hazard events. The state identified communities by prioritizing California census tracts
according to their estimated hazard exposures and social vulnerability.
The National Risk Index is a dataset and online tool to help illustrate the United States
communities most at risk for 18 natural hazards: Avalanche, Coastal Flooding, Cold Wave,
Drought, Earthquake, Hail, Heat Wave, Hurricane, Ice Storm, Landslide, Lightning, Riverine
Flooding, Strong Wind, Tornado, Tsunami, Volcanic Activity, Wildfire, and Winter Weather.
National Risk Index (NRI) hazards align with of eight of the twelve Marin County OA MJHMP
Hazards. NRI data is not available for Dam Failure, Land Subsidence, Levee Failure, or Sea
Level Rise.
Table 1.10: NRI Hazards and Marin County MJHMP Hazards
NRI Hazards Marin County OA MJHMP Hazards
Earthquake Earthquake
Riverine Flooding Flooding
Coastal Flooding Flooding
Wildfire Wildfire
Landslide Debris Flow
Drought Drought
Heat Wave Severe Weather -Extreme Heat
Tsunami Tsunami
Tornado Severe Weather – Wind, Tornado
Strong Wind Severe Weather – Wind, Tornado
Table 1.10: NRI Hazards and Marin County OA MJHMP Hazards
Source: FEMA Na�onal Risk Index 2023
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
58
The National Risk Index leverages available source data for Expected Annual Loss (EAL) due to
these 18 hazard types, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience to develop a baseline
relative risk measurement for each United States county and Census tract. These
measurements are calculated using average past conditions, but they cannot be used to predict
future outcomes for a community. The National Risk Index is intended to fill gaps in available
data and analyses to better inform federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial decision makers as
they develop risk reduction strategies.
Calculating the Risk Index
Risk Index scores are calculated using an equation that combines scores for Expected Annual
Loss due to natural hazards, Social Vulnerability and Community Resilience:
Risk Index = Expected Annual Loss (EAL) × Social Vulnerability ÷ Community Resilience
Hazard Type Risk Index
Hazard type Risk Index scores are calculated using data for only a single hazard type, and
reflect a community's Expected Annual Loss value, community risk factors, and the adjustment
factor used to calculate the risk value. Table 1.10 illustrates the NRI Hazard Type Risk Index for
Marin County.
Calculating Expected Annual Loss
Expected Annual Loss scores are calculated using an equation that combines values for
exposure, annualized frequency, and historic loss ratios for 18 hazard types:
Expected Annual Loss = Exposure × Annualized Frequency × Historic Loss Ratio
Community Risk Factor
The CRF is a scaling factor that incorporates Social Vulnerability and Community Resilience in
the National Risk Index to arrive at a distribution of risk values that better reflects the impacts
communities experience from natural hazards. By design, the CRF ensures that higher Social
Vulnerability and lower Community Resilience, relative to all other communities at the same
level (county or Census tract), result in higher Risk Index values for a given level of EAL.
To generate a CRF value for a community, its Social Vulnerability value is divided by its
Community Resilience value, and this ratio is mapped to a triangular distribution with minimum
0.5, mode 1, and maximum 2 (see Equation 3).
Table 1.11 illustrates the NRI Hazard Type Risk Index for Marin County.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
Equation 3: CRF Equation
. . ( Social Vulnerability )
Community Risk Factor = f C . R T ommumty esi ience
where f(-)-> ,(a= 0.5,b = 2,c = 1)
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
59
Table 1.11: NRI Hazard Type Risk Index for Marin County
Hazard Type EAL Value Social
Vulnerability
Community
Resilience CRF Risk Value Score
Earthquake $85,368,321 Relatively
Low Very High 1.02 $86,293,309 98.7
Riverine
Flooding $28,231,043 Relatively
Low Very High 1.02 $30,230,864 99
Coastal
Flooding $3,801,318 Relatively
Low Very High 1.02 $4,161,749 89.5
Wildfire $2,436,548 Relatively
Low Very High 1.02 $2,205,455 91.8
Landslide $770,102 Relatively
Low Very High 1.02 $736,098 98.3
Drought $780,052 Relatively
Low Very High 1.02 $645,893 89.7
Heat Wave $371,643 Relatively
Low Very High 1.02 $375,597 74.3
Tornado $220,118 Rela�vely
Low Very High 1.02 $213,534 19.4
Tsunami $34,530 Relatively
Low Very High 1.02 $26,783 62.2
Strong Wind $13,888 Relatively
Low Very High 1.02 $13,688 4.4
Table 1.11: NRI Hazard Type Risk Index for Marin County
Source: FEMA Na�onal Risk Index 2023
Table 1.12 illustrates the NRI Social Vulnerability & Community Resilience Risk Index for the top
20 highest risk communities within Marin County.
Table 1.12: NRI Highest-Risk Communities in Marin County
Rank Community Jurisdiction EAL Value Social
Vulnerability Community
Resilience CRF Risk Value Score
1 Census tract
06041112202 San Rafael $8,782,817 Relatively
High Very High 1.38 $12,103,320 99.66
2 Census tract
06041112100 San Rafael $4,881,418 Relatively
High Very High 1.22 $5,938,596 98.31
3 Census tract
06041106001 San Rafael $3,848,195 Very High Very High 1.4 $5,369,158 97.88
4 Census tract
06041121200 Corte
Madera $4,505,215 Relatively
Moderate Very High 1.13 $5,078,528 97.58
5 Census tract
06041103200 Novato $3,649,854 Relatively
High Very High 1.37 $5,016,752 97.53
6 Census tract
06041112204 San Rafael $2,686,687 Very High Very High 1.59 $4,274,415 96.57
7 Census tract
06041102203 Novato $2,920,534 Relatively
High Very High 1.35 $3,955,365 95.97
8 Census tract
06041106002
County
(Santa
Venetia) $3,505,637 Relatively
Moderate Very High 1.1 $3,843,988 95.73
9 Census tract
06041119201 Larkspur $2,453,803 Relatively
High Very High 1.27 $3,113,358 93.73
10 Census tract
06041119100 County
(Kentfield) $3,547,224 Very Low Very High 0.86 $3,034,275 93.41
11 Census tract
06041110100 San Rafael $2,551,896 Relatively
Moderate Very High 1.11 $2,831,154 92.59
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
60
12 Census tract
06041117000 San
Anselmo $2,891,493 Relatively
Low Very High 0.96 $2,766,643 92.3
13 Census tract
06041120002 Larkspur $2,825,836 Relatively
Low Very High 0.95 $2,698,515 91.98
14 Census tract
06041133000 County $2,925,471 Relatively
Low Very High 0.93 $2,714,057 92.05
15 Census tract
06041104102 Novato $2,251,767 Relatively
High Very High 1.19 $2,685,083 91.89
16 Census tract
06041111001 San Rafael $2,462,117 Relatively
Moderate Very High 1.07 $2,629,315 91.59
17 Census tract
06041121100 Corte
Madera $3,328,198 Very Low Very High 0.78 $2,588,404 91.38
18 Census tract
06041101200 Novato $2,847,863 Relatively
Low Very High 0.88 $2,518,616 90.98
19 Census tract
06041108202 San Rafael $1,698,202 Very High Very High 1.4 $2,380,050 90.12
20 Census tract
06041104300 County (Bel
Marin Keys) $3,514,869 Very Low Very High 0.65 $2,287,081 89.47
Table 1.12: NRI Highest-Risk Communities in Marin County
Source: FEMA Na�onal Risk Index 2023
1.5.5 SOCIAL VULNERABILITY AND RISK IN MARIN COUNTY
Link to Na�onal Risk Index
Social vulnerability is an important factor to consider during all functions of emergency
management (mitigation, preparedness, response, recovery). When we work to mitigate
hazards, we are alleviating the stress a hazard may put on a community. If a community is
considered more socially vulnerable, the residents’ risk of disaster is higher, therefore, to reduce
risk, considering the social makeup of a community is critical. Many methodologies exist to
aggregate census data into one simple number to represent social vulnerability; this should be
seen as macro, supplemental data. It is also important to have input from all sections of a
planning area that can truly represent the experiences, needs, and lived risk in a community.
Metrics that create social vulnerability indices are meaningful to planning as they can signify a
community’s capacity to mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from the impacts of a
disaster. From mitigating your living environment to resist impacts, preparing a backup food
source, to understanding alert and warning messages, and having insurance or obtaining
government assistance after a disaster, all require time, financial resources, education and
language abilities that not all of our community members have the luxury of. This is why looking
at social vulnerability metrics is important to understanding where the needs are in Marin.
For a high-level view to assess what communities in Marin are most at risk, the Marin County
OA MJHMP chose to use the National Risk Index as it combines Expected Annual Loss (a
measurement of expected economic loss), the CDC’s Social Vulnerability Index (2020), and the
Community Resilience Index (CRI) to rank census tracts’ risk across the nation. With the three
metrics aggregated, we can understand, from a high level, what areas of Marin may be the most
holistically impacted by hazards. The most recent version of the National Risk Index was
released in 2023, making it one of the most up to date ways to assess hazard impact and social
vulnerability. Furthermore, it is the best source for information for macro level assessments.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
61
Expected Annual Loss (EAL) is calculated using hazard exposure, annual frequency of a hazard
and historic loss. As a whole, EAL is an attempt to represent average yearly economic loss
resulting from natural hazards (i.e., losses to buildings, population, and agriculture). The county
as whole is ranked as “relatively high” EAL; ranking in the 96-percentile in the nation. Census
tracts are also categorized, see Figure 1.24 .
Three census tracts in Marin, all in San Rafael, rank “Very High” for EAL. Most of the county is
categorized as either “Relatively High” or “Relatively Moderate”, four classify as “Relatively
Low”. One is assigned “Very Low” EAL, this is the Marin City census tract; an unincorporated
community in southern Marin that has historically been underserved (highlighted with red outline
in the following maps). The main contributing factor to this result is the perceived limited
economic value and unrecorded economic losses due to disasters in Marin City. The economic
impact of disasters in underserved communities has been historically under- or unreported,
explaining how a commonly flooded area, such as Marin City, may be reflected as “Very Low”
on the EAL. Disruptive flooding in Marin City happens during any significant rain, and this has
been happening for over 80 years (KQED, 2022). Lack of reporting may be two-fold; limited
connection to government and social capacity of residents to report. Impacts of frequent
flooding in Marin City damages residents’ cars and homes, roadways, other structures; it puts
people at risk of being swept away in flood water, can expose them to contaminated water; it
cuts off residents’ ability to leave for work or errands and return home. All of this damage has
direct economic consequences for the residents of Marin City and the County. Despite being
classified as “Low Risk” on the EAL, the County of Marin acknowledges the impact disasters
have on Marin City.
In Figures 1.19, 1.20, and 1.21 the US Census Tracts are outlined in white, and color coded as
indicated on the map legend. The City and Town Jurisdictions are outlined in black while the
unincorporated area of Marin City is outlined in blue.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
62
Figure 1.19: Marin County NRI – Expected Annual Loss
Source: FEMA Na�onal Risk Index 2023
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
Marin County/ National Risk Index
Expected Annual Loss
101
P tal,, c
9 omc10f
EMERGENCY
•• • MANAGEMENT
118
V no
, om
\2
12\
San Pablo Bay
Wildlife Area
National Risk Index Census Tracts -Expected Annual Loss
-Very High
-Relatively High
-Relative ly Moderate
Relative ly Low
Very Low
No Expected Annual Lo ss es
0 10 --c=::::J ____ Miles
Marin County OEM / Woody Baker-Cohn
email : OEM _GIS @MarinCounty.org
Date Pr inted : 09/13/23
Coun ty of Ma rin, Cal ifo rnia State Parks, Esri, HERE, Garmi n, SafeG raph , FAO, METI/NASA, USGS, Bu rea u of Lan d Manageme nt, EPA, NPS
!Jan
N
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
63
Figure 1.20: Marin County National Risk Index Map
Source: FEMA Na�onal Risk Index 2023
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
National Risk Index
-Very High
-Relatively High
Relatively Moderate
-Relatively Low
-Very Lo w
-Insufficient Data
Marin County /
National Risk Index •
omc10f
EMERGENCY
• MANAGEMENT
101
V no
, om
12
p tal I<
118
121
\, ',, 37
\
-~~~~\
'-------.......
Marin County OEM / Woody Baker-Cohn
email: OEM _GIS@MarinCounty.org
Date Printed : 09/13/23
-----------
San Pablo Bay
Wildlife Area
!Jan
N
County of Marin, California State Parks, Esri, HERE , Garmin , SafeGraph, FAO, METI/NASA, USGS, Bureau of Land Management, EPA, NPS
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
64
When looking at the CDC’s SVI (see Figure 1.21), we see the most socially vulnerable residents
reside in parts of Novato, parts of San Rafael, including in and around the Canal District, the
Greenbrae neighborhood of Larkspur, and the unincorporated areas of Marin City and Santa
Venetia. This aligns with what the County knows about Marin residents. However, discrepancy
lies in the western, more rural area of the county. West Marin is comprised of seven villages,
and other populated areas, that are distanced from the centralized resources in the eastern part
of the county. At three local elementary school in West Marin (2022-2023 school year), the
percentage of students eligible for free and reduced lunch program are, 62%, 41%, and 52%, a
reflection of the financial capacity of local families. West Marin is home to many farms that may
employ and house underrecognized workers that may not have taken part in a census survey,
which is the basis for the SVI is calculation . In the fourth quarter of FY 2021/22 the bus routes
traveling to West Marin (Rural Routes) were the only service category to have increased in
ridership since pre-COVID (increase 0.1%; Marin Transit, 2022) showing the reliance of West
Marin residents on public transportation; however, this data continues to adjust based upon the
increase in alternate methods of mass transportation. Considering this, the County of Marin
acknowledges that unique social factors in West Marin require different approaches than other
parts of the County.
Looking to the community resilience index (CRI) results, the data is only calculated at the
county-level and compared across the nation. As a whole, Marin County is considered to have a
“very high” ability to prepare for anticipated natural hazards, adapt to changing conditions, and
withstand and recover rapidly from disruptions when compared to the rest of the U.S.
Unfortunately, this metric does not give us the distinct experiences of the diverse communities
across Marin.
When the Estimated Annual Loss Index (EAL) , Social Vulnerability Index (SVI), and Community
Resilience Index are aggregated as one, final results of the National Risk Index show Marin
County as a whole to have “Relatively High” risk, this is due to the financial implications a
disaster may have on the county. When broken out by census tract, five tracts are in the highest
category (“Very High Risk”), this matches generally with the same tracts that are ranked in as
higher social vulnerability; parts of Novato, parts of San Rafael, including in and around the
Canal District, the Greenbrae neighborhood of Larkspur, and unincorporated areas of Santa
Venetia.
However, Marin City is ranked as “Very Low” risk for the National Risk Index. Previous
discussion highlighted why the Expected Annual Loss was low, but further discussion is
required. As a County, we know Marin City should not be classified as “Very Low” on the NRI.
Marin City residents, for example, only have one way in and out of their community and this
road floods frequently, making it unsafe to cross and leave the community for work, school,
medical resources. Additionally, there is only one “grocery” store, a Target, in Marin City. Both of
these elements contribute to the vulnerability of residents as they may be unable to leave or
return home and have limited access to groceries, relying on a single store’s supply chain. At
the local elementary school in Marin City, 47% of students are eligible for free and reduced-price
meals (2022 – 2023 school year), a reflection of the financial capacity of local families. All this
means, we can expect the social and built capacity of Marin City to be limited.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
65
Figure 1.21: Marin County CDC Social Vulnerability Index Map
Source: FEMA Na�onal Risk Index 2023
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
Marin County /
Social Vulnerability Index EMERGENCY e omcrn1
• MANAGEMENT
E 'v .... rar10
';onom IOI
p ta
116
10•
Recrea .
'--,.____,
~--------------~ \.,,
CDC Social Vunerability Index .... '-----------,, Rating of SVI for LHMP ',,, ____ Recrt.
-Very High '-.._,
-Relatively High 0 2 .5 "'--s---~10
Relatively Moderate
Relatively Low
Very Low
--c:::::::::i---• Miles
Marin County OEM / Woody Baker-Cohn
email: OEM _GIS@MarinCounty.org
Date Printed: 09/13/23
County of Mar in, California State Parks, Esri, HERE, Garmin, SafeG raph , FAO, METJ/NASA, USGS, Bureau of Land Man agement, EPA, NPS
12
121
37
San Pablo Ba y
Wildlife Area
!Jan
N
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
66
The County of Marin has several outreach programs, specifically designed to reach and include
traditionally underserved and underrepresented communities, including, Health and Human
Services’ Community Response Teams, Office of Equity’s Participatory Budgeting program, and
a community-created Race and Equity Plan. To receive feedback on the Marin County OA
MJHMP, bilingual outreach was conducted through the Community Response Teams, which are
led by local non-profits, representing four zones of Marin County. Local non-profits are selected
for grant funding to be the Community Response Team lead. Additionally, County
representatives went on the West Marin radio station, KWMR, to reach rural populations.
While decision makers in Marin acknowledge that aggregate hazard and social vulnerability
data can be informative for understanding what resources can be most beneficial to what area
of the county, it is acknowledged that this data is not considered to be fully representative of
Marin’s communities. It is critical to have a diversity of resident voices to represent a
community’s needs and experiences. Furthermore, this data does not consider trends and
anticipated changes. Climate change continues to increase risk in our communities, with heat,
sea level rise, increased flood events, longer droughts, and more powerful wildfires. Additionally,
Marin’s population is aging and growing to be less-White which will require the continued
development of planning and response approaches to meet the needs of all residents.
1.5.6 ECONOMICS
Marin County has a strong economic base which has changed significantly over the last
century. The county’s economy was dominated by agriculture in the early part of its history.
However, in recent years, Marin’s economy has seen increasing job growth in technology-
related fields such as biotechnology, computer software, and multimedia. With several
attractions including beaches and parks in Marin, tourism is important to Marin County’s
economy.
The Marin County resident workforce is predominantly white collar. Over 92% of the County’s
residents age 25 or older have at least a high school diploma, compared with about 81%
statewide; over 54% in this same age group have a bachelor’s degree. These higher-than-
average educational levels directly correlate with a low poverty rate of 7.5%, compared with
15.3% statewide. The County’s largest employers include the County government, State
Corrections Department, Marin General Hospital, Kaiser Permanente, Fireman’s Fund
Insurance, Lucas Licensing, Fair Isaac Corporation, and College of Marin. Over half the
working population is employed in professional, management, or financial business
occupations, but most of these workers are employed outside the County in urban centers such
as San Francisco and Oakland. The services, construction, and transportation industries
combined employ less than a quarter of the resident population but are major employment
sectors within the County. According to the Marin Economic Commission, service industries
based in Marin are a major source of employment for residents of surrounding counties who
commute to Marin. The agricultural sector also retains a strong cultural and historical presence.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
67
Table 1.13: Marin County Civilian Employed Population 16 Years and Over
Industry Estimated
Employment
Percent
Civilian employed population 16 years and over 18,676,721 100
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining 394,881 2.1
Construction 1,235,586 6.6
Manufacturing 1,676,715 9.0
Wholesale trade 501,378 2.7
Retail trade 1,919,513 10.3
Transportation and warehousing, and utilities 1,071,181 5.7
Information 539,683 2.9
Finance and insurance, and real estate and rental and
leasing 1,107,961 5.9
Professional, scientific, and management, and
administrative and waste management services 2,612,859 14.0
Educational services, and health care and social
assistance 3,990,094 21.4
Arts, entertainment, and recreation, and accommodation
and food services 1,835,141 9.8
Other services, except public administration 927,253 5.0
Public administration 864,476 4.6
Table 1.13: Marin County Civilian Employed Population 16 Years and Over
Source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey 2021 Estimates
1.6 EXISTING AUTHORITIES, POLICIES, PROGRAMS, AND RESOURCES
The jurisdictions represented in this plan are authorized by state law and qualify as separate
governments. With the exception of the special districts, the jurisdictions all have a general plan
that regulates current and future development through zoning based on described hazards.
State law requires all California Cities and Counties to adopt general plans which include seven
mandatory chapters: Land Use, Circulation, Housing, Conservation, Open Space, Noise and
Safety. In addition to General Plans, each jurisdiction has an Emergency Action (or Operations)
Plan and a Climate Action Plan.
The jurisdictions each have a municipal code of ordinances to establish the minimum
requirements to safeguard the public health, safety, and general welfare through structural
strength, means of egress facilities, stability, access to persons with disabilities, sanitation,
adequate lighting and ventilation and energy conservation, and safety to life and property from
fire and other hazards attributed to the built environment; to regulate and control the demolition
of all buildings and structures, and for related purposes.
The jurisdictions all have planning departments that review proposed developments and new
uses for conformance with policies plans and regulations and are served by law enforcement
and fire departments.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
68
Resources vary greatly between jurisdictions according to general funds and staff, which are
roughly proportionate to population size and commercial activity. Regardless of size, mitigation
actions tend to leverage federal, state, and regional financial resources heavily in the form of
matching grants.
With the protection of plans and codes secured through statute, the expansion and
improvement of policies and programs are dependent on the allocation of limited financial
resources towards staff administration and implementation. An efficient means of improving and
expanding programs is through shared resources. The many small jurisdictions in the County
often do not have the resources to successfully accomplish the many requirements placed upon
them, but through economies of scale they can provide better public service. One example of
that is this Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, which for most jurisdictions
represents a much-needed update. For two of these jurisdictions this will be a new plan. See
Section 4.0: Mitigation Strategy for further existing authorities, policies, programs, and
resources in Marin County.
1.7 NEW ITEMS FOR THE 2023 MJHMP
The 2018 Marin County OA MJHMP contained a detailed description of the planning process, a
risk assessment of identified hazards for the Marin County planning area, and an overall
mitigation strategy for reducing risk and vulnerability from these hazards. Since approval of the
plan by FEMA, progress has been made by the Marin County OA on implementation of the
mitigation strategy. As part of this 2023 MJHMP Update, a thorough review and update of the
2018 plan was conducted to ensure that this update reflects current community conditions and
priorities in order to realign the overall mitigation strategy for the next five-year planning period.
This MJHMP update involved a comprehensive review and update of each section of the 2018
plan and includes an assessment of the success of the participating communities in evaluating,
monitoring and implementing the mitigation strategy outlined in the initial plan. Only the
information and data still valid from the 2018 plan was carried forward as applicable into this
MJHMP update.
Table 1.14: Marin County OA MJHMP Participants 2018 and 2023
2018 Plan Participants 2023 Plan Participants
1 Marin County Marin County
2 City of Belvedere City of Belvedere
3 Town of Corte Madera Bolinas Community Public Utility District
4 City of Fairfax Town of Corte Madera
5 City of Larkspur Sanitary District No. 2
6 City of Mill Valley City of Fairfax
7 City of Novato City of Larkspur
8 Town of Ross Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District
9 City of San Rafael City of Mill Valley
10 Town of San Anselmo North Marin Water District
11 City of Sausalito City of Novato
12 City of Tiburon Town of Ross
13 North Marin Water District Town of San Anselmo
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
69
14 Marin County Flood Control and Water
Conservation District City of San Rafael
15 City of Sausalito
16 Southern Marin Fire Department
17 City of Tiburon
Table 1.14: Marin County OA MJHMP Participants 2018 and 2023
Also to be noted, the 2023 MJHMP update identifies key requirements for updating future plans:
• Considers changes in vulnerability due to action implementation;
• Documents success stories where mitigation efforts have proven effective;
• Documents areas where mitigation actions were not effective;
• Documents any new hazards that may arise or were previously overlooked;
• Incorporates new data or studies on hazards and risks;
• Incorporates new capabilities or changes in capabilities;
• Incorporates growth and development-related changes to inventories; and
• Incorporates new action recommendations or changes in action prioritization.
These requirements and others as detailed throughout this plan were also addressed during this
plan update process.
As part of its 2023 Mitigation Strategy, Marin County and participating jurisdictions recognized
that certain data, if available, would enhance the analyses presented in the risk assessment and
utilized in the development of the mitigation strategy. New information and analyses contained
throughout this plan update includes the following:
• A new assessment of hazards affecting the OA was completed resulting in the inclusion
of additional hazards including climate change.
• An entire rework of the risk assessment for each identified hazard, including reworking
the hazard profile and adding new hazard event occurrences; redoing the entire
vulnerability analysis to add items identified below and updating the vulnerability
assessment based on more recent hazard data as well as using the most current parcel
and assessor data for the existing built environment.
• An update of the flood hazard analysis utilizing the 2017 DFIRMs to include an updated
analysis of the 100-year flood, an analysis of the 500-year flood, and an enhanced
analysis of the localized/stormwater flooding problems affecting the planning area.
• Development of an updated critical facility definition and a GIS mapping effort of critical
facilities for the planning area.
• Greater analysis was performed on the wildfire hazard utilizing CalFire, Fire Severity GIS
data and updated CalFire fire hazard severity maps from 2022.
• An enhanced vulnerability assessment which added an analysis of populations
vulnerable to two priority hazards: flood and wildfire.
• An enhanced vulnerability assessment which added an analysis of future development in
the planning area and specific to each of the mapped hazards.
• Incorporation and analysis of the new 2020 Census data was utilized for this MHHMP
update.
• An analysis of the incorporation of the 2023 MJHMP into other planning mechanisms in
the Marin County OA was performed.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
70
Also, as required by the FEMA 2008 Local Multi-Hazard Mitigation Planning Guidance, the
MJHMP an analysis of each jurisdictions' ongoing and continued compliance with the NFIP.
1.7.1 REVISION OF THE HAZARD IDENTIFICATION AND RISK ASSESSMENT
This revised 2023 MJHMP now includes climate change in addition to the natural hazards facing
our community. The risk assessment for each identified natural hazard was updated as
determined by the Steering Committee. This included a reformulation of the hazard profiles and
additions of new hazard occurrences. The vulnerability assessment was updated based on
more recent hazard data.
1.7.2 CLIMATE CHANGE
According to the California Natural Resource Agency (CNRA), climate change is already
affecting California and is projected to continue to do so well into the foreseeable future.
Current and projected changes include increased temperatures, sea level rise, a reduced winter
snowpack, altered precipitation patterns, and more frequent storm events. Over the long term,
reducing greenhouse gases can help make these changes less severe, but the changes cannot
be avoided entirely. Unavoidable climate impacts result in a variety of secondary consequences
including detrimental impacts on human health and safety, economic continuity, ecosystem
integrity and provision of basic services. Climate change is being profiled in the 2023 Marin
County Hazard Mitigation Plan as a standalone hazard while addressing each of the other
natural hazards. Marin County is considering climate change issues when identifying future
mitigation actions.
1.7.3 PROGRESS ON LOCAL MITIGATION EFFORTS
There was success in the implementation of the mitigation actions as defined in the 2018
planning process, so the Steering Committee reassessed the need for those actions, looked at
new actions and provided an explanation as to the methodology.
Details of 2018 projects are included in section 4.7 but multiple projects have had success,
including completion and ongoing of retrofitting of critical county-owned buildings (project #2),
completed construction of a flood basin on Fairfax Creek (project #3), and obtaining a grant to
design the McInnis Marsh Restoration Project (project #23). The City of Mill Valley adopted a
soft-story wood frame retrofit ordinance, updated the fire code, implemented updated vegetation
management requirements, and has emergency generators available for all critical city facilities.
1.8 PLAN ORGANIZATION AND STRUCTURE
The MJHMP has been developed using the latest guidance documents from the FEMA as
listed:
• Local Mitigation Plan Review Guide dated October 11, 2011 and is structured similar
to their Plan Review Tool.
• Local Mitigation Planning Policy Guide, April 19, 2023
• State Mitigation Planning Key Topics Bulletin: Mitigation Capabilities, November
2022
• State Mitigation Planning Key Topics Bulletin: Mitigation Strategy, October 2022
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
71
• State Mitigation Planning Key Topics Bulletins: Planning Process, October 2022
• State Mitigation Planning Key Topics Bulletin: Risk Assessment, October 2022
The Marin County OA Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan is organized as follows:
• Section 1.0: Introduction
• Section 2.0: Planning Process
• Section 3.0: Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
• Section 4.0 Mitigation Strategy
• Section 5.0: Plan Review, Evaluation, and Implementation
• Appendix A: Adoption Letters
• Appendix B: Documentation of the Planning Process
• Appendix C: Public Outreach Survey
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
72
SECTION 2.0: PLANNING PROCESS
Local governments have the responsibility to protect the health, safety, and welfare of their
community members. Proactive mitigation policies and actions reduce risk and create safer,
more disaster-resilient communities. Mitigation is an investment in Marin’s safety and
sustainability. Consider the critical importance of mitigation to:
• Reducing the devastating impacts that disasters can have on community members,
workers, and businesses in Marin.
• Public safety and preventing loss of life and injury.
• Reducing harm to existing and future development.
• Preventing damage to a community’s unique economic, cultural, and environmental
assets.
• Minimizing operational downtime and accelerating recovery of communities, government
and businesses after disasters.
• Reducing the cost of disaster response and recovery and the exposure to risk for first
responders.
• Helping accomplish other community objectives, such as leveraging capital
improvements, infrastructure protection, open space preservation, and economic
resiliency.
The purpose of mitigation planning is to identify local policies and potential actions that can be
implemented over the long term to reduce risk and future losses from hazards. Mitigation
policies and actions are identified based on a hazard risk assessment and the participation of a
wide range of stakeholders and the public in the planning process. Benefits of mitigation
planning include:
• Identifying actions for risk reduction that are agreed upon by stakeholders and the
public.
• Focusing resources on the greatest risks and vulnerabilities.
• Building partnerships by involving residents and visitors, organizations, and businesses.
• Increasing education and awareness of threats and hazards, as well as their risks.
• Communicating priorities to State and Federal officials.
44 CFR Requirement §201.6(b): In order to develop a more comprehensive approach to reducing the
effects of natural disasters, the planning process shall include:
1) An opportunity for the public to comment on the plan during the drafting stage and prior to
plan approval;
2) An opportunity for neighboring communities, local and regional agencies involved in hazard
mitigation activities, and agencies that have the authority to regulate development, as well as
businesses, academia and other private and non-profit interests to be involved in the planning
process; and
3) Review and incorporation, if appropriate, of existing plans, studies, reports, and technical
information.
44 CFR Requirement §201.6(c)(1): [The plan shall document] the planning process used to develop
the plan, including how it was prepared, who was involved in the process, and how the public was
involved.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
73
• Aligning risk reduction with other community objectives.
2.1 PLANNING APPROACH
The initial phase of a planning approach is to identify risk associated with threats and hazards
and identify projects to reduce that risk. The Marin Operational Area understands its hazards,
vulnerabilities, and risks and is working together and with the public, to develop strategies,
policies, and actions necessary to reduce risk and protect residents and visitors. Marin’s hazard
mitigation planning process engages the whole community and follows State and Federal
planning guidance consistent with the requirements of the Stafford Act and the Federal Code of
Federal Regulations (44 CFR Part 201).
The six elements of hazard mitigation planning include:
1. Introduction and Community Overview
2. Planning Process
3. Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
4. Development of The Mitigation Strategy
5. Plan Review, Evaluation, And Implementation
6. Plan Adoption
This 2023 Marin County OA MJHMP is a comprehensive update of the 2018 Marin County OA
MJHMP, which covered County of Marin the Cities of Belvedere, Larkspur, Mill Valley, Novato,
San Rafael and Sausalito; the Towns of Corte Madera, Fairfax, Ross, San Anselmo and
Tiburon; and the special districts of Bolinas Community Public Utility District, Las Gallinas Valley
Sanitary District, North Marin Water District, Sanitary District No. 2, and Southern Marin Fire
Protection District. FEMA approved the 2018 plan on December 27, 2018, and the plan is
expiring on December 27, 2023. The current update meets federal requirements for updating
hazard mitigation plans on a five-year cycle. It represents the third iteration of the Marin County
Hazard Mitigation Plan, which was initially developed as a plan in 2013. Eighty-three planning
partners have participated in the 2023 update, as listed in Table 2.2 and Table 2.4.
The 2023 Marin County OA MJHMP identifies the process that Marin County will use to develop
their roles and responsibilities in hazard mitigation planning. The 2023 Hazard Mitigation Plan is
the principal guide for Marin County to identify hazards and mitigation projects that will enhance
the resilience of Marin communities from natural disasters.
The planning team used the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Local Mitigation
Plan Review Guide to ensure the Marin County OA MJHMP includes all necessary
components.
The process followed to develop the 2023 Marin County OA MJHMP had the following primary
objectives:
• Secure grant funding and select a consultant.
• Establish a planning partnership.
• Define the planning area and jurisdiction.
• Establish a steering committee and planning team.
• Coordinate with stakeholders and agencies.
• Review existing programs.
• Engage the public.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
74
These objectives are discussed in the following sections.
2.2 GRANT FUNDING AND CONSULTANT SELECTION
This planning effort was supplemented by a FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant in fiscal
year 2019. Marin County OEM was the sub-applicant agent for the grant. It covered 75 percent
of the cost for development of this plan; the County and planning partners covered the balance
through in-kind contributions.
In November 2022, Marin County contracted for consultant services to assist in the update to
their 2018 Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. After a comprehensive review process,
Preparative Consulting was selected to partner with representatives from Marin County and its
participating jurisdictions to complete a comprehensive update of the 2018 Marin County OA
MJHMP
2.3 ESTABLISH A PLANNING PARTNERSHIP
As the lead organization, Marin County Fire Department Office of Emergency Management
(OEM) established a Steering Committee with representatives from the County, Cities, Towns,
and special districts. These participants were engaged to lead the planning process based on
the contribution and input from relevant stakeholders and the public. Representatives should
have the authority and knowledge to identify and commit resources during the planning process
and have subject matter knowledge on local communities, hazards, and risks.
The majority of Marin County is unincorporated sparsely populated rural and protected lands.
Most of the 262,000 county population is consolidated into the Eastern portion of the county.
The County of Marin has a unique populated distribution where the participating planning
jurisdictions and district’s planning areas are located in an area of the county with similar
climate, similar topography, and are exposed to many of the same hazards. Only three
jurisdictions, Larkspur, Ross, and San Anselmo, are not coastal jurisdictions and are not
impacted by Tsunami or Sea Level Rise.
The Marin County OA MJHMP Steering Committee and broader Planning Team approached the
development of the Marin County OA MJHMP and the associated jurisdictional and district
profiles from a coordinated and collaborative planning and public engagement unity of effort.
The Steering Committee felt a unified effort, led by the Marin County OEM, would be the most
effective approach for this planning process. This approach allowed the small jurisdictions and
districts with limited staffing and resources to take advantage of the combined efforts of the
County and other jurisdictions to reach a broader segment of each of their populations and do
so in a way to ensure greater equity and inclusion of the public in this planning process.
Extensive and coordinated public outreach was done involving all participating jurisdictions and
districts with an eye towards equity, inclusion, openness, accessibility, and ensuring they meet
the population where they live, work, or recreate to provide the public convenience of access
and ease of participation in this planning process.
Participating jurisdictions worked through multiple sessions and independently on:
• Facilitation of the planning process, including multi-agency collaboration and partnering.
• Identification of the primary local stakeholders – formation of the Marin County OA
hazard mitigation Planning Team and hazard mitigation Steering Committee.
• Review of the 2018 Marin County OA MJHMP.
• Establishment of updated planning goals and objectives.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
75
• Establishment of jurisdiction-specific hazard mitigation work groups to facilitate internal
planning activities.
• Organization of jurisdiction/agency-specific hazard mitigation Working Groups.
• Revision of jurisdictional demographic and organizational data, and reformatting of
information presentation.
• Identification and refined assessment of real or potential hazards and threat conditions.
• Development of prioritized hazard mitigation strategies and projects, keyed to identified
hazards.
• Compliance with the Disaster Mitigation Act requirements as established by federal
regulations and following FEMA’s planning guidance.
• Prioritization of equity and engagement of the whole community with a focus on
engaging hard-to-reach populations and providing translation and interpretation services
in our public outreach and input process.
• Production of the draft and final plan documents; and
• Coordination with the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and FEMA
Region IX plan reviews.
2.4 DEFINE THE PLANNING AREA AND PARTICIPATING JURISDICTIONS
The planning area and participating jurisdictions and organizations were defined to consist of
unincorporated Marin County, the Cities of Belvedere, Larkspur, Mill Valley, Novato, San Rafael
and Sausalito; the towns of Corte Madera, Fairfax, Ross, San Anselmo and Tiburon; the Bolinas
Public Utility District, the Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District, the Sanitary District #2, the
Southern Marin Fire Protection District, and the North Marin Water District. All participating
jurisdictions are within the geographical boundary of Marin County and have jurisdictional
authority within this planning area. A map showing the geographic boundary of the defined
planning area for this plan update is provided in Chapter 3, along with a description of planning
area characteristics.
This unity of effort approach allowed the Steering Committee to establish a more robust
Planning Team representing local, countywide, regional, state, and federal stakeholders
servicing the Marin County planning area. These stakeholders were in a unique position to
provide informed and specific information and recommendations on hazard mitigation goals and
actions, as well as population needs and social vulnerability for each of the jurisdictional and
district planning areas. This united effort allowed the planning team to attend fewer meetings
than they would have been required to attend if they were required to attend separate meetings
for each participating jurisdiction and district. The reduced number of meetings allowed the
planning team the opportunity and time to provide more detailed and thoughtful contributions to
the planning effort.
Each jurisdiction wishing to join the planning partnership/Steering Committee was asked to
provide a “letter of intent to participate” that designated a point of contact for the jurisdiction and
confirmed the jurisdiction’s commitment to the process, understanding of expectations, and
commitment to adopt the approved Hazard Mitigation plan by their governing body. These
expectations are detailed in section 2.5 STEERING COMMITTEE.
The jurisdictions participating in the 2023 Marin County OA MJHMP were represented by:
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
76
Table 2.1: 2023 MJHMP Participating Jurisdictions
Jurisdiction Representative Title
1 Marin County Hannah Tarling Emergency Management Coordinator
2 Marin County Chris Reilly OEM Project Manager
3 City of Belvedere Irene Borba Director of Planning
4 City of Larkspur Loren Umbertis Public Works Director
5 City of Mill Valley Patrick Kelly Director of Planning and Building
6 City of Novato Dave Jeffries Consultant/JPSC
7 City of San Rafael Quinn Gardner Deputy Emergency Services Coord.
8 City of Sausalito Kevin McGowan Director of Public Works
9 Town of Corte Madera and
Sanitary District #2 RJ Suokko Director of Public Works
10 Town of Fairfax Loren Umbertis Public Works Director
11 Town of Ross Richard Simonitch Public Works Director
12 Town of San Anselmo Sean Condry Public Works & Building Director
13 Town of Tiburon Sam Bonifacio Assistant Planner
14 Bolinas Community Public
Utility District
Jennifer Blackman General Manager
15 Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary
District Dale McDonald Administrative Services Manager
16 North Marin Water District Eric Miller Asst. General Manager
17 Southern Marin Fire District Marshall Nau Fire Marshall/South Marin Fire Dist.
Table 2.1: 2023 Marin OA MJHMP Participating Jurisdictions
2.5 STEERING COMMITTEE
The Steering Committee led the planning process based on the contribution and input from the
whole community stakeholders who identified the community’s concerns, values, and priorities.
Preparative Consulting coordinated and facilitated the 2023 Marin County OA MJHMP update
with the assistance of the Marin County Office of Emergency Management and acted as the
central point of contact for all partnering jurisdictions and organizations. Preparative Consulting
developed the draft plan in conjunction with and at the direction of the hazard mitigation
Steering Committee members and served as a liaison between Marin County and the State
regarding plan revision.
Table 2.2: 2023 MJHMP Steering Committee Members
No. Agency Point of Contact Title
1 Belvedere Laurie Nilsen Emergency Services Coordinator
2 Belvedere Rebecca Markwick Planning Director
3 Belvedere Samie Malakiman Associate Planner
4 Bolinas Com. PUD Jennifer Blackman General Manager
5 Bolinas Fire Protection Dist Stephen Marcotte Assistant Fire Chief
6 Central Marin Fire District Matt Cobb Battalion Chief/Fire
7 Central Marin Fire District Ezra Colman Battalion Chief/Fire
8 Central Marin Fire District Rubin Martin Fire Chief
9 Corte Madera RJ Suokko Director of Public Works
10 Corte Madera Chris Good Senior Civil Engineer
11 Sanitary District No. 2 RJ Suokko Director of Public Works
12 Fairfax Loren Umbertis Public Works Director
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
77
13 Fairfax Mark Lockaby Building Official
14 Larkspur Dan Schwarz City Manager
15 Larkspur Julian Skinner Public Works Director/ City Engineer
16 Larkspur Robert Quinn Public Works Superintendent
17 Las Gallinas Valley
Sanitary District Dale McDonald Administrative Services Mgr.
18 Las Gallinas Valley
Sanitary District Greg Pease Safety Manager
19 Marin County Steven Torrence Director of Emergency Management
20 Marin County Chris Reilly OEM Manager
21 Marin County Woody Baker-Cohn Senior Emergency Management
Coordinator
22 Marin County Leslie Lacko Community Development Agency
23 Marin County Hannah Lee Senior Civil Engineer
24 Marin County Felix Meneau Project Mgr./ FCWCD
25 Marin County Julia Elkin Department of Public Works
26 Marin County Beb Skye Department of Public Works
27 Marin County Scott Alber Fire
28 Marin County Lisa Santora Deputy Public Health Officer, Marin Health
& Human Services
29 Marin County Kathleen Koblick Marin Health & Human Services
30 Marin County Amber Davis Public Health Preparedness
31 Mill Valley Patrick Kelly Director of Planning & Building Department
32 Mill Valley Ahmed A Aly Engineering Project Manager
33 Mill Valley Jared Barrilleaux Deputy Director of Engineering
34 Mill Valley Daisy Allen Senior Planner
35 Southern Marin Fire District Tom Welch Deputy Chief/South Marin Fire Dist.
36 Southern Marin Fire District Marshall Nau Fire Marshall/South Marin Fire Dist.
37 North Marin Water District Eric Miller Asst. General Manager
38 North Marin Water District Tim Fuette Senior Engineer
39 Novato David Dammuller Engineering Services Mgr.
40 Novato Dave Jeffries Consultant/JPSC
41 Ross Richard Simonitch Public Works Director
42 San Anselmo Sean Condry Public Works & Building Director
43 San Anselmo Erica Freeman Building Official
44 San Anselmo Scott Schneider Asst. PW Director
45 San Rafael Quinn Gardner Deputy Emergency Services Coord.
46 San Rafael Cory Bytof Sustainability
47 San Rafael Joanna Kwok Senior Civil Engineer
48 San Rafael Kate Hagemann Climate Adaptation & Resilience Planner
49 Sausalito Andrew Davidson Senior Engineer/ DPW
50 Sausalito Kevin McGowan Director of Public Works
51 Sausalito Brandon Phipps Planning Director
52 Sausalito Ali Iqbal Assistant Civil Engineer/ Public Works
53 Tiburon Sam Bonifacio Assistant Planner
54 Tiburon Dina Tasini Director of Community Development
55 Tiburon Laurie Nilsen Emergency Services Coordinator
Table 2.2: Marin County OA MJHMP Steering Committee Members
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
78
Table 2.3: Preparative Consulting Planning Team Members
No. Agency Point of
Contact
Title
1 Preparative Consulting Paul Bockrath Project Lead/Planner
2 Preparative Consulting Candise
Bockrath Project Manager
3 Preparative Consulting David M. Block Lead Planner
Table 2.3: Marin County OA MJHMP Preparative Consulting Planning Team Members
The Steering Committee met and reviewed the mitigation recommendations and strategies
identified within this plan. Each participating local jurisdiction established a mechanism for the
development and implementation of jurisdictional mitigation projects, as identified within this
plan and associated locally specific supporting documents. As deemed necessary and
appropriate, participating jurisdictions will organize local mitigation groups to facilitate and
administer internal activities.
The Disaster Mitigation Act (DMA) planning regulations and guidance stress that each local
government seeking FEMA approval of their mitigation plan must participate in the planning
process. The Steering Committee assisted with the planning process in the following ways:
• Attending and participating in the Steering Committee meetings.
• Identification of potential mitigation actions.
• Updating the status of mitigation actions from the 2018 Marin County OA MJHMP.
• Collecting and providing other requested data (as available).
• Making decisions on plan process and content.
• Reviewing and providing comments on plan drafts; including annexes.
• Informing the public, local officials, and other interested stakeholders about the
planning process and providing opportunity for them to be involved and provide
comment.
• Coordinating, and participating in the public input process.
• Coordinating the formal adoption of the plan by the governing boards.
2.5.1 STEERING COMMITTEE PLANNING PROCESS
The Steering Committee met monthly to develop the plan. Email notifications were sent out to
each Steering Committee member to solicit their participation in the Steering Committee
meetings. The meetings were conducted using a Zoom platform videoconferencing. Meeting
attendees signed in using the chat feature to record their attendance.
The Steering Committee agreed to make and pass plan-based general policy recommendations
by a vote of a simple majority of those members present. The Steering Committee will also
seek input on future hazard mitigation programs and strategies from the mitigation planning
team by focusing on the following:
• Identify new hazard mitigation strategies to be pursued on a state and regional basis,
and review the progress and implementation of those programs already identified.
44 CFR Requirement §201.6(a)(3): Mul�-jurisdic�onal plans may be accepted, as appropriate, as long
as each jurisdic�on has par�cipated in the process and has officially adopted the plan.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
79
• Review the progress of the Hazard Mitigation program and bring forth community
input on new strategies.
• Coordinate with and support the efforts of the Marin County OEM to promote and
identify resources and grant money for implementation of recommended hazard
mitigation Strategies within local jurisdictions and participating public agencies.
During the planning process, the Steering Committee communicated through
videoconferencing, face-to-face meetings, email, telephone conversations, and through the
County website. The County website included information for all stakeholders on the MJHMP
update process. Hannah Tarling of the Marin County Office of Emergency Management and
Preparative Consulting established a Microsoft 365 SharePoint folder which allowed the
Steering Committee members and Marin OEM and Preparative Consulting to share planning
documents and provide a format for the planning partners to submit completed documents and
access other planning related documents and forms. Draft documents were also posted on this
platform and the Marin County OES website so that the Steering Committee members and the
public could easily access and review them.
2.5.2 STEERING COMMITTEE TASKS
The Steering Committee engaged in research to identify, document, and profile all the hazards
that have, and could have, an impact on the planning area. The Steering Committee also
conducted a capability assessment to review and document the planning area’s current
capabilities to mitigate the risk and vulnerability of each participating jurisdiction to each
identified hazard. By collecting information about existing government programs, policies,
regulations, ordinances, and emergency plans, the Steering Committee could assess those
activities and measures already in place that contribute to mitigating some of the risks and
vulnerabilities identified.
Specific tasks were identified for the Steering Committee in order to ensure that project goals for
the MJHMP revision were undertaken and completed. The following represents those primary
Steering Committee tasks:
• Coordinate tasks and activities with the Marin County OEM to develop all-hazards
disaster mitigation plan and oversee the planning process.
• Prioritize hazards vs. resources.
• Select highest and best mitigation recommendations and develop those
recommendations for further action by Marin County and the Cities/Towns and
special districts.
• Review planning drafts, recommendations and updates.
• Develop and implement long and short term goals.
• Integrate the plan with all phases of comprehensive emergency management
planning.
• Provide for the implementation of committee decisions.
• Encourage, coordinate and provide a methodology for the implementation of public
input.
• Provide for the implementation of Steering Committee decisions.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
80
2.5.3 STEERING COMMITTEE FUTURE TASKS
Specific future tasks were identified for the Steering Committee in order to ensure that project
goals for the MJHMP revision were continued. The following represents those primary Steering
Committee future tasks:
• Define the mitigation constraints that the Marin County OA is required to follow in
implementing recommendations from the Steering Committee.
o Protection of sensitive information
o Apply budget constraints to recommended hazard mitigation strategies
o Apply state policy and legal constraints to mitigation strategies brought forward
by the Steering Committee.
• Meet on an annual basis to review the work of and contribute to the Steering
Committee activities.
• Bring forth the concerns and views of the community to the Steering Committee for
consideration in the ongoing hazard mitigation planning process.
• Consider utilizing the California Department of Public Health Community Assessment
for Public Health Emergency Response (CASPER) to provide public health leaders
and emergency managers with a rapid community assessment to determine
household-based information about a community following a disaster.
• Assist in informing the public and community of the hazard mitigation strategies
recommended by the Steering Committee.
• Define the constraints for implementation of prioritized mitigation strategies within the
authorities, laws, and regulations of the local entities existing within the Marin County
OA.
• Carry out the goals and objectives of the Marin County OA MJHMP.
• Support and review the input from meetings of the adjunct members with individuals,
agencies and jurisdictions.
• Assure that the public is kept informed of changing strategies and implementation
actions periodically.
2.6 COORDINATION WITH STAKEHOLDERS AND AGENCIES
Opportunities for involvement in the planning process must be provided to neighboring
communities, local and regional agencies involved in hazard mitigation, agencies with
authority to regulate development, businesses, academia, and other private and nonprofit
interests (44 CFR, Section 201.6(b)(2)).
Early in the planning process, the Steering Committee determined that data collection, risk
assessment analyses, mitigation strategy development, and plan approval would be greatly
44 CFR Requirement 201.6(b): An open public involvement process is essen�al to the development
of an effec�ve plan. In order to develop a more comprehensive approach to reducing the effects of
natural disasters, the planning process shall include: (2) An opportunity for neighboring
communi�es, local and regional agencies involved in hazard mi�ga�on ac�vi�es, and agencies that
have the authority to regulate development, as well as businesses, academia and other private and
non-profit interests to be involved in the planning process. (3) Review and incorpora�on, if
appropriate, of exis�ng plans, studies, reports, and technical informa�on.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
81
enhanced by inviting other local, state and federal agencies and organizations to participate in
the process. Based on their involvement in hazard mitigation planning, their landowner status in
the County, and/or their interest as a neighboring jurisdiction, representatives from the following
groups were invited to participate on the Planning Team:
Table 2.4: Marin County OA MJHMP Planning Team Members
No. Agency Point of Contact Title
Special Districts & Partner Agencies
1 Bolinas Fire Protection District Stephen Marcotte Assistant Fire Chief
2 County of Sonoma Jeffrey DuVall Deputy Director, County of
Sonoma OEM
3 County of Marin Disability Access
Program Laney Davidson Disability Access Manager/
ADA Coordinator
4 County of Marin Disability Access
Program Peter Mendoza Disability Access Manager/
ADA Coordinator
5 Emergency Medical Services Chris Le Baudour EMS Authority
6 Fire Departments Jason Weber Fire Chief
7 Golden Gate Bridge, Highway &
Transportation District Daniel Rodriguez Security, Emergency
Management Specialist
8 Golden Gate Bridge, Highway &
Transportation District Dennis Mulligan General Manager & CEO,
9 Marin City Climate Resilience and
Health Justice Terrie Green Executive Director
10 Marin Center for Independent
Living Peter Mendoza Director of Advocacy and
Special Projects
11 Marin City Community Services
District Juanita Edwards Interim General Manager
12 Marin County Community
Development Agency Leslie Lacko Community Development
Agency
13 Marin County Flood Control &
Water Conservation District Garry Lion Advisory Board Member
14 Marin County Office of Education Michael Grant Director, Marin County
Office of Education
15 Marin County Parks Max Korten General Manager and
Director
16 PG&E Mark Van Gorder Government Affairs, North
Bay
17 PG&E Ron Karlen PG&E Public Safety
Specialist
18 Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit
(SMART) Jennifer McGill Chief of Police
19 Transportation Authority of Marin
(TAM) Anne Richmond Executive Director
20 Willow Creek School Itoco Garcia Superintendent
State Agencies
21 Cal OES - ESC Sarah Finnigan Cal OES, Sr. Emergency
Services Coordinator
22 Cal OES, Division of Safety of
Dams Danielle Jessup Coordinator/ Dam Safety
Planning Division
23 California Department of Public
Health Svetlana Smorodinsky Disaster Epidemiologist/
Environmental &
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
82
Table 2.4: Marin County OA MJHMP Planning Team Members
No. Agency Point of Contact Title
Occupational Emergency
Preparedness Team
24 California Department of Public
Health Patrice Chamberlain
Health Program Specialist
II / Environmental &
Occupational Emergency
Preparedness Team
25 California Department of Water
Resources Julia Ekstrom, PhD
Supervisor, Urban Unit
Water Use Efficiency
Branch
26 Caltrans Trang Hoang Senior Transportation Engr/
Office of Advance Planning
27 Caltrans Markus Lansdowne Caltrans D4 Emergency
Coordinator
Federal Agencies
27 Army Corps of Engineers Jessica Ludy
Flood Risk Management,
Equity, and Environmental
Justice
28 National Park Service Stephen Kasierski OneTam
29 US Coast Guard LT Tony Solares Sector SF Waterways
Safety Branch
30 US Coast Guard MST1 Brandon M. Ward Emergency Management
Specialist
31 US Coast Guard LT William K. Harris USCG SEC San Francisco
Table 2.4: Marin County OA MJHMP Planning Team Members
Coordination with key agencies, organizations, and advisory groups throughout the planning
process allowed the Planning Team to review common problems, develop policies and
mitigation strategies, as well as identifying any conflicts or inconsistencies with regional
mitigation policies, plans, programs and regulations. For example, in conjunction with the kick
off meetings, several key stakeholder/agency conversations were held at the beginning of the
project to solicit input and to identify and obtain data at the beginning of the project. This
included initial discussions with: Cal OES, DWR, Marin County Flood Control & Water
Conservation District and Marin County Fire Agencies. Coordination with these key agencies
continued throughout the project. Representatives from Cal OES attended most of the Planning
Team meetings where they helped present, answered questions and provided input and support
on the MJHMP process and plan requirements and provided details as requested on other
related programs, such as FEMA grant programs. Through their attendance at Planning Team
meetings, these key stakeholders and agencies provided ongoing information and data as
requested to support the overall plan development process.
These key agencies, organizations, and advisory groups received meeting announcements,
agendas, and minutes by e-mail throughout the plan update process. They supported the effort
by attending meetings or providing feedback on issues. All the agencies were provided with an
opportunity to comment on this plan update and were provided with a copy of the plan to review
and offer edits and revisions. They were also provided access to the Marin County OEM hazard
mitigation plan website to review all planning documents and hazard mapping tools.
Each was sent an e-mail message informing them that draft portions of the plan were available
for review. In addition, the complete draft plan was sent to the California Governor’s Office of
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
83
Emergency Services (Cal OES) and FEMA Region IX for a pre-adoption review to ensure
program compliance.
In addition, through the public meetings conducted at the beginning of the planning process,
members of the planning team, the public, and other key stakeholders were invited to participate
in the planning process through public outreach activities.
The Steering Committee used technical data, reports, and studies from the following agencies
and groups:
• California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services
• California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
• California Department of Finance
• California Department of Fish and Game
• California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
• California Department of Water
• California Geological Survey
• California Register of Historic Places
• Federal Emergency Management Agency
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association
• National Performance of Dams Program
• National Register of Historic Places
• National Resource Conservation Service
• National Weather Service
• United States Army Corps of Engineers
• United States Bureau of Land Management
• United States Department of Agriculture
• United States Drought Impact Reporter
• United States Farm Service Agency
• United States Forestry Service
• United States Geological Survey
• Western Regional Climate Center
Several opportunities were provided for the groups listed above to participate in the planning
process. At the beginning of the planning process, invitations were extended to these groups to
actively participate on the Planning Team. Participants from these groups assisted in the
process by providing data directly as requested in worksheets or through data contained on
their websites or as maintained by their offices. Further as part of the public outreach process,
all groups were invited to attend the public meetings and to review and comment on the plan
prior to submittal to Cal OES and FEMA.
The following planning meetings were held with the planning team:
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
84
Table 2.5: Marin County OA MJHMP Planning Meetings
No. Date Attendees Meeting Planning Meeting Objectives
1 10/26/22 Steering
Committee
Project Overview
Meeting
• Plan Overview – Steps and
Timeline
• Planning Process
• Steering Committee Role
2 11/9/22 Steering
Committee
Steering
Committee
Kickoff Meeting
• Hazard Mitigation and
Emergency Management
Overview
• Plan Overview – Steps and
Timeline
• Community Overview
• Planning Process
• Hazard Identification and Risk
Assessment
• Stakeholders and Planning Team
Identification
3 12/6/22
Steering
Committee,
Planning
Team
Planning Team
Kickoff Meeting
• Hazard Mitigation and
Emergency Management
Overview
• Plan Overview – Steps and
Timeline
• Community Overview
• Planning Process
• Hazard Identification and Risk
Assessment
4 02/07/23 Steering
Committee
Steering
Committee
Hazard Profile
Meeting
• Jurisdictional Letter of
Commitment
• Identify Planning Team Members
• Hazard Risk Ranking
Worksheets
• Jurisdictional Profiles
• Jurisdictional/ District Capability
Assessment
• 2018 Hazard Mitigation Project
Status Update
5 03/07/23
Steering
Committee/
Planning
Team
Planning Team
Public Outreach
Strategy Meeting
• Planning Goals and Objectives
• Hazard Risk Ranking
Worksheets
• Jurisdictional Profiles
• Jurisdictional/ District Capability
Assessment
• 2018 Hazard Mitigation Project
Status Update
• Public Outreach Strategy
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
85
Table 2.5: Marin County OA MJHMP Planning Meetings
No. Date Attendees Meeting Planning Meeting Objectives
6 04/04/23 Steering
Committee
Steering
Committee
Meeting
• HMGP (DR-4683) Funding
Timeline
• Public Outreach
• Planning Goals and Objectives
• Jurisdictional Hazard
Vulnerability Maps
• Jurisdictional Profiles
• Jurisdictional/ District Capability
Assessment
• 2018 Hazard Mitigation Project
Status Update
7 04/13/23
General
Public,
Steering
Committee,
Planning
Team
Public Outreach
Town Hall
Meeting #1
(In-person and
virtual on Zoom)
Thursday, 6:00
pm to 7:30 pm
Marin County
BOS Chambers
• Meeting translated live in
Spanish with 29 language
subtitle capability for virtual
participants.
• Meeting also interpreted in
American Sign Language
• Meeting recorded and posted on
Hazard Mitigation website.
• Hazard Mitigation and
Emergency Management
Overview
• Planning Process
• Hazard Identification and Risk
Assessment
• Planning Goals and Objectives
• Hazard Mitigation Projects
• Community Input
8 04/29/23
General
Public,
Steering
Committee,
Planning
Team
Public Outreach
Town Hall
Meeting #2
(In-person and
virtual on Zoom)
Saturday, 10:00
am to 11:30 am
Marin County
Health and
Wellness Center
• Meeting translated live in
Spanish with 29 language
subtitle capability for virtual
participants.
• Meeting also interpreted in
American Sign Language
• Meeting recorded and posted on
Hazard Mitigation website.
• Hazard Mitigation and
Emergency Management
Overview
• Planning Process
• Hazard Identification and Risk
Assessment
• Planning Goals and Objectives
• Hazard Mitigation Projects
• Community Input
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
86
Table 2.5: Marin County OA MJHMP Planning Meetings
No. Date Attendees Meeting Planning Meeting Objectives
9 05/31/23 Steering
Committee
Steering
Committee
Hazard Ranking
Meeting
• HMGP (DR-4683) Funding
Timeline
• Public Outreach Status
• Jurisdictional Hazard
Vulnerability Maps
• OEM Overview of Hazard Maps
and Marin Maps
• Marin Co. MJHMP Risk
Assessment Tool Overview
• 2018 Hazard Mitigation Project
Status Update
• Hazard Working Groups
10 06/27/23
Steering
Committee,
Planning
Team
Marin County
Planning Team
Meeting
• HMGP (DR-4683) & BRIC Grant
Funding Timeline
• Public Outreach Status
• Jurisdictional Hazard Risk
Assessment Tool
• OEM Overview of Hazard Maps
and Marin Maps
• Marin County Hazards over the
Last 5-Years
• 2018 Hazard Mitigation Project
Status Update
• 2023 Hazard Mitigation
Projects/Capital Improvement
Projects
• Hazard Working Groups
11 07/01/23-
09/01/23
Steering
Committee
Members
Steering
Committee
Members Plan
Development
Sessions
• Individual phone or conference
calls with planning jurisdictions
and districts to answer specific
questions and assist them in
developing their profile annex.
12 11/27/23
Steering
Committee,
Planning
Team
Marin County
Final Planning
Team Meeting
• Presentation and review of the
Draft Marin County OA MJHMP
and Jurisdictional/District
Annexes
13 11/28/23
General
Public
Public Outreach
Presentation on
Marin County
Office of
Emergency
Management
Website
• Presentation and review of the
Draft Marin County OA MJHMP
and Jurisdictional/District
Annexes.
• Opportunity for public comment
and questions and answers.
Table 2.5: Marin County OA MJHMP Planning Meetings
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
87
2.7 REVIEW AND INCORPORATION OF EXISTING PLANS
Planning efforts are supportive of each other. Information from the Marin OA MJHMP is
incorporated into and used to support the City, County, and Town General Plans, Emergency
Operations Plans, and continuity plans. Many of these planning efforts incorporate all Marin
County jurisdictions and Special Districts. The development of this plan incorporated
information from the following existing plans, studies, reports, and initiatives as well as other
relevant data from neighboring communities and other jurisdictions:
All Jurisdictions (Marin County OA)
• Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) 2010 multi- jurisdictional Local Hazard
Mitigation Plan for the San Francisco Bay Area, 2010 Update of 2005 Plan
• Marin Map- online mapping tool includes hazard data, assets, zoning, current FEMA
flood maps www.marinmap.org
• FEMA data via Flood Insurance Studies, BureauNet
• Marin County - Community Wildfire Protection Plan(CWPP) www.firesafemarin.org/cwpp
• Marin Community Wildfire Protection Plan, 2020.
• Marin Shoreline Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment
• DSOD dam safety information
• ABAG earthquake: https://abag.ca.gov/our-work/resilience/data-research/earthquake
• 2018 State of California Hazard Mitigation Plan
• Marin Stormwater Resource Plan 2017
• The Scoop on Marin County Sewer Systems: Part I 2013/2014 Marin County Civil Grand
Jury
• U.S. Census Bureau 2010 Census
• The studies detail flood depths and base flood elevations. Used in development of risk
assessments and mitigation actions
• Marin Municipal Water District Urban Water Management Plan 2015 (approved June 7,
2016)
• Countywide Watershed Stewardship Plan
• Plan Bay Area 2040
• Sonoma County Water Agency Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
• CAL FIRE & Marin County Fire Department Strategic Fire Plans
• International Urban-Wildland Interface Code 2003
• Community Exposure to Tsunami Hazards in California report & National Geodetic Data
Center database of tsunami occurrences
• Cliff and Erosion Technical Background Report, 2003 prepared for Marin County Local
Coastal Program update
• Landslide Inventory, California Department of Conservation
• California Building, Plumbing and Mechanical Codes
Unincorporated Marin County
Marin County’s 2023 MJHMP will be referenced in the 2023 County of Marin General Plan:
Safety Element and Housing Element 2023 Update.
• 2007 Marin Countywide Plan
• Local Coastal Program
City of Belvedere
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
88
Belvedere’s 2023 General Plan Environmental Hazards Element has thorough treatment of
environmental hazards and references the City’s participation in the 2018 Marin County MJHMP
and development of the 2023 update. The City’s 2011 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP)
was contained its Flood Mitigation Plan.
• 2023 General Plan
• Flood Mitigation Plan
• Capital Improvement Plan
• Emergency Operations Plan (EOP)
• Traffic Safety Study
Town of Corte Madera
Corte Madera’s General Plan was updated in 2023. The General Plan calls for implementation
of a Hazard Plan. The Town’s Capital Improvement Plan and building and municipal codes have
been updated since 2011 and incorporate portions of the Marin County OA MJHMP Corte
Madera Community Profile.
• Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)
• General Plan Safety Element
• Housing Element
City of Larkspur
Larkspur is in process of updating its General Plan, which was last updated in 2023. The
updated plan will comply with the Disaster Management Act 2000 by including a Safety Element
that references this Hazard Mitigation Plan. The following documents are examples of the City’s
continuing progress implementing mitigation measures.
• General Plan Safety Element
• Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan
City of Mill Valley
Mill Valley’s participation in the 2018 Marin County MJHMP was approved in 2019 and it has
been incorporated it into other mechanisms such as the City’s General Plan (MV2040, adopted
2014) which calls for maintenance, updates, and implementation of the All Hazard Mitigation
Plan.
• 2023 General Plan Update ‘2040 General Plan’ including Climate Action Plan & Housing
Element
• General Fund and Capital Improvement Plan
• Sewerage Agency of Southern Marin (SASM) Master Plan
• City of Mill Valley Emergency Operations Plan
• City of Mill Valley Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Update 2017
City of Novato
Novato participated in the 2018 Marin County MJHMP and is currently updating its General
Plan. The current draft Safety and Health strategy #7a is to “Periodically update the City’s
Emergency Operations Plan and Local Hazard Mitigation Plan to coordinate with emergency
plans of other governmental agencies and respond to changing conditions”. The new general
plan also refers to the previous hazard mitigation plan for additional information on certain
hazards such as wildfire.
• 2035 General Plan
• Existing Conditions Report, April 2014
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
89
• 2008 City Flood Mitigation Plan
• Emergency Preparedness Plan
• Emergency Operations Plan
• Stafford Dam Emergency Action Planning and Risk Awareness in 2015
• Identified Site Emergency Planning Application, (ISEPA)
• Novato Elected/Appointed Official Guide to Disaster Operations 2017
• City of Novato Local Drainage Master Plan
• City of Novato Repetitive Loss Plan
City of San Rafael
The City’s “General Plan 2040” updated in 2021 calls for preparation and adoption of an LHMP.
Since then, the City has prepared and adopted an LHMP.
City of San Rafael 2040 General Plan
• City of San Rafael 2040 General Plan Background Report
• City of San Rafael Climate Change Action Plan
• City of San Rafael Community Emergency Preparedness Plan
• City of San Rafael Greenhouse Gas Reduction Strategy Report
• Climate Adaptation – Sea Level Rise, San Rafael CA. White Paper
• Marin Bay Shoreline Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment
City of Sausalito
Sausalito participated in the 2018 Marin County MJHMP that it incorporated into other
mechanisms.
• 2021 General Plan
• 2021 General Plan, including Climate Action Plan & Hazards & Public Safety Element
Town of Fairfax
The Town’s 2012 General Plan and 2011 ABAG Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex were developed
concurrently, so the General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) reviewed, refined, and
incorporated selected mitigation strategies into the final draft 2021 General Plan Safety
Element. The Safety Element states that it “is intended to complement and support not only the
other General Plan Elements, but also other Town plans and documents, such as the
Emergency Operations Plan (EOP), the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP), and the Flood
Mitigation Plan (FMP).
• 2021 General Plan Safety Element
• Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)
• Emergency Response Plan
• Community Preparedness Plan
Town of Ross
Ross’s General Plan was completed and adopted in 2007, before its participation in the 2018
Marin County MJHMP. The 2018 Marin County MJHMP has been incorporated into other
planning mechanisms.
• Town of Ross General Plan 2007 – 2025
• 2023 General Plan – Housing Element
• 2018 Marin County MJHMP
• Ross Valley Sanitary District Strategic Plan
• Ross Valley Sewer System Replacement Master Plan 2007
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
90
• Ross Valley Sanitary District response to Grand Jury Report Dated June 16, 2011:
"Ross Valley Sanitary District: Not Again!"
Town of San Anselmo
San Anselmo’s participated in the 2018 Marin County MJHMP, and has incorporated it into
other planning mechanisms such as the General Plan, which was adopted in 2019. 2011
Climate Action Plan
• 2011 Capital Improvement Plan Study for Flood Damage Reduction and Creek
Management in Flood Zone 9/Ross Valley
• Town of San Anselmo 2019 General Plan
• 2023 General Plan – Housing Element
• 2008 Flood Mitigation Plan
• Town of San Anselmo Municipal Code
• 7-year Capital Improvement Plan 2015
• Corte Madera Creek 2010 Flood Control Study Baseline Report Available through US
Army Corps of Engineers and Ross Valley Flood Control Program website
Town of Tiburon
Tiburon’s “General Plan 2040” from 2023 calls for the adoption of an LHMP to comply with DMA
2000. Since then the Town has adopted the ABAG LMHP Annex in 2012.
• 2023 General Plan Update ‘2040 General Plan’ including Climate Action Plan & Hazards
& Public Safety Element
• Capital Improvement Plan
• Emergency Operations Plan
• General Plan Safety Element
North Marin Water District
• 2017 Stafford Dam Emergency Action Plan
• 2015 Master Plan Update for the Oceana Marin Wastewater System, NMWD Job File 8
4046.00
• 2018 Novato Water System Master Plan Update, NMWD Job File 1 7039.02
Coordination with other community planning efforts is also paramount to the success of this
plan. Hazard mitigation planning involves identifying existing policies, tools, and actions that will
reduce a community’s risk and vulnerability to hazards. Marin County uses a variety of
comprehensive planning mechanisms, such as general plans and ordinances, to guide growth
and development. Integrating existing planning efforts and mitigation policies and action
strategies into this plan establishes a credible and comprehensive plan that ties into and
supports other community programs. The development of this plan incorporated information
from the following existing plans, studies, reports, and initiatives as well as other relevant data
from neighboring communities and other jurisdictions:
• California Drought Contingency Plan.
• California Volcanoes and Volcanics. U.S. Geological Survey, Cascades Volcano
Observatory.
• Central Valley Flood Control Project.
• Cities/Counties Ranked by Size, Numeric, and Percent Change. State of California
Department of Finance. 2014.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
91
• Community Rating System. Federal Emergency Management Agency National Flood
Insurance Program.
• Contingency Plan for Excessive Heat Emergencies – A Supporting Document to the
State Emergency Plan, April 2010.
• Developing the Mitigation Plan: Identifying Mitigation Actions and Implementation
Strategies. Federal Emergency Management Agency. FEMA 386-3. 2003.
• Ebbets Pass Special Plan. 1988.
• Enhanced Fujita Scale. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Storm
Prediction Center. 2007.
• Future Eruptions in California's Long Valley Area—What’s Likely? U.S. Geological
Survey. Fact Sheet 073-97. 1997.
• Getting Started: Building Support for Mitigation Planning. Federal Emergency
Management Agency. FEMA 386-1. 2002.
• Hazard Mitigation Planning and Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. Federal Register.
Interim Final Rule. February 26, 2002.
• HAZUS-MH 2.1. Federal Emergency Management Agency. 2012.
• Integrating Manmade Hazards into Mitigation Planning. Federal Emergency
Management Agency. FEMA 386-7. 2003.
• Introduction to Hazard Mitigation. Federal Emergency Management Agency. FEMA IS-
393.A. 2006.
• Multi-Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment. Federal Emergency Management
Agency. 1997.
• Natural Hazard Mitigation Saves: An Independent Study to Assess the Future Savings
from Mitigation Activities. National Institute of Building Science Multi-Hazard Mitigation
Council. 2005.
• Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Assessment for the State of California. California
Geological Survey. Open-File Report 96-08. 1996.
• Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Act. Public Law 93-288, as amended,
42 U.S.C. 5121-5207. June 2007.
• Saddle Creek Special Plan. 2008.
• Spatial Hazard Events and Losses Database for the United States. University of South
Carolina Hazards Research Lab.
• State of California Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan. California Emergency Management
Agency. 2013.
• Understanding Your Risks: Identifying Hazards and Estimating Losses. Federal
Emergency Management Agency. FEMA 386-2. 2001.
Data from these plans and ordinances were incorporated into the risk assessment and hazard
vulnerability sections of the plan. Where the data from the existing studies and reports is used in
this plan update, the source document is referenced throughout this plan update. The data was
also used in determining the capability of the community in being able to implement certain
mitigation strategies.
A key example of coordinating with other planning efforts is the coordination of this MJHMP with
local-CWPPs. This is critical for two important reasons. First, wildfires do not stop at corporate
or jurisdictional boundaries and evaluating fire risk issues on a regional basis provides a
comprehensive approach to understanding and addressing identified wildfire risk and
vulnerability. Second, a successful mitigation strategy requires that these planning efforts be
coordinated.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
92
Many other local, state, and federal documents were reviewed and considered, as appropriate,
during the collection of data which include the hazard identification, vulnerability assessment,
and capability assessment.
2.8 PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
The Public Outreach efforts mirrored the Planning Team approach with a unified effort, led by
the County OEM, involving all participating jurisdictions and districts. Extensive and coordinated
public outreach was done involving all participating jurisdictions and districts with an eye
towards equity, inclusion, openness, accessibility, and ensuring we meet the population where
they live, work, or recreate to provide convenience of access and ease of participation in this
planning process.
Early discussions with the Marin County OEM established the initial plan for public engagement
to ensure a meaningful and inclusive public process with a focus on equity and accessible to the
whole community. Public outreach for this plan update began at the beginning of the plan
development process with an informational press release to inform the community of the
purpose of the hazard mitigation planning process for the Marin County planning area and to
invite the public to participate in the process.
Public involvement activities for this plan update included press releases; website postings; a
community survey; stakeholder and public meetings; tabling at local events: and the collection
of public and stakeholder comments on the draft plan which was posted on the County website.
Information provided to the public included an overview of the mitigation status and successes
resulting from implementation of the 2018 plan as well as information on the processes, new
risk assessment data, and proposed mitigation strategies for the plan update.
The County of Marin has several outreach programs, specifically designed to reach and include
traditionally underserved and underrepresented communities, including, Health and Human
Services’ Community Response Teams, Office of Equity’s Participatory Budgeting program, and
a community-created Race and Equity Plan. To receive feedback on the Marin County OA
MJHMP, bilingual outreach was conducted through the Community Response Teams, which are
led by local non-profits, representing four zones of Marin County. Local non-profits are selected
for grant funding to be the Community Response Team lead. Additionally, County
representatives went on the West Marin radio station, KWMR, to reach rural populations.
Equity and Whole Community Approach
The Marin County OEM and the Steering Committee prioritized equity and engagement of the
whole community in the development of the Marin County Multijurisdictional Hazard Mitigation
Plan. As a means to reach as many members of the community as possible, Marin County
OEM required that services be universally designed and delivered from the beginning to allow
for the greatest level of engagement and feedback possible. Elements of the equity approach
included:
44 CFR Requirement 201.6(b): An open public involvement process is essen�al to the development
of an effec�ve plan. In order to develop a more comprehensive approach to reducing the effects of
natural disasters, the planning process shall include: (1) An opportunity for the public to comment on
the plan during the dra�ing stage and prior to plan approval.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
93
• Providing multiple means for public engagement via hybrid meetings (in-person
meetings with a virtual attendance and comment option).
• All presentations were accompanied by American Sign Language (ASL), Closed-
Captioning, and Spanish Interpretation
• Presentations were reviewed by accessibility professionals prior to broadcasting to
ensure the documents were able to be read by screen-readers.
• All presentations were available on-line and recorded for persons who may not have
been able to attend the live presentations.
Engaging hard-to-reach populations
This effort was to ensure the greatest equity and access to the public to enable participation in
the process. The Marin County OEM outreach strategy is to “meet people where they are.” The
Town hall meetings were conducted at different familiar locations within the county where
people could easily access them and were conducted on both a weekday and weekend, and in
the evening and during the daytime. The meetings were offered in-person with a virtual
broadcast using Zoom videoconferencing and streamed live on the Marin County OEM
Facebook account. After the meetings, Marin County OEM uploaded the recorded meetings to
their website to allow the public on demand access to the meetings.
Translation and Interpretation Services
The survey and outreach materials were provided in both English and Spanish to improve
accessibility among populations with limited English proficiency. The website uses Google
Translate for accessibility in multiple languages. Interpretation services were offered for both
town hall meetings. Each town hall meeting included, live Spanish translation and subtitles, live
American Sign Language/ Certified Deaf Interpreter (ASL/CDI) interpretation, the ability for the
Zoom videoconferencing attendee to activate subtitles in 28 different languages, and vision
accessible PowerPoint slides.
Three stakeholder and public meetings were held, two at the beginning of the plan development
process and one prior to finalizing the updated plan. Where appropriate, stakeholder and public
comments and recommendations were incorporated into the final plan, including the sections
that address mitigation goals and strategies. Specifically, public comments were obtained
during the plan development process and prior to plan finalization.
All press releases and website postings are on file with the Marin County OEM. Public
meetings were advertised in a variety of ways to maximize outreach efforts to both targeted
groups and to the public at large. Advertisement mechanisms for these meetings and for
involvement in the overall MJHMP development process include:
• Development and publishing of an MJHMP public outreach article
• Providing press releases to local newspapers and radio stations
• Posting meeting announcements on the local County MJHMP website
• Email to established email lists
• Personal phone calls
The public outreach activities were conducted with participation from and on behalf of all
jurisdictions participating in this plan.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
94
The Steering Committee has made the commitment to periodically bring this plan before the
public through public meetings and community posting so that community members may make
input as strategies and implementation actions change. Public meetings will continue to be held
twice a year. Public meetings will continue to be stand -alone meetings but may also follow a
council meeting or other official government meeting. The public will continue to be invited to
public meetings via social media messaging, newspaper invitations, and through the website for
each jurisdiction participating in the plan. Each jurisdiction is responsible for assuring that their
community members are informed when deemed appropriate by the Steering Committee.
2.8.1 WEBSITE
At the beginning of the plan update process, Marin County OEM established a hazard mitigation
website ( https://emergency.marincounty.org/pages/lhmp) to keep the public posted on plan
development milestones and to solicit relevant input. The website also provided information on
signing up for Alert Marin, provided detailed information about the hazard mitigation process
and plan development, provided a URL and QR code link to the survey in both English and
Spanish, and provided information about upcoming town hall meetings. (See Figure 2.1)
The site’s address was publicized in all press releases, surveys and public town hall
meetings. Each planning partner also established a link on their own agency website.
Information on the plan development process, the Steering Committee, a link to the Hazard
Mitigation survey, and drafts of the plan were made available to the public on the site. Marin
County intends to keep a website active after the plan’s completion to keep the public
informed about successful mitigation projects and future plan updates.
Figure 2.1: Marin County OEM MJHMP Website
Source: Marin County OEM
2.8.2 PUBLIC MEETINGS
Two separate Marin County OA MJHMP Public Town Hall Meeting were conducted at
different locations within the County, on different days of the week and during different times
of the day. This effort was to ensure the greatest equity and access by the public to enable
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
__ J. ~•RIN Emergencv. Portal Get Alerted Stay Informed Weather Prepare COVID-19 More· ~ 0
Marin County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitiga t ion
Update
The various communities and service providers within
Marin County are working together to update our Marin
County Multi -Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan . As
part of this update process, we are asking for
community insight and input.
https1/t-me<gency.manncountyorg/pages/alerts
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
95
participation in the process. The Marin County OEM outreach strategy is to “meet people
where they are”. Each Town Hall Meeting included, live Spanish translation and subtitles,
Live American Sign Language (ASL/CDI) interpretation, the ability for the Zoom
videoconferencing attendee to activate subtitles in 28 different languages, and vision
accessible PowerPoint slide.
The first Town Hall Meeting was conducted on Thursday, April 13, 2023, from 6:00 pm to
7:30 pm, at the Marin County Board of Supervisors Chambers, Marin County Civic Center,
3501 Civic Center Drive, Room #330 San Rafael, CA 94903. The in-person meeting was
also broadcast virtually using Zoom videoconferencing and streamed live on Marin County
OEM Facebook account. Each of the jurisdictions participating in the MJHMP released a
Press Release on their respective websites announcing the Public Town Hall Meeting and
providing the date, time, and URL link to the Zoom Meeting for the public to log in and attend
the Zoom Meeting. Marin County OEM also posted a notice for the Public Town Hall Meeting
on their Facebook account. At the conclusion of the presentation, a question and answer
session was held to answer questions from the attendees.
The second Town Hall Meeting was conducted on Saturday, April 29, 2023, from 10:00 am
to 11:30 am, at the Marin County Health and Wellness Center, 3240 Kerner Ave. Rooms
#109 and #110 San Rafael, CA. 94903. The meeting followed the same format as the first
and hosted the same access level of equity and accessibility.
The Marin County MJHMP Public Town Hall Meeting was recorded and downloaded from
Zoom and made available to all of the jurisdictions and districts to place on their websites
and local Access TV for the public to view.
Meeting participants were also invited to complete the Hazard Mitigation Survey and were
provided the URL link to the Survey Monkey website to complete the survey.
Figure 2.2: Marin County OA MJHMP Town Hall Meeting
Source: Preparative Consulting
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
96
Figure 2.3: Collecting community feedback on the MJHMP
Source: Marin County OEM
2.8.3 SOCIAL MEDIA
Marin County and its participating jurisdictions utilized several forms of social media to reach
residents and customers. Information about the Hazard Mitigation Planning process was
communicated to the public via Facebook, Twitter, and local access TV. Residents and
customers were invited to complete the Hazard Mitigation Plan survey which was accessible
via an attached URL or QR Code and provide feedback on potential hazard mitigation
projects or programs.
The results of the survey were provided to each of the planning partners and used to support
the jurisdictional annex process. Each planning partner was able to use the survey results to
help identify actions as follows:
• Gauge the public’s perception of risk and identify what community members are
concerned about.
• Identify the best ways to communicate with the public.
• Determine the level of public support for different mitigation strategies.
• Understand the public’s willingness to invest in hazard mitigation.
During this planning process, completed surveys were submitted. The complete survey can
be found in Appendix C of this plan.
2.8.4 PRESS RELEASES
Press releases were distributed over the course of the plan’s development as key milestones
were achieved and prior to each Marin County OA MJHMP Public Town Hall Meeting. All
press releases were made available to the community in both English and Spanish.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
97
Figure 2.4: Hazard Mitigation Plan Public Outreach Press Release
Source: Marin County OEM
2.8.5 SURVEY
A hazard mitigation plan survey (see Figure 2.5) was developed by the Steering Committee and
made available to the public in both English and Spanish. The survey was used to gauge
household preparedness for natural hazards and the level of knowledge of tools and techniques
that assist in reducing risk and loss from natural hazards. This survey was designed to help
identify areas vulnerable to one or more natural hazards. The answers to its 10 questions
helped guide the Steering Committee in defining our hazards, and selecting goals, objectives,
and mitigation strategies. The survey was made available on the hazard mitigation plan website,
advertised in press releases, and at town hall meetings. Finally, the survey and the process of
public input was advertised throughout the course of the planning process. The survey was
made available to the public on March 13, 2023, and closed on June 12, 2023. At the
conclusion of the planning process 293 surveys were completed by the public.
Public Comments Considered by the Planning Team
The Planning Team used the following information gathered from the Public Outreach
Survey to inform decisions regarding hazard mitigation strategies, actions, and priorities.
• Climate Change, Wildfire, and Drought were the top hazards of concern for the public.
• Text messages, mail, and the County website were the preferred methods for receiving
hazard mitigation information.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
Mann Counl)I 'Mt.illl.Jurl'5dlclioru1I H1wu 11
J ~.4 ►1 ',J t1911,tw,,,Pll'lnPubllc Outre,,c.h.Surv•y
Dear t.tan n County ~:,, MWTt>er, A IC.P UO
The var10u, oormiunlHes <within Marin CO!..flly are YQklng 1ogelher IO UIP03'le \:=I
Mar111 Ccxn,fy"s Mui~ Haz.Vd Millgatlorl Pian. As part or this ~,.,.. ..
oommunltypl,tfmlng procen, we iJre asl&'Q torccmmunltylnf)ut to ensuret~t the
prooo,ed ~ 1>oject,, .... ...-i .... ,. oJJoned""" , .. comnu,11)'$
e'1stt11g ~ 1iU1d e-xpec:Ul\lOn$.
1/Aial 1s Har.lid Millga1lan7 Hazard '4tlgatlon t!l ~ eJ1ort to rl!dlic:n tile IDs5 of llrt!
.ino dam.lge to l)f0pef1y ano the envrronmeni by lessening 1ne lmpad' or NttUflli
hazards on the C0ffllTU.Jnlty , By ~l'lding What na,ur ha!ards we tac4!I: lh
Mann eounry, and ht1w ~ ha2:artb may l'npact our COfmlunltles lltw' ~
lnjurltlg people, """"1glog or <le5tloylng _,-,, o, lmpoeolng !he enYlfomlffi;
we reference thlt document 10 $,fJek, ways to piote<:l people. property. -and the
environment from uie Impact or lhese hantf'dS.
.As pr'qt!Cls or ptOgramS lo reduce or mitigate the Impact ol ttiose natural l'laZards
on the com~. To be ellrJlb+e tor loc::ill Hazan:! MIUgaflon PrQ/e(:I: IUncJln9 we
mustrirstconsldcrl'IOWttw::st-l\acut-ill ha.tar~"11pact U5and !twntiXPIOrehOWwe
can ?(otecl agalnsl tnem. Wf! ~I II IS lrl'.,ortan1 to~ lhil!! wt'IOlc tOrlTrUJnlly
[ntht$t!:ltoi'l
You a,e ~ to answe, a tew Simple questions abol.lt ~ lff'M a concetn to,
l\atural hai:anfs kl )'IJllf comnullty and any S)teparedness adlon:s you hlM! taki!n
or 'NY be 1a1<1ng 10 prepare for a "'-!Wraf dtsasw,
The County wm also addle,, new and eme,glng ltlreats W!tt;ln lnls document SUCh
as cwna10 t.hangO ;,nt:1 ~ air quat1ry; ~. ine prln'laly na1ura1 naza,cts being
assessed are:
0.1fTIFallr.we °"""' Flow, E"10ion, LMO,llde,
Pos.t-FireOecn,FkJw
Ckougm
Eatl!>qua .. -L.and SU~ CSJl']khol!!}
.,_.F ... e
Se-a liNol Rfso
Se.\l~tWtalrM!t-Extreme H&at
severe Wealhet-Wl ild, Hall,
UgMnlng
Wlkffite
T,....,.
Visa mt M"rln couary Hilffd llhiPfffl?n wewre,
Arltnd a Town H~II MU IIAA I
You arc ~Bel toarumo (JOO of two tt1tt1lrig1--biling hB1 In~
~
,O ;
Marin COt.ln'ty Mu.nt.JurlsdlcU.,n,at t4aza,d
Mit191uon Pinn Publl,c. Outreoch soniey
With a videocmference Md a Facebooi. ll vr Fl"Cd fOr )'00 to pariJcfpa1b
remoi:ety We y,,i pro--1de an ovefVle'w ot lhe ttsurd M!tjgal}Ol1
Plamtrig ptoeess and explain hOW you can help.
You may access lhe meetk,g remotely b)' dk:t:lng the Zoon, Unk bek>w:
\, Thu~y, April 13, 2023, 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
Marin county Boitrd or SupeMs«s CNmbtf'$
Marln Coi.ny CMG Cffler
3SOI CMe Cen1er Dr!Ye, Room #330
San Ra ..... CA 94903
"}, Saturday, April 29 , 20:23, 10:00 am to 11:30 am
Ma:r'ln county Ht1tth aiMI Wtllntss center
s.240 ~ A'w't!I. Room:!! W 109 ;and in 10
Soar1 Raf.lei, CA. 94903
(llrf!!,ll~M)llJM'8~,wa.,,:f-. t, IY~
~
Meeting tO: 818 2438 0():10 Passa>de! 432999
!honk )'OU lo, lak»g lhe IJme lo oon,,lele M 1,,,,.,._ """"I• Eadi '°"'""""l'
mtrnber-'5 rridbac:I( IS Cl'i!Jcal 10 too c::iu.My's t-nort IOdevtrop a ~~~
p111i11 co e-ffecrrvety prg1ea cne commvnltles ot M.:irin ,
-~,
St&ven Torrence
Oheetorol Emetgeney~I
Ofllce ar Emergency Managemen'I
..... ,~
........ 0 IICPVO
,,,_ .... ~
DI
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
98
• 48% of respondents expressed that they were “Very Much” concerned and 31% were
“Moderately” concerned that a natural disaster could impact their home or place of
residence.
• 85% of respondents own their own home.
• 99% of respondents have access to the internet.
Figure 2.5: Hazard Mitigation Plan Survey
Source: Preparative Consulting
2.8.6 PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE PLAN
To solicit public feedback on the draft plan, Marin OEM engaged in a multi-faceted approach
intended to reach as many Marin residents as possible, including members of the community
who are under-served and under-represented. All members of the community had the
opportunity to provide initial comments on the plan during a two-week period from
Public Outreach Survey
h�ps://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MarincountyMJHMP
1 ~<;>U·N· TY OF a
~ARIN ~
-
-
Mar1n County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Survey
Public Outreach Survey
Encuesta del Plan Local de Mitigad6n. de Riesgos Multi-
Jurlsdlcclonal de'l Condado de Marin en Espaflol
https ://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MarinCountyMJHMPEspanol
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
99
Wednesday, December 4, 2023, to Wednesday, December 18, 2023. Although the initial
comment period was listed as two weeks, the public could submit comments indefinitely via
the County’s website to support the County’s continuous improvement efforts. The base plan,
as well as city, town and special district annexes, were available for download on
emergency.marincounty.org (include photos). The website additionally asked for feedback in a
survey in English and Spanish (include photos), the survey was designed to establish where
that person lives or works, their top hazards of concern, elicit feedback on the plan and offer a
place for them to share projects to reduce risk in their community. The survey collected
responses from the community in English and in Spanish.
The website and survey were shared through traditional and social media (photos) The Marin
Independent Journal (Marin IJ) used the press release to write an article (hopefully; include
photos). Social media accounts were updated four times with an initial ask, two reminders,
and a closing announcement. The Marin OEM Public Information Officer coordinated with the
Marin County Public Information Officers (MAPIO) working group to distribute information
to partner jurisdictions (city, town, and special districts) to share this information on their social
media sites and with the communities in the area.
To reach those who may not be engaged digitally, the planning team worked with Marin
County Community Response Teams, (CRTs are a collaboration of non-profit organizations
supporting underrepresented communities in four zones) to conduct outreach with half-sheet
flyers in English and Spanish to share in the 4 CRT zones (southern Marin, north Marin, west
Marin, San Rafael). These half sheets were also shared county-wide at libraries, including in
areas not covered by CRTs, like at the Fairfax library. CRTs are designed to reach Marin’s
traditionally underserved and underrepresented communities, so by conducting outreach
through this method, we were able to inform residents who may not have been engaged
otherwise, including residents in Marin City, West Marin, and the Canal District of San
Rafael.
The 14-day public comment period gave the public an opportunity to comment on the draft
plan update prior to the plan’s submittal to Cal OES. Comments received on the draft plan are
available upon request. All comments were reviewed by the planning team and incorporated
into the draft plan as appropriate.
Public Comments Considered by the Planning Team
The Marin County OEM posted the draft Hazard Mitigation Plan and hazard mitigation
actions on their website and solicited public comments on the content. The Planning Team
gathered public comments and information on the Marin County OEM website regarding
proposed and current Hazard Mitigation Actions. The Planning Team used the comments
and suggestions to inform decisions regarding hazard mitigation strategies, actions, and
priorities. Most comments included ideas for hazard mitigation projects and comments on
the effectiveness of current mitigation projects. These comments were used to revised the
proposed hazard mitigation actions which resulted in the final list of hazard mitigation actions
listed in 4.9 Hazard Mitigation Actions.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
100
SECTION 3.0: HAZARD IDENTIFICATION AND RISK
ASSESSMENT
The Marin County Operational Area (OA) is at risk from a variety of hazards. Many of these
hazards, could result in a disastrous impact on the county.
Although an attempt has been made to identify all major hazards and their respective impacts
within Marin County, it must be highlighted that we live in a time of new and emerging threats.
To the extent to which there are certain natural events which are inevitable and necessary for
the environment to remain in balance (e.g., earthquakes, wildfires, and flooding), the County of
Marin recognizes that no natural hazard is solely natural, and the risk assessments identified
within this plan are linked to human influences from local and global human actions or inaction.
Risk to natural hazards is a combination of hazard, vulnerability, and capability. The risk
assessment process identifies and profiles relevant hazards and assesses the exposure of
lives, property, and infrastructure to these hazards. The goal of the risk assessment is to
estimate the potential losses in Marin County from a hazard event. This process also allows
communities in Marin County to better understand their potential risk to human-influenced,
natural hazards and provides a framework for developing and prioritizing mitigation actions to
reduce risks from future hazards in Marin County.
3.1 HAZARD IDENTIFICATION
The process of identifying hazards that do or could potentially affect Marin County at various
levels was the first step in assessing overall risk. Recognizing the potential required an analysis
of known, suspected, and emerging hazards existing within or directly affecting Marin County.
Some of the following questions were used during the analysis:
• What are the known hazards?
• What are the suspected hazards?
• What are the potential, new, or emerging hazards?
• What are the elements of the hazard?
• What are the conditions associated with the occurrence of a hazardous event?
• What factors are required for an event to turn hazardous?
The Steering Committee reviewed data from the following sources on hazards affecting the
county: the Federal and State Disaster Declaration History, the State of California Hazard
Mitigation Plan (2018), the Safety Element of the participating jurisdictions, and the 2018 Marin
County OA MJHMP. Additional documents are noted in the reference section of this document.
44 CFR Requirement §201.6(c)(2)(i) [The risk assessment shall include a] descrip�on of the type,
loca�on and extent of all natural hazards that can affect the jurisdic�on. The plan shall include
informa�on on previous occurrences of hazard events and on the probability of future hazard events.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
101
The Steering Committee came to agreement on significant hazards to the Marin County OA.
The following natural hazards are detailed in this section and are profiled for each jurisdiction
participating in the Marin County OA MJHMP:
Table 3.1: Marin County OA MJHMP Hazard Identification and Comparison
2023 Hazards Climate
Profile
2018
Hazards Comment
Climate Change Yes Climate Change –
not included
The impact of climate change
profiled and discussed in all
applicable hazards.
Coastal Erosion Now profiled under debris
flows/landslide.
Dam Failure Earthquake Now profiled as a separate hazard.
Debris Flow Yes Severe Storm
and Wildfire Now profiled as a separate hazard.
Drought Yes Wildfire Now profiled as a separate hazard.
Earthquake Earthquake Continued as a hazard.
Flood Yes Severe Storm Now profiled as a separate hazard.
Land Subsidence Yes Severe Storm Now profiled as a separate hazard.
Levee Failure Yes Severe Storm Now profiled as a separate hazard.
Liquefaction Now profiled under Earthquake.
Sea Level Rise Yes Sea Level Rise
– Severe Storms
Sea Level Rise now profiled as a
separate hazard.
Severe Weather –
Extreme Heat Yes Wildfire Now profiled under Severe
Weather.
Severe Weather –
High Wind/Tornado Yes Severe Storm Continued as a hazard under
Severe Weather.
Tsunami Yes Tsunami/Seiche Continued as a hazard
Wildfire Yes Wildfire Continued as a hazard
Table 3.1: Marin County OA MJHMP Hazard Identification and Comparison
Table 3.2 below lists additional hazards of interest that were identified by the Steering
Committee as having some potential to impact the planning area but are not hazards eligible for
Hazard Mitigation Grant Funding. These hazards have been briefly profiled to illustrate their
potential impact on the County of Marin. No formal risk assessment of these hazards was
performed. However, all planning partners for this plan should be aware of these hazards and
should take steps to reduce the risks they present whenever it is practical to do so.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
102
Table 3.2: Marin County OA MJHMP Other Hazards Profiled
Critical Infrastructure/ Utility Disruption
Cyber Threats
Oil Spills
Pandemic
Air Pollution
Transportation Systems
Table 3.2: Marin County OA MJHMP Other Hazards Profiled
3.1.1 DISASTER DECLARATION HISTORY
One method to identify hazards is to look at the events that have triggered federal and/or state
disaster declarations that included Marin County. The following table lists the disaster
declarations where Marin County was designated federal and/or state disaster declarations
since the 2018 MJHMP update.
Table 3.3 shows the number of state and federal declared disasters in Marin County in relation
to the rest of California from 1950-2023.
Table 3.3: State and Federal Declared Disasters in Marin County
Location Event Type(s) Year State/Federal # Damage Est.*
Tomales Tornado 1996 $205,000
Southern Marin Flash Flood 1998 $2,000,000
Corte Madera Heavy Rain 2002 $200,000
Coastal Marin Coastal Flood 2005/
2006 $340,000
Countywide Flood 2005/
2006 $219,000,000
Interior Valleys Debris Flow 2006 $45,900,000
Coastal Marin Strong Wind 2006 $500,000
Interior Valleys Frost/Freeze 2007 $3,000,000
Corte Madera Flash Flood 2008 $50,000
Interior Valleys and
Mountains Strong Wind 2009 $140,000
Countywide (Santa
Venetia) Flood/Wind 2009 $260,000
Interior Valleys Strong Wind 2009 $85,000
Coastal Marin Coastal Flood, Strong
Wind, Flood 2010 $770,000
Countywide (Larkspur) Heavy Rain/ Strong
Wind 2010 $100,000
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
103
Countywide Strong Wind 2010 $85,000
Coastal Marin Strong Wind/Storm
Surge 2011 $325,000
Interior Valleys Strong Wind 2011 $50,000
Interior Valleys Strong Wind 2011 $200,000
Interior Valleys Strong Wind 2012 $60,000
Interior Valleys and
Coast Strong Wind 2012 $501,500
Interior Valleys Strong Wind 2012 $150,000
Interior Valleys Strong Wind 2012 $50,100
Countywide Flood/Strong Wind 2012 $210,100
Mountains Strong Wind 2013 $80,000
Countywide (Greenbrae,
Novato, Marin City,
Tamalpais Valley, Olema)
Flash Flood/Debris
Flow 2014 $6,001,000
Interior Valleys/Coast Strong Wind 2014 $115,600
Interior Valleys and
Mountains Strong Wind 2015 $23,500
Mill Valley AFS Heavy Rain 2015 No data
Interior Valleys Coastal Flood 2016 No data
Interior Valleys Strong Wind 2016 No data
Alto Flash Flood 2016 No data
Countywide Severe Winter Storms,
Flooding, Landslides 2017 Fed 3381 No data
Countywide Severe Winter Storms,
Flooding, Landslides 2017 Fed 4301 No data
Countywide Severe Winter Storms,
Flooding, Landslides 2017 Fed 4302 No data
San Rafael and Corte
Madera Flood 2017 Local No data
Kentfield Flash Flood 2017 Local No data
Tomales Flood 2017 Local No data
Corte Madera Flood 2017 Local No data
Ignacio, Burdell, Marin
City, Mountains
Strong Wind, Flash
Flood, Flood 2017 Local No data
Interior Valleys Strong Wind 2017 Local No data
Mountains Strong Wind 2017 Local No data
Mountains and Coast Strong Wind 2017 Local No data
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
104
Interior Valleys and
Mountains Strong Wind 2017 Local No data
Greenbrae and
Mountains Strong Wind, Flood 2017 Local No data
Interior Valleys and
Coast Strong Wind 2017 Local No data
Corte Madera Flood 2018 Local No data
Countywide Public Safety Power
Shutoff (PSPS) 2019 Local
Countywide Severe Winter Storms,
Flooding, Landslides 2019 Fed 4431
Countywide Severe Winter Storms,
Flooding, Landslides 2019 Fed 4434
Countywide COVID-19 2020 Fed 4482
Woodward Valley Trail
and the Coast Trail
(Woodward Fire)
Lightning, Wildfire 2020 Local
Pt Reyes
Coastal Oil Spill
(American Challenger
ship wreck)
2021 Local
Countywide Drought 2021 Local
Countywide Extreme Heat Event 2021 Local
Countywide
Atmospheric River,
Severe Winter Storms,
Flooding
2021 CDAA 2022-02
Countywide Severe Winter Storms,
Flooding, Landslides 2022 Fed DR-4683
Countywide
Severe Winter Storms,
High Winds, Flooding,
Landslides
2022 Fed DR-4699
Countywide Severe Winter Storms,
Flooding, Landslides
2022-
2023
CDAA 2023-01
CDAA 2023-02
Countywide Severe Winter Storms,
Flooding, Landslides 2023 CDAA 2023-03
* Damage estimates may be initial damage estimates for the Local Proclamations and do not
necessarily represent the final damage estimates.
Table 3.3: State and Federal Declared Disasters in Marin County
3.1.2 OMISSION OF HAZARDS
Several natural hazards were omitted from further analysis for all participating jurisdictions due
to either their low probability of occurrence or minimal impact:
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
105
Avalanche: An avalanche is a rapid flow of snow down a hill or mountainside. The Marin
County OA rarely gets snow and not in significant enough quantities to cause an avalanche.
Fog: Fog is a collection of water droplets or ice crystals suspended in the air at or near the
Earth’s surface. While the Marin County OA experiences severe and dense fog, Marin County
does not consider it to be a significant enough threat for profiling in the 2023 Marin County OA
MJHMP.
Haboob: A haboob is a type of intense dust storm carried on an atmospheric gravity current
known as a weather front. Haboobs occur primarily in arid regions including parts of Arizona,
New Mexico, and Texas. The Marin County OA does not have arid land and does not
experience haboobs.
Severe Weather – Hail/Ice/Snow: Hail is pellets of frozen rain that fall in showers from
cumulonimbus clouds while snow is atmospheric water vapor frozen into ice crystals and falling
in light white flakes. There have been minor occurrences of hail, ice, and snow in Marin County,
but none that have had significant impacts. A significant event is not expected to occur in the
Marin County OA due to its mild winter temperatures and climate.
Severe Weather – Freeze/Extreme Cold: Freeze and extreme cold are defined as a period in
which temperatures fall below the freezing point of 32 degrees Fahrenheit or 0 degrees Celsius.
The Marin County OA rarely experiences freezing temperatures or extreme cold due to its mild
winter temperatures and climate.
Space Weather: Space weather includes conditions and events on the sun, in solar wind, in
near-Earth space, and in Earth’s upper atmosphere that can affect space-borne and ground-
based technological systems. Space weather also includes asteroids, comets, and meteors.
There have been no space weather events in Marin County. While a solar flare has the
potential to disrupt communications and while an impact from a space object could cause
significant loss of life and destruction, the unknown results of these events limit the County’s
ability to truly profile and assess this hazard.
Tropical Storm/Hurricane: A tropical storm is a tropical cyclone with winds of 39-73 miles per
hour while a hurricane is a tropical cyclone with winds of 74 miles per hour or greater. Though
tropical cyclones have passed over Southern California, none have reached Marin County due
to its northern latitude and climate. Whereas climate change may include the likelihood of a
Tropical Storm and Hurricane reaching the Bay Area, the Marin Operational Area will view these
hazards as a severe storm, strong winds, and/ or flooding events, which are profiled within the
document.
Volcano: A volcano is a mountain that opens downward to a reservoir of molten rock below the
surface of the earth. While there are volcanoes in the Cascade Range to the north of Marin
County that could potentially impact the Marin County OA with ash fall upon eruption, the Marin
County OA does not consider volcanoes to be significant enough for profiling in the 2023 Marin
County OA MJHMP.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
106
3.2 HAZARD ANALYSIS
The Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) provides the factual basis for activities
proposed in the mitigation strategy that will reduce losses from identified hazards. The HIRA
makes a clear connection between the community’s vulnerability and the hazard mitigation
actions. According to Section 44 of the Code of Federal Regulations, The MJHMP must include
a definition and description of the natural hazards that can affect the jurisdiction(s) in the
planning area, as well as several additional required elements for natural hazards:
Location and Previous Occurrences
Location means the geographic areas in the planning area that are affected by each hazard.
This information is shown in narrative form and/or in maps. The MJHMP also includes the
history of previous hazard events for each of the identified hazards.
Impacts
Impact means the consequence or effect of the hazard on the community and its assets.
Assets are determined by the community and include, for example, people, structures, facilities,
systems, capabilities, and/or activities that have value to the community.
Extent
Extent describes the potential severity of a disaster and any secondary events caused by the
hazard in the operational area. Extent is classified by the following:
• Catastrophic: More than 50 percent of the operational area affected
• Critical: Between 25-50 percent of the operational area affected
• Limited: 10-25 percent of the operational area affected
• Negligible: Less than 10 percent of the operational area affected
Probability
Probability notes the frequency of past events and is used to gauge the likelihood of future
occurrences. Based on historical data, the probability of future occurrences is categorized into
44 CFR Requirement §201.6(c)(2)(ii) [The risk assessment shall include a] descrip�on of the
jurisdic�on’s vulnerability to the hazards described in paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this sec�on. This
descrip�on shall include an overall summary of each hazard and its impact on the community. All
plans approved a�er October 1, 2008 must also address NFIP insured structures that have been
repe��vely damaged by floods. The plan should describe vulnerability in terms of:
(A) The types and numbers of exis�ng and future buildings, infrastructure, and cri�cal
facili�es located in the iden�fied hazard areas;
(B) An es�mate of the poten�al dollar losses to vulnerable structures iden�fied in … this
sec�on and a descrip�on of the methodology used to prepare the es�mate.
(C) Providing a general descrip�on of land uses and development trends within the
community so that mi�ga�on op�ons can be considered in future land use decisions.
§201.6(c)(2)(iii) For mul�‐jurisdic�onal plans, the risk assessment sec�on must assess each
jurisdic�on’s risks where they vary from the risks facing the en�re planning area.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
107
one of the following classifications:
• Highly Likely: Near 100 percent chance of occurrence next year or happens every year
• Likely: Between 10 percent and 100 percent chance of occurrence in the next year or
has a recurrence interval of 10 years or less
• Occasional: Between 1 percent and 10 percent chance of occurrence in the next year
or has a recurrence interval of 11 to 50 years
• Unlikely: Less than 1 percent chance of occurrence in next 50 years or has a
recurrence interval of greater than every 50 years
The probability, or chance of occurrence, was calculated where possible based on existing data.
Probability was determined by dividing the number of events observed by the number of years
and multiplying by 100. This gives the percent chance of the event happening in any given year.
An example would be three droughts occurring over a 30-year period, which suggests a 10
percent chance of that hazard occurring in any given year.
Vulnerability
The vulnerability assessment further defines and quantifies populations, buildings, critical
facilities, and other community assets at risk to natural hazards. The vulnerability assessment
for this plan followed the methodology described in the FEMA 386-2, Understanding Your Risks
– Identifying Hazards and Estimating Losses.
The vulnerability assessment was conducted based on the best available data and the
significance of the hazard. Data to support the vulnerability assessment was collected from the
following sources:
• County and jurisdictional GIS data (hazards, base layers, and other government data)
through MarinMap
• Statewide GIS datasets compiled by CalOES to support mitigation planning
• Written descriptions of assets and risks provided by participating jurisdictions
• Existing plans and reports
• Personal interviews with jurisdictional representatives and other stakeholders
The vulnerability assessment describes the assets at risk in Marin County, including the total
exposure of people and property; critical facilities and infrastructure; natural, cultural, and
historic resources; and economic assets.
During the Kickoff Meeting with the MJHMP Planning Team and the Steering Committee, the
group was provided with a Hazard Risk Ranking Worksheet to complete. The members were
asked to provide their opinion on the types of hazards that may impact Marin County. These
hazards will be included in the Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment portion of the
MJHMP and considered in the Mitigation Strategy portion of the MJHMP. They were asked to
consider a hazard from the perspective of the worst-case scenario. Members were provided a
list of hazards from the 2018 MJHMP and additional hazards they presented for consideration.
The list of hazards was consolidated to group similar hazards and focused on only natural
hazards, per FEMA’s guidance for local hazard mitigation planning. Members were asked to
choose the most likely hazards within the County.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
108
The results of the assessment from the Planning Team and Steering Committee assessment
were presented to the Steering Committee to validate. The Steering Committee came to
agreement on the following significant hazards to Marin County and its participating
jurisdictions. These significant natural hazards are detailed and ranked in this section:
Table 3.4: Marin County Hazard Risk Assessment
Hazard
Probability/
Likelihood of
Future Events
Geographic
Extent
Magnitude/
Severity
Climate
Change
Influence
Significance Risk
Score
Dam Failure Unlikely Negligible Extreme Low Medium 9.00
Debris Flow,
Erosion, Landslide,
Post-Fire Debris
Flow
Occasional Extensive Severe Medium Medium 13.00
Drought Highly Likely Extensive Moderate High High 16.00
Earthquake Highly Likely Extensive Extreme None High 15.00
Flooding Highly Likely Limited Severe High Medium 14.00
Land Subsidence
(Sinkhole) Occasional Limited Moderate Medium Medium 10.00
Levee Failure Unlikely Negligible Moderate Medium High 9.00
Sea Level Rise Highly Likely Limited Extreme High High 16.00
Severe Weather –
Extreme Heat Highly Likely Extensive Moderate High Medium 15.00
Severe Weather –
Wind, Tornado Highly Likely Extensive Moderate High Medium 15.00
Tsunami Highly Likely Limited Extreme Medium High 15.00
Wildfire Highly Likely Significant Severe High High 16.00
Table 3.4: Marin County Hazard Risk Assessment
Once the Steering Committee determined the hazards to be profiled, they were asked to assess
the vulnerability and risk to their jurisdictions or districts posed by these hazards. To inform this
assessment the Steering Committee completed a detailed list of their critical facilities, critical
infrastructure, and high potential loss facilities in their jurisdiction or district. This information was
inputted into the County of Marin Office of Emergency Management GIS mapping program and
plotted on a map of their jurisdiction or district. Each hazard profiled was then separately
overlayed onto the map of the jurisdiction or district to show the impact the hazard may have on
the critical facilities, critical infrastructure, and high potential loss facilities.
The Steering Committee was provided a hazard vulnerability and risk assessment tool to assess
and score each hazard based on five categories: Probability/ Likelihood of Future Events,
Geographic Extent, Magnitude/ Severity, Climate Change Influence, and Significance.
Since each jurisdiction or special district is vulnerable to some but not all hazards, such as sea
level rise that threatens coastal communities but not all communities within Marin County, each
1 ~<;>U·N· TY OF a
~ARIN ~
j j j j j j
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
109
jurisdiction or special district was asked to consider their exposure to each hazard. If their
jurisdiction or district is not vulnerable to sea level rise then they might assess their vulnerability
to that hazard as "None." For hazards that they are vulnerable to they were asked to assess
them using the extent, likelihood, and severity categories discussed above.
Probability/ Likelihood of Future Events
• Unlikely: Occurs in intervals greater than 100 years - Less than 1% probability of
occurrence in the next year or a recurrence interval greater than 100 years.
• Occasional: Occurring every 11 to 100 years - 1-10% probability of occurrence in the
next year or a recurrence interval of 11 to 100 years.
• Likely: Occurring every 1 to 10 years - 10-90% probability of occurrence in the next year
or recurrence interval of 1 to 10 years.
• Highly Likely: Occurring almost every year - 90-100% probability of occurrence in the
next year or a recurrence interval of less than 1 year.
Geographic Extent
• Negligible: Less than 10% of the planning area
• Limited: 10-25% of the planning area
• Significant: 25-75% of planning area
• Extensive: 75-100% of planning area
Magnitude/ Severity
• Weak: Limited classification on scientific scale, slow speed of onset or short duration of
event, resulting in little to no damage.
• Moderate: Moderate classification on scientific scale, moderate speed of onset or
moderate duration of event, resulting in some damage and loss of services for days.
• Severe: Severe classification on scientific scale, fast speed of onset or long duration of
event, resulting in devastating damage and loss of services for weeks or months.
• Extreme: Extreme classification on scientific scale, immediate onset or extended
duration of event, resulting in catastrophic damage and uninhabitable conditions.
Table 3.5: Hazard Magnitude and Severity Scale
Hazard Scale/Index Weak Moderate Severe Extreme
Drought Palmer Drought
Severity Index +1.99 to -1.99 -2.00 to -2.99 -3.00 to -3.99 -4.00 and below
Earthquake Modified
Mercalli I to IV V to VII VIII IX to XII
Richter
Magnitude 2,3 4,5 6 7,8
Hurricane Wind
Saffir-Simpson
Hurricane
Wind Scale
1 2 3 4,5
Tornado Fujita Tornado
Damage Scale FO F1, F2 F3 F4, F5
Table 3.5: Hazard Magnitude and Severity Scale
1 ~<;>U·N· TY OF a
~ARIN ~
I I I I I
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
110
Climate Change Influence
• Low: Minimal potential impact
• Medium: Moderate potential impact
• High: Widespread potential impact
Significance
• Low: Minimal potential impact - Two or more criteria fall in lower classifications, or the
event has a minimal impact on the planning area. This rating is sometimes used for
hazards with a minimal or unknown record of occurrences or for hazards with minimal
mitigation potential.
• Medium: Moderate potential impact - The criteria fall mostly in the middle ranges of
classifications and the event’s impacts on the planning area are noticeable but not
devastating. This rating is sometimes used for hazards with a high extent rating but very
low probability rating.
• High: Widespread potential impact - The criteria consistently fall in the high
classifications and the event is likely/highly likely to occur with.
Each jurisdiction and district completed the Hazard Vulnerability and Risk Assessment Tool, and
their individual results are recorded in their Jurisdictional or District Profile. The following Table
3.4 illustrates the results of the Marin County Risk Assessment.
Table 3.6: Marin County OA Hazard Risk Assessment –
Top Hazards Scored
Hazard Ranking Score
1. Drought 16
2. Sea Level Rise 16
3. Wildfire 16
4. Earthquake 15
5. Severe Weather – Extreme Heat 15
6. Severe Weather – Wind, Tornado 15
7. Tsunami 15
8. Flooding 14
9. Debris Flow, Erosion, Landslide, Post-Fire
Debris Flow 13
10. Land Subsidence (Sinkhole) 10
11. Dam Failure 9
12. Levee Failure 9
Table 3.6: Marin County Hazard Risk Assessment – Top Hazards Scored
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
111
Risk Level Risk Numerical Score
High Risk 12 - 16
Serious Risk 8 - 11
Moderate Risk 4 - 7
Low Risk 1 - 3
Figure 3.1: Marin County Risk Assessment – Top Hazards Graphed
3.2.1 CLIMATE CHANGE
The County of Marin and associated jurisdictions profiled jointly recognize that the earth’s
climate is forcibly being augmented due to humans’ reliance on fossil fuels and non-natural
resources which pose negative impacts on the earth’s climate. Reliance on fossil fuels and non -
natural products results in the climate shifting to include unseasonable temperatures, more
frequent and intense storms, prolonged heat and cold events, and a greater reliance on
technological advancements to maintain the wellbeing of community members and balance of
the environment. The forced adaptation to climatic shifts is necessary for the County and
jurisdictions to understand and include with these assessments.
Locally to Marin, drought and rain events have already had devastating impacts to critical
infrastructure, agriculture, and water resources; and globally, unseasonable temperatures have
been identified as the cause for enhanced wildfires, severe droughts, ice sheets and glaciers
disappearing, and persons emigrating from their countries due to a lack of sustainable, local
resources. Melting land ice contributes additional water to the oceans and as ocean
temperatures rise the water expands, both of which contribute to increase rates of sea level rise.
Marin is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean and on the east by San Francisco Bay,
making it particularly vulnerable to flooding and erosion caused by sea level rise.
16 16 16 15 15 15 15 14 13
10 9 9
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
We
i
g
h
t
e
d
R
a
n
k
P
e
r
c
e
n
t
a
g
e
V
a
l
u
e
Hazard Types
Hazards by Rank
1 ~<;>U·N· TY OF a
~ARIN ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
112
The cause of current climate change is largely human activity, burning fossil fuels, natural gas,
oil, and coal. Burning these materials releases greenhouse gases into Earth’s atmosphere.
Greenhouse gases trap heat from the sun’s rays inside the atmosphere causing Earth’s average
temperature to rise. This rise in the planet's temperature was formerly called, “global warming”,
but climate change has shown to include both intense heat and cold shifts. The warming of the
planet impacts local and regional climates. Throughout Earth's history, climate has continually
changed; however, when occurring naturally, this is a slower process that has taken place over
hundreds and thousands of years. The human influenced climate change that is happening now
is occurring at an abnormally faster rate with devastating results.
GLOBAL OBSERVED AND PROJECTED CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS AND RISKS
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) assesses the impacts of climate
change, looking at ecosystems, biodiversity, and human communities at global and regional
levels. The IPCC also reviews vulnerabilities and the capacities and limits of the natural world
and human societies to adapt to climate change. In their Sixth Assessment Report from 20221,
the following observations were made:
• Human-induced climate change, including more frequent and intense extreme events,
has caused widespread adverse impacts and related losses and damages to nature and
people, beyond natural climate variability.
• Global warming, reaching 1.5°C in the near-term, would cause unavoidable increases in
multiple climate hazards and present multiple risks to ecosystems and humans.
• Beyond 2040 and depending on the level of global warming, climate change will lead to
numerous risks to natural and human systems.
• The magnitude and rate of climate change and associated risks depend strongly on
near-term mitigation and adaptation actions, and projected adverse impacts and related
losses and damages escalate with every increment of global warming.
• Multiple climate hazards will occur simultaneously, and multiple climatic and non-climatic
risks will interact, resulting in compounding overall risk and risks cascading across
sectors and regions.
A 2020 study by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) 2 confirmed that
climate models are getting future warming projects right, finding the following:
• If global warming transiently exceeds 1.5°C in the coming decades or later, then many
human and natural systems will face additional severe risks.
• An estimated 60% of today’s methane emissions are the result of human activities. The
largest sources of methane are agriculture, fossil fuels, and decomposition of landfill
waste.
1 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Headline Statements from the Summary for Policymakers, 2022.
https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg2/resources/spm-headline-statements/
2 Study Confirms Climate Models are Getting Future Warming Projections Right, 2020.
https://climate.nasa.gov/news/2943/study-confirms-climate -models-are -getting-future-warming-projections-
right/
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
113
• The concentration of methane in the atmosphere has more than doubled over the past
200 years. Scientists estimate that this increase is responsible for 20 to 30% of climate
warming since the Industrial Revolution (which began in 1750).
• According to the most recent National Climate Assessment, droughts in the Southwest
and heat waves (periods of abnormally hot weather lasting days to weeks) are projected
to become more intense, and cold waves less intense and less frequent.
• The last eight years have been the hottest years on record for the globe.
Figure 3.2: NASA Global Temperature Change CO2 Gas
Source: NASA Global Climate Change, 2022
Figure 3.3: NASA Global Temperature Change 1884 to 2022
Source: NASA Global Climate Change, 2022
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
ATMOSPHERIC METHANE CONCENTRATIONS
SINCE 1984
Data source Data frorn NOAA, measured from a globa l
networK of a,r sampling sites
c g
:ZS 1soo ------,------+-----"7'1-""'-----+-
m
0.
"' ~ 1750 ---~--~-,:e_-+-----~------+-
£',
I Ll 1100 -----,,.c...,-------+--------,-------+--
1650
19M 2000 2010 ?020
YfcAR
TIME SERIES: 1884 TO 2022
Data source: NASNGISS
Credit: NASA's Scientific Visualization Studio
420
4 00
c
~ 380 E
11.
"1 360 t:
!
6 340
[J
320
\!160 19 70
YEAR
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
114
Drought
• The 22-year-long megadrought in southwestern US was the driest the territory had
experienced in at least 1,200 years and was expected to persist.
Sea Level Rise
• Global sea levels are rising as a result of human-caused global warming, with recent
rates being unprecedented over the past 2,500-plus years.
• U.S. sea levels are projected to rise 1 to 6.6 Feet by 2100. (Note: Global sea levels have
risen about 8 inches (0.2 meters) since reliable record-keeping began in 1880. By 2100,
scientists project that it will rise at least another foot (0.3 meters), but possibly as high as
6.6 feet (2 meters) in a high-emissions scenario.)
• Sea ice cover in the Arctic Ocean is expected to continue decreasing, and the Arctic
Ocean will very likely become essentially “ice-free” in late summer seasons if current
projections hold. This change is expected to occur before mid-century.
• An indicator of changes to the projected sea level rise is the Arctic Sea ice minimum
over time. Arctic Sea ice to this extent both affects and is affected by global climate
change.
Figure 3.4: NASA Global Temperature Change Sea Level
Source: NASA Global Climate Change, 2022
Wildfire
• Warming temperatures have extended and intensified wildfire season in the West, where
long-term drought in the region has heightened the risk of fires.
1 ~<;>U·N· TY OF a
~ARIN ~
SATELLITE DATA : 1993-PRESENT
Data source: Satellfte sea level observations .
Credit: NASA's. Goddard Spe ce Fl i ght Ce n ter
100
E 80
,s
e 60 C
"al
~ 40 ~
C)
iii
I 20 ('!i
Ql
(/)
0
19 95 20 0 0 2005
RISE SINCE 1993
millimeters
2.0 10 2 0 15 2 020
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
115
• Scientists estimate that human-caused climate change has already doubled the area of
forest burned in recent decades. By around 2050, the amount of land consumed by
wildfires in Western states is projected to further increase by two to six times.
• Even in traditionally rainy regions like the Southeast, wildfires are projected to increase
by about 30%.
Flooding (Precipitation)
• Climate change is having an uneven effect on precipitation (rain and snow) in the United
States, with some locations experiencing increased precipitation and flooding, while
others suffer from drought.
• On average, more winter and spring precipitation is projected for the northern United
States, and less for the Southwest, over this century.
• Projections of future climate over the U.S. suggest that the recent trend toward
increased heavy precipitation events will continue. This means that while it may rain less
frequently in some regions (such as the Southwest), when it does rain, heavy downpours
will be more common.
Extreme Cold
• The length of the frost-free season, and the corresponding growing season, has been
increasing since the 1980s, with the largest increases occurring in the western United
States.
Climate change can also have numerous general impacts on human health (see Figure 3.5).
Figure 3.5: Human Health Impacts from Climate Change
Source: U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention
INDICATORS OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN CALIFORNIA
According to the California Natural Resource Agency (CNRA), climate change is already
affecting California and is projected to continue to do so well into the foreseeable future.
Current and projected changes include increased temperatures, sea level rise, a reduced winter
snowpack, altered precipitation patterns, and more frequent storm events. Over the long term,
reducing greenhouse gases can help make these changes less severe, but the changes cannot
be avoided entirely. Unavoidable climate impacts result in a variety of secondary consequences
including detrimental impacts on human health and safety, economic continuity, ecosystem
l ~<;>U·N· TY O F
~ARIN
a ~
Environmental Degradation
Forced migration, civil conflict, mental
health impacts, los.:s of jobs and income
Extreme Heat
Hei;lt;elate d illness i;ind death,
card iovascular fai lure
Severe Weather
Injuries , fata lities, loss of hom es,
mental health impa cts
Water & Food Supply Impacts
Ma lnutrition, dianheal disegse
Degraded Living Conditions
& Socia l Inequiti es
Exacerbati on o f existing socia l and health
in equitill:!s and vu lnerab il iti es
Changes In Vector Ecology
M alaria, dengue, ence pha liti s,
hantavirus, Rrft: Valley f ever, Lyme
diseasl:!, c:hikungunya, West Nile virus
Air Pollution &
Increasing Allergens
Asthma, cardiovascular disease,
respiratory allergies
W.W QualQ:y Impacts
0.oi,ta, ~pclidiotit, ~lob_,
lepbplroils, h,;,njllill a'9of bloD1J1s
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
116
integrity and provision of basic services. Climate change is being profiled in the 2023 Marin
County Hazard Mitigation Plan as a standalone hazard while addressing each of the other
natural hazards. Marin County is considering climate change issues when identifying future
mitigation actions.
California is experiencing a climate crisis that is increasingly taking a toll on the health and well-
being of its people and on its unique and diverse ecosystems. Every Californian has suffered
from the effects of record high temperatures, dry winters, prolonged drought, and proliferating
wildfires in recent years. California’s biodiversity is threatened as alterations to habitat
conditions brought about by a changing climate are occurring at a pace that could overwhelm
the ability of plant and animal species to adapt.
The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) found the following
indicators of climate change in California in a 2022 report3:
• Since 1895, annual average air temperatures in California have increased by about 2.5
degrees Fahrenheit (°F). Warming occurred at a faster rate beginning in the 1980s.
• Recent years have been especially warm: Eight of the ten warmest years on record
occurred between 2012 and 2022; 2014 was the warmest year on record.
• Of all the Western states, California endured the hottest temperatures for the longest
time, driving the average statewide temperature to the second warmest over the past
128 years.
• Extreme heat ranks among the deadliest of all climate-driven hazards in California, with
physical, social, political, and economic factors effecting the capacity of individuals,
workers, and communities to adapt, and with the most severe impacts often on
communities who experience the greatest social and health inequities.
• Glaciers have essentially disappeared from the Trinity Alps in Northern California
• In 2020, wildfire smoke plumes were present in each county for at least 46 days.
• The 2022 fire season saw more fires than the previous fire season along with continued
extreme drought and heat conditions.
• The drought, begun in 2019, was the third statewide drought declared in California since
2000.
• This drought has been marked by extreme swings; the state received record-breaking
amounts of precipitation in October and December 2021 that were offset by the driest
January, February, and March 2022 dating back more than 100 years. The year 2023
opened with California simultaneously managing both drought and flood emergencies.
• A series of storms in late December 2022 and early January 2023 broke rural levees,
disrupted power, flooded roads, downed trees, and eroded coastal land.
• Sea level rise accelerates coastal erosion, worsens coastal flooding during large storms
and peak tidal events, and impacts important infrastructure positioned along our state’s
1,100-mile coast.
• The western drought which impacted all of California and the western United States was
nearly lifted due to unseasonably heavy rains in late 2022 and early 2023.
3 2022 Report: Indicators of Climate Change in California. https://oehha.ca.gov/climate-change/epic-2022
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
117
The graph below shows the relative change, in millimeters, in sea levels at Crescent City
(1933-2020), San Francisco (1900-2020), and La Jolla (1925-2020) as a result of climate
change:
Figure 3.6: Annual Mean Sea Level Trends
Source: 2022 Report: Indicators of Climate Change in California | OEHHA
The impact of climate change in California varies across the state due to diversity in biophysical
setting, climate, and jurisdictional characteristics. The California Adaptation Planning Guide
organized the state into climate impact regions based on county boundaries in combination with
projected climate impacts, existing environmental settings, socioeconomic factors, and regional
designations and organizations (see Figure 3.7).
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
-Crescent City -La Jo ll a -San Fra ncisco
100
50
-50
-100
-150
-200
1900 1910 1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970
Chart: OEHHA Climate Change Indicators of California 2022 • Source: NOAA · Get the data · Download image • Created with Datawrapper
1980 1990 2000 2010 2020
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
118
Figure 3.7: California Climate Impact Regions
Source: California Adaptiation Planning Guide
CLIMATE CHANGE IN THE MARIN COUNTY OPERATIONAL AREA
Climate change is already having significant impacts across California and the Marin County
OA. Temperatures are warming, heat waves are more frequent, seas are rising and
precipitation has become increasingly variable. Climate change will continue to alter Marin
County OA ecosystems as a result of rising temperatures, changes in precipitation, and sea
level rise, which will increase the severity and occurrence of natural hazards across the Marin
County OA well into the future. Coastal cooling processes that keep temperatures down, such
as fog, will continue to decrease. Rising temperatures will exacerbate drought conditions and
raise the potential for significant wildfires and associated smoke as vegetation becomes drier
and tree mortality increases. Forested woodlands that play a major role in carbon reduction will
gradually transition into chaparral and shrublands. There will be more extreme storms and
l ~<;>U·N· TY O F
~ARIN
a ~
""'""
Sources : California Natural Resource Agency
0 25 50
I
Cl imate Impact Reg ions
1111
1111
C__j
1111
1111
1111
1111
1111
CJ
100 Miles
I I
North
North Coast
Bay Area
Cen t ra l Coast
Northern Central Valley
Southern Central Valley
North Sierra
Sout h east Sierra
Sout h Coast
Desert
Bay-Delta Region
c,u tad l>y:
C.~ht1 1d1
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
119
weather events, including expanded heat waves and increased rain events with changes in
precipitation, placing increased strain on levees and dams across the Marin County OA.
Significant rain events will lead to an increase in flooding and the potential for severe landslides.
Shoreline communities will become inundated with sea level rise, storm surge, high tide events,
and potential tsunamis. Marshlands and wetlands that act as natural storm barriers will
disappear as they transition into open water.
Notable impacts from climate change that are already evident in the Marin County OA and
surrounding region as identified in a 2020 Marin County Civil Grand Jury Report include:
• From 1895-2018, the average temperature in Marin County increased by 2.3 degrees
Fahrenheit.
• Over the past century, sea level rise in the San Francisco Bay Area rose by eight inches
and has accelerated rapidly since 2011.
• The threat of wildfires in 2019 was so severe that Pacific Gas and Electric shut off
electric power to the County for multiple days.
Climate change will continue to affect homes, businesses, infrastructure, utilities, transportation
systems and agriculture across the Marin County OA. The risk to socially vulnerable
populations will increase as they feel the immediate impacts of climate change more
significantly and are less able to adapt to climate changes and recover from its impacts.
The Marin County OA has adopted numerous planning initiatives and mitigation measures to
help combat the effects of climate change across the OA. The Marin Climate Energy
Partnership (MCEP), which is a partnership program including numerous Marin County
jurisdictions, the County of Marin, and regional agencies, adopted a model Climate Action Plan
(CAP) that is intended to support countywide strategic efforts and is currently being used to
update or establish climate action plans for additional jurisdictions within Marin County. The
adopted Climate Action Plan serves as the adopted plan for the unincorporated County, which
was completed in 2020. The MCEP also collects data and reports on progress in meeting each
County jurisdictions’ individual greenhouse gas emission targets. In October 2022, the County
published the Greenhouse Gas Inventory for Unincorporated Community Emissions for the Year
2020. Marin County OA jurisdictions have already met their greenhouse reduction goals for
2020 and are about halfway to meeting the statewide goal to reduce emissions 40% below 1990
levels by the year 2030. Marin County also formed a Sea Level Marin Adaptation Response
Team in 2018 and had a Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment and associated Adaptation
Report completed for the County and each of its jurisdictions in 2017 as part of their Bay
Waterfront Adaptation and Vulnerability Evaluation. Additional Marin County OA climate change
mitigation programs and initiatives include Marin Clean Energy, Electrify Marin, the Marin Solar
Project, the Marin Energy Watch Partnership, Resilient Neighborhoods, and Drawdown: Marin.
3.2.2 PARTICIPATING JURISDICTION HAZARD ASSESSMENT
Each Marin County OA MJHMP participating jurisdiction and organization reviewed and
approved the Top Hazards identified by the Planning Team. Each participating jurisdiction and
organization then completed a more complex assessment tool to further develop their hazard
assessment and prioritization. The completed Hazard Risk Assessment Tables are located in
the Section 2.0: Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment of the Jurisdictional or Special
District Annex Profile.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
120
The planning process used the available FEMA tools to evaluate all the possible threats faced.
The primary tool selected was the Hazard Risk Assessment and Prioritization Tool. This matrix
allowed the participating jurisdiction or organization to assess their own level of vulnerability and
mitigation capability. Each participating Jurisdiction and organization assessed the top hazards
for:
• Probability/Likelihood of future events or frequency
• Geographic Extent
• Impact to property, resources, and humans
• Magnitude/Severity
• Significance
• Climate Change Influence
• Mitigation capacity
Through the threat analysis process, the most probable, frequent and devastating threats to
Marin County were identified. Other threats not identified in this plan, that could potentially
affect Marin County, are identified and addressed in other plans such as the County Emergency
Operations Plan, functional annexes, operational response plans, and various policies and
procedures.
3.3 HAZARD RISK ASSESSMENT
3.3.1 DAM FAILURE
Dams are manmade structures built for a variety of uses including flood protection, power
generation, agriculture, water supply, and recreation. When dams are constructed for flood
protection, they are usually engineered to withstand a flood with a computed risk of occurrence.
For example, a dam may be designed to contain a flood at a location on a stream that has a
certain probability of occurring in any one year. If prolonged periods of rainfall and flooding
occur that exceed the design requirements, that structure may be overtopped and fail.
Overtopping is the primary cause of earthen dam failure in the United States.
Dam failure is the uncontrolled release of impounded water from behind a dam. Flooding,
earthquakes, blockages, landslides, lack of maintenance, improper operation, poor construction,
vandalism, and terrorism can all cause a dam to fail. Dam failure causes downstream flooding
that can affect life and property. Dam failures can result from any one or a combination of the
following causes:
• Earthquake
• Inadequate spillway capacity resulting in excess overtopping flows
• Internal erosion caused by embankment or foundation leakage, or piping or rodent
activity
• Improper design
• Improper maintenance
• Negligent operation
• Failure of upstream dams on the same waterway
Water released by a failed dam generates tremendous energy and can cause a flood that is
catastrophic to life and property. A catastrophic dam failure could challenge local response
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
121
capabilities and require evacuations to save lives. Impacts to life safety will depend on the
warning time and the resources available to notify and evacuate the public. Major loss of life
could result as well as potentially catastrophic effects to roads, bridges, healthcare facilities,
schools, homes, and hazardous materials storage facilities. Electric generating facilities and
transmission lines could also be damaged and affect life support systems in communities
outside the immediate hazard area. Associated water supply, water quality and health concerns
could also be an issue. Factors that influence the potential severity of a full or partial dam
failure are the amount of water impounded; the density, type, and value of development and
infrastructure located downstream; and the speed of failure.
In general, there are three types of dams: concrete arch or hydraulic fill, earth and rockfill, and
concrete gravity. Each type of dam has different failure characteristics. A concrete arch or
hydraulic fill dam can fail almost instantaneously, where the flood wave builds up rapidly to a
peak then gradually declines. An earth-rockfill dam fails gradually due to erosion of the breach,
where a flood wave will build gradually to a peak and then decline until the reservoir is empty. A
concrete gravity dam can fail instantaneously or gradually with a corresponding buildup and
decline of the flood wave.
The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) Division of Safety of Dams (DSOD) has
jurisdiction over impoundments that meet certain capacity and height criteria. Embankments
that are less than six feet high and impoundments that can store less than 15 acre-feet are non-
jurisdictional. Additionally, dams that are less than 25 feet high can impound up to 50 acre-feet
without being jurisdictional. The Cal DWR DSOD assigns hazard ratings to large dams within
the State. The following two factors are considered when assigning hazard ratings: existing
land use and land use controls (zoning) downstream of the dam. Dams are classified in three
categories that identify the potential hazard to life and property:
• High hazard indicates that a failure would most probably result in the loss of life.
• Significant hazard indicates that a failure could result in appreciable property
damage.
• Low hazard indicates that failure would result in only minimal property damage and
loss of life is unlikely.
Since 1929, the state has supervised all non-federal dams in California to prevent failure for the
purpose of safeguarding life and protecting property. Supervision is carried out through the
state’s Dam Safety Program under the jurisdiction of DWR. The legislation requiring state
supervision was passed in response to the St. Francis Dam failure and concerns about the
potential risks to the general populace from a number of water storage dams. The law requires:
Examination and approval or repair of dams completed prior to August 14, 1929, the
effective date of the statute.
Approval of plans and specifications for and supervision of construction of new dams and
the enlargement, alteration, repair, or removal of existing dams.
Supervision of maintenance and operation of all dams under the state’s jurisdiction.
The 1963 failure of the Baldwin Hills Dam in Southern California led the Legislature to amend
the California Water Code to include within state jurisdiction both new and existing off-stream
storage facilities.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
122
Dams and reservoirs subject to state supervision are defined in California Water Code §6002
through §6004, with exemptions defined in §6004 and §6025. In administering the Dam Safety
Program, DWR must comply with the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA). As such, all formal dam approval and revocation actions must be preceded by
appropriate environmental documentation.
In 1972, Congress moved to reduce the hazards from the 28,000 non-federal dams in the
country by passing Public Law 92-367, the National Dam Inspection Act. With the passage of
this law, Congress authorized the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to inventory dams
located in the United States. The action was spurred by two disastrous earthen dam failures
during the year, in West Virginia and South Dakota, that caused a total of 300 deaths.
The Water Resources Development Act of 1986 (P.L 99-662) authorized USACE to maintain
and periodically publish an updated National Inventory of Dams (NID). The Water Resources
Development Act of 1996 (P.L. 104-303), Section 215, re-authorized periodic updates of the
NID by USACE.
Location and Previous Occurrences
Reservoirs for water supply and the dams that impound them are integral parts of the municipal
infrastructure in Marin County. Unlike most other counties in California, Marin does not import or
export water through the Central Valley State and Federal water projects. The Marin Municipal
Water District (MMWD) and the North Marin Municipal Water District (NMWD) operate and
maintain eight major dams for municipal water supplies within their jurisdictions (see Table 3.7 )
MMWD dams include Alpine Dam, Bon Tempe Dam, Lagunitas Dam, Phoenix Dam, Peters
Dam (Kent Lake), Nicasio Dam, and Soulajule Dam. NMWD maintains and operates one dam at
Stafford Lake on Novato Creek for its smaller service area. None of these reservoirs generate
hydroelectricity nor are they actively managed for downstream flood control.
The California Water Code entrusts dam safety regulatory power to the California Department of
Water Resources (DWR), Division of Safety of Dams (DSOD). Dams greater than 6-feet in
height and impounding 50 acre feet or more of water, and dams greater than 25-feet in height
and impounding more than 15 acre-feet of water are subject to DSOD jurisdiction. According to
the California water code, owners of regulated dams are responsible for emergency
preparedness with regard to potential loss of life or property. All regulated dams are inspected
by DSOD annually. MMWD inspection reports are available on their website. As of 2017 DSOD
classifies the public safety risk of all jurisdictional dams.
Dam locations of high, significant, and low hazard dams that may affect the Marin County OA
are shown in Figure 3.10 .
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
123
Table 3.7 shows dams in Marin County that could impact the OA.
Table 3.7: Hazard Ranked Dams in Marin County with Potential to Impact to the OA
Dam Name/
Dam Number
Hazard
Class Latitude Longitude Nearest City/
Distance
Population
At Risk
Capacity
(acre-
feet)
Dam
Height Dam Owner
Alpine
33-0 High 37.94 -122.64 Stinson Beach,
CA 2.76 miles 10 - 100 8,892 143 Marin Municipal
Water District
Big Rock
Ranch 437-0 High 38.05 -122.63 > 1,000 91 45 Lucasfilm, LTD
Bon Tempe
33-6 High 37.96 -122.61 Fairfax, CA
2.49 miles 100 –
1,000 4,300 98 Marin Municipal
Water District
Lagunitas
33-2 Significant 37.95 -122.60 Kentfield, CA
2.14 miles
100 –
1,000 341 48 Marin Municipal
Water District
Novato Creek/
Stafford Lake
88-0
Extremely
High 38.12 -122.64 Novato, CA 3.76
miles 10 - 100 140 76 North Marin County
Water District
Peters
33-7 High 38.00 -122.70 Lagunitas, CA
1.00 miles 0 32,900 320 Marin Municipal
Water District
Phoenix Lake
33-3 High 37.96 -122.58 Kentfield, CA
1.01 miles 10 - 100 612 90 Marin Municipal
Water District
Seeger
33-8 High 38.08 -122.76 1 - 10 22,400 115 Marin Municipal
Water District
Soulajule
33-9 High 38.15 -122.78 Inverness, CA
5.26 miles 1 - 10 10,700 122 Marin Municipal
Water District
Vonsen
430-0 High 38.18 -122.68 Sheep Ranch 6
miles 10 - 100 70 35 Private Property
Table 3.7: Hazard Ranked Dams in Marin County with Potential to Impact to the OA
Source: California Department of Water Resources, Division of Safety of Dams
I ~'?U .. N. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
124
Figure 3.8: Dams in and around the Marin County OA
Source: Cal OES, Department of Water Resources, DSOD, 11/27/23
Figure 3.9 illustrates the Dam Failure risk to Marin County.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
125
Figure 3.9: Marin County Dam Inundation Susceptibility to Critical Facilities
Source: Marin County OEM
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
,/
a ~
•
.o,nl Reyes
NaUonal
Seashore
Marin County
Dam Inundation
•
•
•
OIIICIOF
EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT
San Pablo Bay
WIidiife Area
Legend
e Dams
Military and Civil
De fense Instal lati ons
Commun ication
Facil ities
Electric Power Facilities
Wastewater Facilities
e Wate r Supply Faci lities
Airports
Emergency Operations
Centers
Fire Stations
Hospitals and Medical
Facilities
Police/ Sheriff Stations
Schools
Hazards Group
D Dam I nundation
0 2 .5 ~5 -10
Miles
Marin County OEM / Woody Ba ker-Cohn
emai l: OEM _GIS@MarinCounty.org
Date Pr inted: 11/20/23
County of Marin, canfornia State Parks, Esri, HERE, Garmin, SafeGraph, Geo Technologies, Inc, METI/NASA, USGS, Bureau of Land Management, EPA, NPS,
USDA, County of Marin, Ca liforn ia State Parks, Esri, HERE, Garm in, SafeGraph, FAO, METI/NASA, USGS, Bureau of Land Management, EPA, NPS
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
126
California has had about 45 failures of non-federal dams. The failures occurred for a variety of
reasons, the most common being overtopping. Other reasons include specific shortcomings in
the dams themselves or an inadequate assessment of surrounding geomorphologic
characteristics.
California’s first notable dam failure was in 1883 in Sierra County, while the most recent failure
occurred in 1965. The most catastrophic event was the failure of William Mulholland’s infamous
St. Francis Dam, which failed in 1928 and killed an estimated 450 people, only slightly fewer
than the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. The actual number of dead from the St. Francis Dam
failure was likely substantially higher. San Francisquito Canyon, which was flooded in the
event, was home to hundreds of transients and illegal immigrants who were never accounted for
in the death totals.
In February 2017 California witnessed the failure of the spillway and emergency spillway at
Lake Oroville leading to the evacuation of 188,000 people from the downstream inundation
area. Situations like this, overtopping and erosion of a dam’s face as a result of flows exceeding
the capacity of spillway is another mechanism of dam failure, however reservoir inflows in the
Marin County OA do not have to accommodate the volatility of melting snowpack that occurs in
the Sierra Nevada foothills.
There is no record of a failure of any regulated dam located in the Marin County OA.
Impacts
Areas of Marin County could be significantly impacted by a failure of any one of its high hazard
dams. Inundation maps are based on a hypothetical failure of a dam or critical appurtenant
structure and the information depicted on the maps is approximate.
Phoenix Lake Dam
Failure of the Phoenix Lake Dam with Phoenix Lake at full capacity could flood about five miles
along Ross Creek down to the Town of Ross, part of San Anselmo where Ross Creek meets
Corte Madera Creek, along Corte Madera Creek to unincorporated Kentfield, through the edge
of Larkspur and Corte Madera and out into San Pablo Bay. Inundation maps and a discussion of
vulnerability for San Anselmo, Ross, Larkspur and Corte Madera can be found in their
respective Annexes.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
127
Figure 3.10: Phoenix Lake Dam Inundation Area
Source: Cal OES, Department of Water Resources, DSOD, 11/27/23
In the unlikely event of a dam failure associated with Phoenix Lake Dam, floodwaters could
reach the commercial center of Kentwood in approximately half an hour, inundating it up to five
feet in some areas. Sections of critical infrastructure, including Sir Francis Drake Boulevard and
several medical facilities could flood as a result of this dam failure. Dozens of homes and
apartment complexes, numerous commercial buildings and community facilities, the Kent
Middle School, part of the College of Marin-Kentfield Campus including the College of Marin
Police Department station, and the Marin County Sherriff’s Office Kentfield Substation could all
experience flooding.
Phoenix Lake Dam
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
128
Figure 3.11: Phoenix Lake Dam Inundation Area – Kentfield North
Source: California Department of Water Resources
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
----__ ., __
·---•·---____ ,.. ____ tft<-.i ------
a ~
□Cir)'..,_..,
0F1oodlnCllo-.Y
AoadO.plf>(ftl
□,
□,
□•
D•
□• o,.w
Ou.~
Du·~
CJ21..2&
DATE: 10/25/20111
RGUR£A•l :MUIMUM INUNDATION DEPTH
n..,,,,,..o.,..s...,.,,1 ...... <W1.,,,~
P•~lo{S
.., _______ ,. ___ ,.,_
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
129
Figure 3.12: Phoenix Lake Dam Inundation Area – Kentfield South
Source: California Department of Water Resources
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
----__ ., __
·--··---__ ,_,.... ____ ..,...., -------
a ~
□oo,
□~---r
AoodDepltl (l'll
□,
□,
□•
D•
D•
□••W
Ou.15
Du·~
c:J21 .M
DATE:10/25/2018
FIGUREA-1: MAXIMUM INUNDATION DEPTM
""""1tu a,., 8~/nt11tUlo?NM.¥
l\lgt3of5
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
130
Novato Creek/Stafford Lake Dam
Failure of the Novato Creek Dam with Stafford Lake at full capacity would affect an area that
extends approximately five miles down Novato Creek through parts of the unincorporated
County and the City of Novato to San Pablo Bay at Bel Marin Keys. Inundation maps and a
discussion of vulnerability for Novato can be found in Annex I.
Figure 3.13: Novato Creek/ Stafford Lake Dam Inundation Area
Source: Cal OES, Department of Water Resources, DSOD, 11/27/23
Parts of Ohair Park adjacent to the dam and along Novato Creek could be immediately
inundated with up to ten feet of water. After passing through Novato, floodwaters could reach
the Novato RV Park in approximately two hours and some businesses and the Novato Fire
Protection District Station 62 along Atherton Avenue in the Green Point area in approximately
ten to fifteen hours, inundating them in over ten feet of water. Floodwaters could reach Bel
Marin Keys in ten to fifteen hours. While most homes in Bel Marin Keys should be protected
from floodwaters, some homes could be flooded up to several feet. Parts of Bel Marin Keys
Boulevard could become flooded in several feet of water, possibly turning Bel Marin Keys into
an island temporarily. A PG&E substation at Hamilton Wetlands along with the Bel Marin
Gardens Hospital could be inundated with several feet of water.
Novato Creek/ Stafford Lake Dam
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
131
Figure 3.14: Novato Creek Dam Inundation Area – Green Point and Bel Marin Keys
Source: California Department of Water Resources
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
132
Bon Tempe Dam
Failure of the Bon Tempe Dam with Kent Lake at full capacity could result in flooding in
unincorporated areas of West Marin County, stretching about 10 miles from the reservoir down
to Point Reyes Station at Highway 1 and into Tomales Bay.
Figure 3.15: Bon Tempe Dam Inundation Area
Source: Cal OES, Department of Water Resources, DSOD, 11/27/23
On its path, floodwaters could extend up San Geromino Creek in approximately one hour,
flooding dozens of homes and buildings along the creek in Lagunitas and Forest Knolls in a
depth up to fifty feet in some areas. Floodwaters from the creek could extend into the western
edges of San Geronimo in approximately one and half hours, impacting several shelters, the
San Geronimo Valley Community the San Geronimo Valley School, and the Lagunitas School
with a depth of several feet.
Bon Tempe Dam
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
133
Figure 3.16: Bon Tempe Dam Inundation Area – Lagunitas-Forest Knolls-San Geronimo Area
Source: California Department of Water Resources
Further down Lagunitas Creek, water could flood parts of Samuel P. Taylor State Park including
camping areas. Water could flood around five miles of Sir Francis Drake Boulevard along
Lagunitas Creek and several dozen buildings along the road including the PG&E substation at
Tocaloma. Floodwaters could extend down Platform Bridge Road towards Point Reyes
Petaluma Road at a depth up to fifty feet in some areas. Eventually the inundation area could
reach Point Reyes Station, with floodwaters extending into the southern end of the community
around Highway 1 in the commercial core at a depth of several feet including the Marin County
Point Reyes Fire Station, The Marin County Sherrif’s Office Point Reyes Substation and the
West Marin Elementary School. Floodwaters could reach up to thirty feet in some areas
surrounding Point Reyes Station. Floodwaters could eventually reach Tomales Bay in
approximately six hours, impacting the Tomales Bay estuary with an influx of fresh water. The
unincorporated community of Inverness could experience a surge from Tomales Bay, with
flooding up to several feet in residences, marinas, hotels, and other facilities along Sir Francis
Drake Boulevard including the main commercial area. Inundation from Tomales Bay could also
impact some homes and businesses on the east side of the Bay, including up Walker Creek and
around Nick’s Cove, Marshall, and Marconi in up to ten feet of water.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
A•1:MAXIMUM FLOOD DEPTH
&,tT,.,,.,...o ... s ......i.1,u,,.Nt;.,,,At,,p
Piig,6af2<J
--______ ,. ___ ,.,_
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
134
Figure 3.17: Bon Tempe Dam Inundation Area – Point Reyes Station Area South
Source: California Department of Water Resources
Figure 3.18: Bon Tempe Dam Inundation Area – Point Reyes Station Area North and Inverness
Source: California Department of Water Resources
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
-D--._ __ .,.Oil
=======
=--...:::-..:::.-----:::=:-.:.:::::,=:
a ~
-M.;.,rH.....,.. lib.-ADadOc,rtt,(11\ □••W -ll•:16
-111.,....,.. □1 c:J1.1.-U CJM ,40
...,_..11_ 2 0U1 -211 CJ .u -u
1.« .. T,.fflc Os -20 -2&•"6 ·&0
D• -2'8 -to-:.50
□•
_...,"ieli_,.. -· --~pt11(1t1 Ds-10 -tt -u
-ltlp-,s □, c:Jll •l&c:]ll -40
Ma/O<R-2 011 -211 D u -•~
i.«.nafflc Di 20 -2a -ote -ao
□, ..... ,o.:.eo
□•
A-1:MA.llMUMFl00DDO'Jlt
&>n1t.,,..o. ... enw111 .. 11~.:1iit""'At,,
Pil8"'Jl•1fl()
A-1: M.UIMUM FlOOD DEPTH
&i.Tr"'f""O.mBnwll /1<11...,_Mq
,,..,,oif10
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
135
Peters Dam
Failure of the Peters Dam with Kent Lake at full capacity could result in flooding in
unincorporated areas of West Marin County with similar impacts as a failure of the Bon Tempe
Dam but to a different extent.
Figure 3.19: Peters Dam Inundation Area
Source: Cal OES, Department of Water Resources, DSOD, 11/27/23
While floodwaters could extend up San Geronimo Creek in approximately half an hour and flood
dozens of homes in Lagunitas and Forest Knolls in a depth up to twenty feet in some areas, the
floodwaters are not expected to reach San Geronimo.
Peters Dam
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
136
Figure 3.20: Peters Dam Inundation Area – Lagunitas-Forest Knolls Area
Source: California Department of Water Resources
1 ~<?U·N· TY OF a
~ARIN ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
137
Water could flood parts of Samuel P. Taylor State Park including camping areas. Water could
flood around five miles of Sir Francis Drake Boulevard along Lagunitas Creek and several
dozen buildings along the road to a depth of several feet. Floodwaters could extend down
Platform Bridge Road towards Point Reyes Petaluma Road. Eventually the inundation area
could reach Point Reyes Station at approximately one hour after dam failure. Floodwaters could
extend at a depth of several feet into the southern end of the community around Highway 1 and
up to thirty feet in surrounding areas but would not reach as far as with a failure of the Bon
Tempe Dam. Numerous homes and businesses in the commercial core of Point Reyes Station
could still be flooded. Floodwaters could eventually reach Tomales Bay in approximately an
hour and a half, impacting the Tomales Bay estuary with an influx of fresh water. The
unincorporated community of Inverness could experience a surge from Tomales Bay, with
flooding up to several feet in residences, marinas, hotels, and other facilities along Sir Francis
Drake Boulevard including the main commercial area. Inundation from Tomales Bay could also
impact some homes and businesses on the east side of the Bay, including up Walker Creek and
around Nick’s Cove, Marshall, and Marconi in several feet of water.
Figure 3.21: Peters Dam Inundation Area – Point Reyes Station Area
Source: California Department of Water Resources
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
A,eSt-.. Et> Clina,N,ce,,IC..•
111 ..... 6 .....
®l'ollceS!rio,,□Cily--lJ
g ,._ ~=.i~--m --
-Maj,,,Hilf,.-p -.... ,_~(ft) 01-10 -11 ·3&
-Hilf,,,•,-0 1 [:Ju.u □H -40
ru;.,.-2 C)u-20Dn••~
0 3 1!1 20 ·2&-..e -&0
□• -2!•30 -~50
□•
1\.1 : MAXIMUM FLOOD OEPTH
Pritn0-B.-1./11w111»1.,,.M.p
P•gt1if 16
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
138
Alpine Dam
Failure of the Alpine Dam with Alpine Lake at full capacity could result in flooding in
unincorporated areas of West Marin County along a similar path as a failure of the Bon Tempe
and Peters Dam but to a lesser extent.
Figure 3.22: Alpine Dam Inundation Area
Source: Cal OES, Department of Water Resources, DSOD, 11/27/23
Water would not extend as far out along Lagunitas Creek and would not extend up San
Geronimo Creek into Lagunitas and Forest Knolls. While a failure of the dam could still flood
around five miles of Sir Francis Drake Boulevard and several dozen buildings along that road
including the PG&E substation at Tocaloma, the inundation area skirts the edge of Point Reyes
Station where there is less of a risk for flooding of homes and facilities than with a failure of the
Bon Tempe Dam or the Peters Dam. Floodwaters could reach the Point Reyes Station area
around Highway 1 in approximately four hours with a depth up to ten feet in some areas.
Floodwaters could eventually reach Tomales Bay in approximately six hours, impacting the
Alpine Dam
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
139
Tomales Bay estuary with an influx of fresh water. Floodwaters are not expected to reach the
community of Inverness or have any major flooding to residents and businesses along the east
side of Tomales Bay.
Figure 3.23: Alpine Dam Inundation Area – Point Reyes Station
Source: California Department of Water Resources
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
~~~~~;
qi ::i ~ rJ !El ;;t
□D □D □D
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
140
Lagunitas Dam
Failure of the Lagunitas Dam with Lake Lagunitas at full capacity could result in flooding in
unincorporated areas of West Marin County along a similar path as a failure of the Bon Tempe,
Peters, and Alpine Dams but to a much lesser extent. Water would stay mostly confined to
Lagunitas Creek before it reached Tomales Bay in approximately 32 hours and no major
flooding impacts would be expected.
Figure 3.24: Lagunitas Dam Inundation Area
Source: Cal OES, Department of Water Resources, DSOD, 11/27/23
Lagunitas Dam
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
141
Seeger Dam
Failure of the Seeger Dam with Nicasio Reservoir at full capacity could send water several miles
down Novato Creek to Lagunitas Creek and could result in flooding in unincorporated areas of
West Marin County.
Figure 3.25: Seeger Dam Inundation Area
Source: Cal OES, Department of Water Resources, DSOD, 11/27/23
Floodwaters could extend down Lagunitas Creek and Point Reyes Petaluma Road, eventually
reaching the commercial core of Point Reyes Station at approximately one hour after dam
failure. Floodwaters could extend to a depth of several feet into the southeastern end of the
community inundating numerous homes and businesses and could extend to a depth up to thirty
feet in surrounding area. Floodwaters could travel down Sir Francis Drake Boulevard,
inundating it in several feet of water, before eventually reaching Tomales Bay in approximately
45 minutes. The Tomales Bay estuary would be inundated with an influx of fresh water. The
unincorporated community of Inverness could experience flooding of a few feet in residences,
marinas, hotels, and other facilities along Sir Francis Drake Boulevard including in the main
commercial area.
Seeger Dam
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
142
Figure 3.26: Seeger Dam Inundation Area – Point Reyes Station East
Source: California Department of Water Resources
1 ~<;>U·N· TY OF a
~ARIN ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ;i :=: :: ~ A
100 11
0 ~ ~ ~ ~
: ~ ~ H DOD I
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
143
Figure 3.27: Seeger Dam Inundation Area – Point Reyes Station West
Source: California Department of Water Resources
1 ~<;>U·N· TY OF a
~ARIN ~
: : : ~ ~
100 11
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
ID ::I ~ R ~
ODO I
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
144
Floodwaters could also extend up Lagunitas Creek and Platform Bridge Road to Sir Francis
Drake Boulevard at approximately half an hour and extend as far south as the edge of Samuel
P. Taylor State Park before becoming contained in the creek. Both roadways could flood in
several places with up to fifty feet of water. Several dozen buildings along both roads including
the PG&E substation at Tocaloma could be inundated with several feet of water.
Big Rock Ranch Dam
Failure of the Big Rock Ranch Dam with Big Rock Ranch Lake at full capacity could send water
several miles down Nicasio Creek.
Figure 3.28: Big Rock Ranch Dam Inundation Area
Source: Cal OES, Department of Water Resources, DSOD, 11/27/23
Water could flood sections of Lucas Valley Road in up to five feet of water in some places and
could flood several homes in several feet of water. Floodwaters could eventually reach Nicasio
Valley Road in approximately eighty minutes and then be contained in the creek without
impacting the community of Nicasio.
l ~<;>U·N·TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
20
2
3
M
a
r
i
n
C
o
u
n
t
y
O
p
e
r
a
t
i
o
n
a
l
A
r
e
a
Mu
l
t
i
-Ju
r
i
s
d
i
c
t
i
o
n
a
l
H
a
z
a
r
d
M
i
t
i
g
a
t
i
o
n
P
l
a
n
14
5
Fi
g
u
r
e
3.
29
:
B
i
g
R
o
c
k
R
a
n
c
h
D
a
m
I
n
u
n
d
a
t
i
o
n
A
r
e
a
E
a
s
t
So
u
r
c
e
:
C
a
l
i
f
o
r
n
i
a
D
e
p
a
r
t
m
e
n
t
o
f
W
a
t
e
r
R
e
s
o
u
r
c
e
s
Dam Name: Big Roc k Ranch
DSOD No .: 437.000
NID No.: CA0 1457
Dam Owner: Skywalker Prope rti es Ltd . LLC
County: Marin
Failu re Scenario : Sunny Day Breach
Projection: NAD 83 California Teale Albers (US Feet)
Horizontal Datum : NAD83, GRS 1980 Spheroid
Vertical Da tum : NAVD88
Floodihg Illa! ii oonflned within a et·u,111W1&I btJI not•~ wllh., the lnuMatlon bt11.11.iary Mil')' uintinue beytind the ln~l!IUi:s, bOul'ldllry.
Q
500 1,000 2.00° I ~ -Feet ;,::"""">
1:12,000
I Dewberry·
Modi!! Dale: 1111!i1"2019 M.!!p Da~.11/1Bl2019
"""""' Coon/)' J'
;Sojiin.,
'CWniy
;-·
Co,lfr.Bfa.O!tli
~~
General Fl ow Direction
Legend
[=1 1-foot Depth Inundation Extent
-1 0 -~~ :i~:t::;v•I Time to 1-foot
0 Ref erence Location
■ Structure
Maximum Wat.er Depth
Value (foot)
High : 19.4
• Low : 0.0
Big Rock Ranch Dam
Breach Analysis
Exhibit 2-1
Sunny Day Breach Scenario
Flood Depth and Arriva l Time
Marin Coun ty, CA
h ·)> ~
;;,c--< --< z ~
Cf)
20
2
3
M
a
r
i
n
C
o
u
n
t
y
O
p
e
r
a
t
i
o
n
a
l
A
r
e
a
Mu
l
t
i
-Ju
r
i
s
d
i
c
t
i
o
n
a
l
H
a
z
a
r
d
M
i
t
i
g
a
t
i
o
n
P
l
a
n
14
6
Fi
g
u
r
e
3.
30
:
B
i
g
R
o
c
k
R
a
n
c
h
D
a
m
I
n
u
n
d
a
t
i
o
n
A
r
e
a
W
e
s
t
So
u
r
c
e
:
C
a
l
i
f
o
r
n
i
a
D
e
p
a
r
t
m
e
n
t
o
f
W
a
t
e
r
R
e
s
o
u
r
c
e
s
Dam Name: Big Roc k Ra nch
DSOD No.: 437 .000
NID No.: CA01457
Dam Owner: S kywalker Properties Ltd . LLC
County: Marin
Failure Scenario : Sunny Day Brea ch
Projection: NAD 83 California Tea le Albers (US Feet)
Horizontal Datum : NAD83, GRS 1980 Spheroid
Vertical Dat um : NAVD88
Floodrlg that i!I; canfil'H!!d within a du11'1'!el blA nots~ ~In lh1!' ll'All'ldallon bounda,y may conUrnJe bey'OOd the lntmallM boondaty.
0
500 1,000
1:12 ,000
2,000
Feet
I Dewberry·
Model oaie: 1111BJ"2□19 Mapoate.1111&'2019
s@MO
'Qi;;r)1y: ~~
Genera l Flow Direc ti on
Lege nd
[=1 14 foot Depth Inundation Extant
-10-~:;~ :,~:~::val Time to 1•fOOl
0 Reference Location
■ Structure
Maximum Water Depth
Value (feat l
High: 19.4
• Low : 0.0
B ig Rock Ranch Dam
Breach Analysis
Exhibit 2-2
Sunny Da y B reac h Scenari o
Flood Depth and Arriv al Time
Ma r i n County, CA
h ·)> ~
;;,c--< --< z~
Cf)
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
147
Soulajule Dam
Failure of the Big Rock Ranch Dam with Soulajule Reservoir at full capacity could send water
several miles down Walker Creek in a mostly rural area of western Marin County.
Figure 3.31: Soulajule Dam Inundation Area
Source: Cal OES, Department of Water Resources, DSOD, 11/27/23
Marshall Petaluma Road could become inundated with up to forty feet of water where it runs
along Walker Creek and part of Salmon Creek, with several buildings along the road to the east
and west of the intersection of Arroya Sausal Road becoming inundated with several feet of
water. Parts of the Marin County Office of Education at Walker Creek Ranch and the Walker
Creek Ranch itself could be inundated with up to twenty feet of water in approximately half an
hour after dam failure.
Soulajule Dam
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
148
Figure 3.32: Soulajule Dam Inundation Area around Soulajule Dam
Source: California Department of Water Resources
Floodwaters along Walker Creek could eventually reach Highway 1 south of Tomales in
approximately three hours, inundating the roadway with several feet of water before emptying
into Tomales Bay in approximately three and half hours. There are a few residences and other
buildings along Walker Creek and Highway 1 that could be impacted by floodwaters several feet
deep.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
---------n-__ ., __ , __ ... __ _
a ~
A-1:MAXIMUM FlOODDEPTM
s.i..u,oJ,,D-8MadtJ1rw .. <Mta>nA~
P,~JefS
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
149
Figure 3.33: Soulajule Dam Inundation Area – Walker Creek at Highway 1
Source: California Department of Water Resources
Figure 3.34: Soulajule Dam Inundation Area – Walker Creek at Highway 1 and Tomales Bay
Source: California Department of Water Resources
l ~<;>U·N·TY OF
~ARIN
__ .. ___ ·------
a ~
-llbie>•Hietl-,,. ............,,_O,ptt,(fl) c:)1.10 -ll ·35
-t¥..a-ys D 1 [:]11 .111 c::J,s.,o
,..,-. 2 Q a .20 c::J u .u
03 :K>•2!1 -4a •li0 §: -:16 ·30-► 50
-Ma)c>tHigl,d)'I lb ..... mrll>OdDePltl(fll c:Jg.10 -ll•H
_.....,.. c:J i c:Ju.:l!i c:):M -•O
...,._ 2 0 26 ·20c:J 41 •411
0 3 20 .25 -46 .50 B: •:l&·J0-►50
A•l :MAllMUM ROOD DEPrH
Sor,1'1/llh o-Bn'lldt "'""""/.,,. Map
P.grl<fS
A-1: MAXIMUM FLOOD DEPTH
Sm.Iii/ult 0... BM!dt /11w11dtrbn }.up
P.gr511fS
_______ ,. ____ ,. __
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
150
Vonsen Dam
Failure of the Vonsen Dam could inundate several homes around the dam and along San
Antonio Creek for several hundred feet with up to a foot of water before floodwaters are
contained within the creek.
Figure 3.35: Vonsen Dam Inundation Area
Source: Cal OES, Department of Water Resources, DSOD, 11/27/23
Vonsen Dam
l ~<;>U·N·TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
151
Figure 3.36: Vosen Dam Inundation Area
Source: California Department of Water Resources
Extent and Probability
According to the 1988 Town of Ross General Plan Safety Element, “in 1974, a seismic stability
analysis of Phoenix Lake Dam was conducted for the Marin Municipal Water District. The
purpose of this study was to assess the risk of seismically induced flooding associated with
failure of Phoenix Lake Dam. The earth dam was constructed just prior to the 1906 earthquake,
which created a landslide on the inside portion of the dam embankment. The slope stability
analysis conducted in 1974 concluded that the dam spillway could settle from 4 – 6 feet during
an earthquake with a Richter magnitude of 8.5 generated along the San Andreas fault. The
1906 San Francisco earthquake had a Richter magnitude of 8.3…In response to this
assessment, the Marin Municipal Water District has widened the spillway by 5 to 6 feet and has
lowered the spillway by 6 feet. Accordingly, these improvements to the dam have reduced the
flood risk to one flood in 30,000 years.”
According to MMWD, “the dam has been modified several times in the last 100 years including
increased height of fill, outlet works changes, an embankment buttress fill in the 1960s and a
new spillway, designed for a spillway design flood with a recurrence interval of once in 10,000
years or so, and an increase in freeboard in the mid-1980s.”
The Town of Ross’s 2017 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan states “the dam is inspected yearly by
the California Division of Safety of Dams and has been rated by that agency as acceptable for
continued operation. Their rating for the facility is 3C, there is a potential for damage should the
dam fail but that the dam is in good condition for its age.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
SUNNY DAY BREACH INUNDATION MAP -VONSEN DAM
CA State Dam No. 430
NID No. CA 00592
Simulation Date March 28, 2021
Map Preparation Date July 28, 2021
Failure Scenerio -Sunny Day Failure
XIMATEAND
OR
PONSE .
0
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
152
“MMWD has a comprehensive Dam Safety Program to ensure all of the MMWD dams and
spillways are safe and functioning properly. This program includes three main components:
monitoring, routine inspections and maintenance, and emergency preparedness and response
planning. The district also works closely with state and federal regulators and local emergency
response partners to ensure public safety. MMWD produced a February 13, 2017 inspection
report documenting the current conditions.
“The Phoenix Lake Dam is over 100 years old. According to ABAG, when a dam in known to
have a failure potential, the water level is reduced to allow for partial collapse without loss of
water as required by the State Division of Safety of Dams and by safety protocols established
by dam owners. Thus, the probability of failure resulting in damage from the inundation is low.”
According to the City of Novato’s 2011 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, a seismic stability analysis
prepared for the North Marin Water District by Woodward-Clyde Consultants in 1992 confirmed
the Stafford Dam was designed to withstand a magnitude 8.25 Richter earthquake on the San
Andreas Fault, with a design epicenter located 10 miles from the dam.
Table 3.8: Marin County OA Hazard Risk Assessment – Dam Failure
Jurisdiction
Probability/
Likelihood
of Future
Events
Geographic
Extent Magnitude/
Severity
Climate
Change
Influence Significance Risk
Score
Marin County Unlikely Negligible Extreme Low Medium 9.00
City of
Belvedere Unlikely Negligible Extreme High High 12.00
Town of
Corte Madera Unlikely Negligible Weak None None 3.00
Town of
Fairfax None None None None None 0.00
City of
Larkspur Unlikely Limited Severe Low Low 8.00
City of
Mill Valley None None None None None 0.00
City of
Novato Unlikely Significant Severe Low Low 9.00
Town of
Ross Unlikely Limited Severe Low Medium 9.00
Town of
San Anselmo Unlikely Negligible Weak Low Low 5.00
City of
San Rafael None None None None None 0.00
City of
Sausalito None None None None None 0.00
Town of
Tiburon Unlikely Negligible Extreme None Medium 8.00
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
153
Bolinas
Public Utility
District
Unlikely Limited Extreme Medium Medium 11.00
Las Gallinas
Valley
Sanitary
District
None None None None None 0.00
North Marin
Water
District
Unlikely Extensive Extreme High High 15.00
Southern
Marin Fire
District
None None None None None 0.00
Table 3.8: Marin County OA Hazard Risk Assessment – Dam Failure
Source: Profiled Jurisdictions and Districts
Vulnerability
Because of the catastrophic nature of the threat of dam inundation, dams tend to be built
conservatively and the actual likelihood of either dam overflow or dam failure are extremely low.
The Phoenix Lake and Novato Creek Dams in particular are expected to withstand an
earthquake at least magnitude 8.2 on the San Andreas Fault, which is a rare magnitude to
encounter. Earthquakes of a magnitude 8.0 or greater are expected once every 494 years in
California according to USGS.
The areas of unincorporated Marin County most vulnerable to the threat of a dam failure are
those areas most like to be impacted by one. Several incorporated jurisdictions in the Marin
County OA would be affected by a failure of either the Phoenix Lake or Novato Creek Dams,
and their vulnerability assessments can be found in their respective Annexes.
The community of Point Reyes Station and the surrounding area lies in the inundation path of
several dams including the Bon Tempe, Peters, Alpine, Lagunitas, and Seeger Dams. Major
roadways, including Highway 1, Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, Platform Bridge Road and Point
Reyes Road are particularly vulnerable to a failure of any one of these dams which would limit
access to the communities of Point Reyes Station and Inverness from the south. Residences,
businesses, critical facilities, and other buildings around the Point Reyes and Inverness areas
and along the eastern and western shores of Tomales Bay that are not built to withstand the
depth and velocity of floodwaters from a dam failure would be most vulnerable, including older
buildings and those that are not elevated. A failure of the PG&E substation at Tocaloma could
cause power outages throughout the area. Older docking facilities along Tomales Bay are
particularly vulnerable to a surge in Tomales Bay as a result of a dam failure.
The communities of Lagunitas and Forest Knolls and to a lesser extend the community of San
Geronimo are also susceptible to a failure of the Bon Tempe and Peters Dams. With flooding of
Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, these communities would effectively be cut off from the west.
Residences, businesses, schools, and other buildings in these communities that are not
elevated to withstand the depth of floodwaters are most susceptible.
The community of Kentwood is vulnerable to a failure of the Phoenix Lake Dam, particularly the
areas closest to Corte Madera Creek. Residences, businesses, commercial facilities, and
critical facilities around the College of Marin Kentfield Campus that are not elevated to withstand
floodwaters are particularly susceptible.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
154
Areas of Green Point would be most susceptible to a failure of the Novato Creek Dam, as most
of Bel Marin Keys should avoid major flooding. Buildings that are not elevated and those that
are not as able to withstand the velocity of floodwaters from a dam failure, such as mobile home
parks, would be most susceptible.
Climate Change and Future Development Considerations
Most dams in the United States are aging and are at significant risk from increased storm
events as a result of climate change. The average dam age in the United States is 60 years,
and more than 8,000 dams in the United States including the Phoenix Lake Dam are over 90
years old. More than 200 U.S. dams have failed in bad weather since 2000. As the climate
warms, rain events are predicted to become more intense. An increase in rainfall and runoff as
a result of climate change will increase the potential for higher water levels in reservoirs across
the Marin County OA, placing increased stress on its dams and increasing the potential for a
dam failure. As development increases in the populated areas of the Marin County OA
downstream of its dams, particularly in the inundation area of the Phoenix Lake Dam, the
potential for significant impacts to residents and infrastructure will only increase.
3.3.2 DEBRIS FLOW
For the purposes of the Marin County OA MJHMP, debris flows are classified as landslides
(including rockslides) and mud flows.
A landside is the breaking away and gravity-driven downward movement of hill slope materials,
which can travel at speeds ranging from fractions of an inch per year to tens of miles per hour
depending on the slope steepness and water content of the rock/soil mass. Landslides range
from the size of an automobile to a mile or more in length and width and, due to their sheer
weight and speed, can cause serious damage and loss of life. The rate of a landslide is affected
by the type and extent of vegetation, slope angle, degree of water saturation, strength of the
rocks, and the mass and thickness of the deposit. Some of the natural causes of this instability
are earthquakes, weak materials, stream and coastal erosion, and heavy rainfall. In addition,
certain human activities tend to make the earth materials less stable and increase the chance of
ground failure. These activities include extensive irrigation, poor drainage or groundwater
withdrawal, removal of stabilizing vegetation and over-steepening of slopes by undercutting
them or overloading them with artificial fill. These activities can cause slope failure, which
normally produce landslides.
Landslide material types are often broadly categorized as either rock or soil, or a combination of
the two for complex movements. Rock refers to hard or firm bedrock that was intact and in place
prior to slope movement. Soil, either residual or transported material, means unconsolidated
particles. The distinction between rock and soil is most often based on interpretation of
geomorphic characteristics within landslide deposits but can also be inferred from geologic
characteristics of the parent material described on maps or in the field. Landslide movements
are also based on the geomorphic expression of the landslide deposit and source area, and are
categorized as falls, topples, spreads, slides, or flows. Falls are masses of soil or rock that
dislodge from steep slopes and free fall. Topples move by the forward pivoting of a mass
around an axis below the displaced mass. Lateral spreads move by horizontal extension and
shear or tensile fractures. Slides displace masses of material along one or more discrete planes
and can either be rotational or transitional. Flows mobilize as a deforming, viscous mass without
a discrete failure plane.
Natural conditions that contribute to landslide include the following:
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
155
• Degree of slope
• Water (heavy rain, river flows, or wave action)
• Unconsolidated soil or soft rock and sediments
• Lack of vegetation (no stabilizing root structure)
• Previous wildfires and other forest disturbances
• Earthquake
In addition, many human activities tend to make the earth materials less stable and, thus,
increase the chance of ground movement. Human activities contribute to soil instability through
grading of steep slopes or overloading them with artificial fill, by extensive irrigation,
construction of impermeable surfaces, excessive groundwater withdrawal, and removal of
stabilizing vegetation.
Another hazard related to landslide and erosion is the fall of a detached mass of rock from a cliff
or down a very steep slope (rockfall). Weathering and decomposition of geological materials
produce conditions favorable to rockfalls. Other causes include ice wedging, root growth, or
ground shaking (earthquake). Destructive landslides and rockfalls usually occur very suddenly
with little or no warning time and are short in duration.
Landslides can cause high mortality and injuries from rapidly flowing water and debris. The most
common cause of death in a landslide is trauma or suffocation by entrapment. Broken power,
water, gas or sewage pipes can also result in injury or illness in the population affected, such as
water-borne diseases, electrocution or lacerations from falling debris. People affected by
landslides can also have short- and long-term mental health effects due to loss of family,
property, livestock or crops. Landslides can also greatly impact the health system and essential
services, such as water, electricity or communication lines.
Landslide susceptibly can be characterized by looking at both slope class and rock strength.
Landslide susceptibility classes express the generalization that on very low slopes, landslide
susceptibility is low even in weak rock, and that landslide susceptibility increases with slope and
in weaker rocks. Very high landslide susceptibility includes very steep slopes in hard rocks and
moderate to very steep slopes in weak rocks. Figure 3.39 shows landslide susceptibility classes.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
156
Figure 3.37: Landslide Susceptibility Classes
Source: USGS
A mud flow is a general term for a mass-movement landform and process characterized by a
flowing mass of fine-grained earth material with a high degree of fluidity. Heavy rainfall,
snowmelt, or high levels of groundwater flowing through cracked bedrock may trigger a
movement of soil or sediments. Floods and debris flows may also occur when strong rains on
hill or mountain slopes cause extensive erosion and/or what is known as "channel scour".
Some broad mud flows are rather viscous and therefore slow; others begin very quickly and
continue like an avalanche. Mud flows are composed of at least 50% silt and clay-sized
materials and up to 30% water.
The point where a muddy material begins to flow depends on its grain size and the water
content. Fine grainy material or soil has a smaller friction angle than a coarse sediment or a
debris flow, but falling rock pieces can trigger a material flow, too. When a mud flow occurs it is
given four named areas, the 'main scarp', in bigger mud flows the 'upper and lower shelves',
and the 'toe'. See Figure 3.40 for the typical areas of a mud flow, with shelves (right) and
without (left). The main scarp will be the original area of incidence, the toe is the last affected
area(s). The upper and lower shelves are located wherever there is a large dip (due to
mountain or natural drop) in the mud flow's path. A mud flow can have many shelves.
1 ~<;>U·N· TY O F a
~ARIN ~
ROCK STRENGTH
II m II
OJ 0 0 0
en [I] en 0 V VII
-( m 0 V VII
,_J
u
~
p..
0
,_J
en
LAN DSLIDE
S USCEPTIB JLITY
C L ASSES
( 0 Ill V VI VII VIII IX X )
inaeasing susceptibility
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
157
Figure 3.38: Mud Flow Areas
Source: Washington Department of Natural Resources
If large enough, mud flows can devastate villages and country-sides. Mud flows are common in
mountain areas prone to wildfire, where they have destroyed many homes built on hillsides
without sufficient support after fires destroy vegetation holding the land. The area most
generally recognized as being at risk of a dangerous mud flow are:
• Areas where wildfires or human modification of the land have destroyed vegetation.
• Areas where landslides have occurred before.
• Steep slopes and areas at the bottom of slopes or canyons.
• Slopes that have been altered for construction of buildings and roads.
• Channels along streams and rivers.
• Areas where surface runoff is directed.
Location and Previous Occurrences
Landslides are a part of natural geologic processes and have impacted both private and public
property in various areas throughout Marin County since development began. Much of the Marin
County OA was developed in the early 20th century prior to the implementation of grading
requirements and road design standards. During this time, many of the roads in the Marin
County OA were benched or cut into steep hillsides without sufficient compaction of the
roadbed. Furthermore, the use of earth retaining structures was not common in roadway
construction and/or retaining structures were built using wood materials that have since
deteriorated. Figure 3.39 shows landslide susceptibility across the Marin County OA.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
20
2
3
M
a
r
i
n
C
o
u
n
t
y
O
p
e
r
a
t
i
o
n
a
l
A
r
e
a
Mu
l
t
i
-Ju
r
i
s
d
i
c
t
i
o
n
a
l
H
a
z
a
r
d
M
i
t
i
g
a
t
i
o
n
P
l
a
n
15
8
Fi
g
u
r
e
3.
39
:
L
a
n
d
s
l
i
d
e
S
u
s
c
e
p
t
i
b
i
l
i
t
y
i
n
t
h
e
M
a
r
i
n
C
o
u
n
t
y
O
A
So
u
r
c
e
:
U
S
G
S
7/2412 023 , 1 :33:52 P M
L an dslide Susce ptiblity Classes
0
Ill
t-.
' ;,
,{>
.'1.'v~
.e~'.' ...J
V L....-V II I
VJ -IX
V II •x
,,,
'
San Psbl.o Bay
Wil dlife A r ea
~-, __ _
-.....
)
t·lc ··a
CE
·-,.....___ ___ /
Va ll
0
@ o 1 :4 8 9 ,055
3.5 7 '...,._....,......_,....,_,JL...,-_._.--..,_....,__'.;·14 mi
0 5 10 20 km
DOOCG S _ Cm.nty al t.t1 rT1 C~rtom 1,, S:;il\"? P.,i rk!.. Eron; lf5R,E . G.:ill"'ll ln .
S.:..f~r.:iµh, ;:,v;J, M CT Lil\.!\SA, Os.GS. IBLreau c..-.f Land M:m ;ig,.ml!:rrl , ,[PA,
h ·)> ~
;;,c -< --< z~
Cf)
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
159
Figure 3.40: Marin County Landslide Susceptibility for Critical Facilities Map
Source: Marin County OEM
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
Legend
• Dams Fire Stations • Military and Civil Hospitals and Medical
Defense In stallations Facilities
Communication Police/ Sheriff Stations
Facil ities
Schools Electric Power Facilities
Wastewater Facilities Lands lide
Water Supp ly Facilities Susceptibility
Ai rports Clas s
Emergency Operations
Ce nters Ill
Marin County
Landslide
V
VI -VII .,.,..... ... , -VIII -IX -X
... , .. , ___ ,
0 2~~',,--s
e om c101
. . : EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT
---' 10
Miles
San Pablo Bay
Wildlife Area
Marin County OEM / Woody Baker -C ohn
ema il: OEM _GIS @MarinCounty.org
LJan
Date Printed: 10/30 /23 N
County of Marin, California State Parks, Esri, HERE , Garmin, SafeGraph, Geo Technologies, Inc, METI/NASA, USGS, Bureau of Land Management, EPA, NPS,
USDA, DOC /CGS, County of Mar in, Ca lifornia State Parks, Esri, HERE, Garmin, SafeGraph, FAO, METI/NASA, USGS, Bureau of Land Managemen t, EPA, NPS
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
160
Several unincorporated communities in Marin County have high to extreme landslide
susceptibility, which are shown below.
Figure 3.41 shows landslide susceptibility in Lagunitas, Forest Knolls, San Geronimo and
Woodacre.
Figure 3.41: Landslide Susceptibility – Lagunitas, Forest Knolls, San Geronimo and Woodacre
Source: Marin County, 11/27/23
Figure 3.42 shows landslide susceptibility in Nicasio and Tocoloma.
Figure 3.42: Landslide Susceptibility – Nicasio and Tocoloma
Source: Marin County, 11/27/23
l ~<?U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
161
Figure 3.43 shows landslide susceptibility in Olema and Point Reyes Station.
Figure 3.43: Landslide Susceptibility – Olema and Point Reyes Station
Source: Marin County, 11/27/23
Figure 3.44 shows landslide susceptibility in Inverness.
Figure 3.44: Landslide Susceptibility – Inverness
Source: Marin County, 11/27/23
l ~<;>U·N·TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
~
%->l),, ; ·~ · r~lr'~o a
/1_.,,_·
¾,.fl,-ij ~~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
162
Figure 3.45 shows landslide susceptibility in Dillon Beach and Tomales.
Figure 3.45: Landslide Susceptibility – Dillon Beach and Tomales
Source: Marin County, 11/27/23
Figure 3.46 shows landslide susceptibility in Dogtown, Bolinas and Stinson Beach.
Figure 3.46: Landslide Susceptibility – Dogtown, Bolinas and Stinson Beach
Source: Marin County, 11/27/23
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
if-. ~~ ... ~ ...
-~-\ -== -'.:.-----~
' -: . \
, i
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
163
Figure 3.47 shows landslide susceptibility in the unincorporated area of Southern Marin County.
Figure 3.47: Landslide Susceptibility – Southern Marin County
Source: Marin County
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
Marin County / Southern Marin
Landslide •
DIHCID I
EMERGENCY
• MANAGEMENT
Military and Civil
Defense Inst alla t ions
Electric Power Facflit ies
Wastewater Facilities
Emergency Opera ti ons
Centers
Cou nty of Ma rin, Cal ifo r ~i~ S
USDA, DOC/CGS
Fire Stations
Hospitals and Medical
Facilities
Police / Sheriff Stations
Schools
Landslide
Susceptibility
Class
Ill
V
VI
VII
•vm
•i x
•x
0 .9
.,, ... r /
San Francisco
Bay
M / Woody Baker-Cohn
_:GrS @MarinCounty.org
ted : 10/30/23
~
N
_ USGS, Bu rea u of Land Ma nag ement , EPA, NPS,
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
164
Figure 3.48 shows landslide susceptibility in the unincorporated area of west central Marin
County.
Figure 3.48: Landslide Susceptibility – West Central Marin County
Source: Marin County
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
/' i'\
~J
Marin County / W Central
Landslide
Hospitals and Medi ca l III
Facilities v
Polic e/ Sheriff Stations -VI
Elect ric Power Facilities Schools •vn
-VIII Water Supply Facilities Land slid e
Su sce ptibility -IX
•x
Fire Stations Class
County of Marin, California State Parks , Es ,, .. , ... .._,_,,.
US DA, DOC/CGS
•
0IIICI0I
EMERGENCY
• MANAGEMENT
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
165
Figure 3.49 shows landslide susceptibility in the unincorporated area west of Novato.
Figure 3.49: Landslide Susceptibility – Novato West
Source: Marin County OEM
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
Communication
Electric Power Facil ities
Wastewater Facilities
Emergency Operations
Centers
Marin County / Novato West
Landslide
Hospitals and Medical lII
f acilities V
Police/ Sheriff Stations VI
Schools -Vil
Landslide •vm
•ix Susceptibility •x
Class
•
omc101
EMERGENCY
• MANAGEMENT
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
166
Figure 3.50 shows landslide susceptibility in the unincorporated area of west central Marin.
Figure 3.50: Landslide Susceptibility – West Central Marin County
Source: Marin County OEM
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
Marin County / W Central
Landslide
Hospitals and Medical
Faci lities
Police/ Sheriff Stations
Electric Power Facili t ies Schools
Water Supply Facilities Land slid e
~~n~!:ncy Operations Susce ptibil ity
Class
Co unty of Marin, Ca li fornia State Parks, Es ,-
USDA, DOC /CGS
III
V
-VI
•vn
•vm
• ix
• x
•
omc101
EMERGENCY
• MANAGEMENT
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
167
Figure 3.51 shows landslide susceptibility in unincorporated area of North Novato.
Figure 3.51: Landslide Susceptibility – North Novato
Source: Marin County OEM
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
Marin County / Novato North
Landslide
Landslide
Susceptibility
Electric Po wer Facilities Class
Ill
V
Police / Sheriff Stations • VI
-VII
•vm
e omc101
EMERGENCY
-MANAGEMENT
/
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
168
The California Geological Survey has an interactive landslide inventory map available on their
website that shows records associated with past landslide events in Marin County.
Figure 3.52: Landslide Inventory in the Marin County OA
Source: California Geological Survey, 11/27/23
The inventory shows extensive areas of prior landslides around the county particularly in
developed areas. Affected areas notably include many landslides near Bolinas Lagoon,
Inverness and Bolinas (Point Reyes Station) ridges on the west coast; throughout Ross Valley
including Sleepy Hollow, Fairfax and San Anselmo; San Rafael just outside downtown at
Lincoln, Lock Lomond affecting many residences, San Quentin potentially affecting a
wastewater treatment plant, and Bret Harte potentially affecting Highway 101; Santa Venetia
affecting N. San Pedro Rd; Novato at Little Mountain and Mount Burdell affecting major roads
such as Center Road, San Marin Drive and Novato Blvd and their nearby residential areas;
Paradise Cay and Reed residential areas near Tiburon; and Mill Valley at Homestead Valley.
Smaller scale, and/or more isolated slides occur throughout the county where there are slopes.
These are typically of concern if there are roads or structures affected.
A massive mudslide occurred in Marin County during a storm from January 3-5, 1982,
weakening foundation of the Golden Gate Bridge. The bridge had to be closed for several days,
cutting off the one road linking Marin County to San Francisco and stranding residents. Another
landslide blocked Highway 101, closing it completely. The Point Reyes and Inverness areas
were especially hard hit. The unincorporated community of Inverness was isolated for several
days when numerous slides covered the road into town. The storm caused huge amounts of
water to rush down canyons, scouring them as rocks, mud, trees and massive trunks hit roads
and houses on their way downward. Inverness and Inverness Park were inundated in rocks and
mud.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
Ami [: 38.168 -121.799 Degrees
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
169
Figure 3.53: Damage in Inverness from the January 1982 Storm
Source: Jack Mason Museum of West Marin History
Twelve houses in Inverness were destroyed or damaged by mudslides, mostly in the Alder
Creek Canyon area and the Vallejo Avenue area of Inverness Park. Over 300,000 cubic yards
of mud was removed from public property in Inverness. The Inverness water system was
destroyed when a main pipe ruptured and reservoirs were damaged.
Figure 3.54: January 1982 Highway 101 Mudslide in Marin County
Source: San Francisco Chronicle
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
Chronicle/ Pete Breinig, 1982
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
170
From January to March of 1995, a series of winter storms caused several mudslides in Marin
County, blocking roads and damaging residential and public property.
Marin County sustained significant damage as a result of the Winter and Spring storms of 2006
(DR-1628 and DR-1646) which resulted in hundreds of locations in Marin County where
damage occurred; many of those being landslides, rock fall, or other infrastructure damage
related to slope instability.
In 2011, a $1.5M emergency slide repair was constructed at the intersection of Terrace Avenue
and Overlook Drive on the Bolinas Mesa to repair recent drastic settlement (up to 8-feet) such
that access for emergency vehicles and resident egress could be maintained. As much as
20,000 cubic yards of material was excavated and re-compacted in lifts with earth reinforcing
fabric to affect the repair.
In 2014, several debris flows impacted Marin County. On February 28th, a mudslide blocked
part of Highway 1 at Panoramic. On December 11th, a mudslide occurred along Tennessee
Valley Road, causing $1 million in property damage. Another landslide under sixty feet of
Highway 1 near Muir Beach on the same day resulted in a full closure of the road, causing $1
million in damages.
Severe damage occurred during the January and February Winter storms of 2017 (DR-4305
and DR-4308) resulting in over 100 locations in Marin County where damage occurred.
Landslides occurred along Highway 101 and several local roads.
Figure 3.55: February 2017 Landslide on Lucas Valley Road
Source: Marin County
Significant damage in Marin County occurred during the January and February Winter storms of
2019 (DR-4431 and DR-4344), where a series of atmospheric rivers caused separate mudslides
on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard in Lagunitas and on Highway 101 in Waldo (shutting down the
road southbound).
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
171
On March 22, 2023, a mudslide severely damaged and buckled a 100-foot stretch of road on
Redwood Boulevard adjacent to Highway 101 and just west of the Marin County Airport, forcing
the closure of Olompali State Historic Park. The mudslide uncovered one of two PG&E gas lines
but it remained intact.
Figure 3.56: March 2023 Mudslide in Marin County
Source: San Francisco Chronicle
Impacts
Marin County is largely undeveloped and has a widespread natural environment where creeks
and rivers adjoin both private and public infrastructure. During times of intense rainfall, creeks
tend to rise and the resulting high flows can erode roadway supporting earthen embankments
leading to landslides and sometimes property damage. Historic development in the Marin
County OA tends to be concentrated in small areas, with many homes located along creeks and
on steep hillsides potentially impacted by precipitation-induced landslides. Thousands of
existing structures have the potential to be impacted by landslides, including over ten thousand
single family homes, in addition to multi-family, commercial structures, and structures on a few
industrial parcels. Notably, hundreds of miles of roads are potentially impacted by landslides
which can lead to their short-term closure during and after intense storm events and some
power utility facilities could also be affected. Infrastructure, such as natural gas pipelines and
water or wastewater infrastructure, can break or malfunction if the soil supporting them fails.
This can lead to disruptions in energy delivery and water or wastewater services. Landslides,
mudslides, and debris flows can move fast enough to damage or destroy homes or other
structures in their path, block roadways (including evacuation routes), and injure or kill people
caught in them. For most jurisdictions in the Marin County OA, at least 10% of its homes and
roadways can potentially be impacted by landslides. Landslides and debris flows could also
have ecological impacts for numerous waterbodies in Marin County, including Tomales Bay and
the Bolinas Lagoon.
Extent and Probability
Slope instability throughout much of the Marin County OA is related to many factors, including,
but not limited to; type(s) of soil involved and various geologic factors (presence of faults or
other weakened soil planes), steepness of the slope and surrounding topography, intensity and
duration of rainfall, presence of underground springs or groundwater, adequacy of surface water
management, and proper erosion protection. While landslides occur in any given year, the
frequency and number of landslides has been observed to be directly proportionate to the
frequency and duration of rainfall events. A landslide and/or a debris flow could occur in any
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
172
unincorporated community of Marin County and throughout much of the Marin County OA due
to its overall moderate to high landslide susceptibility.
Landslides are less likely to occur during the fall months (October-November) when the ground
is sufficiently dry and can absorb the moderate rain events typically observed during this time of
year. Landslides are more often observed between December and May when rain events are
usually more intense and/or frequent. Under these circumstances, the ground has been
saturated, becomes heavier, and the presence of water within the soil increases the pore
pressure thereby reducing the friction between soil particles – which leads to sliding. Proper
drainage management to maintain existing sufficient drainage patterns (on both private and
public lands) is essential to limiting potential future landslide events. In the Marin County OA,
renewed and potentially widespread landslide activity will most likely occur during or after future
periods of prolonged or intense rainfall.
The extent of typical landslides in the Marin County OA, including in the unincorporated area, as
estimated from previous occurrences, is on the order of 500 cubic yards of material displaced
from an area 100 feet long and 30 feet deep. According to County engineering staff, Marin
County seems to have bad slide years during heavy storms every five years. During these
years, the County repairs a half dozen slides or more, so there might be a dozen bad slides
across the County including incorporated areas. According to NOAA, the 5-year recurrence
interval precipitation amount is 4 inches of rain in 12 hours, 5.8 inches of rain in 24 hours, or 7.6
inches of rain in 2 days.
Table 3.9: Marin County OA Hazard Risk Assessment – Debris Flows
Jurisdiction
Probability/
Likelihood
of Future
Events
Geographic
Extent Magnitude/
Severity
Climate
Change
Influence Significance Risk
Score
Marin County Occasional Extensive Severe Medium Medium 13.00
City of
Belvedere Occasional Extensive Severe Medium Medium 13.00
Town of
Corte Madera Likely Limited Severe Low Medium 11.00
Town of
Fairfax Likely Limited Moderate Medium Low 10.00
City of
Larkspur Likely Limited Severe Medium Medium 12.00
City of
Mill Valley Likely Significant Moderate Medium High 13.00
City of
Novato Likely Negligible Weak Low Low 7.00
Town of
Ross Occasional Significant Moderate Medium Medium 11.00
Town of
San Anselmo Likely Limited Moderate Medium Medium 11.00
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
173
City of
San Rafael
Highly
Likely Significant Moderate Medium Medium 13.00
City of
Sausalito Likely Significant Severe Medium High 14.00
Town of
Tiburon Occasional Extensive Severe Medium Medium 13.00
Bolinas
Public Utility
District
Highly
Likely Limited Moderate High High 14.00
Las Gallinas
Valley
Sanitary
District
Occasional Negligible Weak Low Low 6.00
North Marin
Water
District
Occasional Significant Moderate High Medium 12.00
Southern
Marin Fire
District
Likely Significant Moderate Low Low 10.00
Table 3.9: Marin County OA Hazard Risk Assessment – Debris Flow
Source: Profiled Jurisdictions and Districts
Vulnerability
Landslides due to storms are a relatively frequent occurrence in many populated areas of the
Marin County OA, including in the unincorporated area, making it quite vulnerable to landslides.
Areas with slopes greater than 50 percent have extreme susceptibility to landslide. Areas of
particular concern are those that include high elevations and steep ravines and gulches
associated with river and stream channels. Numerous major roads in unincorporated Marin
County, including Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, Point Reyes Petaluma Road, Marshall Petaluma
Road, Nicasio Valley Road, Lucas Valley Road, Highway 1 and Highway 101 all run through
areas of steep slopes where a landslide could occur. A major closure of any of these roads
could cut off access to communities, particularly in western Marin County, and limit access to
emergency vehicles. Many of these major roads and communities along them, such as Lucas
Valley, Marinwood, Lagunitas, Forest Knolls, San Geronimo, Woodacre, Olema and Point
Reyes Station, lie along creeks that could impact them with debris flows.
Areas located at the base of creek alluvial fans have extreme susceptibility to mud flows,
including after major fires where loose soil and ash can become deposited. Areas of particular
concern are those where the widespread and lateral movement of mud and debris can occur.
Areas where mud and debris can be channeled, including downslope roads and waterways, are
also susceptible to mud flows. Overgrowth of vegetation in creeks and changes to natural
drainage due to development can inhibit the flow of water and muddy debris, causing it to spill
over creek banks and create overflow channels onto roadbeds and into adjacent communities in
a debris flow or flooding event. A major wildfire and/or rain soaking event in any area of
unincorporated Marin County could threaten creek-side communities with a debris flow. In
addition, the Bolinas Lagoon and Highway 1 running along the east side of it lie at a natural
alluvial fan of the Mount Tamalpais Watershed and could be susceptible to mud and debris from
a wildfire around Mount Tamalpais. The Stinson Beach area is particularly vulnerable to any
debris flows and subsequent flooding in the Bolinas Lagoon.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
174
Critical infrastructure and facilities that are built into steep slopes, including water access
delivery and communication systems, are all susceptible to landslides. Populations serviced by
this infrastructure and/or that live in extreme landslide susceptibility zones are subsequently
susceptible as well. Numerous communication facilities and other critical infrastructure lie in
areas of western Marin County where there is high landslide susceptibility. The Marin County
OA is hilly and mountainous overall and the distribution of the landslide hazard is varied across
the county as indicated in figure 3.40. The combination of factors that cause landslides,
including geology, vegetation, local drainage, and local grading make slope a poor proxy of
landslide risk. However, parcels with an average slope above 20 percent are considered hillside
lots and risks of slides are present on slopes of 30 percent and above. Slopes as high as 60 or
65 percent are common on hillsides throughout the county.
Numerous unincorporated communities in the Marin County OA have susceptibility to a debris
flow: Lagunitas, Forest Knolls, San Geronimo and Woodacre all lie along San Geronimo Creek
and a stretch of Sir Francis Drake Boulevard with high to moderate landslide susceptibility and
could be vulnerable to debris flows. Numerous residences, businesses, schools and community
centers lie in this area.
Outlying areas of Nicasio, particularly on the west side of Nicaso Valley Road, where there are
multiple residences, have high to moderate susceptibility to landslides. Tocoloma lies along a
section of Lagunitas Creek and could be susceptible to debris flow. The Tocoloma PG&E
substation lies adjacent to the creek.
Several residences and businesses in Olema lie along Olema Creek and could be susceptible
to debris flow. Point Reyes Station lies along Lagunitas Creek, though most of the buildings
around the downtown core are not adjacent to the creek. There are residences and businesses
in the outlying areas south of Point Reyes Station that could be susceptible to a debris flow in
Lagunitas Creek. The hilly northern area of Point Reyes Station where there are residences is
more susceptible to landslide.
Parts of Inverness are particularly susceptible to a landslide, including the southern end where
there are numerous residences, a school, and the Inverness Fire Department. Areas of
Seahaven where there are numerous residences are also particularly susceptible to a landslide.
Large sections of Point Reyes National Seashore where there are residences, historic ranches,
and other structures lie in areas of high landslide susceptibility.
Sections of the east shore of Tomales Bay along Highway 1, including north of Bivalve, from
Marconi to Marshall, and from the area of Clarke Road north to Walker Creek are susceptible to
a landslide. There are numerous residences and businesses along the shore, including in
Marshall and at Marconi Conference Center State Historic Park (which is a critical facility), that
lie in areas of high landslide susceptibility. While most of Tomales is in an area of moderate
landslide susceptibility, the area is hilly and there are numerous residences, businesses,
community facilities, schools, and emergency facilities susceptible to landslide. Areas of Dillon
Beach where there are numerous residences have a high landslide susceptibility, particularly on
the northern outlying areas of the community.
Areas in and around Bolinas where there are numerous homes, schools, and community
facilities have a high landslide susceptibility. The Woodrat Water Treatment Plant and
associated facilities along with the Bolinas PG&E substation north of Bolinas lie in areas of
moderate to high landslide susceptibility. The community of Dogtown, where there are
numerous residences, lies in areas of moderate to high landslide susceptibility. There are also
numerous creeks that run through Dogtown that could impact it with debris flows. Parts of
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
175
Stinson Beach, particularly northeast of Highway 1 in the foothills. where there are numerous
residences, the Stinson Beach Community Center and the Stinson Beach Fire Station, lie in
areas of moderate to high landslide susceptibility.
Most all of Muir Beach and the surrounding area, where there are numerous residences, the
Muir Beach Community Center and the Muir Beach Fire Station, lie in an area of high landslide
susceptibility. Much of Tamalpais Valley and the outskirts of Marin City lie in an area of high
landslide susceptibility. There are hundreds of residences along with several schools,
community centers and emergency facilities that lie in this area, including on the northern end of
Marin City. While Alto has low landslide susceptibility, most of Strawberry down to Harbor Point
lies in an area of moderate to high landslide susceptibility. Parts of Paradise Cay and most of
the east side of the Tiburon Peninsula also have high landslide susceptibility. There are
hundreds of residences and several schools and community centers in these areas, as well as
the Southern Marin Fire Protection District Station #9.
Areas of Kentfield, particularly in the foothills of Mount Tamalpais and on the northeast side of
Sir Francis Drake Boulevard down into Greenbrae, and most of California City have moderate to
high landslide susceptibility. There are hundreds of residences in this area. Most critical
facilities in Kentwood do not lie in areas of landslide susceptibility but are located along Corte
Madera Creek and could be susceptible to debris flows that originate along the flanks of Mount
Tamalpais. The northern end of San Quentin is in an area of moderate to high landslide
susceptibility, and parts of San Quentin State Prison are vulnerable to a landslide.
Residences on the outskirts of Lucas Valley, Marinwood, and Sleepy Hollow that lie in the
foothills have a moderate to high susceptibility to landslides, as do residences in most of Los
Ranchitos and in the area of Marinwood and Saint Vincent around Highway 101. Several health
care facilities and schools also lie in this fringe. Areas of Lucas Valley and Marinwood along
Miller Creek may be particularly susceptible to a debris flow in the creek. Numerous residences
and a school lie in this area. Areas of Santa Venitia around the San Pedro Mountain Open
Space Preserve have moderate to high susceptibility to landslides. There are dozens of homes
in this area. Most critical facilities in Santa Venitia lie outside areas of landslide susceptibility.
The western side of the Green Point-Black Point area has high landslide susceptibility while the
eastern side is more moderately susceptible with pockets of high susceptibility. The entire area
is primarily residential and hundreds of homes along with a school have some vulnerability to a
landslide. There are residential areas in the unincorporated County west of Novato in the
foothills with hundreds of homes that have moderate to high susceptibility of a landslide and
could be vulnerable to a debris flow from any of the creeks that originate in the mountains.
Landslides, mudslides, and debris flows can move fast enough to damage or destroy homes or
other structures in their path, block roadways (including evacuation routes), and injure or kill
people caught in them. Marin County OA populations that are most vulnerable to the effects of
landslides, debris flows, and post-fire debris flows include:
• Low-income households
• Households in poverty
• Renters
• Persons living in mobile homes
• Persons living on single access roads
• Persons without access to transportation or telecommunications
• Outdoor workers
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
176
• Houseless population
• Persons with disabilities
The most vulnerable populations are those that may be unable to evacuate due to limited
mobility, lack of access to a vehicle, or language barriers that may prevent awareness of
emergency notifications. Those living on single-access roadways in the hilly areas of the County
or those living in less resilient housing may lose access to their homes if roadways or the
structures are damaged or destroyed by a landslide. Development on hillsides in places like Mill
Valley was done in the 1920s and 1930s, long before landslides were factored into design and
construction regulations.
Climate Change and Future Development Considerations
Extreme storm events and more frequent wildfires as a result of climate change have the
potential to increase the amount and severity of landslides, including disastrous debris flows.
Climate change is leading to more volatile precipitation patterns around the world with very dry
stretches punctuated by storms that drop large amounts of rain in a short amount of time.
Landslides in wetter regions of California, including the Marin County OA, move on average
faster and farther downhill during rainy periods compared to drought years, according to a 2022
study by the American Geophysical Union (AGU), showing the increased potential for landslides
in the Marin County OA in rainy years. As development increases in the numerous canyons
and around the many open spaces of the Marin County OA, the potential for significant impacts
from a landslide and/or mudflow increases. Future development should take into account the
movement of mud and debris in waterways after a major rain event. Adequate space adjacent
to susceptible waterways should be maintained free of development to allow for the passage of
mud and debris, and catchment basins should be built in these areas to help capture any
excess mud and debris.
3.3.3 DROUGHT
A drought is a deficiency in precipitation over an extended period, usually a season or more,
resulting in a water shortage causing adverse impacts on vegetation, animals, and/or people. It
is a normal recurrent feature of climate that occurs in virtually all climate zones, from very wet to
very dry. Drought is a temporary aberration from normal climatic conditions and can thus vary
significantly from one region to another. Droughts occur slowly, over a multi-year period, and it
is often not obvious or easy to quantify when a drought begins and ends. Drought is a complex
issue involving many factors—it occurs when a normal amount of moisture is not available to
satisfy an area’s usual water-consuming activities.
There are several types of drought which can often be defined regionally based on their effects:
• Meteorological drought is usually defined by a period of below average water supply,
based on the degree of dryness (in comparison to normal or average) and the
duration of the dry period. Drought onset generally occurs with a meteorological
drought.
• Agricultural drought occurs when there is an inadequate water supply to meet the
needs of the state’s crops and other agricultural operations such as livestock.
Agricultural drought links various characteristics of meteorological (or hydrological)
drought to agricultural impacts, focusing on precipitation shortages, soil water
deficits, reduced ground water or reservoir levels needed for irrigation.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
177
• Hydrological drought is defined as deficiencies in surface and subsurface water
supplies. It is generally measured as stream flow, snowpack, and as lake, reservoir,
and groundwater levels. Hydrological drought usually occurs following periods of
extended precipitation shortfalls.
• Socioeconomic drought occurs when a drought impacts health, well-being, and
quality of life, or when a drought starts to have an adverse economic impact on a
region.
Location and Previous Occurrences
Historically, California has experienced multiple severe droughts. According to the California
Department of Water Resources (DWR), droughts exceeding three years are relatively rare in
Northern California, the source of much of the State’s developed water supply. The 1929-34
drought established the criteria commonly used in designing storage capacity and yield of large
Northern California reservoirs. The driest single year of California’s measured hydrologic record
was 2013. A drought emergency was declared for the state in 2014, and lifted in 2017 after a
series of strong winter storms.
The U.S. Drought Monitor provides a general summary of current drought conditions. See Figure
3.57 for drought conditions in 2023, Figure 3.58 for drought conditions in 2020 and Figure 3.59
for drought conditions in 2016.
Figure 3.57: U.S. Drought Monitor for California (2023)
Source: USDA
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
U.S. Drought Monitor
California
October 31, 2023
(Released Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023)
Valid 8 a.m . EDT
Drought Conditions (Percent Area)
None 00-04 01-04 02-0 4
Current £14~ 066 0,00 0Jl0 000 000
Last Week
J0-2,4,2023
£,4 ,32 5 ,68 0.00 0,00 0.00 0.00
3MonthsAgo 74.43 25,57 1>52 000 000 0.00 Of.(}1.201:
Stlrtof
Calendar Year 0,00 10000 97 ,93 7114 2710 0,00
01.0:J.2023
Start of
Water Year 94 ,01 599 0,07 0.00 0,00 0,00
09-$2023
One Vear Ago
U,Qf"'Q22.
0,00 10000 ~77 9, ss 4306 16 .57
~
c::::JNone D2 Severe Drought
D DO Ab normally Dry -D3 Ex treme Drought
c:J 01 Moderale Drought -D4 Excepttonal Droughl
The Drou{fnl Momror foouses on broad-scale cond/11011s
Local condiflons may vary. Fo, mO/tJ ,ntormatlon on the
Qbughl Momlor. go lo hNps l/droughlmonrtor;unl.BdiJIAIJoul,aspX
Author:
Brian Fuchs
National Drought Mitigat ion Center
USDA -
droughtmonitor.unl.edu
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
178
Figure 3.58: U.S. Drought Monitor for California (2020)
Source: USDA
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
U.S. Drought Monitor
California
July 28, 2020
(Released Thursday, Jul. 30, 2020)
Valid 8 a.m. EDT
lntensitv:
LJ None
LJ DO Abnormally Dry
D D1 Moderate Drought
D D2 Se vere Drough t
-D3 Ex treme Drought
-D4 ExcepUonal Drou ght
The Drought Monitor focuses on broad-scale
condiUons. Local conditions may vary. For more
information on the Drought Monitor, go to
https:1/droughtmonitor. unl.edu/About.aspx
Author:
Richard Heim
NCEI/NOM
~SDA (.,@ {.
droughtmonitor.unl.edu
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
179
Figure 3.59: U.S. Drought Monitor for California (2016)
Source: USDA
Figure 3.60: Water Supply Conditions in California 2005-2018
Source: 2018 State of California Hazard Mitigation Plan
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
U .S. Drought Monitor
California
Febru ary 1 St atewid e condi ti on s
Departm ent of W ate r Resources
Califo rn ia Cooperative Snow Surveys
Ma rch 15, 2016
(Re/oased Thursday, Mar. 17, 2016)
Va lid 8 a.m . EDT
Droug//1 Co nditiOns (Pe rcent Area)
None-C0 -0• 01-04 02-04 ... ~.
Current 0.4:l 99 .57 g3.za 7.l.64 55.31 J.H4
Last Week 0.43 93 .57 97.49 83 16 60 .86 38 .4 0 J.MCIH
31.1ontnsAQo 0.1 4 W.86 S7.:J.3 !!0.6 3 69.09 44 .84
fM l.•:wu
St!Wtol
Cete nd er 't e...,r 0,00 100 00 97,33 87 ,55 69 ,07 44,8 4
f2,,2j,-2Qf:5
Start or
'WiterYeM 0.1 4 ro.B6 Sl.33 92.36 71.0 8 46 .0 0
M:?/.:tlf S
One Year Ago
3"1'?',~i:H S 0.16 93 .B• 98.11 93 .44 67 .46 l9.92
Intensity:
O0l'bnorrn YD l'I 1111 O3E xtrem-eDroug t
01 .U.o dcr11te Drou gM 1111 04 Exo::ption,ai l Orcn.rr.iH
-02Smro Dn>u "11
n w DIOtsg!'lt UOtli!O( (OCUS9-S on lYOOd-~are CO:l di!jon-5'.
t..oc alcon d4JOM may 11&.ry See ac com.oan.Ylna text w mma,y
torfOtGCas:J. star9ft1iel'tt!S.
Autho r:
Richard Heim
NCEIINOAA
http :fldrou gh t monlto r.u nl.ed u/
2so ~-------------------------------------
2 15
200 +------------------------------------1
150
(ll
~
(ll
~
0
~ a;
a.
so
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 20 13 2014 2015 2016 2017 20 18
= Snowpack = Prec iptation Runoff to Date --Re servoir Storage
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
180
A drought emergency for the State of California was issued on January 17, 2014. This
declaration came on the heels of a report that stated that California had the least amount of
rainfall in its 163-year history. Drought conditions worsened through 2014 and into 2015. On
April 1, 2015, following the lowest snowpack ever recorded, actions were announced by the
State that would save water, increase enforcement to prevent wasteful water use, streamline
the State’s drought response, and invest in new technologies to make California more drought
resilient. The State Water Resources Control Board was directed to implement mandatory
water reductions in cities and towns across California to reduce water usage by 25 percent.
This savings amounted to approximately 1.5 million acre-feet of water through the end of 2015.
In July 2021, the State of California added Marin County to its list of counties falling under its
state of emergency regarding deepening drought conditions and record-breaking high
temperatures statewide. After hearing details about local dry conditions and water supplies, the
Marin County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on May 18, 2021 to declare a local
emergency and acknowledge the imminent threat of disaster. The declaration acknowledged the
extent and impacts of the drought in Marin, which is severely affecting dairies and ranchers in
West Marin. It also made the County eligible for California Disaster Assistance and other forms
of state funding and resources. The local declaration cleared the way for state authorities to aid
response and recovery efforts available to the County, water suppliers, farmers, impacted
businesses and residents. In August 2021, with reservoir levels at historic lows, both MMWD
and NMWD declared a water shortage emergency and adopted mandatory water use
restrictions, with respective reduction goals of 40 percent and 20 percent. In October 2021, the
Governor of California signed a proclamation extending the drought emergency statewide. In
March 2023 the Governor eased drought restrictions and ended the drought emergency.
All areas of the Marin County OA could experience drought, including vegetated areas where
drier conditions could lead to an increase in wildfires and tree mortality.
Impacts
Drought impacts are wide-reaching and may be economic, environmental, and/or societal. The
most significant impacts associated with drought in the planning area are those related to water
intensive activities such as agriculture, wildfire protection, municipal usage, commerce, tourism,
recreation, and wildlife preservation. During a drought, allocations go down, which results in
reduced water availability. Voluntary conservation measures are typically implemented during
extended droughts. A reduction of electric power generation and water quality deterioration are
also potential problems. Drought conditions can also cause soil to compact and not absorb
water well, potentially making an area more susceptible to flooding.
Drought can have secondary impacts. For example, drought is a major determinant of wildfire
hazard, in that it creates greater propensity for fire starts and larger, more prolonged
conflagrations fueled by excessively dry vegetation, along with reduced water supply for
firefighting purposes. Drought is also an economic hazard. Significant economic impacts on
California’s agriculture industry can occur as a result of short‐ and long‐term drought conditions;
these include hardships to farmers, farm workers, packers, and shippers of agricultural
products. Health and property impacts, such as water contamination (especially private wells),
economic losses to individuals, physical and mental health impacts may also occur. In some
cases, droughts can also cause significant increases in food prices to the consumer due to
shortages, causing possible food insecurity or dietary changes, which may lead to poorer health
outcomes. Drought can also result in lack of water and subsequent feed available to grazing
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
181
livestock, potentially leading to risk of livestock death and resulting in losses to the State’s and
Marin County’s agricultural economy.
Based on historical information, the occurrence of drought in California, including the Marin
County OA, is cyclical, driven by weather patterns. Drought has occurred in the past and will
occur in the future. Periods of actual drought with adverse impacts can vary in duration, and the
period between droughts is often extended. Although an area may be under an extended dry
period, determining when it becomes a drought is based on impacts to individual water users.
Figure 3.61: Drought Impacts
Source: National Drought Mitigation Center
1 ~<;>U·N· TY OF a
~ARIN ~
Natural Climate Valiability
Precipitation deficiency
(amount, intensity, timing)
Reduced infiltration , runoff
deep percolation , and
ground water recharge
High temp., high winds , low
relative humidity, greater
sunshine, less cloud cover
Increased evaporation
and transpiration
Soil water deficiency
Plant water stress , reduced
biomass and yield
i6 u ·-... o,_ o-_o,
o= '-0 o ...
~Q
:E
------------------------·-------------
Reduced streamflow, inflow to
reservoirs , lakes , and ponds;
reduced weti ands ,
wildlife habitat
] ... ·er;, o_ oo ......
~
---------_'-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_....,...._-_-_-_-_-_-_----'_ -----------:c -
Economic Im acts social Im acts Environmental Im acts
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
182
Drought also has a significant impact on tree mortality. Figures 3.64 shows the impact of tree
mortality in Marin County in 2022.
Figure 3.62: 2022 Locations of Tree Mortality in the Marin County OA
Source: CALFIRE
Extent and Probability
Scientists expect that climate change will lead to more frequent and more intense droughts
statewide. Overall, precipitation levels are expected to stay similar, and may even increase in
some places. However, the state’s current data say that there will be more years with extreme
levels of precipitation, both high and low, as a result of climate change. This is expected to
cause more droughts that last longer and are more intense, compared to historical norms.
Higher air temperatures are expected to increase evaporation, causing more water loss from
lakes and reservoirs and decreasing soil moisture to greater depths.
1 ~<;>U·N· TY OF a
~ARIN ~
y
181.) I'll
P~talumcf
0
1:577,791
3 s4Mi1 Francisco.
H
p
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
183
Table 3.10: Marin County OA Hazard Risk Assessment – Drought
Jurisdiction
Probability/
Likelihood
of Future
Events
Geographic
Extent Magnitude/
Severity
Climate
Change
Influence Significance Risk
Score
Marin County Highly
Likely Extensive Moderate High High 16.00
City of
Belvedere
Highly
Likely Extensive Moderate High High 16.00
Town of
Corte Madera Likely Extensive Weak High Medium 13.00
Town of
Fairfax Occasional Extensive Weak Medium Low 10.00
City of
Larkspur Occasional Extensive Moderate High Medium 13.00
City of
Mill Valley Likely Extensive Weak High Medium 13.00
City of
Novato Likely Extensive Weak High Medium 13.00
Town of
Ross Likely Extensive Moderate Medium High 14.00
Town of
San Anselmo Likely Extensive Extreme High High 17.00
City of
San Rafael Likely Extensive Moderate High Medium 14.00
City of
Sausalito Unlikely Negligible None Low Low 4.00
Town of
Tiburon
Highly
Likely Extensive Moderate High High 16.00
Bolinas
Public Utility
District
Highly
Likely Extensive Severe High High 17.00
Las Gallinas
Valley
Sanitary
District
Likely Limited None High Medium 10.00
North Marin
Water
District
Occasional Extensive Severe High Medium 14.00
Southern
Marin Fire
District
Likely Significant Severe High Medium 14.00
Table 3.10: Marin County OA Hazard Risk Assessment – Drought
Source: Profiled Jurisdictions and Districts
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
184
Vulnerability
The vulnerability of the Marin County OA to drought is countywide, but impacts may vary by
area and include reduction in water supply, agricultural losses, and an increase in dry fuels.
During drought, declines in surface water flows can be detrimental to water supplies for
agriculture and cities, hydropower production, navigation, recreation, and natural ecosystems,
particularly habitat for aquatic and riparian species. Communities in the Marin County OA, may
experience water shortages during drought conditions which lead to mandatory water use
restrictions and possibly the importation of water. During drought events, the flow of water in
creeks and streams is reduced, creating more slow-moving or standing water. This can
concentrate sediment and toxins in the low water levels, causing harm to plants and animals.
Many fish species also rely on specific water temperatures and stream flow speeds, especially
for spawning and egg incubation, and changes to stream velocity as a result of drought
conditions can affect reproduction. Droughts can also indirectly lead to more wildfires, and the
stress caused by water shortages can weaken plants, making them more susceptible to pests
and diseases. As drought persists, longer-term impacts can emerge, such as land subsidence,
seawater intrusion, and damage to ecosystems. During prolonged or severe drought, County
residents would be impacted by water use restrictions and changes to water supply.
Climate Change and Future Development Considerations
Climate change increases the odds of worsening drought. Warmer temperatures enhance
evaporation, which reduces surface water and dries out soils and vegetation. This makes
periods with low precipitation in the summer drier than they would be in cooler conditions.
Climate also alters the timing of water availability as warmer winter temperatures cause less
precipitation to fall. During droughts, communities in the Marin County OA may have limited
access to water for household use, including drinking, cooking, cleaning, and watering plants,
as well as for agriculture, transportation, and power generation. Drought may lead to higher
water costs, rationing, or even the decimation of important water sources like wells in the Marin
County OA. As more people move into the Marin County OA, additional strain will be placed on
the OA’s water supply. Drought can affect livestock and crops in the Marin County OA,
impacting its economy. Drought can increase the occurrence and severity of wildfires and tree
mortality in the Marin County OA. Impacts to residents and infrastructure from wildfire as a
result of drought will increase as more development occurs in the mountainous areas of the
Marin County OA where wildfires are more likely to occur. Drought also increases the amount
of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, including by decreasing land productivity, which reduces
the amount of vegetation storing carbon dioxide. In addition, increases in drought-related
wildfire and soil erosion can release carbon dioxide sequestered in trees and plants back into
the atmosphere. This will only worsen climate change for the Marin County OA into the future.
When considering future development, the Marin County OA can help prepare for both future
droughts and climate change by practicing and promoting water conservation and enhancing
water efficiency throughout landscapes, city plans, and water infrastructure. The Marin County
OA can also identify alternative water supplies, create drought emergency plans, and
encourage farmers to plant drought-resistant crops.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
185
3.3.4 EARTHQUAKE
Earthquakes are sudden rolling or shaking events caused by movement under the earth’s
surface. Earthquakes happen along cracks in the earth's surface, called fault lines, and can be
felt over large areas, although they usually last less than one minute.
The amount of energy released during an earthquake is usually expressed as a magnitude and
is currently measured by seismologists on the Moment Magnitude (Mw Scale). The Mw Scale
was developed to succeed the previously used Richter Scale and is measured on a scale of
zero to ten with increasing values reflecting increasing intensity.
The other commonly used measure of earthquake severity is intensity, which is an expression of
the amount of shaking at any given location on the ground service. Intensity is most commonly
measured on the Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) Scale (see Figure 3.63).
Figure 3.63: Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale
Figure 3.64 gives intensities (measured on the MMI scale) that are typically observed at locations
near the epicenter or earthquakes of different magnitudes.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
Intensity Shaking
No t felt
Weak
I ll Weak
IV Li ght
V Moderate
VI Strong
VII
Very
strong
Severe
Vi o lent
a ~
Description/Damage
Not felt exce pt by a very few under especia lly favorab l e cond it ions.
Fel t only by a few perso ns at rest,especially on upper fl oors of bu ildings.
Fel t quite noticeably by perso n s in doors, es pecia lly o n upper fl oors of bu ildings. Ma ny people do not recognize i t as an earthq uake.
Sta n din g motor cars may rock sl ightly. Vibrations sim i l ar to the passing of a truck. Duration est imated .
Fe lt ind oors by many, outdoors by few du ring t he day. At night, so me awake ned . Dishes, windows, doo rs d isturbed; wa lls make c racki ng
so un d . Sensation li ke heavy truck stri ki ng building. St andi ng motor cars roc ked noticeably.
Felt by nea rly everyone; many awakened . Some d i shes, windows broken. Un sta b le objects overturned . Pendulum clocks may stop.
Fe lt by all, many frightened. Some heavy f urniture moved; a few insta nces of fallen pla ster. Dam age sl ight.
Dam age negligible i n buildi ngs of good design and co nstructio n; sl ight to mode ra te in we ll-built ordinary stru ctu res; co nsid era ble d amage
i n poorl y built or badly d es ign ed structures; some ch i mn eys broken.
Damage sl ight in specia lly d es i gned structu res; co nsid erab l e damage in o rdin ary subs t antial bu il dings w ith parti al co llapse. Dam age grea t
in poorl y bu ilt stru ctures. Fall of chimneys, fac tory st acks, co lumns, monuments, wall s. Heavy f urniture overturn ed.
Damage cons iderab le in specia lly designed stru ct ures; well-des igned f rame structures t hrown out of p l umb. Damage grea t in substa ntial
bu il dings, w it h partial co llapse. Bu ildings shifted off foundatio ns.
Some well-built wooden struc t ure s dest royed; most masonry and frame structures dest roye d w ith foundations. Ra ils bent.
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
186
Figure 3.64: Mercalli Scale vs. Magnitude
The extent of ground shaking also depends in large part on how soft the underlying soil is. Soft
soils amplify ground shaking (see Figure 3.65). This was observed during the 1989 Loma Prieta
Earthquake when the most significant damages experienced in San Francisco were in the
Marina District, which was built on fill.
Figure 3.65: Soil Types
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
Soil Vs>
type 1500
A m/sec
1500
Soil
type
m/sec >
Vs> 750
B
m/sec
750
Soil
m/sec>
Type
Vs>350
C
m/sec
350
Soil
Type m/sec>
Vs> 200
D
m/sec
Soil 200
Type m/sec>
E Vs
a ~
Richter
Magnitude Scale
1.0-2.9
3.0-3.9
4.0 -4.9
5.0-5.9
6.0-6.9
7 .0 or higher
Typical Maximum
Modified Mercalli
Intensity Scale
I
TI-Ill
.._
IV-V
I VJ-Vil
VII-IX
--
VIII or higher
Includes unweathered intrusive igneous rock . Occurs infrequently in the bay area. We consider it with type B
(both A and Bare represented by the color blue on the map). Soil types A and B do not contribute greatly to
shaking amplification.
Includes volcan ics, most Mesozoic bedrock, and some Franciscan bedrock. (M esozoic rocks are between 245
and 64 million y ears o ld. The Fra nciscan Complex is a Meso zoic uni t that is common in the Bay Area.)
Includes some Quaternary (less than 1.8 m illi on years old) sands, sandstones and mudstones, some Upper
Tertiary (1.8 to 24 million years old) sandstones, mudstones and limestone, some Lower Tertiary (24 to 64
million years o ld) mud stones and sandstones, and Franciscan melange and serpentinite.
Includes some Quaternary muds, sands, gravels, silts and mud. Sign ificant amp lifica t ion of shaking by these
soils is generally expected .
Includes water-sa tu rated mud and artificia l fill. The strongest amplification of shaking due i s expected for
this soil type.
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
187
An earthquake fault is defined as “a fracture or fracture zone in the earth’s crust along which
there has been displacement of the sides relative to one another.” For the purpose of planning
there are two types of faults, active and inactive. Active faults have experienced displacement
in historic time, suggesting that future displacement may be expected. Inactive faults show no
evidence of movement in recent geologic time, suggesting that these faults are dormant.
Two types of fault movement represent possible hazards to structures in the immediate vicinity
of the fault: fault creep and sudden fault displacement. Fault creep, a slow movement of one
side of a fault relative to the other, can cause cracking and buckling of sidewalks and
foundations even without perceptible ground shaking. Sudden fault displacement occurs during
an earthquake event and may result in the collapse of buildings or other structures that are
found along the fault zone when fault displacement exceeds an inch or two. The only protection
against damage caused directly by fault displacement is to prohibit construction in the fault
zone.
Location and Previous Occurrences
The potential for earthquake damage exists throughout Marin County because of a combination
of the number of active faults within and near the County and the presence of soils vulnerable to
liquefaction. These faults are shown on the California Geological Survey (CGS) Fault Activity
Map of California (see Figure 3.68 . Fault Activity Map below). Descriptions of the most
significant active faults to Marin are provided below.
San Andreas fault: The San Andreas Fault traverses Marin County running north and south in
the western quarter of the county. It enters Marin on the Pacific Coast near Bolinas, follows the
path of Highway 1 and Tomales Bay, exiting Marin at sea just west of Dillon Beach. Hayward
fault: the eastern, more heavily populated part of Marin is less than ten miles from the northern
section of the Hayward fault. Rodgers Creek fault: The northern part of Marin is less than ten
miles from the Rodgers Creek fault. See Figure 3.66 for a map of earthquake faults and
probability of shaking across the Marin County OA.
Earthquake Shake Intensity
The colors on Figures 3.66 and 3.67 represent the level of ground shaking intensity of a
potential future earthquake. The result is expressed as the level of ground shaking (expressed
as a percentage of gravity) that on average occurs every 500 years.
This map shows the expected relative intensity of ground shaking and damage in California
from anticipated future earthquakes. The shaking potential is calculated as the level of ground
motion that has a 2% chance of being exceeded in 50 years, which is the same as the level of
ground-shaking with about a 2500 year average repeat time. The relatively long-period (1.0
second) earthquake shaking is shown here. Long period-shaking affects tall, relatively flexible
buildings, but also correlates well with overall earthquake damage.
Earthquake Shaking Potential Maps for California depict expected intermediate period (1s or
1hz) ground motions with 2% exceedance probability in 50 years.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
188
Figure 3.66: Earthquake Faults and Probability of Shaking in the Marin County OA
Sources: Marin County OEM, USGS
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
/
\
\
I
(
\
i I
I
I
/
/
/
a ~
Marin County / Full County
Earthquake
DIIICUII
EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT
San Pablo Bay
Wildlife Area
Legend
Ea rt hquake
1.95
1.85
1.15
1.05
0
1.45
1.35
-1.25
-0.95
0.85
0.75
0.65
0.55
0.4 5
0.35
Ma ri n County OEM / Woody Baker-Cohn
em ail: OEM _GIS @Mar inCo unty.org Ii
Date Pri nted : 09/22/23
County of Marin, californ ia St ate Parks, Esri, HERE, Garmin, SafeGraph, Geo Technologies, Inc, METI/NASA, USGS, Bureau of Land Manag ement, EPA, NPS,
US DA, County of Marin, (alifornia State Parks, Esri, HERE, Gar min , SafeGrap h, FAO, METI/NASA, USGS, Bureau of Lan d Management, EPA, NPS
N
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
189
Figure 3.67: Marin County Earthquake Shaking Potential and Critical Facilities
Source: Marin County OEM
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
I
/
I
/
I
I
(
• Da ms • Military and Qvil
Defense Insta llations
COl'r'lmunic.atio r'l
Facil~ies
Elecbic Power Facllltles
Legend
Fire Stations
Hospita ls and Medical
Faci lities
Pol ice / Sheri ff Stations
Schools
Wastewater f acil ities EarthquakeShaking
Water Supply Facilities 0.45
o.ss
AirportS 0.65
Emergency Operatio ns 0.75 Centers
0.85
Mar in Cou nty
Earthquake
10 1
-0.9 5
-I.OS
-I.IS
-1.25
-1.35
-1.45
1.55
1.65
1.75
0
DfllctOI
EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT
10
Miles
12
21
37
San Pablo Bay
Wildlife Area
1.85
1.95
Ma ri n County OEM / Wo ody Ba ker-Cohn
em ail: OEM _GIS @Mar inCo un ty.org
Da te Printed : 11 /01/23 N
County of Ma ri n, california St ate Parks, Esri, HERE, Garmin, SafeGraph, Geo Tec hnologies, I nc, METI/NASA, USGS, Bureau of La nd Managem ent, EPA, NPS,
US DA, County of Mari n, califomia State Parks, Esr i, HERE, Gar min, SafeGraph, FAO, METI/NASA, USGS, Bu reau of Land Ma nagement, EPA, NPS
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
190
There are faults that do not traverse the Marin County OA that may cause shaking effects to
occur inside the County.
According to the Association of Bay Area Governments Resilience Program, “the San Andreas
Fault was the source of the magnitude of 7.8 earthquake in 1906. Marin was sparsely inhabited
at that time and experienced relatively moderate property loss and only two deaths. The
epicenter was just two miles west of San Francisco and West Marin experienced some
pronounced earthquake effects. This included a horizontal earth displacement of 21 feet near
the head of Tomales Bay.
On October 17, 1989, a magnitude 7.1 earthquake occurred on the San Andreas Fault, the
largest earthquake to occur in the San Francisco Bay Area since 1906. This earthquake was
named the Loma Prieta Earthquake due to its calculated epicenter. The impact of the Loma
Prieta Earthquake was most apparent in the northeast area of Santa Cruz. If the fault rupture
location were closer, a strong shaking such as this could have caused severe damage within
Marin County, including damage to life-line routes. The Loma Prieta Earthquake was not “the
big one,” which is a common reference to an event with a magnitude of 8 or larger (such as the
1906 San Francisco quake).
Impacts
Ground shaking is the primary earthquake hazard. Many factors affect the survivability of
structures and systems from earthquake-caused ground motions. These factors include
proximity to the fault, direction of rupture, epicenter location and depth, magnitude, local
geologic and soils conditions, types and quality of construction, building configurations and
heights, and comparable factors that relate to utility, transportation, and other network systems.
Ground motions become structurally damaging when average peak accelerations reach 10 to
15 percent of gravity, average peak velocities reach 8 to 12 centimeters per second, and when
the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale is about VII (18-34 percent peak ground acceleration),
which is considered to be very strong (general alarm; walls crack; plaster falls).
Earthquakes can result in liquefaction. Liquefaction is a process whereby soil is temporarily
transformed to a fluid form during intense and prolonged ground shaking. Areas most prone to
liquefaction are those that are water saturated (e.g., where the water table is less than 30 feet
below the surface) and consist of relatively uniform sands that are loose to medium density. In
addition to necessary soil conditions, the ground acceleration and duration of the earthquake
must be of sufficient energy to induce liquefaction.
Liquefaction during major earthquakes has caused severe damage to structures on level ground
as a result of settling, tilting, or floating. Such damage occurred in San Francisco on bay-filled
areas during the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, even though the epicenter was several miles
away. If liquefaction occurs in or under a sloping soil mass, the entire mass may flow toward a
lower elevation. Of particular concern in terms of developed and newly developing areas are fill
areas that have been poorly compacted.
Earthquakes can cause settlement. Settlement can occur in poorly consolidated soils during
ground shaking. During settlement, the soil materials are physically rearranged by the shaking
to result in a less stable alignment of the individual minerals. Settlement of sufficient magnitude
to cause significant structural damage is normally associated with rapidly deposited alluvial soils
or improperly founded or poorly compacted fill. These areas are known to undergo extensive
settling with the addition of irrigation water, but evidence due to ground shaking is not available.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
191
Earthquakes can also cause seiches, landslides, and dam failures. A seiche is a periodic
oscillation of a body of water resulting from seismic shaking or other factors that could cause
flooding. Earthquakes may cause landslides, particularly during the wet season, in areas of
high water or saturated soils. Earthquake impact on life, property, and environment may include
cascading impacts of lifelines loss (water, electricity), loss of housing, injuries and mortality,
surge in healthcare facilities, and disruption to EMS services.
Most structures in the Marin County OA, including in the unincorporated area, were built before
1970, when major seismic design changes were made to the building code and are particularly
vulnerable to earthquakes and liquefaction. Wood framed homes, however, are light and flexible
and can often survive earthquakes with minimal damage as long as the foundations are properly
retrofitted (bolted and braced). The County of Marin and its political subdivisions have adopted
California Building, Plumbing, Electrical and Mechanical Codes whereby no building or structure
is erected, constructed, enlarged, improved, removed, or converted without a permit. Adherence
to these codes currently allows the county to gather data on retrofitting and current building
code compliance. It is important to note that these data continue to have limitations for
assessing overall vulnerability in the county for all structures.
The majority of the Marin County OA’s single-family buildings with foundations to bedrock will
perform well in a shake. Modern multi-story buildings with foundations to bedrock should not be
subject to collapse, although some serious damage may occur. However, many heavier
developed areas of the Marin County OA are built on soft alluvial soils or filled-in water ways.
Due to liquefaction, these soils will significantly increase the shaking effects and will account for
the majority of damaged and destroyed structures, regardless of their proximity to the fault line.
Liquefaction occurs when ground shaking causes loose, saturated soil to lose strength and act
as a viscous fluid. When liquefaction occurs, it can result in the sidelong movement of large
masses of soil, loss of strength in the soil supporting structures causing structures to collapse,
and/or consolidation due to soil settlement decreasing soil surface elevations. The county’s
topography includes large areas of steep slopes, adding to the vulnerability of earthquake
induced disasters with the additional danger of debris flow (landslides). Bluff erosion along the
coastal areas also poses unique threats to coastal structures and roads during times of
earthquake.
Extent and Probability
An earthquake could occur and affect any area of the Marin County OA, including the
unincorporated area. The ABAG Resilience Program analysis shows risk of liquefaction in Corte
Madera, Larkspur, Bel Marin Keys, Novato, Ross Valley along creeks (Ross, San Anselmo,
Fairfax), San Geronimo, San Rafael, Santa Venetia, communities around Richardson Bay
(Belvedere, Marin City, Mill Valley, Sausalito, Strawberry, Tam Valley, Tiburon), Stinson Beach,
Tomales Bay-side communities, and the county-owned Gnoss Field Airport.
According to a September 24, 2016 article in the Marin Independent Journal, “The Working
Group on California Earthquake Probabilities has updated its earthquake forecast and
determined there is a 72 percent probability - up from 63 percent - of at least one earthquake of
magnitude 6.7 or greater striking somewhere in the Bay Area before 2043.” The Association of
Bay Area Governments (ABAG) Resilience Program projects a 52% chance of a 6.7 or greater
earthquake on one of the faults affecting Marin between now and 2036 (21% at San Andreas
fault and 31% on Hayward/Rodgers Creek). Supporting this article’s assertions is the Uniform
California Earthquake Rupture Forecast, Version 3 (UCERF3), which provides authoritative
estimates of the magnitude, location, and time-averaged frequency of potentially damaging
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
192
earthquakes in California (see Figure 3.68 ). Uniform California Earthquake Rupture Forecast
primary achievements have been to relax fault segmentation assumptions and to include multi-
fault ruptures, both limitations of the previous model (UCERF2).
Figure 3.68: Uniform California Earthquake Rupture Forecast Version 3
Source: USGS
The September 24, 2016 article goes on to say “Marin sits smack dab (sic) in the middle of two
major faults. To the east is the Rodgers Creek-Hayward fault just a few miles from Marin’s
shores through San Pablo Bay, which the U.S. Geological Survey estimates has a 33 percent
likelihood of a 6.7-magnitude quake or greater in the next 30 years — the highest probability of
any Bay Area fault to slip. But movement on those faults could be worse than originally thought.”
The Rodgers Creek-Hayward fault, thought to be two separate faults, actually may be linked
and have the potential to cause more damage than previously determined, according to USGS
research.
“The Rodgers Creek Fault runs from Sonoma County into San Pablo Bay near Marin’s shore.
The Hayward Fault runs through the western part of Alameda County into San Pablo Bay east
of San Rafael and Novato. They were thought to be offset by about two miles under San Pablo
Bay. But underwater exploration done in 2014 seems to link them. More study will occur to
confirm those initial findings.”
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
1/1000 1/100 1110
30--year M ~6-7 likelihood
(percent)
10
UCERF3
Uniform Californ ia Earthquake Rupture Forecast (Version 3)
100
Ttvee+dimensional perspective view of the li kel ihood
that each region of California will experience a
magnitude 6.7 or larger earthquake in the next
30 years (6.7 matches the magnitude o f
the 1 994 Northridge earthquake. an d
30 years is the typic<II duration
of a homeowner mortgage).
faults are shown by the rectangles outlined in bl ack. Th e entire cofored area represents grea ter
Ca lifornia,and the white line across the middle defines northern versus southern C,a liforn ia. Results
do not includ e earthquakes on the Cascadia Subduct ion Zone, a 750-mile offsho re fault that extends
about 1 SO mil es into Ca li fornia fr om Oregon a nd Washington to the north.
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
193
Table 3.11: Marin County OA Hazard Risk Assessment - Earthquake
Jurisdiction
Probability/
Likelihood
of Future
Events
Geographic
Extent Magnitude/
Severity
Climate
Change
Influence Significance Risk
Score
Marin County Highly
Likely Extensive Extreme None High 15.00
City of
Belvedere
Highly
Likely Extensive Extreme None High 15.00
Town of
Corte Madera Occasional Extensive Severe None High 12.00
Town of
Fairfax
Highly
Likely Extensive Extreme None High 15.00
City of
Larkspur Occasional Extensive Extreme None High 13.00
City of
Mill Valley Occasional Extensive Extreme Low Medium 13.00
City of
Novato Occasional Extensive Extreme None Medium 12.00
Town of
Ross Likely Significant Severe None Medium 11.00
Town of
San Anselmo Occasional Extensive Extreme High High 16.00
City of
San Rafael Occasional Significant Severe None Medium 10.00
City of
Sausalito Occasional Limited Moderate Low Low 8.00
Town of
Tiburon
Highly
Likely Extensive Extreme None High 15.00
Bolinas
Public Utility
District
Occasional Extensive Severe None High 13.00
Las Gallinas
Valley
Sanitary
District
Occasional Extensive Extreme None Medium 12.00
North Marin
Water
District
Occasional Extensive Extreme Low Medium 13.00
Southern
Marin Fire
District
Occasional Extensive Extreme None High 13.00
Table 3.11: Marin County OA Hazard Risk Assessment – Earthquake
Source: Profiled Jurisdictions and Districts
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
194
Vulnerability
The areas most vulnerable to earthquake in the Marin County OA, including the unincorporated
area, are on bay mud and current and former marshlands. Many of these areas have been
artificially filled over the last century. Other areas with some risk of liquefaction include those
along creeks due to fluvial and alluvial deposits. Unfortunately, much of Marin’s residential
areas and infrastructure are located on former marshes and along creeks. Tens of thousands of
acres of residential areas, along with roads, airports, military facilities, retail centers, schools,
hospitals, prisons, jails, government administration centers, convention centers, recreation
areas, croplands/pasture are in areas vulnerable to liquefaction in the Marin County OA.
For all three faults mentioned above that run through the Marin County OA, many areas of the
most severe vulnerability to earthquake coincide with the heavily populated Highway 101
corridor on the eastern side of the county. Numerous unincorporated communities with large
populations and buildings lie in this area. According to the ABAG Resilience Program, a 7.8
magnitude earthquake on the San Andreas fault would leave 3,100 homes in the Marin County
OA uninhabitable, displace 6,200 households, and result in total building damage of $1,260
billion dollars. Because many people in the region do not have earthquake insurance, many
homeowners will not be able to afford to rebuild their homes.
In addition to damaging buildings, a 7.8 magnitude San Andreas earthquake could close 77
roads in Marin due to faulting, liquefaction, debris flow/ landslide, shaking damage to bridges
and interchanges, threat of building collapse, structural damage to highway and rail structures,
small hazardous material releases, water and gas pipe leaks, and other miscellaneous reasons
for closure.
Figure 3.69 shows the social vulnerability of Marin County populations to earthquake in relation
to the rest of California.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
195
Figure 3.69: Population/Social Vulnerability to an Earthquake in California
Source: 2018 State of California Hazard Mitigation Plan
1 ~<;>U·N· TY OF a
~ARIN ~
0 25 SO 100 M Res
cal Po ly -San Luis Obi spo
City and Reeio n al Pi nni ng
Jun e 2018
Popu lation/Soc 1:a II Vulnerability
with Earthquake Hazard
R,eliative Vulnerability
High
Low
Grid cell size approximate, y
•one square k ilometer.
Cel ls with popul ation < 75
are not mapped.
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
196
Climate Change and Future Development Considerations
There is no direct link between climate change and seismic activity that could impact the Marin
County OA, so climate change is not expected to cause any changes to the frequency or
intensity of seismic shaking. According to a 2018 study by the Institute of Physics (IOP), climate
change could result in “isostatic rebounds,” or a sudden upward movement of the crust because
of reduced downward weight caused by glaciers. As glaciers are known to melt when overall
global temperatures increase, climate change could indirectly lead to an increase in
seismicity in the Marin County OA. Climate change could also impact earthquakes felt in the
Marin County OA as droughts can further deteriorate existing fault lines and pumping
groundwater can put further pressure on the earth’s crust. Future development in the populated
areas of Marin County OA where seismic shaking and subsidence are more prevalent could
exacerbate the impacts of an earthquake.
3.3.5 FLOODING
Flooding is the rising and overflowing of a body of water onto normally dry land. Floods are
among the costliest natural disasters in terms of human hardship and economic loss nationwide.
The area adjacent to a channel is the floodplain. Floodplains are illustrated on inundation maps,
which show areas of potential flooding and water depths. In its common usage, the floodplain
most often refers to that area that is inundated by the 100-yea r flood, the flood that has a one
percent chance in any given year of being equaled or exceeded. The 100-year flood is the
national minimum standard to which communities regulate their floodplains through the National
Flood Insurance Program. The 200-year flood is one that has 0.5% chance of being equaled or
exceeded each year. The 500-year flood is the flood that has a 0.2 percent chance of being
equaled or exceeded in any given year. The potential for flooding can change and increase
through various land use changes and changes to land surface, which result in a change to the
floodplain. A change in environment can create localized flooding problems inside and outside
of natural floodplains by altering or confining natural drainage channels. These changes are
most often created by human activity such as construction of bridges or channels. In areas
where flow contains high sediment load, such as Easkoot Creek in Stinson Beach (due to an
active landslide upstream), the flow carrying capacity of the channel may be reduced
dramatically during a single flood event. Coastal floodplains may also change over time as
waves and currents alter the coastline (especially wetlands) and sea levels rise.
Flooding can occur in several ways:
Riverine flooding – Riverine flooding, defined as when a watercourse exceeds its “bank-full”
capacity, generally occurs as a result of prolonged rainfall, or rainfall that is combined with
snowmelt and/or already saturated soils from previous rain events. This type of flood occurs in
river systems whose tributaries may drain large geographic areas and include one or more
independent river basins. The onset and duration of riverine floods may vary from a few hours
to many days and is often characterized by high peak flows combined with a large volume of
runoff. Factors that directly affect the amount of flood runoff include precipitation amount,
intensity and distribution, the amount of soil moisture, seasonal variation in vegetation, snow
depth, and water-resistance of the surface due to urbanization. In the Marin County OA,
riverine flooding can occur anytime from November through April and is largely caused by heavy
and continued rains, sometimes combined with snowmelt, increased outflows from upstream
dams, and heavy flow from tributary streams. These intense storms can overwhelm the local
waterways as well as the integrity of flood control structures. Flooding is more severe when
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
197
antecedent rainfall has resulted in saturated ground conditions. The warning time associated
with slow rise riverine floods assists in life and property protection.
Flash flooding – Flash flooding describes localized floods of great volume and short duration.
This type of flood usually results from a heavy rainfall on a relatively small drainage area.
Precipitation of this sort usually occurs in the winter and spring. Flash floods often require
immediate evacuation within the hour and thus early threat identification and warning is critical
for saving lives.
Localized/Stormwater flooding – Localized flooding problems are often caused by flash
flooding, severe weather, or an unusual amount of rainfall. Flooding from these intense weather
events usually occurs in areas experiencing an increase in runoff from impervious surfaces
associated with development and urbanization as well as inadequate storm drainage systems.
Tidal flooding – Tidal flooding develops when high tides exceed either the top of bank
elevation of tidal sloughs and channels, or the crest of bay levees. An especially high tide event
that occurs during alignment of the gravitational pull between the sun and the moon, causes
tidal water levels to rise to higher-than normal levels. King tides are normal, predictable events
that occur semi-annually during winter months. Typically storms in which high tides coincide
with peak stormwater flow are the most damaging.
The area is also at risk of flooding resulting from levee failures and dam failures. Dam failure
flooding is discussed separately in the Dam Failure Section of this document; levee failure
flooding is discussed separately in the Levee Failure Section of this document. Regardless of
the type of flood, the cause is often the result of severe weather and excessive rainfall, either in
the flood area or upstream reach.
A weather pattern called the “Atmospheric River” contributes to the flooding potential of the
area. An Atmospheric River brings warm air and rain to the West. A relatively common weather
pattern brings southwest winds to the Pacific Northwest or California, along with warm, moist
air. The moisture sometimes produces many days of heavy rain, which can cause extensive
flooding. The warm air also can melt the snowpack in the mountains, which further aggravates
the flooding potential. In the colder parts of the year, the warm air can be cooled enough to
produce heavy, upslope snow as it rises into the higher elevations of the Sierra Nevada or
Cascades. Forecasters and others on the West Coast often used to refer to this warm, moist air
as the “Pineapple Express” because it comes from around Hawaii where pineapples are grown.
A diagram of an atmospheric river event is shown in Figure 3.70.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
198
Figure 3.70: Diagram of an Atmospheric River Event
Source: NOAA
The Marin County OA is susceptible to various types of flood events. In coastal areas, flooding
may occur when strong winds or tides result in a surge of seawater into areas that are above
the normal high tide line. Other types of flooding in Marin include isolated ponding and
stormwater overflow. Isolated ponding is when pools form on the ground and can occur in any
area that doesn’t drain effectively – for example, in a natural depression in the landscape.
Stormwater overflow is when storm drains back up. Stormwater drainage systems quickly
convey rainwater through underground pipes to creeks and the Bay. When the stormdrains are
obstructed or broken or when the water bodies to which they lead to are already full, water
backs up onto the streets. Although stormwater overflow and isolated ponding also occur
throughou t the County, the effects are typically not widespread or significantly damaging.
Location and Previous Occurrences
Figure 3.7 1 shows the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood hazard zones in
the Marin County OA, using the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for Marin County.
l ~<;>U·N· TY O F
~ARIN
a ~
The science behind atmospheric rivers
An-~IC-(Alll~•!lcrnir,gc~~<>lw..f .,.,i,.~.,•-li1o14k-~•f~!;lo~Pf~ •1 ,ol,•l~l'fld•IIClwe
~lo\'tli •\-\lrmdSt~ WtwftNl>-llilllkl ..... i "--'lhtM:Jul'll ""m,wl)(lf1ioff..wl<-toC. h ~I'll~,
n.:.,gh """'IAAI "'" •)"11!1m lhol ·,lmj:l1p,<'lldo 'b<niolloJ I ...,,.,. "'"""'...,. allfle l•!I","""" pcr-1u1Alls..., attt,eeru,..,.,.W,11 •md-
<~ <>I .U,,U,.'"9 t1>~ loduclnQ rnull1M,.ooouu""9 "'""!Qllt.icd.o,rugtto~t,,ond~. ~,.,..,...,..,...,..,.,.._,.,,...,,.,,,""
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
199
Figure 3.71: FIRM Zones in the Marin County OA
Source: FEMA
1 ~<;>U·N· TY OF a
~ARIN ~
Special Flood Hazard Areas
Flood Zone
A
AE
III AH
Ill Ao
111111 V
lll vE
N
A
0 10
----======:::JMiles
5
Data Source: Marin Map , 2018
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
200
Major county watersheds where significant numbers of structures are at risk from riverine
flooding include Coyote Creek, Arroyo Corte Madera del Presidio, East and West Creek
watersheds, Corte Madera Creek, Novato and Rush Creeks, Miller Creek, Easkoot Creek
(Stinson Beach), Gallinas Creek. Additionally, many locations along Richardson Bay, Tomales
Bay, lower Las Gallinas Creek, the San Rafael Canal, East San Rafael and Novato shores, and
the outer Pacific coastline are vulnerable to coastal flooding.
In many cases, where there is a significant history of flooding there is a Marin County Flood
Control & Water Conservation District “Flood Zone” established. There are 8 County Flood
Zones located in the following areas as described in Table 3.11 .
Table 3.11: The 100-year, 200-year and 500-year floodplains in the Marin County OA
Zone No. Name Location
1 Novato Northern Marin: Most of City of Novato and some surrounding
areas within the Novato Creek watershed.
3 Richardson Bay
Southern Marin: Marin City watershed, Coyote Creek
watershed (includes Tamalpais Valley and Almonte); Arroyo
Corte Madera del Presidio watershed and Ryan Creek
watershed (both include much of the City of Mill Valley), and
a watershed including Sutton Manor/Alto/part of Strawberry.
4 Bel Aire
Southern Marin: East and West Creek watersheds which
run through the Bel Aire neighborhood of the Town of
Tiburon and part of (unincorporated) Strawberry.
5 Stinson Beach West Marin: Part of the lower Easkoot Creek watershed at
Stinson Beach
6 San Rafael
Meadows
Central Marin: A part of the Las Gallinas Creek
watershed in the City of San Rafael across from the
County Civic Center.
7 Santa Venetia Central Marin: The unincorporated community of Santa
Venetia along Las Gallinas Creek.
9 Ross Valley
Central Marin: The Corte Madera Creek watershed, including
the towns of Fairfax, San Anselmo, Ross, and Larkspur, as
well as unincorporated parts of San Anselmo, Fairfax,
Kentfield and Greenbrae.
10 Inverness West Marin: Inverness, along the west shore of Tomales
Bay and the East flank of Inverness Ridge.
Figure 3.72: The 100-year, 200-year and 500-year floodplains in the Marin County OA.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
201
Figure 3.73: 100, 200, 500-Year Floodplains in the Marin County OA
Source: Marin OEM
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
\
I
/
I
I
(
Legend
• Dams
Military and Ovil
Defense Installations
Communication
Facilities
Electric Power Facilities
Wastewater Facilities
Mar in Cou nty
Flooding
•
•
\
Emergency Operations
Centers
Fire Stations
Hospitals and Medical
Facilities
Police / Sheriff Stations
Schools
Peta luma
0 2 ,5 -5
...
D1111:EOI
EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT
Boyes Hot
Spri ngs
El Vera no
So noma
on
e ,ere
alito
_..,, _..,.
• Water Supply Facilities Flood ing
Airports 500 Year Flood Plain
100 Year Flood Plain
Mar in County OEM / Woody Baker -Cohn
email: OEM _GIS @MarinCounty.org
Date Printed : 10/30/23
County of Marin, callforn ia State Parks, Esri, HERE, Garmin, SafeGraph, Geo Technologies, Inc, METI/NASA, USGS, Bureau of Land Management, EPA, NPS,
US DA , County of Marin, califomia State Parks, Esri, HERE, Garmin, SafeGraph, FAO, METI/NASA, USGS, Bureau of Land Management, EPA, NPS
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
202
Several unincorporated communities in Marin County lie in a special flood hazard area (the 100-
year floodplain), which are shown below along with the 500-year floodplain, where applicable.
Figure 3.74 shows the 100-year floodplain in the Lagunitas area.
Figure 3.74: 100-Year Floodplain – Lagunitas
Source: Marin County, 11/27/23
1 ~<;>U·N· TY OF a
~ARIN ~
\
::__\ .... -,i&i,.,,_ ... _/ ----.,
'
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
203
Figure 3.75 shows the 100-year floodplain in the Forest Knolls are.
Figure 3.75: 100-Year Floodplain – Forest Knolls Area
Source: Marin County, 11/27/23
Figure 3.76 shows the 100-year floodplain in the San Geronimo area.
Figure 3.76: 100-Year Floodplain – San Geronimo Area
Source: Marin County, 11/27/23
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
i ,..,
a ~
,!
j
'!
/ ...
\
\ \
\"
\ ~
(
{
\
,--
~. .. ""'
,, ,,
.. ,_
........ ..........
J 1 .
i
M:wric.Thc:rnlt ·----
II
I
I
\ c.........., '\
Thor,,.-,r,_
ltFrandoDflM~
I
j
'[
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
204
Figure 3.77 shows the 100-year floodplain in the Woodacre area.
Figure 3.77: 100-Year Floodplain – Woodacre Area
Source: Marin County, 11/27/23
Figure 3.78 shows the 100-year floodplain in Tocoloma.
Figure 3.78: 100-Year Floodplain – Tocoloma
Source: Marin County, 11/27/23
l ~<;>U·N·TY OF
~ARIN
\
a ~
"°""""°"'-Ulepr,.1 ---~~
\
\
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
205
Figure 3.79 shows the 100-year floodplain in Nicasio.
Figure 3.79: 100-Year Floodplain – Nicasio
Source: Marin County, 11/27/23
1 ~<;>U·N· TY OF a
~ARIN ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
206
Figure 3.80 shows the 100-year floodplain outside of Nicasio to the east.
Figure 3.80: 100-Year Floodplain –Nicasio East
Source: Marin County, 11/27/23
Figure 3.81 shows the 100-year floodplain in Olema.
Figure 3.81: 100-Year Floodplain –Olema
Source: Marin County, 11/27/23
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
\
\
.....
'
/
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
207
Figure 3.82 shows the 100-year floodplain in Point Reyes Station and the area immediately
south.
Figure 3.82: 100-Year Floodplain – Point Reyes Station Area - South
Source: Marin County, 11/27/23
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
208
Figure 3.83 shows the 100-year floodplain in the northern end of Point Reyes Station.
Figure 3.83: 100-Year Floodplain – Point Reyes Station Area - North
Source: Marin County, 11/27/23
1 ~<;>U·N· TY OF a
~ARIN ~
I
/
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
209
Figure 3.84 shows the 100-year floodplain in the Inverness Park area.
Figure 3.84: 100-Year Floodplain – Inverness Park Area
Source: Marin County, 11/27/23
1 ~<;>U·N· TY OF a
~ARIN ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
210
Figure 3.85 shows the 100-year floodplain in the area south of Inverness.
Figure 3.85: 100-Year Floodplain – Inverness South
Source: Marin County, 11/27/23
1 ~<;>U·N· TY OF a
~ARIN ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
211
Figure 3.86 shows the 100-year floodplain in Inverness.
Figure 3.86: 100-Year Floodplain – Inverness
Source: Marin County, 11/27/23
1 ~<;>U·N· TY OF a
~ARIN ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
212
Figure 3.87 shows the 100-year floodplain in Reynolds/Marconi area.
Figure 3.87: 100-Year Floodplain – Reynolds and Marconi Area
Source: Marin County, 11/27/23
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
213
Figure 3.88 shows the 100-year floodplain in the Marshall area.
Figure 3.88: 100-Year Floodplain – Marshall Area
Source: Marin County, 11/27/23
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
214
Figure 3.89 shows the 100-year floodplain in the Tomales area.
Figure 3.89: 100-Year Floodplain – Tomales Area
Source: Marin County, 11/27/23
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
lpn HU .
J t
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
215
Figure 3.90 shows the 100-year floodplain in the area north of Bolinas.
Figure 3.90: 100-Year Floodplain – Bolinas North
Source: Marin County, 11/27/23
1 ~<;>U·N· TY OF a
~ARIN ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
216
Figure 3.91 shows the 100-year floodplain (blue) and the 500-year floodplain (brown) in Bolinas
and the area west of Stinson Beach.
Figure 3.91: 100-Year and 500-Year Floodplain – Bolinas and Stinson Beach West
Source: Marin County, 11/27/23
1 ~<;>U·N· TY OF a
~ARIN ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
217
Figure 3.92 shows the 100-year floodplain (blue) and the 500-year floodplain (brown) in Stinson
Beach.
Figure 3.92: 100-Year and 500-Year Floodplain – Stinson Beach
Source: Marin County, 11/27/23
1 ~<;>U·N·TY OF a
~ARIN ~
Ull.NIAvenue
I I \ ~
I
... !
I ' C...,i,,I""' ~
j I \ ••••·r
I \ j
J
i l~A~~
; 6 U&navo1aAvenue , ..
""'
.... , .. I j
J
1 • /j
\
r+. ...
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
218
Figure 3.93 shows the 100-year floodplain in Muir Beach.
Figure 3.93: 100-Year and 500-Year Floodplain – Muir Beach
Source: Marin County, 11/27/23
Figure 3.94 shows the 100-year floodplain (blue) and the 500-year floodplain (brown) in the
Tamalpais Valley Area.
Figure 3.94: 100-Year and 500-Year Floodplain – Tamalpais Valley Area
Source: Marin County, 11/27/23
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
219
Figure 3.95 shows the 100-year floodplain in Alto and Strawberry.
Figure 3.95: 100-Year and 500-Year Floodplain – Alto and Strawberry
Source: Marin County, 11/27/23
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
/;
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
220
Figure 3.96 shows the 100-year floodplain (blue) and the 500-year floodplain (brown) in
Kentfield and Greenbrae.
Figure 3.96: 100-Year and 500-Year Floodplain – Kentfield and Greenbrae
Source: Marin County, 11/27/23
1 ~<;>U·N·TY OF a
~ARIN ~
V
..,).,. : .
~ { . ..-
. ....__
" .. f
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
221
Figure 3.97 shows the 100-year floodplain in California City.
Figure 3.97: 100-Year Floodplain – Marin City
Source: Marin County, 11/27/23
1 ~<;>U·N· TY OF a
~ARIN ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
222
Figure 3.98 shows the 100-year floodplain in Lucas Valley and Marinwood.
Figure 3.98: 100-Year Floodplain – Lucas Valley and Marinwood
Source: Marin County, 11/27/23
1 ~<;>U·N· TY OF a
~ARIN ~
I I ! !
\ ; \ \
A
I J I,
'
I • !
,.,
'
I'.
.;"
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
223
Figure 3.99 shows the 100-year floodplain in Saint Vincent.
Figure 3.99: 100-Year Floodplain – Saint Vincent
Source: Marin County, 11/27/23
Figure 3.100 shows the 100-year and 500-year floodplain in the Santa Venetia area.
Figure 3.100: 100-Year and 500-Year Floodplain – Santa Venetia Area
Source: Marin County, 11/27/23
1 ~<;>U·N· TY OF a
~ARIN ~
l
l
L
'· I
l
.,/'<I' I ....
I
I Ii I I
I I I
"""_,.
I
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
224
Figure 3.101 shows the 100-year floodplain (blue) and the 500-year floodplain (brown) in the
San Pedro Hill area.
Figure 3.101: 100-Year and 500-Year Floodplain – San Pedro Hill Area
Source: Marin County, 11/27/23
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
225
Figure 3.102 shows the 100 and 500-year floodplains in Novato with critical facilities including
the Marin County Landfill and the Marin County Airport.
Figure 3.102: Novato Flooding - Marin County Landfill and Marin County airport
Source: Marin County
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
Marin County / Nova t o Area
Fl ooding
OI0rtlPrl
Slat
Legend
• Dams Fi re Stations
Military and Civil Hospita ls and Medical
Defense I nstallations Facilities
Communication 0 Pol ice / Sheriff Stations
Faci li ties Schools
Electric Power Faci lities Flooding Airports
0
Emergency Operations 500 Year Flood Plain
Centers 100 Year Flood Plain
·2
omcu,
EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT
Miles
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
226
Figure 3.103 shows the100- and 500-year floodplain in San Rafael Area.
Figure 3.103: Flooding in San Rafael Area
Source: Marin County OEM
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
Marin County / San Rafael Area
Flooding
Legend
e Dams
Communication
Facilit ies
Electric Power Faci lities
Wastewater Facilities
e Water Supply Facilities
Airports
Emergency Opera tions
Centers
Fi re Stations
Hospi ta ls and Medical
Fac ilities
Po lice / Sh eri ff Stations
Schools
Flooding
500 Year Flood Plain
100 Year Fl ood Plain
County of Marin, California State Parks, Esri, HERE, Garmin , SafeGraph, Geoli
$ap Rafael
.... •
OfFIClllf
EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT
an
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
227
Figure 3.104 shows the 100-year floodplain in Bel Marin Keys.
Figure 3.104: 100-Year Floodplain – Bel Marin Keys
Source: Marin County OEM
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
Marin County / Southern Marin
Flooding
om ClOI
EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT
Legend
Co m m unication
Facilities
Electric Po wer Fa cili t ies
Wastewater Facilities
Airports
Em ergen cy Operations
Centers
Fire Stat ions
Hospita ls and Medical
Faci lities
Police / Sheriff Stations
Schools
Flooding
500 Year Flood Plain
100 Year Flood Plain
f
Little Reed
He ights
Sausalito
a li to !'
0
Belvedere
0 1.2
--c=:::::i•---Miles
Woody Baker-Cohn
arin Co unty.org
Date /23
County of Marin, Californ ia State Parks, Esri, HERE, Garmin, SafeGraph, GeoTechnologies, Inc, METI/NASA, US GS Bureau of Land Management, EPA, NPS, USDA
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
228
Figure 3.105 shows the 100-year floodplain in Bolinas.
Figure 3.105: Stinson - Bolinas Area Flooding
Source: Marin County OEM
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
Marin County/ Stinson -Solinas
Flooding
OfllCIOf EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT
Woodville
Solinas
Legend
e Dams
Communication
Facilities
Electric Power Facilities
Fire Stations
Hospita ls and Medical
Facili t ies
Schools
Flooding
500 Yea r Flood Plain
100 Year Flood Plain
0 0.3 0.6 1.2
Miles
Marin County OEM / Woody Baker-Cohn
email : OEM_GIS@MarinCounty.org
Date Printed: 10/30/23
St i ns on
Bea ~
~
N
County of Marin, call fornla State Par ks, Esri, HERE, Garmin, SafeGra ph , Geo Tech nolog ies, Inc, METI/NASA, USGS, Bu reau of Land Manag ement, EPA, NPS , USDA
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
229
Figure 3.106 shows flood control zones in the Marin County OA.
Figure 3.106: Flood Control Zones in the Marin County OA
Source: Marin County
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
l
I
I
I ·~ ... ~~ ....
Flood Control Zone
Zone 1 -Novato
Zone 3 • Richar dso n Bay
......
Zone 4 • Bel Aire and S1tav.1)erry Circle
Zone 5 • Stinson 80.x
-Zeno 6 -San Rafaol Meadows
-Zone 7 -Santa Venetia
-Zone 9 • Ross Valley
-Zone 10 • Inverness
Flood Control Zones
N
I M l
10
SONOMA
County of Mari n
Departmen t of Pu blic Works
www.mari nwatershe ds.org
\
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
230
Novato Creek in the northern part of the county historically caused damage to large numbers of
homes, particularly in the 1960’s, until the Novato Flood Control Project was completed in eight
construction phases starting in the 1980’s and continuing through 2006. Novato still experiences
some damage during significant winter storms despite the completed Novato Creek Flood
Control project. Power outages are also a frequent problem for one of the major pump stations
in the area.
Although the current Corte Madera Creek Flood Control project is partially complete (Unit 4 in
the Town of Ross is yet to be constructed), flooding will still occur for storms greater than about
a 5-year recurrence flood event. Potentially all nine southerly and some centrally located
communities of the Marin County OA on this creek are impacted by high tides and heavy rains
in above average winter storms. The north-east part of the county, densely populated around
the floodplain zones, is threatened every winter and still experiences some damage during
winter storms despite the completed Novato Creek Flood Control project.
Since the middle of the last century, the winter/spring storms of 1950, 1955*, 1958*, 1963,
1964*, 1965, 1969*, 1970*, 1973*, 1978, 1980, 1982*, 1983*, 1986*, 1995*, 1996, 1997*, 1998*,
2002, 2005/2006*, 2006*, 2008, 2014, 2017, 2019 and 2023 caused significant damage across
the Marin County OA.
*Major Federal Disasters declared for flood.
Flooding in December 1964 and January 1965 had widespread impacts across the Marin
County OA. Floods were generally moderate to high. Precipitation was heavy in the San
Rafael-Kentfield area. From December 19th-23rd, precipitation was 8.49 inches at Kentfield.
From January 2nd-7th, precipitation at Kentfield was 7.45 inches. The flow in Corte Madera Creek
was moderate but the stream flows and overflows of drains caused some local flooding in areas
that are subject to frequent flooding in Kentfield. Flood flows in the Walker Creek basin in the
northwestern part of Marin County exceeded previous maximum flows.
A major winter storm originating over the Pacific Ocean moved through Marin County in early
January 1982. The maximum rainfall from an area of high rainfall in southern Marin County was
about 16 inches. The center of this storm was near Kentfield. Large areas of southern and
western Marin County had total storm rainfall exceeding 10 inches. Numerous towns were under
water, homes and businesses were destroyed, and many roads were damaged across the Marin
County OA. The Inverness area was especially hit hard with floodwaters and debris flows.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
231
Figure 3.107: Damage in Inverness from 1982 Storm
Source: Jack Mason Museum of West Marin History
The New Year’s Eve 2005-2006 flood caused widespread damage in the Marin County OA.
Easkoot Creek in Stinson Beach overflowed its banks. At least $219 million in damage was
reported in the Marin County OA due to this storm. Over a thousand homes, apartments and
businesses across the OA were damaged or destroyed. The Marin City exit off of Highway 101
was inundated with water and water covered all but one lane of southbound 101, creating a
giant traffic jam. Western Marin County was scattered with downed trees, flooded roadways
and mudslides.
In 2014, Marin County sustained an estimated $13,321,134 in damage from flooding,
mudslides, winds, high tides and other storm damage from a December 10th-11th downpour.
There was an estimated $9,324,134 in damage to public property and $3,997,000 in private
damages includes 34 homes, 11 businesses and two outbuildings.
In 2017, a powerful February storm thrashed Marin County. Kentfield received 6.3 inches of
rain in a 24-hour period. Other rainfall totals for the period included 2.3 inches in Point Reyes.
The College of Marin closed its Kentfield campus because of the storm, and nine school districts
canceled classes. Eleven private schools were closed. Pacific Gas and Electric Co. reported
thousands of power outages in Marin, including in Kentfield and Lagunitas. Olema Road was
closed at Westbrae Drive because of mud, flooding and debris, and flooding was reported on Sir
Francis Drake Boulevard at the Bon Air Shopping Center in Greenbrae. In the San Geronimo
Valley, flooding closed Sir Francis Drake Boulevard at West Cintura Avenue in Lagunitas. The
National Park Service closed Muir Woods National Monument because of the weather. The
Lagunitas School District and the Laguna Joint School canceled classes, while the Bolinas-
Stinson Union School District closed the Stinson Beach campus and held classes at the Bolinas
campus.
In 2019, a storm on February 13th brought heavy rains to Marin County, saturating the ground
and exacerbating high tides. County-maintained roads washed out and creeks overflowed their
banks, endangering public infrastructure. Flooding occurred in Marin City and was particularly
severe in areas of rural Marin. Highway 1 was impassable south of Tomales Petaluma Road
and Sir Francis Drake Boulevard was only passable with high-clearance vehicles at Mount
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
232
Vision Road in Inverness. Rainfall totals for the storm included 4.3 inches on Mount Tamalpais
and 4.16 inches in Kentfield.
Figure 3.108: Flooding in Marin City – 2019 Storm
Source: Marin Independent Journal
In 2023, a storm on January 9th battered Marin county with rain and wind. Rainfall totaled 0.91
inches in Dillon Beach, 1.14 inches in Point Reyes Station, 1.69 inches in Kentfield, 3.04 inches
in Woodacre and 2.04 inches on the middle peak of Mount Tamalpais. The Lagunitas School
District, Shoreline Unified School District and two elementary schools in the Ross Valley School
District stayed closed. More than 4,700 PG&E customers across the Marin County OA had no
power at one point.
Impacts
Floods can cause substantial damage to structures, landscapes, and utilities as well as life
safety issues throughout the Marin County OA, including in the unincorporated area.
Floodwaters can transport large objects downstream, which can damage or remove stationary
structures. Ground saturation can result in instability, collapse, or other damage. Objects can
also be buried or destroyed through sediment deposition. Floodwaters can also break utilities
lines and interrupt services. Standing water can cause damage to crops, roads, foundations,
and electrical circuits. Certain health hazards are also common to flood events. Standing water
can also cause septic tank failure and well contamination. Standing water and wet structures
can become breeding grounds for microorganisms such as bacteria, mold, and viruses. This
can cause disease, trigger allergic reactions, and damage materials long after the flood. When
floodwaters contain sewage or decaying animal carcasses, infections become a concern. Direct
impacts, such as drowning, can be limited with adequate warning and public education about
what to do during floods. Where flooding occurs in populated areas, warning and evacuation
will be of critical importance to reduce life and safety impacts from any type of flooding.
Certain health hazards are also common to flood events. While such problems are often not
reported, three general types of health hazards accompany floods. The first comes from the
water itself. Floodwaters carry anything that was on the ground that the upstream runoff picked
up, including dirt, oil, animal waste, and lawn, farm and industrial chemicals. Pastures and
areas where cattle and hogs are kept or their wastes are stored can contribute polluted waters
to the receiving streams.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
233
Floodwaters also saturate the ground, which leads to infiltration into sanitary sewer lines. When
wastewater treatment plants are flooded, there is nowhere for the sewage to flow. Infiltration
and lack of treatment can lead to overloaded sewer lines that can back up into low-lying areas
and homes. Even when it is diluted by flood waters, raw sewage can be a breeding ground for
bacteria such as e. coli and other disease-causing agents. Floodwaters may scour stream
banks, edging properties closer to the floodplain or causing structures to collapse into
floodwaters. Flooding is also responsible for hazards such as landslides when high flows over-
saturate soils on steep slopes, causing them to fail. Hazardous materials spills are also a
secondary hazard of flooding if storage tanks rupture and spill into streams, rivers, or storm
drains.
The second type of health problem arises after most of the water has gone. Stagnant pools can
become breeding grounds for mosquitoes, and wet areas of a building that have not been
properly cleaned breed mold and mildew. A building that is not thoroughly cleaned becomes a
health hazard, especially for small children and the elderly.
Another health hazard occurs when heating ducts in a forced air system are not properly
cleaned after inundation. When the furnace or air conditioner is turned on, the sediments left in
the ducts are circulated throughout the building and breathed in by the occupants. If a water
system loses pressure, a boil order may be issued to protect people and animals from
contaminated water.
The third problem is the long-term psychological impact of having been through a flood and
seeing one’s home damaged and irreplaceable keepsakes destroyed. The cost and labor
needed to repair a flood-damaged home puts a severe strain on people, especially the
unprepared and uninsured. There is also a long-term problem for those who know that their
homes can be flooded again. The resulting stress on floodplain residents takes its toll in the
form of aggravated physical and mental health problems.
Additional growth in or around the Marin County OA could contribute to increased flooding in the
county. Many historic and cultural resources are located in the mapped flood zones.
The impact of damage resulting from the flooding hazard, as mentioned, can be extremely
variable. Nevertheless, most damage results from rising water that inundates residences and
buildings, damage to infrastructure and critical facilities, and loss of ingress and egress by the
population in the affected areas and the inability of the jurisdictions emergency response
capabilities. Damage from flooding can range from minimal, where the damage to an individual
home can be on the order of a few thousand dollars to the complete loss of a building or loss of
life from the inability to evacuate from the rising floodwaters.
The diversity and dispersion of the Marin County OA’s flood hazards, in addition to the tendency
for floods to be flashy in nature, make response to emergencies more difficult and increase the
need for planning and community awareness in areas of increased flood risk. While property
damage to structures within 100-year flood zones is a major concern, damage to roads, utilities,
and other supporting infrastructure located in these zones can potentially impact areas of the
community outside of the flood zones as well.
Arroyo Corte Madera del Presidio is at risk of overtopping due to less than a 5-year flow. On
average Corte Madera Creek and Easkoot Creek are at risk of overflowing their banks due to 5-
10 year flow events. Novato Creek overflows in some locations due to 10-year flow. Coyote
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
234
Creek and Gallinas Creek are more vulnerable to overtopping due to tidal elevations and may
be able to carry 100-year riverine flows at low tides.
Extent and Probability
In areas such as Marin County that do not have extended periods of below-freezing
temperatures or significant snowfall, floods usually occur during the season of highest
precipitation or during heavy rainfalls after prolonged dry periods. Marin County is dry during the
late spring, summer, and early fall and receives most of its rain during the winter months. The
rainfall season extends from November through April, with most rainfall occurring during this
period. Due to varying microclimates within the County, rainfall measured in water year 2016-
2017 where there are Marin County Flood Control & Water Conservation District-owned gages
ranged inland from as low as 47 inches in Novato to over 82 inches in Kentfield. Along the
coast, rainfall ranged from 36 inches at Oceana Marin to 45 inches at Point Reyes Station.
In should be noted winter 2016-2017 was an unusually wet year. An average of 56 inches of
rain falls each year at the summit of Mount Tamalpais, at 2,572 feet elevation. The rain collects
in several channels, flowing down steep slopes and onto broad, flat valleys, many of which are
populated. The valleys usually only receive on average 32 inches of rain per year, thus flows
from the uplands contribute greatly to flows on the valley floor. During most rainfall events,
waterways remain within their channels or underground pipes until they reach a bay or the
ocean.
The Marin County OA has several major 100-year and 500-year floodplains which are mapped
by FEMA in the most recent Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM), several of which were recently
updated in 2016 and 2017 (see above). While they may look small relative to the size of the
County as a whole, the bulk of the floodplains are located in some of the County’s most heavily
populated areas along the eastern shoreline: notably portions of Novato, San Rafael, and Mill
Valley. These floodplains vary in size, probability and severity of inundation, underlying causes
(riverine, tidal, etc.), and potential impacts to the communities in them. The areas of most
concern are located in what is designated by FEMA as a 100-year flood zone or Special Flood
Hazard Area (SFHA). What is currently considered a 100-year flood may occur more often due
to climate change. Due to the increased probabilities of flooding (1% chance in any given year),
these properties face high insurance premiums and major restrictions on further development.
Along the Pacific Ocean there are a number of homes in Stinson Beach which are mapped as
being in a VE zone. A VE zone is a 100-year flood zone where tsunamis or other forms of wave
action threaten low lying coastal areas.
For some of the developments along the San Francisco Bay, such as Santa Venetia and
Tamalpais Valley, the main issues concern poor drainage due to flat terrain and/or differential
settlement, low elevation relative to the tides, and the reliance on a system of pumps and levees
to keep floodwaters from inundating homes. Runoff collecting in this area can be especially
difficult to remove during high tides.
Other more inland areas, such as areas along Corte Madera Creek and its tributaries, have
higher elevations yet still contain properties located in 100-year flood zones. This is mainly due
to threats caused by local creeks which have a tendency to overflow their banks when rainfall
reaches critical levels. Properties along Novato Creek and its tributaries face similar threats.
The main stems of these creeks and many of their tributaries are constrained by development
on the banks.
When flooding occurs in the Marin County OA, depths are commonly on the order of 0-2 feet in
streets and sidewalks. This level occurs when storm drains are overwhelmed and/or during king
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
235
tides. Flood depths on the order of 2- 4 feet have occurred in recent memory and represent
significant flood events that caused damage to structures and property. 1982 was the most
extreme flood of record along Corte Madera Creek in Central Marin County and probably had
some inundations depths as high as 5 feet. In 2016 the FEMA San Francisco Bay Coastal
Study became effective and raised the static Base Flood Elevation of the Bay to an elevation of
10-feet NAVD88. This level of flooding has not been observed but is feasible in any given year.
If this level of tidal flooding was to occur along the bay shoreline there would be inundation
depths as much as 6-8 feet in neighborhoods such as Santa Venetia.
On the Marin County OA’s outer coast V zones have BFEs of up to 22 feet according to FIRMs
updated August 2017. In the unincorporated community of Stinson Beach this corresponds to a
maximum inundation depth of 8-10 feet. Although some houses were destroyed by wave action
and storm surge during the 1982 event, nothing approaching this level of inundation has
occurred in recorded history here.
The other index for extent is the speed of onset of flooding or the rainfall-runoff lag time, which
doesn’t apply to tidal flooding. The riverine flooding comes directly from rainfall runoff of
adjacent uplands in the County’s series of relatively small, short watersheds. While antecedent
moisture is a big factor, this flash flooding is typically short duration and directly associated with
the magnitude of the passing storm system. These storms, often in the form of atmospheric
rivers coming off the Pacific Ocean, can last anywhere from a few hours to a day or two. The
speed of onset of flooding ranges from minutes to about 2 hours after the precipitation exceeds
the drainage capacity.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
236
Table 3.12: Marin County OA Hazard Risk Assessment – Flooding
Jurisdiction
Probability/
Likelihood
of Future
Events
Geographic
Extent Magnitude/
Severity
Climate
Change
Influence Significance Risk
Score
Marin County Highly
Likely Limited Severe High Medium 14.00
City of
Belvedere
Highly
Likely Limited Severe High Medium 14.00
Town of
Corte Madera Likely Significant Severe High High 15.00
Town of
Fairfax Occasional Limited Moderate Medium Medium 10.00
City of
Larkspur Occasional Limited Severe High Medium 12.00
City of
Mill Valley Occasional Extensive Severe Medium Medium 13.00
City of
Novato Likely Negligible Weak Medium Low 8.00
Town of
Ross
Highly
Likely Significant Severe High High 16.00
Town of
San Anselmo Occasional Limited Moderate Medium Medium 10.00
City of
San Rafael
Highly
Likely Significant Severe High High 16.00
City of
Sausalito Likely Significant Moderate High Medium 13.00
Town of
Tiburon
Highly
Likely Limited Severe High Medium 14.00
Bolinas
Public Utility
District
Likely Limited Moderate High Medium 12.00
Las Gallinas
Valley
Sanitary
District
Likely Significant Moderate Medium High 13.00
North Marin
Water
District
Occasional Significant Severe High Medium 13.00
Southern
Marin Fire
District
Likely Limited Moderate Medium Medium 11.00
Table 3.12: Marin County OA Hazard Risk Assessment – Flooding
Source: Profiled Jurisdictions and Districts
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
237
Vulnerability
Prior to development, the Marin County OA’s flat lowlands flooded frequently. When rain fell on
the Marin County OA, it infiltrated into the ground and moved slowly toward creek channels. The
ground acted like a sponge, storing water and releasing it slowly. While water moved
underground, it was naturally cleansed by physical and biological processes. Annual floods
brought life-giving water to parched floodplains, nourishing them with fresh sediment. They
recharged aquifers and allowed fish to swim over normally dry land that was rich with food.
Tides flooded biologically rich marshes along the bay perimeter twice a day. When humans
began to develop the land, they created conflicts between what was built and the natural
tendency of creeks to flood. Much of the development in the Marin County OA was built in flood-
prone areas which put it at risk of inundation. Roads, parking lots, roofs, and other impervious
surfaces prevent water from infiltrating the ground. Instead, the water moves quickly across the
landscape into pipes and creeks further increasing flood risk downstream. Homes, commercial
areas, schools, hospitals, police and fire stations, roads and highways, sanitary sewers and
waterlines, sewage treatment plants, pump stations are all located in floodplains in the Marin
County OA.
All of Marin County OA’s watersheds are small and largely prone to flash flooding. Flash floods
are particularly dangerous. The National Weather Service (NWS) defines a flash flood as one in
which the peak flow travels the length of a watershed within a 6-hour period. These floods arise
when storms produce a high volume of rainfall in a short period over a watershed where runoff
collects quickly. They often affect populated areas of the Marin County OA’s cities and towns.
They often strike with little warning and are accompanied by high velocity flow.
All incorporated cities and towns in the Marin County OA have flood risk – and are in fact
participants in the National Flood Insurance Program. Even those that are not in a Marin County
Flood Control & Water Conservation District “Flood Zone,” have robust maintenance and capital
improvement programs that help manage and mitigate flood risk. These cities without District
Flood Zones include most of San Rafael and Tiburon, and all of Corte Madera, Sausalito, and
Belvedere. Additionally, San Anselmo, Ross, Larkspur, Fairfax, Mill Valley and Novato have
flood mitigation programs that operate largely independently of the Flood District, although
extensive coordination of activities and collaboration with the Flood District is facilitated through
the Marin County Watershed Program (part of the County Department of Public Works). Every
city and town, and many unincorporated communities in Marin contain FEMA Special Flood
Hazard Areas (SFHA), meaning they lie in the 100-year floodplain and have at least a 1%
chance of flooding in a given year. They all participate in the National Flood Insurance Program
and many of the structures in the SFHA carry FEMA flood insurance or private flood insurance.
Flood risk to the Marin County OA’s incorporated cities and towns are discussed in their
respective Annexes. Most unincorporated communities in the Marin County OA have some level
of flood risk, as discussed below:
Lagunitas, Forest Knolls, San Geronimo and Woodacre all lie along San Geronimo Creek.
Dozens of homes lie in the 100 -year floodplain of the creek and could be susceptible to flooding.
Sir Francis Drake Boulevard could be susceptible to flooding where it is crossed by Lagunitas
Creek and San Geronimo Creek at the south end of Lagunitas. Several road bridges on the
south side of San Geronimo Creek that connect residential communities to Sir Francis Drake
Boulevard could be susceptible to flooding that could cut off ingress and egress to the area.
Numerous residences and businesses in Nicasio and along Lucas Valley Road to the west of
Nicasio lie in the 100-year floodplain and could be susceptible to flooding. Nicasio Valley Road
could flood in several places on both sides of Nicasio. Numerous buildings in Tocoloma,
including the Tocoloma PG&E substation, lie in the 100-year floodplain. Sir Francis Drake
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
238
Boulevard could also be susceptible to flooding where Lagunitas Creek crosses it at Platform
Bridge Road.
Much of Olema west of Highway 1 and along Olema Creek is in the 100-year floodplain. There
are numerous residences and businesses in this area, including the Olema Campground. The
southern end of Point Reyes Station is particularly susceptible to flooding, including the area
where Highway 1 intersects with Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. There are numerous homes and
businesses in this area, along with the CalTrans Point Reyes Maintenance Station that lie in the
100 -year floodplain. Flooding along Highway 1 and Sir Francis Drake Boulevard from either
Lagunitas Creek or Tomales Bay could affect ingress and egress to Point Reyes Station,
Inverness and Point Reyes National Seashore. Several buildings in the south and west sides of
Point Reyes Station and at the U.S. Coast Guard Station lie in the 100-year floodplain and could
be susceptible to flooding. Highway 1 and several homes north of Point Reyes Station also lie
in the 100-year floodplain and could be susceptible to flooding.
Several homes, businesses and sections of Sir Francis Drake Boulevard from Inverness Park to
Inverness lie in the 100-year floodplain and could be susceptible to flooding from either Tomales
Bay or inland canyons.
Sections of the east shore of Tomales Bay along Highway 1, including around Reynolds and
Marconi, lie in the 100-year flood plain and are susceptible to flooding. Most of the residences
and businesses in Marshall lie in the 100-year floodplain and could be susceptible to flooding
from Tomales Bay. While most of Tomales is outside the 100-year floodplain, the area south of
it has numerous residences and businesses along Keys Creek and Walker Creek that are in the
100 -year floodplain and could be susceptible to flooding.
An area north of Bolinas along Pine Gulch Creek and the Bolinas lagoon lie in the 100-year
floodplain. Numerous residences, the Bolinas-Stinson Elementary School, and a section of
Olema Bolinas Road are in this area and could be susceptible to flooding. While most of Bolinas
lies outside the 100-year floodplain, there are numerous residences along Bolinas Lagoon and
Bolinas Bay that are in the 100-year floodplain and could be susceptible to flooding. Most of the
residences in Stinson Beach along Dipsea Road and Seadrift Road in Stinson Beach lie in the
500 -year floodplain, though several lie in an area of the 100-year floodplain and could be
particularly susceptible to coastal flooding. Most of the residences closer to Stinson Beach
along Cale del Arroyo lie in the 100 -year floodplain and could be susceptible to flooding, with
some that could be particularly susceptible to coastal flooding. Some homes, the Stinson
Beach Fire Station 32, and the Stinson County Water District Office lie in the 500-year plain in
this area and could also be susceptible to flooding. Numerous residences and businesses in
and around the southern core of Stinson Beach lie in the 500 and 100-year floodplain and could
be susceptible to flooding.
The east side of Muir Beach along Railroad Creek lies in the 100-year floodplain. Numerous
residences and a section of Highway 1 could be susceptible to flooding in this area. Flooding of
Highway 1 could affect ingress and egress north towards Stinson Beach.
Most of the Tamalpais Junction area of Tamalpais Valley along Coyote Creek and the creek
along Tennessee Valley Road lies in the 100-year floodplain, with a smaller section lying in the
500 -year floodplain. Numerous residences lie in the 500-year floodplain and could be
susceptible to either creek flooding or flooding from Richardson Bay. Hundreds of residences, a
church, the Tamalpais Valley Community Center, part of the Tamalpais Valley Elementary
School, a large shopping center with numerous businesses, the CalTrans Manzanita Station,
sections of Highway 1, a section of Highway 101 and the Commodore Center Heliport all lie in
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
239
the 100 -year floodplain and could be susceptible to flooding. Most of the Strawberry and Alto
areas lie outside the 100 and 500-year floodplain, though dozens of residences, several
apartment complexes, numerous commercial buildings and part of the Strawberry Point Middle
School lie in the 100-year floodplain and could be susceptible to flooding. A small area north of
Keil Cove on the Tiburon Peninsula where there are several homes also lies in the 100-
yearfloodplain and could be susceptible to flooding.
A large part of Kentfield lying along Corte Madera Creek is in the 100-year floodplain. Dozens
of homes, numerous businesses and shopping centers, the Adeline E. Kent Middle School,
parts of the College of Marin and the Kentfield Hospital, and sections of major thoroughfares
including Sir Francis Drake Boulevard and College Avenue lie in this area and could be
susceptible to flooding. Most of the College of Marin (including the College of Marin Police
Department), part of the Kentfield Hospital and the Marin Health Medical Center, all of Marin
Catholic High School and Anthony G. Bacich Elementary School, the Kentfield Fire Station #17,
several medical facilities, dozens of homes, numerous businesses and a large section of Sir
Francis Drake Boulevard in the Kentfield area lie in the 500-year floodplain and could be
susceptible to flooding. There are dozens of homes in the Greenbrae area that lie in the 500-
year floodplain and could be susceptible to flooding. A section of California City on the north
side near Anderson Drive and the railroad tracks lie in the 100-year floodplain and there are
several homes here along with the Montessori School of Central Marin that could be susceptible
to flooding.
The 100-year floodplain in Lucas Valley and Marinwood is mostly confined to Miller Creek and
while most buildings and infrastructure are not in the 100-year floodplain, part of it runs along
the edge of Lucas Valley Elementary School, the Miller Creek Middle School and the Marin
County Juvenile Complex that could all be susceptible to flooding. There are several bridges,
including on Lucas Valley Road and Highway 101, along with several homes in Marinwood that
lie in the 100-year floodplain and could be susceptible to flooding. Part of the Saint Vincent
School in Saint Vincent is also in the 100-year floodplain and could be susceptible to flooding.
The northwestern corner of Santa Venitia along the San Venetia Open Space Preserve lies in
the 100 -year floodplain, and there are several hundred homes along with a few pump stations
and critical care facilities in this area that could be susceptible to flooding. Sections of San
Pedro Boulevard and areas of San Pedro Point, including part of the McNear Brickyard, lie in
the 100 -year floodplain and could be susceptible to flooding. Several homes in the
unincorporated County along San Pedro Boulevard near San Rafael lie in either the 100-year or
500-year floodplain and could be susceptible to flooding.
Part of the County Redwood Landfill and all of the Marin County airport, including the access
road, lie in the 100-year floodplain and could be susceptible to flooding. This area is mostly
marshland that could experience coastal flooding. Most of the Green Point-Black Point area lies
outside the 100-year floodplain though there are several homes in the Black Point area near
marshland that lie in the 100-year floodplain and could be susceptible to flooding.
Numerous homes in Bel Marin Keys and sections of Bel Marin Keys Boulevard lie in the 100-
year floodplain and could be susceptible to flooding. A flooding event could affect ingress and
egress to Bel Marin Keys.
San Antonio Creek forms part of the boundary between Marin and Sonoma Counties from the
area around Chileno Valley Road east to the Petaluma River and there are several homes along
it that lie in the 100-year floodplain and that could be susceptible to flooding. There are also
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
240
several road bridges that cross the creek in the 100-year floodplain and that could be
susceptible to flooding.
Figure 3.109 shows the social vulnerability of the Marin County OA’s population to flooding in
relation to the rest of California.
Figure 3.109: Population/Social Vulnerability to Flooding in California
Source: 2018 State of California Hazard Mitigation Plan
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
0 25 50 100 M iles
I
Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo
City and Regional Planning
June 20 18
Population/Social Vulnerability
with Flood Hazard
Relative Vulnerability
High
Low
Grid cell size app roxi mately
one square kilometer.
Cells with populati on <75
are not mapped .
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
241
Climate Change and Future Development Considerations
Climate change is expected to affect California's precipitation patterns, which are likely to
influence future flood events. A 2017 study found that the number of very intense precipitation
days in California is projected to more than double by the end of the century, increasing 117
percent, making it likely that flood events will become more frequent in the Marin County OA.
Climate change is expected to alter rainfall patterns in Northern California, including the Marin
County OA. As the climate warms, rain events are predicted to become more intense. The
Marin County OA will likely experience more rain inundation events that lead to flooding and
increase the potential threat of dam and levee failure, tree mortality, and other potential
hazards. Sea level rise as a result of climate change will exacerbate the impacts of tidal
flooding in the lowland areas of the Marin County OA. Future development in these areas will
expose more people and infrastructure to the effects of flooding in the Marin County OA.
Development in marshland of the Marin County OA would expose additional people and
infrastructure to flooding as marshlands act as a natural buffer to storm surge.
3.3.6 LAND SUBSIDENCE
Land subsidence is a gradual settling or sudden sinking of the Earth's surface owing to
subsurface movement of earth materials. The principal causes are aquifer-system compaction,
drainage of organic soils through groundwater pumping, underground mining, hydro-
compaction, natural compaction, sinkholes, and thawing permafrost. More than 80 percent of
the identified subsidence in the United States is a consequence of underground water
exploitation. The increasing development of land and water resources threatens to exacerbate
existing land-subsidence problems and initiate new ones.
Sinkholes can form in three primary ways. Dissolution sinkholes form when dissolution of the
limestone or dolomite is most intensive where the water first contacts the rock surface.
Aggressive dissolution also occurs where flow is focused in preexisting openings in the rock,
such as along joints, fractures, and bedding planes, and in the zone of water-table fluctuation
where groundwater is in contact with the atmosphere. See Figure 3.110 for a picture and
description of how dissolution sinkholes form.
Figure 3.110: Dissolution Sinkhole Formation
Source: USGS
Cover-subsidence sinkholes tend to develop gradually where the covering sediments are
permeable and contain sand. In areas where cover material is thicker, or sediments contain
more clay, cover-subsidence sinkholes are relatively uncommon, are smaller, and may go
1 ~<;>U·N· TY OF a
~ARIN ~
Th in overburden Ra in
---1 r---,---
Ra infal l an d surface water percolate through
joints in the limestone. Disso lved carbonate
rock is carried away from the surface and a
sm all depress ion gradua lly forms .
On ex posed carbonate surfaces. a depression
may focus surface dra in age, accelerating the
dissolution process. Debri s carried int o the
deve lopi ng sinkhole may plug the outflow,
ponding water and creating wetlands.
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
242
undetected for long periods. See Figure 3.111 for a picture and description of how cover-
subsidence sinkholes form.
Figure 3.111: Cover-Subsidence Sinkhole Formation
Source: USGS
Cover-collapse sinkholes may develop abruptly over a period of hours and cause catastrophic
damages. They occur where the covering sediments contain a significant amount of clay. Over
time, surface drainage, erosion, and deposition of sediment transform the steep-walled sinkhole
into a shallower bowl-shaped depression. See Figure 3.112 for a picture and description of how
cover-collapse sinkholes form.
Figure 3.112: Cover-Collapse Sinkhole Formation
Source: USGS
New sinkholes have been correlated to land-use practices, especially from groundwater
pumping and from construction and development practices that cause land subsidence.
Sinkholes can also form when natural water-drainage patterns are changed and new water-
diversion systems are developed. Some sinkholes form when the land surface is changed,
such as when industrial and runoff-storage ponds are created. The substantial weight of the
new material can trigger an underground collapse of supporting material, thus causing a
sinkhole.
The overburden sediments that cover buried cavities in the aquifer systems are delicately
balanced by groundwater fluid pressure. The water below ground helps to keep the surface soil
in place. Groundwater pumping for urban water supply and for irrigation can produce new
sinkholes in sinkhole-prone areas. If pumping results in a lowering of groundwater levels, then
underground structural failure, and thus, sinkholes, can occur.
1 ~<;>U·N· TY O F a
~ARIN ~
Granular se diments spall
into secondary openings
in the underlying carbonate
rocks.
:o vero~en' •.
A column of overlying sedi-
ments settles into the
vacated spaces (a process
termed "piping").
Sed im ents spall into a cavity. As spa lling co ntinues, the
cohesive covering sedi-
ments form a structura l
arch.
Gverei:irden ---------
,most1¥,d<¥)-~------
--y ·----.."I_.,,,·•,-,,~_,..-~
Dissolution and infil ling con-
tinue, forming a noticable
depression in the land
surface.
The cavity m igrates up-
wa rd by progress ive roof
co ll apse.
The slow downward erosion
eventually forms small sur-
face depressions I inch to
several feet in depth and
diameter.
The cavity eventually
breaches the ground sur-
face, creating sudden and
dramatic sinkholes.
r
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
243
Location and Previous Occurrences
Collapsible soils with the potential for subsidence (i.e., vertical displacement of the ground
surface over a locality or region) are more present in the low-lying flatland deposits along the
Marin County OA’s valley basins and bays, including in the unincorporated area. In the low-lying
exposed areas in nearly every community, except Kentfield, subsidence is an ongoing issue.
Roadways throughout the Marin County OA along the shoreline, notably US Highway 101, and
roads in lower Paradise Cay, already experience subsidence. See Figure 3.113 for a map of
land subsidence and uplift in California and the Marin County OA from 2007-2018. Areas of
increased subsidence occur along San Francisco Bay with an area of uplift on both sides of the
northern end of Tomales Bay.
Figure 3.113: Land Subsidence in California 2007-2018 with Marin County Cutout
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
J,.
a ~
Pacific Ocean
')f __ 1"'0"-0 -'~"''---
\
I
\
Vertical Land Motion Rate (mm/yea r)
0
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
244
Source: NASA
Figure 3.114 shows the areas of the United States where certain rock types that are susceptible
to dissolution in water occur. In these areas the formation of underground cavities can form,
and sinkholes can happen. These rock types are evaporites (salt, gypsum, and anhydrite) and
carbonates (limestone and dolomite).
Figure 3.114: U.S. Rock types Susceptible to Water Dissolution
Source: USGS
Impacts
Land subsidence has the potential to damage drinking water wells and infrastructure throughout
the Marin County OA, including in the unincorporated area. Loss of drinking water for rural
communities can cause health problems as well as significant financial impacts with the re-
drilling and testing of wells and providing alternate potable water sources for community
members. Prolonged drought can exacerbate the impacts from land subsidence. As the water
table is drawn down, land can sink even further and damage underground aquifers. Critical
infrastructure such as highways, sewer lines, and gas lines can also become undermined due to
land subsidence and sinkholes, becoming a threat to public safety and resulting in the devotion
of significant financial resources to fix any damages. Sinkholes can form in parking lots, or
directly under houses and other structures, potentially causing loss of life and significant
damage.
Extent and Probability
Many shoreline properties in the Marin County OA, including in the unincorporated area, are
built on fill and mud, and underlying soils will become more saturated under sea level rise
conditions and, consequently, vulnerable to increasing rates of subsidence. Subsidence is
already a factor for many roads and will likely worsen as the ground becomes saturated with
bay or coastal waters further inland. Utilities infrastructure located along the shoreline on fill and
mud and in the bay itself, which already experiences the effects of subsidence, will be subject to
increased levels of subsidence in the future.
1 ~<;>U·N· TY OF a
~ARIN ~
~ Evapor ite rock s-salt and gyp sum
D Kar st from evapo rite rock
D Ka rst from carbonate rock
(mod ified from Davies an d Leg ra nd , 1972
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
245
Table 3.13: Marin County OA Hazard Risk Assessment – Land Subsidence
Jurisdiction
Probability/
Likelihood
of Future
Events
Geographic
Extent Magnitude/
Severity
Climate
Change
Influence Significance Risk
Score
Marin County Occasional Limited Moderate Medium Medium 10.00
City of
Belvedere Occasional Limited Moderate Medium Medium 10.00
Town of
Corte Madera Likely Negligible Weak Low Low 7.00
Town of
Fairfax Occasional Negligible Weak Low Low 6.00
City of
Larkspur Occasional Limited Moderate Medium Medium 10.00
City of
Mill Valley Likely Negligible Moderate Low Low 8.00
City of
Novato Likely Negligible Weak Low Low 7.00
Town of
Ross Unlikely Limited Weak Low Low 6.00
Town of
San Anselmo Unlikely Negligible Moderate Low Low 6.00
City of
San Rafael
Highly
Likely Significant Weak Low Medium 11.00
City of
Sausalito Likely Limited Moderate Medium Medium 11.00
Town of
Tiburon Occasional Limited Moderate Medium Medium 10.00
Bolinas
Public Utility
District
Likely Limited Moderate Medium Medium 11.00
Las Gallinas
Valley
Sanitary
District
Occasional Negligible Weak Low Low 6.00
North Marin
Water
District
Occasional Negligible Moderate Medium None 7.00
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
246
Southern
Marin Fire
District
Unlikely Negligible Severe None Low 6.00
Table 3.13: Marin County OA Hazard Risk Assessment – Land Subsidence
Source: Profiled Jurisdictions and Districts
Vulnerability
Land subsidence can severely impact public facilities and infrastructure as well as private
development in areas where it occurs through the damage or compete failure of underground
utilities, damaged building or utility infrastructure foundations, damaged roadways, etc.
Vulnerable substations; electrical transmission towers and lines; underground natural gas water
supply, and sanitary sewer pipelines; pump stations; hazardous facilities, including those with
underground storage tanks (e.g., gas stations); and other facilities and infrastructure along the
shoreline would be compromised by subsidence. Subsidence can lead to damage to healthcare
facilities, private wells, and general drinking water quality. Subsidence can place pressure on
underground utility pipelines when roadways begin to sink around the pipes, causing them to
bend. Electrical transmission towers, including land-based towers east of Bel Marin Keys and
South of Novato over to the Sonoma County border and in the bay off the shores of Corte
Madera and Mill Valley, are subject to increased rates of subsidence, which can impact the
mounting platforms that support the towers. Landfills are often subjected to subsidence because
they are typically located where marshes once existed, and because buried materials settle over
time. Jetties, which are structures built into the water to protect a harbor or shore, are also
prone to subsidence.
Transportation facilities along the OA’s coastline are vulnerable to subsidence. Increased
subsidence could warp the buildings and runways at Marin County Airport in North Novato and
San Rafael Airport. Parking and access areas along Richardson Bay, including those in Waldo
Point Harbor, are also prone to continuous subsidence. As discussed above, roadways and
highways along the shoreline also suffer from subsidence.
Important cultural resources, including archaeological sites at or near the edge of the bay may
be vulnerable to subsidence. Vulnerable sites include permanent settlements represented by
shell mounds or middens associated with marshes and other locations at or near the edge of
the bay where shellfish/marine resources were available.
The areas of the Marin County OA most vulnerable to land subsidence are those underlain with
the younger Holocene unconsolidated alluvial and colluvial sediments, and even more so the
younger bay muds. In general, Marin County unincorporated community shoreline properties,
especially those in Southern Marin on fill in the low-lying areas east of US Highway 101, are the
most exposed and vulnerable to subsidence. Almonte, Belvedere, Santa Venetia, Paradise Cay
and Bel Marin Keys were built on bay fill and mud, and already experience subsidence. This
impacts buildings, roads, and utility infrastructure. These areas could anticipate increased rates
of subsidence as bay waters saturate the soil from below.
Land subsidence is an ongoing issue in the low-lying exposed areas of nearly every
unincorporated Bayshore community, except for Kentfield, and sea level rise associated with
climate change would only exacerbate existing subsidence impacts.
1 ~<;>U·N· TY OF a
~ARIN ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
247
Climate Change and Future Development Considerations
Climate change could indirectly influence land subsidence as more severe and prolonged
periods of drought may encourage more groundwater withdrawals. In coastal areas like the
Marin County OA, land subsidence leads to higher sea levels and increased flood risk. The rate
of land subsidence could increase across the Marin County OA as a result of climate change.
The impacts of land subsidence on infrastructure, including roads and underground utilities, in
the Marin County OA could increase with future development in the lowland populated areas
where land subsidence is more likely to occur.
3.3.7 LEVEE FAILURE
Levee failure is the overtopping, breach or collapse of the levee. Levees can fail in the event of
an earthquake, internal erosion, poor engineering/construction or landslides, but levees most
commonly fail as a result of significant rainfall or very high tides. During a period of heavy
rainfall, the water on the water-body side of the levee can build up and either flow over the top
(“overtopping”) or put pressure on the structure causing quickening seepage and subsequent
erosion of the earth. The overflow of water washes away the top portion of the levee, creating
deep grooves. Eventually the levee weakens, resulting in a breach or collapse of the levee wall
and the release of uncontrollable amounts of water. Figure 3.115 shows a levee and the
multiple ways it can fail.
Figure 3.115: Levee Failure Mechanisms
Source: University of California
Location and Previous Occurrences
Several Marin County OA communities, such as Tamalpais Valley, Santa Venetia, Corte
Madera, Belvedere, and parts of Strawberry, Novato, and Ross Valley are protected by levees.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
Anat.omy of a levee
2, Internal Eros ion/Piping
5. Wave lmpa<U
8. Piping •Of substratum
I a. Overtopping 1 b. Overtopping/Jetting
3. Surface Erosion
4.Sl iding
6. Structural Impacts
7. Liquefaction
9. Tree damage 10. Slope fa I lure
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
248
Levees are typically earthen embankments designed to contain, control, or divert the flow of
water to provide some level of protection from flooding. No levee system provides full protection
from all flooding events to the people and structures located behind it. Some level of flood risk
exists in the levee-affected areas. Except for one levee system in Novato-Hamilton, none of the
County’s levees are FEMA-accredited. Many were built many decades ago (non-engineered) by
farmers or developers and material may have been added over the years.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
249
Figure 3.116: Marin County Levee System
Source: Marin County OEM
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
Marin County
Levee
DfllctOI
EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT
.r>
~,-J'•, • ..,_._) v·
(
•
'
IT]
• o,nl Reyes
National
Seashore
'
• •
•
•
Legend
e Dams
• Military and Civ il
Defense Installations
Communication
Facilities
Electric Power Fac ilities
Wastewater Facilities
e Wate r Supp ly Fac ilit ies
Airports
Em ergency Operations
Center s
Fi re Stations
Ho sp itals and Medical
Fac ilities
• Police / Sheriff Stations
Schools
-Levee Cente rline
Levee Inundation
•
IOI
\II
--.,_ •
•
•
•
•
0 2 .5 .,,._ ___ { 10
Miles
Marin County OEM / Woody Baker -Cohn
email: OEM _GIS @MarinCo unty.org
Date Printed : 10/19/23
12
,.,
37
San Pablo Bay
WIidiife Area
N
County of Ma ri n, callforn ia State Parks, Esri, HERE, Garmin, SafeGraph, Geo Technolog ies, Inc, METI/NASA, USGS, Bureau of Land Management, EPA, NPS,
US DA , County of Marin, ca li fomia State Parks, Esri, HERE, Garmin, SafeGrap h, FAO, METI/NASA, USGS, Bureau of Land Management, EPA, NPS
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
250
The Coyote Creek Left Bank Levee System (COYL) is a federally authorized and non-federally
operated and maintained project and is located in the County of Marin on the west shore of
Richardson Bay, an arm on the western side of San Francisco Bay where the Coyote Creek
drains approximately 2,200 acres of the eastern slopes of the Marin Peninsula. The COYL is
0.96 miles long with a maximum height of four feet. The COYL is one of the two flood protection
systems of the Coyote Creek flood control project and is situated along the left bank of the creek
when looking downstream. The other system is along the right bank of Coyote Creek. There is
only one segment within the COYL. The subject levee system is located along the left bank of
Coyote Creek and is approximately 1.5 miles long. The purpose of the levee is to provide flood
protection to the community of Tamalpais Valley, California. The channel improvement project
for Coyote Creek, located in the County of Marin, California, was authorized by the Chief of
Engineers on January 15, 1963, under the provisions of Section 205 of the Flood Control Act of
1948, as amended by the Flood Control Act of 1962. The COYL was completed in February
1965. Improvements to
the project to address
the local subsidence
were completed in
1977. The public
sponsor of the COYL is
the Marin County
Department of Public
Works.
The other Coyote
Creek Levee system is
an additional smaller
levee that was
constructed on the right
bank in 1965. It is 0.22
miles long with a
maximum height of four
feet. The levee from
the Highway 1 bridge to
the downstream end is
no longer maintained.
Figures 3.17 - 3.19
show the levees and
Levee inundation in the
Tamalpais Valley
Figure 3.117: Levees in Tamalpais Valley
Source: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 11/27/23
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
Tamalpais
V alley
Junction
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
251
Figure 3.118: Levees in Strawberry
Source: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 11/27/23
The horseshow shaped levee at the Sewerage Agency of Southern Marin (SASM) shown in
Figure 3.121, according to the Mill Valley Department of Public Works, the levee at the SASM is
above the high tide water mark and is not technically a levee but rather a berm to hold extra
water storage at the side. It is not acting as a flood wall. The City of Mill Valley has no risk of
levee failure.
1 ~<?U·N· TY OF a
~ARIN ~
Stra.,•ber
Rec1ea1011
District
strawberry
Manor
01-::trict
strawberry
Go Id e n Ga le Bapt, st
Th eologica I Se m 1 nary
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
252
Figure 3.119: Tam Junction Levees
Source: Marin County OEM
Sewerage Agency of Southern
Marin (SASM) berm.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
Wastewater Faci lities
Airports
Emergency Operati on s
Cente rs
Fire St ations
Tam Junction
Levee
Hospitals and Medical
Fac ili t ies
Police / Sheriff Statio ns
Schools
Levee Centerline
Levee Inundation
Strawberr y
Manor
0 "'
... ~,>fb''b
b',;
Mari n County O / Woo
emai l : OEM _GIS @MarinC
Date Printed: 10/19/23
County of Marin , Californ ia State Parks, Esri, HE RE , Garmin, SafeGraph, GeoTechnologies, Inc, METI/NASA, USGS, Bureau of la
USDA, County of Marin, Ca li fornia State Parks, Esri, HERE, Garmin, SafeGraph, GeoTechnologies, Inc, METI/NASA, USGS, Bureau
omcu1
EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT
0.6
Miles
n 6
N
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
253
One levee system exists in Kentfield and is located along Corte Madera Creek. The Corte
Madera Creek Left Bank Levee is 0.7 miles long with an undocumented height. Figure 3.120
shows the Corte Madera Creek Left Bank Levee in Kentfield.
Figure 3.120: Levee in Kentfield
Source: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 11/27/23
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
1ark 1
I
Stadium Way
-Ke ntfie ld
Co lleg e o f M•rin
l<sntha ld C ampu s-Ma rin
C ommuni ty Co ll e g:-
,_
Acacia p..ve
E scalle
-Ke nlfol:J
Hal Bru,vn
Pari<
Ma rin C ath o li e.
High &;iuof -
Roln3n Ca tho lr.
Ross ValE'y s-.,.,m
And Tennt. Club
1350 So
Eli reo
Ltd P
Pa ss port
1-13 a llh
Green brae
Red"ood l
.,
/
\
I
I
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
254
Figure 3.121 shows the Greenbrae Levee system:
Figure 3.121: Greenbrae Levee System
Source: Marin County OEM
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
La , pur
Communication
Facilities
Green brae
Levee
Hospitals and Medical
Facilities
Police / Sheriff Stations
Schools
Levee Centerline
Electric Power Facilities
Wastewater Fac ilities
Emergency Ope rations
Centers -Levee Inundation
Fire Stations
County of Marin, Calif!l[nia Stat e Pa rks, Esri, HE
USDA, County of Maritr1 li fomia State Parks, E
1
omCEOI
EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT
\
SartOuenun
Stat Pnso
Miles
in County OEM / Baker-Cohn
ii : llf.tt GIS@Marin ounty.org
P~: 10/19/23
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
255
The McNears sea wall runs along Point San Pedro Road from roughly Marine Drive to the
McNear Brickyard and is located along San Pablo Bay. The McNears sea wall is approximately
1.4 miles long with an undocumented height. Figure 3.122 shows the sea wall.
Figure 3.122: McNears Sea Wall in the San Pedro Hill Area
Source: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 11/27/23
One levee system exists in Santa Venetia and is located along the South Fork of Galinas Creek.
The Santa Venetia Levee is 1.45 miles long with an undocumented height. Figure 3.12 3 shows
the Santa Venetia Levee in Santa Venetia.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
j;
a ~
lagoon
P oint S an
Pedro
S.1nRabfll
FbckQw,11)
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
256
Figure 3.123: Santa Venetia Levee in Santa Venetia
Source: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 11/27/23
Three levee systems exist in St. Vincent. Two of them, Marin County Levee 33 and Marin
County Levee 24, are located along the north bank of Miller Creek. Marin County Levee 33 is
0.25 miles long with an undocumented height and Marin County Levee 24 is 0.2 miles long with
an undocumented height. The third levee is the Las Galinas Valley Sanitary District Levee
which extends along the north and east bank of Miller Creek before diverging north to the
Hamilton Wetlands and west to Long Point. It is 3.63 miles long with an undocumented height.
Figure 3.124 shows the three levees in St. Vincent.
l ~<;>U·N·TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
Estancia Wax
Santa V enetia -ti son l'ec!ro Rcl--
v<
~01:\'3-(\
Sunny o~.,~
Dr
Sc hool
(Vaca nt Srtel
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
257
Figure 3.124: Marin Levee 33, Marin County Levees 33 and 24 and the Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary
District Levee in St. Vincent
Source: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 11/27/23
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
SamtV111:.-nfs
Equao::.trien
5:lmt Vinc.enfs Prcgram
School For Boys
~' Vincents-Dr R:lman G.:itholtc
. ..-.
Gallinas
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
258
Figure 3.125: Santa Venetia Levee System
Source: Marin County OEM
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
Legend
• Mil itary and Civ il
Defense Installations
Communication
Facilities
Electric Power Facil ities
Wastewater Facilities -Airports
Emergency Operations
Centers
Santa Venetia
Levee
Fire Stations
Hospitals and Med ical
Facilities
Police / Sheriff Stations
Schoo ls
Levee Centerline
Levee Inundation
e
Da
ETJ/111
DIIICtOI
EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT
/ Woody Baker-Cohn
Mari nCounty.org
19/23
~
N
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
259
Several levee systems exist around Bel Marin Keys and the Black Point area, but their failure
does not present a risk to the communities.
Figure 3.126: Bel Marin Keys Levee System
Source: Marin County OEM
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
llt
Marin Country
Military and Civil
Defense Installations
Electric Power Facilities
Emergency Operations
Centers
Fire Stations
County of Marin, california State Parks, Esr i,
Bel Ma ri n Keys
Levee
Hamlllon
Recreation
Facility
Hospitals and Medical
Facilities
Police / Sheriff Stations
Schools
Levee Center line
-Levee Inundation
' \
\
\
omc101
EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT
~
N
Ma nag ement, EPA, N PS, USDA
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
260
Two levee systems are located around the Marin County Airport. The State Fish and Game
Levee surrounds the Airport property and neighboring wetlands on three sides to the north,
south, and east. The Gnoss Airport Levee consists of two sections that intersect the airport
property. One section is 2.59 miles long with an undocumented height and the other section is
0.43 miles long with an undocumented height. Figure 3.127 shows the levee systems around
the Marin County Airport.
Figure 3.127: Levees Around the Marin County Airport
Source: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 11/27/23
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
Rush Creek
Rush
Vale)
r.\3morial
Park
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
261
Figure 3.128: Novato North Levee System
Source: Marin County OEM
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
Olompoh SI.al&
Historic Park
Legend
e Dams
Communication
Facilities
Airports
Hospitals and Medical
Facilities
Levee Centerline
-Levee Inundation
Novato North
Levee
ty.org
OlllCIOf
EMERGENCY
MllNAGEMENT
,;,•
0
nd Man<19.t, EPA , NPS, USDA
"
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
262
In 1982 a levee in Santa Venetia was breached by tidal elevations and flooded the
neighborhood with 2-3 feet of water.
Over a million dollars-worth of levee damage on Novato Creek occurred in 2014 and 2017 and a
heavy burden on stormwater pumping systems caused additional damage to pumping system
components.
Over a million dollars-worth of levee damage on Novato Creek occurred in 2014 and 2017 and a
heavy burden on stormwater pumping systems caused additional damage to pumping system
components.
Impacts
Levee failure flooding would vary depending on which structure fails and the nature and extent
of the failure and associated flooding. This flooding presents a threat to life and property,
including buildings, their contents, and their use. Large flood events can affect lifeline utilities
(e.g., water, sewerage, and power), transportation, jobs, tourism, the environment, agricultural
industry, and the local and regional economies.
The overall impact to the community from levee breach or failure includes:
• Injury and loss of life;
• Commercial and residential structural damage;
• Disruption of and damage to public infrastructure;
• Health hazards associated with mold and mildew;
• Damage to roads/bridges resulting in loss of mobility;
• Significant economic impact (jobs, sales, tax revenue) to the community;
• Negative impact on commercial and residential property values;
• Long dewatering periods;
• Significant disruption to students and teachers as temporary facilities and relocations
would likely be needed.
•
Extent and Probability
The probability of future levee failures in the Marin County OA is largely unknown but may result
from a large winter storm or seismic event.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
263
Table 3.14: Marin County OA Hazard Risk Assessment – Levee Failure
Jurisdiction
Probability/
Likelihood
of Future
Events
Geographic
Extent Magnitude/
Severity
Climate
Change
Influence Significance Risk
Score
Marin County Unlikely Negligible Moderate Medium High 9.00
City of
Belvedere Occasional Limited Moderate Medium Medium 10.00
Town of
Corte Madera Unlikely Limited Severe High Medium 11.00
Town of
Fairfax None None None None None 0.00
City of
Larkspur Unlikely Negligible Moderate Medium Low 7.00
City of
Mill Valley None None None None None 0.00
City of
Novato Occasional Negligible Weak Medium Low 7.00
Town of
Ross None None None None None 0.00
Town of
San Anselmo None None None None None 0.00
City of
San Rafael Unlikely Significant Severe High High 13.00
City of
Sausalito Occasional Negligible Weak Low Low 6.00
Town of
Tiburon Unlikely Negligible None None High 5.00
Bolinas
Public Utility
District
Unlikely Limited Extreme High Medium 12.00
Las Gallinas
Valley
Sanitary
District
Unlikely Significant Severe High High 13.00
North Marin
Water
District
Unlikely Significant Extreme High Medium 13.00
Southern
Marin Fire
District
None None None None None 0.00
Table 3.14: Marin County OA Hazard Risk Assessment – Levee Failure
Source: Profiled Jurisdictions and Districts
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
264
Vulnerability
The areas of the Marin County OA most vulnerable to levee failure are those with levees that
could fail. Several unincorporated communities in Marin County are susceptible to levee failure:
A small area of Tamalpais Valley is protected from the Coyote Creek Levees (COYL) and could
be susceptible to a levee failure. This area includes dozens of homes along with several
commercial buildings and a section of Highway 1. Approximately 206 people and 105 buildings
are at risk from a failure of the COYL levee, with a property value risk of around $59.4 million.
Approximately 557 people and 265 buildings are at risk from the levee on the southern bank of
Coyote Creek, with a property value risk of around $156 million. The risk is considered to be
low LSAC 4 (Levee Safety Action Classification) for both levees prior to overtopping and
overtopping breach scenarios. The levee has an overtopping recurrence of 1/100 USACE with
low life safety risk. Seepage has not been documented since the construction of a seepage
barrier in 2005 (the levee was loaded 75% in 2008). Some uncertainty exists in the condition of
culvert penetrations. Areas of oversteepened slope and erosion at the waterside levee toe are
also moderate concerns. No loss of life is anticipated, and economic damages are anticipated to
be low.
Two small areas of Strawberry are protected by levees and could be susceptible to levee failure.
The area protected by the Seminary Marsh Levee consists of several businesses adjacent to
Highway 101. Approximately 325 people and 13 buildings are at risk from a failure of the
Seminary Marsh Levee, with a property value risk of $20.9 million. The area protected by the
Strawberry Marsh Levee consists of several homes and Strawberry Elementary School.
Approximately 488 people and 36 buildings are at risk from a failure of the Strawberry Marsh
Levee, with a property value risk of around $17.2 million.
Part of the southern end of Kentfield is protected from Corte Madera Creek by the Corte Madera
Creek Left Bank Levee and could be susceptible to a levee failure. This area includes a few
dozen homes and the Marin General Hospital. Approximately 260 people and 104 buildings are
at risk from a failure of the Corte Madera Creek Left Bank Levee, with a property value risk of
around $40.3 million. The Levee was assessed in 2021 and the risk was determined to be low.
Numerous homes along with San Pedro Point Road and the McNears Brickyard are susceptible
to a failure of the McNears sea wall. Approximately 604 people and 242 buildings in the
unincorporated area and the City of San Rafael are at risk from a failure of the sea wall, with a
total property value risk of around $169 million.
Part of the northern area of Santa Venetia is protected from the South Fork of Galinas Creek by
the Santa Venetia Levee. There are several hundred homes in this area along with numerous
pump stations and several medical facilities that could be susceptible to a levee failure.
Approximately 1,901 people and 676 buildings are at risk from a failure of the Santa Venetia
Levee, with a property value risk of around $323 million.
The area of St. Vincent, which includes the St. Vincent School and the Las Galinas Valley
Treatment Plant, is protected from Miller Creek and San Pablo Bay from Marin County Levee
33, Marin County Levee 24 and the Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District Levee and could be
susceptible to a levee failure. Approximately 8 buildings are at risk from a failure of both Marin
County Levee 33 and Marin County Levee 24. Approximately 19 people and 9 buildings are at
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
265
risk from a failure of the Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District levee, with a property value risk of
around $9.47 million.
The Marin County Airport is protected by the State Fish and Game Levee and the Gnoss
Levees, and airport facilities along with the access road could be susceptible to a levee failure.
The qualitative risk of the levees around the Airport is unknown.
Climate Change and Future Development Considerations
Climate change is expected to lead to an increase in the frequency and severity of major storm
events, which can place added strain on levee systems. An increase in rainfall and runoff as a
result of climate change will increase the potential for higher water levels in leveed areas across
the Marin County OA, increasing the potential for a levee failure. Rising seas will lead to
increased stress on the levees around the Marin County OA shoreline, particular during a major
tidal event and potential tsunami. As development increases in the populated areas of the
Marin County OA protected by its levees, particularly in coastal areas, the potential for
significant impacts to residents and infrastructure will only increase.
3.3.8 SEA LEVEL RISE
Climate change is the distinct change in measures of weather patterns over a long period of
time, ranging from decades to millions of years. More specifically, it may be a change in
average weather conditions such as temperature, rainfall, snow, ocean and atmospheric
circulation, or in the distribution of weather around the average. While the Earth’s climate has
cycled over its 4.5-billion-year age, these natural cycles have taken place gradually over
millennia, and the Holocene, the most recent epoch in which human civilization developed, has
been characterized by a highly stable climate until recently.
The Marin County OA MJHMP is concerned with human-induced climate change that has been
rapidly warming the Earth at rates unprecedented in the last 1,000 years. Since industrialization
began, the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) at escalating quantities has
released vast amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases responsible for trapping
heat in the atmosphere, increasing the average temperature of the Earth. Secondary impacts
include changes in precipitation patterns, the global water cycle, melting glaciers and ice caps,
and rising sea levels. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC),
climate change will “increase the likelihood of severe, pervasive and irreversible impacts for
people and ecosystems” if unchecked.
Through changes to oceanic and atmospheric circulation cycles and increasing heat, climate
change affects weather systems around the world. Climate change increases the likelihood and
exacerbates the severity of extreme weather – more frequent or intense storms, floods,
droughts, and heat waves. Consequences for human society include loss of life and injury,
damaged infrastructure, long-term health effects, loss of agricultural crops, disrupted transport
and freight, and more. Climate change is not a discrete event but a long-term hazard, the
effects of which communities are already experiencing.
Climate change adaptation is a key priority of the State of California. The 2013 State of
California Multi- Hazard Mitigation Plan stated that climate change is already affecting
California. The State has also seen increased average temperatures, more extreme hot days,
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
266
fewer cold nights, a lengthening of the growing season, shifts in the water cycle with less winter
precipitation falling as snow, and earlier runoff of both snowmelt and rainwater in the year. In
addition to changes in average temperatures, sea level, and precipitation patterns, the intensity
of extreme weather events is also changing.
Rising sea levels are considered a secondary effect of climate change due to warming ocean
temperatures and melting glacial ice sheets into the ocean. The California coast has already
seen a rise in sea level of four to eight inches over the 20th century due to climate change. Sea
level rise impacts can be exacerbated during coastal storms, which often bring increased tidal
elevations called “storm surge.” The large waves associated with such storm surges can cause
flooding in low-lying areas, erosion of coastal wetlands, saltwater contamination of drinking
water, disruption of septic system operations, impacts on roads and bridges, and increased
stress on levees. In addition, rising sea levels result in coastal erosion as shoreline sediment is
re-deposited back into the ocean. Evidence shows that winter storms have increased in
frequency and intensity since 1948 in the North Pacific, increasing regional wave heights and
water levels during storm events.
According to the 2017 “Rising Seas in California, An Update on Sea-Level Rise Science” report
Marin County may experience impacts from Sea Level Rise over defined periods of time, to
include long-term changes (second half of this century and beyond), and short- to mid -term
projections (within the next two or three decades).
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
267
Figure 3.129: Marin County Sea Level Rise Susceptibility to Critical Facilities
Source: Marin County OEM
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
OlllC(Of Marin County EMERGENCY
Sea Level Rise MANAGEMENT
_,~ ... -\. -_,,J-
'-"'
•
Legend
• Dam s Emergency Operations
Military and Ovil Centers • Defense Installations Fire Stations
Communication Hospitals and Med ica l
Facilities Faci li ties
Electric Power Fac ilities Police / Sheriff Stations
Wastewater Facilities Schoo ls • Water Supply F<1cilities Sea Level Rise
Airports 1 ft Sea Level Rise
5 ft Sea Level Rise
•
•
•
•
IOI
116
------,_
•
•
•
•
0 J0---. .. -r-
---==~---■Miles
2 .5 5
Marin County OEM / Woody Baker-Cohn
ema il: OEM _GIS@MarinCounty.org
Date Pri nted : 11/01/23
JI
County of Mar in, Californ ia State Parks, Esri, HERE, Garmin, SilfeGraph, Geo Technologies, Inc , MEll/NASA, USGS, Bureau of Land Management, EPA, NPS,
USDA, Cou nty of Marin, C...lifomia State Parks, Esri, HERE, Garmin, S...feGraph, FAO, METI/NASA, USGS, Burwu of Land Management, EPA, NPS
1"1
12
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
268
Location and Previous Occurrences
Past flooding, wildfire, levee failure, and drought disasters have been exacerbated by climate
change in frequency of occurrence and intensity. Unlike earthquakes and floods that occur over
a finite time period, climate change may be experienced as a compounding, long term hazard,
the effects of which some communities may already be experiencing.
The 2018 State of California Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan states that climate change is already
affecting California. Sea levels have risen by as much as seven inches along the California
coast over the last century, increasing erosion and pressure on the state’s infrastructure, water
supplies, and natural resources. The State has also seen increased average temperatures,
more extreme hot days, fewer cold nights, a lengthening of the growing season, shifts in the
water cycle with less winter precipitation falling as snow, and both snowmelt and rainwater
running off sooner in the year. In addition to changes in average temperatures, sea level, and
precipitation patterns, the intensity of extreme weather events is also changing. This data
suggests that the effects of climate change have been occurring in the Marin County area. See
Figure 3.130 for the historic and future change in average July temperatures across California.
Figure 3.130: Average July Temperatures in California
Source: California Climate Adaptation Strategy
1 ~<;>U·N· TY OF a
~ARIN ~
42
1961 -90 2035-64 2070-99
40
38
36
34
236' 236 ' 244 ' 236"
50 60 70 80 90 100 110
.. F
Source: Dan Cayan et al 2009
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
269
Impacts
During the next few decades, scenarios project average temperature to rise between 1°F and
2.3°F in California. As such, temperatures across the Marin County OA, including in the
unincorporated area, would be expected to rise, leading to increase in drought conditions that
could lead to forest devastation and wildfires, and an increase in major flooding and associated
debris flow events. These extreme weather events can cause additional injuries and fatalities
and can cause worsened damage or destruction to homes and critical facilities and
infrastructure across the County. Socioeconomic disruption can also occur across the County
as a result of climate change.
Dealing with flooding from rain and upstream runoff is already complicated. Sea level rise will
make it even more complicated by increasing the frequency and duration of flooding. When
water temperature increases, warm water expands and takes up more space than colder water.
As the planet warms, the water in the ocean warms, expands, and elevates sea levels. The
changing climate has also melted parts of the ice caps at the North and South Poles. As this ice
melts and flows into the ocean, it increases the amount of water in the ocean and raises sea
levels even more. Sea levels in San Francisco Bay have risen seven inches over the past
century. Predictions of future sea level rise vary from 12 inches by 2030 to 60 inches by 2100.
The Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC) recommends using 36 inches of
sea level rise for planning purposes. Rising sea levels increase the upstream extent of tidal
flooding, worsen creek overflow due to backwater effects of elevated high tides, and create
larger, stronger waves which erode the shoreline and destroy sensitive marshes. Coastal
flooding will have a large impact on cities and habitat.
A 36 -inch increase in sea levels will greatly impact people’s lives throughout the Marin County
OA, including in the unincorporated area. Daily high tides will inundate major thoroughfares,
schools, retirement communities, private homes, shopping areas, bike paths, and stormwater
detention ponds. Valuable marsh and mudflat habitat will be permanently flooded. Infrastructure
will need to be armored, abandoned, or relocated. Shorelines will be eroded by increased wave
erosion, threatening even more infrastructure. With sea level rise it is projected that more land
along Marin’s coastline and bayside will be permanently inundated or subject to more regular
flooding, while the frequency and intensity of storm events are anticipated to increase with
climate change. Greater riparian flooding may also occur with sea level rise and future storm
events, though modeling is necessary to better understand the extent of such hazards. As
previously discussed best available sea level rise and future flood models indicate that by 2100
around 7,000 acres, 9,000 parcels, 10,000 buildings and 120 miles of roads throughout Marin
County may be exposed to flooding due to future sea level rise and 100-year storm events.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
270
Extent and Probability
Table 3.15: Marin County OA Hazard Risk Assessment - Sea Level Rise
Jurisdiction
Probability/
Likelihood
of Future
Events
Geographic
Extent
Magnitude/
Severity
Climate
Change
Influence
Significance Risk
Score
Marin County Highly
Likely Limited Extreme High High 16.00
City of
Belvedere
Highly
Likely Limited Extreme High High 16.00
Town of
Corte Madera Occasional Significant Weak High Medium 11.00
Town of
Fairfax None None None None None 0.00
City of
Larkspur
Highly
Likely Limited Extreme High High 16.00
City of
Mill Valley
Highly
Likely Limited Weak High Medium 12.00
City of Novato Occasional Limited Moderate High Medium 11.00
Town of Ross None None None None None 0.00
Town of
San Anselmo None None None None None 0.00
City of
San Rafael
Highly
Likely Significant Moderate High High 15.00
City of
Sausalito Likely Significant Severe High Medium 14.00
Town of
Tiburon
Highly
Likely Limited Extreme High High 16.00
Bolinas Public
Utility District Likely Extensive Severe High High 18.00
Las Gallinas
Valley
Sanitary
District
Likely Significant Moderate High High 14.00
North Marin
Water District Occasional Significant Moderate High Medium 12.00
Southern
Marin Fire
District
Likely Significant Extreme Medium Low 13.00
Table 3.15: Marin County OA Hazard Risk Assessment - Sea Level Rise
Source: Profiled Jurisdictions and Districts
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
271
Vulnerability
All residents in the Marin County OA, including in the unincorporated area, are susceptible to
climate change, with effects being more prevalent in those with pre-existing health conditions
and the elderly. Communities most vulnerable to the impacts of sea level rise in unincorporated
Marin County include Muir Beach, Stinson Beach, Bolinas, Inverness, Pt. Reyes Station, East
Shore, and Dillon Beach.
Coping with a changing climate presents opportunities for local health departments and partners
in Marin County to consider policies, actions, and infrastructure design that will not just protect
the public from climate change threats, but also establish health equity, resiliency, and
sustainability. A critical step for building resilience is to improve capacity of communities to
prepare, respond, and recover from climate-related health risks.
The most vulnerable assets in Marin County OA’s unincorporated communities in the near-term
are Shoreline Highway through Almonte, Waldo Point Harbor houseboats and facilities,
Greenbrae homes and facilities, and Paradise Cay homes and marina. The elevated homes on
Greenbrae Boardwalk and floating homes in Waldo Point Harbor may be more adaptable in the
near term than homes with solid foundations. In the medium-term, portions of Bel Marin Keys
could face impacts, as would Santa Venetia homes, Tamalpais Valley homes, and the
Greenwood Cove, Strawberry Circle, Strawberry Village Shopping Center, homes along
Seminary Drive in Strawberry, and Kentfield creek side homes. In the long-term, Black Point
and North Novato could anticipate damaging impacts. In the medium-term timeframe, regular
high tide tidal flooding could adversely impact the same locations tidally flooded in the near-
term, though more severely. Storm surge flooding could be 10 inches with a 100-year storm
surge, and extend further inland beyond the marshy areas of Mill Valley, Strawberry, San
Rafael, St. Vincent’s, and North Novato. In the long-term (second half of this century and
beyond), regular tidal flooding could adversely impact the same locations impacted in the near-
and medium -terms (within the next two or three decades) and significant portions of what would
have previously only flooded from the 100-year storm surge. The additional areas that would
tidally flood at 60 inches of sea level rise are:
• Tamalpais Valley
• Mill Valley from the Richardson’s Bay shoreline up to and beyond Camino Alto between
Miller and East Blithedale Avenues
• Mill Valley and Strawberry fronting US Highway 101 between Seminary Drive and
Tiburon Boulevard
• Santa Venetia north of N. San Pedro Boulevard
• Cove Neighborhood, Tiburon
• Belvedere Lagoon neighborhood
• Paradise Cay
• Mariner Cove, Marina Village, Madera Gardens, and major retail centers lining US
Highway 101
• Riviera Circle, Creekside, and Heatherwood neighborhoods, Larkspur
• Interstate 580 and westward towards Andersen Drive in San Rafael and the community
of California Park
• Marin Lagoon and Peacock Gap neighborhoods, San Rafael
• Bel Marin Keys northern and southern lagoon areas
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
272
• Hamilton, Vintage Oaks, and pockets of development east of US Highway 101 at
Rowland Boulevard and State Route 37 in Novato, and
• North Novato at US Highway 101 and Binford Road.
Bayside areas that could anticipate increased storm surge flooding are:
• Sausalito west of Bridgeway
• Marin City neighborhood
• Mill Valley east of East Blithedale Avenue at Alto Shopping Center
• Las Gallinas and North San Pedro Boulevard, east of US Highway 101, San Rafael
• Bayside Acres
• Country Club
• Kentfield
In their current conditions, the most vulnerable coastal Marin County OA infrastructure, in order
of onset and flood depth, includes
Near term (ten years):
• Beaches, underground on-site wastewater treatment systems (OWTS), buildings, and
streets in Stinson Beach west of Shoreline Highway
• Shoreline Highway between Stinson Beach and Bolinas, at Green Bridge over Lagunitas
Creek in Pt. Reyes Station, the Walker Creek crossing in Marshall, and bridges on
Middle Road and Valley Ford Lincoln School Road
• Beaches and beach front and downtown buildings and streets in Bolinas
• Septic systems, beaches, marshes, and buildings along the eastern and western shores
of Tomales Bay
• The water distribution pipe underneath Shoreline Highway and Sir Francis Drake
• Boulevard serving many Inverness residents
• Intertidal rocky lands in Muir Beach and Duxbury Reef in Bolinas
• Fire service facilities and tsunami evacuation routes in Stinson Beach
• Recreational facilities at Dillon Beach Resort and Lawson’s Landing
• Blufftop buildings in Muir Beach, Bolinas, and Dillon Beach may be vulnerable to
accelerated erosion
Medium Term (thirty years):
• Olema-Bolinas Road, which is the only road to Downtown Bolinas
• Additional buildings and streets in downtown Bolinas, including the historic district
• Bolinas Public Utilities District lift station at the end of Wharf Road
• Shoreline Highway in Pt. Reyes Station and East Shore, and Sir Francis Drake Blvd. in
Inverness
• Along the east shore of Tomales Bay, homes on piers over the water are particularly
vulnerable
Long Term (seventy years):
• Shoreline Highway along the East Shore
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
273
• Buildings in Inverness west of Sir Francis Drake Blvd
• Downtown Bolinas up to Brighton Road, including the market, library, community center,
gas station, museum, and other valued places
Along the bay shoreline, in the near-term timeframe, tidal flooding at 10 inches of sea level rise
could reach 5,000 acres, 1,300 parcels, and 700 buildings, potentially impacting tens of
thousands of residents, employees, and visitors. With an additional 100 -year storm surge, the
previously impacted acres, parcels, and buildings could face tidal and storm surge flooding. An
additional 3,000 acres, 2,500 parcels, and 3,800 buildings could anticipate storm surge flooding
across the Marin County OA. Eight miles of road could expect tidal flooding. Smaller public and
private and marinas and boat launches along the bay in Strawberry, Bel Marin Keys, and Black
Point could be flooded out and unusable. Storm surges can be powerful enough to damage and
sink boats, including those belonging to the Southern Marin Fire Protection. Most concerning,
however, is the potential inability of emergency professionals and vehicles to access people in
or through flooded areas.
In this medium-term timeframe, tidal flooding at 20 inches of sea level rise could reach nearly
7,000 acres, 3,000 parcels, and 2,000 buildings in the Marin County OA, potentially impacting
even more residents, employees, and visitors than in the near-term . With an additional 100-year
storm surge, the previously impacted acres, parcels, and buildings could face tidal and storm
surge flooding, and an additional 7,000 acres, 2,200 parcels, and 3,600 buildings in the Marin
County OA could anticipate storm surge flooding. Most levees south of Novato are not designed
to withstand this level of flooding and could be overtopped.
Eighteen miles of roadway, ten more miles than in the near-term, could expect tidal flooding.
Many of the impacted roads are the same as those impacted in the near-term, though much
greater lengths could anticipate tidal flooding and flooding depths would increase. Storm surge
flooding could reach a total of 44 additional miles of roadway. Water travel could experience
similar outcomes as in the near-term, though the highest high tides and storms surges would
cause even more damage than weathered twenty years earlier.
Pipelines under vulnerable roads, and lateral pipes to vulnerable properties, would become
squeezed between rising groundwater and the confining roadway. This could cause pipes to
bend and break and could even damage roadways. In the medium-term, impacts to the North
Marin Water District service area would impact water service in Bel Marin Keys and
unincorporated area around Novato. Vulnerable substations, electrical transmission towers and
lines, and underground natural gas pipelines along the shoreline would be compromised by
flooding and subsidence. Disruptions or failures in this network could also have far reaching
impacts in transportation, sanitary service, stormwater management facilities, food storage,
communications, and general public safety.
In the long-term timeframe, tidal flooding at 60 inches of sea level rise could reach nearly 7,000
acres, 8,000 parcels, and 9,000 buildings in the Marin County OA, potentially impacting
hundreds of thousands of residents, employees, and visitors. In the long-term scenario, storm
surge flooding could occur on nearly 13,500 acres hosting 12,600 parcels with 12,000 buildings
in the Marin County OA, potentially impacting 200,000 residents, thousands of employees, and
several million visitors.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
274
One-hundred miles of public and private roadways in the Marin County OA could be vulnerable
to tidal exposure. Roads could degrade more quickly, or if flood waters are deep enough,
become impassable. Lane miles could be more than double this figure. An additional 30 miles of
roadway could be vulnerable at 60 inches of sea level rise and a 100-year storm surge.
Moreover, several park and rides, several hundred bus stops, and bus transit and SMART rail
routes could flood. Breakdowns in the transportation network would have major impacts on the
economy and daily life functions. In addition, significant safety hazards could cause injury or
loss of life. Flooding at the Sewerage Agency of Southern Marin (SASM) and Novato Sanitary
Wastewater Treatment Plants is a significant vulnerability that could arise, potentially disrupting
hundreds of thousands of people.
By this time, much of the low-lying shoreline sanitary sewer and stormwater infrastructure could
be flooded out. By the end of the century, sea level rise could have direct impacts to the Novato
Atherton Avenue Fire Station. A few emergency shelters in Southern Marin communities could
be vulnerable to tidal flooding, and several more could expect storm surge flooding and may not
be available when needed most.
Beaches, estuaries, marshes, wetlands, and intertidal areas on the Marin County OA coast,
including in the unincorporated area, are vulnerable to sea level rise and storms. Nearly all
beaches except Dillon Beach and the federal portion of Stinson Beach, could be lost entirely in
the long-term. Roughly 9,000 acres in the estuaries of Tomales Bay, Bolinas Lagoon, and
Esteros Americano and San Antonio, 1,800 acres of wetlands and marshlands could be
impacted to varying degrees across all of the scenarios in all of the communities. Sea level rise
may push coastal habitats inland where possible, flooding tidal areas more frequently and
inundating new inland areas with saltwater. The North Central California Coast and Ocean
Vulnerability Assessment identified the five most vulnerable species to sea level rise as the
Western snowy plover, black oystercatcher, black rail, California mussel, and red abalone.
On the bayside, the marshlands that buffer the shoreline communities from high tides and storm
surges could begin to experience transitions in habitat, especially those in the Southern Marin
County OA where they are typically bordered by urban development. Consequently, the waters
here would get deeper and flood out the existing habitat, shifting high marsh to low marsh, low
marsh to mud flat, and mud flats to open water. Without adequate light of shallow water,
eelgrass beds would shrink. Collectively, these habitat shifts could have significant impacts on
vulnerable species such as the salt marsh harvest mouse, Ridgway’s Rail, or the long-fin smelt.
A twenty-inch increase in sea level in the medium-term would continue to shrink the Southern
Marin County OA, Tiburon Peninsula, and Pt. San Pedro marsh and tidal habitats.
Southern Marin County OA marshes may no longer exist by the end of the century, destroying
the habitat of several shoreline birds and mammals. Northern Marin marshes would become
increasingly tidally influenced, with tide water reaching US Highway 101 in Bel Marin Keys and
North Novato up the Petaluma River. Typically freshwater marshes west of US Highway 101, for
example, Sutton Marsh, could also expect damaging salinity impacts. Tidal marsh lands may
increase in Northern Marin if they are not prevented from migrating inland. Approximately 1,358
acres on 30 agricultural parcels could be vulnerable to sea level rise and storm conditions.
Another 3,000 acres are public agency lands near Bel Marin Keys, Hamilton Field, and the
Novato Sanitary District that are leased for agricultural use. Higher high tides could push
brackish conditions inland, reducing grazing, manure spreading, and cultivation area.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
275
Loss of or compromised emergency services could be more devastating to communities with
higher populations that fall into certain demographic categories. Communities with higher
populations that fall into these categories include Marin City and the canal neighborhoods in the
unincorporated area around the City of San Rafael. Marin County OA populations that are most
vulnerable to the effects of sea level rise include:
• Low-income households
• Households in poverty
Climate Change and Future Development Considerations
The two major causes of global sea level rise are thermal expansion of warming oceans and the
melting of land-based glaciers and polar ice caps. Climate change is affecting natural and built
systems around the world, including the California coast. In the past century, average global
temperature has increased about 1.4°F, and average global sea level has increased 7 to 8
inches. Sea level rise in the San Francisco Bay Area is projected to increase by eight inches
MHW in 2050 and could reach 4.5 to eight feet by 2021 if greenhouse gas emissions aren’t
reduced4.
Figure 3.131: Projections of Sea Level Rise in the San Francisco Bay Area, 2000-2100
Source: 2019–2020 Marin County Civil Grand Jury, Climate Change: How Will Marin Adapt?
While the Marin County OA shoreline already experiences regular erosion, flooding, and
significant storm events, sea level rise will exacerbate these natural processes, leading to
significant social, environmental, and economic impacts. The third National Climate Assessment
cites strong evidence that the cost of doing nothing exceeds the costs associated with adapting
to sea level rise by 4 to 10 times. Sea level rise will continue to affect the Marin County OA with
increased tidal flooding and storm surge during severe weather events, and future along the
Marin County OA shoreline will only amplify these impacts. Sea level can also lead to increased
land subsidence and the potential of levee failure. The impacts of a tsunami would also be
magnified with rising seas. Future development in the coastal areas of Marin County will put
more people and property at risk from flooding as a result of sea level rise. Roads and utility
infrastructure across the Marin County OA will continue to become inundated.
4 2017 Marin Shoreline Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment. https://www.marincounty.org/-
/media/files/departments/cd/planning/slr/baywave/vulnerability-assessment-
final/final_allpages_bvbconsulting_reduced.pdf?la=en
l ~<;>U·N· TY O F
~ARIN
a ~
Sea-Level Rise if Greenhouse Gas
Emissions Remain High
2000 2010 2020 2030 2040 2050 2060 2070 2080 2090
(Year)
Sea-Level Rise if Greenhouse Gas
Emissions Are Moderated
2000 2010 2020 2030 2040 2050 2060 2070 2080 2090
(Year)
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
276
3.3.9 SEVERE WEATHER – EXTREME HEAT
Extreme heat is defined as temperatures that hover 10 degrees or more above the average high
temperature for the region and last for several weeks. A heat wave is an extended period of
extreme heat, often with high humidity. When relative humidity is factored in, the temperature
can feel much hotter as reflected in the Heat Index (see Figure 3.132):
Figure 3.132: Heat Index
Source: NOAA
Heat kills by taxing the human body beyond its abilities. In a normal year, about 1,300
Americans succumb to the demands of summer heat. Heat is the leading weather-related cause
of mortalities in the US. In 2006, California reported a high of 204 heat related deaths, with 98
reported in 2017 and 93 deaths reported in 2018.
Location and Previous Occurrences
Extreme heat has the potential to impact all areas of the Marin County OA, though more
predominantly in the lower elevations further away from the coast. In the unincorporated area
this includes the Tamalpais Valley, Kentwood, Lucas Valley-Marinwood and Santa Venetia
areas. Communities along the Pacific Ocean and Tomales Bay including Muir Beach, Stinson
Beach, Bolinas, Inverness and Point Reyes Station tend to have cooler temperatures due to the
ocean and bay breezes.
In the 40-year period from 1936 through 1975, nearly 20,000 people were killed in the United
States by the effects of heat and solar radiation. In the heat wave of 1980, more than 1,250
people died. According to the 2018 California State Hazard Mitigation Plan, the worst single
heat wave event in California occurred in Southern California in 1955, when an eight-day heat
wave resulted in 946 deaths.
Impacts
Heat waves do not strike victims immediately, but rather their cumulative effects slowly take the
lives of vulnerable populations. Heat waves do not cause damage or elicit the immediate
1 ~<;>U·N· TY OF a
~ARIN ~
NOAA's National Weather Service
Heat lnd·ex
Temper atu re (OF)
80 82 84 86 88 90 94
40 80 81 83 85 88 91 9
45 80 82 84 87 89 93 1
l 50 81 83 85 88 91 95
~ 55 81 84 86 89 93 97 1
-0 60 82 84 88 91 95 100 .E 65 82 8E, 89 93 98 103 :::i :c 70 83 86 90 95 100 00
a, 75 84 88 92 97 10$ 109' ::,, :g 80 84 89 94 100 .,
G)
85 85 90 96 Cl:'.
90 86 91 98
95 86 93 100
100 87 95 103 1
Lik elihood ol Heat O is ord ers w ith Prol onged E x1rns ure o r Str euou s Ac t ivity
O c .. ution 0 E;,.1 re me c .. 1.11 ,on Oa nger ■ Eict reme Ooing er
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
277
response of floods, fires, earthquakes, or other more “typical” disaster scenarios. While heat
waves are obviously less dramatic, they are potentially more deadly. Heat emergencies are
often slower to develop, taking several days of continuous, oppressive heat before a significant
or quantifiable impact is seen. Heat waves do not strike victims immediately, but rather their
cumulative effects slowly take the lives of vulnerable populations. Sickness can occur if
someone has been in extreme heat for too long, or has over-exercised for his or her age or
physical condition. Extreme heat can be more dangerous for older people, the very young, and
people who are sick or overweight. See Figure 3.133 for a description of possible heat
disorders by heat index level.
Figure 3.133: Heat Disorders by Heat Index Level
Source: National Weather Service (NWS)
Rural buildings without electricity, some mobile homes, or older homes that have not been
retrofitted for AC, can become susceptible to extreme heat effects. The OA may open cooling
centers as a result of heat or prolonged period of hot temperatures. When combined with low
humidity, extreme heat can contribute to the start and spread of wildfires.
The NWS will issue a Heat Advisory, Watch, or Warning when the Heat Index is expected to have
a significant impact on public safety. The expected severity of the heat determines whether
advisories or warnings are issued. A common guideline for the issuance of excessive heat alerts
is when the maximum daytime high is expected to equal or exceed 105°F and a nighttime
minimum high of 80°F or above is expected for two or more consecutive days. The NWS office in
Sacramento can issue the following heat-related advisory as conditions warrant.
Heat Advisory means that temperatures of at least 100°F or Heat Index values of at least 105°F
are expected. Consider postponing or rescheduling any strenuous outdoor activities. If you must
be outside, be sure to drink plenty of water and take frequent breaks in the shade. The young and
elderly and those with medical conditions should use extra caution outdoors.
Excessive Heat Watch means that Heat Index values are expected to reach or exceed 110°F
and not fall below 75°F for at least a 48 hour period. Plan to suspend all major daytime outdoor
activities if a warning is issued. If you do not have air conditioning, locate the nearest cooling
shelter or discuss staying with nearby family or friends who have A/C.
Excessive Heat Warning means that Heat Index values are expected to reach or exceed 110°F
and not fall below 75°F for at least a 48-hour period, beginning in the next 24 hours. A warning
may also be issued for extended periods with afternoon heat index values of 105°F-110°F. Refrain
from outdoor activities of any nature during the warmest time of the day. Drink plenty of water and
1 ~<;>U·N· TY O F a
~ARIN ~
Heat
• a : I ..
130°F or Extreme
higher Danger
105°-Danger 129° F
goo-Extreme
105° F Caution
80° -90°F Caution
I Possible heat disorders for people in high risk groups
Heatstroke risk extremely high with continued exposure.
Sunstroke, Heat Cramps and Heat Exhaustion likely, Heatstroke possible
with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity.
Sunstroke, Heat Cramps and Heat Exhaustion possible w ith prolonged
exposure and/or physical activity.
Fatigue possible with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity.
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
278
take frequent breaks if you must be outside. Stay indoors in an air-conditioned building as much
as possible. Check on elderly family members if they are living alone.
Extent and Probability
The frequency, intensity, and duration of extreme heat events and heat waves are expected to
rise as a result of climate change, with an increased number of extreme heat days and nights,
increased temperatures over extreme heat days and greater duration of extreme heat events.
By the end of the century, most of the region will average six heat waves a year, with the
average longest heat wave lasting ten days. Extreme heat events will also extend seasonally
into spring and fall.
Table 3.16: Marin County OA Hazard Risk Assessment – Severe Weather,
Extreme Heat
Jurisdiction
Probability/
Likelihood
of Future
Events
Geographic
Extent Magnitude/
Severity
Climate
Change
Influence Significance Risk
Score
Marin County Highly
Likely Extensive Moderate High Medium 15.00
City of
Belvedere
Highly
Likely Extensive Moderate High Medium 15.00
Town of
Corte Madera Likely Extensive Weak Medium Low 11.00
Town of
Fairfax Unlikely Significant Weak Medium Low 8.00
City of
Larkspur Likely Extensive Moderate High Medium 14.00
City of
Mill Valley Likely Extensive Moderate Medium Medium 13.00
City of
Novato Likely Extensive Weak Medium Medium 12.00
Town of
Ross Likely Significant Moderate Medium Medium 12.00
Town of
San Anselmo Likely Extensive Extreme High High 17.00
City of
San Rafael Likely Extensive Moderate High Low 13.00
City of
Sausalito Unlikely Negligible Weak Low Low 5.00
Town of
Tiburon
Highly
Likely Extensive Moderate High Medium 15.00
Bolinas
Public Utility
District
Unlikely Extensive Weak Low Low 8.00
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
279
Las Gallinas
Valley
Sanitary
District
Highly
Likely Negligible Weak High Low 10.00
North Marin
Water
District
Likely Extensive Weak Medium Medium 12.00
Southern
Marin Fire
District
Likely Significant Moderate High High 14.00
Table 3.16: Marin County OA Hazard Risk Assessment – Severe Weather, Extreme Heat
Source: Profiled Jurisdictions and Districts
Vulnerability
Extreme heat can affect a range of key infrastructure from energy systems, water and
wastewater treatment systems, the operation of government buildings, and public transit. While
higher summer temperatures increase electricity demand for cooling, at the same time, they
also can lower the ability of transmission lines to carry power, possibly leading to electricity
reliability issues during heat waves. Increased temperatures also impact the efficiency of solar
power infrastructure by increasing the surface temperature of solar panels, which reduces the
voltage that panels can generate and thereby lowers efficiency. Although warmer winters will
reduce the need for heating, modeling suggests that total U.S. energy use will increase in a
warmer future. Extreme heat can also increase the risk of other types of disasters and
exacerbate the urban heat island effect. Heat can exacerbate drought, and hot dry conditions
can in turn create wildfire conditions. In cities, buildings, roads and infrastructure can be heated
to 50 to 90 degrees hotter than the air while natural surfaces remain closer to air temperatures.
The heat island effect is most intense during the day, but the slow release of heat from the
infrastructure overnight (or an atmospheric heat island) can keep cities much hotter than
surrounding areas. People who are required to work outside during extreme heat are especially
vulnerable to the effects of extreme heat. In California , between 2000-2017, 15,996 workers
experienced heat related illness (Risk factors for occupational heat-related illness among
California workers, 2000-2017 - PubMed (nih.gov). Animals, including livestock, poultry, and
domestic pets are susceptible to extreme heat. For example, dogs and cats are in danger of
heat stroke in temperatures of 110°F. The heat wave of 2006 resulted in more than 25,000
cattle, 700,000 fowl, and 15 reported heat-related pet deaths in California. Heat wave impacts
on livestock and poultry can lead to financial losses in agriculture.
High temperature can be felt throughout the Marin County OA, though the lower elevations of
the County are more vulnerable to higher temperatures than the higher elevations. People who
live in the more urban areas of the County can be at greater risk to heat because concrete and
asphalt store heat for longer and release it throughout the night. High temperatures can cause
brownouts and increase the susceptibility of people to the effects of heat. Though crops in the
Marin County OA are adaptable to heat, they can become vulnerable to prolonged periods of
high temperatures.
Northern Marin County (roughly north of Point Reyes, Nicasio, and Lucas Valley-Marinwood to
the northern County line) is likely to see greater increases in annual average maximum
temperatures due to climate change at a faster rate than southern portions of the County. While
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
280
climate change induced extreme heat events will impact County residents in the future, extreme
heat effects will be less severe in the County relative to other areas of the state, including the
Central Valley, that already experience higher temperatures and more extreme heat events. In
terms of overall level of impact to County residents and infrastructure, extreme heat due to
climate change will be less of a concern compared to flooding, sea level rise, wildfire, and
landslides, debris flows, and post-fire debris flows in most cases. However, extreme heat will
have a relatively greater impact on certain populations. Marin County OA populations most
vulnerable to the effects of extreme heat include:
• Low-income households
• Households in poverty
• Persons without access to transportation or telecommunications
• Low-resources racial or ethnic minorities
• Outdoor workers
• Healthcare workers, first responders, and protective service occupations
• Houseless population
• Children
• Persons with disabilities
• Persons with chronic health problems
• Senior community members
In extreme temperatures, air quality is also affected. Hot and sunny days can increase ozone
levels, which in turn affects Nitrogen Oxides Control levels. In addition, greater use of heating
and cooling of indoor spaces requires more electricity and, depending on the electricity source,
can emit more of other types of pollution, including particulates. These increases in ozone and
particulate matter can pose serious risks to people, particularly the same vulnerable groups
directly impacted by heat mentioned above.
Climate Change and Future Development Considerations
The primary effect of climate change is warmer average temperatures. The annual average
daily high temperatures in California are expected to rise by 2.7°F by 2040, 5.8°F by 2070, and
8.8°F by 2100 compared to observed and modeled historical conditions5. At the current rate,
annual average temperatures in the Marin County region and Bay Area will likely increase by
approximately 4.4 degrees by 2050 and 7.2 degree by the end of the century unless significant
efforts are made to reduce greenhouse emotions according to California’s latest climate change
assessment.
5 California Adaptation Planning Guide
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
281
Figure 3.134: Annual Average Temperatures in the San Francisco Bay Area, 2000-2100
Source: California Climate Change Assessment (Fourth Edition)
As climate change accelerates in the 21st century, it is anticipated that extreme heat events will
become more frequent and intense across the Marin County OA. There will be increased
residential and business needs for cooling and addressing heat-related issues. Heat waves
also tax the energy grid. Future development in the Marin County OA could exacerbate the
impacts from heat related events, particularly in electricity provision and water delivery.
Increased temperatures will also lead to an increase in the occurrence and severity of wildfires
across the Marin County OA as conditions become hotter and drier. Future development near
the many open spaces around Marin Couty could expose more people and infrastructure to the
threat of a major wildfire as a result of increasing temperatures.
3.3.10 SEVERE WEATHER – HIGH WIND/TORNADO
High Wind
High wind is defined as a one-minute average of surface winds 40 miles per hour or greater
lasting for one hour or longer, or winds gusting to 58 miles per hour or greater regardless of
duration that are either expected or observed over land. These winds may occur as part of a
seasonal climate pattern or in relation to other severe weather events such as thunderstorms.
The Beaufort scale is an empirical measure that relates wind speed to observed conditions on
land and is a common measure of wind intensity (see Figure 3.135).
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
-.. 82 t
QI 80 .._
::,
~ 78
QI
C.
E 76
2l
;;'; 74
E
~ 72
~
~ 70
IO
iii ::, 68
C
C
<t 66
a) Annual time series
Historical • observed
Historical -model ed range
RCP4 .S average
RCP8 .5 average
RCP4 .S range
RCP8 .5 range
1960 1980 2 0 00 2020 2040 2060 2080 2100
f 82
~ 80
::,
~ 78
Q)
C.
E 76
2l
~ 74
E
~ 72
~
~ 70 re
ro ::, 68
C
C
<t 66
bl Ti me period summaries
Historical· observed AVG/MIN/MAX
Historical· modeled AVG/M IN/MAX
RCP4 .S AVG/M IN/MAX
RCP8.5 AVG/M IN/MAX
tt=
MIN
19 7 6-2005 2006-2039 2040-2 0 69 2070-2100
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
282
Figure 3.135: Beaufort Wind Scale
Source: NOAA
Windstorms in the Marin County OA are typically straight-line winds. Straight-line winds are
generally any thunderstorm wind that is not associated with rotation (i.e., is not a tornado). It is
these winds, which can exceed 100 mph, which represent the most common type of severe
weather and are responsible for most wind damage related to thunderstorms.
Location and Previous Occurrences
The entire Marin County OA, including the unincorporated area, is susceptible to storms and
damage from wind. The coastal and mountainous areas are particularly susceptible to wind,
although wind has caused damages throughout the county. High winds often occur with the
onset of atmospheric river events. Figure 3.136 shows wind zones for the United States. The
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
Beaufort
number
0
1
2
3
4
s
6
1
8
g
10
Oesaiptlon
calm
Ught ai r
Ugh b reeze
Ge ntle b reeze
Moderate breeze
Fre!;h breeze
51rong breeze
High wind, Moderate
gale, ear gale
Ga le, Fr !'!~h gale
Strong ga le
Storm, Whole gale
Violent storm
Hurr icane
Wind speed
Land conditions
kt$
<1
1-2
3 -6
7-10
11 -lS
16-20
21-26
27 -33
m/h
<1 Clllm.Smo):~ r ise-s ver lea Iv.
1-5 W i nd mo on vi sl b l~ i ns oke.
6 -ll W ind ell one posed sk i n. wves rustle.
2 -lS Lc:a~cs end sm~ll er tw i e, in conH~nt mo1 iot1
20 -28 Ous:t and loose paper rai:.ed . Sma 11 branches bee i n to move .
29-38 Branch !!S of a moder<!! e s ire mo e. Sm<!! I •~ be11ln to s ~v.
3~_49 Laree branches in motion. Vh istli n1:lm1rd in overhead wires.Umbre l la use
hern me5 d i ffi cu lt. Emp~ plast.lc garbage can5 tip over.
50 _61 Wkoletree5 ln motion. Effo • ne~ed to ,,.,tk a11a l n!.t the wind. Swayln1 of
skvscrapers mav be fel e:spe<la ll v by people on ul)pet oors .
61 _ 74 Some twies broken from tree:s . e&rs veer on road . Proeress on foot is
serlous l y l mpedtd.
Some branches break off tree:i;, and sonie sma ll rees b lowo er .
41 -47 75 -88 COn.struct l on/ empor11ry ~TiM nd l>Drr lc d~ blo "011«. D11m11ee toc l r.::u~
ten!5 and canop i es.
48-55 89 _ 1 02 rees are broken o or uprooted, sap llngs bent and de ormed. Poorly
attached esphelt shl"£1ti end st11na1" in poor condi ion pee l o·f roofs.
Wlde5pread vegetati on damage. a ny roo • ng surfaces are d a maged;
56 -63 103 -U7 a~pha l t tile~ that have curl ed up and/or ·,ac ure-d due o aa:e may bru
away co.mp l e elv.
verv wldespre.id demaee o ~eee a on. !>ome wl r,dows mav brea : mob il e
l 64 l 118 homes end poor I constr1.1ct«l sh«ls end barns re de~ee<t . Debris mev be
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
283
Special Wind Region is an area of higher wind occurrence, primarily where down-slope
mountain wind occurs.
Figure 3.136: Wind Zones in the US
Source: FEMA
The National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) provides a listing of all the high wind events to affect
Marin County since 1950. Most high wind events occur between November and March.
12/27/2006 - One person died when gusty winds knocked a tree into a home in Lagunitas. More
than 50 trees toppled in Point Reyes National Seashore, including a 150-foot Douglas fir that
slammed into the picnic area at the Bear Valley Visitor Center in Olema. Winds in the National
Seashore were estimated between 80-100 mph. Manaka’s Inverness Lodge burned to the
ground in a fire triggered by a falling tree.
1/19/2010 - High winds brought an 18-inch diameter tree and power lines down along Lucas
Valley Road about one-half mile east of Nicasio Valley Road blocking both lanes of traffic.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
·111-
~
/21-tAW;,ti,11 +
Wl:ND ZON ES lN THE UN IT.ED STAT ES*'
OTHER 00.NS!DERATIO,NS
~ ,~'WlodR'l'iJ!o!li
i\~-::;!3 ,., rh,mfieonc,,~p,lbl'c RcglOi;l
~ Wind S::iocd moosu rilil1,1 crtlc na
ll!l'(I 1»1'1$if1C'l"!t ,to ASCE 7-98
-J,s;ccol'l(li:J~
-33 IOOt ,:llli'.M;! {lfll.d\"!
-~9ll'OC
WiN O ZO·NES
1:=1 z:o --e.r
(130¾1
!=i ZONEII
~ (160 wl'ijll'IJ
Z·OllE."1 ---(200.mptit
-.:ZONl::,r\i
(15(1~}
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
284
1/20/2010 - Strong winds and saturated soil combined to knock over a 50-foot Douglas fir tree
along Turnagain Road in Kentfield.
10/24/2010 – A tree knocked down a power line when it fell in Inverness Park near the
intersection of Portola Avenue and Vallejo Avenue.
2/15/2011 – High winds knocked down more than a dozen power poles across Marin County.
1/21/2012 – High winds caused over 4,000 homes to lose power across Marin County.
2/6/2015 – High winds blew multiple trees down onto Bear Valley Road near Inverness, closing
the road in both directions.
2017 - In Inverness, the boulevard was closed at Pierce Point Road because of fallen trees.
Nicasio Valley Road was closed between Sir Francis Drake Boulevard and Lucas Valley Road
while crews removed fallen trees.
1/2023 – In Bolinas, extreme high winds estimated at close to 100 mph knocked down
numerous trees across Mesa Road, closing the road several times, causing power outages and,
in one case, injury.
Impacts
Straight-line winds may exacerbate existing weather conditions by increasing the effect on
temperature and decreasing visibility due to the movement of particulate matters through the air,
as in dust and snow storms. The winds may also exacerbate fire conditions by drying out the
ground cover, propelling fuel around the region, and increasing the ferocity of exiting fires.
These winds may cause personal injury, damage crops, push automobiles off roads, damage
roofs and structures, overturn mobile homes, tear roofs off of houses, topple trees, snap power
lines, shatter windows, sandblast paint from cars, and cause secondary damage due to flying
debris. Other associated hazards include utility outages, arcing power lines, debris blocking
streets, dust storms, and an occasional structure fire. Due to the wildfire threat posed by trees
falling or leaning on power lines as a result of high winds and other conditions, Pacific Gas and
Electric began initiating Public Safety Power shutoffs (PSPS) events after the 2017 Northern
California Wildfires and the 2018 Camp Fire (see wildfire profile) in order to prevent the start of
wildfires. These PSPS events can have numerous impacts on residents who rely on electricity
for cooling their homes, powering water pumps, keeping critical medical equipment operable
and other needs.
In the Marin County OA, storms with strong winds knock down trees and power lines nearly
every year and continue to slowly erode vulnerable coastal areas and critical inland ponds (i.e.
reservoirs/dams, berms/levees around stormwater detention ponds, wastewater
treatment/storage ponds). Although the entire OA is affected by wind, coastal areas tend to be
impacted more frequently by the strongest winds (9+ on the Beaufort scale) than inland areas.
The Marin County OA’s coastal areas have small resident populations but large visiting
populations, such as Muir Beach, Stinson Beach, and Bolinas that can be impacted by strong
winds. Beachgoers and boaters would be particularly impacted by wind hazards. Tourism is a
key part of the economy in Marin County, particularly in coastal communities, and thus there are
potentially significant economic impacts of wind events. Some communities, such as Oceana
Marin and Olema, rely on water and wastewater infrastructure that has potential to be impacted
by coastal erosion, wind driving up wave elevations, and erosion from waves forming due to
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
285
wind over treatment and storage ponds. Inland critical ponds are also impacted by wind-driven
wave erosion such as dams on drinking water reservoirs, and levees/berms containing
stormwater retention and detention ponds. Across the county powerlines are potentially
impacted by wind, potentially affecting commercial, industrial, and residential areas, and most
years downed trees lead to temporary road closures.
Extent and Probability
The Marin County OA’s most damaging wind events tend to range between 7 and 11 on the
Beaufort scale, or 30 to 60 knots. These wind strengths are characterized as high wind to
violent storm. Thus, most years whole trees are put in motion and the ocean heaps up and
white foam and spindrift form. Slight structural damage and uprooted trees can result
occasionally. Wind events and associated damages are expected to continue to occur several
times per year.
Table 3.17: Marin County OA Hazard Risk Assessment – Severe Weather; Wind
and Tornado
Jurisdiction
Probability/
Likelihood
of Future
Events
Geographic
Extent Magnitude/
Severity
Climate
Change
Influence Significance Risk
Score
Marin County Highly
Likely Extensive Moderate High Medium 15.00
City of
Belvedere
Highly
Likely Extensive Moderate High Medium 15.00
Town of
Corte Madera Likely Negligible Weak Low Low 7.00
Town of
Fairfax Likely Limited Moderate Medium Medium 11.00
City of
Larkspur Likely Extensive Moderate High Medium 14.00
City of
Mill Valley
Highly
Likely Significant Moderate High Medium 14.00
City of
Novato Likely Extensive Weak Medium Medium 12.00
Town of
Ross Occasional Significant Moderate Medium Medium 11.00
Town of
San Anselmo Likely Extensive Extreme High High 17.00
City of
San Rafael Occasional Extensive Moderate Medium Medium 12.00
City of
Sausalito Likely Significant Moderate Medium Medium 12.00
Town of
Tiburon
Highly
Likely Extensive Moderate High Medium 15.00
1 ~<;>U·N· TY OF a
~ARIN ~
I I I I I I
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
286
Bolinas
Public Utility
District
Highly
Likely Extensive Moderate High High 15.00
Las Gallinas
Valley
Sanitary
District
Likely Negligible Weak Medium Medium 9.00
North Marin
Water
District
Likely Extensive Weak Medium Medium 12.00
Southern
Marin Fire
District
Likely Significant Moderate High Medium 13.00
Table 3.17: Marin County OA Hazard Risk Assessment – Severe Weather; Wind
Source: Profiled Jurisdictions and Districts
Vulnerability
Areas of the Marin County OA, including the unincorporated area – coastal, mountainous and
inland valleys where there are power lines, roads, and creeks/bridges, and ponded water for
infrastructure (stormwater, wastewater, drinking water purposes), are particularly vulnerable to
disruption due to wind damage, as are private structures with nearby trees. Certain locations
are even more susceptible to damage due to building construction and the amount of tree
canopy. Trees can fall on power lines, sparking wildfires and causing power outages. Trees
can also fall on people and cars. People who live in homes with large tree branches over their
roofs are particularly susceptible to high winds. Mobile home parks are vulnerable to high wind
due to their light frame construction. Aviation vehicles, including small airplanes, are also
susceptible to high winds and potential issues can arise when they are taking off and landing.
Specific building codes should be considered for construction in Special Wind Regions. The
systems that are most vulnerable are those that wouldn’t be able to be fully repaired quickly
should there be a catastrophic failure during an extreme wind event, such as a breach of a
levee or dam due to wave erosion. Some examples of vulnerable facilities include:
• Oceana Marin Force Main Pump Station is 60 feet from the edge of a coastal bluff.
• Coastal erosion rates up to 4.4 feet/year were anticipated in the Dillon Beach area
(where Oceana Marin is located) according to a 2003 Cliff and Erosion Technical
Background report prepared to support a Marin County Local Coastal Program update.
Although only a small community would be affected by the failure, it would be a long time
before the critical water supply facility could be replaced. Additionally, the community
has a sewer line potentially vulnerable to coastal erosion.
• Wind driven waves could flood the Olema Domestic Water Pump Station which would
cause electrical and water supply failure to 43 residents, 3 hotels, a church, and a
campground.
• Stafford Dam’s (earthen) upstream face is subject to wind and wave action which has
been eroding the gunite and welded wire reinforcement. A catastrophic failure could lead
to inundation of the City of Novato and areas of the unincorporated County around it
(see the subsection on Dam Failure for vulnerability analysis).
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
287
Tornado
Tornadoes are rotating columns of air marked by a funnel-shaped downward extension of a
cumulonimbus cloud whirling at destructive speeds of up to 300 mph, usually accompanying a
thunderstorm. Tornadoes are the most powerful storms that exist, and damage paths can be in
excess of one mile wide and 50 miles long. The Enhanced Fujita Scale (see Figure 3.137) is
commonly used to rate the intensity of tornadoes in the United States based on the damages
that they cause.
Figure 3.137: Enhanced Fujita Scale
Source: NOAA
Tornadic waterspouts are tornadoes that form over water, or move from land to water. They
have the same characteristics as a land tornado. They are associated with severe
thunderstorms, and are often accompanied by high winds and seas, large hail, and frequent
dangerous lightning.
1 ~<;>U·N· TY OF a
~ARIN ~
.J. _________________ _
Enhanced Fujita Scale
. ~ • .... : '
·' . .... -......
EF-1
EF-2
EF-3
EF-4
65-85 mph winds
86-110 mph winds
111-135 mph winds
136-165 mph winds
166-200 mph winds
>200 mph winds
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
288
Figure 3.138: Waterspout Formation
Source: MarineInsights
Location and Previous Occurrences
Compared to the areas east of the Rocky Mountains, tornado occurrence over the western
United States is much less frequent and even more rare across the Marin County OA due to its
topography. A tornado in the Marin County OA would most likely begin as an off-shore
waterspout that comes ashore off the coast and transitions into a tornado over lower-lying
terrain, particularly in the area of Tomales Bay. Tornadoes could also form in the low-lying
northerly parts of the OA near Sonoma County.
Table 3.18: shows a map of all tornado activity in the Marin County OA since 1973.
Column Definitions: 'Mag': Magnitude, 'Dth': Deaths, 'Inj': Injuries, 'PrD': Property Damage, 'CrD':
Crop Damage
Table 3.18: Tornados Activity in the Marin County OA
Location County/Zone St. Date Time T.Z. Type Mag Dth Inj PrD CrD
TOMALES MARIN CO. CA 12/23/1996 10:00 PST Tornado F1 0 0 200.00K 5.00K
Totals: 0 0 200.00K 5.00K
Table 3.18: Tornado Activity in the Marin County OA
Source: NOAA
From 1950 to 2020, there has been only one recorded tornado in the Marin County OA
according to the National Weather Service. An EF-1 touched down in Tomales on December
23rd, 1996. This storm began over the ocean as a waterspout that moved in land. It destroyed a
large barn and 10 large eucalyptus trees, and five telephone poles. It also ripped the roof off
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
WATERSPOUTS AT SEA
IT'S NOT SEAWATER
INSIDE WATERSPOUTS
The clouds gather. and
water condensation
leads to a swirling mass
of water droplets.
WIND VELOCITY
Accordi ng to NOAA, an
average waterspout is around
SO meters in diameter. and its
associated wind moves at 50
miles an hour.
I I
TORNADIC AND NON-
TORNADIC WATER
SPOUTS
A tornadic waterspout Is
associated with
~~Y1~i~;ti~~~~~~Ti~fu~~~-
Fair·weathe, waterspouts
need warm water to develop
along the dark flat base of a
line of growing cumulus
clouds.
THE EARLIEST
WATERSPOUTS
In 1555, at the Grand
Harbour of Valletta.
I I
CAN BE
DESTRUCTIVE
I I I I
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
289
another house. A farmer was in the barn when it was blown over but he was not injured. There
were over $200,000 in damages. At least two other waterspouts were reported as well as
heavy rain and small hail in the Tomales Bay area. Larger and more destructive tornados have
occurred just north of the Marin County OA in Sonoma County, including an EF 2 tornado near
Petaluma in 1958 and an EF 1 tornado near Santa Rosa in 1996 that caused over $1 million in
damages.
Impacts
Tornadoes can cause damage to property and loss of life. While most tornado damage is
caused by violent winds, the majority of injuries and deaths generally result from flying debris.
Property damage can include damage to buildings, fallen trees and power lines, broken gas
lines, broken sewer and water mains, and the outbreak of fires. Agricultural crops and
industries may also be damaged or destroyed. Access roads and streets may be blocked by
debris, delaying necessary emergency response.
Extent and Probability
The Marin County OA would most likely experience an EF-0 or an EF-1 tornado, with little to
moderate damage. The potential does exist for an EF-0 or an EF-1 tornado to cause injury and
death.
While unlikely, a stronger EF-2 tornado does have the potential to occur in the Marin County OA
and could cause considerable damages to buildings and infrastructure. Such a tornado could
destroy mobile homes, tear roofs off well-constructed houses, shift the foundations of frame
houses, and lift cars off the ground.
The probability of a tornado occurring in the Marin County OA is extremely rare.
Vulnerability
As with high winds, certain locations are more susceptible to damage due to building
construction and the amount of tree canopy. Trees can fall on power lines and cause power
outages and can also fall on people and cars. Power lines, transmission lines, and radio towers
are all vulnerable to a direct hit from a tornado. A greater amount of property is vulnerable to
damage from a tornado than a regular wind due to the higher wind speeds of tornado. Mobile
home parks are vulnerable to tornadoes due to their light frame construction, as are industrial
and commercial sites with loose materials. Aviation vehicles, including small airplanes, are also
susceptible to tornadoes.
Climate Change and Future Development Considerations
It is anticipated that the atmospheric rivers that deliver storms to Northern California may
intensify because of climate change. This increase in storm intensity may bring more intense
winds and potential tornados to Northern California, including the Marin County OA. Significant
wind events and tornadoes can topple trees, particularly those that may be saturated, or drought
stressed as a result of climate change. An increase in fallen trees as a result of increased
storms due to climate change can lead to an increase in power outages. Future development in
any of the forested areas of the Marin County OA will increase the effects of severe wind
events.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
290
3.3.11 TSUNAMI
Tsunamis consist of waves generated by large disturbances of the sea floor, which are caused
by volcanic eruptions, landslides or earthquakes. Shallow earthquakes along dip slip faults are
more likely to be sources of tsunami than those along strike slip faults. The West Coast/Alaska
Tsunami Warning Center (WC/ATWC) is responsible for tsunami warnings. Tsunamis are often
incorrectly referred to as tidal waves. They are actually a series of waves that can travel at
speeds averaging 450 (and up to 600) miles per hour with unusual wave heights. Tsunamis can
reach the beach before warnings are issued.
Location and Previous Occurrences
Tsunamis could occur in numerous areas of the Marin County OA. The California Department
of Conservation updated the tsunami hazard maps for Marin County in 2022. Figure 3.139
shows all the tsunami inundation areas of the Marin County OA.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
291
Figure 3.139: Tsunami Inundation Zones in the Marin County OA
Source: Marin County OEM
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
e Dams
a ~
Legend
• Mi litary and Civil
Defense Installations
Communication
Facilities
Electric Power Facilities
Wastewater Facilities
e Wate r Supp ly Fac ilities
Airports
Mar in Cou nty
Tsunami
DIIICIOI
EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT
IOI
• • •
•
• •
•
Emergency Operations
Centers
Fire Stations
Hospitals and Medical
Faci lities
Police / Sheriff Stations
Schools
Tsunami Inundation
•
0
Marin County OEM / Woody Baker -Cohn
email: OEM _GIS@MarinCounty.org
Date Printed : 10/19/23
12
37
~an
N
County of Marin, callfornia State Parks, Esri, HERE, Garmin, SafeGraph, Geo Technologies, Inc, METI/NASA, USGS, Bureau of Land Management, EPA, NPS,
USDA, County of Marin, california State Parks, Esri , HERE, Garmin, SafeGraph , FAO, METI/NASA, USGS, Bureau of Land Management, EPA, NPS
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
292
Tsunami inundation zones extend into several unincorporated communities in Marin County
which are shown below.
Figures 3.140 and 3.141 show the tsunami inundation zone in and around Inverness.
Figure 3.140: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Inverness Area
Source: California Department of Conservation, 11/27/23
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
0 '
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
293
Figure 3.141: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Inverness
Source: California Department of Conservation, 11/27/23
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
~
lnveme<;,;
'tlolunt-f!M
nr• Dep..1rtmc"t1!
lWl
b·l11erntss
l-!br.:i,y
Poi11t Reye-s
StupwteCk5
f.fGrCJneJfi
Pork
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
294
Figure 3.142 shows the tsunami inundation zone south of Inverness.
Figure 3.142: Tsunami Inundation Zone – South of Inverness
Source: California Department of Conservation, 11/27/23
l ~<;>U·N·TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
Dr•k,,\,~0,
¼
~'p.
t ~
~~
°"'liJ"11l<N~
/✓
~IW.'-"•
,-,
✓
~
l
Tomares
Bay Ecological
Reserve
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
295
Figure 1.143 shows the tsunami inundation zone around Inverness Park and Point Reyes.
Figure 3.143: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Inverness Park and Point Reyes
Source: California Department of Conservation, 11/27/23
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
296
Figure 3.144 shows the tsunami inundation zone around Reynolds and Marshall.
Figure 3.144: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Reynolds and Marshall
Source: California Department of Conservation, 11/27/23
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
Morconi
Conference
Cen1er
Stare His1or,c
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
297
Figure 3.145 shows the tsunami inundation zone around McDonald and Blakes Landing.
Figure 3.145: Tsunami Inundation Zone – McDonald and Blakes Landing
Source: California Department of Conservation, 11/27/23
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
McDo nald
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
298
Figure 3.146 shows the tsunami inundation zone south of Tomales.
Figure 3.146: Tsunami Inundation Zone – South of Tomales
Source: California Department of Conservation, 11/27/23
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
"}f
~
a ~
1/
/
/
,
/
'
,·
J.i
i/
/
I
!
!
I
!
,.
/
1
'
/
.'
.'
I
' j
,./
i:o--~~-·,
\ ·,.,
\ '.
\
I
\
'·, ·~ -~ ·,
7 -~.I'•,
\
\
/ \
/, ,•-.... ·,
(
\
1 ,.~ ,.
i
r
/
,'
1 ·~
'
,
!,
I
\
\
\
'
... ,·-
:
I ,·
j
j
I
! :
I
,'
;
!
,'
~/·
; ,.~·
' 1'
.~· ,
(
/
,
, ,
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
299
Figure 3.147 and 3.14 8 shows the tsunami inundation zone in and around Dillon Beach.
Figure 3.147: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Dillon Beach Area
Source: California Department of Conservation, 11/27/23
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
' ' ·,
1. ; ' . . ' ,.
'!
' ,: ........
' ....... _
-,\, __
..
SU~r1oof
Hill
61m
·, .
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
300
Figure 3.148: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Dillon Beach
Source: California Department of Conservation, 11/27/23
Figure 3.149 shows the tsunami inundation zone around the northern Bolinas Lagoon.
Figure 3.149: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Bolinas Lagoon North
Source: California Department of Conservation, 11/27/23
l ~<;>U·N·TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
j
l
I
J ✓/
I
,,,
t ~---.,o, ..... , ... .-
., ~ ,,../ "' ..
/
~·/ /
/
/
1:-
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
301
Figures 3.150, 3.151 and 3.152 shows the tsunami inundation zone in and around Bolinas.
Figure 3.150: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Bolinas Area
Source: California Department of Conservation, 11/27/23
l ~<;>U·N·TY OF
~ARIN
...
a ~
" i ,,
'¾,
., .
.,;I,..,
; ..
1
. .,
6
"
#",#
...
;
'
Bolinas
Lag oon
Open Spore
Preserve
iJ:JJ,rJU!i
Loau1.H
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
302
Figure 3.151: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Bolinas Core
Source: California Department of Conservation, 11/27/23
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
1;e.ir:ice Jlwenue
C'.in)"()nRoacl
Bol•n,is
811(]tll(Jri
.1\-.if'n ,.r-
!. Whad
Roa<l
,i1--1ir7r
'?r1 ,: 81-n.'
(1,:..·_.1
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
303
Figure 3.152: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Bolinas North
Source: California Department of Conservation, 11/27/23
Figure 3.153 and 3.154 shows the tsunami inundation zone in and around Stinson Beach.
Figure 3.153: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Stinson Beach Area
Source: California Department of Conservation, 11/27/23
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
"
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
304
Figure 3.154: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Stinson Beach
Source: California Department of Conservation, 11/27/23
1 ~<?U·N· TY OF a
~ARIN ~
p Q
o;;;rlr.<;0 11
BNch
P,>r l..,ng
Lu<
p •
• ;;::; ,,. -
c,tm son Arenal Avenue --l!cJ~~l /'} It.
Pc 51 o_rf<e
p
0
St inton
6 e ,1,ti
'.vi~•tor
•(PnH•r
p
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
305
Figure 3.155 shows the tsunami inundation zone in Muir Beach.
Figure 3.155: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Muir Beach
Source: California Department of Conservation, 11/27/23
rt;\ ~
.J'
, "" .,I ~~ (
'
"~ \. \
Inn ,/'......._\
f ......... .. \
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
306
Figure 3.156 and 3.15 7 shows the tsunami inundation zone in Tamalpais Valley.
Figure 3.156: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Tamalpais Valley South
Source: California Department of Conservation, 11/27/23
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
l
i
a ~
Sh,,,,r...,. ~~• 'Ir (.•rrl
~·t~:::
.L,·••·u• //
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
307
Figure 3.157: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Tamalpais Valley North
Source: California Department of Conservation, 11/27/23
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
1 i
,
J
~~
a ~
. ..,,
,J&,-,J-•
'~
Ci)' .. "'1-.Js..--.ai;;...-.L.
J
l
f
I .. ~ I /' ,,,
/
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
308
Figure 3.158 shows the tsunami inundation zone in Marin City.
Figure 3.158: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Marin City
Source: California Department of Conservation, 11/27/23
Figure 3.159 shows the tsunami inundation zone in Manzanita.
Figure 3.159: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Manzanita
Source: California Department of Conservation, 11/27/23
U.N. TYOF a
ARIN ~~-~:~----~
,.. .,,,.,
/,',(Jt/1(1
iul/i,i
l,1. ::::.1:..,
----
••••• ••...... '~.,,
:··t7~~.\'..,
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
309
Figure 3.160 and 3.15 61 shows the tsunami inundation zone in Strawberry.
Figure 3.160: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Strawberry South
Source: California Department of Conservation, 11/27/23
l ~<;>U·N·TY OF
~ARIN
Ric r son
B rdg~
V.1/1:,
"'' '
a ~
~"' ,,.,1,,
ii.u·I ·,
.Arornb,:..ro
J:s rrm6
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
310
Figure 3.161 shows the tsunami inundation zone in the unincorporated area of the Tiburon
Peninsula.
Figure 3.161: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Unincorporated Tiburon Peninsula
Source: California Department of Conservation, 11/27/23
Figure 3.162 shows the tsunami inundation zone in Paradise Cay.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
311
Figure 3.162: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Paradise Cay
Source: California Department of Conservation, 11/27/23
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
.I
,/
, ..... ~~~--
, ng ,1ou11 tain
185m
a ~
Tr imcl ,1-d D I rW'
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
312
Figure 3.163: North Marin Tsunami Inundation Zones
Source: Marin County OEM
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
,11
Olompal, State
Historic Park
e Dams
Communication
Facilities
Marin County
Airport-Gnoss
Fi eld
Legend
North Marin
Tsunami
Fire Stations
Hospitals and Medica l
Facil ities
'al
Police / Sheriff Stations
Schools
Electric Power Facil it ies
Airports
Emergency Operations
Centers
Tsunami Inundation
County of Marin, ca11tornia State Parks, Esri, HERE, Ga
"'1arm Counh
DfllctOI
EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT
1.7
Miles
Bak -
nty.
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
313
Figure 3.164: Santa Venetia Tsunami Inundation Zones
Source: Marin County OEM
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
Communiration
Facil it ies
Wastewater Fac ilities
Airports
Emergency Operations
Centers
Santa Venetia
Tsunami
Hospitals and Medica l
Facilities
Police / Sheriff Stations
Schools
CJ Building Footprints
-Tsunami Inundation
DfllctOI
EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT
0.7
••c::=••••■Miles
0 0.2 0 .3
in County OEM·ifuWdy_tBaker-Cohn
ail: OEM _GIS@Ma'rl ~otrn\ly.org ~
ate Printed : 10/19/23 N
ERE, Gannin, SafeGraph, Geo
, Esri, HERE, Garmin, SafeGrap
~og,~j/lffe"METI/NASA, USGS, Bureau of Land Management, EPA, NPS,
ies, Inc, METI/NASA, USGS, Bureau of Land Management, EPA,
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
314
Figure 3.165: Greenbrae Tsunami Inundation Zones
Source: Marin County OEM
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
Aoun In
Blithedale
Summit
Communication
Facilities
Legend
Electric Power Facil it ies
Wastewater Facil ities
Emergency Operations
Centers
Green brae
Tsun ami
Fire Stations
Hospitals and Medica l
Facil it ies
Police / Sheriff Stations
Schools
ail: OEM _
ate Printed : 1
DIIICUII
EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT
~
N
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
315
Figure 3.166: Richardson Bay Tsunami Inundation Zones
Source: Marin County OEM
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
• Military and Civil
Defense Installations
Communic.ation
Facilities
Electric Power Facil it ies
Wastewater Facil ities
Airports
Rich a rd son Bay
Tsunami
Emergency Operations
Centers
Fire Stations
Hospitals and Medica l
Facil it ies
Police / Sheriff Stations
Schools
-Tsunami Inundation
0.4 0.8
DIIICUII
EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT
nty OEM / Woody Baker-
GIS@MarlnCounty,9)'.9"·,...
10/19/23 ,:,,-/
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
316
Figure 3.167: Tomales Bay Tsunami Inundation Zones
Source: Marin County OEM
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
lo
0
0
1) ""'
e.,
()
()
0 t>•
Legend
Fire St atio ns
Schools
D Bui lding Footprints
0
Tsuna mi In undati on
[? .
" ~
o O
~
<ti"'
0 "
p
o.
Tamales Bay
Tsun ami
DIIICIOI
EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT
I>
" ~ 0
() .. _co
0
Cl
<::i,"
.,,
fll.l , •
I) t'ari n County OEM / Woody Baker -Cohn
em a011: OEM _GIS @MarinCounty.org •
Date·'Printed:0 10/19/23
0 I'\ •
County of Marin, caltfornia St ate Parks, Esri, HERE, Garmin, SafeGraph, Geo Technologies, Inc, METI/NAs!?, USGS, Bureau of Land Management, EPA, NPS,
US DA, Esri Commun ity Maps Contributors, County of Marin, california State Parks, Esri, HERE'/'~rmin, Sares,/aph, GeoTechnologies, Inc, METI/NASA, USGS,
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
317
Figure 3.168: Bolinas – Stinson Tsunami Inundation Zones
Source: Marin County OEM
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
, ...
a ~
Solinas -St in so n
Tsun ami
DIIICUII
EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT
Legend
e Da ms
Co mmun ication
Fac il ities
Fire Sta t io ns
Hospita ls and Medical
Faci li t ie s
Schools
D Bui lding Footprints
-Tsunam i I nundation
0 0.3 0.5 1
Miles
Mari n Cou nty OEM / Woody Baker-C.ohn
email : OEM_GIS@MarinCounty.org
Date Pri nted : 10/19/23
1
N
County of Marin, CaUfomla State Parits, Esrl, HERE, Garmin, SafeGraph, GeoTechnologles, Inc, METI/NASA. USGS, Bureau of Land Management. EPA, NPS,
USDA, County of Marin, California Slate Parits, Esrl, HERE, Garmin, SafeGraph, GeoTechnologies, Inc, METI/NASA. USGS, Bureau of Land Management, EPA,
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
318
Tsunamis have caused loss of life and damaged property in Hawaii, Alaska and the West Coast
over the last hundred years. Over 80 tsunamis have been observed or recorded along the coast
of California in the past 150 years. Since 1946, there have been five tsunamis known to have
caused damage to ports and harbors in California with several impacting unincorporated Marin
County:
In 1960, a tsunami caused by a magnitude 9.5 earthquake offshore from Chile resulted in minor
inundation to the beach at Stinson Beach.
In 1964, a tsunami caused by a magnitude 9.2 earthquake offshore from Alaska resulted in 12
deaths in California and destroyed portions of downtown Crescent City. There was damage to
Lawson’s Pier in Tomales Bay. A man drowned in Bolinas.
A 2006 tsunami (originating in the Kurile Islands region) caused approximately $20 million in
damage to Crescent City harbor.
A 2010 tsunami (originating offshore from Chile) caused several million dollars in damage to
ports and harbors in the state.
A tsunami in 2011 caused by a magnitude 9.0 earthquake offshore of Japan killed one person at
the mouth of the Klamath River and caused up to $100 million damage to 27 ports, harbors, and
marinas throughout the state.
Impacts
Community exposure to tsunamis in California varies considerably—some communities may
experience great losses that reflect only a small part of their community and others may
experience relatively small losses that devastate them. Among the incorporated communities
and the unincorporated areas of the county are communities that have the highest number of
people and businesses in the tsunami‐inundation zone. The communities of Belvedere and
Sausalito have the highest percentages of people and businesses in this zone.
Extent and Probability
Tsunamis can travel at speeds of over 600 miles per hour in the open ocean and can grow to
over 50 feet in height when they approach a shallow shoreline, causing severe damage to
coastal development. Recent studies of the continental shelf off the California coast indicate a
potential for underwater landslides capable of generating damaging tsunamis that could
threaten coastal communities. Tsunamis are a relatively infrequent occurrence in the Marin
County OA.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
319
Table 3:19: Tsunami Hazard Risk Assessment
Jurisdiction
Probability/
Likelihood
of Future
Events
Geographic
Extent Magnitude/
Severity
Climate
Change
Influence Significance Risk
Score
Marin County Highly
Likely Limited Extreme Medium High 15.00
City of
Belvedere
Highly
Likely Significant Severe High High 16.00
Town of
Corte Madera Unlikely Limited Moderate Low Low 7.00
Town of
Fairfax None None None None None 0.00
City of
Larkspur Occasional Limited Extreme None High 11.00
City of
Mill Valley Unlikely Negligible Severe Medium Medium 9.00
City of
Novato Unlikely Negligible Weak None Low 4.00
Town of
Ross None None None None None 0.00
Town of
San Anselmo None None None None None 0.00
City of
San Rafael Unlikely Limited Moderate None Medium 7.00
City of
Sausalito None Limited Weak Low Low 5.00
Town of
Tiburon
Highly
Likely Limited Extreme Medium High 15.00
Bolinas
Public Utility
District
Occasional Limited Severe Low High 11.00
Las Gallinas
Valley
Sanitary
District
Unlikely Extensive Severe None Medium 10.00
North Marin
Water
District
Unlikely Negligible Extreme Low Low 8.00
Southern
Marin Fire
District
Likely Limited Moderate Low Low 8.00
Table 3.19: Marin County OA Hazard Risk Assessment - Tsunami
Source: Profiled Jurisdictions and Districts
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
320
Vulnerability
Some Marin County OA communities may be more vulnerable to tsunamis because of the
location and quality of the built environment. Several unincorporated communities could be
particularly susceptible to a tsunami:
Numerous shoreline homes, businesses, buildings and sections of Sir Francis Drake Boulevard
along the west shore of Tomales Bay from Seahaven down through Inverness to Inverness Park
lie in a tsunami inundation zone and could be susceptible to a tsunami. The downtown
commercial district of Inverness, including the Post Office and several businesses, lie in a
tsunami inundation zone and could be susceptible to a tsunami.
Numerous shoreline homes, businesses, buildings and sections of Highway 1 along the east
shore of Tomales Bay from Bivalve to Hamlet and up Keys Creek south of Tomales lie in a
tsunami inundation zone and could be susceptible to a tsunami. Low lying areas of Dillon
Beach, including the main beach parking area and access road, lie in a tsunami inundation zone
and could be susceptible to a tsunami.
Both the east and west sides of the Bolinas Lagoon lie in a tsunami inundation zone, including
all of Highway 1 on the west side from Stinson Beach to the intersection of Olema Bolinas Road
north of Bolinas. The northern end of Bolinas, including several homes, the Bolinas-Stinson
Elementary School, and a section of Horseshoe Hill Road, lie in a tsunami inundation zone and
could be susceptible to a tsunami. The community of Bolinas is particularly susceptible to a
tsunami as it could essentially be isolated with access roads north and south becoming flooded
in a tsunami. Most of the commercial center of Bolinas, including several businesses,
residences, the College of Marin-Bolinas Campus and the Bolinas Library lie in a tsunami
inundation zone and could be susceptible to a tsunami.
Most of Stinson Beach south of Highway 1, including Seadrift Road, Dipsea Road, and Calle del
Aroyo lie in a tsunami inundation zone, and there are hundreds of homes and buildings in this
area along with the Stinson Beach Fire Station #2 and the Water District office that could be
susceptible to a tsunami. The commercial center of Stinson Beach, including several
businesses, the entire beach area including access roads and parking lots, and a section of
Highway 1 lie in a tsunami inundation zone and could be susceptible to a tsunami.
A section of Muir Beach up Redwood Creek that includes several homes and businesses, the
Muir Beach Fire Station, and a section of Highway 1 lie in a tsunami inundation zone and could
be susceptible to a tsunami.
A large section of Tamalpais Valley, including smaller sections to the north adjacent to and
including the City of Mill Valley, lie in a tsunami inundation zone and could be susceptible to a
tsunami pushing water up Coyote Creek. There are hundreds of homes, commercial buildings,
the Southern Marin Fire Protection District Station #4 and part of Tamalpais Valley Elementary
School that lie in this area. Most of the commercial core of Marin City, including the Gateway
Shopping Center, the Martin Luther King Jr. Academy, the Marin City Fire Station, and
numerous residences lie in a tsunami inundation zone and could be susceptible to a tsunami.
The Waldo Point community consisting of dozens of floating homes in Richardson Bay could be
susceptible to a tsunami. The area around the intersection of Highways 1 and 101 including
the highways themselves, the Commodore Heliport and several businesses lie in a tsunami
inundation zone and could be susceptible to a tsunami.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
321
Both sides of the Strawberry Peninsula lie in a tsunami inundation zone and could be
susceptible to a tsunami. There are dozens of homes in this area along with numerous
commercial buildings, the Strawberry Point elementary school and a large section of Highway
101 that could be susceptible to a tsunami. There are also several homes in the northwest
corner of Strawberry near Alto that lie in a tsunami inundation zone and could be susceptible to
a tsunami.
The eastern side of the Tiburon Peninsula, where there are dozens of homes and buildings
along with the Sanitary District #5 - Paradise Cove Treatment Plant, lies in a tsunami inundation
zone and could be susceptible to a tsunami. Most of Paradise Cay lies in a tsunami inundation
zone. There are dozens of homes in this area that could be susceptible to a tsunami.
The southwest side of Kentfield lies in a tsunami inundation zone and could be susceptible to a
tsunami. There are dozens of homes and numerous businesses in this area along with the A.E.
Kent Middle School, the Anthony Bacich G. Elementary School, part of the parking lot for the
Marin General hospital, and most of the College of Marin campus and part of Sir Francis Drake
Boulevard. A small section of Greenbrae that consists of a few homes and a section of Sir
Francis Drake Boulevard, along with a small Section of California City that consists of a few
homes, lie in a tsunami inundation zone and could be susceptible to a tsunami. A large section
of San Quentin lies in a tsunami inundation zone and could be susceptible to a tsunami.
There are dozens of homes along San Pedro Road in the unincorporated county south of the
City of San Rafael that lie in a tsunami inundation zone and could be susceptible to a tsunami.
The McNear Brick Yard and parts of Point San Pedro lie in a tsunami inundation zone and could
be susceptible to a tsunami.
Most of northern Santa Venetia along the Santa Venitia Marsh and the South Fork of Galinas
Creek lies in a tsunami inundation zone and could be susceptible to a tsunami. There are
several hundred homes in this area along with numerous pump stations and several medical
facilities.
While most of Bel Marin Keys lies outside of a tsunami inundation zone, the far eastern side has
several homes that lie inside a tsunami inundation zone and could be susceptible to a tsunami.
The Hamilton Wetlands PG&E substation could also be susceptible to a tsunami, as it lies on
the fringe of a tsunami inundation zone.
Parts of the Black Point area close to the Petaluma River Marsh lie on the edge of a tsunami
inundation zone and could be susceptible to a tsunami. There are several homes in this area
that mostly lie at the end of cul de sacs.
The principal exposure to the Marin County OA will be people, buildings, and infrastructure
located in the low-lying potential inundation areas. Especially at risk are visitors, hikers,
campers, and non-residents who might be on the shore when the tsunami strikes.
Associated risks to tsunami include flooding, contamination of drinking water, ruptured tanks or
gas lines, lack of ingress and egress, and the loss of vital community infrastructure.
Climate Change and Future Development Considerations
The biggest threat to tsunamis is sea level rise which is a direct result of climate change. Sea
level rise can make tsunamis worse than they already are because higher sea levels allow for
tsunamis to travel further inland and cause even more damage. Sea level rise results in more
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
322
vulnerable coastlines which make coastal communities even more vulnerable to an incoming
tsunami as the natural buffer to absorb the energy of an incoming tsunami will cease to exist.
This is particularly true in the Marin County OA , where most of the developed population lies in
an area vulnerable to sea level rise. Furthermore, it has been theorized that ocean warming,
caused by climate change, can impact the tectonic plates that rest below large bodies of water.
Ultimately, this can result in more geological activities and worse tsunamis. Climate change has
also affected ocean patterns, which could eventually lead to tsunamis distributing themselves
across the ocean and impacting areas that are currently not susceptible to a tsunami. Tsunamis
as a result of climate change and associated sea level rise will exacerbate the impacts of
flooding in the lowland areas of the Marin County OA. Future development in these areas will
expose more people and infrastructure to the effects of flooding in the Marin County OA as
tsunami inundation areas expand with climate change. Development in marshland in the Marin
County OA would expose additional people and infrastructure to flooding as marshlands act as
a natural buffer to a tsunami. Flooding could be exacerbated in areas where levees could fail as
a result of high wave heights associated with a more significant tsunami.
3.3.12 WILDFIRE
A wildfire is a fire that occurs in an area of combustible vegetation. The three conditions
necessary for a wildfire to burn are fuel, heat, and oxygen. Fuel is any flammable material that
can burn, including vegetation, structures, and cars. The more fuel that exists and the drier that
fuel is, the more intense the fire can be. Wildfires can be started naturally through lightning or
combustion or can be set by humans. There are many sources of human-caused wildfires
including arson, power lines, a burning campfire, an idling vehicle, trains, and escaped
controlled burns. On average, four out of five wildfires are started by humans. Uncontrolled
wildfires fueled by wind and weather can burn acres of land and everything in their path in mere
minutes and can reach speeds up to 15 miles per hour. On average, more than 100,000
wildfires burn 4 to 5 million acres of land in the United States every year. Although wildfires can
occur in any state, they are most common in the Western states including California where heat,
drought, and thunderstorms create perfect wildfire conditions.
Wildfires are of primary concern when they occur in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI), which
is defined as areas where homes are built near or among lands prone to wildfire. Even
relatively small acreage fires may result in disastrous damages. Most structures in the WUI are
not destroyed from direct flame impingement, but from embers carried by wind. The damages
can be widely varying, but are primarily reported as damage to infrastructure, built environment,
and injuries to people. WUI fires have unique chemistry due to the combination of natural and
human-made fuels that are burned, which may lead to the formation or release of toxic
emissions not found in purely wildland fires.
The pattern of increased damages is directly related to increased urban spread into historical
forested areas that have wildfire as part of the natural ecosystem. Many WUI fire areas have
long histories of wildland fires that burned only vegetation in the past. However, with new
development, a wildland fire following a historical pattern may now burn these newly developed
areas. WUI fires can occur where there is a distinct boundary between the built and natural
areas or where development or infrastructure has encroached or is intermixed in the natural
area. WUI fires may include fires that occur in remote areas that have critical infrastructure
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
323
easements through them, including electrical transmission towers, railroads, water reservoirs,
communications relay sites or other infrastructure assets.
Consequently, wildland fires that burn in natural settings with little or no development are part of
a natural ecological cycle and may actually be beneficial to the landscape. Century old policies
of fire exclusion and aggressive suppression have given way to better understanding of the
importance fire plays in the natural cycle of certain forest types.
Warning times are usually adequate to ensure public safety, provided that evacuation
recommendations and orders are heeded in a timely manner. While in most cases wildfires are
contained within a week or two of outbreak, in certain cases, they have been known to burn for
months, or until they are completely extinguished by fall rains.
Wildfire poses the greatest risk to human life and property in the Marin County OA’s densely
populated WUI, which holds an estimated 69,000 living units. Marin County is home to 23
communities listed on CAL FIRE’s Communities at Risk list, with approximately 80% of the total
land area in the county designated as having moderate to very high fire hazard severity ratings.
The county has a long fire history with many large fires over the past decades, several of which
have occurred in the WUI. To compound the issue, national fire suppression policies and
practices have contributed to the continuous growth (and overgrowth) of vegetation resulting in
dangerous fuel loads. The Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) provides a scientifically
based assessment of wildfire threat in the WUI of the Marin County OA.
Fire protection in California is the responsibility of either the federal, state, or local government.
On federally owned land, or federal responsibility areas (FRA), fire protection is provided by the
federal government, or in partnership with local agreements. In state responsibility areas (SRA),
CAL FIRE typically provides fire protection. However, in some counties CAL FIRE contracts with
county fire departments to provide protection of the SRA – this is the case in Marin County,
where CAL FIRE contracts with Marin County Fire Department (MCFD). Local responsibility
areas (LRA) include incorporated cities and cultivated agriculture lands, and fire protection is
typically provided by city fire departments, fire protection districts, counties, and by CAL FIRE
under contract to local government.
The MCFD is responsible for the protection of approximately 200,000 acres of SRA within the
county and is the primary agency that handles wildland fires. MCFD also provides similar
protection services to approximately 100,000 acres of FRA in the Golden Gate National
Recreation Area (GGNRA), the Muir Woods National Monument, and the Point Reyes National
Seashore.
Figure 3.1 69 indicates the federal responsibility areas, state responsibility areas and local
responsibility areas in the Marin County OA.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
324
Figure 3.169: Federal, State and Local Responsibility Areas in the Marin County OA
Source: Marin County OEM
The mix of weather, diverse vegetation and fuel characteristics, complex topography, and land
use and development patterns in the Marin County OA are important contributors to the fire
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
Marin County
Fire Responsibility Areas
LRA /SRA/ FRA Respons ibility Areas
FRA
0
Pela luma
0
•
OlllCIOf
... EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT
El Verano
Sonoma
San Pablo Bay
Wildlife Area
SRA
LRA
Marin County OEM / Woody Baker -Cohn
emai l: OEM _G IS@MarinCounty.org
~an
Date Printed: 08/08/23 N
County of Marin, (alifomia State Parks, Esrl, HERE, Garmin, SafeGraph, FAO, METI/NASA, USGS, Bureau of Land Management, EPA, NPS
1(
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
325
environment. The MCFD Woodacre Emergency Command Center currently manages the data
from four Remote Automated Weather Stations (RAWS) for predicting fire danger utilizing the
National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS) during the fire season. The RAWS are located in
Woodacre, Middle Peak, Barnabe, Big Rock and a new station will be coming online in Novato.
Marin County is bounded by the cool waters of the Pacific Ocean to the west, the San Francisco
and Richardson Bays to the southeast, the San Pablo Bay to the east, and Sonoma County
agricultural lands to the north. The combination of these large bodies of water, location in the
mid-latitudes, and the persistent high pressure over the eastern Pacific Ocean results in several
micro-climates. Weather in the OA consists of warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The
climate in early fall and late spring is generally similar to the summer, and late fall is similar to
winter. Spring is generally cool, but not as wet as the winter. While these general weather
conditions are fairly representative of the typical Marin County weather, complex topography,
annual variability of weather patterns, and less frequent and transient weather patterns are
important to fire conditions.
In the late spring through early fall, the combination of frequent and strong high-pressure
systems (known as the Pacific High) over California combined with the cool waters of the
ocean/bays results in persistent fog and low clouds along the coast (including over southern
Marin County near the San Francisco Bay). The fog often penetrates into the inland valleys of
northern and central Marin County, especially during overnight hours. At the coastline, mist from
fog can keep the land surfaces modestly moist while inland land surfaces above the fog or
inversion are often very dry.
The Pacific High that persists from late spring through early fall over the eastern Pacific,
combined with a thermal low pressure over the Central Valley of California, results in an almost
continuous sea breeze. These winds usher in cool and moist air and can be strong (15 to 25
mph), especially over the ridge tops and through northwest to southeast lying valleys, including
San Geronimo/Ross, Hicks, and Lucas Valleys. These westerly winds are usually highest in the
afternoon, decrease in the evening, and are light overnight before increasing again in the late
morning/early afternoon.
Occasionally in the summer and more often in the fall, the Pacific High moves inland and
centers over Oregon and Idaho, while low pressure moves from the Central Valley of California
to southern California and Arizona. The resulting north-to -south pressure gradient can be strong
enough to retard the typical sea breeze and can even result in winds blowing from the land to
the ocean (offshore winds). As the offshore winds move air from the Great Basin to the coastal
areas of California, the air descends and compresses, which greatly warms and dries the air.
Under these “Diablo” wind conditions, temperatures in the Marin County OA can reach 100°F in
the inland areas and even 80°F at the coast, and relative humidity can be very low. In addition,
wind speeds can be high (20 to 40 mph) and gusty and are often much faster over the
mountains and ridge tops such as Mt. Tamalpais, Loma Alta, and Mt. Burdell compared to low-
lying areas. Wind speeds can be high over the ridges and mountains at all times of day under
this “offshore” wind pattern and are often much slower or even calm at night in low-lying areas
because nighttime cooling decouples the aloft winds from the surface winds. It is during these
Diablo wind events that there is a high potential for large, wind-driven fires should there be an
ignition. Historically, the largest and most destructive fires have occurred during these offshore
(also known as Foehn) wind events including the Angel Island and the Vision fires.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
326
A few times per year in the summer and early fall, monsoonal flow from Mexico brings in moist
and unstable air over central and northern California, which can result in thunderstorms with or
without precipitation. With the otherwise dry summer conditions, the lightning can ignite fires.
These monsoonal flow patterns are usually only one to two-day events.
Beginning in late November and lasting through the end of March, the Pacific High moves south
and weakens, allowing storms that originate in the Gulf of Alaska to move over California.
These storms bring precipitation and, at times, strong winds out of the south. Each storm
usually results in one fourth inch to several inches of rain over a day or so. Near Mt. Tamalpais,
rainfall amounts are enhanced by orographic lifting, resulting in higher rain amounts in the
Kentfield and Fairfax areas compared to the rest of the county. Typically, after the first rain in
November, the cool weather and occasional storm keeps the ground wet through late Spring.
However, in some years, significant rain does not occur until later in the year (e.g., early-to-late
December) and there can be several weeks without any storms and rain. During storms,
temperatures are usually mild.
When there are no storms over California, a land-breeze typically forms (i.e., winds blowing
from the Central Valley to the Pacific Ocean). These winds can reach 30 mph, and travel
through the southeast to northwest lying valleys, over low-lying ridges such as the Marin
Headlands, and through the Golden Gate. These winds are usually highest in the mid-morning
hours and decrease in the afternoon as the Central Valley warms during the day. The winds are
associated with cold and modestly moist air.
In late February/early March through late April, the Pacific High strengthens and moves north,
and storms impacting the county become less frequent. During this time of year there is often a
low-pressure area over the desert in southwest California. The combination of the Pacific High
to the north and low-pressure to the southwest results in strong winds blowing from the
northwest to the southeast. Like the sea breeze, these winds bring in cool, moist air and are
usually highest in the afternoon hours. Because of winter and spring rains, the land is wet and
there is little danger of wildland fire despite the strong winds and only occasional precipitation.
There is often little coastal fog this time of year.
Vegetation, which is also known as fuel, plays a major role in fire behavior and potential fire
hazards. A fuel’s composition, including moisture level, chemical make-up, and density,
determines its degree of flammability. Of these, fuel moisture level is the most important
consideration. Generally, live trees contain a great deal of moisture while dead logs contain very
little. The moisture content and distribution of fuels define how quickly a fire can spread and how
intense or hot it may become. High moisture content will slow the burning process since heat
from the fire must first eliminate moisture.
In addition to moisture, a fuel’s chemical makeup determines how readily it will burn. Some
plants, shrubs, and trees such as chamise and eucalyptus (both present in the Marin County
OA) contain oils or resins that promote combustion, causing them to burn more easily, quickly,
and intensely.
Finally, the density of a fuel influences its flammability; when fuels are close together but not too
dense, they will ignite each other, causing the fuel to spread readily. However, if fuels are so
close that air cannot circulate easily, the fuel will not burn freely.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
327
The Marin County OA has extensive topographic diversity that supports a variety of vegetation
types.
Environmental factors, such as temperature, precipitation, soil type, aspect, slope, and land use
history, all help determine the existing vegetation at any given location. In the central and
eastern parts of the county, north facing slopes are usually densely wooded from lower
elevations to ridge peaks with a mixture of mostly hardwood tree species such as coast live oak,
California bay, Pacific madrone, and other oak species. Marshlands are also present throughout
the county; once ignited marsh fires can be difficult to contain and extinguish.
Grasslands with a mixture of native and nonnative annual and perennial plant species occur
most often in the northern and western parts of the county due to a combination of soil type,
lower rainfall, and a long history of ranching. The southern and western facing slopes tend to
have a higher percentage of grasslands, which in turn have the potential to experience higher
rates of fire spread. Grassland fires are dangerous even without extreme fire weather scenarios
due to the rapid rate of fire spread; in some cases, fires spread so quickly that large areas can
burn before response resources are able to arrive.
In the west portion of the county closer to the coast, where precipitation is higher and marine
influence is greater, most areas are densely forested with conifer species (i.e., Bishop pine,
Douglas-fir, and coast redwood) and associated hardwood species. Chaparral vegetation also
occurs in parts of the county, especially on steeper south and west facing slopes. This mix of
densely forested areas mixed with chaparral results in higher fuel loads and potentially higher
fire intensity. Expansion of the residential community into areas of heavier vegetation has
resulted in homes existing in close proximity to dense natural foliage; these homes are often
completely surrounded by highly combustible or tall vegetation, increasing the potential that
wildland fires could impact them.
As part of the development of the CWPP, an updated vegetation map layer was created using
the most recent vegetation information available from a variety of state and local data sources.
Vegetation distribution in the Marin County OA is characterized by approximately 20 different
types of vegetation which have been classified into 15 fire behavior fuel models.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
328
Figure 3.170: Fuel Model Map for the Marin County OA
Source: Marin Community Wildfire Protection Plan, 2020
Insect infestations and plant diseases, such as California oak mortality syndrome (sudden oak
death), are increasing and threaten to change the structure and overall health of native plant
communities in Marin County. Sudden oak death has no known cure and is the biggest concern;
this syndrome is caused by the fungus-like Phytophthora ramorum, which has led to widespread
mortality of several tree species in California since the mid-1990s; the tanoak (Lithocarpus
densiflorus) in particular appears to have little or no resistance to the disease. Sudden oak
death has resulted in stands of essentially dead trees with very low fuel moistures.
Studies examining the impacts of sudden oak death on fire behavior indicate that while
predicted surface fire behavior in sudden oak death stands seems to conform to a common fuel
model already in use for hardwood stands, the very low moisture content of dead tanoak leaves
may lead to crown ignitions more often during fires of “normal” intensity.
Two other plant diseases prevalent in the Marin County OA are pitch canker (which affects
conifers such as Bishop pine and other pine species), and madrone twig dieback (which affects
Pacific madrones). Pitch canker is caused by the fungus Fusarium circinatum (F. subglutinans,
F. sp. pini), which enters the tree through wounds caused by insects. While some trees do
recover, most infected trees are eventually killed by the fungus. Management of this disease
largely focuses on containment to reduce the fungus spreading to other trees. Pitch canker is a
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
Fuel Mode l
a ~
D 101 : Shoo, Sparse Ory Climate GraH
D 102: Law Load , Dry Climate Grus
D 104 : Moderate Load , Dry Clima te Grass
LJ 107: High Load. Dry Climate Cren
I=i 121 : Low Loed, Dry Climate Gre.ss-Shrub
Cl 141 : Low Load Dry Chmato Shrub
(:=) 142: Moderate lood Df"/ Chmate Shrub
145· H~h LoOO, Ory Climate Shrub
CJ 147. Very High Load. DryCC.rnatc Sh1ub
165· Very Hioh Load. Ory Climate Timber~Shn.Jb
1 tl1 -tow Lo AA Comp:w.:t Conifer Liner
18'2 · I ow l,o;.d RroMtleaf I Iner
-166: Moderat~ Load Broadleaf Litte r
-189: Very High Lo.ad Oroad!eaf Litter
-91 : Urban.1Developed
98 : Open 'Nater
c::J 99. Bart:" G11)und
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
329
particular issue in the NPS lands of Pt. Reyes National Seashore, where many acres of young
Bishop Pines that were seeded on the Inverness Ridge by the Mount Vision Fire of 1995 have
been infected.
These dead and dying trees have created large swaths of land with dense and dry fuel loads.
Madrone twig dieback is caused by the native fungus Botryosphaeria dothidea and appears to
be getting worse throughout the county due to drought effects on Pacific madrones. Three
additional threats to trees common to the Marin County OA include:
• Bark and ambrosia beetles (Monarthrum dentiger and monarthrum scutellare), which
target oak and tanoak trees. Sudden oak death may be exacerbating the effects of
beetle infestations which prey on trees already weakened by this disease.
• Root rot, caused by oak root fungus (Armillaria mellea), is primarily associated with oaks
and other hardwoods but also attacks conifers. These fungal infestations cause canopy
thinning and branch dieback and can kill mature trees. As with the beetle infestations,
sudden oak death may be exacerbating the effects of root rot fungus in the county
forests.
• Velvet-top fungus (Phaeolus schweinitzii) is a root rot fungus affecting Douglas-fir and
other conifers, with the infection typically occurring through a wound.
Topography characterizes the land surface features of an area in terms of elevation, aspect,
and slope. Aspect is the compass direction that a slope faces, which can have a strong
influence on surface temperature, and more importantly on fuel moistures. Both elevation and
aspect play an important role in the type of vegetation present, the length of the growing
season, and the amount of sunlight absorbed by vegetation. Generally, southern aspects
receive more solar radiation than northern aspects; the result is that soil and vegetation on
southern aspects is warmer and dryer than soil and vegetation on northern aspects. Slope is a
measure of land steepness and can significantly influence fire behavior as fire tends to spread
more rapidly on steeper slopes. For example, as slope increases from 20 – 40%, flame heights
can double and rates of fire spread can increase fourfold; from 40 – 60%, flame heights can
become three times higher and rates of spread can increase eightfold.
The Marin County OA is topographically diverse, with rolling hills, valleys and ridges that trend
from northwest to southeast. Elevation throughout the county varies considerably, with Mt.
Tamalpais’ peak resting at 2,574 feet above sea level and many communities at or near sea
level. Correspondingly, there is considerable diversity in slope percentages. The San Geronimo
Valley slopes run from level (in the valley itself) to near 70%. Mt. Barnabe has slopes that run
from 20 to70%, and Throckmorton ridge has slopes that range in steepness from 40 – 100%.
These slope changes can make fighting fires extremely difficult.
In the WUI where natural fuels and structure fuels are intermixed, fire behavior is complex and
difficult to predict. Research based on modeling, observations, and case studies in the WUI
indicates that structure ignitability during wildland fires depends largely on the characteristics
and building materials of the home and its immediate surroundings.
The dispersion of burning embers from wildfires is the most likely cause of home ignitions.
When embers land near or on a structure, they can ignite near-by vegetation or accumulated
debris on the roof or in the gutter. Embers can also enter the structure through openings such
as an open window or vent and could ignite the interior of the structure or debris in the attic.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
330
Wildfire can further ignite structures through direct flame contact and/or radiant heat. For this
reason, it is important that structures and property in the WUI are less prone to ignition by
ember dispersion, direct flame contact, and radiant heat.
Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) Events
As a result of the 2017 Northern California Wildfires, the 2018 Camp Fire in Butte County and
other wildfires caused by power line infrastructure, Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) began
initiating Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events in their service areas (including Marin
County) to help prevent the start of future wildfires. PG&E will initiate a PSPS if conditions
indicate potentially dangerous weather conditions in fire-prone areas due to strong winds, low
humidity, and dry vegetation. During these events, PG&E will proactively turn off power in high
fire risk areas to reduce the threat of wildfires. The most likely electric lines to be considered for
a public safety power outage will be those that pass through areas that have been designated
by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) High Fire-Threat District at elevated (Tier
2) or extreme risk (Tier 3) for wildfire. Customers outside of these areas could have their power
shut off, though, if their community relies upon a line that passes through a high fire-threat area
or an area experiencing severe weather. PG&E will consider numerous factors and analyze
historical data to help predict the likelihood of a wildfire occurring, and closely monitoring
weather watch alerts from the National Weather Service (NWS). These factors generally
include, but are not limited to:
• A Red Flag Warning declared by the National Weather Service
• Low humidity levels, generally 20 percent and below
• Forecasted sustained winds generally above 25 mph and wind gusts in excess of
approximately 45 mph, depending on location and site-specific conditions such as
temperature, terrain and local climate
• Condition of dry material on the ground and live vegetation (moisture content)
• On-the-ground, real-time observations from PG&E's Wildfire Safety Operations Center
and field crews
Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) operates a total of 1,179 miles of overhead electricity
transmission and distribution lines in the Marin County OA. Overhead electricity lines and poles
can be damaged or downed under severe weather conditions, particularly severe wind
conditions, which increases the potential for wildfire ignition. 52 percent of PG&E’s overhead
distribution lines and 41 percent of its overhead transmission lines are located in CPUC-
identified High-Fire Threat Districts subject to elevated or extreme fire risk. PG&E is currently
planning and implementing safety measures to prevent wildfires and reduce the impacts of
Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events on communities in the Marin County OA and
throughout California.
These measures include installing weather stations; installing high-definition cameras; installing
sectionalizing devices on its overhead lines to separate the grid into smaller sections; hardening
the system by installing stronger power poles, covering lines, and undergrounding lines in
targeted areas; creating temporary microgrids to provide electricity during PSPS events; and
enhancing existing vegetation management activities. From 2018 to July 2021, PG&E hardened
three miles of overhead lines, installed 68 transmission and distribution sectionalizing devices,
completed enhanced vegetation management on approximately 51 of overhead line miles,
installed 28 weather stations, and installed 12 high-definition cameras in the Marin County OA.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
331
Location and Previous Occurrences
In the time before the county was settled, fire was a natural part of the ecosystem. Much of the
vegetation in what is now the wildlands of Marin County depended on fire to renew itself by
removing old, dead fuel in order to make room for healthy new vegetation and promote the
growth of native plant species. Once the land was settled, business operators, landowners, and
homeowners had an interest in protecting the natural assets of Marin County and their own
investments. Uncontrolled fires had already burned large tracts in the past and valuable lumber,
structures, and field crops had been destroyed. A series of fires that occurred in the late 1800s
prompted the organization of the first fire departments in Marin County around the turn of the
century.
Since then, national fire suppression policies and practices (among other factors) have
contributed to the continuous growth (and overgrowth) of vegetation resulting in dangerous fuel
density, or fuel loads. Combined with this fuel accumulation, people have been building homes
closer and closer to wildlands, which is creating the WUI fire issues that are now present in
many parts of Marin County and the country.
Figure 3.171: Wildfire Ignition Points in the Marin County OA
Source: Marin Community Wildfire Protection Plan, 2020
Homes and structures located anywhere in and around the WUI are at a higher risk for
exposure to wildland fire. Fire can spread rapidly throughout WUI areas through adjacent
structures and/or vegetation, or by ember dispersion. Property owners in the WUI have a
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
Legend
Fire Ignition Type
0 oth er
0 Structu re
e Vegeta tion
e Veh ic le
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
332
responsibility to prepare their property for structure defense by providing adequate defensible
space and complying with WUI building codes and ordinances. The WUI boundaries for Marin
County were determined based on areas with high structure density and proximity to areas with
a high density of burnable fuels.
Figure 3.172: WUI Boundary in the Marin County OA
Source: Marin Community Wildfire Protection Plan, 2020
Approximately 60,000 acres—18% of the county’s land area—falls within the wildland urban
interface (WUI) where residences (i.e., homes and structures) are intermixed with open space
and wildland vegetation. Within Marin County, there are 96,195 parcels and 106,679 living units;
of these living units, an estimated 69,000 units are located in the WUI. A recent assessment by
the Marin County Fire Department (MCFD) revealed that these living units within the WUI are
valued at $59 billion (Marin County Fire Department, 2015). Because of the mix and density of
structure and natural fuels combined with limited access and egress routes, fire management
becomes more complex in WUI environments. In Marin County specifically, many of the access
roads within the WUI are narrow and winding and are often on hillsides with overgrown
vegetation, making it even more difficult and costly to reduce fire hazards, fight wildfires, and
protect homes and lives in these areas.
To quantify the potential risk from wildfires, CalFire has developed a Fire Hazard Severity Scale
which uses three criteria in order to evaluate and designate potential fire hazards in wildland
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
333
areas. The criteria are fuel loading (vegetation), fire weather (winds, temperatures, humidity
levels and fuel moisture contents) and topography (degree of slope). In 2022, CalFire began
the process of updating the 2007 map of the Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) statewide. It is
projected that the Very High Fire Severity Zone (VHFSZ) will grow significantly in the Mount
Tamalpais watershed area between Mill Valley and Muir Beach, and in the area of Inverness
and Marshall. Most of western Marin County that used to fall under the Moderate Fire Severity
Zone (MFSZ) is projected to change to High Fire Severity Zone (HFSZ). As the new FHSZ
maps are still pending final approval as of 2023, the Marin County OA has been advised by
CalFire to use the 2007 FHSZ maps as current for wildfire analysis in the 2023 Marin County
OA MJHMP. The updated FHSZ maps planned for final approval in 2024 will be used for
wildlife analysis in the 2028 Marin County OA MJHM. Figure 3.17 3 shows the current 2007
map of the FHSZ for Marin County.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
334
Figure 3.173: Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) in the Marin County OA
Source: Marin OEM, CALFIRE
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
DfllctOI Marin County / Full County
Fi re Severity EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT
/
(
1
I
I
/
/
/
r----_J
--·-----,./
Legend
Fire Severity Zone
Very High
High
Moderate
Non-Wi ld land /Non-
Urban
C Urban Unzoned
10 1
\
p
115
0
Marin County OEM / Woody Ba ker-Cohn
emai l: OEM _GIS @Ma rinCo unty.org
Date Prin ted : 09/27/23
121
County of Marin, california State Parks, Esri, HERE, Garmin, SafeGraph, GeoTechnologies, Inc, METI/NASA, USGS, Bureau of Land Management, EPA, NPS,
USDA, County of Marin, (alifornia State Porks, Esri, HERE, Garmin, SafeGraph, FAO, METI/NASA, USGS, Bureau of Land Management, EPA, NPS
12
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
335
Figure 3.174: Marin County Wildfire Susceptibility to Critical Facilities
Source: Marin County OEM
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
I
\
> (
I
I
I
/
I
• Dams
Military and Ovll
Defense Installations
Communication
Facilities
Electric Power Fadlitles
Wastewater Facil ities • Water Supply Facilities
•
•
Legend
Airports
Emergency Operations
Center.;
Fire Stations
Hospitals and Medical
Fadhties
Police / She<iff Stations
SChools
Marin Cou nty
Fire
DIIICIOI
EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT
101
• • •
•
•
•
Fir e Severity Zone
Very High
High
Moderate
Non-Wildland/Non-
Urban
,---, Urban Unzoned
•
•
•
0 2 .5
Mari n Cou nty OE M / Wo ody Baker-Co hn
emai l: OEM _GIS @Ma rin County.org
Date Printed: 10/3 0/23
12
21
37
N
County of Marin, californ ia State Parks, Esri, HERE, Garmin, SafeGraph, Geo Technologies, Inc, METI/NASA, USGS, Bureau of Land Management, EPA, NPS,
USDA, County of Marin, califomia State Parks, Esri, HERE, Ga rmin, SafeGraph, FAO, METI/NASA, USGS, Bu reau of Land Management, EPA, NPS
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
336
As of 2007, several unincorporated communities in Marin County lie in moderate to very high
wildfire hazard severity zones, which are shown below.
Figure 3.175 shows the fire hazard severity zones in and around Lagunitas, Forest Knolls and
San Geronimo.
Figure 3.175: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Lagunitas, Forest Knolls, San Geronimo and Woodacre
Source: CalFire, 11/27/23
Figure 3.176 shows the fire hazard severity zones in and around Woodacre.
Figure 3.176: Fire Hazard Severity Zones –Woodacre
Source: CalFire, 11/27/23
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
'\ \;
" ( \
l ,,. ,
I ., ·--,
\
' ' ·-.... ·,
.,\ '-, ,/
'I
f
·-"" ✓-
_ .........
\.
i
J
I
1-.1.-
°""'"1<,w.~ ....,,,.
·"·• .I
\ !
/
I ,
I \ ·--,/ I
'\ \
l
\ ' \
i \ " \
', ...
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
337
Figure 3.177: Fire Hazard Severity Zones –Woodacre Area
Source: CalFire
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
Marin County / Wood acre Area
Fire •
omc101
EMERGENCY
-MANAGEMENT
. Forest Knol l s agunitas ,
r
San Geron i mo _,..,..., ,,. -,_
l.1,,...--i_.t
Ga ry Giacomin i
Open Space
Legend
e Dams
Electric Power Facilities
Em ergen cy Operations
Centers
Fire Stations
Schoo ls
Fire Severity Zone
Very Hig h
-High
Moderate
Sir Francis ora\<e eivd
I _,.,.~.,.wood acre
,>
0'
m r=:-7
7
C ,.,__
l
Meadow
Country Club
l
_J
J ,..1-,,,~__,
C ) IC
0 .3 0.7 '1 -" U 3
••-===-••111111111111!1!,Miles , .... ,,.,,nr
Marin County OEM / WoodyL Bak1e r-Cohn
email : OEM_GIS @MarinCo unty.org 1
Date Printed : 10/30/23 ,..,.r ~
N
le
'-i
Co un ty of Marin, Ca lifornia State Parks, Esri, HERE, Garmi n, SafeGraph, Geo Technolog ies, I nc, METJ/NASA, USGS, Bureau of La nd Ma nagement, EPA, NPS, USDA
' 7----" J
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
338
Figure 3.178 shows fire hazard severity zones in and around Nicasio.
Figure 3.178: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Nicasio
Source: CalFire, 11/27/23
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
tw
'c~
~~
l. ... r~,-, .,., c-
.-11, ii Y.-·I
r.,-,:.-
,,
i,,,:, .J F..: ..al
I. ~,•tr,.11 I ,h·.,
EJA.hull
-.1 • 1r,1r .-,
l,h,n -I 11 ..,. 1'1-•••
L L.L .. , \.'iJIIC!J Rd
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
339
Figure 3.179 shows the fire hazard severity zone in and around Tocoloma.
Figure 3.179: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Tocoloma
Source: CalFire, 11/27/23
1 ~<?U·N· TY OF a
~ARIN ~
... r,rn ,ir:i,1 -...
'I.:.iJJ
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
340
Figure 3.180 shows the fire hazard severity zones in and around Olema.
Figure 3.180: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Olema
Source: CalFire, 11/27/23
Figure 3.181 shows the fire hazard severity zones in and around Point Reyes Station.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
--~----~--------~--~,----------------------------,
.I
I
\
\
\
\
\
f
1
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
341
Figure 3.181: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Point Reyes Station
Source: CalFire, 11/27/23
l ~<;>U·N·TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
' 1 ¥:-,Y'
[llu~Ro«"
j
' ': .tflp~(I~ ~·,#-YJ-=-~.~ •
,,
I ,,
\
"
j
I
I
\ .,.,.
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
342
Figure 3.182 shows the fire hazard severity zones in and around Inverness Park.
Figure 3.182: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Inverness Park
Source: CalFire, 11/27/23
l ~<;>U·N· TY O F
~ARIN
r j
a ~
I
.1
l
arrinelli
Ranch
(GGNRA)
~ "\ ~~~
.. ':S'C"r.
'.l;G' 1,.
\
~
~~
q_
°"~i,:
"o'-'"
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
343
Figures 3.183 and 3.184 show the fire hazard severity zones in and around Inverness.
Figure 3.183: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Inverness
Source: CalFire, 11/27/23
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
. . . . .
--e
a ~
,:/..,.
---------~ /\)
E ,,
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
344
Figure 3.184: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Inverness Area
Source: CalFire
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
Marin County / Woodacre Area
Fire
Seahaven
e omc101
EMERGENCY
• MANAGEMENT
Millerton
Com mun ica ti on
Faci li t ies
Fire Stations
Schoo ls
Legend
Invern ess
,6
Hig h
Modera t e
Non -Wi ld land/Non -
Urban
•
Tamales Bay
And Misc
0 0.2 0.4
Tc _
(Fish
0 .8
M iles
,ma, s Bay
,:;alt.
ser
Bi
Fire Severity Zone
-Very Hi gh
Marin Cou nty OEM / Woody Baker-Cohn
email: OEM_GIS@MarinCounty.org ~
Date Printed: 10/30/23 N
County of Marin, California State Parks, Esri, HERE, Garmin, SafeGraph, Geo Technologies, Inc, METI/NASA, USGS, Bureau of Land Management, EPA, NPS,
USDA, County of Marin, cali forn ia State Parks, Esri, HERE, Garm in , SafeGraph, GeoTechnolog ies, Inc, METI/NASA, USGS, Bureau of Land Management, EPA,
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
345
Figure 3.185 shows the fire hazard severity zone in and around the Marconi/Marshall Area.
Figure 3.185: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Marconi/Marshall Area
Source: CalFire, 11/27/23
l ~<;>U·N·TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
CI\I
\
(
\'~:;!~
\
\
~,\ ... ,,
...
\ __ ~
MmcorJ
can tt:trence
C'"..t:1"1tmSlah,
Hl e:.ooc Po rk
~'-
• ~ '}
··'
c,,,~G
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
346
Figure 3.186 shows the fire hazard severity zones in and around the McDonald/Blakes Landing
area.
Figure 3.186: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – McDonald/Blakes Landing Area
Source: CalFire, 11/27/23
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
7
\
,.
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
347
Figure 3.187 shows the fire hazard severity zone in and around the Tomales area.
Figure 3.187: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Tomales
Source: CalFire, 11/27/23
l ~<;>U·N·TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
I j
l
J
I
CA1
__ ,..,,.
'
"'
i.:... t..:'
I
f
_., !J
I 1
f
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
348
Figure 3.188 shows the fire hazard severity zone in and around the Dillon Beach area.
Figure 3.188: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Dillon Beach
Source: CalFire, 11/27/23
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
'··-·· ···-·····--·······--·'
..
Suiji:1"1:al
H5rn
'
'
'~'if~,u~II I
,
~ ___ .....
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
349
Figure 3.189 shows the fire hazard severity zones in and around the Dogtown area.
Figure 3.189: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Dogtown
Source: CalFire, 11/27/23
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
B o J111 a s R cl
ll <>ll n_.•
lagoon
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
350
Figure 3.190 shows the fire hazard severity zones in and around the Bolinas area.
Figure 3.190: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Bolinas
Source: CalFire, 11/27/23
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
. .,-.. i~t,,_ ... · ..... __ .,
m~
Bofinas
lagoon
Open Space
Preserve
Solinas
to9oot1
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
351
Figure 3.191 and Figure 3.192 shows the fire hazard severity zone in and around the Stinson
Beach area.
Figure 3.191: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Stinson Beach and Surrounding Area
Source: CalFire, 11/27/23
Figure 3.192: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Stinson Beach
Source: CalFire, 11/27/23
1 ~<?U·N· TY OF a
~ARIN ~~-~:~----~
""--............... io....... .........
\
,£_;;,i:;CJ11~<1.(.,~->,
q/.._f,
\ •••M••o,"'
'i
i
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
352
Figure 3.193 shows the fire hazard severity zone in and around the Muir Beach area.
Figure 3.193: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Muir Beach
Source: CalFire, 11/27/23
l ~<;>U·N·TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
Muir Beach .....
~Drive
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
353
Figure 3.194 shows the fire hazard severity zones in and around Tamalpais Valley and Marin
City.
Figure 3.194: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Tamalpais Valley and Marin City
Source: CalFire
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
Marin County / Mill Valley Area
Fire
OIRCf 01
EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT
ea ows
Corte Madera
Mill Valley
Tamalpais Valley
Tamalp a is
Valley
Legend
Comm un ica tion
Facilities
Wastewater Faci lit ies
Airports
Em ergency Ope rations
Centers
Fi re Stations
Hospitals and Medical
Fa ciliti es
Police/ Sher iff Stations
Schools
Fire Severity Zone
Very High
High
Moderate
Non-Wildland/Non-
Urban
LJ Urban Un zoned
0 ,
a.itt
Marin City
0 0 .3 0.6 1.1
Miles
Mari n County OEM / Woody Bake r-C oh n
ema il: OEM _Gl5@MarinCounty.org
Date Pri nted: 10/30/23
d.
Cou nty of Ma rin, california State Parks, Esri, HERE, Ga rm in, SafeGraph, GeoTechnologles, Inc, METJ/NASA, USGS, Bu reau of land Ma nagement, EPA, NPS, USD
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
354
Figure 3.195 shows the fire hazard severity zone in and around the unincorporated area of the
Tiburon Peninsula, including Paradise Cay.
Figure 3.195: Fire Hazard Severity Zone – Unincorporated Tiburon Peninsula and Paradise Cay
Source: CalFire, 11/27/23
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
'ng Mountain
Open Space
Preserve
a ~
.,."i,,·'· .. ,-~---,--.\ u,
:~ /--.,._.-: .
. J Aln~1~•~;1.o,n
~~
V ~,,.._,_ ..... ,
lll"charris 6tt ..
\
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
355
Figure 3.196 shows the fire hazard severity zone in and around San Quentin.
Figure 3.196: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – San Quentin
Source: CalFire, 11/27/23
Figure 3.197 shows the fire hazard severity zones in and around Lucas Valley and Marinwood.
Figure 3.197: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Lucas Valley and Marinwood
Source: CalFire, 11/27/23
l ~<;>U·N·TY OF
~ARIN e
I-
[
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
356
Figure 3.198 shows the fire hazard severity zones in and around the unincorporated area of Bel
Marin Keys and Loma Verde.
Figure 3.198: Fire Hazard Severity Zone – Bel Marin Keys and Loma Verde
Source: CalFire
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
idian Vall+?y
College of Marin
Indian Valley
Campus -Marin
Community
College District
Electric Power Facilities
Emergency Operations
Centers
Fire Stations
Marin County / Novato South
Fire
Fire Severity Zone
Very High
e omcto1
EMERGENCY
• MANAGEMENT
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
357
Figure 3.199 shows the fire hazard severity zone around San Antonio and the Marin County
airport.
Figure 3.199: Fire Hazard Severity Zone – San Antonio & Marin County Airport
Source: CalFire, 11/27/23
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
l
!
_,,.,.,,
a ~
GJamrnli
State Hiscoric
Par~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
358
Figure 3.200 shows the number of state and federal declared wildfire disasters in Marin County
in relation to the rest of California.
Figure 3.200: Historic Wildfires in the Marin County OA 1919 - 1995
Source: Marin Community Wildfire Protection Plan
Throughout its history, Marin County has experienced many wildland fires. Figure 3.201 shows
a map of large fires that have occurred in Marin County’s unincorporated WUI.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
359
Figure 3.201: Historic Wildfires in the Marin County OA 1973 - 2020
Source: Marin Community Wildfire Protection Plan
9/14/1904 – A wildfire burned 15,000-20,000 acres on Bolinas Ridge.
10/1917 – A wildfire burned 2,000 acres on a ridge near the unincorporated community of
Inverness.
7/8/1913 – A wildfire started by a train or a discarded cigarette burned over 1,500 acres on
Mount Tamalpais and threatened the City of Mill Valley.
9/17/1923 – September 1923 Wildfire
A wildfire started in the unincorporated community of Ignacio and threatened or destroyed
thousands of homes around the unincorporated communities of Ignacio, Woodacre, Lagunitas,
and Bolinas Ridge. Thirty-five homes were destroyed in Woodcare, leaving only five left
standing. Large areas of timber and grazing land burned. Damage was estimated at $250,000.
9/27/1945 – The Mill Fire
Two brush fires merged together near the unincorporated community of Lagunitas and quickly
spread across Bolinas Ridge coming within a quarter mile of the unincorporated community of
Stinson Beach. The unincorporated community of Woodacre and the Town of Fairfax were
threatened, with over 3,000 residents put on alert for evacuation. Over 18,000 acres burned.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
360
9/1965 – Chileno Valley Fire
Over 8,000 acres burned and several ranches were destroyed in a wildfire.
10/3-10/16/1995 – The Vision Fire
A wildfire started from an illegal campfire burned over 12,000 acres in Point Reyes National
Seashore and destroyed 48 structures in the unincorporated community of Inverness.
Figure 3.202: 1995 Vision Fire
Source: Richard Blair
10/13/2008 – Angel Island Fire
A human -caused wildfire burned over 300 acres on Angel Island in Angel Island State Park. No
structures were destroyed.
8/27/2019 – Spirit Fire
A wildfire started by arson burned 16 acres above the Sprit Rock Meditation Center near
Woodacre.
10/24/2019 – Muir Fire
A 58 -acre wildfire burned between the unincorporated communities of Muir Beach and Stinson
Beach, closing Highway 1.
8/17/2020 – Woodward Fire
A wildfire burned over 700 acres in a remote area of Point Reyes National Seashore, causing
evacuation warnings in the unincorporated community of Olema.
7/14/2021 – Dolcini Fire
A wildfire burned over thirty acres west of Novato.
9/6/2021 – Lucas Valley Wildfire
A wildfire started by a lawn mower burned over 40 acres, prompting evacuations in parts of the
unincorporated communities of Lucas Valley and Marinwood.
As part of the CWPP, Ignition data for all authorities having jurisdiction were acquired and
analyzed for 2002 through 2011 to evaluate ignition trends within the county.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
361
Impacts
Potential losses from wildfire include human life, structures and other improvements, natural
and cultural resources, quality and quantity of water supplies, cropland, timber, and recreational
opportunities. Urban wildfires often occur in the WUI, where development has expanded into the
rural areas. A wildfire in the WUI can result in major losses of property and structures. Also of
significant concern to the planning area are the secondary impacts associated with a large burn
area. Wildfires can have devastating effects on watersheds through loss of vegetation and soil
erosion, which may impact the County by changing runoff patterns, increasing sedimentation,
reducing natural and reservoir water storage capacity, and degrading water quality. These
problems can be compounded by climate conditions.
Although the physical damages and casualties arising from wildland-urban interface fires may
be severe, it is important to recognize that they also cause significant economic impacts by
resulting in a loss of function of buildings and infrastructure. In some cases, the economic
impact of this loss of services may be comparable to the economic impact of physical damages
or, in some cases, even greater. Economic impacts of loss of transportation and utility services
may include traffic delays/detours from road and bridge closures and loss of electric power,
potable water, and wastewater services. Threats to healthcare, hazmat releases, ash
deposition on properties (including schools), need for proper cleanup, and high costs of
hazardous waste cleanup. Both environmental and economic losses occur from contamination
of properties which grow produce, both for personal sustenance and commercial distribution.
Wildfires and subsequent smoke can have a negative impact on tourism and visitor use in the
County. Wildfires can also cause major damage to power plants and power lines needed to
distribute electricity to operate facilities.
Urban structural fires release toxic pollutants into air and water, cause injuries and deaths,
mental/behavioral health issues, economic loss consequences of loss/damage to residences or
places of business, displacement, cleanup costs to communities and governments, potential
increased healthcare utilization due to injuries or chronic disease exacerbations, long term
public health impacts including injuries to the response personnel.
There is also a mitigation opportunity. Even though smoke detectors are required in CA, there is
no data on how many residential units in CA do not have a smoke detector, whether they have
functioning smoke detectors, and whether residents are aware where to place them and how to
maintain them. Conducting a rapid community assessment using established methods is one
way to gather this information, which could be considered a mitigation action.
Poor air quality can result from wildfires. Sensitive individuals including the very young, elderly
and those with respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD) are at the greatest risk of developing aggravated symptoms such as coughing,
watery and itchy eyes, headache, scratchy throat, and difficulty in breathing.
PSPS events can have numerous impacts on residents who rely on electricity for cooling their
homes, powering water pumps, keeping critical medical equipment operating, and who have
other critical needs. These impacts can become exacerbated during a period of higher
temperatures, when community members are unable to cool their homes. PSPS events
sometimes occur with little to no warning, and with no clear timeframe on how long the event
may last, which presents a challenging situation for community members to be able to prepare
for prolonged power outages.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
362
Extent and Probability
Wildfire threat can be defined as the result of an analysis of potential fire behavior and the
likelihood of fire to occur relative to the assets (or communities) at risk. Recent research
indicates that higher summer temperatures will likely increase fire severity in California. Future
changes in fire frequency and severity are difficult to predict; however, regional climate change
associated with elevated greenhouse gas concentrations could alter large weather patterns and
produce conditions conducive to extreme fire behavior. A warmer climate will bring drier winters
and higher spring temperatures. Combined with drought conditions, this leads to drier soils in
early summer, drier vegetation, and an increase in the number of days in the year with
flammable fuels, all which further raise the likelihood of fires.
The western U.S. is likely to continue its trend toward warmer and drier conditions, on average,
with warmer spring and summer temperatures, reduced snowpack and earlier snowmelts, and
longer, drier summer fire seasons. Models and observations, including reconstructions of fire
and climate in the past; trends over the last few decades; and predictive models, predict that
warming and drying conditions are likely to cause increased fire activity in the future.
Table 3.20: Marin County OA Hazard Risk Assessment – Wildfire
Jurisdiction
Probability/
Likelihood
of Future
Events
Geographic
Extent Magnitude/
Severity
Climate
Change
Influence Significance Risk
Score
Marin County Highly
Likely Significant Severe High High 16.00
City of
Belvedere
Highly
Likely Limited Extreme Medium High 15.00
Town of
Corte Madera Occasional Significant Extreme High High 15.00
Town of
Fairfax
Highly
Likely Significant Severe Medium Medium 14.00
City of
Larkspur Likely Significant Extreme High High 16.00
City of Mill
Valley Likely Extensive Extreme High High 17.00
City of
Novato Likely Limited Weak Medium Medium 10.00
Town of
Ross Likely Extensive Severe Medium High 15.00
Town of
San Anselmo Likely Extensive Extreme High High 17.00
City of
San Rafael Likely Significant Severe High Medium 14.00
City of
Sausalito Occasional Limited Moderate High Medium 11.00
Town of
Tiburon
Highly
Likely Significant Severe High High 16.00
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
363
Bolinas
Public Utility
District
Occasional Extensive Severe High Medium 14.00
Las Gallinas
Valley
Sanitary
District
Likely Negligible Moderate Medium Medium 10.00
North Marin
Water
District
Occasional Extensive Extreme Medium High 15.00
Southern
Marin Fire
District
Occasional Extensive Severe High Medium 15.00
Table 3.20: Marin County OA Hazard Risk Assessment – Wildfire
Source: Profiled Jurisdictions and Districts
Vulnerability
While the Cal Fire FHSZ maps are useful in examining potential fire hazard severity at the state
level, the underlying data and methods used to develop the FHSZ maps can be improved upon
by using local (and more recent) fuel characteristics and improved fire modeling methods. The
Cal Fire FHSZ maps also do not take into account local perspectives and priorities regarding
communities at risk and areas of concern.
To improve upon the currently available state-level fire hazard assessment information, an
independent hazard, asset, risk assessment was performed to help identify and prioritize areas
within the county that are potentially at a high threat from wildfire based on more recent fuels
data, advanced modeling techniques, and local input. The assessment was performed by
modeling potential fire behavior and the probability or likelihood that an area will burn given an
ignition. Next, the fire modeling output was combined with areas of concern and assets at risk.
Composite maps were generated indicating relative potential fire hazards throughout the county.
Assets at risk are defined as structures and resources that can be damaged or destroyed by
wildland fire. Assets in the Marin County OA include real estate (homes and businesses), all
types of healthcare facilities, emergency communication facilities, transportation and utility
infrastructure, watersheds, protected wildlands, tourist and recreation areas, and agricultural
lands. In addition to providing a framework for protecting community members and providing for
firefighter safety, the California Fire Plan identifies the following assets warranting consideration
in pre-fire planning: watersheds and water; wildlife; habitat; special status plants and animals;
scenic, cultural and historic areas; recreation; rangeland; structures; infrastructure; and air
quality.
There are approximately 111,000 living units in the Marin County OA with a median home value
of approximately $1 million. As many homes in the county are located in the WUI, if a major
wildland fire were to result in the loss of many homes, it could have a short-term negative
impact on the Marin County OA’s property tax base.
The Mt. Tamalpais watershed supplies central and southern Marin County with 75% of their
fresh water. Given the area’s seasonal rainfall, any major wildfire impacting the heavily forested
watershed will result in major silting and subsequent degradation of water quantity and quality in
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
364
the watershed. These watershed lands—as well as the lands managed by Marin County Open
Space District (MCOSD), state parks, and NPS—are largely contiguous. They harbor several
endangered, threatened, and special-status species, including the coho salmon and northern
spotted owl.
The area is also part of a major migrating bird flyway and nesting area. The Marin County OA is
also a major tourist destination. Major parks within Marin County include California State Parks
(Mt. Tamalpais, Samuel P. Taylor, and China Camp), NPS’s Golden Gate National Recreation
Area (GGNRA), Muir Woods National Monument, and Point Reyes National Seashore. The
Point Reyes National Seashore and Muir Woods National Monument together attract 3.5 million
visitors annually. The GGNRA, a majority of which resides within Marin County, attracts an
additional 14.9 million visitors per year and contributes an estimated $365.2 million annually to
the economy. A major wildfire affecting any of these parks could have negative impacts on the
local economy for years after the event.
The Marin County OA’s agricultural land base includes nearly 137,000 acres of privately owned
agriculturally zoned land and 32,000 acres of federally-owned land that is leased to agricultural
operators. Agricultural operations include livestock and livestock products; aquaculture; field
crops; fruit, vegetable, and nursery crops. The gross value of all agricultural production was
approximately $101 million in 2014. To help protect people and property from potential
catastrophic wildfire, the National Fire Plan identifies communities that are at high risk of
damage from wildfire. These high-risk communities identified within the WUI were published in
the Federal Register in 2001. In California, CAL FIRE has the responsibility for managing the
list. With California's extensive WUI situation, the list of communities extends beyond just those
adjacent to Federal lands; there are 1,329 communities currently on the California Communities
at Risk List. The Marin County OA has 23 of these at-risk communities. A countywide
assessment of the wildland fire threat undertaken by CAL FIRE revealed that nearly 313,000
acres (approximately 82% of the total land area of the county) are ranked as having moderate to
very high fire hazard severity zone ratings.
Using the methodology described in the CWPP, a series of models of the hazards, assets, and
risks were completed. One model was the average fire season flame length, with lengths above
8 feet possibly exhibiting the more extreme fire behavior and be relatively more hazardous from
a fire suppression perspective. Rate of spread is defined as the rate of forward spread of the fire
head expressed in feet per minute. The higher the rate of spread, the more difficult a fire is to
suppress. A composite map of the flame length, rate of spread, and population density for the
average fire season scenario is shown in Figure 3.203; orange and red show areas where more
extreme fire behavior is likely given an ignition.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
20
2
3
M
a
r
i
n
C
o
u
n
t
y
O
p
e
r
a
t
i
o
n
a
l
A
r
e
a
Mu
l
t
i
-Ju
r
i
s
d
i
c
t
i
o
n
a
l
H
a
z
a
r
d
M
i
t
i
g
a
t
i
o
n
P
l
a
n
36
5
Fi
g
u
r
e
3.
20
3
:
P
o
p
u
l
a
t
i
o
n
D
e
n
s
i
t
y
,
F
l
a
m
e
L
e
n
g
t
h
,
a
n
d
R
a
t
e
o
f
S
p
r
e
a
d
f
o
r
t
h
e
A
v
e
r
a
g
e
F
i
r
e
S
e
a
s
o
n
in
t
h
e
M
a
r
i
n
C
o
u
n
t
y
O
A
So
u
r
c
e
:
M
a
r
i
n
C
o
m
m
u
n
i
t
y
W
i
l
d
f
i
r
e
P
r
o
t
e
c
t
i
o
n
P
l
a
n
,
2
0
2
0
0 2.5
Legend
5
t
Miles
Composite Map
Average Fire Season
10
11111 Very High Flame Le"glh, Rate of Spread , & Pop . Densi ty == High Fl ame Lengtli, Rat e of Spread, & Pop. Densrty
1111 Moderate Flame Len,gth, Rate •Of Spre.id, & Pop. Oensi
UG .Pf ..
"'"
,n-
h ·)> ~
;;,c -< --< z~
Cf)
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
366
Figure 3.204 shows areas of concern for the average fire season in the OA where fuel reduction
and hazard mitigation efforts might be focused.
Figure 3.204: Areas of Concern for the Average Fire Season in the Marin County OA
Source: Marin Community Wildfire Protection Plan, 2020
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
Areas of Concern
Relative Ranking
Average Fire Season
-V<>ryhigh
Hig h
-Mod<>.rat<>.
N
A
0 2.5 5 Moles
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
367
Figure 3.205 shows areas of concern for the average fire season in the OA where fuel reduction
and hazard mitigation efforts might be focused.
Figure 3.205: Areas of Concern for the Extreme Fire Season in the Marin County OA
Source: Marin Community Wildfire Protection Plan, 2020
Unincorporated rural areas within the OA include the coastal communities of Muir Beach,
Stinson Beach, and Bolinas; communities near Tomales Bay including Olema, Point Reyes
Station, Inverness, Inverness Park, Marshall, Tomales, and Dillon Beach; and rural areas in the
interior valleys including Nicasio, Lagunitas, Forest Knolls, San Geronimo, and Woodacre.
These communities are primarily situated within or adjacent to the WUI, with moderate to dense
concentrations of structures. The Marin County OA has approximately 60,000 acres of WUI
adjacent to 200,000 acres of watershed. Response times in these communities present
significant challenges to keeping fires from directly impacting the communities and sub divisions
(especially those within the SRA) as emergency fire access and evacuation egress is limited by
narrow, winding roads lined with dense vegetation. Figure 3.206 shows the WUI boundary and
population density in the OA.
l ~<;>U·N· TY O F
~ARIN
a ~
Areas of Concern
Relative Ranking
Extreme Fire Conditions
-VeryHigh
High
-Moderate
N
A
2.S
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
368
Figure 3.206: WUI Boundary and Population Density in the Marin County OA
Source: Marin Community Wildfire Protection Plan, 2020
In the Marin County OA, cul-de -sacs generally service new housing developments and most of
the smaller canyons, valleys, and hillsides. Some planned unit developments are served by
privately- maintained roads, which create access issues (i.e., narrow paved widths and limited
on-street parking). According to California Fire Code specifications, roadways that are
considered hazardous in terms of fire access and protection are those with
• less than 20 feet of unobstructed paved surface and 13.6 vertical feet;
• dead-ends longer than 800 feet, and;
• cul-de-sac diameter less than 68 feet.
Driveways that are less than 16 feet wide or that do not have adequate turnaround space are
also considered hazardous. A large number of roadways and driveways in many of the Marin
County OA’s communities fall into one or more of the above categories.
Several communities in the Marin County OA lie partially or completely in a High and/or Very
High FHSZ and could have a higher susceptibility to wildfire. They are highlighted below.
While most of Lagunitas, Forest Knolls San Geronimo and Woodacre lie in a Moderate FHSZ,
the surrounding foothills lie in a High FHSZ. There are hundreds of homes in the High FHSZ
along with the Woodacre PG&E substation that could have higher susceptible to wildfire. There
are hundreds of homes and numerous businesses and critical facilities including the San
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
Legend
G'l5 ll'A.I I Bounda ry
Population Density j2010 total populati on /sq . mile)
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
369
Geronimo Community Center, San Geronimo Valley Elementary School, Lagunitas Elementary
School, the Woodacre Fire Station and the Heartwood Charter School that lie in the Moderate
FHSZ and could be susceptible to wildlife.
The area west and north of Inverness Park primarily lies in a High FHSZ. There are dozens of
homes in this area that could have higher susceptibility to wildfire. There is a residential area
north of Inverness Park with several dozen homes that lie in a Very High FHSZ and could have
an even higher susceptibility to wildfire. Most of the core of Inverness lies in a High FHSZ but
the outlying areas north lie in a Very High FHSZ. There are dozens of homes in both these
areas that could have higher susceptibility to wildfire. The Inverness Fire Department,
Inverness Elementary School and a Marin Emergency Radio Authority (MERA) antenna site lie
in a High FHSZ area and could have higher susceptibility to wildfire. Populations from
Inverness to Inverness Park are particularly susceptible to wildfire as there is essentially only
one main road, Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, that could be used in an evacuation and in only
one direction (south).
Most of Dogtown and the northern end of Bolinas lie in a High FHSZ. Several residences, the
Bolinas PG&E substation and the Bolinas-Stinson Elementary School lie in this area and could
have higher susceptibility to wildfire. Most of Bolinas, where there are dozens of homes, the
Bolinas Community Center, the Bolinas Stinson School, the MERA antenna sites at Horseshoe
Hill and Bolinas, the Bolinas Community Health Center and the Woodrat Water Treatment Plant
lie in a Moderate FHSZ and could be susceptible to wildfire.
While most of Stinson Beach is in a Moderate FHSZ, the surrounding area to the south is in a
High FHSZ. Several residences and businesses are in this area and could have higher
susceptibility to wildfire. The downtown core of Stinson Beach along with the Stinson Beach
Fire Department Stations #1 and #2 lie in a Moderate FHSZ just outside of the High FHSZ and
could be susceptible to wildfire. The western end of Stinson Beach along Dipsea Road and
Seadrift Road also lies in a Moderate FHSZ and includes dozens of homes that could be
susceptible to wildfire.
Most of Muir Beach lies in a High FHSZ. This area includes dozens of homes, several
businesses and the Muir Beach Community Center that have higher susceptibility to wildfire.
The Muir Beach Fire Department lies just outside the High FHSZ in a Moderate FHSZ and could
be susceptible to wildfire.
Most of Tamalpais Valley and Marin City lie in a Very High FHSZ. There are thousands of
homes and buildings in this area of Tamalpais Valley, along with a MERA antenna site, the
Marin Horizon School, the Southern Marin Fire Protection District Station #4 and the Tamalpais
Valley Elementary School that could have a very high susceptibility to wildfire. Populations in
this area are particularly susceptible to wildfire due to the presence of numerous cul de sacs
and windy secondary roads that could impede an evacuation. Numerous homes and critical
facilities, including the Marin City Health and Wellness Center, the Bayside Martin Luther King
Jr. Academy, and the Marin City Fire department lie in the Very High FHSZ of Marin City and
could have a very high susceptibility to wildfire. The Very High FHSZ in Tamalpais Valley and
Marin City is bordered to the east by a High FHSZ. Hundreds of homes and numerous
businesses along with the Commodore Center Heliport lie in the High FHSZ and could have
higher susceptibility to wildfire. The Mount Tamalpais School lies in the Moderate FHSZ and
could be susceptible to wildfire.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
370
A small area in the north of Strawberry lies in a High FHSZ with a larger area that lies in a
moderate FHSZ. There are several homes in this area that could have higher susceptibility to
wildfire.
Most of the unincorporated area of the Tiburon Peninsula lie in a High FHSZ. There are dozens
of homes in this area that could have higher susceptibility to wildfire. The eastern boundary of
the peninsula lies in a Moderate FHSZ and has several homes tha t could be susceptible to
wildfire.
The far northern and western side of Kentfield lie in a High FHSZ and are bordered to the
immediate west by a Very High FHSZ. There are dozens of homes, numerous businesses, the
Kentfield Hospital and part of the College of Marin that lie in this area and that have higher
susceptibility to wildfire. A smaller part of Kentfield and part of Greenbrae and California City lie
in a Moderate FHSZ. There are several homes along with part of the College of Marin that lie in
this area and that could be susceptible to wildfire. All of San Quentin, including San Quentin
State Prison, lies in a Moderate FHSZ and could be susceptible to wildfire.
While all of Sleepy Hollow lies in a Moderate FHSZ, it is bordered to the east, west, and south
by areas of a High FHSZ. Dozens of homes along with the San Domenico School, Sleepy
Hollow Villa Medical Facility and the Hidden Valley School that lie in this area could be
susceptible to wildfire. Most of Los Ranchitos lies in a High FHSZ with a small part in a
moderate FHSZ. There are dozens of homes in this area that could be susceptible to wildfire.
Most of Lucas Valley and Marinwood lie in a High FHSZ. There are hundreds of homes and
critical facilities, including several medical facilities, Lucas Valley Elementary School, the Marin
County Juvenile Complex, Lucas Valley School, the Marinwood Fire Department, Miller Creek
School that lie in this area and have a high susceptibility to wildfire. There is a small section of
Marinwood with several homes and part of the Mary E. Silveria Elementary School that lie in a
Very High FHSZ and that could have an even higher susceptibility to wildfire. The far eastern
end of Lucas Valley, which consists of several homes, lies a Moderate FHSZ and could be
susceptible to wildfire.
All of the Saint Vincent area, which includes the Saint Vincent School, lies in a Moderate FHSZ
and could be susceptible to wildfire. The Saint Vincent area is surrounded to the west, north
and south by a High FHSZ.
Most of San Venetia is not in a FHSZ but the eastern foothills of the San Pedro Mountain Open
Space Preserve are in a Moderate FHSZ. There are numerous homes and medical facilities
along with the Marin School that lie in this area and that could be susceptible to wildfire. Part of
the unincorporated community south of China Camp State Park lies in a Moderate FHSZ.
There are dozens of homes in this area that could be susceptible to wildfire. The southwest
side of San Pedro Hill lies in a High FHSZ with a small part lying in a Moderate FHSZ. The
McNear Brickyard and other industrial facilities lie in this area and could have an even higher
susceptibility to wildfire.
The unincorporated residential area west of Novato lies mostly in a High FHSZ. There are
hundreds of homes in this area that could have a high susceptibility to wildfire. The Loma Verde
area, which includes dozens of homes and the Loma Verde Elementary School, also lies in a
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
371
High FHSZ and could have a high susceptibility to wildfire. This area is bordered to the south
by a Very High FHSZ in the City of Novato.
Most of the Black Point-Green Point area lies in a High FHSZ. There are dozens of homes,
several businesses, and the Novato Fire Protection District Station #62 that lie in this area and
could have a high susceptibility to wildfire. A smaller section south of the Rush Creek Marsh
Wildlife Area lies in a Moderate FHSZ. There are numerous homes and businesses in this area
that could be susceptible to wildfire.
Numerous unincorporated communities in Marin County include all or part of a Moderate FHSZ
and have no High or Very High FHSZ’s including Point Reyes Station, Olema, Nicasio,
Tocoloma, Marshall, Tomales, Dillon Beach, Alto, Paradise Cay, and Bel Marin Keys. Hundreds
of homes, numerous businesses, and several critical facilities lie in these communities and
could be susceptible to wildfire. Critical facilities in these communities susceptible to wildfire
include the Nicasio Fire Department, the Nicasio Elem entary School, the Tocoloma PG&E
substation, the MERA antenna site at Mt. Barnabe, the Olema PG&E substation, the Point
Reyes National Seashore Headquarters and Fire Department, the Point Reyes Fire Station, the
Marin County Sherrif’s Substation at Point Reyes, the CalTrans Point Reyes Maintenance
Station, West Marin Elementary School, Tomales High School, Tomales Elementary School,
Tomales Fire Station, MERA antenna site at Tomales and several medical facilities.
The Marin County Airport, the community of San Antonio, and the unincorporated County along
the border of Sonoma County all lie in a Moderate FHSZ. There are numerous rural homes,
businesses and buildings along with critical facilities including the Hicks Valley Fire Station,
Laguna School, Lincoln School, Stafford Junction PG&E substation, MERA antenna site at
Coyote Peak that lie in this area and could be susceptible to wildfire.
Marin County populations within the above-listed communities that are most vulnerable to the
effects of wildfire include:
• Low-income households
• Households in poverty
• Persons living on single access roads
• Mobile homeowners
• Persons without access to transportation or telecommunications
• Outdoor workers
• Healthcare workers, first responders, and protective service occupations
• Houseless population
• Children
• Persons with disabilities
• Persons with chronic health problems,
• Senior community members, and
• Persons living alone.
See the Marin County CWPP for additional information on the susceptibility of the Marin County
OA to wildfire.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
372
Climate Change and Future Development Considerations
Climate change can lead to an increase in wildfire events. Climate change has been a key
factor in increasing the risk and extent of wildfires in the western United States. Changes in
climate create warmer, drier conditions. Increased drought, and a longer fire season are
boosting these increases in wildfire risk.
Figure 3.207: Trends in the Annual Number of Large Wildfires in the United States
Source: Fourth Climate Change Assessment
As summer conditions in Northern California become hotter and drier due to climate change, the
occurrence and severity of wildfires will only increase. The Marin County OA is particularly
susceptible to these future impacts of climate change on wildfire, as the OA’s climate has
generally been wet enough historically to avoid major wildfires. Extreme heat events and high
wind events could cause electrical systems to become overloaded and fail, sparking wildfires.
An increase in wildfires as a result of climate change could lead to more significantly burned
areas that could contribute to debris flows after a significant storm event. Future development
in the WUI throughout the Marin County OA will expose more people and property to the
impacts of a potentially significant wildfire. The growing number of people in the Marin County
OA WUI can increase risk to life, property and public health as a result of a wildfire.
3.4 ADDITIONAL HAZARDS PROFILED
Additional non-natural hazards were identified as having some potential to impact the planning
area. The sections below provide short profiles of each of these hazards, including qualitative
discussion of their potential to impact Marin County. No formal risk assessment of these
hazards was performed, and no mitigation initiatives have been developed to address them.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
g All Reg ions
~ \.,,,.",L~,1ln~1l11J
1984 1992 2000 2008
i ~ f """"'""''"c'"''' "'"
o o J'.j"
ill 1984 1992 2doo 2do8 f ; f ••• Pla lrutol,mbia "'""
~ 0
1984 1992 2doo 2do8
o Basin and Range
I:~
0 1....1;9;=84==;:::, =1:::;:9'9=2=;==20::;::'o=o ::::;==20;:::108=
: f ••••'""" c,11 rom1,
0
19'84 ' 1g92 ' 2doo ' 2do8
=~ Rocky Mounta ins
0
1~ I 19192 20'o0 2008
~ r rth,m P•to,
~ 19184 1992 2000 20'o8 -_f ~f o,th•m POio,
e>o I I I I I
•. I , .'.:l 1984 1992 2000 2008
:, ~. -:;_/' --1 ~ ! (Mlro,a-N,w ""''° Mo,mt•••
•, ·I• ,,~ , ~ o -
":-: • 1 -:;~~ :1i9;:::84::::;:::=1::;:9'9=2::::=20:o:0=2=0:08-
1.,.=. ,.
al
0 ....
Warm Deserts
1992 2000 2008
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
373
3.4.1 AIR POLLUTION
Air pollution is contamination of the indoor or outdoor environment by any chemical, physical or
biological agent that modifies the natural characteristics of the atmosphere.
Household combustion devices, motor vehicles, industrial facilities and forest fires are common
sources of air pollution. Pollutants of major public health concern and their effects on health and
the environment include:
Ozone (O3)
• Respiratory symptoms
• Worsening of lung disease leading to premature death
• Damage to lung tissue
• Crop, forest and ecosystem damage
• Damage to a variety of materials, including rubber, plastics, fabrics, paint and metals
PM2.5 (particulate matter less than 2.5 microns in aerodynamic diameter)
• Premature death
• Hospitalization for worsening of cardiovascular disease
• Hospitalization for respiratory disease
• Asthma-related emergency room visits
• Increased symptoms, increased inhaler usage
PM10 (particulate matter less than 10 microns in aerodynamic diameter)
• Premature death & hospitalization, primarily for worsening of respiratory disease
• Reduced visibility and material soiling
Nitrogen Oxides (NOX)
• Lung irritation
• Enhanced allergic responses
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
• Chest pain in patients with heart disease
• Headache
• Light-headedness
• Reduced mental alertness
Sulfur Oxides (SOX)
• Worsening of asthma: increased symptoms, increased medication usage, and
emergency room visits
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
374
Lead
• Impaired mental functioning in children
• Learning disabilities in children
• Brain and kidney damage
Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S)
• Nuisance odor (rotten egg smell)
• At high concentrations: headache & breathing difficulties
Sulfate
• Same as PM2.5, particularly worsening of asthma and other lung diseases
• Reduces visibility
Vinyl Chloride
• Central nervous system effects, such as dizziness, drowsiness & headaches
• Long-term exposure: liver damage & liver cancer
Visibility Reducing Particles
• Reduced airport safety, scenic enjoyment, road safety, and discourages tourism
Toxic Air Contaminants (about 200 chemicals have been listed as toxic air contaminants)
• Cancer
• Reproductive and developmental effects
• Neurological effects
Outdoor and indoor air pollution cause respiratory and other diseases and are important
sources of morbidity and mortality.
The World Health Organization (WHO) shows that almost all of the global population (99%)
breathe air that exceeds WHO guideline limits and contains high levels of pollutants, with low-
and middle-income countries suffering from the highest exposures.
Air quality is closely linked to the earth’s climate and ecosystems globally. Many of the drivers of
air pollution (i.e. combustion of fossil fuels) are also sources of greenhouse gas emissions.
Climate change–fueled wildfires and extreme heat are adding to the challenges of protecting
public health. Policies to reduce air pollution, therefore, offer a win-win strategy for both climate
and health, lowering the burden of disease attributable to air pollution, as well as contributing to
the near- and long-term mitigation of climate change.
Mold and allergens from trees, weeds, and grass are also carried in the air, are exacerbated by
climate change, and can be hazardous to health. Though they aren’t regulated and are less
directly connected to human actions, they can be considered a form of air pollution. Pollen
allergies are worsening because of climate change.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
375
135 million people or four out of ten U.S. residents live in counties with unhealthy levels of air
pollution. Air monitoring shows that over 90 percent of Californians breathe unhealthy levels of
one or more air pollutants during some part of the year. In the U.S., the Clean Air Act has been
a crucial tool for reducing air pollution since its passage in 1970. The most effective way to
control air pollution is to speed up the transition to cleaner fuels and industrial processes. By
switching over to renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power, maximizing fuel
efficiency in vehicles, and replacing more and more gasoline-powered cars and trucks with
electric versions, air pollution can be limited at its source while also curbing the global warming
that worsens so many of its worst health impacts.
Air Quality Index (AQI) & Health
Millions of people live in areas where air pollution can cause serious health problems. Local air
quality can affect our daily lives. Like the weather, it can change from day to day. The
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA ) developed the Air Quality Index, or AQI, to make
information available about the health effects of the five most common air pollutants, and how to
avoid those effects.
The AQI is an index for reporting daily air quality. It tells you how clean or polluted your air is,
and what associated health effects might be a concern for you. The AQI focuses on health
affects you may experience within a few hours or days after breathing polluted air. EPA
calculates the AQI for five major air pollutants regulated by the Clean Air Act: ground-level
ozone, particle pollution (also known as particulate matter), carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide,
and nitrogen dioxide. For each of these pollutants, EPA has established national air quality
standards to protect public health. Ground-level ozone and airborne particles are the two
pollutants that pose the greatest threat to human health in this country.
https://www.airnow.gov/
https://airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=aqi_brochure.index
The purpose of the AQI is to help you understand what local air quality means to your health. To
make it easier to understand, the AQI is divided into six categories: Note: Values above 500 are
considered Beyond the AQI. Follow recommendations for the Hazardous category. Additional
information on reducing exposure to extremely high levels of particle pollution is available here.
Each category corresponds to a different level of health concern. The six levels of health
concern and what they mean are depicted in the figure below.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
376
Figure 3.208: Air Quality Index Concern Levels
Source: AirNow.gov
In the Bay Area, a certain amount of air pollution comes from industrial sources, such as
refineries and power plants. But a greater percentage of harmful air emissions comes from cars
and trucks, construction equipment, and other motor vehicles. In the wintertime, the largest
single source of air pollution is residential wood burning. Ozone and fine particle pollution, or
PM2.5, are the major regional air pollutants of concern in the San Francisco Bay Area. Ozone is
primarily a problem in the summer, and fine particle pollution in the winter. Along the Marin
County coast and in southern Marin County, clean air from the Pacific Ocean helps to keep air
pollution at a minimum. Elsewhere in the Marin County OA, ozone only rarely becomes a
concern, but the hilly terrain and colder winter temperatures can trap PM2.5 near the surface,
resulting in air quality that exceeds health standards.
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) is the official air pollution control
agency for the San Francisco Bay Area, which includes Marin County. They have issued
numerous poor air quality advisories for Marin County over the years as a result of wildfires.
3.4.2 CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE/ UTILITY DISRUPTION
Critical Infrastructure and utility disruption is defined as the disruption of one or more of the
physical structures, facilities, networks and other assets which provide services that are
essential to the social and economic functioning of a community or society. Examples of
infrastructure disruptions include building collapses, water main breaks, gas pipe ruptures,
steam pipe explosions, communication system failures and related types of events. These
disruptions can be caused by natural disasters such as a landslide or earthquake, by man-made
disasters such as a train or major vehicle crash, or by acts of sabotage including terrorism.
1 ~<;>U·N· TY OF a
~ARIN~
Air Quality Index
l~vcls of Health
concern
Good
Moderate
Unhealthy
Very Unhe.stthy
Ha23rdous
Numerical
Value
Oto50
51 to 100
Meaning
sk.
cons dered sat!mctory :ind .:i r pc,llu on poses lfttl• or no
Air qu3lity is 3ccept3ble; however, for some pollut3nts there m3y be 3
moder3te he3 l th concern for 3 very sm3II number of people who ;ire
unusu3lly sensiti ve to .1ir pollution .
151 to 200 Everyone m3y beg in to experlen~ he.111h effects; members of sensitive
groups may experience more senous heatth effects .
EH!@i+E Hnlth alert everyone m;sy· experience more serious hea~ effects.
301 to 500 Health_wamlngs of emergency conditions. The entire population Is
more likely to be .Jffected.
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
377
Climate change is expected to heavily affect infrastructure through heatwaves, floods and
droughts. Figure 3.20 8 shows critical infrastructure across the Marin County OA.
Figure 3.209: Marin County OA Critical Infrastructure
Source: Marin County
The availability of critical infrastructure and utilities are crucial for timely recovery after a disaster
induced by natural hazards. Maintaining or quickly restoring road access, drinking water supply
or healthcare can save lives. Very often disasters are exacerbated by poor infrastructure.
Preparing critical infrastructures, as well as the population, for long-term outages due to natural
hazards is crucial. When critical infrastructure and utilities have a disruption, it can
disproportionately affect socially vulnerable populations. For individuals stuck at home and who
rely on timely medication or electrical devices, a situation can quickly become critical if road
access and power supplies are damaged. The increasing complexity, interdependency and
scale of infrastructure networks can make them more difficult to protect. While technological
developments have improved the quality of essential services, this progress itself creates new
vulnerabilities.
Beyond power outages caused by storms, wildfires and PSPS events, the Marin County OA has
had no significant critical infrastructure or utility disruptions. Other critical infrastructure and
utility disruptions across California and the United States have occurred, however, and could
similarly occur in the Marin County OA including the 2011 Southwest power failure, the 2010
San Bruno PG&E gas line explosion, and the 2007 I-35 bridge collapse in Minneapolis,
Minnesota.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
CB1tfomit1 ctnc , rn nsm 1H1en l 1n1P.s -220 . ?67 kV
Smtlller than 110 kV
-110 -161\N
-34 5-SOOIN
Marin County OA C ri tica l Infrast ructure
-UtJ1 ty. PGE Mai10 r Gae Line
[-1 Man n C1bos fTc,,,,,ns (OUIU ne)
~-;..
i>~ ..... ,.,,
::>"~
et
10
1,577,791 ,.
20~rn
~rnl
O!l,OUW\,ueaQ.C....l'ltt,:,,i"""""Cdi.rni.~
,.~ &\. 1-E:Rt. ~ &11:0,~ f"o\O, ~
AA"-OSOS.6-<14t.aNM1<1~~NPS
s.-... m,
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
378
3.4.3 CYBER THREATS
A cyber threat is any circumstance or event with the potential to adversely impact organizational
operations (including mission, functions, image, or reputation), organizational assets, or
individuals through an information system via unauthorized access, destruction, disclosure,
modification of information, and/or denial of service. A cyber threat is also the potential for a
threat-source to successfully exploit a particular information system vulnerability. Cyber threats
include:
Malware
Malware — or malicious software — is any program or code that is created with the intent to do
harm to a computer, network or server. Malware is the most common type of cyberattack, mostly
because this term encompasses many subsets such as ransomware, trojans, spyware, viruses,
worms, keyloggers, bots, cryptojacking, and any other type of malware attack that leverages
software in a malicious way. Types of malware include:
Ransomware: In a ransomware attack, an adversary encrypts a victim’s data and offers to
provide a decryption key in exchange for a payment. Ransomware attacks are usually
launched through malicious links delivered via phishing emails, but unpatched vulnerabilities
and policy misconfigurations are used as well.
Fileless Malware: Fileless malware is a type of malicious activity that uses native, legitimate
tools built into a system to execute a cyber attack. Unlike traditional malware, fileless
malware does not require an attacker to install any code on a target’s system, making it hard
to detect.
Spyware: Spyware is a type of unwanted, malicious software that infects a computer or
other device and collects information about a user’s web activity without their knowledge or
consent.
Adware: Adware is a type of spyware that watches a user’s online activity in order to
determine which ads to show them. While adware is not inherently malicious, it has an
impact on the performance of a user’s device and degrades the user experience.
Trojan: A trojan is malware that appears to be legitimate software disguised as native
operating system programs or harmless files like free downloads. Trojans are installed
through social engineering techniques such as phishing or bait websites.
Worm: A worm is a self-contained program that replicates itself and spreads its copies to
other computers. A worm may infect its target through a software vulnerability or it may be
delivered via phishing or smishing. Embedded worms can modify and delete files, inject
more malicious software, or replicate in place until the targeted system runs out of
resources.
Rootkit: Rootkit malware is a collection of software designed to give malicious actors control
of a computer network or application. Once activated, the malicious program sets up a
backdoor exploit and may deliver additional malware.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
379
Mobile Malware: Mobile malware is any type of malware designed to target mobile devices.
Mobile malware is delivered through malicious downloads, operating system vulnerabilities,
phishing, smishing, and the use of unsecured WiFi.
Exploit: An exploit is a piece of software or data that opportunistically uses a defect in an
operating system or an app to provide access to unauthorized actors. The exploit may be
used to install more malware or steal data.
Scareware: Scareware tricks users into believing their computer is infected with a virus.
Typically, a user will see scareware as a pop-up warning them that their system is infected.
This scare tactic aims to persuade people into installing fake antivirus software to remove
the “virus.” Once this fake antivirus software is downloaded, then malware may infect your
computer.
Keylogger: Keyloggers are tools that record what a person types on a device. While there
are legitimate and legal uses for keyloggers, many uses are malicious. In a keylogger
attack, the keylogger software records every keystroke on the victim’s device and sends it to
the attacker.
Botnet: Botnet is a network of computers infected with malware that are controlled by a bot
herder. The bot herder is the person who operates the botnet infrastructure and uses the
compromised computers to launch attacks designed to crash a target’s network, inject
malware, harvest credentials or execute CPU-intensive tasks.
Denial and Distributed Denial of Service Attacks
A Denial-of-Service (DoS) attack is a malicious, targeted attack that floods a network with false
requests in order to disrupt business operations.
In a DoS attack, users are unable to perform routine and necessary tasks, such as accessing
email, websites, online accounts or other resources that are operated by a compromised
computer or network. While most DoS attacks do not result in lost data and are typically
resolved without paying a ransom, they cost the organization time, money and other resources
in order to restore critical business operations.
The difference between DoS and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks has to do with
the origin of the attack. DoS attacks originate from just one system while DDoS attacks are
launched from multiple systems. DDoS attacks are faster and harder to block than DOS attacks
because multiple systems must be identified and neutralized to halt the attack.
Phishing
Phishing is a type of cyberattack that uses email, SMS, phone, social media, and social
engineering techniques to entice a victim to share sensitive information — such as passwords
or account numbers — or to download a malicious file that will install viruses on their computer
or phone. Types of phishing include:
Spear Phishing: Spear-phishing is a type of phishing attack that targets specific individuals
or organizations typically through malicious emails. The goal of spear phishing is to steal
sensitive information such as login credentials or infect the targets’ device with malware.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
380
Whaling: A whaling attack is a type of social engineering attack specifically targeting senior
or executive employees with the purpose of stealing money or information, or gaining
access to the person’s computer in order to execute further cyberattacks.
SMiShing: Smishing is the act of sending fraudulent text messages designed to trick
individuals into sharing sensitive data such as passwords, usernames and credit card
numbers. A smishing attack may involve cybercriminals pretending to be your bank or a
shipping service you use.
Vishing: Vishing, a voice phishing attack, is the fraudulent use of phone calls and voice
messages pretending to be from a reputable organization to convince individuals to reveal
private information such as bank details and passwords.
Spoofing
Spoofing is a technique through which a cybercriminal disguises themselves as a known or
trusted source. In so doing, the adversary is able to engage with the target and access their
systems or devices with the ultimate goal of stealing information, extorting money or installing
malware or other harmful software on the device. Types of spoofing include:
Domain Spoofing: Domain spoofing is a form of phishing where an attacker impersonates a
known business or person with fake website or email domain to fool people into the trusting
them. Typically, the domain appears to be legitimate at first glance, but a closer look will
reveal subtle differences.
Email Spoofing: Email spoofing is a type of cyberattack that targets organizations by using
emails with forged sender addresses. Because the recipient trusts the alleged sender, they
are more likely to open the email and interact with its contents, such as a malicious link or
attachment.
ARP Spoofing: Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) spoofing or ARP poisoning is a form of
spoofing attack that hackers use to intercept data. A hacker commits an ARP spoofing attack
by tricking one device into sending messages to the hacker instead of the intended
recipient. This way, the hacker gains access to your device’s communications, including
sensitive data.
Code Injection Attacks
Code injection attacks consist of an attacker injecting malicious code into a vulnerable computer
or network to change its course of action. Types of code injection attacks include:
SQL Injection: A Structured Query Language (SQL ) Injection attack leverages system
vulnerabilities to inject malicious SQL statements into a data-driven application, which then
allows the hacker to extract information from a database. Hackers use SQL Injection
techniques to alter, steal or erase application's database data.
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): Cross Site Scripting (XSS) is a code injection attack in which an
adversary inserts malicious code within a legitimate website. The code then launches as an
infected script in the user’s web browser, enabling the attacker to steal sensitive information
or impersonate the user. Web forums, message boards, blogs and other websites that allow
users to post their own content are the most susceptible to XSS attacks.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
381
Malvertising: Malvertising attacks leverage many other techniques to carry out the attack.
Typically, the attacker begins by breaching a third-party server, which allows the
cybercriminal to inject malicious code within a display ad or some element thereof, such as
banner ad copy, creative imagery or video content. Once clicked by a website visitor, the
corrupted code within the ad will install malware or adware on the user’s computer.
Identity-Based Attacks
Identity-based attacks are attacks on the behavior of an individual and are extremely hard to
detect. When a valid user’s credentials have been compromised and an adversary is
masquerading as that user, it is often very difficult to differentiate between the user’s typical
behavior and that of the hacker using traditional security measures and tools. Types of identity-
based attacks include:
Kerberoasting: Kerberoasting is a post-exploitation attack technique that attempts to crack
the password of a service account within the active directory where an adversary
masquerading as an account user with a service principal name requests a ticket, which
contains an encrypted password, or Kerberos.
Man-in-the -Middle (MITM) Attack: A man-in-the -middle attack is a type of cyberattack in
which an attacker eavesdrops on a conversation between two targets with the goal of
collecting personal data, passwords or banking details, and/or to convince the victim to take
an action such as changing login credentials, completing a transaction or initiating a transfer
of funds.
Pass-the-Hash Attack: Pass the hash (PtH) is a type of attack in which an adversary steals
a “hashed” user credential and uses it to create a new user session on the same network. It
does not require the attacker to know or crack the password to gain access to the system.
Rather, it uses a stored version of the password to initiate a new session.
Silver Ticket Attack: A silver ticket is a forged authentication ticket often created when an
attacker steals an account password. A forged service ticket is encrypted and enables
access to resources for the specific service targeted by the silver ticket attack.
Credential Stuffing: Credential stuffing attacks work on the premise that people often use
the same user ID and password across multiple accounts. Therefore, possessing the
credentials for one account may be able to grant access to other, unrelated account.
Password Spraying: The basics of a password spraying attack involve a threat actor using a
single common password against multiple accounts on the same application. This avoids the
account lockouts that typically occur when an attacker uses a brute force attack on a single
account by trying many passwords.
Brute Force Attacks: A brute force attack uses a trial-and-error approach to systematically
guess login info, credentials, and encryption keys. The attacker submits combinations of
usernames and passwords until they finally guess correctly.
Insider Threats
Insider threats are internal actors such as current or former employees that pose danger to an
organization because they have direct access to the company network, sensitive data, and
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
382
intellectual property (IP), as well as knowledge of business processes, company policies or
other information that would help carry out such an attack.
Internal actors that pose a threat to an organization tend to be malicious in nature. Some
motivators include financial gains in exchange for selling confidential information on the dark
web, and/or emotional coercion using social engineering tactics. On the other hand, some
insider threat actors are not malicious in nature but instead are negligent in nature. To combat
this, organizations should implement a comprehensive cybersecurity training program that
teaches stakeholders to be aware of any potential attacks, including those potentially performed
by an insider.
Supply Chain Attacks
A supply chain attack is a type of cyberattack that targets a trusted third-party vendor who offers
services or software vital to the supply chain. Software supply chain attacks inject malicious
code into an application in order to infect all users of an app, while hardware supply chain
attacks compromise physical components for the same purpose. Software supply chains are
particularly vulnerable because modern software is not written from scratch: rather, it involves
many off-the-shelf components, such as third-party APIs, open-source code and proprietary
code from software vendors.
DNS tunneling
DNS Tunneling is a type of cyberattack that leverages domain name system (DNS) queries and
responses to bypass traditional security measures and transmit data and code within the
network. Once infected, the hacker can freely engage in command-and -control activities. This
tunnel gives the hacker a route to unleash malware and/or to extract data, IP or other sensitive
information by encoding it bit by bit in a series of DNS responses. DNS tunneling attacks have
increased in recent years, in part because they are relatively simple to deploy. Tunneling toolkits
and guides are even readily accessible online through mainstream sites like YouTube.
IoT-Based Attacks
An IoT attack is any cyberattack that targets an Internet of Things (IoT) device or network. Once
compromised, the hacker can assume control of the device, steal data, or join a group of
infected devices to create a botnet to launch DoS or DDoS attacks. Given that the number of
connected devices is expected to grow rapidly over the next several years, cybersecurity
experts expect IoT infections to grow as well. Further, the deployment of 5G networks, which will
further fuel the use of connected devices, may also lead to an uptick in attacks.
The Marin County OA has had several cybersecurity issues. More than $300,000 was stolen by
fraudulent electronic transfers at the Marin County Civic Center, unwittingly approved by county
financial gatekeepers in 2018. Marin County’s computer network has been hacked into and
breached at least five times between July 2017 and August 2018. In addition, more than half of
Marin’s cities — Corte Madera, Fairfax, Larkspur, Novato, Sausalito and Tiburon — have had
their cybersecurity compromised including:
Town of Fairfax: In July 2016, Fairfax was victimized by a ransomware attack. An employee
received an email with a malware program attached; and when the employee clicked on the
attachment, the town’s servers were infected and became unusable. No ransom was paid, but
the town was forced to use a previous backup in order to rebuild its systems. The Town lost data
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
383
for the day of the attack, since it had not yet been backed up. The Town suffered a similar
breach in October 2014.
City of Novato: In 2017, Novato fell victim to a phishing attack. A city employee received an
email purporting to be from a senior city official, requesting a wire transfer of funds. The
employee initiated the wire transfer to the account specified by the hacker. The breach was
reported to local law enforcement and the FBI. After the attack, the City strengthened its email
security and implemented mandatory employee training to reduce its vulnerability to email-
based attacks.
City of Sausalito: In January 2018, Sausalito was the victim of a phishing attack in which a fake
email, purporting to be from the city manager, was sent to a city employee. This employee
complied with the fake email’s request for copies of the W-2 tax forms of all of the city’s
employees and councilmembers. As a result, all these individuals were exposed to the risk of
identity theft. The Sausalito breach was reported to the FBI. For two years after the attack, the
city provided free credit monitoring services to all employees, at a cost of approximately
$27,000. Nevertheless, three employees had fraudulent state tax returns filed in their names,
although the attempts were unsuccessful because taxing authorities had been alerted.
Town of Tiburon: In 2019, Tiburon suffered a ransomware attack, also initiated by a fake email
attachment opened by an employee. No ransom was paid, but the Town’s systems were largely
disabled for more than three days. Most of its data was recovered using a backup, but the town
discovered that one of its applications was not being backed up properly, so the town needed to
rebuild much of that data by hand from paper records.
Town of Corte Madera: In 2019, Corte Madera suffered a direct attack. During a brief moment
when a vendor intentionally disabled the town’s firewall for system updates, hackers were able
to access its network and disable it using ransomware. No ransom was paid, but the system
had to be restored from a backup.
City of Larkspur: In August 2019, Larkspur’s network was compromised in a direct attack. Four
of its computers were reportedly accessed from one of the public computers in the Larkspur
library. It is unknown what data may have been accessed.
Having a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy is vital. Organizations should secure their
critical areas of risk, know their threats, be ready to respond quickly to a threat, monitor the
criminal underground through hidden messaging platforms and dark web forums, utilize
technology to stop sophisticated threats, and build a comprehensive cybersecurity training
program.
3.4.4 OIL SPILLS
Oil spills can happen anywhere oil is drilled, transported, or used. They can happen in many
different ways including when pipelines break, oil tanker ships sink, or drilling operations go
wrong. Consequences to ecosystems and economies can be felt for decades following a large
oil spill. Thousands of oil spills occur in U.S. waters each year. Most of these spills are small
but can still cause damage, especially if they happen in sensitive environments, like beaches
and wetlands. Large oil spills can be significant disasters.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
384
Where oil is spilled, what kinds of plants, animals, and habitats are found there, and the amount
and type of oil, among other things, can influence how much harm an oil spill causes. Generally,
oil spills harm ocean life in two ways:
Fouling or oiling: Fouling or oiling occurs when oil physically harms a plant or animal. Oil can
coat a bird’s wings and leave it unable to fly or strip away the insulating properties of a sea
otter’s fur, putting it at risk of hypothermia. The degree of oiling often impacts the animal’s
chances of survival.
Oil toxicity: Oil consists of many different toxic compounds. These toxic compounds can cause
severe health problems like heart damage, stunted growth, immune system effects, and even
death. Our understanding of oil toxicity has expanded by studying the effects of the 2010
Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
Wildlife recovery, cleaning, and rehabilitation is often an important part of oil spill response.
However, wildlife is difficult to find and catch, oil spills can happen over wide areas, and some
animals (like whales) are too big to recover. Unfortunately, it’s unrealistic to rescue all wildlife
impacted during oil spills.
The U.S Coast Guard is primarily responsible for cleaning up oil spills, while NOAA provides
scientific support to make decisions that protect people and the environment. There are different
equipment and tactics that trained experts can use to contain or remove oil from the
environment when a spill occurs:
Booms are floating physical barriers to oil, which help keep it contained and away from sensitive
areas, like beaches, mangroves, and wetlands.
Skimmers are used off of boats and can “skim” oil from the sea surface. In situ burning, or
setting fire to an oil slick, can burn the oil away at sea, and chemical dispersants can break up
oil slicks from the surface.
Cleanup activities can never remove 100% of the oil spilled, and scientists have to be careful
that their actions don’t cause additional harm.
Figure 3.209 shows the largest oil spills affecting United States waters from 1969-2017.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
385
Figure 3.210: Largest Oil Spills Affecting U.S. Waters 1969-2017
Source: NOAA
The Marin County OA has been impacted by oil spills. In 2007, an oil tanker colided with one of
the San-Francisco Oakland Bay Bridge towers. It spilled 53,569 gallons of bunker fuel into San
Francisco Bay. The tidal mechanics of San Francisco Bay caused the spill to spread rapidly,
affecting a large area of the California North Coast, including the Golden Gate National
Recreation Area, Ocean Beach and the Marin Headlands. More than 50 public beaches were
closed, including Crissy Field, Fort Point, Baker Beach, China Beach and Kirby Cove. Beaches
as far south as Pacifica, California were closed due to the spill. According to Federal and State
natural resource trustee agencies, the spill is estimated to have killed 6,849 birds. Several
fisheries in the Bay Area may have been affected by the spill, and the crab and sport fishing
seasons were postponed by several weeks. As of the end of November 2007, State biologists
had tested more than 1100 samples of fish, mussels and Dungeness crab in San Francisco Bay
and coastal waters outside the Golden Gate. The tests found unsafe levels of contaminants in
mussels from Rodeo Beach and the Berkeley pier. An estimated 1,079,900 recreational use
days were also lost as a result of the spill. This includes general shoreline use as well as
recreational fishing and boating. Total monetary damages were estimated at more than $70
million for oil spill cleanup.
In 1971, a spill occurred in the San Francisco Bay when two tankers collided and spilled
800,000 gallons of oil, threatening significant sensitive habitat inside and outside the Bay,
including the Bolinas Lagoon.
On March 6, 2021, a steel shackle connecting a tugboat to the American Challenger, a 90-foot
decommissioned vessel, failed in Bodega Bay, causing the American Challenger to drift into
shore. A Coast Guard crew was monitoring it at the time and reported the commercial vessel
grounded north of Dillon Beach, off Pt Reyes.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
Million Gallons Spilled
Exxon Valdez -1989 Largest Oil Spills
Affecting U.S. Waters
134 .0 MG 01:iepwater Horizon
75.0 MG
Tank Barge UMTB 283 -1988
•
•
1969 -Present
50 .0 MG
10 .0MG
1.0 MG
0.5MG
Tenyo Maru -1991
USS General M.C. Meigs -1972 Ashland Petr~leum -1988 \
Kalamazoo River -2010 \
5
-1985
Even relatively small oil spills can
cause maj o r harm , depending on
location, season , environmental
se nsitivity, and type of oil. The
following spills are exa mples :
MN Selendang Ayu -2004. AK
MfT Athas I -2004 -NJ /PA
MN Cosco Busan -2007 -CA
MN New Cariss a -1999 -OR
Hawaiian Patriot -1977 •
N
A
Oregon Standard -1971
Puerto Rican -1964
Santa Barbara -1969/
Sansinena -1976
Citgo Refinery -2006
Eagle otome -2010
Apex Barges -1990
Burmah Agate -1979
N~r:
9
:a~:~: ~::/,
Tank Barge OM932 -2008
Hurricane Katrina -2005
Westchester -2000
Chevron Ma in Pass Block41 -1970
Cape -1996
go Merchant -1976
kensack Estuary Ta nk Farm ,
llen Oil Company -1976
ro Savannah -1990
Texaco Oklahoma -1971
Reedy River -1996
Amazon Venture -1986
Deepwater Horizon• 2010
Epic Colocotronis -1975
/ Vista Bella -1991
lxtoc 1 -1979 . . Hurricane Hugo-1989
Santa Augusta -1971
Zoe Colocotrom -1973
MN Zanms -197 4 eek Slip -1978
Moms J. Berman -1994
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
386
Officials representing the Marin County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services, the U.S. Coast
Guard, the EPA, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, and state Office of Spill Prevention and Response, responded to
the scene and attempted to contain the oil and other hazardous materials leaking from the
vessel, ensuring debris and toxic substances did not stray into the surrounding Greater
Farallones National Marine Sanctuary. About $2.3 million was spent on the initial response and
costs related to the stranding, including oil booms, environmental assessments, shoreline
surveys and Coast Guard costs, according to the Office of Spill Prevention and Response. The
Environmental Protection Agency, Region 9, paid an estimated $1 million for the dismantling
and disposal of the vessel.
Additional oil spills have impacted other areas of California:
In 1910, The Lakeview Gusher created the largest accidental oil spill in history, lasting 18
months and releasing an estimated 9 million barrels of crude oil. It occurred due to an eruption
of hydrocarbons from a pressurized oil well in the Midway-Sunset Oil Field in Kern County,
California.
In 1969, a blowout on an offshore platform off the coast of Santa Barbara, California, spilled
over four million gallons of oil.
In 2021, a major oil spill occurred in Orange County, California, originating from an underwater
pipe connected to the Elly platform about 4.5 miles offshore near Long Beach. The U.S. Coast
Guard estimated that spill covered 8,320 acres of the ocean's surface, spilling approximately
24,696 gallons of oil.
Two of the most significant marine oil spills in American history, each of which was the largest oil
spill into American waterways at the time, include:
In 1989, the Exxon Valdez oil tanker ran aground in the Prince William Sound in Alaska,
spilling over 11 million gallons of oil.
On April 20, 2010, an explosion occurred on the Deepwater Horizon drilling platform in the
Gulf of Mexico, killing 11 people. Before it was capped three months later, approximately
134 million gallons of oil had spilled into the ocean making it the largest marine oil spill in
U.S. history. That is equivalent to the volume of over 200 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
While there is currently no oil drilling offshore of Northern California, including Marin County, the
potential exists for new drilling to occur in the area in the future. Onshore drilling also does not
occur in the Marin County OA. Currently, an oil spill affecting Marin County would most likely
emanate from a ship accident as there are no oil pipelines in the Marin County OA.
Environmental, economic, and recreational impacts to the Marin County shoreline could be
significant depending on the location of the spill and the tides.
3.4.5 PANDEMIC
A pandemic is a disease outbreak that spreads across countries or continents. It affects more
people and takes more lives than an epidemic.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
387
An epidemic is when an infectious disease spreads quickly to more people than experts would
expect. It usually affects a larger area than an outbreak.
An outbreak is when an illness happens in unexpected high numbers. It may stay in one area or
extend more widely. An outbreak can last days or years. Sometimes, experts consider a single
case of a contagious disease to be an outbreak. This may be true if it’s an unknown disease, if
it’s new to a community, or if it’s been absent from a population for a long time.
The number of lives lost in a pandemic depends on:
• How many people are infected.
• How severe of an illness the virus causes (its virulence).
• How vulnerable certain groups of people are.
• Prevention efforts and how effective they are.
The California Department of Public Health has identified several diseases that could contribute
to an outbreak, epidemic or pandemic in California:
Animal Transmitted
These are diseases that are transmitted to humans by domestic or non-domestic animals.
Examples include:
• Brucellosis (undulant fever)
• Campylobacteriosis
• Cat scratch disease
• Cryptosporidiosis
• Escherichia coli (E. coli)
• Giardiasis
• Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)
• Plague
• Psittacosis (ornithosis, parrot fever)
• Q Fever
• Rabies
• Ringworm
• Salmonellosis
• Toxoplasmosis
• Tularemia
Bloodborne
Viruses, bacteria and parasites that can be carried in blood and cause disease are known as
bloodborne pathogens. Transmission of these diseases may be from direct blood contact,
needle sticks, intravenous drug use, sexual behavior, insects or other vectors. Examples
include:
• Tularemia
• Ebola
• Hepatitis C
• Malaria
Community-Acquired Infections
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
388
Community-acquired infections are infections that are contracted outside of a hospital (or are
diagnosed within 48 hours of admission) without any previous health care encounter. Examples
include:
• Adenovirus
• Bed Bugs
• Body Lice
• Campylobacteriosis
• Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
• Common cold viruses
• Enterovirus, non-polio
• Hand, foot, and mouth disease
• Head Lice (‘ukus)
• Impetigo
• Influenza (flu)
• Invasive Group A Streptococcus (necrotizing fasciitis)
• Legionnaires’ Disease/Pontiac Fever
Foodborne
Foodborne diseases can be spread when food becomes contaminated with fecal matter
containing bacteria, viruses, or parasites. This contamination can happen at a farm,
manufacturing plant, restaurant, or home. Foodborne diseases usually result in gastrointestinal
illness, which can include symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, stomachache, and
fever. People who are ill with a foodborne disease can give the infection to others, so proper
hygiene and hand washing practices are essential to limit the spread of disease. People
experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms should not prepare or handle food for others. Examples
include:
• Amebiasis
• Angiostrongyliasis (rat lungworm)
• Anisakiasis
• Botulism
• Brucellosis (undulant fever)
• Campylobacteriosis
• Cholera
• Ciguatera fish poisoning
• Cryptosporidiosis
• Cyclosporiasis
• Escherichia coli (E. coli)
• Giardiasis
• Listeriosis
• Norovirus
• Salmonellosis
• Scombroid
• Shigellosis
• Tularemia
• Typhoid Fever
• Vibriosis
• Yersinia enterocolitica
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
389
Influenza
Influenza is an infectious viral disease of birds and mammals commonly transmitted through
airborne aerosols such as coughing or sneezing. Symptoms are chills, headache, fever,
nausea, muscle pain and occasionally pneumonia. Flu pandemics in the late 19th and 20th
centuries include:
• Russian flu
• 1918 Spanish flu
• Asian flu
• Hong Kong flu
• A/H1N1 or the swine flu.
Avian flu strains H5N1 and H7N9 caused human deaths but did not escalate to pandemic
proportions.
Mosquito-Transmitted
Mosquitoes found in California are capable of spreading many diseases to humans and
animals. Examples include:
• Malaria
• Yellow fever
• Dengue
• Chikungunya
• Zika
• Canine heartworm
• West Nile virus
• Other encephalitis viruses
Historically, California has experienced local transmission of malaria, western equine
encephalomyelitis, St. Louis encephalitis, California encephalitis viruses, canine heartworm, and
West Nile virus. Canine heartworm and West Nile virus continue to have frequent local
transmission in California, with West Nile virus human cases numbering in the hundreds every
year. With increased global travel, the potential exists for the introduction or reintroduction of
many mosquito-borne diseases into California.
Waterborne Diseases
Diseases caused by micro-organisms transmitted in water can be spread while bathing,
washing, drinking water, or eating food exposed to contaminated water.
• Cholera
• Giardiasis
• Legionnaires’ Disease /Pontiac Fever
• Leptospirosis
• Typhoid Fever
Sexually Transmitted Disease
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
390
HIV/AIDS, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are the predominant sexually transmitted
infections.
• Chlamydia
• Genital warts
• Gonorrhea
• Hepatitis A, B, and C
• Herpes
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS)
• Human papillomavirus
• Syphilis
• Zika
Respiratory Viruses
Respiratory viruses are responsible for influenza-like illness. They can also cause the common
cold. The virus that caused the Covid-19 pandemic is a respiratory virus. People at high risk
(those with certain underlying conditions, the elderly, the very young, and pregnant women) can
develop severe illness that results in hospitalization or death. The best protection is proper
hygiene and avoiding contact with sick individuals. The best way for those who are infected to
protect others is to cover their nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing, use good hand
hygiene, and stay home from work or school.
• Adenovirus
• Coronaviruses
• Influenza
• Parainfluenza
• Parvovirus B19
• Respiratory Syncytial Virus
• Rhinovirus (Common Cold)
• Measles
• Pertussis (whooping cough)
Marin County, like the rest of the United States, was included in the March 2020 FEMA major
disaster declaration for the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. Since March 2020, Marin County
Public Health collected and analyzed information about COVID-19 impact in every community.
Figure 3.210 shows Marin County Covid-19 hospitalizations and Figure 3.211 shows Marin
County Covid-19 cases, hospitalizations by demographic.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
391
Figure 3.211: Marin County Covid -19 Hospitalizations
Source: California Department of Public Health
Figure 3.212: Marin County Covid-19 Hospitalizations by Demographics
Source: California Department of Public Health
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
LJ l 0 .6%
c::]20.2%
~21.8%
=:::]19.3%
0 8 .0%
0 6 .1%
10 .6% 10 .0%
4 .3% 10 .0%
10.8% 1 3.3%
c:::]20.8% ■7 .7%
c:::J 20.S% -18.2%
42.0%
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
392
The 1918 Spanish Flu also had impacts on the Marin County OA. San Rafael city officials took
action before the disease hit the rest of Marin County. All unnecessary public gatherings in
social halls and fraternal lodge were prohibited in San Rafael. Schools remained open but
theaters were closed. The City of San Rafael passed an ordinance authorizing the arrest of
people who failed or refused to wear gauze masks when appearing on the streets. Masks were
considered a necessity and ultimately the rest of the Marin County OA public was mandated to
wear them. By October 24, 1918, all Marin County schools had been closed and churches and
lodges were ordered to postpone all planned meetings. The first death in Marin from the flu was
reported that same day “when Seth Morby, of Kentfield was taken.” The Hotel Rafael in San
Rafael was used to house flu patients. A resurgence of flu cases across the Marin County OA
occurred throughout much of 1919. Several additional deaths occurred and emergency
measures had to be reinstated before being lifted again later in the year.
Climate Change
Climate change is expected to have an impact on health hazards. Projected increases in hot
days and extreme heat events will increase the risk of heat-associated deaths. Air quality
impacts and drier conditions may exacerbate respiratory and cardiovascular conditions through
greater concentrations of pollution and allergens. Prolonged droughts from climate change can
also affect the quality of drinking water (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020).
The California 4th Climate Assessment finds that Bay Area public health is threatened by a
number of climate related changes, including more extreme heat events, increased air pollution
from ozone formation and wildfires, longer and more frequent droughts, and flooding from sea
level rise and high-intensity rain events. Heat waves pose increased health risks due to urban
heat islands and lack of local experience and cooling infrastructure (air conditioning) in bayside
cities. These risks are compounded for low-income communities.
3.4.6 TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS
Vehicle Accident
A vehicle accident occurs when a motor vehicle collides with another vehicle or object. Vehicle
collisions can result in mass fatalities and property damage. A number of factors contribute to
the risk of a collision including vehicle design, speed of operation, road design, road
environment, driver skill, and impairment due to drugs or alcohol. There are numerous different
types of vehicle collisions; of primary concern are the ones that result in a mass fatality and/or a
hazmat incident. These incidents can occur due to a single vehicle accident, such as with a tour
bus or a truck carrying hazardous materials, or due to a multi-vehicle accident. Multi-vehicle
collisions generally occur on high capacity and high-speed routes such as freeways. The only
interstate in the Marin County OA is Interstate 580 which connects Marin County to Contra
Costa Coun ty via the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. There are several major state highways
that traverse the Marin County OA including Highways 101, 1 and 37. See figure 3.21 2 for a
map of roadways in the Marin County OA.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
393
Figure 3.213: Marin County Highways
Source: Marin Convention and Visitors Bureau
Multi-vehicle accidents usually occur in low-visibility conditions. Marin County often experiences
fog which can hamper visibility. Road hazards, including black ice and landslides, can cause
multi-vehicle accidents in good visibility. On roads with high traffic volume, a chain-reaction
crash can occur when motorists are unable to stop. Determining the cause of multi-vehicle
accidents is often difficult. Multi-vehicle accidents are particularly deadly due to the heightened
risk of injury and chances of a fire occurring. Multi-vehicle accidents can also overwhelm local
responding units, making rescue more difficult. Accidents in remote areas can hamper the
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
s ,nd -rt1J's
Tule EIII
Drak~s
&y ~
Pacific
Ocean
Gin
Camp@
WU<ltat
(~/"...., -· -
e O•c::::::i-==2,..s ___ s MIies
SONOMA COUNTY
~ Mann •@iMIM'lhii
San Pablo
Bay
San rancisco
Bay
gel
sland
tate Park
f.'::on
BlhrBeldJPR"E-SID.,cl0<--10-1 ~
O ~S.F. 1)
~-------------------------------------.!!!!~End!!1'..,_ ft univ,~itvnf-'\
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
394
ability to receive medical help. A mass fatality and/or hazmat incident could occur on any one of
Marin County’s major highways.
In March 2006, a freak blizzard with two to four inches of slush caused a 28-car pileup on
Highway 101 at the then Waldo Tunnel. Two people were killed and more than a dozen injured,
and the northbound lanes were closed for 11 hours. The pileup scattered wreckage 350 to 400
feet along the road.
In December 2022, a Marin Transit bus overturned in rainy weather in San Rafael but there was
only one person aboard.
Train Accident
A train accident is a violent and destructive crash involving a train. There are several different
kinds of train accidents that can occur. A train can derail due to defects in or the compromising
of track infrastructure, human error, mechanical or maintenance issues on the train itself, and/or
from hitting another object such as a vehicle or another train. A train can also hit another object
without derailing. Train accidents can be classified in terms of both cause and effect:
Classification of train accidents by cause:
Engineer/Conductor Error
• Passing signals at danger
• Excessive speed
Mishandling of the engine
• Failure to check brakes and safety systems
• Failure to stop at required positions
Controller Error
• Allowing two trains into the same occupied block section
• Other Railway Personnel Error (shunters, porters, maintenance workers)
• Accidental track obstruction
• Improper maintenance activities (leading to warped rails, damaged ties, faulty signals,
etc.)
Mechanical Failure of Rolling Stock (Train Cars)
• Poor maintenance
• Poor design
• Undetected damage
• Overloading of or improperly secured freight
• Combustion fire
Civil Engineering Failure
• Track faults
• Bridge and tunnel collapses
• Poor track or junction layout
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
395
Non-Railway Personnel Error
• Accidental track obstruction
Deliberate Acts
• Deliberate track obstruction
• Intentional damage to track infrastructure or the train itself
• Level crossing misuse
Natural Causes
• Track obstruction due to landslides, avalanches, floods, or felled trees
• Fog or snow that can obscure signals or the position of a train
• Wet leaves
Classification of Train Accidents by Effect:
Collision (any of which can cause a derailment)
• Head-on collision
• Rear collision
• Slanting collision
• Collision with buffer stops
• Collision with obstructions of the track
Derailment
• Plain track
• Curve
• Junction
Other
• Fires, explosions, and release of hazardous chemicals
• People falling from trains
A train accident can cause significant loss of life and/or property and environmental damage
depending on the severity of the accident and the type of materials involved. In addition to
hazardous commodities being transported, fuel tanks on locomotives can also cause a fire
and/or an environmental hazard.
The Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) is the North Bay’s passenger rail service for
Marin County. SMART is a Class 4 railroad. The current 45-mile system includes stations in
Novato, San Rafael, and Larkspur. SMART’s system also includes a bicycle and pedestrian
pathway along the rail corridor. SMART also provides freight service to North Bay businesses in
Marin County on the same line. SMART Freight operates on the historic rail corridor constructed
by Southern Pacific Railroad in the late 1800s and later utilized by Northwestern Pacific
Railroad (NWP) beginning in 1914. See Figure 3.213 for a map of the SMART commuter and
freight line.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
396
Figure 3.214: SMART Commuter and Freight Line
Source: SMART
There are currently 24 bridges in the segment of the SMART line from San Rafael to Santa
Rosa in Sonoma County as well as 63 at grade crossings. A positive train control system was
implemented for the length of the service corridor for customer and pedestrian safety.
The SMART commuter fleet consists of nine two-car Nippon Sharyo DMU trainsets. Each DMU
car is powered by a Cummins QSK19-R diesel engine. Trains may be as long as station
platforms provided there are cabs facing the outer ends. Each two-car train has room for over
300 passengers. Trains operate 19 round trips on weekdays at an average of 34.1 miles per
hour. SMART freight trains do not transport hazardous materials and currently carry grain, food
supplies and lumber.
On March 19th, 2023, a SMART freight train carrying corn tipped over in Sonoma County after
heavy rainfall saturated the railroad tracks. Several cars derailed. There were no injuries.
On February 10th, 2023, a SMART commuter train hit a car in Novato, killing a woman. No
passengers on the train were injured.
On September 17th, 2020, a SMART commuter train hit a car in San Rafael, injuring a woman.
No passengers on the train were injured.
A July 2016 fire aboard one of Toronto's Nippon Sharyo units revealed a design flaw in the
engine's crankshaft that would result in premature wear. SMART delayed operations until the
engines could be serviced to correct the problem.
B li&iil
MTNnOCJi:io
COl'N1i
!ON0.\1.\
·coi.r.,·Tv
,\LOON
L'Ol,'NIY
;s.ArA
COLINl'Y
BRAZOS I FRE IGHT L
(S
~'Ml,\\\
-lr.imm--::-::-
OCTOB E ·
!::...
MMUTER CAPITOL I CO
FREIGHT LINE
Sl.lLi\NO
COUNTY
COl\'TR/\ CO_SH
COUNI\
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
397
In December 2014, rains washed away some of the SMART train track beds near Petaluma in
Sonoma County, but the trains were not running.
Airplane Accident
An airplane accident is an occurrence associated with the operation of an airplane where a
person is fatally or seriously injured and where the aircraft sustains damage or loss. Airplane
accidents can occur as a result of pilot error, mechanical issues associated with aircraft,
terrorism, weather, or other human error. The majority of airplane accidents and fatalities occur
before or during takeoff and during approach or landing.
There are two airports, two heliports and a seaplane base in Marin County, though none of them
serve commercial flights. They are all private with the exception of the Gnoss Field Airport
which is operated by Marin County Public Works.
Gnoss Field Airport - DVO
Novato, California
San Rafael Airport - CA35
San Rafael, California
San Rafael Private Heliport - 5CA3
San Rafael, California
Commodore Center Heliport - JMC
Sausalito, California
Commodore Center Seaplane Base - 22CA
Sausalito, California
There could be numerous different impacts from an airplane crash in the Marin County OA. The
worst-case scenario would be if a large commercial aircraft were to crash in any heavily
populated area of the OA resulting in a mass casualty incident and significant damage on the
ground. The chances of this occurring are small. The most likely significant event would be a
small to medium size airplane having an incident in a heavily populated area of the OA.
On July 8th 2023, a single-engine Cessna 172 plane crashed near San Rafael Airport. The
plane’s tail hit power lines before the plane struck the ground. One person was killed.
On May 9th, 2022, a fixed-wing, single-engine Vans RV-10 plane crashed into a hillside near the
Golden Gate Bridge. At the time of the crash, the area was surrounded by thick fog. Two
people were killed.
On May 16th, 1946, a U.S. Army B-17 Flying Fortress aircraft crashed into White's Hill near
Fairfax, California. Two people were killed and six seriously injured.
Ship Accident
A ship accident is a marine event that occurs directly in connection with the operation of a ship
and results in loss of life, environmental damage, material damage to a ship, and/or the total
loss of a ship. Ship accidents can occur as a result of a fire, explosion, collision,
grounding/shoaling, contact, heavy weather damage, hull cracking, or hull defect that can result
in the immobilization of main engines, penetration of the ship, extensive structural damage,
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
398
and/or a breakdown that necessitates towing assistance. A ship accident can occur with both
cargo and passenger ships.
Since the closure of the Marinship shipyard, Marin County does not have a marine port. There
are several ferry terminals in Marin County that cater to passenger vessels:
Larkspur Landing, also known as the Larkspur Ferry Terminal, serves the Golden Gate Ferry
which travels to two locations in San Francisco.
The Tiburon Ferry Terminal serves the Golden Gate Ferry which travels to two locations in
San Francisco and the Angel Island–Tiburon Ferry Company for ferry service to Angel Island
State Park.
The Sausalito Ferry Terminal serves the Golden Gate Ferry and the Blue & Gold Fleet which
both travel to San Francisco.
The Golden Gate Ferry has a fleet of four catamarans and three monohull vessels. The
monohull vessels are named M.S. Marin, M.S. San Francisco, and M.S. Sonoma. The Marin
can carry 750 passengers, and the San Francisco and Sonoma can carry 630 passengers each.
The catamarans are named the M.V. Del Norte, M.V. Golden Gate, M.V. Mendocino, and M.V.
Napa. The Del Norte has a capacity of 400 passengers while the other three vessels have a
capacity of 450 passengers. The Blue & Gold Fleet operates a fleet of 21 vessels, the largest of
which can hold approximately 450 people. The Angel Island Tiburon ferry operates three
vessels, the largest of which can hold 400 people.
There are numerous public and private marinas and boating facilities in the Marin County OA
along San Francisco Bay, Richardson Bay and Tomales Bay that serve smaller passenger
watercraft and commercial fishing vessels.
The most significant maritime incident that could occur in the Marin County OA would be from a
large ferry at full capacity having an incident in San Francisco or Richardson Bay or at one of
the ferry terminals.
On November 23rd, 2018, a ferry carrying 53 passengers from Larkspur to San Francisco
crashed into the dock at the San Francisco Ferry Terminal. Two people on board were injured.
Both the ferry and the San Francisco Ferry Building dock sustained damage in the crash.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
399
SECTION 4.0: MITIGATION STRATEGY
Mitigation projects that address the goals and objectives developed in the previous section
were identified, evaluated, and prioritized. These actions form the core of the hazard mitigation
plan. A capabilities assessment was conducted by Marin County and its participating
jurisdictions, reviewing existing local plans, policies, and regulations for any other capabilities
relevant to hazard mitigation planning. An analysis of their capability to carry out these
implementation measures with an eye toward hazard and loss prevention was conducted.
The capabilities assessment required an inventory of each jurisdiction’s legal, administrative,
fiscal and technical capacities to support hazard mitigation planning. After completion of the
capabilities assessment, each jurisdiction evaluated and prioritized their proposed mitigations.
Each jurisdiction considered the social, technical, administrative, political, legal, economic, and
environmental opportunities and constraints of implementing a particular mitigation action. This
step resulted in a list of acceptable and realistic actions that address the hazards identified in
each jurisdiction.
4.1 CHANGES IN DEVELOPMENT
Overall hazard vulnerability has remained unchanged over the past 5 years due to development
and population changes. Marin County development and populations have increased in some
cities and decreased in several others over the last 5 years. Overall vulnerability and risk
reduction has been achieved through carefully planned development and application of the
capabilities detailed in Section 4.3 CAPABILITY ASSESSMENT.
44 CFR Requirement §201.6(c)(3) [The plan shall include the following:] A mi�ga�on strategy that
provides the jurisdic�on’s blueprint for reducing the poten�al losses iden�fied in the risk
assessment, based on exis�ng authori�es, policies, programs, and resources, and its ability to
expand on and improve these exis�ng tools.
§201.6(c)(3)(i) [The hazard mi�ga�on strategy shall include a] descrip�on of mi�ga�on goals to
reduce or avoid long‐term vulnerabili�es to the iden�fied hazards.
§201.6(c)(3)(ii) [The hazard mi�ga�on strategy shall include a] sec�on that iden�fies and analyzes a
comprehensive range of specific mi�ga�on ac�ons and projects being considered to reduce the
effects of each hazard, with par�cular emphasis on new and exis�ng buildings and infrastructure. All
plans approved by FEMA a�er October 1, 2008, must also address the jurisdic�on’s par�cipa�on in
the NFIP, and con�nued compliance with NFIP requirements, as appropriate.
§201.6(c)(3)(iii) [The hazard mi�ga�on strategy shall include an] ac�on plan, describing how the
ac�on iden�fied in paragraph (c)(3)(ii) of this sec�on will be priori�zed, implemented, and
administered by the local jurisdic�on. Priori�za�on shall include a special emphasis on the extent to
which benefits are maximized according to a cost benefit review of the proposed projects and their
associated costs.
§201.6(c)(3)(iv) For mul�‐jurisdic�onal plans, there must be iden�fiable ac�on items specific to
the jurisdic�on reques�ng FEMA approval or credit of the plan.
§201.6(c)(4)(ii) [The plan shall include a] process by which local governments incorporate the
requirements of the mi�ga�on plan into other planning mechanisms such as comprehensive or
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
400
Marin County is a county located in the northwestern San Francisco Bay Area. As of the 2020
census, the population was 262,231. Its county seat and largest city is San Rafael. Marin
County is across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco and is included in the San
Francisco–Oakland–Berkeley, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Unincorporated Marin County includes most of West Marin, which borders the Pacific Coast
and is the most rural part of the county, with Golden Gate National Recreation Area and the
Point Reyes National Seashore occupying much of the area and small communities mixed
throughout. There are also pockets of unincorporated areas along the central, Highway 101
corridor and the San Francisco Bay shoreline. Altogether, there are 22 distinct communities
within unincorporated Marin County.
According to the U.S. Census, the population in unincorporated Marin is 66,987. While
population in both the unincorporated County and the County grew in the first half of the 2010s,
since 2017 the population has decreased in both areas, with the most significant drop occurring
in the most recent year. Between 2020 and 2021, the population in the unincorporated County
decreased by 2.6%, over twice as much as in the County as whole (1.2%). The Association Bay
Area of Governments (ABAG) projects that the population in the unincorporated County will
grow by only 2% in the next two decades.
Based on 2021 data from the California Department of Finance (DOF), the unincorporated area
of Marin has 24,778 single-family homes constituting 83% of the total housing stock, 4,452
multi-family homes comprising 15% of all housing, and 588 mobile homes, for a total of 29,818
homes. The beauty of the natural landscape helps define the character of the community, but it
also presents risk of natural hazards that present challenges to locating and building new
housing, which have been skillfully met in the 2023 update to Marin County’s Housing Element.
The Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) allocation for unincorporated Marin for the
2023-31 planning period has been determined by ABAG to be 3,569 housing units, including
550 units for extremely low income, 550 units for very low-income households, 634 units for
low-income households, 512 units for moderate-income households, and 1,323 units for above
moderate-income households.
Table 4.1 presents entitled projects and pending entitled projects in unincorporated Marin
County.
Table 4.1: Unincorporated Marin County Future Growth Areas
Development # of
Units
# of
Parcels
Project
Date Acres
Fire
Severity
Zone
Flood
Zone
North Knoll Rd/Saint Thomas Dr 59 2 N/A 3.7 NA NA
Pan Pac Ocean Site 32 4 N/A 16 NA NA
Strawberry Commercial 60 4 N/A 2 NA NA
Strawberry Rec District Site 46 1 N/A 2.3 NA NA
Strawberry Village Center 100 2 N/A 3.3 NA NA
Oak Manor Commercial Center 36 2 N/A 1.6 NA NA
Kentfield Commercial
Underutilized
71 12 N/A 2.4 Moderate AE
Sloat Garden Center 31 2 N/A 1.1 NA AO
Marin County Juvenile Hall 80 1 N/A 2.7 High NA
Marinwood Plaza 125 4 N/A 125 High NA
Office Building (Across from
Juvenile Hall)
58 1 N/A 2.32 High NA
1 ~<;>U·N· TY OF a
~ARIN ~
I
I
I
I
I
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
401
St. Vincents 680 3 34 NA NA
Marin Gateway Center 100 1 5 NA X02
MLK Academy School 63 1 6 High NA
825 Drake 74 1 Moderate NA
Atherton Corridor 147 4 7.4 Moderate NA
Black Point (Vacant) 58 1 14.5 Moderate NA
Buck Center Vacant Property 249 2 12.5 NA NA
Greenpoint Nursery 53 1 3.5 Moderate AE
Bernard Osher Marin Jewish
Community Center
49 4 1.6 Moderate NA
Cal Park 110 11 3.7 NA AE
Church of Jesus Christ 35 1 1.2 Moderate NA
McPhail School 33 3 1.1 NA AE
Old Gallinas Children Center 50 1 1.7 Moderate NA
San Quentin Adjacent Vacant
Property
230 1 7.7 NA NA
Office – Lagunitas (Upper
Floors and Rear Prop)
30 2 1.5 Moderate NA
San Domenico School 50 1 1.7 High NA
Sacramento/San Anselmo
Properties
64 4 2.1 Moderate –
NA
NA
Holiday Inn Mill Valley 72 1 2.4 NA AE
Jack Krystal Hotel Parcel Site 36 1 1.2 NA AE
Shoreline Unified School
District
44 2 2.2 Moderate NA
Olema Underutilized 36 4 3.6 Moderate –
NA
AE
Pt Reyes Coast Guard
Rehabilitation/Conversion
50 1 10 Moderate NA
Pt. Reyes County Vacant Site 37 2 1.9 Moderate NA
Shoreline Unified School
District
44 2 2.2 Moderate NA
Tomales (Vacant) 30 5 32 Moderate NA
Total 3,122 95
Table 4.1: Unincorporated Marin County Future Growth Areas
Source: Marin County Department of Community Development
4.2 CHANGES IN PRIORITIES
The overall hazard mitigation priorities in Marin County and its participating jurisdictions have
not changed since the 2018 MJHMP update. However, the strategies that support the overall
county priorities have changed since the 2018 MJHMP and are reflected in the sections below.
There were many projects that were either ongoing day-to-day activities or were response
related that were deleted from the 2018 MJHMP project list and not carried over to this plan
update. Several actions were completed, and new projects were added to coincide with the
changes in priorities, progress in local mitigation efforts and changes in development.
4.2.1 VULNERABILITY AND RISK REDUCTION
All new development occurring in the future growth area identified in Table 4.1 will provide
hazard vulnerability and risk reduction for the county. This reduction will occur due to the
anticipated improvements and investments implemented in the 2023 revisions to the Marin
County General Plan. In addition, any new development will comply with the most up-to-date
building codes and use the latest techniques, further reducing vulnerabilities throughout the
County.
1 ~<;>U·N· TY OF a
~ARIN ~
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
-
I I I
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
402
4.3 CAPABILITY ASSESSMENT
Capabilities are the programs and polices currently in place to reduce hazard impacts or that
could be used to implement hazard mitigation activities. The capability assessment identifies
the local planning mechanisms where information from the 2018 MJHMP is incorporated and
where updated hazard mitigation information from this 2023 MJHMP will be incorporated once
approved. The capability assessment is divided into four sections: regulatory, administrative
and technical, fiscal, and outreach and partnerships.
4.3.1 REGULATORY CAPABILITIES
The legal and regulatory capabilities include existing ordinances and codes that affect the
county’s or city’s physical or built environment. Examples of legal and/or regulatory capabilities
can include: a jurisdiction’s building codes, zoning ordinances, subdivision ordnances, special
purpose ordinances, growth management ordinances, site plan review, general plans, capital
improvement plans, economic development plans, emergency response plans, and real estate
disclosure plans. The table below lists regulatory mitigation capabilities, including planning and
land management tools, typically used by local jurisdictions to implement hazard mitigation
activities and indicates those that are in place.
Table 4.2: Legal and Regulatory Capabilities
Plans
Yes/No
Latest
Update
Does the plan/program address hazards?
Does the plan identify projects to include in the mitigation
strategy?
Can the plan be used to implement mitigation actions?
Countywide Plan: Water
Resources, Environmental
Hazards, and Public Safety
Sections
Y
2023
Describes hazard areas and regulates current and future
development based on known hazard areas.
Expansion and Improvement: The HMP will be informed
by referencing the Safety Element of the General Plan. The
City will adopt the approved HMP as part of the General
Plan Safety Element to meet the requirements of AB 2140.
Local Coastal Program Y
2023
Pursuant to the California Coastal Act, Marin County’s Local
Coastal Program guides land use and development to
ensure protection of public access and other coastal
resources along Marin County’s Pacific coastline.
Expansion and Improvement: Included is a hazards
section with policies that guide development standards and
project review for areas subject to hazards including
flooding, bluff retreat, earthquakes, and coastal erosion.
County Emergency
Operations Plan
Y
2018
This plan describes what the County’s actions will be during
a response to all hazards. Includes annexes that describe in
more detail the actions required of departments/agencies.
Further, this plan describes the role of the Emergency
Operation Center (EOC) and the coordination that occurs
between the EOC and the local jurisdiction’s departments
and other response agencies.
Expansion and Improvement: This plan may be used for
mitigation in that it describes risk and vulnerability in the
county.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
403
Area Housing Authority
Organizational Emergency
Response Plan
Y
Enhances the Area Housing Authority’s ability to effectively
respond to emergencies by establishing procedures and
assigning responsibilities.
Expansion and Improvement: This plan may be used for
mitigation in that it describes risk and vulnerability in the
county.
Strategic Plan No
Capital Improvements Plan Y
2021
The Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) was developed
through collaboration between Capital Project staff of
Public Works (DPW) and the County Administrator’s
office. Significant input was provided by multiple County
departments, special districts, and enterprise funds of
outside the general County General Funds. The CIP
presents the proposed funding for the fiscal year (FY) of
2021-2022 to improve four key areas. Facility
improvements, water resources, road infrastructure, and
airports. Expansion and Improvement: CIP identifies
potential hazard mitigation projects.
Economic Development
Plan
Y
2022
The Marin County Economic Vitality Strategic Plan
outlines “Flagship Initiatives” that the County of Marin and
community partners will pursue over the next 5 years.
Ultimately, the actions taken are intended to create a
dynamic economy, providing equitable access to good
jobs, opportunities for new business creation and a high
quality of life for all Marin’s residents.
Expansion and Improvement: The plan has a strong
focus on the impact of Covid-19 on the local economy, so
may be used to show how disasters impact Marin’s
businesses and workforce, but does not have mitigation
projects.
Continuity of Operations
Plan N
Flood Safety Plan Y Plan addresses flood hazard response, not mitigation. It
was created in 2018 and a 2023 update is in progress.
Engineering Studies for
Streams Y
There are many existing studies on marinflooddistrict.org.
A study of Novato Creek is currently underway.
Expansion and Improvement: These studies do identify
potential hazard mitigation projects.
Open Space Management
Plan Y
Marin County Parks holds numerous plans that guide
open space management: Strategic Plan, Road and Trail
Management Plan, Vegetation and Biodiversity
Management Plan, Inclusive Access Plan.
Expansion and Improvement: Some of these plans
contain guidance for mitigation projects and will be aligned
with the MJHMP to describe developmental trends,
hazards, and potential development in hazard areas.
Regional Transportation
Plan (RTP)
Y
2021
The Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM) participates
in the nine-county Metropolitan Transportation
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
404
Commission, which adopted Plan Bay Area 2050. The
plan outlines strategies spread across transportation,
housing, the economy and the environment that seek a
more equitable Bay Area.
Expansion and Improvement: The plan does outline
regional strategies for mitigation that may be used in
Marin.
Stormwater Management
Plan/Program
Y
2022
SWRP is a watershed-level resource planning document
covering the County and Marin’s 11 cities that describes
watershed issues, identifies project opportunities with
multiple benefits, and creates a prioritized list of project
opportunities based on quantifying multiple benefits.
Expansion and Improvement: The Plan will be aligned
with the MJHMP in describing and developing mitigation
actions to address climate change and drought. Water
demand reduction strategies contained in the plan should
be considered for inclusion as mitigation activities in the
MJHMP.
Repetitive Loss Area
Analysis Y
On July 18, 2023, an expanded and updated multi-
jurisdictional analysis was adopted by the County Board of
Supervisors.
Community Wildfire
Protection Plan
Y
2020
CWPP addresses wildfire risk and mitigation measures to
take throughout the county.
Expansion and Improvement: The plan can be used to
support and guide mitigation efforts.
Other special plans (e.g.,
brownfields redevelopment,
disaster recovery, coastal
zone management, climate
change adaptation)
Y
25 Community and area plans within Marin. Climate change
adaptation policies and programs in Countywide Plan
Safety, Element/Environmental Hazards section. Policies
and programs address sea level rise, flooding, extreme heat,
wildfire, equitable safety planning for vulnerable populations.
Building Code, Permitting,
and Inspections Y/N Are codes adequately enforced?
Building Code Y
Yes, the Community Development Agency established a
code compliance program to ensure adherence with the
County’s law and regulations related to zoning,
construction, and environmental health.
Expansion and Improvement: Adherence to building
codes, including local codes, regulates growth and
controls land use patterns. Addressing known hazards, as
codes are updated, results in lowered risk and potentially
fewer losses.
Building Code
Effectiveness Grading
Schedule (BCEGS) Score
Y 3
Yes, codes are adequately enforced. The County’s score
is 3.
Fire department ISO rating: Y 3/3X
The County’s ISO Rating is 3/3x; to be rated a “3” the parcel
must be within 1000-ft of a municipal fire hydrant and 5-
miles from a fire station. If either of those criteria are not
met, the parcel is 3x (the old 9). Furthermore, per the State,
if the parcel is more than 5-miles from a fire station, the
parcel is rated “10”. Yes, our codes are adequately
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
405
enforced.
Site plan review
requirements Y Yes, this is adequately achieved.
Land Use Planning and
Ordinances Y/N
Is the ordinance an effective measure for reducing
hazard impacts?
Is the ordinance adequately administered and enforced?
County Code of Ordinances Y
The purpose of this code is to establish the minimum
requirements to safeguard the public health, safety, and
general welfare through structural strength, means of
egress facilities, stability, access to persons with
disabilities, sanitation, adequate lighting and ventilation
and energy conservation, and safety to life and property
from fire and other hazards attributed to the built
environment; to regulate and control the demolition of all
buildings and structures, and for related purposes.
Expansion and Improvement: Adherence to local
ordinances regulates growth and enforces standards.
Addressing known hazards, as codes are updated,
results in lowered risk and potentially fewer losses.
Zoning ordinance Y
2023
Zoning ordinances are regularly updated (last update
2023).
Yes, they are adequately administered and enforced.
Expansion and Improvement: Adherence to local
ordinances regulates growth and enforces standards.
Addressing known hazards, as codes are updated,
results in lowered risk and potentially fewer losses.
Subdivision ordinance Y
Yes, the ordinance is adequately administered and
enforced. It is regularly updated (last update 2023).
Expansion and Improvement: Adherence to local
ordinances regulates growth and enforces standards.
Addressing known hazards, as codes are updated,
results in lowered risk and potentially fewer losses.
Floodplain ordinance Y
Marin County Code 23.09 Floodplain Management.
Ordinance 3293 Sec 1, 1999
Expansion and Improvement: Adherence to local
ordinances regulates growth and enforces standards.
Addressing known hazards, as codes are updated,
results in lowered risk and potentially fewer losses.
Natural hazard specific
ordinance (stormwater,
steep slope, wildfire)
Hazards are addressed in the Development Code, Title
22. Regularly updated. Expansion and Improvement:
Adherence to local ordinances regulates growth and
enforces standards. Addressing known hazards, as
codes are updated, results in lowered risk and potentially
fewer losses.
Flood insurance rate maps Y
Hard copies of the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps
(FIRM) are maintained in the DPW Land Development
office. Electronic copies are available on MarinMap.org.
Expansion and Improvement: The maps can be used
to support and guide mitigation efforts.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
406
Elevation Certificates
Elevation Certificates are required for all new and
substantially remodeled structures. Hard copies of all
Elevation Certificates since 1982 are maintained in the
DPW Land Development office.
Expansion and Improvement: The certificates can be
used to support and guide mitigation efforts.
Acquisition of land for open
space and public recreation
uses
Y
The County of Marin is committed to continuing to
preserve open space.
Expansion and Improvement: As a member of Together
Bay Area, the County has prioritized purchasing multiple
open space properties to that may be used as open space
preserves and recreation space.
Erosion or sediment
control program Y
Requires property owners to have effective Best
Management Practices in place to control pollutants in
runoff from certain earth-disturbing activities.
Expansion and Improvement: The program can be
used to support and guide mitigation efforts.
Table 4.2: Marin County Legal and Regulatory Capabilities
Source: Marin County
Plans
Marin General Plan
California Government Code 65300 requires that every City and County in the state have a
General Plan. The Marin General Plan, adopted in 2007, was prepared over a multiyear period
that included an extensive public review process. The Marin General Plan was updated in
2015, with the Housing and Safety Elements updated in 2023. The Marin General Plan is the
most important policy and planning document in the county and is used by virtually every
department. The Marin General Plan is the County's statement of its vision for the future. The
Marin General Plan contains policies covering every aspect of the County: land use (how land
can be developed), circulation, noise, air quality, housing, open space and conservation, and
health and safety.
Marin County specific goals and policies related to mitigation of natural hazards are as follows:
44 CFR Requirement §201.6(c)(4)(ii) [The plan shall include a] process by which local governments
incorporate the requirements of the mi�ga�on plan into other planning mechanisms such as
comprehensive or capital improvements, when appropriate.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
407
Table 4.3: County of Marin General Plan
Goal/Policy/
Program Explanation
Land Use Element
Goals
The requirements of the land use element are met in the following sections of the General
Plan: water resources, community development, planning areas. The goals for these
elements are:
To support healthy watersheds and provide clean and adequate water for wildlife and
humans.
To utilize the Environmental Corridor Land Use Framework, coordinate with other
jurisdictions, and map land use designations.
To establish land use policies for the seven planning areas.
Policies
Overall policies for land use are intended: to protect, improve, and restore resources,
including, directing land use to appropriate areas, reducing impacts, establishing land
use designations and categories, and setting land use standards.
Programs
Programs for land use include, setting standards, monitoring and assessing programs,
coordinating with other jurisdictions, following best practices, maintaining urban,
agricultural, and natural corridors, consider amending urban service areas preserve
resources, consider sea level rise. Programs also include, updating plans, reviewing
codes, and revising zoning maps.
Conservation and Open Space Element
Goal To sustainably manage and preserve open space and biological resources for the benefit
of the environment and Marin residents.
Policy
Policies for Conservation and Open Space include; support efforts and continue to acquire
open space, balance shoreline protection and access, protect natural resources, support
vegetation and wildlife disease management, control non-native plants and species, and
restrict use of toxic chemical substances in habitats.
Program
Conservation programs include mapping natural communities, developing monitoring
programs, and partnering with local actors.
Open space programs include, coordinating with partners, establish compatible policies,
inform and enforce, research, and acquire and protect lands.
Safety Element
Goals To reduce risk, increase safety, and bolster resilience in an equitable manner.
Policies
Policies in the Safety Element are to represent an inclusive, community-led approach
to bolstering resilience. Furthermore, policies are evidence of an all-hazard informed,
approach to protection, planning, and regulation.
Programs
Programs in the Safety Element include specific outreach and support to vulnerable
populations, working with local leaders, coordinating with private and public partners,
improving hazard information sharing with residents, improving infrastructure and systems
to support/improve emergency response, and utilizing planning functions.
Public Facilities Element
Goal To provide adequate public facilities and services to accommodate the level of
development planned by cities and towns and the County.
Policies
Policies to support the County’s Public Facility Element include requiring cost
sharing, effective planning, discouraging privatization, and reducing demand on
public facilities.
Programs
Programs include requiring fair share contributions, planning for service
expansion, preparing naming and sponsorship guidelines, and reducing demand
on public facilities.
Table 4.3: Marin County Goals and Policies
Source: Marin County General Plan
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
408
4.3.2 ADMINISTRATIVE AND TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES
The administrative and technical capability assessment identifies the personnel responsible for
activities related to mitigation and loss prevention in Marin County. Many positions are full time
and/or filled by the same person.
Table 4.4: Administrative and Technical Capabilities
Administrative Yes/No Is coordination effective?
Planning Commission
Y Administrative Services Division handles finance and
purchasing, budgeting, risk management, information
technology, and business licensing for the community.
The department may be responsible for implementing
mitigation actions related to the department’s scope.
Expansion and Improvement: Prioritize new initiatives
that support mitigation activities within the county.
Marin Operational Area
Hazard Mitigation Working
Group
Y The County participates in the Marin Operational Area
Hazard Mitigation Working Group that meets quarterly to
review and manage Hazard Mitigation projects and
programs. The Hazard Mitigation Committee is the
supporting branch of the disaster council.
Expansion and Improvement: Prioritize new initiatives
that support mitigation activities within the County.
Maintenance programs to
reduce risk (e.g., tree
trimming, clearing
drainage systems)
Y Many Flood Zones have creek and drainage
maintenance programs. These only cover a small portion
of creeks in the County, where residents formed a flood
zone and where a project was initiated and right of way
acquired by the Marin County Flood Control & Water
Conservation District. Under the guidelines of the 2020
Pacific Gas and Electric Wildfire Mitigation Plan, PG&E
will assist with mitigation efforts by clearing trees.
Expansion and Improvement: The Marin Wildfire
Prevention Authority will provide funding and educational
programs on best practices for prevention efforts. Brush
clearance and controlled burns will assist with mitigation
efforts.
Mutual aid agreements Y Fire, Law, PW, Water agencies, MHOAC
Technical Yes/No Has capability been used to assess/mitigate risk in
the past?
Warning systems/services
(Reverse 911, outdoor
warning signals)
Y Utilizes the emergency warning systems through the EAS
system as their primary warning capability. Utilizes the
emergency warning systems through telephone, text, and
email notification utilizing reverse 911.
Expansion and Improvement: To ensure the
effectiveness of the emergency warning system and
proper community response, monthly LRAD testing, and
IPAWs drills are required.
Hazard data and
information
Y Yes, previous and new mitigation projects are informed by
hazard data and information.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
409
Grant writing Y Yes
Hazus analysis N
Staff/Personnel Resources
Yes/No
Full
Time/
Part
Time
Is staffing adequate to enforce regulations?
Is staff trained on hazards and mitigation?
Is coordination between agencies and staff effective?
Chief Building Official Y/PT Yes
Expansion and Improvement: Integrate mitigation
actions and strategies into the Capital Improvements
Program and annual budgeting.
Planner(s), engineer(s) and
technical staff knowledge
of land development, land
management practices,
and natural hazards.
Y/FT Develops and maintains the General Plan, including the Safety Element.
Develops area plans based on the General Plan, to provide
more specific guidance for the development of more specific
areas.
Reviews private development projects and proposed capital
improvements projects and other physical projects involving
property for consistency and conformity with the General
Plan.
Anticipates and acts on the need for new plans, policies, and
Code changes.
Applies the approved plans, policies, code provisions, and
other regulations to proposed land uses.
Expansion and Improvement: Provide opportunities for
continued education to staff to maintain knowledge of new
code and regulatory requirements.
Engineer(s), Building
Inspectors/Code
Enforcement Officers or
other professional(s) and
technical staff trained in
construction requirements
and practices related to
existing and new
buildings.
Y/FT
Oversees the effective, efficient, fair, and safe
enforcement of the California Building Code
Expansion and Improvement: Provide opportunities for
continued education to staff to maintain knowledge of
new code and regulatory requirements.
GIS Coordinator Y/FT Yes
Community Development
Staff
Y/FT Develops and maintains the General Plan, including
the Safety Element. Develops area plans based on the
General Plan, to provide more specific guidance for the
development of more specific areas. Reviews private
development projects and proposed capital
improvements projects and other physical projects
involving property for consistency and conformity with
the General Plan.
Expansion and Improvement: Provide opportunities
for continued education to staff to maintain knowledge
of new code and regulatory requirements.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
410
Engineer(s), project
manager(s), technical staff,
equipment operators, and
maintenance and
construction staff.
Y/FT
Maintains and operates a wide range of local
equipment and facilities as well as providing assistance
to members of the public. These include providing
sufficient clean fresh water, reliable sewer services,
street maintenance, storm drainage systems, street
cleaning, streetlights and traffic signals.
Expansion and Improvement: Provide opportunities
for continued education to staff to maintain knowledge
of new code and regulatory requirements.
Floodplain Administrator
Y/FT Reviews and ensures that new development proposals
do not increase flood risk, and that new developments
are not located below the 100 year flood level. In
addition, the Floodplain Administrator is responsible for
planning and managing flood risk reduction projects
throughout the unincorporated county.
Expansion and Improvement: Provide opportunities
for continued education to staff to maintain knowledge
of new code and regulatory requirements.
Emergency Management
Y/FT Maintains and updates the Emergency Operations Plan
for the county. In addition, coordinates local response
and relief activities within the Emergency Operation
Center, and works closely with local, state, and federal
partners to support planning and training and to
provide information and coordinate assistance.
Expansion and Improvement: Develop a quarterly
countywide emergency management and hazard
mitigation coordination meeting.
Procurement Services
Manager
Y/FT Provides a full range of municipal financial services,
administers several licensing measures, and functions as
the county’s Procurement Services Manager.
Marin County Sheriff’s
Office Staff
Y/FT Yes, the Marin County Sheriff’s Office is
comprehensively staffed and trained on hazards. In
addition to field services, the responsibilities of the
Sheriff’s Office include maintaining the county jail,
providing security to the Superior Court, operating a
countywide communications division, operating a
documentary services division consisting of records,
warrants, civil units, and more.
Expansion and Improvement: Proactively identify
opportunities to coordinate and collaborate with
neighboring jurisdictions to increase County and region-
wide capabilities.
Marin County Fire Staff
Y/FT The Marin County Fire has responsibility for fire
suppression and emergency response in commercial,
residential, wildland / urban interface. The Marin County
Fire supports implementation of mitigation actions that
reduce the risk of wildfire.
The Marin County Office of Emergency Management, a
division of the County Fire Department, conducts
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
411
emergency preparedness activities for the community.
Mitigation activities related to emergency preparedness
can be implemented by OEM in partnership with other
county partners.
Expansion and Improvement: Proactively identify
opportunities to coordinate and collaborate with
neighboring jurisdictions to increase County and region-
wide capabilities.
Table 4.4: Marin County Goals and Policies
Source: Marin County General Plan
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
412
4.3.3 FISCAL CAPABILITIES
The fiscal capability assessment shows specific financial and budgetary tools available to Marin
County such as community development block grants; capital improvements project funding;
authority to levy taxes for specific purposes; fees for water, sewer, gas, or electric services;
impact fees for homebuyers or developers for new development; ability to incur debt through
general obligations bonds; and withholding spending in hazard-prone areas.
Table 4.5: Marin County Fiscal Capabilities
Financial
Yes/No Has the funding resource been used in past and for what
type of activities?
Could the resource be used to fund future mitigation
actions?
Capital improvements
project funding Y Yes, Capital Improvements Project funding has been used
in the past and can be used for future mitigation projects.
Authority to levy taxes for
specific purposes
Y
Post Prop 13 and Prop 218 the success in levying taxes
for mitigation projects has been significantly reduced.
Many flood-prone areas historically relied on special taxes
to build out levee improvements and pump stations. In the
last 20 years (a total of 4) special tax measures for flood
mitigation projects have not passed. In March 2020, tax
Measure C was passed. The measure will raise
approximately $20 million annually to fund wildland fire
hazard mitigation efforts throughout the county. Marin
Wildfire Prevention Authority (MWPA) was formed to
serve as the governing body to manage the funds raised
through Measure C funds go to public outreach,
vegetation management, fire hazard assessments, among
other projects.
Fees for water, sewer, gas, or
electric services (water - fire
flow increase, sewer, more
research on G&E)
Y
Funding has not been used in the recent past for
mitigation, but could possibly fund future mitigation
activities. For example, some Special Districts are
considering potential projects with dual water storage and
flood benefit utilizing water fees.
Impact fees for new
development Y
Road and transportation related impact fees are collected
in connection with building permit issuance. These funds
are not available for future mitigation.
Storm water utility fee
Y
Storm water fees have been used for mitigation projects in
Flood Zone 9, including: bridge replacement, pump
stations, levee evaluations, and stormwater detention
basin construction. The Zone 9 fee expires in 2027. We
are following the work of other agencies after SB 231 to
see if the County would pursue it again.
Incur debt through general
obligation bonds and/or
special tax bonds N
This approach has been taken in the 1980s for flood
mitigation in Novato creek, but not recently. They typically
require voter approval to levy a special tax to pay back the
bonds but those have not been successful in recent years.
Incur debt through private
activities N
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
413
Community Development
Block Grant
Y
The County has been administering the CDBG program
for 30+ years through a collaboration with the cities and
towns. Funds are currently used to serve low-income
residents of Marin and address historical patterns of
segregation in our communities. Priorities for the use of
funds are set through a Countywide Priority Setting
committee. Given the small amount of funds available,
less than $1.5 million countywide and many competing
needs, this may not be a viable source for mitigation
funds.
Other federal funding
programs Y
Yes, federal funding has been used for mitigation projects
through Emergency Management Performance Grant and
the Hazard Mitigation Assistance Program.
State funding programs
Y
There have been several Department of Water Resources
grants in support of flood mitigation projects and there will
likely continue to be in the foreseeable future.
The State Coastal Conservancy grants have funded sea
level rise adaptation.
Table 4.5: Marin County Fiscal Capabilities
Source: Marin County
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
414
4.3.4 OUTREACH AND PARTNERSHIPS CAPABILITIES
The outreach and partnerships capability assessment shows outreach and public education
programs available to the County and the County partnerships utilized to promote those
programs.
Table 4.6: Marin County Community Outreach
Outreach and Partnerships Yes/No Could the program/organization help
implement future mitigation activities?
Local citizen groups or non-profit
organizations focused on
environmental protection, emergency
preparedness, access and functional
needs populations, etc.
Yes
Yes, these groups can assist with informing
project plans.
Expansion and Improvement: Proactively
identify opportunities to coordinate and
collaborate with neighboring jurisdictions to
increase County and region-wide capabilities.
Ongoing public education or
information program (e.g., responsible
water use, fire safety, household
preparedness, environmental
education)
Yes
Yes, these communities can assist with
informing project plans.
Expansion and Improvement: Proactively
identify opportunities to coordinate and
collaborate with communities to increase
educational opportunities.
Natural disaster or safety related school
programs
Yes
Yes, school partners can assist with informing
project plans.
Expansion and Improvement: Proactively
identify opportunities to coordinate and
collaborate with schools to increase
educational opportunities.
StormReady certification
Yes
Marin County is a StormReady community.
Expansion and Improvement: Proactively
identify opportunities to expand participation.
Firewise Communities certification
Yes
With over 80 Firewise Communities, Marin is
the fastest growing "Firewise USA" county in
the nation. These communities can assist with
informing project plans.
Expansion and Improvement: Proactively
identify opportunities to expand participation
and increase educational opportunities.
Community Rating System Yes Marin County is a Class 6 CRS community
Public-private partnership initiatives
addressing disaster-related issues
Yes
Through Marin Voluntary Organizations Active
in Disasters, the County of Marin leverages
partnerships with public-private partners for
disaster related initiatives.
Expansion and Improvement: Proactively
identify opportunities to coordinate and
collaborate.
Table 4.6: Marin County Community Outreach
Source: Marin County
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
415
4.4 PARTICIPATION IN THE NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM
Marin County has participated in the Regular Phase of the NFIP since March 1, 1982. Since
then, the County has administered floodplain management regulations that meet or exceed the
minimum requirements of the NFIP. Under that arrangement, residents and businesses paid the
same flood insurance premium rates as most other communities in the country.
The Community Rating System (CRS) was created in 1990. Marin County has been in the CRS
program since May 1, 2016. The program is designed to recognize floodplain management
activities that are above and beyond the NFIP’s minimum requirements. CRS is designed to
reward a community for implementing public information, mapping, regulatory, loss reduction
and/or flood preparedness activities. On a scale of 10 to 1, Marin County is currently ranked
Class Six community, which gives a 20% premium discount to individuals in the unincorporated
Marin County Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), and a 10% discount to policyholders outside
the SFHA.
Presently, the County manages its floodplains in compliance with NFIP/CRS requirements and
implements a floodplain management program designed to protect the people and property of
the County. Floodplain regulations are a critical element in local floodplain management and are
a primary component in Marin County’s participation in the NFIP. As well, Marin County’s
floodplain management activities apply to existing and new development areas, implementing
flood protection measures for structures and maintaining drainage systems to help reduce the
potential of flooding within the unincorporated Marin County.
As part of the County’s efforts to comply with NFIP, Marin County will make updates and
revisions to these regulations periodically to ensure they are most effective at minimizing the
threat of harm from flood events. These updates and revisions may be promoted by changes in
local demographics, shifts in land use, changes to flood regimes such as frequency and
intensity of flood events, and other factors that may warrant action. The County will also
continue to incorporate any changes to the locations and designations of mapped floodplains
into future planning documents, including future updates to this Plan.
The County will also explore opportunities to enforce or enhance County ordinances, building
code, and other regulatory actions to address substantial improvements/substantial damage
properties. Marin County will consider developing a Substantial Damage Management Plan.
The Marin County will continue to manage their floodplains in continued compliance with the
NFIP. An overview of the Marin County’s NFIP status and floodplain management program is
discussed in Table 4.7. Additional information on the Marin County’s CRS program follows.
The activities credited by the CRS program provide direct benefits to Marin County and its
residents,
including:
• Enhanced public safety;
• A reduction in damage to property and public infrastructure;
• Avoidance of economic disruption and losses;
• Reduction of human suffering; and
• Protection of the environment.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
416
The activities for which Marin County implements and receives CRS credits include:
310 Elevation Certificates – Marin County receives credit for creating Construction Certificate
Management Procedures as well as to maintaining Post-FIRM elevation certificates.
320 Map Information Services – Marin County receives credit for providing map information to
inquirers in all seven elements such as providing information from the FIRM necessary for flood
insurance, notifying inquirers of the mandatory purchase of flood insurance for all federally
backed loans, providing information regarding properties located in a floodway, sea level rise
area, tsunami or dam inundation area, repetitive loss areas, and areas that should be protected
such as wetlands and critical habitat.
330 Outreach Projects – Marin County has a robust outreach program and receives maximum
credit for this Activity. The County mails out an annual brochure prior to the rainy season to
properties in the Special Flood Hazard Area, Repetitive Loss Areas, Tsunami and Dam
inundation areas and to local lenders, real estate brokerages and insurance companies. Marin
County also receives credit for its social media outreach on Facebook, Twitter and NextDoor.
340 Hazard Disclosure – Marin County works with local real estate brokerages to encourage
them to advise prospective home buyers of required disclosures and receives credit for this
Activity.
350 Flood Protection Information – Marin County receives credit for Elements in this Activity by
maintaining required information documents available in the Marin County Library catalog as
well as documents that are pertinent to residents. The County also receives credit for
maintaining a presence on the County Public Works website.
360 Flood Protection Assistance – Marin County receives credit for providing property protection
advice. The County also provides information about available financing, such as grants and
other funding sources, to all who inquire. County staff is also available to make site visits to
assist residents.
370 Flood Insurance Promotion – Marin County receives credit for advising people about flood
insurance.
410 Floodplain Mapping – Marin County receives credit for mapping special hazards such as
tsunamis.
420 Open Space Preservation – Marin County receives credit for preserving open space,
preserving the natural functions of open space, creating incentives for preserving open space
and for maintaining low density zoning regulations.
430 Higher Regulatory Standards – Marin County receives credit for many of the elements
under this Activity such as freeboard, foundation protection, providing local drainage protection,
and administering floodplain management regulations. The County also receives credit for
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
417
creating, adhering, and enforcing a robust building code. The County also enforced the
floodplain management provisions of our zoning, subdivision and building code ordinances.
440 Flood Data Maintenance – Marin County receives credit for maintaining digital Flood Rate
Insurance Maps (FIRM). Electronic availability improves public access. Maintaining copies of
previous version of the FIRMs provides a significant research tool and valuable service to the
residents of Marin County.
450 Stormwater Management – Marin County receives credit for maintaining a Storm Water
Management system via healthy erosion and sediment control requirements and water quality
regulations. The County regulates development on a case-by-case basis to ensure that runoff is
treated before it leaves the site. The County also ensures that stormwater runoff from a site will
not exceed the pre-development runoff. The County promotes the use of onsite bio-retention
areas or other treatment facilities have been provided to mitigate runoff and water quality. The
County enforces regulations to minimize erosion from land disturbance due to construction.
502 Repetitive Loss – Marin County is a Category C community with greater than 50 repetitive
Loss properties. The repetitive loss areas are mapped and can be viewed by the public on
MarinMap.org. A notice is mailed to each property in the repetitive loss area to advise them of
flood prevention measures, insurance requirements and availability, and available financial
assistance.
510 Floodplain Management – Marin County receives credit for both its Floodplain Management
Plan and its Repetitive Loss Area Analysis. The County has adopted the Marin County Multi-
Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan and produces an annual progress report. Marin
County participates in FEMA’s Home Elevation Program which is actively raising homes in the
Special Flood Hazard Area.
520 Acquisition and Relocation – Marin County receives some credit for removing homes that
have been demolished from the Special Flood Hazard Area.
530 Flood Protection – Marin County receives credit for elevating structures in the Special Flood
Hazard Area above the Base Flood Elevation. Staff also provide information on other flood
protection techniques such as barriers, wet floodproofing and dry floodproofing. Marin County
participates in FEMA’s Home Elevation Program which is actively raising homes in the Special
Flood Hazard Area.
540 Drainage Systems Maintenance – Marin County receives credit for removing debris from
natural drainage channels and maintaining an active and ongoing maintenance program of
problem site area. Marin County also has strong stream dumping regulations which includes
outreach to the public.
610 Flood Warning and Response - Marin County receives credit for all of the Elements in the
Flood Warning and Response Activity. These Elements include our flood threat recognitions
system that identifies an impending flood, our emergency warning dissemination system that
warns the public of impending flood, our flood response plan and operations, and coordination
with critical facility operators. Marin County is also a registered Storm Ready Community and a
Tsunami Ready Community. Marin County receives credit for annual outreach advising
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
418
residents of flood warning and safety precautions. The County organizes and participates in an
annual flood exercise with the purpose of being prepared for an actual activation of the
operations. Following an exercise, the County produces an After Action Report which includes
lessons learned as a method to document and improve our flood warning and response
procedures.
630 Dams: Credit is provided for a State Dam Safety Program.
Table 4.7: Participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
NFIP Topic Source of Information Comments
Insurance Summary
How many NFIP policies
are in the community?
What is the total premium
and coverage?
State NFIP Coordinator or
FEMA NFIP Specialist
As 10/2/23 there are 1327 policies in
force. Total premiums $1,734,601.
Coverage is $406,7104,000.
How many claims have
been paid in the
community? What is the
total amount of paid
claims? How many of the
claims were for
substantial damage?
FEMA NFIP or Insurance
Specialist
As of 10/2/23 the total number of claims
was 773. Total amount of paid claims is
$10,173,472.49.
Since 1978, there have been 51
substantial damage claims.
How many structures are
exposed to flood risk
within the community?
*“flood risk” is defined as
the 1% annual chance flood
(100-year flood. Numbers
are from overlay of FEMA
SFHA and building stock
data.
Community Floodplain
Administrator (FPA)
There are 4536 buildings in the SFHA in
the unincorporated County
Describe any areas of
flood risk with limited
NFIP policy coverage
Community FPA and
FEMA Insurance
Specialist
None
Staff Resources
Is the Community
Floodplain Administrator
or NFIP Coordinator
certified?
Community FPA No
Is floodplain management
an auxiliary function?
Community FPA Yes
Provide an explanation of
NFIP administration
services (e.g., permit
review, GIS, education or
outreach, inspections,
engineering capability)
Community FPA Permits are reviewed for FEMA regulation
and compliance. GIS is used to ascertain
if property is in a flood zone. A final
inspection is performed to ensure
compliance. An annual outreach is
mailed to all properties in SFHA.
What are the barriers to
running an effective NFIP
program in the
community, if any?
Community FPA There are no barriers to running an
effective NFIP program.
1 ~<;>U·N· TY OF a
~ARIN ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
419
Table 4.7: Participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
NFIP Topic Source of Information Comments
Compliance History
Is the community in good
standing with the NFIP?
State NFIP Coordinator,
FEMA NFIP Specialist,
community records
yes
Are there any outstanding
compliance issues (i.e.,
current violations)?
no
When was the most recent
Community Assistance
Visit (CAV) or Community
Assistance Contact
(CAC)?
9/15/20
Is a CAV or CAC
scheduled or needed?
The next scheduled CAV will be October
19, 2023
Regulation
When did the community
enter the NFIP?
Community Status Book
http://www.fema.gov/
national-flood-insurance-
program/national-flood-
insurance-program-
community-status-book
March 1, 1984
Are the FIRMs digital or
paper?
Community FPA Marin County has both digital and paper
FIRMS
Do floodplain
development regulations
meet or exceed FEMA or
State minimum
requirements? If so, in
what ways?
Community FPA Marin County regulations meet and
exceed FEMA requirements in the
following: development limitations, higher
regulatory standards for freeboard,
foundation protection, and building codes.
Marin has adopted and enforces
international building Codes.
Provide an explanation of
the permitting process. Community FPA,
State, FEMA NFIP
Flood Insurance
Manual
http://www.fema.gov/
flood-insurance-
manual
Community FPA,
FEMA CRS
Coordinator, ISO
representative
CRS manual http://
www.fema.gov/library/
viewRecord.do?id=2434
Permit applications are received,
reviewed, and approved by professional
staff. Inspections are required at
foundation, close-in and at final. All
projects that will be constructed in the
SFHA will be subject to the provisions of
Marin County Code 24.04 Development
Code and 23.09 Floodplain Management
Code. The finished floor elevation of any
substantial remodel in the SFHA must be
at least 1 foot above the BFE.
Community Rating System (CRS)
Does the community
participate in CRS?
Community FPA, State,
FEMA NFIP
yes
What is the community’s
CRS Class Ranking?
Flood Insurance Manual
http://www.fema.gov/
flood-insurance-manual
Class 6
1 ~<;>U·N· TY OF a
~ARIN ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
420
Table 4.7: Participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
NFIP Topic Source of Information Comments
What categories and
activities provide CRS
points and how can the
class be improved?
Marin receives credit in Series 310, 320,
330, 340, 350, 360, 370, 410, 420, 430,
440, 450, 510, 520. 530, 540, and 610.
Marin County could improve its class
ranking by doing more work in Activities
420, 430, 450, 520, and 630
Does the plan include
CRS planning
requirements
Community FPA,
FEMA CRS
Coordinator, ISO
representative
CRS manual http://
www.fema.gov/library/
viewRecord.do?id=2434
yes
Table 4.7: Participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
Source: FEMA, Marin County
NFIP Insurance Coverage Details
Unincorporated Marin County joined the NFIP on March 1, 1982. NFIP insurance data
provided by FEMA indicates that as of June 22, 2023, there were 1462 policies in force in the
unincorporated Marin County with $1,994,164 in premiums, resulting in $452,421,500 of
insurance in force.
There have been 889 closed paid losses totaling $10,360,625. Fifty-one (51) of the claims
were considered substantial damage losses.
Of these losses, 572 parcels were in A or V zones, and 317 were in B, C, or X zones. Of the
889 claims, 736 were associated with pre-FIRM structures and 33 with post-FIRM structures.
As of October 19, 2023, there were ninety-three (93) repetitive loss structures in the
unincorporated County. Five (5) were in X zones, one (1) was in an A 0.2% zones, one (1)
was in an AH zone, three(3) were in AO zones , four (4) were in A zones, fifty-four (54) were
in AE zones, fifteen (15) were in AE Floodway zones, and ten (10) were in VE zones. These
repetitive loss structures account for $5,090,322 of the total losses in unincorporated Marin
County. There were 11 severe repetitive loss properties in unincorporated Marin County
totaling $1,152,259.
Repetitive Loss Structures
Repetitive Loss Residential Structures: 84
Repetitive Loss Non-Residential Structures: 9
Severe Repetitive Loss Residential Structures: 6
Severe Repetitive Loss Non -Residential Structures: 3
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
421
4.4.1 SUBSTANTIALLY IMPROVED OR SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED PROPERTIES
The NFIP includes a requirement that new buildings and substantially improved buildings be
constructed in ways that minimize or prevent damage during a flood. This requirement grew out
of the recognition that there were large numbers of buildings already located in flood prone
areas that would continue to be subject to damage.
The purpose of the substantially improved (SI) or substantially damaged (SD) requirements is to
protect the property owner’s investment and safety, and, over time, to reduce the total number
of buildings that are exposed to flood damage, thus reducing the burden on taxpayers through
the payment of disaster assistance. The SI/SD requirements are triggered when the local official
determines that the cost of repairing or improving a building in an SFHA equals or exceeds 50
percent of the building’s market value (excluding land value).
The Marin County Code 23.09 addresses Floodplain Management standards of construction.
The Marin County Construction Certificate Management Procedures, updated May 2023,
describes of how the County implements the substantial improvement/substantial damage
provisions of their floodplain management regulations.
The Department of Public Works, Land Development Division is responsible for the review,
approval and inspection of all land development issues within the County of Marin including
FEMA related administrative documents. Review, approval, and inspections of the structure
associated with permits are conducted by both the Land Development Division of Public Works
and the Building and Safety Division of the Community Development Department.
The following explains the management procedures for review of Elevation Certificates and all
other required floodplain-related construction certificates including, but not limited to,
Floodproofing Certificates, V Zone design certificates, and engineered flood opening
certificates. These procedures outline the types of certificates required, the collection and
review of all certificates, how corrections should be made, where the certificates are
stored/archived, and how we make these certificates available to the public.
(a) TYPES OF CERTIFICATES REQUIRED
When any new construction, substantial improvement or repair for a substantially damaged
building is conducted in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) the Land Development Division
of Public Works shall require an Elevation Certificate and any other floodplain-related
certificates that are appropriate such as Floodproofing Certificate for Non-Residential
Structures, V Zone design certificate, and certification of engineered flood openings for the
development.
(a) & (b) WHEN CERTIFICATES ARE REQUIRED
The applicant shall submit an Elevation Certificate marked “construction drawings” with the
building permit application. This Elevation Certificate shall be used to determine that the
proposed design is in compliance with the Marin County Code 23.09. After the foundation is
built and the elevation of the lowest floor is determined, another Elevation Certificate shall be
submitted that is marked “building under construction.” This will document the elevation of
surrounding grades and the lowest floor to ensure they comply with the approved plans before
further construction is allowed. Once construction on the building is finished and all adjacent
grading is finalized, a complete and correct “finished-construction” Elevation Certificate must be
submitted by the applicant to show the “as-built” characteristics of the building. A “finished-
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
422
construction” Elevation Certificate must be received, reviewed, and corrected (if necessary)
before a final inspection can be scheduled. At this point, all other required certificates must also
be submitted and reviewed.
Standard Operating Procedure: A final Elevation Certificate is required as a condition to be
completed before the final inspection of the building permit. Prior to issuance a hold is placed on
the permit pending the submittal of the Elevation Certificate to the Department of Public Works
(DPW).
As part of the County’s efforts to comply with NFIP, Marin County and the Marin OA Hazard
Mitigation Working Group will annually review and make updates and revisions to these
regulations as necessary to ensure they are most effective at minimizing the threat of harm from
flood events. These updates and revisions may be promoted by changes in local demographics,
shifts in land use, changes to flood regimes such as frequency and intensity of flood events, and
other factors that may warrant action. The County will also continue to incorporate any changes
to the locations and designations of mapped floodplains into future planning documents,
including future updates to this Plan.
The County will also explore opportunities to enforce or enhance County ordinances, building
code, and other regulatory actions to address substantial improvements/substantial damage
properties. Marin County will consider developing a Substantial Damage Management Plan.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
423
4.5 MITIGATION GOALS
The information developed from the risk assessment was used as the primary basis for
developing mitigation goals and objectives. Mitigation goals are defined as general guidelines
explaining what each jurisdiction wants to achieve in terms of hazard and loss prevention.
Hazard Risk Prioritization
Mitigation Goals & Objectives
Mitigation Project Identification
Mitigation Project Implementation
Goal statements are typically long-range, policy-oriented statements representing jurisdiction-
wide visions. Objectives are statements that detail how each jurisdiction’s goals will be
achieved, and typically define strategies or implementation steps to attain identified goals. Other
important inputs to the development of jurisdiction-level goals and objectives include performing
reviews of existing local plans, policy documents, and regulations for consistency and
complementary goals, as well as soliciting input from the public.
The following represents overarching strategic goals associated with the identification and
eventual implementation of appropriate and meaningful hazard mitigation efforts in relation to
prioritized hazards and threats confronting Marin County. These goals form the basis for specific
supporting process objectives and are shown from the highest priority, at the top of the list, to
those of lesser importance.
The establishment of hazard mitigation goals represents both individual and collective strategies
that have been mutually agreed upon by the Steering Committee and have changed with the
2023 MJHMP update. Objectives were added to Goals 2 and 5. Eventually, these goals have
been adopted by Marin County and its participating jurisdictions as the guiding policy behind
local hazard mitigation efforts, in conjunction with other associated principles.
Goals were defined for the purpose of this mitigation plan as broad-based public policy
statements that:
• Represent basic desires of the community;
• Encompass all aspects of community, public and private;
• Are nonspecific, in that they refer to the quality (not the quantity) of the outcome;
• Are future-oriented, in that they are achievable in the future; and
• A time -independent, in that they are not scheduled events.
Goals are stated without regard to implementation. Implementation cost, schedule, and means
are not considered. Goals are defined before considering how to accomplish them so that they
44 CFR Requirement §201.6(c)(3)(i) [The hazard mi�ga�on strategy shall include a] descrip�on of
mi�ga�on goals to reduce or avoid long‐term vulnerabili�es to the iden�fied hazards.
1 ~<;>U·N· TY OF a
~ARIN ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
424
are not dependent on the means of achievement. Goal statements form the basis for objectives
and actions that will be used as means to achieve the goals. Objectives define strategies to
attain the goals and are more specific and measurable.
Goal 1: Minimize risk and vulnerability of the community to the impacts of natural hazards and
protect lives and reduce damages and losses to property, economy, and environment in Marin
County.
• Minimize economic and resource impacts and promote long-term viability and
sustainability of resources throughout Marin County.
• Minimize impact to both existing and future development.
• Provide protection for public health.
• Prevent and reduce wildfire risk and related losses.
Goal 2: Provide protection for critical facilities, infrastructure, utilities, and services from hazard
impacts.
• Incorporate defensible space and reduce hazard vulnerability.
• Develop redundancies in utilities and services.
• Enhance resilience through enhanced construction.
Goal 3: Improve public awareness, education, and preparedness for hazards that threaten our
communities.
• Enhance public outreach and participation in the Alert Marin Emergency Notification
System.
• Enhance public outreach, education, and preparedness program to include all hazards
of concern.
• Increase public knowledge about the risk and vulnerability to identified hazards and their
recommended responses to disaster events, including evacuation and sheltering
options.
• Provide planning and coordination for "At-Risk" populations.
• Provide planning and coordination for companion animals, livestock, and other animal
populations.
• Increase community awareness and participation in hazard mitigation projects and
activities.
Goal 4: Increase communities' capabilities to be prepared for, respond to, and recover from a
disaster event.
• Improve interagency (local, state, federal) emergency coordination, planning, training,
and communication to ensure effective community preparedness, response and
recovery.
• Enhance collaboration and coordination of disaster-related plans, exercises, and training
with local, state, and federal agencies, neighboring communities, private partners, and
volunteers.
• Enhance the use of shared resources/Develop a strong mutual aid support system.
• Create and maintain a fully functional, interoperable radio and communication system
with all regional public safety partners.
Goal 5: Maintain FEMA Eligibility/Position the communities for grant funding.
• Review hazard events and ongoing hazard mitigation projects annually.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
425
• Assess the need to pursue or adjust hazard mitigation projects after significant hazard
events.
Goal 6: Reduce exposure to High Hazard Dams that pose an unacceptable risk to the public.
• Improve alert and warning systems to provide residents downstream of a High Hazard
Dam to receive timely warning to evacuation when threatened by potential or imminent
dam failure.
• Enhance overall community preparedness to respond and evacuate a potential or
imminent dam failure.
• Increase public awareness of the risk posed by High Hazard Dams and the potential for
relocation of housing outside a possible inundation zone.
• Prioritize High Hazard Dam Mitigation projects and programs.
4.6 HAZARD MITIGATION ACTIONS
The 2023 Marin County OA MJHMP was revised to reflect progress in local mitigation efforts.
Mitigation projects were selected for each hazard and for Marin County and its participating
jurisdictions based off the hazard risk assessment. The projects are supported by the mitigation
goals and objectives, and are ranked using the following criteria; approximate cost, timeframe of
completion, whether the project requires Board of Supervisors regulatory action, and an
assumption as to whether or not the project would be subject to CEQA or NEPA requirements.
Funding sources are identified for all projects. All projects consider new, future, and existing
development. Project worksheets are used by the Planning Team and Steering Committee to
describe criteria for each project.
4.6.1 PROGRESS IN LOCAL MITIGATION EFFORTS
This plan has been created as a “living” document with input from the population and
professionals within Marin County and its participating jurisdictions. Based on the planning
meetings and the progress monitored by the steering committee members, several mitigation
44 CFR Requirement §201.6(c)(3)(ii) [The hazard mi�ga�on strategy shall include a] sec�on that
iden�fies and analyzes a comprehensive range of specific mi�ga�on ac�ons and projects being
considered to reduce the effects of each hazard, with par�cular emphasis on new and exis�ng
buildings and infrastructure. All plans approved by FEMA a�er October 1, 2008, must also address
the jurisdic�on’s par�cipa�on in the NFIP, and con�nued compliance with NFIP requirements, as
appropriate.
§201.6(c)(3)(iii) [The hazard mi�ga�on strategy shall include an] ac�on plan, describing how the
ac�on iden�fied in paragraph (c)(3)(ii) of this sec�on will be priori�zed, implemented, and
administered by the local jurisdic�on. Priori�za�on shall include a special emphasis on the extent to
which benefits are maximized according to a cost benefit review of the proposed projects and their
associated costs.
§201.6(c)(3)(iv) For mul�‐jurisdic�onal plans, there must be iden�fiable ac�on items specific to
the jurisdic�on reques�ng FEMA approval or credit of the plan.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
426
actions were accomplished since the last planning cycle. Table 4.8 provides a brief description
of the progress made in the local mitigation efforts and the plan for those mitigation actions that
were not completed or are ongoing.
4.6.2 STATUS OF PREVIOUS MITIGATION ACTIONS
Table 4.8 summarizes the actions that were recommended in the previous version of the hazard
mitigation plan and their implementation status at the time this update was prepared.
Table 4.8: Status of Previous Hazard Mitigation Actions
Action Number / Name Completed Ongoing Not
Started
Still
Relevant
Included in
Updated
Action
Plan
(1) Seismic Retrofit of County-owned buildings not
current to code. West Marin Service Center, Point
Reyes Station
X N
(2) Seismic Retrofit of County-owned buildings not
current to code. Civic Center Roof Replacement X N
(3) Seismic Retrofit of County-owned buildings not
current to code. Tomales Fire Station- Replacement X N
(4) Seismic Retrofit of County-owned buildings not
current to code. 120 N. Redwood- Seismic
Assessment
X Y
(5) Seismic Retrofit of County-owned buildings not
current to code. Marin Center- Seismic Assessment
of the Veteran's Memorial Auditorium & Exhibit Hall
X Y
52 Follow all four phases of FEMA's How-to-Guide:
"Integrating Historic Property and Cultural Resource
Considerations Hazard Mitigation Planning"
X N
Acquire electric bikes and safety equipment for
official use during major disasters. X N
Arroyo Corte Madera del Presidio Riverine Flood
Risk Reduction project: Assist with reducing the
frequency and severity of flooding. Study completed
on 03/2022 with the best option to move forward with
a restoration project.
X N
Assess bulkheads surrounding Tomales Bay X Y
Azalea Ave Bridge Replacement project will replace
the original Azalea Bridge, to decrease flood
hazards.
Town of
Fairfax is
project
lead.
Bothin Marsh Restoration project. Thin-lift
placement of sediment from Coyote Creek into
Bothin Marsh.
X Y
Improve City of Novato Drainage Improvement
informed by study currently in process. Goal to
bypass high flows, increase storage, develop flood
barriers, daylighting drainages, and install pump
stations and/ or tide gates.
X Y
Conduct a comprehensive finished floor-elevation
inventory. Project to understand a Floor Elevation
Survey to determine the floor elevation of a
structure.
X N
Consider sea level rise adaptation from
Collaboration: Sea-level Marin Adaption Response
Team (C-SMART).
X Y
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
427
Table 4.8: Status of Previous Hazard Mitigation Actions
Action Number / Name Completed Ongoing Not
Started
Still
Relevant
Included in
Updated
Action
Plan
Continue supporting the Sonoma County Water
Agency led Advanced Quantitative Precipitation
Information effort.
X Y
Corrillo Drive Pipe Rehabilitation was completed by
San Rafael in cooperation with flood zone 6. X N
Corte Madera Creek Flood Risk Management Project
will help to reduce the frequency of flooding by
enhancing natural stream functions. An HMGP
application for components in the channel that
reduce flood risk was submitted August 4, 2023
X Y
Cove Pump Station Improvements were completed
in 2022 and will assist with the updates to the pump. X N
Coyote Creek Levee Improvements - a levee study
was completed, and a portion of the levee system
has a project underway for seepage mitigation. It is
in the design phase.
X Y
Crest Marin, Cardinal, and Shoreline Pump Station
Upgrades. A condition assessment for Crest Marin is
nearly complete.
X Y
Deer Island Basin Project to setback levees, restore
tidal wetlands, and increase tidal prism to reduce
sedimentation and flood risk. CEQA complete,
design underway.
X Y
Develop Renters and Homeowners Guides to Flood
Preparedness project outlining safety directives for
homeowners and renters during a potential flood
hazard.
X Y Y
Easkoot Creek Flood Flow Bypass Project. National
Park Service is working with FHWA and the Flood
District to identify and plan a potential overflow
channel from Easkoot Creek to the Ocean.
X Y
East Creek Outfall Modifications project is a
pavement rehabilitation project and potentially
include tide gates to reduce sunny day flooding of
Tiburon Blvd.
X Y
Encourage property owners in SFHAs to purchase
flood insurance. X Y
Establish additional local funding mechanisms for
increased flood and fire mitigation. X Y
Estancia Ditch and Pump Station improvement
project. All pump stations in Santa Ventia were
upgraded to the Trimble Unity systems. Additional
upgrades needed.
X Y
Flood Preparedness Pilot Program identifies
resources for flood preparedness on county website. X Y
Gallinas Creek Geomorphic Dredge, currently in
design phase for the placement of 100,000 cubic
yards of dredge sediment
X Y
Initiate Community Plans for Adapting to Coastal
Hazards X Y
Karen Way Ditch Improvements is currently on hold X Y
Las Gallinas Levee Evaluation provides geotechnical
engineering service for the elevation and
assessment consistent with the Corps of Engineers
(USACE) Publication Number EM 1110-2-1913.
X N
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
428
Table 4.8: Status of Previous Hazard Mitigation Actions
Action Number / Name Completed Ongoing Not
Started
Still
Relevant
Included in
Updated
Action
Plan
Levee Setback and Upgrade Project. Initiation of this
project depends on completion of a land exchange
through State Lands Commission. County is working
on surveying needed to support that exchange.
X Y
Lower Corte Madera Creek Improvements: Levee
evaluation completed in 2020 under a DWR grant
and a geomorphic dredge assessment in process to
be completed in 2023
Y
Lower Ryan Creek Pump Station Study and
Upgrades is currently on hold Y
Madrone Ave Bridge Replacement project will
reduce impacts from floods.
Town of
San
Anselmo is
project
lead.
Manzanita Modifications Project. Caltrans is working
on a project initiation document for December 2023
for sea level rise adaptation at the US 101/SR 1
between Manzanita and Marin City. County is
supporting this work through hydraulic studies.
X Y
Marin City Drainage Improvements Project, currently
in the planning phase of project. X Y
Marin County Structure Elevation Program provides
federal assistance to homeowners with cost-
effective projects. FEMA funding approved; 7
permits are being reviewed.
X Y
Marin County Watershed Program provides a
framework to integrate flood protection and
environmental restoration with public and private
partners to protect and enhance Marin’s watersheds.
X N
McInnis Park Wetland Restoration Project proposes
to restore subtidal and intertidal habitat at an 180-
acre are of diked wetlands.
X Y
Meadow Drive Interceptor and Ditch Upgrades.
Interim upgrades were made by adding an in-line
check valve to prevent tides from flooding Meadow
Dr. No funding (or local match) currently available
for full conceptual upgrades to proceed to design.
X Y
Mill Valley Comprehensive Flood Control & Drainage
Master Plan X N
Nokomis Ave Bridge Replacement project will assist
with the replacement of the Nokomis Ave Bridge,
with the hopes of reducing flood hazards.
Town of
San
Anselmo is
project
lead.
Novato Levee Study, completed in 2020 under a
DWR grant. X N
Pacheco Pond Project is currently on hold X Y
Protect and restore natural buffers. Two funded and
completed nature-based studies explored the
feasibility of these projects and follow up work is
now happening through the Stinson ARC project and
through pursuit of other grant opportunities.
X Y
Pump Station No. 1 Upgrade is currently on hold. X Y
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
429
Table 4.8: Status of Previous Hazard Mitigation Actions
Action Number / Name Completed Ongoing Not
Started
Still
Relevant
Included in
Updated
Action
Plan
Pump Station No. 2 Upgrade, and interconnection to
Pump Station No. 1 is currently on hold. X Y
Pump Station No. 5 Upgrade on hold. X Y
Richardson Bay Shoreline Protection work is to be
integrated into future sea level rise adaptation
planning.
X Y Y
Ross Valley 10 Year Work Plan described technical
rationale for a suite of on-the-ground flood reduction
measures, spread watershed-wide, that work
together as a system to reduce flooding and seek to
restore the ecological health and function of Corte
Madera Creek and its tributaries
X N
Rush Creek Drainage Improvements is currently on
hold X Y
San Anselmo Flood Risk Reduction Project.
Construction of flood detention basin on Fairfax
Creek was substantially completed and the basin
operational in November 2022. The outfall pipe slide
gate can be operated manually and pending
installation of electrical paneling March 2023 for
electrical control operation. The project to remove
the building bridge in downtown San Anselmo is in
the final planning phase
X Y
Santa Venetia and Rafael Meadows Street Drain
Upgrades. Coordinating with County Engineering to
include drainage upgrades with road rehabilitation
projects. Labrea Way, vulnerable to recurrent
stormwater ponding, is currently in design.
X Y
Santa Venetia Pump Station No. 4 Upgrades on hold X Y
Santa Venetia Floodwall Project (Formerly the Santa
Veneita Timber-Reinforced Berm Improvement
Project)
X Y
Seismic Retrofit of County-owned buildings not
current to code. X Y
Seismic upgrades (bolting and anchoring pumps
and roof) to the Cove Pump Station building in
Tiburon.
X Y
Simmons Slough Flood Risk Reduction Project X N
Strawberry Levee Improvements will be incorporated
into sea level rise planning X Y Y
The Sycamore Ave Bridge Replacement project will
reduce the impact of flooding.
Town of
San
Anselmo is
project
lead and
federally
funded.
Tiburon Street Drainage Improvements Plan
identifies support to the town of Tiburon's storm
drainage, providing upgrades to the Cove
Stormwater pump station.
X Y
The upgrade Farmers, Cheda, and Lynwood pump
stations is currently on hold. X Y
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
430
Table 4.8: Status of Previous Hazard Mitigation Actions
Source: Marin County
4.6.3 NEW MITIGATION ACTIONS
Based on the hazard profiles, threat assessment, capabilities assessment, community survey
results, discussions among the Hazard Mitigation Planning Team members, and existing best
practices, a set of potential mitigation actions was developed and then evaluated based on the
following criteria:
• FEMA requires local governments to evaluate the monetary and non-monetary costs
and benefits of potential mitigation actions. Although local governments are not
required to assign specific dollar values to each action, they should identify the
general size of costs and benefits.
• The Hazard Mitigation Planning Team may elect to include measures with a high cost
or low benefits, but such measures should be clearly beneficial to the community and
an appropriate use of local resources.
In addition, FEMA directs local governments to consider the following questions as
part of the financial analysis:
• What is the frequency and severity of the hazard type to be addressed by the action,
and how vulnerable is the community to this hazard?
• What impacts of the hazard will the action reduce or avoid?
• What benefits will the action provide to the community?
The Hazard Mitigation Planning Team also chose to review and revise the potential hazard
mitigation actions with consideration for climate impact and social vulnerability. Projects and
programs were assessed with consideration of these variables.
Prioritization
As part of the mitigation actions development and review, t he Hazard Mitigation Planning Team
also prioritized the actions. The prioritization efforts looked at the risks and threats from each
hazard; lifesaving, life safety, property protection and lastly environmental protection; financial
costs and benefits; technical feasibility; consideration for climate impact, and social vulnerability,
and community values. Hazard Mitigation Planning Team members were asked to identify their
priority actions using the following criteria.
Table 4.8: Status of Previous Hazard Mitigation Actions
Action Number / Name Completed Ongoing Not
Started
Still
Relevant
Included in
Updated
Action
Plan
The West Creek Flood Wall Alternative Restoration
Project is currently on hold. X Y
The Winship Bridge Replacement project will reduce
the impact of flooding.
Town of
Ross is
the project
lead and
federally
funded.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
431
Implementation priority ratings were assigned as follows:
• High Priority - An action that meets multiple objectives, is linked to a high risk hazard,
has benefits that exceed costs, and has a potential source of funding. Action can begin
within the short term (1 to 5 years).
• Medium Priority - An action that meets multiple objectives, is linked to a high or
medium risk hazard, has benefits that exceed costs, and is eligible for funding though no
funding has yet been secured for it. Action can begin within the short term (1 to 5 years)
once funding is secured.
• Low Priority - An action that will mitigate the risk of a hazard, has benefits that do not
exceed the costs or are difficult to quantify, has no secured source of funding, and is not
eligible for any known grant funding. Action can be completed in the long term (1 to 10
years). Low-priority actions may be eligible for grant funding from programs that have
not yet been identified.
Table 4.9 lists the Current Hazard Mitigation Actions for Marin County.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
432
Table 4.9: Marin County Current Hazard Mitigation Actions
No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals
Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/Progress
MC-1
Develop a Vulnerable Communities
Index specific to Marin County,
aggregating economic, gender,
age, linguistic, ethnic, and racial
characteristics; geographic
locations; hazard impact; and
adaptive capacity.
All Hazards
1, 2, 3, 4, 5,
6
County of
Marin - CDA
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC, CDC,
CDPH Public Health
Emergency
Preparedness
2-5 years
Medium Safety Element Action
CA Dept. of Public
Health - Community
Assessment for Public
Health Emergency
Response (CASPER)
MC-2
Develop a climate change
preparedness outreach program for
higher risk populations.
All Hazards
1, 3
County of
Marin – CDA,
OEM/Fire, Fire
Agencies
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Medium Safety Element Action
MC-3
Provide grants for alternative
housing to community members at
risk of climate change impacts.
All Hazards
1, 3
County of
Marin – CDA,
OEM/Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC
5+ years
Low Safety Element Action
MC-4
Mitigate by planning in advance for
climate change impacts and
incorporating lessons learned in
neighboring counties.
All Hazards
All goals
County of
Marin –
OEM/Fire,
CDA, DPW
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Medium Safety Element Action
MC-5
Develop a Property Rating System. All Hazards
1
County of
Marin - CDA
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Medium Safety Element Action
MC-6
Develop Resilience Hubs. All Hazards
1, 2, 4
County of
Marin – CDA
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Medium Safety Element Action
I ~'?U .. N. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
433
Table 4.9: Marin County Current Hazard Mitigation Actions
No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals
Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/Progress
MC-7
Focus improvements on the
transportation network for risk
reduction, especially informed by
new and emerging climate risk.
All Hazards
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – CDA
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Medium
MC-8
Conduct study to identify natural
methods to limit coastal erosion
Land
Subsidence
1, 4, 5
County of
Marin –
OEM/Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-9
Conduct research on best natural
methods to mitigate erosion on
highways and roads and implement
planning and strategy stage.
Land
Subsidence
1, 4, 5
County of
Marin –
OEM/Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC, BRIC
technical assistance
2-5 years
Low
MC-10
Conduct research on best natural
methods to mitigate erosion in and
around rivers and streams and
implement planning and strategy
stage.
Land
Subsidence
1, 2, 4, 5
County of
Marin –
OEM/Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC, BRIC
technical assistance
2-5 years
Low
MC-11
Addition of vegetation in soil eroded
areas.
Land
Subsidence
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin –
OEM/Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-12
Increase conventional storage that
is filled during high-flow periods
Drought,
Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin –
OEM/Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/FMA,
DWR, HMGP, BRIC
5+ Years
Low
I ~'?U .. N. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
434
Table 4.9: Marin County Current Hazard Mitigation Actions
No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals
Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/Progress
MC-13
Provide multilingual outreach on
mitigation tactics to well-dependent
residents
Drought
1, 3
County of
Marin –
OEM/Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Medium
MC-14
Conduct Outreach and acquire
grants to pass to rural communities
for installing Rainwater Harvesting
systems
Drought
1, 5
County of
Marin –
OEM/Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Medium
MC-15
Identify alternative water supplies
for times of drought; mutual aid
agreements with alternative
suppliers
Drought
1, 5
County of
Marin –
OEM/Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-16
Remove non-native plants and trees
from all County and City and Town
facilities, replace with drought
tolerant, native plants
Flooding,
Drought
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin –
OEM/Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,
DWR, HMGP, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-17
Turn soil to increase infiltration rate
and pore space to absorb more
water
Flooding,
Drought
1, 5
County of
Marin –
OEM/Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,
DWR, HMGP, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-18
Encourage soil turning on private
land
Flooding,
Drought
1, 3, 5
County of
Marin –
OEM/Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,
DWR, HMGP, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
I ~'?U .. N. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
435
Table 4.9: Marin County Current Hazard Mitigation Actions
No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals
Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/Progress
MC-19
Install new HVAC systems at
schools and critical infrastructure
facilities
Heat
1, 5
County of
Marin –
OEM/Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Medium
MC-20
Implement non-AC solutions to cool
buildings - green roof and nature-
based infrastructure systems
Heat
1, 5
County of
Marin –
OEM/Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-21
Paint roofs with pigments to reduce
heat inside buildings
Heat
1, 5
County of
Marin –
OEM/Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-22
Outreach to communities at high
risk of heat impacts
Heat
1, 3, 5
County of
Marin –
OEM/Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Medium
MC-23
Establish policy for cooler homes /
Earthship homes
Heat
1, 4, 5
County of
Marin –
OEM/Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-24
Provide grants for high-risk
residents to improve and acquire
cooling mechanism in home.
Heat
1, 3, 5
County of
Marin –
OEM/Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Medium
I ~'?U .. N. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
436
Table 4.9: Marin County Current Hazard Mitigation Actions
No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals
Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/Progress
MC-25
Provide alternative locations and
equitable response actions for
residents to seek cooler
environments (e.g., movie theaters)
via regional heat response plans
Heat
1, 3, 5
County of
Marin –
OEM/Fire
TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC
0-2 years
Medium
MC-26
Establish additional and expand
functionality of heating, cooling
centers and resiliency hubs.
Heat
1, 3, 5
County of
Marin –
OEM/Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-27
Replace concrete sidewalks with
DG
Heat,
Flooding
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin –
OEM/Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,
DWR, HMGP, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-28
Implement green streets initiatives
in identified areas
Heat,
Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin –
OEM/Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,
DWR, HMGP, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-29
Install green roofs on public
buildings supported by non-potable
water
Heat,
Flooding
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin –
OEM/Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,
DWR, HMGP, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-30
Conduct a whole county study on
what areas could benefit from more
shaded areas; a green streets
program.
Heat,
Flooding
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin –
OEM/Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,
DWR, HMGP, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
I ~'?U .. N. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
437
Table 4.9: Marin County Current Hazard Mitigation Actions
No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals
Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/Progress
MC-31
Conduct study on how much
concrete can be removed
Heat,
Flooding
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin –
OEM/Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,
DWR, HMGP, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-32
Implement countywide flood
monitoring system to inform
mitigation future projects
Flooding
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin –
OEM/Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,
DWR, HMGP, BRIC
2-5 years
Medium
MC-33
Conduct research on widening
storm channels and aged
infrastructure which has not been
climate change adapted and in need
of enhancements
Flooding
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin –
OEM/Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,
DWR, HMGP, BRIC,
BRIC technical
assistance
2-5 years
Low
MC-34
Widen storm channels in high-
density areas and urban settings
Flooding
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin –
OEM/Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,
DWR, HMGP, BRIC
5-10 years
Low
MC-35
Develop policy to remove concrete
parking lots
Flooding
1, 4, 5
County of
Marin –
OEM/Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,
DWR, HMGP, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-36
Expand culverts in areas classified
as 100- or 500-year flood plain
Flooding
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin –
OEM/Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,
DWR, HMGP, BRIC
5-10 years
Low
I ~'?U .. N. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
438
Table 4.9: Marin County Current Hazard Mitigation Actions
No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals
Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/Progress
MC-37
Assess County and Town owned
parking lots to implement catch
basins
Flooding
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin –
OEM/Fire,
Cities and
Towns
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,
DWR, HMGP, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-38
Design creek restoration projects on
East and West Creek to improve
flood conveyance capacity
Flooding
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – DPW
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,
DWR, HMGP, BRIC
2-5 years
Medium
MC-39
Marin City Stormwater improvement
project to limit standing water and
flooding.
Flooding
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – DPW
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,
DWR, HMGP, BRIC
2-7 years
High
MC-40
Research, design, and construct the
Santa Venetia Floodwall Project
Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin – DPW
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,
DWR, HMGP, BRIC,
BRIC technical
assistance
5-10 years
Low
MC-41
Novato Bypass improvement project
to reduce flooding
Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin – DPW
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,
DWR, HMGP, BRIC
2-7 years
Low
MC-42
Corte Madera Creek Flood Risk
Management Project Phase 1,
Access Ramp and Granton Park
Pump Station
Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin – DPW
New $4,104,227.00 bid +
contingency. 50%
reimbursed by DWR
Grant, 50% paid by
FCZ 9.
2-5 years
Low
I ~'?U .. N. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
439
Table 4.9: Marin County Current Hazard Mitigation Actions
No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals
Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/Progress
MC-43
Develop Integrated Flood Modeling
System to New Weather Radars
Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin – DPW
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,
DWR, HMGP, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-44
Apply below grade waterproofing
and implement other water-intrusion
mitigation measures to protect
facilities that are experiencing
increased levels of hydrostatic
pressure.
Flooding
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – DPW
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,
DWR, HMGP, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-45
Cardinal Rd Levee Upgrade -
Seepage Mitigation for a segment of
Coyote Creek Levee (~1,000 LF)
Flooding,
Sea Level
Rise
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – DPW
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,
DWR, HMGP, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-46
Conduct sea level rise vulnerability
analysis of County Flood Control
District-owned and operated flood
control assets
Flooding,
Sea Level
Rise
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – DPW
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,
DWR, HMGP, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-47
Harden the North San Pedro Road
Improvement at China Camp to
preserve the transportation corridor
through China Camp State Park.
Preserve the corridor for emergency
evacuations route and future sea
level rise.
Flooding,
Sea Level
Rise
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – DPW
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,
DWR, HMGP, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-48
Construct coarse-grained beach
marsh and shoreline edge
restoration to inhibit marsh and bay
coastal shoreline edge erosion due
to wind-wave erosion and SLR
Sea Level
Rise
1, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
I ~'?U .. N. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
440
Table 4.9: Marin County Current Hazard Mitigation Actions
No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals
Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/Progress
MC-49
Construct Corte Madera Creek
Flood Risk Management Project
Phase 1, Lower COM Restoration
Sea Level
Rise
1, 5
County of
Marin – DPW
New Cost Estimate
$3,000,000. 50%
eligible for
reimbursement by
DWR Grant, 50% to
be covered by FCZ 9
with additional
construction grant
funding being sought.
2-7 years
Medium
100% design, seeking
additional construction
funding
MC-50
Reduce impacts from Sea level rise
and protect natural storm barriers by
researching and restoring Tiscornia
Marsh and other wetlands and
marsh areas
Sea Level
Rise
1, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire, City of
San Rafael
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,
DWR, HMGP, BRIC,
BRIC technical
assistance
2-10 years
Medium
MC-51
Create offshore wetlands in low
lying areas susceptible to climate
driven sea level rise
Sea Level
Rise
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,
DWR, HMGP, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-52
Implement vegetation in coastal
areas to limit sea level rise and
storm surge
Sea Level
Rise
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,
DWR, HMGP, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-53
Enhance public awareness of
evolving flood risk hazards due to
sea level rise, both on county's
coast and bay side
Sea Level
Rise
1, 3, 5
County of
Marin – DPW,
OEM
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
FMA, DWR, HMGP,
BRIC
2-5 years,
ongoing
Medium
I ~'?U .. N. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
441
Table 4.9: Marin County Current Hazard Mitigation Actions
No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals
Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/Progress
MC-54
Novato Baylands Resilience
Projects - including, Levee
Improvements, Setback Levee
Construction, Pump Station
Construction and Tidal Restoration
Sea Level
Rise
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – DPW
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
FMA, DWR, HMGP,
BRIC
2-10 years
Low
MC-55
Geomorphic dredging of Tidal Flood
Control Channels and Thin-Lift
Marsh Augmentation for SLR
Resiliency
Sea Level
Rise
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – DPW
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
FMA, DWR, HMGP,
BRIC
2-7 years
Low
MC-56
Southern Marin Levee
Improvements and New Levee
Construction with Associated
Pumping for Direct Coastal Flooding
Impacts
Sea Level
Rise
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – DPW
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
FMA, DWR, HMGP,
BRIC
2-7 years
High
MC-57
Complete designs and implement
wetland restoration project to protect
Bothin Marsh Open Space Preserve
and Bay Trail
Sea Level
Rise
1, 5
County of
Marin – Parks
New $25,000,000
General
Funds/Grants
FMA, DWR, HMGP,
BRIC
15 years
Medium
Preliminary designs
completed
MC-58
Develop designs and implement
wetland resilience improvements
along shoreline of Bolinas Lagoon
Sea Level
Rise
1, 5
County of
Marin – Parks
New $15,000,000
General
Funds/Grants
FMA, DWR, HMGP,
BRIC
15 years
Low
Letter Property and Pine
Gulch Creek
MC-59
Develop designs and implement
McInnis Marsh and Bucks Landing
wetland resilience features
Sea Level
Rise
1, 5
County of
Marin – Parks
New $35,000,000
General
Funds/Grants
FMA, DWR, HMGP,
BRIC
15 years
Low
I ~'?U .. N. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
442
Table 4.9: Marin County Current Hazard Mitigation Actions
No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals
Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/Progress
MC-60
Develop plan to prioritize high value
areas of potential wetland
expansion
Sea Level
Rise
1, 5
County of
Marin – Parks
New $500,000
General
Funds/Grants
FMA, DWR, HMGP,
BRIC
3 years
Low
MC-61
Research, Plan, and Construct
Tsunami Evacuation structures near
high-risk areas vulnerable to
tsunami inundation
Tsunami
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC, BRIC
technical assistance
2-10 years
Low
MC-62
Enhance public awareness of
mitigation approaches for tsunami,
including on bay side of county
Tsunami
1, 3, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years,
ongoing
Medium
MC-63
Provide incentives to guide
development away from high-risk
areas
Tsunami
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-64
Plan for tsunami evacuation routes Tsunami
1, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Medium
MC-65
Put signage in place for evacuation
routes
Tsunami
1, 3, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
High
I ~'?U .. N. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
443
Table 4.9: Marin County Current Hazard Mitigation Actions
No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals
Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/Progress
MC-66
Research, Analyze, and Harden
schools in tsunami inundation zones
Tsunami
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC, BRIC
technical assistance
2-10 years
Medium
MC-67
Harden piers and boat ramps to
withstand tsunami forces
Tsunami
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-68
Create barriers around public safety
water resources to mitigate tsunami
forces
Tsunami
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Medium
MC-69
Harden and lift critical infrastructure
in 1 and 3 feet for sea level rise
areas.
Sea Level
Rise,
Flooding,
Tsunami
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,
DWR, HMGP, BRIC
2-10 years
Low
MC-70
Strengthen roads to withstand
natural hazards like fires and water
inundation. Reduce regulatory
impediments to road construction,
widening, and other improvements
by amending relevant sections of
Marin County Code Titles 22, 23,
and 24 to eliminate discretionary
permit requirements and replace
them with ministerial review to
ensure that both public and private
roads comply with codified
engineering standards
Wildfire,
Flooding
1, 2, 4, 5
County of
Marin – CDA,
DPW, Fire
Agencies
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,
DWR, HMGP, BRIC
2-10 years
Low
Safety Element Activity
I ~'?U .. N. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
444
Table 4.9: Marin County Current Hazard Mitigation Actions
No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals
Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/Progress
MC-71
Review permit processes to ensure
that all applications for new
development comply with fire safety
and building code standards,
including but not limited to ensuring
the provision of adequate water
supply for fire suppression and fire
flow requirements.
Wildfire
1, 4, 5
County of
Marin – CDA,
Fire Agencies
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC, BRIC
technical assistance
2-5 years
Medium
Safety Element Activity
MC-72
Electric signage for in VHFD and
HFD areas alerting residents on red
flag days
Wildfire
1, 3, 5
County of
Marin – OEM,
HHS
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-73
Amend Wildlands Urban Interface
(WUI) Regulations. Work with Marin
Fire agencies to prepare and adopt
WUI regulations for new
development and substantial
remodels to reduce fire hazards.
Track and update standards as the
areas of high and extreme fire
hazard areas are defined.
Wildfire
1, 4, 5
County of
Marin – CDA,
Fire agencies
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Medium
Safety Element Activity
MC-74
Identify Areas with Insufficient
Evacuation Opportunities.
Wildfire
1, 5
County of
Marin – CDA,
Fire Agencies
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Medium
Safety Element Activity
MC-75
Remove hazardous trees and
vegetation, including non-native
species throughout the High and
Very High Fire Danger Areas.
Wildfire
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC
2-10 years
Low
I ~'?U .. N. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
445
Table 4.9: Marin County Current Hazard Mitigation Actions
No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals
Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/Progress
MC-76
County-wide assessment of
hazardous trees and vegetation
Wildfire
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-77
Deploy additional AI cameras for fire
ignition and detection
Wildfire
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-78
Conduct research on impact of
wildfire smoke on southeastern
portion of the county
Wildfire
1, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC, BRIC
technical assistance
2-5 years
Low
MC-79
Create green breaks in county in
VHFD and HFD Areas
Wildfire
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-80
Expand fuel management by
collaborating with land management
agencies
Wildfire
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-81
Encourage vegetation modification
at private residences
Wildfire
1, 3, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Medium
I ~'?U .. N. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
446
Table 4.9: Marin County Current Hazard Mitigation Actions
No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals
Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/Progress
MC-82
Conduct a county wide fuels study
to understand how different
vegetation would behave when
ignited
Wildfire
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-83
Conduct a vegetation study in high
and very high fire hazard areas
Wildfire
1, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-84
Implement culturally informed
(especially native tribal culture)
wildfire mitigation projects
Wildfire
1, 3, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Medium
MC-85
Encourage fire resistant
construction and landscaping
Wildfire
1, 2, 3, 4, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Medium
MC-86
Exceed codes and standards for fire
resistant construction
Wildfire
1, 2, 3, 4, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
High
MC-87
Harden fire roads to withstand
impacts from natural hazards
Wildfire
1, 2, 3, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
I ~'?U .. N. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
447
Table 4.9: Marin County Current Hazard Mitigation Actions
No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals
Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/Progress
MC-88
Conduct brush clearance around fire
roads
Wildfire
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-89
Provide grants to harden existing
structures against fires
Wildfire
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-90
Plant native fire-resistant vegetation Wildfire
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-91
Conduct brush clearance around
evacuation routes
Wildfire
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-92
Deploy livestock to remove
vegetation
Wildfire
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-93
Collaborate with land management
agencies to manage vegetation in
open space and common space
areas
Wildfire
1, 2, 5
Co County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
I ~'?U .. N. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
448
Table 4.9: Marin County Current Hazard Mitigation Actions
No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals
Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/Progress
MC-94
Provide direct assistance to property
owners in need of vegetation
management to improve defensible
space
Wildfire
1, 3, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Medium
MC-95
Retrofit any current roads, highways
and bridges to endure high
magnitude earthquakes in areas
with 0.55 or higher shaking intensity.
Earthquake
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-96
Establish policy for soft story homes Earthquake
1, 4, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Medium
MC-97
Research and assess current roads,
highways, and bridges probability to
endure a high magnitude
earthquake
Earthquake
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC, BRIC
technical assistance
2-5 years
Low
MC-98
Replace or enhance water and
sewage pipes and joints within
areas vulnerable to liquefaction with
flex pipes or alternate infrastructure.
Earthquake
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC
2-10 years
Low
MC-99
Retrofit all County and City and
Town facilities to withstand large
earthquakes.
Earthquake
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire, Cities and
Towns
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC
2-10 years
Low
I ~'?U .. N. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
449
Table 4.9: Marin County Current Hazard Mitigation Actions
No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals
Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/Progress
MC-100
Identify pre-1933 school buildings
and critical infrastructure
Earthquake
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Medium
MC-101
Retrofit all critical infrastructure to
resist severe earthquake shaking
above 0.55 intensity.
Earthquake
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC
2-15 years
Low
MC-102
Expand community outreach to
Great Shakeout Drill – Use Shaker
trailer
Earthquake
1, 3, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Medium
MC-103
Outreach to hospitals and other
critical care facilities on
infrastructure risk
Earthquake
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Medium
MC-104
Conduct Research on impacts of
San Andreas Fault in West Marin
Earthquake
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC, BRIC
technical assistance
2-5 years
Medium
MC-105
Provide outreach and education on
San Andreas Fault in West Marin
Earthquake
1, 3, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Medium
I ~'?U .. N. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
450
Table 4.9: Marin County Current Hazard Mitigation Actions
No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals
Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/Progress
MC-106
Study dam spillways and
emergency spillways, specifically for
seepage and to reassess geological
assumptions
Dam
Inundation
1, 2, 5, 6
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-107
Widen dam spillways in areas where
dams may receive additional water
due to climate change
Dam
Inundation
1, 2, 5, 6
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC
5-15 years
Low
MC-108
Harden dam spillway infrastructure
to prevent spillway failures during
controlled / emergency releases
Dam
Inundation
1, 2, 5, 6
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC
5-15 years
Low
MC-109
Research effective methods to
strengthen wind load for existing
utilities and critical infrastructure
High Wind
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC, BRIC
technical assistance
2-5 years
Low
MC-110
Conduct geotechnical survey of
slope stability county wide
Debris Flow
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-111
Seed and transplant fire resistant
and native plants and trees on
vulnerable sloped areas
Debris Flow
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
I ~'?U .. N. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
451
Table 4.9: Marin County Current Hazard Mitigation Actions
No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals
Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/Progress
MC-112
Outreach and education to areas at
risk of debris flow
Debris Flow
1, 3, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years,
ongoing
Medium
MC-113
Acquire land and or design new
codes for areas in high-risk
landslide areas and minimize new
construction via policy
recommendations
Debris Flow
1, 2, 4, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC
2-10 years
Low
MC-114
Marin County Structure Elevation
Program
Flooding
1, 2, 4, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing, New $4M
General
Funds/Grants
(HMGP)
0-5 years
In progress
Provides federal
assistance to
homeowners with cost-
effective projects. FEMA
funding approved and 7
permits are being
reviewed
MC-115 Seismic Retrofit of County-owned
buildings not current to code.
Earthquake
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018)
TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC
0-5 years
In progress
Staff also continue
gathering available
seismic assessment data
on County-owned (and
possibly leased sites in
the future) facilities. This
information will be
brought into an asset
management database,
which is in the early
stages of development,
and will support risk
assessment and work
plan development
I ~'?U .. N. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
452
Table 4.9: Marin County Current Hazard Mitigation Actions
No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals
Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/Progress
MC-116
Seismic Retrofit of County-owned
buildings not current to code. 120
N. Redwood- Seismic Assessment
Earthquake
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin - DPW,
CDA
Existing
(2018)
TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC
0-5 years
In progress
Local hazard mitigation
by the States Office
MC-117
Seismic Retrofit of County-owned
buildings not current to code. Marin
Center- Seismic Assessment of the
Veteran's Memorial Auditorium &
Exhibit Hall
Earthquake
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin - DPW,
CDA
Existing
(2018)
TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants
HMPG, BRIC
0-5 years
In progress
Completed assessment,
and HMGP grant secured
for upgrades. Seismic
retrofit work at the Exhibit
Hall completed in
November 2022. The
retrofit design work for
the Veterans' Memorial
Auditorium is complete.
Construction work
anticipated to run from
April 2023 thru January
2024.
MC-118 San Anselmo Flood Risk Reduction
Project.
Flooding
1, 2, 5
San Anselmo is
project lead
Existing
(2018)
$17.6M/ Flood Zone
9/
General
Funds/Grants (DWR,
HMGP application)
0-5 years
In progress
Construction of flood
detention basin on
Fairfax Creek was
substantially completed
and the basin operational
in November 2022.
Outfall pipe slide gate
can be operated
manually and pending
installation of electrical
paneling March 2023 for
electrical control
operation. The project to
remove the building
bridge in downtown San
Anselmo is in the final
planning phase
I ~'?U .. N. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
453
Table 4.9: Marin County Current Hazard Mitigation Actions
No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals
Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/Progress
MC-119
Arroyo Corte Madera del Presidio
Riverine (Corte Madera Creek)
Flood Risk Management Project
Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018)
$14M/Flood Zone 9:
General
Funds/Grants (DWR,
applications for
FEMA, NOAA)
0-5 years
In progress
Construction in progress
through 2023 - The Marin
County Flood Control and
Water Conservation
District (District)
proposed the Corte
Madera Creek Flood Risk
Management Project,
Phase 1 to reduce the
25-year flood risk along
Corte Madera Creek in
the Town of Ross and
unincorporated Kentfield
and to enhance natural
stream functions. An
HMGP application for
components in the
channel that reduce flood
risk was submitted
August 4, 2023
MC-120 Azalea Ave Bridge Replacement Flooding
1, 5 Town of Fairfax
Existing
(2018) TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,
DWR, HMGP, BRIC
0-5 years Town of Fairfax is project
lead.
MC-121 Nokomis Ave Bridge Replacement Flooding
1, 5
Town of San
Anselmo
Existing
(2018) TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,
DWR, HMGP, BRIC
0-5 years Town of San Anselmo is
project lead.
MC-122 Madrone Ave Bridge Replacement Flooding
1, 5
Town of San
Anselmo
Existing
(2018) TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,
DWR, HMGP, BRIC
0-5 years Town of San Anselmo is
project lead.
I ~'?U .. N. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
454
Table 4.9: Marin County Current Hazard Mitigation Actions
No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals
Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/Progress
MC-123 Winship Bridge Replacement Flooding
1, 5 Town of Ross
Existing
(2018) TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,
DWR, HMGP, BRIC
0-5 years Town of Ross is the
project lead.
MC-124 Sycamore Ave bridge replacement Flooding
1, 5
Town of San
Anselmo
Existing
(2018) TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,
DWR, HMGP, BRIC
0-5 years
Currently on hold. A
watershed study has
been scoped out, but not
enough funding has been
identified.
MC-125 Lower Corte Madera Creek
Improvements
Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018) $2M/Flood Zone 9/
General
Funds/Grants (DWR)
0-5 years
In progress Currently on hold
MC-126
Continue supporting the Sonoma
County Water Agency led Advanced
Quantitative Precipitation
Information effort.
Flooding
1, 4, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018)
$1.5M
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,
DWR, HMGP, BRIC
0-5 years
In progress
Working to expand storm
drainage improvement
planning into Nave
Gardens through a Flood
District funded study
currently underway
through 2023. The study
is looking at ways of most
effectively bypassing high
flows and potential
options such as
increasing storage,
building flood barriers,
daylighting drainages,
and installing pump
stations and/or tide gates.
Funding for future
improvements would
likely be sought through
FEMA HMGP.
I ~'?U .. N. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
455
Table 4.9: Marin County Current Hazard Mitigation Actions
No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals
Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/Progress
MC-127
Pacheco Pond Project - flood flow
diversion to wetlands to improve
water quality and habitat. Upgrade
title gages.
Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018) TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,
DWR, HMGP, BRIC
0-5 years
In progress
Annual outreach
conducted in October
MC-128
Deer Island Basin Project to setback
levees, restore tidal wetlands, and
increase tidal prism to reduce
sedimentation and flood risk.
Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018) $10M/ Flood Zone 1/
General
Funds/Grants
(SFBRA grant)
0-5 years
In progress
National Park Service is
working with FHWA and
the Flood District to
identify and plan a
potential overflow
channel from Easkoot
Creek to the Ocean.
MC-129 Rush Creek Drainage
Improvements
Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018)
TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,
DWR, HMGP, BRIC
2-3 years
Low
During final design of the
levee upgrade in
February 2022, the
engineer’s updated
construction cost
estimate came in at
$12M, exceeding the
project’s available
funding for project design
and construction. The
District continues to track
opportunities for project
construction funding.
MC-130 The upgrade Farmers, Cheda, and
Lynwood pump stations
Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018)
TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,
DWR, HMGP, BRIC
0-5 years
Low
Interim upgrades were
made by adding an in-line
check valve to prevent
tides from flooding
Meadow Dr. No funding
(or local match) currently
available for full
conceptual upgrades to
proceed to design.
I ~'?U .. N. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
456
Table 4.9: Marin County Current Hazard Mitigation Actions
No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals
Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/Progress
MC-131 City of Novato Drainage
Improvement
Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018) TBD Cost
General
Funds/Flood Zone 1/
FMA, DWR, HMGP,
BRIC
0-5 years
In progress Currently on hold
MC-132 Encourage property owners in
SFHAs to purchase flood insurance.
Flooding
1, 3, 5
County of
Marin - DPW,
OEM/Fire
Existing
(2018) TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,
DWR, HMGP, BRIC
Ongoing
In progress Currently on hold
MC-133
Easkoot Creek Flood Flow Bypass
Project. (National Park Service/
FHWA project being scoped
currently as part of parking lot work)
Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018) TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,
DWR, HMGP, BRIC
0-5 years
In progress Currently on hold
MC-134
Santa Venetia Floodwall Project
(Formerly the Santa Venetia
Timber-Reinforced Berm
Improvement Project)
Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018)
$12 Million
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,
DWR, HMGP, BRIC
0-5 years
In progress
Coordinating with County
Engineering to include
drainage upgrades with
road rehabilitation
projects. Labrea Way,
vulnerable to recurrent
stormwater ponding, is
currently in design.
MC-135 Meadow Drive Interceptor and Ditch
Upgrades.
Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018) TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,
DWR, HMGP, BRIC
0-5 years
Low
Currently in design phase
for the placement of
100,000 cubic yards of
dredge sediment. Goal to
support navigation and
storm drain outfall.
MC-136 Santa Venetia Pump Station No. 4
Upgrades on hold
Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018) $3M/ Flood Zone 7
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,
DWR, HMGP, BRIC
0-5 years
In progress
In 2021, County and
Parks staff received a
grant from the San
Francisco Bay
Restoration Authority
(SFBRA) Measure AA
I ~'?U .. N. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
457
Table 4.9: Marin County Current Hazard Mitigation Actions
No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals
Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/Progress
Bay region wetlands
grant program. This grant
funding will allow the
McInnis Marsh
Restoration project to
continue work on final
design, compliance with
the California
Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA) and
permitting including the
proposed CSA 6 Gallinas
Creek geomorphic
dredge project. Note that
the proposed McInnis
Marsh Restoration project
is not currently funded for
implementation.
MC-137
Pump Station No. 2 Upgrade, and
interconnection to Pump Station No.
1 is currently on hold.
Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018) $3M
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,
DWR, HMGP, BRIC
0-5 years
In progress
Initiation of this project
depends on completion of
a land exchange through
State Lands Commission.
County is working on
surveying needed to
support that exchange.
MC-138 Pump Station No. 5 Upgrade Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018) $3M
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,
DWR, HMGP, BRIC
0-5 years
In progress Currently on hold
MC-139 Santa Venetia and Rafael Meadows
Street Drain Upgrades.
Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018) TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,
DWR, HMGP, BRIC
0-5 years
In progress
In 2022 all pump stations
in Santa Venetia were
upgrade to Trimble Unity
System for alerts and
notifications to staff.
Funding for additional
I ~'?U .. N. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
458
Table 4.9: Marin County Current Hazard Mitigation Actions
No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals
Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/Progress
upgrades not available at
this time.
MC-140 Gallinas Creek Geomorphic Dredge Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018)
$3M/ County Service
Area 6/
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,
DWR, HMGP, BRIC
0-5 years
In progress
Flood district is
supporting the Town of
Tiburon's storm drainage
master plan
implementation out by
designing the upgrade to
the Cove Stormwater
Pump Station
(construction completed,
Project 33 in 2018 LHMP)
to have capacity to
handle the increased
flows that would be
conveyed to the station
by the full buildout of the
Town's master plan.
MC-141 McInnis Park Wetland Restoration
Project
Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018) TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,
DWR, HMGP, BRIC
0-5 years
In progress Currently on hold
MC-142 Levee Setback and Upgrade
Project.
Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018) TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,
DWR, HMGP, BRIC
0-5 years
In progress
Integrated into future sea
level rise adaptation
planning.
I ~'?U .. N. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
459
Table 4.9: Marin County Current Hazard Mitigation Actions
No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals
Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/Progress
MC-143 Pump Station No. 1 Upgrade Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018) $2M
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,
DWR, HMGP, BRIC
0-5 years
In progress
On hold due to lack of
property owner
easements. Considering
a creek restoration
project instead.
MC-144 Estancia Ditch and Pump Station
improvement project
Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018)
$4M/ Flood Zone 7/
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,
DWR, HMGP, BRIC
0-5 years
In progress
Coordinating with
Caltrans on a scheduled
2024 pavement
rehabilitation project to
potentially include tide
gates to reduce sunny
day flooding of Tiburon
Blvd.
MC-145 Tiburon Street Drainage
Improvements Plan
Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018) TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,
DWR, HMGP, BRIC
0-5 years
In progress
A levee study was
completed, and a portion
of the levee system has a
project underway for
seepage mitigation. It is
in the design phase.
MC-146 Karen Way Ditch Improvements Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018) TBD Cost/ Flood
Zone 4/ General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,
DWR, HMGP, BRIC
0-5 years
In progress
Currently in the planning
phase of project.
MC-147 Strawberry Levee Improvements
Sea Level
Rise
1, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018) $1M / Flood Zone 4/
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,
DWR, HMGP, BRIC
0-5 years
In progress
Integrated into future sea
level rise adaptation
planning.
MC-148 West Creek Flood Wall Alternative
Restoration Project
Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018) TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,
DWR, HMGP, BRIC
5-10 years
In progress
The district is working
with the County's Parks
Department to evaluate a
potential pilot project for
thin-lift placement of
sediment from Coyote
I ~'?U .. N. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
460
Table 4.9: Marin County Current Hazard Mitigation Actions
No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals
Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/Progress
Creek in Bothin Marsh. It
would require a Measure
AA grant to design,
permit, construct, and
monitor.
MC-149 East Creek Outfall Modifications
Project
Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018)
$10M/ Flood Zone 4/
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,
DWR, HMGP, BRIC
3 years
In progress
Caltrans is working on a
project initiation
document for December
2023 for sea level rise
adaptation at the US
101/SR 1 between
Manzanita and Marin
City. County is supporting
this work through
hydraulic studies.
MC-150 Coyote Creek Levee Improvements Flooding
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018) $40M/ Flood Zone 3/
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,
DWR, HMGP, BRIC
0-5 years
In progress Currently on hold
MC-151 Marin City Drainage Improvements
Project
Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018)
TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,
DWR, HMGP, BRIC
0-5 years
In progress
Following the condition
assessment design will
proceed in 2024. After
construction of the crest
Marin improvements a
study of Cardinal and
shoreline pump stations
and associated drainage
is anticipated.
MC-152
Richardson Bay Shoreline
Protection work is to be integrated
into future sea level rise adaptation
planning.
Sea Level
Rise
1, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018) $150M
TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,
DWR, HMGP, BRIC
5-10 years
In progress
County maintains a flood
preparedness webpage
with resources and
information for
landowners.
I ~'?U .. N. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
461
Table 4.9: Marin County Current Hazard Mitigation Actions
No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals
Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/Progress
MC-153 Bothin Marsh Restoration project Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018)
$2.4 M
General
Funds/Flood Zone
3/Grants (SFBRA
application in
progress)
5-10 years
In progress
Ongoing through Local
Coastal Program update,
funded and completed,
nature-based adaptation
studies, and the Safety
Element update.
MC-154
Manzanita Modifications Project. To
support/supplement a Caltrans
project
Flooding,
Sea Level
Rise
1, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018) TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,
DWR, HMGP, BRIC
0-5 years
In progress
Funded through Ocean
Protection Council grant
and AARPA funds.
Ongoing Stinson Beach
Adaptation and
Resilience Collaboration
(Stinson ARC) project.
MC-155 Lower Ryan Creek Pump Station
Study and Upgrades
Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018) $2.5M/ Flood Zone 3/
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,
DWR, HMGP, BRIC
5-10 years
In progress
Project has not started
due to lower community
priority. However, the
project has not been
abandoned and may be
completed in the next
year.
MC-156 Crest Marin, Cardinal, and Shoreline
Pump Station Upgrades.
Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018)
$7.5M/ Floods Zone
3/
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,
DWR, HMGP, BRIC
0-5 years
In progress
Two funded and
completed nature-based
studies explored the
feasibility of these
projects and follow up
work is now happening
through the Stinson ARC
project and through
pursuit of other grant
opportunities.
MC-157 Flood Preparedness Pilot Program Flooding
1, 3, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018) Negligible cost
General funds
0-5 years
In progress In Progress
I ~'?U .. N. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
462
Table 4.9: Marin County Current Hazard Mitigation Actions
No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals
Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/Progress
MC-158
Consider sea level rise adaptation
from Collaboration: Sea-level Marin
Adaption Response Team (C-
SMART).
Sea Level
Rise
1, 4, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018) TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,
DWR, HMGP, BRIC
Ongoing
In progress
MC-159 Initiate Community Plans for
Adapting to Coastal Hazards
Flooding,
Sea Level,
Rise,
Tsunami
1, 2, 3, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018) TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,
DWR, HMGP, BRIC
Ongoing
In progress
MC-160
Develop Renters and Homeowners
Guides to Flood Preparedness
project
Flooding
1, 3, 5
County of
Marin - DPW,
OEM
Existing
(2018) TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,
DWR, HMGP, BRIC
0-5 years
Low
MC-161 Protect and restore natural buffers. Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018) TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,
DWR, HMGP, BRIC
Ongoing
In progress
MC-162 Assess bulkheads surrounding
Tomales Bay
Flooding
(coastal)
1, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018) TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,
DWR, HMGP, BRIC
Ongoing
In progress
Table 4.9: Marin County Current Hazard Mitigation Actions
Source: Marin County
I ~'?U .. N. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
463
4.7 PLAN INTEGRATION
For hazard mitigation planning, “integration” means that hazard mitigation information is used in
other relevant planning mechanisms, such as general planning, capital facilities planning,
emergency management, hazard specific planning, and that relevant information from those
sources is also used in hazard mitigation. This section identifies where such integration is
already in place from the 2018 MJHMP, and where the 2023 MJHMP will be used for further
integration.
The Marin County Office of Emergency Management will be the central coordination point for
maintaining this plan and will serve as a lead staff for grant project applications on the
countywide projects selected for application under the Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant
programs. Additionally, each participating jurisdiction applying for grant funds on its own will
serve as lead staff for project implementation with assistance from the County and participating
Steering Committee members as requested.
An important integration mechanism that is highly effective and low-cost is incorporation of the
hazard mitigation plan recommendations and their underlying principles into other county, city
and town plans and mechanisms. Where possible, plan participants will use existing plans
and/or programs to implement hazard mitigation actions. Mitigation is most successful when it
is incorporated into the day-to-day functions and priorities of government and development. As
described in this plan’s capability assessment, Marin County and its jurisdictions already
implement policies and programs to reduce losses to life and property from hazards. This plan
builds upon the momentum developed through previous and related planning efforts and
mitigation programs and recommends implementing actions, where possible, through these
other program mechanisms. These existing mechanisms include:
• County, City and Town general and master plans - Integrates hazard mitigation
through the consideration of hazards most likely to impact the County. These hazards
are considered in the Safety Element, Housing Element and Open Space Element.
• County, City and Town Emergency Operations Plans - Integrates hazard mitigation
through the consideration of the Town’s planned response to hazards most likely to
impact the Town.
• County, City and Town ordinances - Integrates hazard mitigation through the
consideration of plans and policies outlined in the capability assessments in the
jurisdictional annexes.
• Flood/storm water management/master plans - Integrates hazard mitigation through
the consideration of strategies to reduce flood risk and storm water management for the
protection of life and property.
• Community Wildfire Protection plan - Integrates hazard mitigation through the
consideration of strategies to reduce fire hazard and the risk of catastrophic wildfires in
the WUI, while promoting the protection and enhancement of the county’s economic
assets and ecological resources.
• Capital improvement plans and budgets - Integrates hazard mitigation through the
consideration of strategies for the development and funding a critical facilities and
infrastructure.
• Other plans and policies outlined in the capability assessments in the jurisdictional
annexes.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
464
• Other plans, regulations, and practices with a mitigation focus
Steering Committee members involved in these other planning mechanisms will be responsible
for integrating the findings and recommendations of this plan with these other plans, programs,
etc., as appropriate. Implementation and incorporation into existing planning mechanisms will
be done through the routine actions of:
• Monitoring other planning/program agendas
• Attending other planning/program meetings
• Participating in other planning processes
• Monitoring community budget meetings for other community program opportunities
The successful implementation of this mitigation strategy will require constant and vigilant
review of existing plans and programs for coordination and multi-objective opportunities that
promote a safe, sustainable community. A few examples of incorporation of the MJHMP into
existing planning mechanisms include:
1) As recommended by Assembly Bill 2140, each community should adopt (by reference or
incorporation) this MJHMP into the Safety Element of their General Plans. Evidence of
adoption (by formal, certified resolution) shall be provided to CalOES and FEMA
2) Integration of flood actions identified in this mitigation strategy with the actions and
implementation priorities established in existing Flood Management Programs
3) Using the risk assessment information to update the hazards section in the County, City
and Town Emergency Operations Plans
Efforts should continuously be made to monitor the progress of mitigation actions implemented
through these other planning mechanisms and, where appropriate, their priority actions should
be incorporated into updates of this hazard mitigation plan.
4.8 FUTURE DEVELOPMENT TRENDS
Marin County’s abundance of natural, recreational, and scenic resources has supported a long
history of open space preservation. Its rolling hills, expansive ranchlands, beaches, coastlines,
and more are appreciated by both visitors and locals alike. This quote, from the Marin
Independent Journal 1934 Editorial captures this sentiment:
"No community on earth is more favored than Marin with the wealth and beauty of potential
playgrounds. If we don’t acquire some of these lands, the opportunity will surely slip away from
us.”
In the 1960s, housing/transportation development proposals were underway throughout Marin
County including for the Marin Headlands, outer coast, Tomales Bay area and more. Such
proposals threatened Marin’s rural character and long heritage of family farming, sparking
community activism which drew national attention. These efforts led to the employment of land
use planning tools to ensure the County’s natural and agricultural areas remain protected in
perpetuity. Establishment of the Point Reyes National Seashore in 1962, and a handful of other
Federal/State Park units, ensured the protection of a large amount of the County’s most
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
465
cherished lands as publicly accessible open space. Additionally, the Marin Agricultural Land
Trust, established in 1980, has placed agricultural conservation easements on over 60,000
acres of farmland, to ensure protection from development in perpetuity.
Furthermore in 1972 the California Coastal Commission was established as a regulatory agency
whose mission is “To protect, conserve, restore, and enhance the environment of the California
coastline”. Pursuant to the California Coastal Act of 1976, the agency is tasked with the
protection of a variety of resources including public access, habitat, and water quality. The
Commission issues Coastal Development Permits, until a local agency has a certified Local
Coastal Program (LCP), with a land use plan and implementation plan.
West Marin’s coastal zone covers approximately 82,168 acres. Of this approximately 33,913
acres are owned and managed by the National Park Service, leaving 48.255 acres under
County Jurisdiction subject to the LCP. This encompasses a handful of small communities along
the Pacific Coast and Tomales Bay shorelines including Muir Beach, Stinson Beach, Bolinas,
Inverness, Point Reyes Station, East Shore and Dillon Beach. New growth in these communities
is limited by a variety of factors including few remaining undeveloped parcels; land use policies
and plans which protect public access and natural resources; and environmental features such
as the coast itself, Tomales Bay, and steep bluffs which naturally restrain development.
Development in the County over the last 5 years has been limited due to build out, and similarly
future development is limited by these same constraints. For this reason, development related
considerations to plan updates were not applicable to the planning process. Instead, the plan
was revised to consider regional development trends and incorporation of new science such as
potential climate change impacts.
Marin County has focused on sea level rise planning and climate action for several years.
Currently, the LCP is being updated to reflect the changing risks to coastal areas and develop
appropriate policies and actions to avoid and minimize the risk of disaster and harm to its
residents, infrastructure and coastal resources. Coastal Act policies Sections 30210, 30240, and
30251 dictate that new development shall be safe from hazards and recognize that shoreline
protective devices such as seawalls may be appropriate in certain instances to serve coastal-
dependent uses or to protect existing structures or public beaches in danger from erosion.
However, shoreline protective devices must be designed to eliminate or mitigate the adverse
impacts on the sand supply of surrounding natural shorelines. Other development-limiting
Coastal Act policies include:
Section: 30210: Development shall not interfere with the public’s right of access to the sea
including the use of beaches
Section 30240: Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas (ESHA) shall be protected.
Section 30251: The scenic and visual qualities of coastal areas shall be considered and
protected as resources of public importance.
The 2040 population projection for Marin County is 277,087 (Department of Finance). In order to
accommodate population growth over the next several years, Marin County and its incorporated
cities have implemented a number of land use plans and development policies to direct growth
away from hazardous conditions. For example, as required by state law, the County and each
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
466
incorporated city have a general plan with a safety element that identifies hazards affecting the
County and incorporated cities. Likewise, the County and the incorporated cities have a number
of planning policies, such as floodplain ordinances and building codes, restricting new
development in hazard areas and/or increasing construction requirements in hazard areas.
In addition to steering away growth from hazard areas, Marin County and its incorporated cities
have a history of aggressive growth management that seeks to limit growth overall and to direct
it within the incorporated cities and urban areas of the unincorporated County.
The 2007 Marin Countywide Plan was last updated in 2015 to reflect the theme of planning for
sustainable communities. Twelve principles support this theme including the preservation of
natural assets and the protection of agricultural assets in order to minimize development in open
space. The plan is divided into specific elements, each with goals, policies, and implementation
programs. The Plan’s land use pattern reflects existing development potential shifted to a
degree from environmentally constrained sites to more appropriate locations. Specific
Countywide Plan policies which limit urban development through the protection of open space
resources include:
• Biological Resources 1.1 Protect Wetland Habitats for Special-Status Species, Sensitive
Natural Communities, and Important Wildlife Nursery Areas and Movement Corridors.
• Biological Resources 1.2 Acquire Habitat
• Biological Resources 2.1 Include Resource Preservation in Environmental Review
Biological Resources 2.2 Limit Development Impacts
• Biological Resources 3.1 Protect Wetlands
• Biological Resources 4.1 Restrict Land Use in Stream Conservation Areas
• Biological resources 5.1 Protect the Baylands Corridor
• Biological Resources 5.2 Limit Development and Access
• Biological Resources 5.3 Leave Tidelands in Their Natural State
• Air 4.m Focus Development in Urban Corridors
• Open Space 2.2 Continue to Acquire or Otherwise Preserve Open Space Countywide
Open Space 2.4 Support Open Space Efforts Along Streams
• Open Space 2.5 Support Open Space Efforts in the Inland Rural Corridor
• Open Space 2.6 Support Open Space Efforts in the Coastal Corridor
• Agriculture 1.1 Limit Residential Use
• Agriculture 1.2 Encourage Contractual Protection
• Agriculture 1.3 Preserve Agricultural Zoning
• Agriculture 1.4 Limit Non-Agricultural Zoning
• Agricultural 1.5 Restrict Subdivision of Agricultural Lands Within the Coastal, Inland
Rural and Baylands Corridors
• Agriculture 1.6 Limit Non-Agricultural Development
• Additionally, the Plan includes policies to limit development in hazardous areas,
including:
• Environmental Hazards 3.a Regulate Development in Flood and inundation Areas
• Environmental Hazards 3.e Restrict Development in Flood Prone Areas
• Environmental Hazards 4.1 Limit Fire Risks to Structures
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
467
Implementation tools such as the County Development Code are used to carry out Countywide
Plan goals. Some of the policies and programs in the Countywide Plan will require rezoning of
individual properties for consistency with land use designations and policies. Furthermore, many
unincorporated communities are guided by community plans which may include customized
building and site design standards, ridgeline and view corridor protection mechanisms, home
size regulations and more.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
468
SECTION 5.0: PLAN REVIEW, EVALUATION, AND
IMPLEMENTATION
The strategies presented are deemed appropriate and effective by recommendation of the
Marin County OA Hazard Mitigation Steering Committee, senior management of local
governments and public agencies, and individual organizations and groups that have
participated in its creation, or reviewed the end product.
5.1 PLAN ADOPTION
Upon submission to the California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) for review, and
subsequent approval by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Marin
County OA MJHMP will be presented to local government for formal adoption. It will then be
incorporated into local general plans for integration into organizational policy.
5.2 PLAN MONITORING AND PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
The process of hazard mitigation does not end with the completion, approval, and adoption of
the Marin County OA MJHMP. During the five-year lifespan the Marin plan, the County, cities,
towns and special districts, along with community-based organizations will ensure that the
mitigation goals and strategies identified are exercised and monitored under a collaborative and
cooperative umbrella, and that the document itself is properly maintained.
The Marin County Office of Emergency Management, as lead coordinating agency for hazard
mitigation planning within the Marin County OA, leads the Marin Operational Area Hazard
Mitigation Working Group that meets quarterly to review and manage the plan, projects, and
programs. The review will identify changing community priorities, updated or new planning
documents and the progress or status of the mitigation actions as detailed in the mitigation
strategy. Additional questions to complete the review will be considered as follows:
• Do the goals address current and expected conditions?
• Are the goals and objectives consistent with changes in the local, state, and federal
policy?
• Status updates on all mitigation actions?
• Have the hazards or risks changed?
• Are current resources appropriate for implementing the MJHMP?
• Have the outcomes occurred as expected?
44 CFR Requirement §201.6(d)(3) A local jurisdic�on must review and revise its plan to reflect
changes in development, progress in local mi�ga�on efforts, and changes in priori�es, and resubmit
if for approval within 5 years in order to con�nue to be eligible for mi�ga�on project grant funding.
§201.6(d)(5) [The plan shall include…] Documenta�on that the plan has been formally adopted by
the governing body of the jurisdic�on reques�ng approval of the plan (e.g., City Council, County
commissioner, Tribal Council). For mul�‐jurisdic�onal plans, each jurisdic�on reques�ng approval
of the plan must document that it has been formally adopted.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
469
• Is the County and jurisdictions or districts participating in the plan implementation
process as expected?
The Working Group is a subgroup of the Marin Disaster and Citizens Corps Council. During the
five-year update cycle, the Marin Operational Area Hazard Mitigation Working Group will have
quarterly update meetings with the Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee and local
stakeholders to discuss revisions to the plan and progress updates for the hazard mitigation
actions. Further, Marin OEM will host an annual one-day mitigation summit to increase
engagement and enhance collaboration on the plan and projects. The summit will also have the
goal to educate stakeholders on innovative approaches to mitigation, trends, and new plan
requirements. Marin OEM, as the host, will seek subject matter experts, state and federal
officials, and representatives from within the Marin OA to speak to mitigation and planning. The
knowledge gathered and the coordination facilitated during the summit will be used to update
the base plan and annexes.
Marin OEM has the capacity to lead the Working Group and Multi-Jurisdictional Planning with
one coordinator assigned with direct maintenance of the plan, a department analyst assigned to
support the coordinator with project and grant tracking, and a community preparedness
coordinator assigned with conducting regular public outreach on the plan and education on
mitigation. Community feedback and integration will continue through outreach events and OEM
website, where residents and visitors are invited to provide feedback through a survey, available
in English or Spanish.
Specific plan maintenance activities by the Marin County Office of Emergency Management and
its participating jurisdictions/special districts may include:
• Hold quarterly update meetings with the Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee and local
stakeholders to discuss revisions to the plan and progress updates for the hazard
mitigation actions.
• Annual Hazard Mitigation Summit
• Holding public meetings after the first quarter and third quarter update meetings.
• Maintaining the Marin County OEM Hazard Mitigation Website, which provides the public
with the ability to access identified hazard impact maps, location address search
capability, and a listing of hazard mitigation actions.
• Monitoring of the Marin County and all participating jurisdiction mitigation project
activities and dissemination of status reports.
• Generation of reports relative to plan status, project management, and revision updates
to executive leadership.
• Preparations for the plan’s future revision and updating.
5.3 PLAN EVALUATION
Upon approval and adoption by Marin County and all participating jurisdictions, the prioritized
mitigation strategies will be further developed for funding and implementation by the lead
agencies. The plan describes the potential sources of hazard mitigation funding, and general
procedures to obtain that funding.
The mitigation strategies represented and adopted within this plan are recommendations only
and must be approved and funded in order to be implemented as official mitigation solutions.
Ultimately, it is the responsibility of jurisdictional and agency officials within the Marin County
Operational Area to undertake project implementation based upon identified mitigation
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
470
strategies, funding availability, and local need when it arises. The Marin County Office of
Emergency Management will meet with the Marin Operational Area Hazard Mitigation Working
Group to evaluate the plan after each update meeting.
5.4 PLAN UPDATE
During the five-year update cycle, the Marin County Office of Emergency Management will be
responsible for updating the MJHMP. This update process will begin in 2024 through quarterly
update meetings by the Marin Operational Area Hazard Mitigation Working Group and local
stakeholders. The Marin OEM will lead these meetings to discuss revisions to the plan and
progress updates for the hazard mitigation actions. Additional plan update actions are described
in 5.2 Plan Monitoring and Public Engagement. The Marin County Office of Emergency
Management and all participating jurisdictions and special districts will continue to hold public
meetings after the first quarter and third quarter update meetings annually and will continue to
invite public participation in the update process via updated public surveys.
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
471
FIGURES AND TABLES INDEX
FIGURES
Figure 1.1: Map of Marin County ...............................................................................................13
Figure 1.2: Fire Protection Districts in Marin County..................................................................21
Figure 1.3: School Districts in Marin County ..............................................................................22
Figure 1.4: Muir Woods National Monument .............................................................................23
Figure 1.5: Marin County Parks and Public Lands .....................................................................24
Figure 1.6: Population of Marin County 1860-2020 ...................................................................25
Figure 1.7: Marin County Environmental Corridors ....................................................................34
Figure 1.8: Marin County Habitat Types ....................................................................................35
Figure 1.9: Marin County Wetlands ...........................................................................................37
Figure 1.10: Marin County Watersheds .....................................................................................38
Figure 1.11: Marin County Geologic Units (East of San Andreas Fault) .....................................44
Figure 1.12: Marin County Geologic Units (West of San Andreas Fault) ....................................45
Figure 1.13: Marin County Mineral Resource Sites ...................................................................46
Figure 1.14: Marin County Average Precipitation 1895-2022 .....................................................47
Figure 1.15: Marin County Average Temperature 1895-2022 ....................................................48
Figure 1.16: Diablo Wind Patterns.............................................................................................48
Figure 1.17: Historic Sites in Marin County ...............................................................................54
Figure 1.18: Generalized NRI Risk Equation .............................................................................55
Figure 1.19: Marin County NRI – Expected Annual Loss ...........................................................62
Figure 1.20: Marin County National Risk Index Map..................................................................63
Figure 1.21: Marin County CDC Social Vulnerability Index Map ................................................65
Figure 2.1: Marin County OEM MJHMP Website.......................................................................94
Figure 2.2: Marin County OA MJHMP Town Hall Meeting ..........................................................95
Figure 2.3: Collecting community feedback on the MJHMP.......................................................96
Figure 2.4: Hazard Mitigation Plan Public Outreach Press Release ..........................................97
Figure 2.5: Hazard Mitigation Plan Survey ................................................................................98
Figure 3.1: Marin County Risk Assessment – Top Hazards Graphed ...................................... 111
Figure 3.2: NASA Global Temperature Change CO2 Gas ....................................................... 113
Figure 3.3: NASA Global Temperature Change 1884 to 2022 ................................................. 113
Figure 3.4: NASA Global Temperature Change Sea Level ...................................................... 114
Figure 3.5: Human Health Impacts from Climate Change........................................................ 115
Figure 3.6: Annual Mean Sea Level Trends ............................................................................. 117
Figure 3.7: California Climate Impact Regions ........................................................................ 118
Figure 3.8: Dams in and around the Marin County OA ............................................................ 124
Figure 3.9: Marin County Dam Inundation Susceptibility to Critical Facilities ........................... 125
Figure 3.10: Phoenix Lake Dam Inundation Area .................................................................... 127
Figure 3.11: Phoenix Lake Dam Inundation Area – Kentfield North ......................................... 128
Figure 3.12: Phoenix Lake Dam Inundation Area – Kentfield South ........................................ 129
Figure 3.13: Novato Creek/ Stafford Lake Dam Inundation Area ............................................. 130
Figure 3.14: Novato Creek Dam Inundation Area – Green Point and Bel Marin Keys .............. 131
Figure 3.15: Bon Tempe Dam Inundation Area ........................................................................ 132
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
472
Figure 3.16: Bon Tempe Dam Inundation Area – Lagunitas-Forest Knolls-San Geronimo Area
............................................................................................................................................... 133
Figure 3.17: Bon Tempe Dam Inundation Area – Point Reyes Station Area South................... 134
Figure 3.18: Bon Tempe Dam Inundation Area – Point Reyes Station Area North and Inverness
............................................................................................................................................... 134
Figure 3.19: Peters Dam Inundation Area ............................................................................... 135
Figure 3.20: Peters Dam Inundation Area – Lagunitas-Forest Knolls Area .............................. 136
Figure 3.21: Peters Dam Inundation Area – Point Reyes Station Area .................................... 137
Figure 3.22: Alpine Dam Inundation Area ................................................................................ 138
Figure 3.23: Alpine Dam Inundation Area – Point Reyes Station ............................................. 139
Figure 3.24: Lagunitas Dam Inundation Area .......................................................................... 140
Figure 3.25: Seeger Dam Inundation Area .............................................................................. 141
Figure 3.26: Seeger Dam Inundation Area – Point Reyes Station East ................................... 142
Figure 3.27: Seeger Dam Inundation Area – Point Reyes Station West .................................. 143
Figure 3.28: Big Rock Ranch Dam Inundation Area ................................................................ 144
Figure 3.29: Big Rock Ranch Dam Inundation Area East ........................................................ 145
Figure 3.30: Big Rock Ranch Dam Inundation Area West ....................................................... 146
Figure 3.31: Soulajule Dam Inundation Area ........................................................................... 147
Figure 3.32: Soulajule Dam Inundation Area around Soulajule Dam ....................................... 148
Figure 3.33: Soulajule Dam Inundation Area – Walker Creek at Highway 1 ............................. 149
Figure 3.34: Soulajule Dam Inundation Area – Walker Creek at Highway 1 and Tomales Bay . 149
Figure 3.35: Vonsen Dam Inundation Area .............................................................................. 150
Figure 3.36: Vosen Dam Inundation Area ................................................................................ 151
Figure 3.37: Landslide Susceptibility Classes.......................................................................... 156
Figure 3.38: Mud Flow Areas .................................................................................................. 157
Figure 3.39: Landslide Susceptibility in the Marin County OA ................................................. 158
Figure 3.40: Marin County Landslide Susceptibility for Critical Facilities Map .......................... 159
Figure 3.41: Landslide Susceptibility – Lagunitas, Forest Knolls, San Geronimo and Woodacre
............................................................................................................................................... 160
Figure 3.42: Landslide Susceptibility – Nicasio and Tocoloma ................................................. 160
Figure 3.43: Landslide Susceptibility – Olema and Point Reyes Station .................................. 161
Figure 3.44: Landslide Susceptibility – Inverness .................................................................... 161
Figure 3.45: Landslide Susceptibility – Dillon Beach and Tomales .......................................... 162
Figure 3.46: Landslide Susceptibility – Dogtown, Bolinas and Stinson Beach ......................... 162
Figure 3.47: Landslide Susceptibility – Southern Marin County ............................................... 163
Figure 3.48: Landslide Susceptibility – West Central Marin County ......................................... 164
Figure 3.49: Landslide Susceptibility – Novato West ............................................................... 165
Figure 3.50: Landslide Susceptibility – West Central Marin County ......................................... 166
Figure 3.51: Landslide Susceptibility – North Novato .............................................................. 167
Figure 3.52: Landslide Inventory in the Marin County OA ....................................................... 168
Figure 3.53: Damage in Inverness from the January 1982 Storm ............................................ 169
Figure 3.54: January 1982 Highway 101 Mudslide in Marin County ........................................ 169
Figure 3.55: February 2017 Landslide on Lucas Valley Road .................................................. 170
Figure 3.56: March 2023 Mudslide in Marin County ................................................................ 171
Figure 3.57: U.S. Drought Monitor for California (2023) .......................................................... 177
Figure 3.58: U.S. Drought Monitor for California (2020) .......................................................... 178
Figure 3.59: U.S. Drought Monitor for California (2016) .......................................................... 179
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
473
Figure 3.60: Water Supply Conditions in California 2005-2018................................................ 179
Figure 3.61: Drought Impacts .................................................................................................. 181
Figure 3.62: 2022 Locations of Tree Mortality in the Marin County OA .................................... 182
Figure 3.63: Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale ......................................................................... 185
Figure 3.64: Mercalli Scale vs. Magnitude ............................................................................... 186
Figure 3.65: Soil Types ........................................................................................................... 186
Figure 3.66: Earthquake Faults and Probability of Shaking in the Marin County OA ............... 188
Figure 3.67: Marin County Earthquake Shaking Potential and Critical Facilities ...................... 189
Figure 3.68: Uniform California Earthquake Rupture Forecast Version 3 ................................. 192
Figure 3.69: Population/Social Vulnerability to an Earthquake in California ............................. 195
Figure 3.70: Diagram of an Atmospheric River Event .............................................................. 198
Figure 3.71: FIRM Zones in the Marin County OA ................................................................... 199
Figure 3.72: The 100-year, 200 -year and 500-year floodplains in the Marin County OA. ......... 200
Figure 3.73: 100, 200, 500-Year Floodplains in the Marin County OA ..................................... 201
Figure 3.74: 100 -Year Floodplain – Lagunitas ......................................................................... 202
Figure 3.75: 100 -Year Floodplain – Forest Knolls Area............................................................ 203
Figure 3.76: 100 -Year Floodplain – San Geronimo Area ......................................................... 203
Figure 3.77: 100 -Year Floodplain – Woodacre Area ................................................................ 204
Figure 3.78: 100 -Year Floodplain – Tocoloma ......................................................................... 204
Figure 3.79: 100 -Year Floodplain – Nicasio ............................................................................. 205
Figure 3.80: 100 -Year Floodplain –Nicasio East ...................................................................... 206
Figure 3.81: 100 -Year Floodplain –Olema ............................................................................... 206
Figure 3.82: 100 -Year Floodplain – Point Reyes Station Area - South ..................................... 207
Figure 3.83: 100 -Year Floodplain – Point Reyes Station Area - North ..................................... 208
Figure 3.84: 100 -Year Floodplain – Inverness Park Area ......................................................... 209
Figure 3.85: 100 -Year Floodplain – Inverness South ............................................................... 210
Figure 3.86: 100 -Year Floodplain – Inverness ......................................................................... 211
Figure 3.87: 100 -Year Floodplain – Reynolds and Marconi Area ............................................. 212
Figure 3.88: 100 -Year Floodplain – Marshall Area ................................................................... 213
Figure 3.89: 100 -Year Floodplain – Tomales Area ................................................................... 214
Figure 3.90: 100 -Year Floodplain – Bolinas North ................................................................... 215
Figure 3.91: 100 -Year and 500-Year Floodplain – Bolinas and Stinson Beach West ............... 216
Figure 3.92: 100 -Year and 500-Year Floodplain – Stinson Beach............................................ 217
Figure 3.93: 100 -Year and 500-Year Floodplain – Muir Beach ................................................ 218
Figure 3.94: 100 -Year and 500-Year Floodplain – Tamalpais Valley Area ................................ 218
Figure 3.95: 100 -Year and 500-Year Floodplain – Alto and Strawberry .................................... 219
Figure 3.96: 100 -Year and 500-Year Floodplain – Kentfield and Greenbrae ............................ 220
Figure 3.97: 100 -Year Floodplain – Marin City ........................................................................ 221
Figure 3.98: 100 -Year Floodplain – Lucas Valley and Marinwood............................................ 222
Figure 3.99: 100 -Year Floodplain – Saint Vincent .................................................................... 223
Figure 3.100: 100-Year and 500-Year Floodplain – Santa Venetia Area .................................. 223
Figure 3.101: 100-Year and 500-Year Floodplain – San Pedro Hill Area.................................. 224
Figure 3.102: Novato Flooding - Marin County Landfill and Marin County airport ................... 225
Figure 3.103: Flooding in San Rafael Area .............................................................................. 226
Figure 3.104: 100-Year Floodplain – Bel Marin Keys ............................................................... 227
Figure 3.105: Stinson - Bolinas Area Flooding......................................................................... 228
Figure 3.106: Flood Control Zones in the Marin County OA .................................................... 229
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
474
Figure 3.107: Damage in Inverness from 1982 Storm ............................................................. 231
Figure 3.108: Flooding in Marin City – 2019 Storm ................................................................. 232
Figure 3.109: Population/Social Vulnerability to Flooding in California .................................... 240
Figure 3.110: Dissolution Sinkhole Formation ......................................................................... 241
Figure 3.111: Cover-Subsidence Sinkhole Formation .............................................................. 242
Figure 3.112: Cover-Collapse Sinkhole Formation .................................................................. 242
Figure 3.113: Land Subsidence in California 2007-2018 with Marin County Cutout ................. 243
Figure 3.114: U.S. Rock types Susceptible to Water Dissolution ............................................. 244
Figure 3.115: Levee Failure Mechanisms ................................................................................ 247
Figure 3.116: Marin County Levee System .............................................................................. 249
Figure 3.117: Levees in Tamalpais Valley ................................................................................ 250
Figure 3.118: Levees in Strawberry ......................................................................................... 251
Figure 3.119: Tam Junction Levees ......................................................................................... 252
Figure 3.120: Levee in Kentfield .............................................................................................. 253
Figure 3.121: Greenbrae Levee System.................................................................................. 254
Figure 3.122: McNears Sea Wall in the San Pedro Hill Area ................................................... 255
Figure 3.123: Santa Venetia Levee in Santa Venetia .............................................................. 256
Figure 3.124: Marin Levee 33, Marin County Levees 33 and 24 and the Las Gallinas Valley
Sanitary District Levee in St. Vincent ...................................................................................... 257
Figure 3.125: Santa Venetia Levee System ............................................................................ 258
Figure 3.126: Bel Marin Keys Levee System ........................................................................... 259
Figure 3.127: Levees Around the Marin County Airport ........................................................... 260
Figure 3.128: Novato North Levee System .............................................................................. 261
Figure 3.129: Marin County Sea Level Rise Susceptibility to Critical Facilities ........................ 267
Figure 3.130: Average July Temperatures in California............................................................ 268
Figure 3.131: Projections of Sea Level Rise in the San Francisco Bay Area, 2000-2100 ........ 275
Figure 3.132: Heat Index ........................................................................................................ 276
Figure 3.133: Heat Disorders by Heat Index Level .................................................................. 277
Figure 3.134: Annual Average Temperatures in the San Francisco Bay Area, 2000-2100 ....... 281
Figure 3.135: Beaufort Wind Scale.......................................................................................... 282
Figure 3.136: Wind Zones in the US ....................................................................................... 283
Figure 3.137: Enhanced Fujita Scale ...................................................................................... 287
Figure 3.138: Waterspout Formation ....................................................................................... 288
Figure 3.139: Tsunami Inundation Zones in the Marin County OA ........................................... 291
Figure 3.140: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Inverness Area ....................................................... 292
Figure 3.141: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Inverness ............................................................... 293
Figure 3.142: Tsunami Inundation Zone – South of Inverness ................................................. 294
Figure 3.143: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Inverness Park and Point Reyes ............................ 295
Figure 3.144: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Reynolds and Marshall .......................................... 296
Figure 3.145: Tsunami Inundation Zone – McDonald and Blakes Landing .............................. 297
Figure 3.146: Tsunami Inundation Zone – South of Tomales ................................................... 298
Figure 3.147: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Dillon Beach Area .................................................. 299
Figure 3.148: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Dillon Beach........................................................... 300
Figure 3.149: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Bolinas Lagoon North ............................................ 300
Figure 3.150: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Bolinas Area .......................................................... 301
Figure 3.151: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Bolinas Core .......................................................... 302
Figure 3.152: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Bolinas North ......................................................... 303
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
475
Figure 3.153: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Stinson Beach Area ............................................... 303
Figure 3.154: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Stinson Beach........................................................ 304
Figure 3.155: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Muir Beach ............................................................ 305
Figure 3.156: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Tamalpais Valley South .......................................... 306
Figure 3.157: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Tamalpais Valley North........................................... 307
Figure 3.158: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Marin City .............................................................. 308
Figure 3.159: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Manzanita .............................................................. 308
Figure 3.160: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Strawberry South ................................................... 309
Figure 3.161: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Unincorporated Tiburon Peninsula ......................... 310
Figure 3.162: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Paradise Cay ......................................................... 311
Figure 3.163: North Marin Tsunami Inundation Zones ............................................................. 312
Figure 3.164: Santa Venetia Tsunami Inundation Zones.......................................................... 313
Figure 3.165: Greenbrae Tsunami Inundation Zones ............................................................... 314
Figure 3.166: Richardson Bay Tsunami Inundation Zones....................................................... 315
Figure 3.167: Tomales Bay Tsunami Inundation Zones ........................................................... 316
Figure 3.168: Bolinas – Stinson Tsunami Inundation Zones .................................................... 317
Figure 3.169: Federal, State and Local Responsibility Areas in the Marin County OA ............. 324
Figure 3.170: Fuel Model Map for the Marin County OA ......................................................... 328
Figure 3.171: Wildfire Ignition Points in the Marin County OA ................................................. 331
Figure 3.172: WUI Boundary in the Marin County OA ............................................................. 332
Figure 3.173: Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) in the Marin County OA ............................. 334
Figure 3.174: Marin County Wildfire Susceptibility to Critical Facilities .................................... 335
Figure 3.175: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Lagunitas, Forest Knolls, San Geronimo and
Woodacre ............................................................................................................................... 336
Figure 3.176: Fire Hazard Severity Zones –Woodacre ............................................................ 336
Figure 3.177: Fire Hazard Severity Zones –Woodacre Area .................................................... 337
Figure 3.178: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Nicasio ............................................................... 338
Figure 3.179: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Tocoloma ............................................................ 339
Figure 3.180: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Olema................................................................. 340
Figure 3.181: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Point Reyes Station ............................................ 341
Figure 3.182: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Inverness Park ................................................... 342
Figure 3.183: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Inverness ............................................................ 343
Figure 3.184: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Inverness Area ................................................... 344
Figure 3.185: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Marconi/Marshall Area ........................................ 345
Figure 3.186: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – McDonald/Blakes Landing Area .......................... 346
Figure 3.187: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Tomales .............................................................. 347
Figure 3.188: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Dillon Beach ....................................................... 348
Figure 3.189: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Dogtown ............................................................. 349
Figure 3.190: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Bolinas ............................................................... 350
Figure 3.191: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Stinson Beach and Surrounding Area ................. 351
Figure 3.192: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Stinson Beach .................................................... 351
Figure 3.193: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Muir Beach ......................................................... 352
Figure 3.194: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Tamalpais Valley and Marin City ......................... 353
Figure 3.195: Fire Hazard Severity Zone – Unincorporated Tiburon Peninsula and Paradise Cay
............................................................................................................................................... 354
Figure 3.196: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – San Quentin ....................................................... 355
Figure 3.197: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Lucas Valley and Marinwood .............................. 355
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
476
Figure 3.198: Fire Hazard Severity Zone – Bel Marin Keys and Loma Verde .......................... 356
Figure 3.199: Fire Hazard Severity Zone – San Antonio & Marin County Airport ..................... 357
Figure 3.200: Historic Wildfires in the Marin County OA 1919 - 1995 ...................................... 358
Figure 3.201: Historic Wildfires in the Marin County OA 1973 - 2020 ...................................... 359
Figure 3.202: 1995 Vision Fire ................................................................................................ 360
Figure 3.203: Population Density, Flame Length, and Rate of Spread for the Average Fire
Season in the Marin County OA .............................................................................................. 365
Figure 3.204: Areas of Concern for the Average Fire Season in the Marin County OA ............ 366
Figure 3.205: Areas of Concern for the Extreme Fire Season in the Marin County OA ............ 367
Figure 3.206: WUI Boundary and Population Density in the Marin County OA ........................ 368
Figure 3.207: Trends in the Annual Number of Large Wildfires in the United States ................ 372
Figure 3.208: Air Quality Index Concern Levels....................................................................... 376
Figure 3.209: Marin County OA Critical Infrastructure ............................................................. 377
Figure 3.210: Largest Oil Spills Affecting U.S. Waters 1969-2017 ........................................... 385
Figure 3.211: Marin County Covid-19 Hospitalizations ............................................................ 391
Figure 3.212: Marin County Covid-19 Hospitalizations by Demographics ................................ 391
Figure 3.213: Marin County Highways .................................................................................... 393
Figure 3.214: SMART Commuter and Freight Line .................................................................. 396
TABLES
Table 1.1: Marin County Population Changes 1860-2020 ..........................................................26
Table 1.2: Marin County Estimated Jurisdictional Population .....................................................26
Table 1.3: Marin County Estimated Jurisdictional Population Change 2010-2020 .....................27
Table 1.4: Marin County Population Age by Gender 2020 .........................................................28
Table 1.5: Marin County Population by Race or Ethnicity ..........................................................28
Table 1.6: Marin County Housing Stock.....................................................................................29
Table 1.7: Marin County Jurisdictional Housing Stock ...............................................................31
Table 1.8: Historic Sites in Marin County ...................................................................................53
Table 1.9: NRI Risk Components and Factors ...........................................................................56
Table 1.10: NRI Hazards and Marin County OA MJHMP Hazards .............................................57
Table 1.11: NRI Hazard Type Risk Index for Marin County ........................................................59
Table 1.12: NRI Highest-Risk Communities in Marin County .....................................................60
Table 1.13: Marin County Civilian Employed Population 16 Years and Over .............................67
Table 1.14: Marin County OA MJHMP Participants 2018 and 2023 ...........................................69
Table 2.1: 2023 Marin OA MJHMP Participating Jurisdictions ...................................................76
Table 2.2: Marin County OA MJHMP Steering Committee Members .........................................77
Table 2.3: Marin County OA MJHMP Preparative Consulting Planning Team Members ............78
Table 2.4: Marin County OA MJHMP Planning Team Members .................................................82
Table 2.5: Marin County OA MJHMP Planning Meetings ...........................................................86
Table 3.1: Marin County OA MJHMP Hazard Identification and Comparison ........................... 101
Table 3.2: Marin County OA MJHMP Other Hazards Profiled .................................................. 102
Table 3.3: State and Federal Declared Disasters in Marin County ........................................... 104
Table 3.4: Marin County Hazard Risk Assessment .................................................................. 108
Table 3.5: Hazard Magnitude and Severity Scale .................................................................... 109
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
477
Table 3.6: Marin County Hazard Risk Assessment – Top Hazards Scored .............................. 110
Table 3.7: Hazard Ranked Dams in Marin County with Potential to Impact to the OA.............. 123
Table 3.8: Marin County OA Hazard Risk Assessment – Dam Failure ..................................... 153
Table 3.9: Marin County OA Hazard Risk Assessment – Debris Flow ...................................... 173
Table 3.10: Marin County OA Hazard Risk Assessment – Drought .......................................... 183
Table 3.11: Marin County OA Hazard Risk Assessment – Earthquake..................................... 193
Table 3.12: Marin County OA Hazard Risk Assessment – Flooding ......................................... 236
Table 3.13: Marin County OA Hazard Risk Assessment – Land Subsidence ........................... 246
Table 3.14: Marin County OA Hazard Risk Assessment – Levee Failure ................................. 263
Table 3.15: Marin County OA Hazard Risk Assessment - Sea Level Rise ............................... 270
Table 3.16: Marin County OA Hazard Risk Assessment – Severe Weather, Extreme Heat ...... 279
Table 3.17: Marin County OA Hazard Risk Assessment – Severe Weather; Wind ................... 286
Table 3.18: Tornado Activity in the Marin County OA ............................................................... 288
Table 3.19: Marin County OA Hazard Risk Assessment - Tsunami .......................................... 319
Table 3.20: Marin County OA Hazard Risk Assessment – Wildfire........................................... 363
Table 4.1: Unincorporated Marin County Future Growth Areas ................................................ 401
Table 4.2: Marin County Legal and Regulatory Capabilities..................................................... 406
Table 4.3: Marin County Goals and Policies ............................................................................ 407
Table 4.4: Marin County Goals and Policies ........................................................................... 411
Table 4.5: Marin County Fiscal Capabilities ............................................................................ 413
Table 4.6: Marin County Community Outreach ........................................................................ 414
Table 4.7: Participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) ................................ 420
Table 4.8: Status of Previous Hazard Mitigation Actions .......................................................... 430
Table 4.9: Marin County Current Hazard Mitigation Actions ..................................................... 462
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
478
ACRONYMS
Acronym Definition
ABAG Association Bay Area of Governments
AQI Air Quality Index
ARP Address Resolution Protocol
ASL American Sign Language
ATSDR Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
BAAQMD Bay Area Air Quality Management District
BCDC Bay Conservation and Development Commission
BCPUD Bolinas Community Public Utility District
BRIC Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities
CA California
CAL FIRE California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
Cal OES California Office of Emergency Services
CAP Climate Action Plan
CASPER Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response -
California Department of Public Health
CDA Community Development Agency
CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
CDI Certified Deaf Interpreter
CEQA California Environmental Quality Act
CGS California Geological Survey
CIP Capital Improvement Plan
CMFD Central Marin Fire District
CNRA California Natural Resource Agency
CNRA California Natural Resource Agency
CNRA California Natural Resource Agency
CO Carbon Monoxide
COVID-19 Coronavirus Disease 2019
COYL Coyote Creek Left Bank Levee
CPUC California Public Utilities Commission
CRF Community Risk Factor
CRI Community Resilience Index
CRS Community Rating System
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
479
CRT Community Response Team
CSA County Service Area
C-SMART Sea-level Marin Adaption Response Team
CWPP Community Wildfire Protection Plan
DDoS Distributed Denial of Service
DMA Disaster Mitigation Act
DNS Domain Name System
DOF California Department of Finance
DoS Denial-of-Service
DPW Department of Public Works
DR Disaster Relief
DSOD Division of Safety of Dams - California Department of Water Resources
DWR California Department of Water Resources
EAL Expected Annual Loss
EAS Emergency Alert System
EOC Emergency Operation Center
EOP Emergency Operations Plan
EPA Environmental Protection Agency
ESHA Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas
FD Fire Department
FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency
FHSV Fire Hazard Severity Zones
FIRM Flood Insurance Rate Maps
FMA Flood Mitigation Assistance
FMP Flood Mitigation Plan
FPA Floodplain Administrator
FRA Federal Responsibility Areas
FY Fiscal Year
GGNRA Golden Gate National Recreation Area
GGNRA Golden Gate National Recreation Area
GIS Geographic Information System
Gov Government
GPAC General Plan Advisory Committee
H2S Hydrogen Sulfide
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
480
HFHSZ High Fire Severity Zone
HIRA Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
HIV/AIDS Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
HLR Historic Loss Ratio
HMGP Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
IoT Internet of Things
IP Intellectual Property
IPAWS Integrated Public Alert and Warning System
ISEPA Identified Site Emergency Planning Application
LCP Local Coastal Program
LGVSD Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District
LHMP Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
LRA Local Responsibility Areas
LRAD Long-Range Acoustic Device
LSAC Levee Safety Action Classification
Marin IJ Marin Independent Journal
MCEP Marin Climate Energy Partnership
MCFD Marin County Fire Department
MCOSD Marin County Open Space District
MCPIO Marin County Public Information Officers
MCSTOPP Marin County Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program
MERA Marin Emergency Radio Authority
MERS Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome
MFHSZ Moderate Fire Severity Zone
MHOAC Medical/Health Operational Area Coordinator
MJHMP Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
MMI Modified Mercalli Intensity
MMWD Marin Municipal Water District
MRZ Mineral Resource Zones
MV2040 Mill Valley General Plan 2040
Mw Scale Moment Magnitude Scale
MWPA Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority
NASA National Aeronautics and Space Administration
NCDC National Climatic Data Center
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
481
NFDRS National Fire Danger Rating System
NFIP National Flood Insurance Program
NID National Inventory of Dams
NIH National Institute for Health
NMWD North Marin Water District
NPR Northwestern Pacific Railroad
NR National Register of Historic Places
NRI National Risk Index
NWS National Weather Service
O3 Ozone
OA Operational Area
OEM Office of Emergency Management
OHP Office of Historic Preservation
OWTA On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems
PD Police Department
PG&E Pacific Gas & Electric
PM10 Particulate Matter Less Than 10 Microns In Aerodynamic Diameter
PSPS Public Safety Power shutoffs
PtH Pass the hash
PW Public Works
RAWS Remote Automated Weather Stations
RCD Resource Conservation District
RHNA Regional Housing Needs Assessment
SASM Sewerage Agency of Southern Marin
SFBRA San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority
SFHA Special Flood Hazard Area
SFHA Special Flood Hazard Areas - FEMA
SFHA Special Flood Hazard Area
SHMP State Hazard Mitigation Plan
SMART Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit
SMFD Southern Marin Fire District
SOX Sulfur Oxides
SQL Structured Query Language
SRA State Responsibility Areas
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
482
SVI Social Vulnerability Index
TAM Transportation Authority of Marin
UCERF2 Uniform California Earthquake Rupture Forecast, Version 2
UCERF3 Uniform California Earthquake Rupture Forecast, Version 3
USACE U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
USGS United States Geological Survey
VHFHSV Very High Fire Severity Zone
WC/ATWC West Coast/Alaska Tsunami Warning Center
WHO World Health Organization
WUI Wildland Urban Interface
XSS Cross-Site Scripting
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
483
APPENDIX A: ADOPTION LETTERS
1 ~<;>U·N· TY OF a
~ARIN~
December 1, 2022
CITY of BELVEDERE'
450 San Rafae l Ave. • Belv e d ere, CA 9492 0-2336
Te l : 415/435-2611 • Fax : 4 15 /435-8471
POLICE DE PART MENT
Marin County Office of Emergency Services
1600 Los Gamos Drive
San Rafael , CA 94903
Re: Letter of Commitment as Participating Jurisdiction in Marin
County Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Planning
Dear State Hazard 'Mitigation Officer:
As the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Local Mitigation Plan
requirements under 44 CFR §201 .6 specifically identify criteria that allow for multi-
jurisdictional mitigation plans and that many issues are better resolved by evaluating
hazards more comprehens ively by coordinating at the county , regional , or watershed-
level , the City of Belvedere is submitting this letter of commitment to confirm that the
City of Belvedere has agreed to participate in the Marin County's Multi-jurisdictional
Hazard Mitigation Plann ing .
Furthermore, as .a condition of participation in the mitigation planning , the City.of..
Belvedere, agrees to meet the requirements for mitigation plans identified in 44 CFR
§201 .6 and to provide such cooperation as i s necessary and in a t imely manner to
the Marin County to complete the plan in conformance with FEMA requirements .
The . City of Belvedere understands that it must engage. in the following planning _
process , as more fully described in FEMA's Local Mitigat ion Planning Handbook.
including, but not lim ited to:
• Identification of hazards unique to the jurisdiction and not addressed in
the master planning document; 1
• The conduct of a vulnerabil ity analysis and an i dentification of risks , where
they differ from the general plann ing area ;
• The formulation of mitigation goals responsive to public input and
development of mitigation actions complementary to those goals. A range
of actions -must b_e identified specific for each jurisdiction;
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
484
1 ~<;>U·N· TY OF a
~ARIN ~
• Demonstration that there has been proactively offered an opportunity for
participation in the planning process by all community stakeholders
( examples of participation include relevant involvement in any plannihg~
process , attending meetings , contributing research , data, or other
information, commenting on drafts of the plan , etc.); and
• Documentation of an effective process to maintain and implement the plan;
and,
• Formal adoption of the Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan by~
the jurisdiction's governing body ( each jurisdiction must officially adopt
the plan).
Therefore , with a full understanding of the obligations incurred by participating in the
FEMA hazard mitigation plannir-ig process as a participant iA •a multi-jurisdictional plan i,
I, Robert Zadnik, City Manager, commit the City of Belvedere to the Marin County's Multi-
jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Planning effort.
This document is executed this 1 day of December 2022.
Robert-Zadnik
City Manager
City of Belvedere
( 415) 435-3838
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
485
l ~<;>U·N· TY O F
~ARIN
a ~
SOLINAS COMMUNITY PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT
BCPUD BOX 390 270 ELM ROAD SOLINAS CALIFORNIA 94924 415 8681224
September 23, 2022
Sheri ff Jamie Scardina
Marin County She ri ffs Office
1600 Los Gamos Drive , #200
San Rafael, California 94903
Re: "Statement of Inten t to Paiticipate" as participating jurisdiction in Marin County Multi-
Jurisdictional Loca l Hazard Mitigation Planning.
Sheriff Scardina:
ln accordance with the Federa l Emergency Management Agency (''FEMA")'s Local Mitigation Plans
requirements, und er 44 CFR §20 1.6, which specifica ll y identify cr iteria that al low for multi-jurisdictional
mitigation plans, the Solinas Community Public Utility District ("BCPUD") is submitting this letter of intent to
confirm that the BCPUD has agreed to participate in the Marin Co unty Multi-jurisdictional Local Hazard
Mitigation Planning ("MCM LHMP") effort.
Further, as a condition to participating in the mitigation planning ; the BCPUD agrees to meet the
requirements for mitigation plans id entifi ed in 44 CFR §201.6 and to provide such cooperation as is necessary
and in a t imely manner to the County to comp lete the plan in conformance with FEMA requ irements . The plan
wi ll comp ly with Californi a AB 2140 through integration with the Marin Countywide Plan Safety Element and
the municipalities' general plans. County staff on the MCM LI-IMP planning team are responsible fo r ensuring
County compliance with AB 2 140 , and a representative of the BCPVD is respo nsib le fo r ensuring compliance
fo r its jurisdiction.
The BCPUD understands that it must engage in the followi ng planning process, as more fully described
in FEMA's Local Mitigation Planning Handbook (2013), including, but not limited to:
► Id entifi cation of hazards unique to the jurisdiction and not addressed in the master planning
document ;
► The co nduct of a vulnerability ana ly s is and an identification of risks , where they differ from the
genera l planning area;
► The formulation of m itigation goals responsive to public input and development of mitigation
actions compl ementary to those goals. A range of actions must be identified specific for eac h
jurisdiction;
► Demonstration that the re ha s been proactively offered an oppo1tunity for participation in the
planning process by a ll community stakeho lders (examples of participation include relevant
involvement in any planning process, attend ing meetings, cont ributing research, data, or other
information, commenting on drafts of the plan, etc.);
► Documentation of an effective process to ma intain and impl ement the plan;
► Formal adopt ion of the Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan by the jurisdiction 's
govern in g body (eac h jurisdiction must officia lly adopt the pl a n); and
► Documentation of paiticipation in the NFIP, co ntinued co mpli ance with NFIP requirements,
and address NFIP in su red structures that have been repetitively damaged by flood s .
Therefore, with a full und e rs tanding of the funding ob li gation s incurred by an agreement between the
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
486
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
Letter lo She ri ff Jami e Scardin a
Se pt emb e r 23 , 2 022
Page T wo
Le ad Juri sd ict io n and th e Pa rt ic ip at in g Juri sd ic ti o n, I, Jenni fe r B lackm a n, commit the BC PUD to th e Marin
Coun ty Mu lti -jurisd icti o na l Loca l Ha za rd M it igati o n Pla nnin g effo rt.
Exec ut ed thi s 1,Qd ay of Se pte mber 2 022.
-
G e ne ra l Ma nage r
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
487
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
l'tl E TO W N OP
Co1n e M A 0 6R A
240 TAM l. V ISTA BLVD,
SUITE ! 10
CORTE MADERA. CA
94925
www.townofcortemade raorg
ToWN MA AGER
TOWN CO CIL
41 5-927-5050
TOWN l ERK
41.5 -92 7 086
FI NANCE I Bus . LICF.NSE
4 IS-92 7-5055
FI RE D EPARTMENT
4 15-927-5077
PLANNING / Zo ING
4 15-927-5064
B UIL.DfNG INSPECTOR
4 15-927 -50 62
T OWN E NGINEER
PUBLIC W ORKS
62 8-258-0294
R ECREA TION D EPARTME T
415-92 7-S 072
SAN rfA RY D IST RI CT NO. 2
628-253 -l 158
CENTRAL 1\IIAR JN
POLICE A UT HORI TY
4 I 5-{}27-5 l SO
DEPARTMENT Of PUBLIC WORKS
PHON E : 628 -2 58 -0294
EMA I L: l'WCOIJN TER@TCt,,I MAI L.OR ,
December 5, 2022
Marin County Office offanergency Service s
Marin County heriff's Office
1600 Lo s Gamo s Dr. #200
San Rafael , CA 94903
Re : Lener of Commitment as Participating
Jurisdiction in Marin County Multi-
jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Planning
Dear State Hazard Mitigation Officer:
As the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Local
Mitigation Plan r quirements under 44 CFR §201.6 specifically identify
criteria that allow for multi-jurisdictional mitigation plans and that many
issues are better resolved by evaluating hazards more comprehen ively
by coordinating at the county , regional , or watershed level the Town of
Corte Madera is submitting this letter of commitment to confirm that
Town of Corte Madera has agreed to participate in the Marin County 's
Multi-juri dictional Hazard Mitigation Planning.
Furthermore , a a condition o f participation in the mitigation planning,
the Town of Co1·te Madera, agre es to meet the requirements for
mitigation plans identified in 44 CFR §201.6 and to provide such
c ooperation as is necessary and in a timely manner to the Marin County
to complete the plan in conformance with FEMA requirements.
The Town of Corte Madera und rstands that it mus t engage in th e
following planning process, as more fully described in FEMA's Local
Mitioa1ion Planning Handbook. including, but not limited to:
• ldentificarion of hazards unique to the jurisdiction and not
addressed in the master planning document;
The conduct of a vulnerability analysis and an identification
ofrisks, where they differ from the general planning area ;
Page I of2
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
488
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
The formulation of mitigation goals responsive to public input and development
of mitigation actions complementary to those goals. A range of actions must be
identified specific for each jurisdiction;
• Demonstration that there has been proactively offered an opportunity for
participation in the planning process by all community stakeholders ( examples of
participation include relevant involvement in any planning process, attending
meetings, contributing research, data, or other information, commenting on drafts
of the plan, etc .); and
Documentation of an effective process to maintain and implement the plan; and,
Formal adoption of the Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan by the
jurisdiction's governing body ( each jurisdiction must officially adopt the plan).
Therefore, with a full understanding of the obligations incurred by participating in the FEMA
hazard mitigation planning process as a participant in a multi-jurisdictional plan; I , Town
Manager, commit the Tow11 of Corte Madera to the Marin County's Multi-jurisdictional
Hazard Mitigation Planning effort.
S JI.
This document is executed this __ day of December, 2022 .
Adam Wolff
Town Manager, Town of Corte Madera
Page 2 of2
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
489
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
Decemb e r S, 2022
TOWN OF FAIRFAX
14 2 Solinas Road , Fai rfax , California 94930
(4 1 5) 4 5 3 • I 5 8 4 / Fax (4 l 5) 4 5 3 • l 6 I 8
Marin Coun ty Office of Emergency Services
Marin County Sheriff's Office
l 600 Los Oamos Dr. #2 00
Sun Rafa el, CA 94903
Re : Letter of Commitment as Participating Jurisdiction in Mal'in County Multi -
jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Planning
Dear State Hazard Mitiga tion Officer :
As tl1e Federal E mergency Management Agency's (FE MA) Loca l Mitigation Pl a n
requirements under 44 CP R §201.6 specifically identify criteria that allow for multi -
juris dictional miti gation plan and that many issues aro bet! r resolved by evaluating
hazard s more comprehensively by coordinating at the county, r egio nal , or waters hed level ,
th e Town f Fairfax is submitting this letter of commitment to confirm that th e T own of
·airfa.x has agreed to parti cipate in th e Marin aunty's Mu lti -jlll'is dictional Ha za rd
Mitigation Planning.
Furthermore, as a condition of parti ci pation in the mitigation planning, Town of Fairfax,
agrees to meet rhe requirements for miti gation plans identified in 44 F R §201.6 and to
provid e s uch c operation as is neces sary and in a timely manner to the Marin County to
complete th e plan in conformance with FEMA requirements.
The Town of Fairfax understands !hat it must engage in the following planning process as
more fully d esc ribed in FEMA's Local Mitigation Planning HandboQk-includin g, but not
limited to :
Identification of h87"8r ds uniqu e to the jurisdiction and noL addressed in the mast~r planning
documen t;
The conduct of a vulnerabil \ty analysis and an identification f 1i s ks , where they differ from
the genera l planning area ;
The formulation of mitigation goa l:; re s pons iv e to public input and dev lopment of
mitigation action· complementary to those goals . A range of actions must be id entifi ed
specific for each jurisd iction;
D1::111011 slrn tion lhnl th cri.: hns bi:e n pma cti vely o/Ter c;d an opportunity for p11rt icipm io11 i11 the
pl n11J1in g process by a ll co 111111unity s tak e hold ers (exa mp le. of'pal'li t.:ipatit)n in c lud e r •le a 11l
involw1m;nt ii1 a ny plm111i11 g. pr occs . nlli.:ncli ng mee tin gs. co 1W ibu1in g reso:n rc h. da ta. o r
oth r i11fom1mk1n. comm e ntin g 011 dral1 s uf th e plan . t:\c.); and
Do cument a tion o r 11 11 e fl h ·tiv .: pro cess to ma int ai n and im plem ent th e pl {m: imd ,
11ormn l adoption ol "lhe Mu lti-jurisdiclionu l T la7 .. ml Miti gation Plan by rhcjuri s d ict io n'
g~1wrni ni bod ' (et1chj.1ri !)dii.:tion mus t offi cia ll y ad o pt the pl ,m).
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
490
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
Therefore. with a full understanding of the obligations incurred by participating in the
FEMA hazard mitigation plaiming process as a participant in a multi-jurisdictional plan ; I.
Fairfax Town Manager, commit the Town of Fairfax to the Marin County's Multi -
jurisdictional Hazard M iti gation P lannin g effort.
This document is executed this 5th day of December, 2022 .
Sincerely,
~~
Town of Fai r fax, Town Manager
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
491
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
March 28. 2023
City of Larkspur
Office o f E mergenc Management
Matin County fire
1.600 Los Gamos Drive
San Rafael , CA . 94903
400 Mag,,olia Av enue, L.1rkspur, California 94939
Tele phone: (415) 927-5110 fax, (415) 927-5022
W e.b s,te: www.dtyofla rk~pur.o1·g
Re: Letter of Commitment as Participatin g Jurisdiction in Marin Count Multi-juri sd ictional
Hazard Mitigation Planning
Dear State J-Ia 7,ard Mitiga tion Ofilccr:
As the Federal Emerg ency Management Agency's (fEM/\) Local Mitigation Plan requirement s
ti nder 44 CFR §201.6 specificall y identif: criter ia th a t allow fur multi-juri sdictional mitigation
plans and that many iss ues arc better re olvcd by eva luating h azard s more cornprehcnsivdy by
co ordinating at th e cou nt _ , regiona l, or wa tershed leveL the City of Lar ks pur is s ubmitting thi s
letter o f eo mmibneDl to confinn that the City of Lmk pur ha s agreed to participate in the Ma rill
Coun t ·'s Multi-Juri sdiction al Hazard Mitigation Planning.
Furlhcnnorc, as a conditio n of participation in the mitigation planning. City of Larkspur. agree
to meet the requirements for mitigation plans iden ti lied in 44 CPR §201.6 a nd to provide suc h
coopera tion as is neccs ar_ and in a ti mely m anner t o the Mari n County Multi -Juri sdictional
1-lllwrd Mi ti ga tion Pla nnin g process to complete the plan in confonnance with iiE MA
requirements.
T he City ofLarks pur unders ta nd s tha t it mu st engage in the fo ll owing plannin g proce s, as more
fully de scribed in FEMA's Local Miti ga ti on P lanning Handbook. including, but not l imited to :
• ldcntilicatiot1 of hazards unique t o thcjuri 5d iction and not addrcssod in tbc mast er
plan ning do cu men t:
• The conduct. of a ulnernbilily ana lysis and an .ideulification of risks where the y diOer
from the genera l pl a nnin g area;
• The formulation of mitiga tion goal responsi ve to public input and dev elopment of
miti ga tion actio ns compleme ntaiy to tho se goa ls. A range of actions mu st be identified
spec ific for each juri diction:
• l)cmonstmt:ion th at !h e re ha s been proact:i ve ly offe red an opportuni ty for participation 111
th e pl:inning prot1ess by all com1m1ni ty stakebold rs (exa mpl es of par\icip;:ition incl 1d c
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
492
l ~<;>U·N· TY O F
~ARIN
a ~
relevant involvement in any planning process, attending meetings , contributing research,
data, or other information , commenting on drafts of the plan , etc .); and
• Documentation of an effective process to maintain and implement the plan; and,
• Formal adoption of the Mu lti-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan by the jurisdiction's
governing body (each jurisdiction must officially adopt the plan).
Therefore, with a full understanding of the obligations incurred by participating in the FEMA
hazard mitigation planning process as a participant in a multi-jurisdictional plan ; I, City Manager
Dan Schwarz, commit the City of Larkspur to the Marin County Mult i-Jurisdictional Hazard
Mitigation P lanning effort.
This document is executed this 28 th day of March, 2023 .
0¼/~
Dan Schwarz
City Manager
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
493
1 ~<;>U·N· TY O F a
~ARIN ~
MANAGEMENT TEAM
Las . 'Galhnas
101 luC3$ VaIfoy Ro d. Su,l 300
San Rafael , CA 94903
G~neta l MaMger, Cu rt ,~ P~~t on
Plan i Operations , Mol Ucbmunn
Coll ectIons/Sore1ylMal n\en0nce , Grog Pe~so
VALLEY SANITARY DISTRICT
November 23 , 2022
Tel : 415-472-1734
F&l<. q15 -~99 •7715
1-1ww,LGVSO ,or9
Marin County Office of Emergency Services
1600 Los Gamos Drive
San Rafael , CA 94903
Engineeri ng , Michael P. Cof1a7,
Adm inis lr,nliv e Service$1 Dale McOof"lal d
Re: Lette r of Commitment as Participating Juri sdictioh ih Marin
Countv Multi -jurisc)ictional Haz;ard Mitigation Planning
Dear State Hazard Mitigation Officer:
DISTRJCT BOARD
Megan Clark
Rona Ia Ford
Cr111g K Muri'ay
J~dy ScMabman
C,Y$lal J, Yezrnnn
As the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (F EMA) Local Mitigation Plan
requirements under 44 CFR §201 .6 specifically identify criteria that allow for multi-
jurisdictional mitigation plans and that many issues are better resolved by
evaluating hazards more comprehensively by coordinating at the county , regional ,
or watershed level , the Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District is submitting this letter
of commitment to confirm that Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District has agreed to
participate in the Marin County 's Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigatioh Plann lng .
Furthermore, as a condition of participation In the mitigation plann ing , Las Gallinas
Valley Sanita ry District, agrees to meet the requirements for mitigation plans
identified in 44 CFR §201 .6 and to provide such cooperation as is necessary and
in a timely manner to the Marin County to complete the plan in conformance with
FEMA requirements .
Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary' District understands that it must engage in the
following planning process, as more fully described in FEMA's Local Mjligation
Planning Handbook including , but not limiteo to :
• Identification of ha zards uniqlJe to the jurisdlction and not addressed In
the master planning document;
• The conduct of a vulnerability analysis and an identification of risks ,
where they differ from the general planning area :
• The formulation of mitigation goals responsive to public input and
development of mitigation actions complementary to those goals . A
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
494
1 ~<;>U·N· TY OF a
~ARIN ~
range of actions must be identified specific for each jurisdiction ;
• Demonstration that there has been proactively offered an opportunity
for participation in the planning process by all community stakeholders
(examples of participation include relevaht involvement in any planning
process , attending meetings , contributing research , data , or other
informatlon , commenting on drafts of the plan , etc .); and
• Documentation of an effective process to maintain and implement the
plan ; and ,
• Formal adoption of the Mu lti -jurisdictiona l Hazard Mitigatioh Plan by
the jurisdiction's governing body (each jurisdiction must officially
adopt t he plan).
Therefore , with a full understanding of the obligations incurred by participating in the
FEMA hazard mitigation planning process as a participant in a multi-jurisdictional
plan ; I, Curlis Paxton , commit Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District to the Marin
County's Multi • jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Planning effort .
This document is executed this 23rd day of November, 2022 .
If you need further information or have any questions , please do not hesitate to
contact our Administrative Services Manager , Dale McDonald at 415-526 -15 HJ.
Curtis Paxton
Las Ga ll inas Valley Sanitary District, General Manager
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
495
1 ~<;>U·N· TY OF a
~ARIN ~
November 29 , 2022
Marin County Administrator's Office
3501 Civic Center Drive #325
San Rafael, CA 94903
Re : Letter of Commitment as Participating Jurisdiction in Marin
County Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Planning
Dear State Hazard Mitigation Officer:
As the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Local Mitigation Plan
requirements under 44 CFR §201.6 specifically identify criteria that allow for multi-
jurisdictional m itigation plans and that many issues are better resolved by evaluating
hazards more comprehensively by coordinating at the county , regional , or watershed
level , the City of Mill Valley is submitting this letter of commitment to confirm that the
City of Mill Valley has agreed to participate in the Marin County's Multi-jurisdictional
Hazard Mitigation Planning.
Furthermore , as a condition of participation in the mitigation planning , the City of Mill
Valley , agrees to meet the requirements for mitigation plans identified in 44 CFR
§201 .6 and to provide such cooperation as is necessary and in a timely manner to
the Marin County to complete the plan in conformance with FEMA requ irements .
The City of Mill Valley understands that it must engage in the following plann ing
process, as more fully described in FEMA's Local M itig a tion Pl anni ng Handboo k.
including, but not limited to:
• Identification of hazards unique to the jurisdiction and not addressed in
the master planning document;
• The conduct of a vulnerability analysis and an identification of risks , where
C~eyr'41iJttan~amd~!!tQOOSai~nimg,a~a;al ifo mia 94941 • 415-388-4033
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
496
1 ~<;>U·N· TY OF a
~ARIN~
The formulation of mitigation goals responsive to public input and
development of mitigation actions complementary to those goals. A range
of actions must be identified specific for each jurisdiction ;
• Demonstration that there has been proactively offered an opportunity for
participation in the planning process by all community stakeholders
(examples of participation include relevant involvement in any planning
process , attending meetings, contributing research , data , or other
information , commenting on drafts of the plan , etc.); and
• Documentation of an effective process to maintain and implement the plan;
and ,
• Formal adoption of the Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan by
the jurisdiction's governing body (each jurisdiction must officially adopt
the plan).
Therefore , with a full understanding of the obligations incurred by participating in the
FEMA hazard mitigation planning process as a participant in a multi-jurisdictional plan ;
I, Todd Cusimano, commit the City of Mill Valley to the Marin County's Multi-
jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Planning effort.
This document is executed this 29 th day of November 29 , 2022 .
Todd Cusimano
City Manager
City of Mill Valley
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
497
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
NORTH MARIN
WATER DISTRICT
999 Ru sh Creek Place
P.O. Box 146
Novato, CA 94948-0 14 6
PHONE
415-897-4133
EMAIL
info@nm wd.com
WEB
www.nmwd.com
January 3, 2023
Marin County Adm inistrator's Office
3501 Civic Center Drive #325
San Rafael, CA 94903
Re : Letter of Commitment as Participating Jurisdiction in Marin County Multi-
Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Planning
Dear State Hazard Mitigation Officer:
As the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Local Mitigation
Plan requirements under 44 CFR §201.6 specifically identify criteria that allow for
multi-jurisdictional mitigation plans and that many issues are better resolved by
evaluating hazards more comprehensively by coordinating at the county , regional ,
or watershed level, the North Marin Water District is submitting this letter of
commitment to confirm that North Marin Water District has agreed to participate in
the Marin County's Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Planning .
Furthermore , as a condition of participation in the mitigation planning , North
Marin Water District , agrees to meet the requirements for mitigation plans
identified in 44 CFR §201 .6 and to provide such cooperation as is necessary and
in a timely manner to the Marin County to complete the plan in conformance with
FEMA requirements.
North Marin Water District understands that it must engage in the following
planning process , as more fully described in FEMA's Local Mitigation Planning
Handbook , including , but not limited to :
• Identification of hazards unique to the jurisdiction and not addressed
in the master planning document;
• The conduct of a vulnerability analysis and an identification of risks ,
where they differ from the general planning area ;
• The formulation of mitigation goals respons ive to public input and
development of mitigation actions complementary to those goals . A
range of actions must be identified specific for each jurisdiction ;
• Demonstration that there has been proactively offered an
opportunity for participation in the planning process by all
community stakeholders (e xamples of participation include relevant
involvement in any planning process , attending meetings, contributing
research , data , or other information , commenting on drafts of the plan,
etc .); and documentation of an effective process to maintain and
implement the plan; and ,
• Formal adoption of the Multi-Jurisd ictional Hazard Mitigation Plan by
the juri sdiction's governing body ( each jurisdiction must officially adopt
the plan).
DIRECTORS : JACK BAKER · KEN EICHSTAEDT • RICK FRAITES • MICHAELJOLY • STEPHEN PETTERLE
OFFI CERS : ANTHONY WILLIAMS, General Manager • TERRIE KEHOE, District Secretary· JULIE BLUE, Auditor-Controller , ER IC M ILLER , Asst. GM/Chie f Engineer
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
498
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
Marin County Administrator
January 3, 2023
Page 2 of 2
Therefore , with a full understanding of the obligations incurred by participating in
the FEMA hazard mitigation planning process as a participant in a multi-jurisdicti onal plan ;
I , Anthony Williams, General Manager, commit North Marin Water District to the Marin
County's Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Planning effort.
This document is executed this 3rd day of January , 2023 .
Sincerely ,
~o/~
illiams
General Manager
North Marin Water District
Attachment: NMWD Board of Directors Memo dated December 20 , 2022
lW:edm
R;\NON JOB No ISSU ES\Hazard Mlligal[on Pla n\BOD Memos\2022 1220 -letter of com milmenl\Letter or Commitment io Marin County MJ HMP .docx
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
499
1 ~<;>U·N· TY O F a
~ARIN ~
~ CITY OF NOVATO
~p cALIFORl\l l A
December 15, 2022
Marin County Admin istrator 's Office
3501 Civic Center Drive #325
San Rafael , CA 94903
Re: Letter of Commitment as Participating Jurisdiction in Marin
County Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Planning
Dear State Hazard Mitigation Officer:
As the Federa l Eme rgency Management Agency's (FEMA) Local Mitigation Plan
requirements under 44 CFR §201 .6 speci fi cally identify crn:eria that al low for multi-
jurisdictional mitigation plans and that many issues are better resolved by
eva luating hazards more comprehensively by coord inating at the county, regional ,
or watershed level , the City of Novato is submitting this letter of commitment to
confirm that City of Novato has agreed to participate in the Marin County 's Multi-
j uri sdictional Hazard Mitigation P lanning .
Furthermore , as a condition of participation in the m itigation planning , City of
Novato , agrees to meet the requirements for mitigation plans identified in 44 CFR
§201 ,6 and to provide such cooperation as Is necessary and in a timely manner to
the Mari n County to complete the plan in conformance with FEMA requirements .
City of Novato understands that it must engage in the following planning process ,
as more fully descri bed fn FEMA's Local Mit igation Planning Handbook. including ,
but not lim ited to :
• Identification of ha zards unique to the jurisdiction and not addressed in
the master plann ing document;
• The conduct of a vulnerabil ity analysis and an identification of risks ,
where they differ from the general planning area ;
• The formulation of mitigation goals responsive to public input and
development of mitigation actions complementary to those goals . A
922 MACHIN AVENUE, NOVATO, CA 94945 I PHONE : 415 .899.8900 I NOVATO .ORG
Mny,n fm L,1 ,1, I Mny,;r Pro T1-m 511,~n w-miri (01Jncll111<1r1 t ,F, ')er,1,e ,,u, ,., • f'JI £I ll1r.J • M,u I• Mi ll.w, •
C11v Man.1t:c'I I ,itl 111 Mc(ull
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
500
1 ~<;>U·N· TY OF a
~ARIN ~
range of actions must be identified specific for each jurisdiction:
• Demonstration that there has been proactively offered an opportuntty
for participation 1n the planning process by all community stakeholders
(examples of participation include relevant invo lvement ln any planning
process, attending meetings , contributing research , data, or other
information , commenting on drafts of the p lan, etc .); and
• Documentation of an effective process to mai nta in and implement the
plan; and ,
• Formal adoption of the Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan by
the ju risd iction's governing body (each jurisdiction must officially
adopt the plan).
Therefore , with a full understanding of the obligations incurred by participating in the
FEMA hazard mitigation planning process as a participant in a multi-jurisdictional
plan ; I, Adam McGil/, City Manager, commit City of Novato to the Marin County's
Multi-jurisd ictional Hazard Mitigation Planning effort.
This document is executed this 15 day of December , 2022 .
Adam McGill, City Manager
City of Novato
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
501
l ~<;>U·N· TY O F
~ARIN
a ~
February 6, 2023
~
ToM'N ROSS
Office of Emergency Management
Marin County Fire
1600 Los Gamos Drive
San Rafael, CA. 94903
Re: Letter of Commitment as Participating Jurisdiction in Marin County Multi-jurisdictional Hazard
Mitigation Planning
Dear State Hazard Mitigation Officer:
As the Federal Emergency Management Agency's {FEMA) Local Mitigation Plan requirements under 44
CFR §201.6 specifically identify criteria that allows for multi-jurisdictional mitigation plans and that many
issues are better resolved by evaluating hazards more comprehensively by coordinating at the county,
regional, or watershed leve l, the Town of Ross is submitting this letter of commitment to confirm that
Town of Ross agrees to participate in the Marin County's Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Planning.
Furthermore, as a condition of participation in the mitigation planning, the Town of Ross agrees to meet
the requirements for mitigation plans identified in 44 CFR §201.6 and to provide such cooperation as is
necessary and in a timely manner to the Marin County to complete the plan in conformance with FEMA
requirements .
The Town of Ross understands that it must engage in the following planning process, as more fully
described in FEMA's· Local Mitigation Planning Handbook. including, but not limited to :
Identification of hazards unique to the jurisdiction and not addressed in the master planning
document;
The conduct of a vulnerability analysis and an identification of risks , where they differ from the
general p lanning area;
The formulation of mitigation goals responsive to public i nput and development of mitigation
actions complementary to those goals . A range of actions must be identified specific for each jurisdiction ;
Demonstration that there has been proactively offered an opportunity for participation in the
p lanning process by all community stakeholders (examples of participation include relevant involvement
in any planning process, attending meetings, contributing research , data, or other information ,
commenting on drafts of the plan, etc.); and
Documentation of an effective process to maintain and imp lement the plan; and,
Formal adoption of the Multi-jurisdictiona l Hazard Mitigation Plan by the jurisdiction 's governing
body (each jurisdiction must officially adopt the plan).
P.O . BOX 320 , ROSS , CA 94957 -0320
415.453 .1453 • FAX 415.453.1950
www .townofross.org
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
502
l ~<;>U·N· TY O F
~ARIN
a ~
Therefore, with a full understanding of the obligations incurred by partic ipating in the FEMA hazard
mitigation planning process as a participant in a mu lti-jurisdictiona l plan; I, Christa Johnson, Town
Manager for the Town of Ross , does hereby acknow ledge a commitment on behalf of the Town of Ross
to participating in the Marin County's Mu lti-ju r isdictional Hazard Mitigation Planning effort.
This document is executed this _k day of r::-li914
Ch J,1/4 ~
2023 .
Town Manager, Town of Ross
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
503
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
Steve Burdo
Mayor
Eileen Burke
ViceMoyor
TOWN OF
SAN ANSELMO
EST . 1907
Town of San Anselmo
525 San Anselmo Avenue, San Anselmo, CA 94960-2682
(415) 258 -4616
WINW towhofsananselmo.o rg
February 6, 2023
Office of Emergency Management
Marin County Fire
1600 Los Gamos Drive
San Rafael, CA. 94903
Re : Letter of Commitment as Participating Jurisdiction in Marin
County Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Planning
Dear State Hazard Mitigation Officer:
Alexis Fi neman
Council Member
Brian Colbert
Council Member
Tarrell Kullaway
Council Member
As the Federal Emergency Management Agency's {FEMA} Local Mitigation Plan
requirements under 44 CFR §201.6 specifically identify criteria that allow for multi-
jurisdictional mitigation plans and that many issues are better resolved by evaluating
hazards more comprehensively by coordinating at the county, r egional, or watershed
level, the Town of San Anselmo is submitting this letter of commitment to confirm that
the Town of San Anselmo has agreed to participate in the Marin County's Multi-
jurisd i ctional Hazard Mitigation Planning.
Furthermore, as a condition of participation in the mitigation planning, the Town of San
Anselmo, agrees to meet the requirements for mitigation plans identified in 44 CFR
§201 .6 and to provide such cooperation as is necessary and in a timely manner to the
Marin County to complete the plan in conformance with FEMA requirements.
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
504
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
The Town of San Anselmo understands that it must engage in the following planning
process, as more fully described in FE MA's Local M itig ation Plann i ng Ha ndbook. including,
but not limited to:
• Identification of hazards unique to the jurisd iction and not addressed in the
master planning document;
• The conduct of a vulnerab i lity analysis and an ident ification of risks, where they
d iffer from the general planning area ;
• The formulation of mitigation goals responsive to public i nput and
development of mitigation actions complementary to those goals . A range of
actions must be i dentified specific for each jurisdiction;
• Demonstration that there has been proactively offered an opportunity for
participation in the planning process by all community stakeholde rs
(examples of participation i nclude re levant involvement in any planning
process, attend ing meetings, con t ributi ng research, data, or other
information, commenting on drafts of the plan, etc.); and
• Documentation of an effective process to maintain and imp lement the plan;
and,
• Formal adoption of the Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan by the
jurisdiction's govern i ng body (each j urisd i ction must officially adopt the
plan).
Therefore, with a full understanding of the obligations incurred by participating i n the FEMA
hazard mitigation planning process as a participant in a multi-jurisdictional plan; I, Dave
Denery, the Town Manager, commit the Town of San Anse l mo to the Marin County's Multi-
jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Planning effort.
r
's 6th day of February, 2023 .
Dave Denery, Town Manager
Town of San Anselmo
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
505
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
November 29, 2022
Marin County Administrator's Office
3501 Civic Center Drive #325
San Rafael , CA 94903
Re: Letter of Commitment as Participating Jurisdiction in Marin County Multi-
jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Planning
Dear State Hazard Mitigation Officer:
As the Federal Emergency Management Agency's \FEMA) Local M[Ugation Plan
requirements under 44 CFR §201.6 spec ifically identify criteria that all ow for multi-
jurisdictional mitigation plans and that many issues are better resolved by evaluating
hazards more comp rehensiv ely by coordinating at the cou nty, regional , or watershed
level, the City of San Rafael is submitting this letter of commitment to confi rm that the
City of San Rafael has agreed to participate in the Marin County's Multi-jurisdictional
Hazard Mitigation Planning.
Furthem10re , as a cond ition of participation in the mitigation planning the City of San
Rafae l, agrees to meet the requirements for mitigation plans identified in 44 CFR §201.6
and to provide such cooperation as is necessary and in a timely manner to the Marin
County to complete the plan in confo rmance with FEMA requirements.
The City of San Rafae l understands that i t must engage in the fol l owing planning
process, as more fully described in FEMA's Local Mitigation Pl anning Handbook.
including, but not limited to:
• Identification of hazards unique to the jurisdiction and not addressed in the
master planning document;
• The conduct of a vulnerabi li ty analysis and an identification of risks , where they
differ from the general planning area;
• The formulation of mitigation goa ls responsive to public input and development
of mitigation actions comp lementary to those goa ls. A range of actions must be
identified spec ific for each jurisdiction;
• Demonstration that there has been proactively offered an opportunity for
participation in t he planning process by all comm uni ty stakeholders (examples of
participation inc lu de relevant involvement in any planning process, attending
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL I 1400 FIFTH AVENUE, SAN RAFAEL. CALIFORNIA 94901 CITYOFSANRAFAELORG
Kale Colin , Mayor• Rochel Kertz , Vice Mayor· Maribeth Bush ey . Counci lmomber • Eli Hill . Counci lmember • Maika, Llo ren s Gulati , Councilmember
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
506
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
meetings , contributing research , data , or other information, commenting on
drafts of the plan , etc.); and
• Documentation of an effective process to maintain and implement the plan ;
and,
• Formal adoption of the Mul ti-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan by the
jurisdiction's governing body (each j urisd iction must officially adopt the plan).
Therefo re, with a full understanding of the ob ligations incurred by participating in the
FEMA hazard mitigation p lanning process as a participant in a multi-jurisdictional plan ; I,
Jim Schutz, commit the City of San Rafae l to the Mar in County's Multi -jurisdictional
Haza rd Mitigation Planni ng effort.
Th is document is executed this 29 m day of November 2022.
Jim Schutz
City Manager
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL I 1400 FIFTH AVENUE, SAN RAFAEL, CALIFORNIA 94901 CITYOFSANRAFAELORG
Kale Colin , Mayor • Rochel Kertz , Vice Mayor · Maribeth Bushey , Cou nci lmembor • Eli Hill, Counci lmernbor • Maika Llorens Gulati, Cour,c ilmombor
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
507
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
Do cuSign Envel op e I D: DB4CA582-DE1 D-4BA9-8 183-CD970254E3EB
CITY OF SAUSALITO
December 6, 2022
Marin County Office of Emergency Services
Marin County Sheriffs Office
1600 Los Gamos Dr. #200
San Rafael , CA 94903
Re : Letter of Commitment
Jane lle Kellm an , Mayo r
C h ris Zapa t a, C i ty Manager
420 Li tho Street , Sausalito, Cali fornia 94965-·1933
Te lephone: 415-289-41 00 C WWW S1UJSAI.ITO .GO\f
File No .: 11 .18 .02
Marin County Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Planning
Dear State Hazard Mitigation Officer:
As the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Local Mitigation Plan
requirements under 44 CFR §201 .6 specifically identify criteria that allow for multi-
jurisdictional mitigation plans and that many issues are better resolved by evaluating
hazards more comprehensively by coordinating at the county , regional , or watershed level ,
the City of Sausalito is submitting this letter of commitment to confirm that the City of
Sausalito has agreed to participate in the Marin County's Multi-jurisdictional Hazard
Mitigation Planning .
Furthermore, as a cond ition of participation in the mitigation planning , the City of Sausalito
agrees to meet the requirements for mitigation plans identified in 44 CFR §201 .6 and to
provide such cooperation as is necessary and in a timely manner to the Marin County to
complete the plan in conformance with FEMA requirements .
The City of Sausalito understands that it must engage in the following planning process ,
as more fully described in FEMA's Local Mitigation Planning Handbook includ ing, but not
limited to:
Identification of hazards unique to the jurisdiction and not addressed in the master
planning document;
The conduct of a vulnerability analysis and an identification of risks, where they
differ from the general planning area ;
The formulation of mitigation goals responsive to public input and development of
mitigation actions complementary to those goals . A range of actions must be
identified specific for each jurisdiction ;
Demonstration that there has been proactively offered an opportunity for
participation in the plann ing process by all community stakeholders (examples of
participation include relevant involvement in any planning process , attending
meetings , contributing research , data , or other info r mation , commenting on drafts
of the plan , etc.); and
Documentation of an effective process to maintain and implement the plan ; and ,
Formal adoption of the Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mit igation Plan by the
jurisdiction's governing body (each jurisdiction must officially adopt the plan).
The r efore , with a full understanding of the obligations incurred by participating in the FEMA
hazard mitigation planning process as a participant in a multi-j urisdictional plan ; I, C ity of
Admini::,tri;\tiun: (415) 289-4167
Rccr(:ation: (4 15) 289-4 189
FAX NU1'1IlERS:
Community Di.:vdupml!nt: (415) ~39-2256
Publi c Worl.s Engineer ing: (415) ;3~J9 -2256
Library: (415) 331-7943
Public Wor"ks. M11intemmrc: (4 15) 289-4 138
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
508
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
Docu Sign Envelope ID 0B4CA!'>82-DE1D-4BA9-810:H:0970254E3EB
Marin County Emergen 1:v Se rvices
December 6, 2022
Page 2
Sausalito City manager, commit the City of Sausalito to the Marin County's Multi-
jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Planning effort .
This document is executed this 6th day of December 2022 .
Sincerely,
City of Sausalito
Chris Z.3pata
City Manager
cc : Kevin McGowan , Public Works Director
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
509
1 ~<;>U·N· TY OF a
~ARIN ~
Southern Marin Fire Protection District
Christian Tubbs , Fire Chief
December 12, 2022
28 Liberty Ship Way, STE 2800
Sausalito, California 94965
Phone : 415-388-8182
Marin County Office of Emergency Services
Marin County Sheriffs Office
1600 Los Gamos Dr. #200
San Rafae l, CA 94903
Re : Letter of Commitment as Participating Jurisdiction in Marin
County Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Planning
Dear State Hazard Mitigation Officer:
Fax : 415-388-8181
As the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Local Mitigation Plan
requirements under 44 CFR §201.6 specifically identify criteria that allow for multi-
jurisd ictional mitigation plans and that many issues are better resolved by evaluating
hazards more comprehensively by coordinating at the county, regional, or watershed
level, the Southern Marin Fire Protection District is submitting this letter of
commitment to confirm that Southern Marin Fi re Protection District has agreed to
participate in the Marin County's Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Planning .
Furthermore, as a condition of participation in the mitigation planning, Southern
Marin Fire Protection District, agrees to meet the requirements for mitigation plans
identified in 44 CFR §201.6 and to provide such cooperation as is necessary and in
a timely manner to the Marin County to complete the plan in conformance with FEMA
requirements .
Southern Marin Fire Protection District understands that it must engage in the
following planning process, as more fully described in FEMA's Local Miti g ation
Plann ing Handbook . including, but not limited to:
• Identification of hazards unique to the jurisdiction and not addressed in
the master planning document;
• The conduct of a vulnerability analysis and an identification of risks , where
they differ from the general planning area;
• The formulation of mitigation goals responsive to public input and
development of mitigation actions complementary to those goals. A range
of actions must be identified specific for each jurisdiction;
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
510
1 ~<;>U·N· TY OF a
~ARIN ~
• Demonstration that there has been proactively offered an opportunity for
participation in the planning process by all community stakeholders
(examples of participation include relevant involvement in any planning
process, attending meetings, contributing research , data, or other
information , commenting on drafts of the plan, etc.); and
• Documentation of an effective process to maintain and implement the plan;
and ,
• Formal adoption of the Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan by
the jurisdiction's governing body ( each jurisdiction must officially adopt
the plan).
Therefore , with a full understanding of the obligations incurred by participating in the
FEMA hazard mitigation planning process as a participant in a multi-jurisdictional plan;
1, Chris Tubbs , Fire Chief, comm it Southern Marin Fire Protection District to the Marin
County's Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Planning effort.
This document is executed this 12th day of December, 2022.
Chris Tubbs
Southern Marin Fire Protection District, Fire Chief
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
511
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
To wn omburcn • 150 5 Tibumn Boul..,..,-d •Tiburon, CA 94920 • V. 415.435 .7373 I' 415.435.2438 • www.u,wn<>fti bu mn .org
November 30, 2022
Marin County Office of Emergency Services
1600 Los Gamos Drive
San Rafael, CA 94903
Re : Letter of Commitment as Participating Jurisdiction in Marin
County Mult i-jurisdict ional Hazard Mitigation Planning
Dear State Hazard M itigation Officer :
As t he Fede r al Emergency Management Agency 's (FEMA) Local Mitigation Plan
requirements under 44 CFR §201.6 specifically identify criteria that allow for multi-
jurisdictional mitigation plans and that many issues are better resolved by evaluating
haza rds more comprehensively by coord inating at the county, regiona l, or watershed
level, the Town of Tiburon is submitting this letter of commitment to confirm that the
Town of Tiburon has agreed to p articipate in the Marin County's Multi-jur isdictional
Hazard Mitigation Planning.
Furthermore, as a condition of parti cipation in the mitigation planning, the Town of
Tiburon, agrees to meet the requirements for mitigation plans identifi ed in 44 CFR
§201.6 and to provide such cooperation as is necessary and in a timely manner to t he
Marin County to complete the plan in con formance with FEMA requirements .
The Town of Tiburon understands that it must engage in the following planning process ,
as more fully described in FEMA's Loca l Miti ga t ion Planning Handbook. i ncluding, but
not limited to:
Identification of hazards un ique to the jurisdiction and not addressed in the
master planning document;
Jon Welner
Mayor
ficlt~
Vice Mayor
Noah Griffin
Coundlrnember
Holli'llller
CO unc:ilmembte r
Gre,Cbarm
Tuwn Managu
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
512
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
The conduct of a vulnerability analysi5 and an identification of risks, where they
differ from the general planning area;
The formulation of mitigation goals responsive to public input and development
of mitigation actions complementary to those goals. A range of actions rnust be
identified specific for each jurisdiction;
• Demonstration that there has been proactively offered an opportunity for
participation in the planning process by all community stakeholders (examples of
participation include relevant involvement in any planning process, attending meetings,
contributing research, data, or other information, commenting on drafts of the plan ,
etc.); and
• Documentation of an effective process to maintain and implement the plan; and ,
• Formal adoption of the Multi-jurisdictional Haz;:ird Mitigation Plan by the
jurisdiction's governing body (each jurfsdiction must officially adopt the plan).
Therefore, with a full understanding of the obligations incurred by participating in the
FEMA hazard mitigation planning process as a participant in a multi-jurisdictional plan; I,
Greg Chanis, Town Manager, commit the Town of Tiburon to the Marin County's Multi•
jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Planning effort.
This do'"m~•:•d this 16 day of Novembe, 2022 .
Manager, Town of Tiburon
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
513
APPENDIX B: DOCUMENTATION OF THE PLANNING PROCESS
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
COUNTY OF
MARIN
2023 Marin County
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plans
Project Kickoff Meeting
Steering Committee Meeting Agenda
October 26, 2022, from 10:00 am -11:00 am
I. Welcome and Introductions
II. Hazard Mitigation and Emergency Management Overview
Ill. Plan Overview-Steps and Timeline
IV. Planning Process
V. Community Profiles
VI. Planning Goals and Objectives
VII. Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
VIII . Status of the Current Hazard Mitigation Projects
IX. Identify New Hazard Mitigation Projects List
X. Planning Team
XI. Next Steps
XII. Questions & Concluding Remarks
To pic: Marin County MJHMP Kick-off Steering Team Meeting
Time: Oct 26, 2022 10:00 AM Pacific Time {US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88065994372?pwd=N3ZkdnR0bmlhQVErSUZXQVBiZFF3QT09
Meeting ID: 880 6599 4372
Pas scode : 848288
~11iv c
onsulting
PO Box 143 Vacaville, CA 95696
(707) 685-2209 Preparative.org
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
514
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
I ~<?U_N. TY OF
~RIN
2023 Marin County
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
Project Kickoff Meeting
Steering Committee Meeting Sign-In Sheet
October 26 , 2022, from 10:00 am -11 :00 am
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88065994372?pwd=N3ZkdnR0bmlhQVEr5UZXQVBiZFF3QT09
Meeting ID : 880 6599 4372
Passcode: 848288
1. 10 :24 :27 From Paul Bockrath : Paul Bockrath, Preparative Consulting
2. 10 :24 :29 From Kate , San Rafael : Kate Hagemann, city of san Rafael
3. 10 :24 :44 From Beb : Beb Skye, Marin County DPW
4. 10:24:45 From Hannah Lee : Hannah Lee, Senior Civil Engineer, Marin County
Flood Control & Water Conservation District
5 . 10 :24 :52 From Leslie Lacko : Le slie Lacko I Marin County CDA
6. 10:24:55 From Rich Simonitch : Rich Simonitch Town of Ros s
7. 10:24:57 From Scott Schneider: Scott Schneider, As st. Public Works Director,
Town of San Anselmo
8. 10:25:00 From Woody Baker-Cohn/ Marin OES : Woody Baker-Cohn/ Assistant
Emergency Manager/ Marin OES
9. 10 :25 :02 From Kevin McGowan, Sausalito DPW : Kevin McGowan, public works
director from City of Sausalito is present .
10. 10 :25 :03 From Feli x Meneau: Felix Meneau, Marin County DPW/Water
Resources
11. 10 :25 :03 From Victoria LaMar-Haa s, Cal OES : Victoria LaMar-Haas, Cal OES Local
Mitigation Planning
12 . 10 :25:04 From Joanna K : Joanna Kwok, Senior Civil Engineer, City of San Rafael
13. 10 :25:05 From Chris Good -Corte Madera : Chris Good, Senior Civil Engineer,
Town of Corte Madera Public Work s
14. 10 :25:08 From Loren Umberti s, Town of Fairfa x : Loren Umbertis, Public Works
Director, Town of Fairfax
15. 10 :25:11 From Jennifer Blackman : Jennifer Blackman, General Manager, Bolinas
Community Public Utility District
16. 10 :25 :21 From Richard Diaz SRFD/OES: Richard Dia z -Community Disa ster
Preparedn ess Coordinato r -City of San Rafael
17 . 10 :25 :24 From David Block -Preparative: David Block, Preparative Consulting
18. 10 :25 :29 From mlockaby: Mark Lockaby Building Official Town of Fairfa x
19. 10 :25 :32 From MCFD Staging User ipad iOS 11.2 .1 HP34 (3)Tiger : Scott Alber,
MCFD
~~ P(O s
1
ox 143 Vacaville, CA 95696
'on sulting 707 685-2209 Preparative.erg
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
515
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
I ~<?U.N. TY OF
~RIN
2023 Marin County
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
Project Kickoff Meeting
20 . 10:26 :07 From Greg Pea se -La s Gallias Va l ley Sanitary Di strict : Greg Pea se -
Collection System/Mainte nance/S afety Manage r -La s Gall ina s Valley Sanita ry Di strict
21. 10:45:22 From Chris Reilly : Chris Reilly, Emergency Services M anager, M arin
22.
23.
24 .
County OES
11:00 :58 From Cory Bytof : Cory Bytof, City of San Rafael Sustainability
From David Dammu l ler, City of Novato Public Works
From Jared Pe ri, Cal DES Local Mitigation Planning
PO Box 143 Vaca ville, CA 95696
(707) 685-2209 Preparative.org
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
516
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
l ~<?U,NTY OF
~RIN • .
2023 Marin County
Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
Hazard Meeting
Steering Committee Meeting Agenda
October 26, 2022, from 10:00 am -11 :00 am
I. Welcome and Introductions
II. Plan Overview -Steps and Timeline
Ill. Jurisdictiona l Points of Contact
IV. Jurisdictional Letter of Commitment
V. Identify Planning Team Members
VI. Ha zard Identification and Risk Assessment
VII. Jurisdictional Profiles
VIII. Status of the Current Hazard Mitigation Projects
IX. Next Steps
X. Questions & Concluding Remarks
Top ic: Marin County MJHMP Steering Team Meeting
Time : November 9, 2022 10:00 AM Pacific Ti me (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https ://us06web.zoom .us/j/83506781602?pwd=TThmN2d6NVNIVHdJRFBaO0tzbHZIZz09
Meeti ng ID : 835 06781602
Pa ssc ode : 747816
One tap mob i le
+ 16699006833,,83 5067 81 602#,,,, *747 816# US (San Jo se)
+ 14086380968,,83 506781602#,,,, *747816# US (S an Jo se)
~~
~ons uli-i1,g
PO Box 143 Vaca ville, CA 95696
(707) 685-2209 Preparative.org
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
517
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
Sign_n Sheet Marin Co . MJHMP Steering Committee Mtg 110922
10 :02:55
10 :03:14
10·:IB:15
Works Director,
10 : 03: 17
10:03:20
10 :03:26
Marin County DPI~
From Paul Bockrath : Paul Bockrath, Preparative Consulting
From Tim Fuette (NM l~D) : Tim Fuette, Senior Engineer, NMl~D
From Loren Umbertis, Town of Fairfax : Loren Umbertis, Public
Town of Fairfax
From Leslie Lacko : Leslie Lac .ko I Marin County CDA
From Richard Diaz SRFD/OES Richard Diaz, City of San Rafael
From Julia Elkin (she/her) Marin County DPW : Julia Elkin,
10·: 03: 3S From Joanna K : Joanna Kwok, City of San Rafael, Senior Civil
Engineer
10:03:38 From Jennifer Blackman : Jennifer Blackman, General Manager,
Bolinas Community Public Utility District
10:03:45 From Dave Jeffries : David Jeffries, JPSC for City of Novato and
Novato Fire District, Consultant
10:04:02 fr'om Andrew Davidson : Andrew Davidson, City of Sausalito, Senior
Engineer
10:04:08 From David -City of Novato: David Dammuller, Engineering
Services Manager, City of Novato
10:04:19 From Greg Pease -Las Gallias Valley Sanitary District : Greg
Pease, Collection System/Maintenance/Safety Manager> Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary
District
10:04:27 From Eric Miller (NMWO) : Eric Miller, Assistant GM/Chief
Engineer, North Marin Water District
10:04:54 From Richard Sirnonitch : Richard Simonit c:h, Public Works Director
-Town of Ross
10:06:37
10:07:21
Flood control
10: 10 :49
Manager
From
From
& Water
From
Chris Reilly : Chris Reilly Marin DES
Hannah Lee : Hannah Lee, senior Civil Engineer, Marin County
Conservation District
Ahmed Aly Mill Valley : Ahmed Aly, Mill Valley Project
10:13:01 From Felix Meneau : Felix Meneau, Capital Planning Project
Manager -Marin County Flooct control & l~ater Conservation District
11:47 :23 From Kevin McGowan, Sausalito DPW : Kevin McGowan, City of
Sausalito
11: 48: 36
Anselmo
From Erica Freeman : Erica Freeman, Building Official Town of San
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
518
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
2023 Marin County
COUNTY OF MARIN Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
....__......._~-Project Kickoff Meeting
Planning Team Meeting Agenda
December 6, 2022, from 10:00 am -11:00 am
I. Welcome and Introductions
II. Hazard Mitigation and Emergency Management Overview
Ill. Plan Overview -Steps and Timeline
IV . Planning Process
V. Community Profiles
VI. Planning Goals and Objectives
VII. Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
VIII. Status of the Current Hazard Mitigation Projects
IX. Identify New Hazard Mitigation Projects List
X. Planning Team
XI. Public Outreach
XII. Next Steps
XIII. Questions & Concluding Remarks
Top ic: Marin County Hazard Mitigation Planning Tea m Kickoff Meeting
Time: Dec 6, 2022 10:00 AM Pa ci fi c Time (US and Canad a)
Jo in Zoom M eeti ng
https: // us06web .zoom .us/j /89164164111 ?pwd=ZD I kS I RtZStq bzV rR U FyYn pz bHJQUT09
Meeti ng ID : 891 6416 4111
Passcode: r:279805
One tap mobile
+ 14086 380968 ,,891 64164111#,,,, *279 805# US (San Jo se)
+16694449171,,89164164111#,,,, *279805# us
~ I PO Box 143 Vacaville, CA 95696
~,t_iv e (7 0 7) 685 -2209 Pre parative.org
onsult1ng
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
519
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
MCM LHMP Planning Team Kiokoff Meeting Sign In Sheet 120622
10:07:02 From Loren Umbertis, Town of Fairfax
Works Director, Town of Fairfax
10:07:05 From Cory Bytof j City of San Rafael
Bytof, City of San Rafael, sustainability Program
10:07:06 From Tim Fuette (NMWD) : Tim Fuette
10:07:17 From Woody Baker-Cohn/ Marin OES :
Marin OES/OEM
Loren Umbertis, public
he/him ; 5i,gning in: Cory
(NMl1D)
t~oody Baker -Cohn / Asst EM /
10:07:40 From
Planning & Building -
Irene Borba -City of Belvedere : Irene Borba -Director of
City of Belvedere
10:07:40 From Richard Simonitch : Rich Si.monitch, Town of Ross
10:07:44 From Dale McDonald : Dale McDonald/ Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary
District
10:07:47
Richard Diaz
From Richard Diaz : Signing in:
Office of Emergency Services
City of San Rafael
10:07:49 From Dave Jeffries : Dave Jeffries, City of Novato and Novato
Fire District
10:07:56 From
10:08:04 From
Public l~orks Director,
10:08:2S From
David Block: David Block, Preparative Consulting
Kevin McGowan, Sausalito DPW: Signing in : Kevin McGowan,
City of Sausalito; kmcgowan@sausalito.gov
Svetlana: Svetlana Smorodinsky, CA Department of Public
Health
10:08:25 From Scott Schneider: Scott Schneider, Town of San Anselmo
Public l~orks
10:08:33
10:08:34
10:08:38
San Anselmo,
10:08:40
Corte Madera
From Eric Miller (NMWD) : Eric Miller, North Marin Water District
From Joanna Kwok: Joanna Kwok, City of San Rafael
From Erica Freeman, Building Official : Erica Freeman, Town of
Building Official
From RJ Suokko, Corte Madera Signing in ; RJ Suokko, Town of
10:08:42 From Tom Welch Mill Valley and SMFD Fire Department Tom l~elch
City of Mill valley and Southern Ma rin Fire Protection District
10:08 :42 From Jennifer Blackman : Jennifer Blackman, General Manager,
Bolinas Community Public Utility Dist·rict
10 :08:48 From Stephen Marcotte: Stephen Marcotte -Bolinas Fire
Protection District
10108:48 From Patrick Kelly, City of Mill Valley: Patrick Kelly , Director
of Planning & Building, City of Mill Valley
10:08:57 From David -City of Novato: David Dammuller, City of Novato
10:09:08 From Sam Bonifacio, Town of Tiburon : Samantha Bonifac io, Town of
Tiburon ( Assistant Planner)
10:09:17 From Ahmed Aly Mill Valley : Ahmed A Aly, P.E.
City of Mill Valley
Project Manager
415-384 -4755
aaaly@c i tyofnlillvalley. org
Twitter: @MillValleyDPl~
10:09:39 From Laurie Nilsen : Laurie Nilsen, Emergency services
Coordi nator, Belvedere and Tiburon -
10:24:05 From Tom Welch Mill valley and SMFD Fire Department : Tom l~elch
southenn Marin Fire Protection District, Deputy Chief of Operations.
twelch@smfd.org.
11:16:40 From Cory Bytof I City of San Rafael I he/him: San Rafael City
Schools
11:18:39 From Svetlana Smorodinsky CDPH : County of Marin Department of
Health and Human Services
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
520
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
• 2023 Marin Coun t y
Mu lt i-Juri sd ictional Hazard Mitigation Pl an
Planning Team Meeting Agenda
March 7, 2023, from 9 :00 am -11:00 am
Planning Team Project Overview (9:00 am -9:50 aml
(REQUIRED for Planning Team/OPTIONAL for Steering Committee)
I. Welcome and Introductions
II. Hazard Mitigation and Emergency Management Overview
Ill. Plan Overview -Steps and Timeline
IV. Community Overview
V. Planning Process
VI. Planning Goals and Objectives
VII. Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
VIII. Stakeholders and Planning Team Identification
Meeting Break (9:50 am -10:00 am)
Planning Team Meeting (10:00 am -11:00 am}
(REQUIRED for Planning Team AND Steering Committee)
IX. Public Outreach
X. Planning Goals and Objectives
XI. Hazard Risk Ranking Worksheets
XII. Jurisdictional Profiles
XIII. Jurisdictional/ District Capability Assessment
XIV . 2018 Hazard Mitigation Project Status Update
XV. Next Steps
XVI. Questions & Concluding Remarks
Jo in Zoom Meet i ng
~ttps://us06 web .zoom.us/j/85488557965?pwd=cklySmNna0pCKOhQVjBhMIAOMIUyQT09
Mee t ing ID : 854 8855 7965
Passco de: 979049
One tap mo bi le
+ 16 699 006833,,854885579 65#,,,, *979049# US (Sa n Jose )
+ 1408638 0968,,85488557965#,,,, *979049# US (Sa n Jose )
~~
~ons ulti11g
PO Box 143 Vacaville, CA 95696
(707) 685-2209 Preparative .org
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
521
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
I ~OUN1YOF
~RIN
Marin County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
Planning Team Meeting 030723 Sign-In
1. 09 :05:0
Manager
2 . 09:06 :19
3. 09:09 :30
4 . 09:09 :32
5. 09:09 :47
6. 09:10:01
Marin County MJHMP Planning Meeting 030723
From Greg Pease : Greg Pease, LGVSD Collections System/Maintenance/Safety
From Woody Baker-Cohn: Woody· Baker-Cohn/ Marin OEM/ Asst EM
From Chris Reilly: Chris Reilly, Marin County Fire OEM
From Scott Alber : Scott Alber, MCFD
From Andy : Andrew Davidson, City of Sausalito
From Sarah Finnigan -Cal : Sa rah Finnigan , Cal OES
7 . 09 :11:13 From DANIEL RODRIGU EZ : DANIEL RODR IGUEZ, Secu ri ty, Emergency
Management Specialist Go ld en Gate Bridge, Highway & Tran sportation Dist rict
8. 09:14:13 From Dais y Allen , Mil l Val ley: Daisy Al len, City of Mill Valley Planning
9. 09:15:34 From hannah lee : Hannah Lee , County of Marin DPW and Marin County Flood
Control & Water Conservation District
10. 09 :16 :55 From Steven Torrence -Marin County OEM : Steven Torrence , Director of
Emergency Management, Office of Emergen cy Management
11. 09 :18:11 From Marshall Nau : Marshall Nau, Fire Inspector, Southern Marin Fire District
12. 09 :54 :55 From Daisy Allen , Mi l l Val ley
13 . 09:55:01 Fr om Victoria LaMar-Haas , Ca l OES: Victoria LaMar-Haa s, Program Manager,
Ca l OES Local Mitigation Pl anning
14. 10:02 :38 From David -City of Novato : David Dammuller, Engineering Services Manager,
City of Novato
15. 10:03:48
16. 10 :03 :54
17. 10:04:19
18. 10:04:22
19. 10 :04 :3 4
20 . 10 :04 :42
21. 10:04:51
Dist rict
22. 10 :06 :46
From Dave Jeffries : Dave Jeffries, City of Novato
From Scott Schneider : Scott Schneider, To wn of San Anselmo
From Tim Fuette (NMWD): Tim Fuette, NMWD
From Laurie Nilsen : Lauri e Nilsen, Town ofTiburon & City of Be lvedere OES
From Sam Bonifacio -Tiburon Planning : Sam Bonifacio, Town of Tiburon
From Julia El kin (she/her), Marin County DPW : Julia Elkin , Marin County DPW
From Jennifer Bla ck man : Jennifer Blackman, So linas Community Pub lic Utility
From Markus Lansdown e -Caltrans D4 : Markus Lansdowne -Caltrans District 4
Em erge ncy Operations Coordinator
23 . 10 :13:46 From Pa t ri ce Chamberlain-CDPH En viro & 0cc Health Emergency Prep
24 . 10:45 :15 From Les lie. Lacko : Leslie Lac ko, CDA, Marin Count y
25. 10:48 :2 1 From Svet lana Smorodin sky : CDPH Disaster Ep id emiologist/ Environmental &
Occupa tio nal Emergency Preparedness Team
Additional Meeting Attendees
26 . Amber Davis: Marin County Publi c Health
27. Chr is LeBaudour : Marin County EMS Authority
28 . Daniel le Jessup : Ca l OES Dam Safety Planning Division
29. Eric Goldman: Marin Water Dis t rict
30. Jennifer McGill :
31. Je sse Sanchez :
32. Juli e Ek strom : CA. Dept. of Water Reso ur ces
33 . Loren Um beris: Fairfax Public Works
34. Quinn Gardner : San Rafae l
35. Ri ch Simonitch:
36. Richard Diaz : San Rafae l FD
37. RJ Suokko: Corte Madera
38. Ahmed Aly : Mill Valley
39. Lan ey Davidson: Marin County
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
522
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
• .
2023 Marin County
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
Planning Team Meeting Agenda
April 4, 2023, from 10 :00 am -11 :00 am
I. Welcome and Introductions
II. HMGP (DR -4683} Funding Timeline
Ill. Public Outreach
IV . Planning Goals and Objectives
V. Jurisdictional Hazard Vulnerability Maps
VI. Jurisdictional Profiles
VII. Jurisdictional/ District Capability Assessment
VIII. 2018 Hazard Mitigation Project Status Update
IX. Next Steps
X. Questions & Concluding Remarks
Topic : Marin County MJHMP Planning Team Meeting 040423
Time: Apr 4, 2023 10:00 AM Pac ific Tim e (US and Canada)
Jo in Zoom Meeting
https :// us06web .zoom . us/j/8962 42 64855 ?pwd=VTN G Vl VtUzgyVHVvN UM xR m 9QL0ZRd z09
Meeting ID : 896 2426 4855
Passcode : 283612
On e tap mobile
+ 16694449171,,89624264855#,,,, *283612# us
+16699006833,,89624264855#,,,,*283612# US (San Jose)
~1ti c.
onsulting
PO Box 143 Vacaville, CA 95696
(707) 685-2209 Preparative.org
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
523
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
COUNTY OF
MARIN
...::,._~"'-~-
1. 10:01:52
2. 10:01:57
3. 10:02 :08
Marin County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
Planning Team Meeting 040423 Sign-In
Sign_in Sheet Marin County MJHMP Planning Meeting 040423
From Paul Bockrath : Paul Bockrath, Preparative Con sulting
From Woody Baker-Cohn : Woody Baker-Cohn/ Asst EM Marin OEM
From Katherine Hagemann kate.hagemann@cityofsanrafael.org: kate
Hagemann, city of sa n Rafael
4 . 10:02 :14 From Beb : Beb Skye , County of Marin
5. 10:02 :16 From Loren Umbertis, Public Works Director : Loren Umbertis, Director of
Public Works, town of Fairfax
6. 10:02 :19 From Chris Good -Cort e Madera: Chris Good -Town of Corte Madera/Sanitary
District No. 2
7. 10:02:20 Fr om Steven Torren ce-Director Marin County OEM: Steven Torrence -OEM
Director -County of Marin
8. 10 :02:22 From Laurie Nilsen: Laurie Nilsen Belvedere and Tiburon Administrative and
Emergency Services Coordinator
9. 10:02:23 From Jennifer Blackman : Jennifer Blackman, Bolinas Community Public Utility
District
10. 10:02:31 From Kev in McGowan, Sausalito DPW: Kevin McGowan, City of Sausalito
11. 10:02:33 From Hannah Lee: Hannah Lee, Senior Civil Engineer, Marin County
Department of Public Works and Flood Control & Marin County Water Conservation District
12. 10:02:34 From Sarah Finnigan -Cal OES : Sarah Finnigan , Cal OES, ESC
13 . 10 :02 :3 9 From Jennifer McGill : Jennifer McGill, Sonoma -Marin Area Rail Transit District
14. 10 :03 :02 From Sam Bonifacio, Town of Tiburon : Sam Bonifacio , Assistant Planner with
the Town of Tiburon
15. 10 :03 :53 From Marshall Nau : Marshall Nau-Southern Marin Fire District
16. 10:05:26 From Dale McDonald : Dale McDonald -LGVSD
17. 10 :05 :36
18. 10:05:37
19. 10:05:53
20. 10:06:24
21. 10:06:40
From Richard Simonitch : Richard Simon itch Town of Ross
From Central Marin Fire : Matt Cobb -Central Marin Fire
From Scott Alber : Scott Alber, MCFD
From Erica Freeman : Erica Freeman, Town of San Anselmo
From patrice : Patrice Chamberlain -CA Dept of Public Health, Enviro &
Occupationa l Emergency Prep Team
22. 10:08:56 From Daisy Allen , City of Mil.I Va l ley ; Daisy Allen, City of Mill Valley Planning
23. 10:09:23
Agency
24 . 10 :10 :14
From Le slie Lacko : Leslie Lac ko , Marin County Community Development
From Quinn Gardner, San Rafael Dep Dir-Emergen cy Mgt (she/her) : Quinn
Gardner, San Rafael
Additional Meeting Attendees
1. Amber Davi s: Marin County Publi c Health
2. Ahmed Aly : Mill Valley
3. Daniel Rodriguez, Golden Gate Bridge, Highway & Transportation District
4 . Manny Albano, San Rafael
S. Markus Lansdo wne, Caltrans
6. Scott Schneider, San Anselmo
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
524
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
• .
2023 Marin County
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
Steering Committee Meeting Agenda
May 31, 2023, from 10 :00 am -11:30 am
I. Welcome and Introductions
II . HMGP (DR -4683) Funding Timeline
Ill. Public Outreach Status
IV . Jurisdictional Hazard Vulnerability Maps
V. OEM Overview of Hazard Maps and Marin Maps
VI . Marin Co. MJHMP Risk Assessment Tool Overview
VII . 2018 Hazard Mitigation Project Status Update
VIII. Hazard Working Groups
IX. Next Steps
X. Questions & Concluding Remarks
Topic: Mari n County M JH MP Steer i ng Committee Meeting 053123
Time: May 31, 2023 10:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeti ng
https://us06web.zoom .us/j/88549237300?pwd=YjFzdXh2UW9mdDZEMkZiQIZiM0VaQT09
M eeti ng ID : 885 4923 7300
Pa ssc od e : 477919
One tap mobile
+16699006833,,88549237300#,,,, *477919# US (San Jose)
+14086380968,,8854923 7300#,,,,*477919# US (San Jo se)
~~
~onsulti11 g
PO Box 143 Vaca ville, CA 95696
(707) 685-2209 Preparative.org
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
525
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
COUNTY OF
MARIN --~-
Marin County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
Steering Committee Meeting 053123 Sign-In
Sign_in Sheet Marin County MJHMP Planning Meeting 053123
Marin County MJHMP Steering Committee Meeting Chat 053123
10:02:50 From Paul Bockrath to Everyone:
Paul Bockrath, Preparative Consulting
10 :03:45 From Woody Baker-Cohn to Everyone:
Woody Baker-Cohn/ Marin OEM
10 :03:46 From Rich Simonitch to Everyone:
Rich Simonitch, Town of Ross
10 :03:49 From Erica Freeman, Town of San Anselmo to Everyon e:
Erica Freeman, Town of San Anselmo
10 :03:52 From Lor en Umb ertis, Public Works Director to Everyone :
Loren Umbertis, Town of Fairfax
10 :03:56 From Beb to Everyone :
Beb Skye -County of Marin
10 :03 :58 From Dave Jeffries to Everyone:
Dave Jeffries -for City of Novato
10 :03 :59 From Julia Elkin I Marin County DPW to Everyone :
Julia Elkin, M arinCounty
10 :04:04 From David -City of Novato to Everyone:
David Dammuller, City of Novato
10 :04 :05 From Daisy Allen to Everyone :
Daisy Allen, City of Mill Valley
10:04:15 From Chris Reilly to Everyone :
Chri s Reilly, Marin County OEM
10 :04:17 From Marshall Nau to Everyone :
Marshall Nau -Southern Marin Fire Protection District
10 :04:17 From Greg Pease -Las Gallinas Valley San itary District to Everyone :
Greg Pease -Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District
10 :04 :48 From Tim Fuette (NMWD) to Everyone:
Tim Fuette -NMWD
10 :04:SG From Eri c Miller -NMWD to Everyon e:
Eric Miller -NMWD
10 :04 :56 From Scott Schneider to Everyo ne :
Scott Schnei der, Town of San Anselmo
10:05 :11 From Ka therine Hagemann kate.hagemann@cityofsanrafael.org to Everyone :
Kate Hagemann -City of San Rafael
10 :0S :19 From Steven Torrence -Director Marin County OEM to Everyone :
Quinn Gardner -San Rafael
10 :05 :23 From Chris Good -Corte Madera to Everyone :
Chris Good -Town of Corte Madera
10 :05 :3 9 From Steven Torrence -Director Marin County OEM to Everyone :
Steven Torrenc e and Hannah Tarling-M arin County
10 :05:43 From Leslie Lacko (she/her) I Marin Co to Everyone:
Leslie Lacko, Marin County CDA
10 :06:20 From David Bl ock to Everyone:
David Block, Prepa rative Consulting
10:08:S4 From Joanna Kwok to Everyone:
Joanna Kwok, San Rafael
10:24:34 From hannah lee to Everyone:
Hannah Lee , Senior Civil Engineer, County of Marin and Marin County Flood Control & Water
Conservation District
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
526
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
• .
2023 Marin County
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
Planning Team Meeting Agenda
June 27, 2023, from 10:00 am -12:00 pm
I. Welcome and Introductions
II . HMGP (DR-4683) & BRIC Grant Funding Timeline
Ill. Public Outreach Status
IV . Jurisdictional Hazard Risk Assessment Tool
V. OEM Overview of Hazard Maps and Marin Maps
VI . Marin County Hazards over the Last 5-Years
VII . 2018 Hazard Mitigation Project Status Update
VIII. 2023 Hazard Mitigation Projects/Capital Improvement Projects
IX . Hazard Working Groups
X. Next Steps
XI. Questions & Concluding Remarks
Top ic: Ma r in County MJHMP Planning Comm ittee Meeting 062723
Time : Jun 27, 2023 10:00 AM Pac ifi c Tim e {US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https ; // us06web.zoo m .us/j /81005069903? pwd=e TM lN ldCSEtY dG N I Yj cvTlcyL2 U 2Zz09
M ee t ing ID : 810 0506 9903
Passcode: 848497
One tap mobile
+ 16694449171,,81005069903#,,,, *84849 7# us
+16699006 833,,81 005069903#,,,, *8484 97# US {San Jose)
~~
~onsultiug
PO Box 143 Vaca ville, CA 95696
(707) 685 -2209 Preparative.org
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
527
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
COUNTY OF
MARIN .:;........:s,..,....._
Marin County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
Steering Committee Meeting 062723 Sign-In
Sign -In Sheet Marin County MJHMP Planning Meeting 062723
10:03:09 From Paul Bockrath to Everyone:
Paul Bockrath, Preparative Consulting
10:04:19 From Daisy Allen to Everyone :
Daisy Allen, Mill Valley Planning
10 :04:20 From Woody Baker-Cohn to Everyone:
Woody Baker-Cohn/ Marin OEM
10 :04:21 From Rich Simonitch Town of Ross to Everyone:
Rich Simonitch, Town of Ross
10 :04:23 From Lor en Umbertis to Everyon e:
Loren Umbertis, Town of Fairfax
10 :04:25 From Kevin McGowan, Sausalito DPW to Everyone:
Kev in McGowan , City of Sausalito
10 :04:29 From Tim Fuette (NMWD) to Everyone :
Tim Fuette, NMWD
10 :04 :31 From Julia Elkin I Marin County DPW to Everyone:
Julia Elk in , Marin County DPW
10 :04 :3 3 From Beb to Everyone :
Beb Skye , County of Marin
10:04:45 From Chris Good -Corte Madera to Everyone:
Chris Good -Corte Madera
10:04 :54 From hannah lee to Everyone :
Hann ah Lee, County of Marin Public Works and Marin County Flood Control & Water
Conservation District
10 :04:54 From brandon chapman to Everyone:
Brandon Chapman, Golden Gate Bridge, Highway, and Transit District
10 :05 :03 From David -City of No vato to Everyone :
David Dammuller, City of Novato
10 :05 :08 From Leslie La cko {she/her) I Marin Co to Everyone :
Le s I ie La cko
10 :05 :12 From Hannah Tarling, Marin OEM to Everyone :
Hann ah Tarling, County of Marin
10 :05 :20 From Dale McDonald, LGVSD to Everyon e:
Good morning from Las Gallinas
10 :05:33 From Ezra Colman Central Marin Fire to Everyone:
Ezra Colman Central Marin Fire
10:05 :49 From Scott Schneider to Everyone :
Scott Schneider, Town of San Anselmo
10 :06 :00 From Svet to Everyon e:
Svetlana Smorodinsky CA Dept of Public Health
10 :07 :00 From Patrice Chamberlain I CDPH Environmental Emerg ency Prep to Everyon e:
Patrice Chamberlain, CA Dept of Pub li c Health
10 :07 :3 4 From Dale McDonald , LGVSD to Paul Bockrath(Direct Message):
Dale McDonald, La s Gallinas Valley Sanitary Di strict
10 :08:24 From Ruben Martin, Central Marin Fire Chief to Everyone :
Ruben Martin, Central Marin Fire
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
528
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
l ~<?U.NTY OF
~RIN
2023 Marin County
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
Planning Team Meeting Agenda
November 27, 2023, from 2:00 pm - 3 :00 pm
I. Welcome and Introductions
II. Plan Overview -Steps and Timeline
Ill. Planning Process
IV. Hazard Identification
V. Jurisdictional and District Profiles
VI. Public Outreach Strategy
VII . Next Steps
VIII. Questions & Concluding Remarks
Topic : Marin County OA MJHMP Final Planning Meeting
Time : Nov 27 , 2023, 02 :00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
https ://us06web.zoom .us/j/89495636330?pwd=hCUbJ1LwrGAiWdlth8waxvhPLDHAN z.1
Meeting ID : 894 9 563 6330
Pas scode : 5717 84
~~
~onsulti1a g
PO Box 143 Vacaville, CA 95696
(707) 685-2209 Preparative.org
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
529
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
COUNTY OF
MARIN
4.----"'l=--
Marin County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
Final Planning Team Meeting 112723 Sign-In
Marin County OA MJHMP Final Planning Team Meeting Sign-In Sheet
14:03:56 From Paul Bockrath To Everyone :
Paul Bockrath, Preparative Consulting
14:05:04 From Woody Baker-Cohn To Everyone:
Woody Baker-Cohn
14:05:08 From Katherine Hagemann kate.hagemann@cityofsanrafael.org To Everyon e:
l(ate Hagemann, City of San Rafael
14:05:09 From Quinn Gardner To Everyone:
quinn gardner, city of san rafael
14:05 :10 From Loren Umberti s To Everyone:
Loren Umbertis, Public Works Director, Town of Fairfax
14:05 :14 From Daisy Allen, City of Mill Valley To Everyone ;
Daisy Allen, City of Mill Valley
14:05 :18 From Dale McDonald, LGVSD To Everyone:
Dale McDonald , LGVSD
14:05 :18 From Marshall Nau To Eve ryone :
Marshall Nau
14:05 :19 From David -City of Novato To Everyone:
David Darnmuller, City of Novato
14:05 :21 From Jennifer Blackman To Everyone :
Jennifer Blackman, General Manager, Bolinas Community Public Utility District
14:05:22 From iPhone To Ev e ryon e:
Joanna Kwok, City of San Rafael
14:05 :22 From Dave Jeffries To Everyone:
David Jeffries, JPSC for City of Novato and Novato Fire District
14:05:22 From RJ Suokko, Corte Madera To Everyone:
RJ Suokko, Corte Madera
14:05 :22 From Sam Bonifacio To Everyone:
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
530
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
COUNTY OF
MARIN
,C....---"'l~-
Marin County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
Final Planning Team Meeting 112723 Sign-In
Samantha Bonifacio, Town of Tiburon
14:05:24 From BebTo Everyone:
Beb Skyte County of Marin DPW
14:05:32 From Erica Freeman To Ev eryone:
Erica Freeman, San Anselmo
14:05 :34 From Marshall Nau To Eve ry one:
Marshall Nau -Southern Marin Fire District
14:05 :35 From Patrice Chamberlain I CA Dept of Pub li c Hea lth To Everyone:
hi a ll! Patrice Chamberlain, CA Dept of Public Hea lth
14:05:47 From Kevin McGowan, Sausa li to DPW To Ev eryone :
Kevin McGowan, Sausa lito DPW
14:05:50 From max korten To Everyone:
Max Korten, Marin County Parks
14 :05:53 From Ric hard Simonitch To Ev eryone :
Richard Simonitch, Town of Ross
14:06 :01 From Tim Fuette {NMWD) To Everyone :
Tim Fu erte, NMWD
14:06:03 From Svet la na To Everyone:
Svet lana Smorodinsky, CDPH
14:06 :13 From Laney Davidson To Everyone :
Laney Dav id son , County of Marin Disability Access Manager
14:07:28 From Sarah Finnigan -Cal OES To Everyone :
Sarah Finnigan, Cal OES
Marin County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Survey
1 / 19
Q1 How concerned are you about the following Hazards in your
community?
Answered: 293 Skipped: 0
Climate Change
Dam Failure
Drought
Earthquake
Marin County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Survey
2 / 19
Flooding
Landslides/Eros
ion/Debris...
Land
Subsidence...
Levee Failure
Sea Level Rise
Severe Weather
- Extreme Heat
Marin County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Survey
3 / 19
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
Not Concer…Somewhat …Moderately…Very Conce…
Severe Weather
- Wind, Hail...
Tsunami
Wildfire
• • • •
Marin County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Survey
4 / 19
4.10%
12
10.24%
30
20.82%
61
64.85%
190
293
53.92%
158
25.60%
75
13.99%
41
6.48%
19
293
4.44%
13
11.26%
33
27.65%
81
56.66%
166
293
1.71%
5
22.87%
67
37.20%
109
38.23%
112
293
11.26%
33
24.57%
72
24.91%
73
39.25%
115
293
10.24%
30
30.03%
88
33.11%
97
26.62%
78
293
39.93%
117
35.15%
103
16.04%
47
8.87%
26
293
48.46%
142
25.26%
74
13.65%
40
12.63%
37
293
11.60%
34
23.21%
68
30.03%
88
35.15%
103
293
8.87%
26
21.84%
64
34.81%
102
34.47%
101
293
8.87%
26
27.30%
80
33.79%
99
30.03%
88
293
40.96%
120
34.47%
101
17.41%
51
7.17%
21
293
3.41%
10
11.95%
35
22.53%
66
62.12%
182
293
NOT
CONCERNED
SOMEWHAT
CONCERNED
MODERATELY
CONCERNED
VERY
CONCERNED
TOTAL
Climate Change
Dam Failure
Drought
Earthquake
Flooding
Landslides/Erosion/Debris
Flows
Land Subsidence (Sinkhole)
Levee Failure
Sea Level Rise
Severe Weather - Extreme
Heat
Severe Weather - Wind, Hail,
Lighting
Tsunami
Wildfire
Marin County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Survey
5 / 19
Q2 What is the best way for you to receive information about how to make
your home and the people in your home safer from natural disasters?
Answered: 293 Skipped: 0
Marin County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Survey
6 / 19
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
Television
Radio
Newspaper
Cellphone Call
Cellphone Text
Home Phone
(Landline)
Social Media -
Facebook,...
County, City,
or Official...
Utility bill
Mail - Letter
or postcard
School/ School
District
Church/
Religious...
Community
Group or Clubs
Chamber of
Commerce
Outdoor
Advertising ...
Fire Station
Postings
Public Meetings
Other (please
specify)
Marin County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Survey
7 / 19
16.04%47
19.45%57
27.65%81
8.19%24
51.19%150
9.90%29
23.89%70
38.57%113
15.02%44
41.30%121
3.41%10
1.02%3
10.58%31
1.71%5
9.90%29
6.14%18
24.23%71
17.06%50
Total Respondents: 293
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Television
Radio
Newspaper
Cellphone Call
Cellphone Text
Home Phone (Landline)
Social Media - Facebook, Twitter, Nextdoor
County, City, or Official Government website
Utility bill
Mail - Letter or postcard
School/ School District
Church/ Religious Institution
Community Group or Clubs
Chamber of Commerce
Outdoor Advertising - Billboards, Sandwich Boards, Bulletin Boards
Fire Station Postings
Public Meetings
Other (please specify)
Marin County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Survey
8 / 19
1.37%4
19.45%57
31.40%92
47.78%140
Q3 How concerned are you that a natural disaster could threaten your
home or place of residence?
Answered: 293 Skipped: 0
TOTAL 293
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Not at all Somewhat Moderately Very Much
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Not at all
Somewhat
Moderately
Very Much
Marin County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Survey
9 / 19
Q4 In the following List, Please check those activities that you or someone
in your household, Completed, Plan to do in the near future, Have not
done, or are Unable to do. (Please check one answer per activity).
Answered: 293 Skipped: 0
76.03%
222
9.59%
28
9.93%
29
1.03%
3
3.42%
10
292
1.46
67.47%
195
19.03%
55
9.69%
28
3.11%
9
0.69%
2
289
1.51
48.28%
140
32.76%
95
17.24%
50
1.38%
4
0.34%
1
290
1.73
62.12%
182
25.94%
76
10.92%
32
0.00%
0
1.02%
3
293
1.52
29.27%
84
9.41%
27
52.26%
150
4.88%
14
4.18%
12
287
2.45
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Completed.Planning to…Have not d…Unable to do.
I do not hav…
Attended
meetings or
received
written...
Talked with
family
members about
what to do...
Developed a
“Household/Fa
mily
Emergency...
Prepared a
“Disaster
Supply Kit”
(extra foo...
In the last
year, has
someone in
your...
COMPLETED.PLANNING
TO DO.
HAVE
NOT
DONE.
UNABLE
TO DO.
I DO NOT
HAVE
ENOUGH
INFORMATION
TO
COMPLETE
THIS TASK.
TOTAL WEIGHTED
AVERAGE
Attended meetings or received
written information on natural
disasters or emergency
preparedness.
Talked with family members
about what to do in case of a
disaster or emergency.
Developed a “Household/Family
Emergency Plan” in order to
decide what everyone would do
in the event of a disaster.
Prepared a “Disaster Supply Kit”
(extra food, water, batteries,
medications, first aid, and other
emergency supplies).
In the last year, has someone in
your household been trained in
First Aid or Cardio-Pulmonary
Resuscitation (CPR).
• • • •
1
•
Marin County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Survey
10 / 19
Q5 Natural disasters can have a significant impact on a community, but
planning for these events can help lessen the impact. The following
statements will help us determine community priorities in planning for these
hazards. Please tell us how important each one is to you?
Answered: 293 Skipped: 0
61.94%
179
25.61%
74
8.30%
24
2.77%
8
1.38%
4
289
1.56
94.54%
277
4.78%
14
0.00%
0
0.34%
1
0.34%
1
293
1.07
48.12%
141
38.57%
113
8.53%
25
2.73%
8
2.05%
6
293
1.72
20.00%
58
46.90%
136
19.31%
56
9.31%
27
4.48%
13
290
2.31
78.35%
228
18.56%
54
2.75%
8
0.00%
0
0.34%
1
291
1.25
63.57%
185
23.37%
68
7.22%
21
3.44%
10
2.41%
7
291
1.58
66.55%
195
24.57%
72
6.14%
18
1.71%
5
1.02%
3
293
1.46
64.48%
187
24.48%
71
7.59%
22
2.07%
6
1.38%
4
290
1.51
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Very Import…Somewhat I…Neutral Not As Imp…
Not Import…
Protecti
ng
private
property
Protecti
ng
critical
facil...
Protecti
ng
natural
envir...
Protecti
ng
historic
al /...
Protecti
ng and
reducing
damag...
Preventi
ng
developm
ent i...
Promotin
g
cooperat
ion...
Strength
ening
emergenc
y...
VERY
IMPORTANT
SOMEWHAT
IMPORTANT
NEUTRAL NOT AS
IMPORTANT
NOT
IMPORTANT
TOTAL WEIGHTED
AVERAGE
Protecting private property
Protecting critical facilities
(hospitals, transportation
networks, fire stations)
Protecting natural
environment
Protecting historical / cultural
landmarks
Protecting and reducing
damage to utilities
Preventing development in
hazardous areas
Promoting cooperation
among public agencies,
citizens, non-profit
organizations and businesses
Strengthening emergency
services (police, fire,
ambulance)
• • • • •
Marin County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Survey
11 / 19
Q6 Please provide your zip code
Answered: 290 Skipped: 3
94901
94903
94904
94912
94913
94914
94915
94920
94924
94925
94929
94930
94933
94937
94938
94939
94940
94941
94942
I
Marin County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Survey
12 / 19
94942
94945
94946
94947
94948
94949
94950
94957
94960
94963
94964
94965
94966
94970
94971
94973
94974
94976
94977
94978
94979
Other (please
Marin County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Survey
13 / 19
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
Other (please
specify)•
Marin County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Survey
14 / 19
6.21%18
10.34%30
3.10%9
0.00%0
0.00%0
0.00%0
0.00%0
1.38%4
0.69%2
3.79%11
0.00%0
3.79%11
0.34%1
7.59%22
0.69%2
2.07%6
2.76%8
13.45%39
0.00%0
1.38%4
1.38%4
4.48%13
0.00%0
5.86%17
4.83%14
2.07%6
5.52%16
0.69%2
0.00%0
4.83%14
0.00%0
1.72%5
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
94901
94903
94904
94912
94913
94914
94915
94920
94924
94925
94929
94930
94933
94937
94938
94939
94940
94941
94942
94945
94946
94947
94948
94949
94950
94957
94960
94963
94964
94965
94966
94970
Marin County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Survey
15 / 19
1.03%30.69%2
0.00%0
0.00%0
0.00%0
0.00%0
0.00%0
9.31%27
TOTAL 290
94971
94973
94974
94976
94977
94978
94979
Other (please specify)
Marin County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Survey
16 / 19
Q7 Your City, Town, or Community Name
Answered: 290 Skipped: 3
Marin County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Survey
17 / 19
85.37%245
14.63%42
Q8 Do you live within the limits of the specific City or Town listed in
question #7?
Answered: 287 Skipped: 6
TOTAL 287
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Yes No
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Yes
No
Marin County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Survey
18 / 19
1.03%3
84.14%244
14.14%41
0.69%2
Q9 Do you own, rent or share a home?
Answered: 290 Skipped: 3
TOTAL 290
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
None of the
above
Own Rent Shared Housing
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
None of the above
Own
Rent
Shared Housing
Marin County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Survey
19 / 19
99.66%291
0.34%1
Q10 Do you have internet access at your home?
Answered: 292 Skipped: 1
TOTAL 292
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Yes No
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Yes
No
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
551
Public Outreach Survey Spanish
1 ~<;>U·N· TY OF a
~ARIN ~
l ~<?U.N. TY OF
~RIN
Encuesta del Plan Local de Mitigaci6n de Riesgos Multi-
Jurisdiccional del Condado de Marin en Espanol
1. lQue tan preocupado esta por los siguientes peligros en su comunidad?
Moderadame nte
No preocupado Algo preocupado preocupado Muy preocupado
Cambia climatica 0 0 0 0
Falla de la presa 0 0 0 0
Sequia 0 0 0 0
Terremata 0 0 0 0
lnundaci6n 0 0 0 0
Deslizamientas
de tierra/flujas de 0 0 0 0
escombros
Falla del dique 0 0 0 0
Aumento del 0 0 0 0 nivel del mar
Clima severo -0 0 0 0 Calar extrema
Clima severa -
vienta, graniza, 0 0 0 0
iluminaci6n
Hundimiento de
la tierra 0 0 0 0
(sumidero)
Tsunami 0 0 0 0
Wildfire (Fuego) 0 0 0 0
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
552
1 ~<;>U·N· TY OF a
~ARIN ~
2. lCual es la mejor manera de recibir informaci6n sobre c6mo hacer que su hogar y las
personas en su hogar esten mas seguros de las desastres naturales?
D Television
D Radio
D peri6dico
D Llamada de telefono celular
D Aumento del nivel del mar
D Telefono residencial (fijo)
D Redes sociales -Facebook, Twitter, Nextdoor
D Sitio web del condado, la ciudad o el gobierno oficial
D Factura
D Correo -Carta o postal
D Escuela / Distrito Escolar
D Iglesia/ lnstituci6n religiosa
D Grupo comunitario o clubes
D Camara de Comercio
D Publicidad exterior -vallas publicitarias, tableros de sandwiches, tablones de anuncios
D Publicaciones en la estaci6n de bomberos
D Reuniones publicas
D Otro (especiffquese)
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
553
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
3. lQue tan preocupado esta de que un desastre natural pueda amenazar su hogar o
lugar de residencia?
0 Denada
Q Atgo
0 Moderadamente
0 Mucho
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
554
1 ~<;>U·N· TY OF a
~ARIN ~
4. En la siguiente lista, verifique aquellas actividades que usted o alguien en su hogar,
Completado, planea hacer en el future cercano, no ha hecho o no puede hacer. (Marque
una respuesta por actividad).
Asisti6 a
reuniones o
recibi6
informaci6n
escrita sobre
desastres
naturales o
preparaci6n para
emergencias.
Habl6 con los
miembros de la
familia sobre que
hacer en caso de
un desastre o
emergencia.
Desarroll6 un
"Plan de
Emergencia para
el Hogar /
Familia" para
decidir que
harian todos en
caso de un
desastre.
Prepar6 un "Kit
de suministros
para desastres"
(alimentos
adicionales, agua,
baterias,
medicamentos,
primeros auxilios
y otros
suministros de
emergencia).
En el ultimo ano,
lalguien en su
hogar ha recibido
capacitaci6n en
primeros auxilios
o reanimaci6n
cardiopulmonar
(RCP)?
Completado
0
0
0
0
0
Plan para hacer No hecho
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
Notengo
suficiente
informaci6n para
completar esta
Nose puede hacer tarea.
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
555
1 ~<;>U·N· TY OF a
~ARIN ~
5. Los desastres naturales pueden tener un impacto significativo en una comunidad,
pero la planificaci6n de estos eventos puede ayudar a disminuir el impacto. Las
siguientes declaraciones nos ayudaran a determinar las prioridades de la comunidad en
la planificaci6n de estos peligros. Per favor, d1ganos que tan importante es cada uno
para usted .
Protecci6n de la
propiedad
privada
Protecci6n de
i nstalaciones
criticas
(hospitales, redes
de transporte,
estaciones de
bomberos)
Protecci6n del
media ambiente
natural
Protecci6n de
monumentos
hist6ricos /
culturales
Protecci6n y
reducci6n de
danos a las
servicios publicos
Prevenci6n del
desarrollo en
zonas peligrosas
Promover la
cooperaci6n
entre organismos
publicos,
ciudadanos,
organizaciones
sin animo de
lucro y empresas
Fortalecimiento
de las servicios
de emergencia
(policfa,
bomberos,
ambulancia)
Muy importante Algo importante Neutral
0 0 0
0 0 0
0 0 0
0 0 0
0 0 0
0 0 0
0 0 0
0 0 0
No es tan
importante
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
No es importante
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
556
1 ~<;>U·N· TY OF a
~ARIN ~
6. Por favor, proporcione su c6digo postal
0 94901
0 94903
0 94904
0 94912
0 94913
0 94914
0 94915
0 94920
0 94924
0 94925
0 94929
0 94930
0 94933
0 94937
0 94938
0 94939
0 94940
0 94941
0 94942
0 94945
0 Otro (especifiquese)
7. El nombre de tu ciudad, pueblo o comunidad
0 94946
0 94947
0 94948
0 94949
0 94950
0 94957
0 94960
0 94963
0 94964
0 94965
0 94966
0 94970
0 94971
0 94973
0 94974
0 94976
0 94977
0 94978
0 94979
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
557
1 ~<;>U·N· TY OF a
~ARIN ~
8. \lVive dentro de las Hmites de la ciudad o pueblo especffico mencionado en la
pregunta # 7?
Q Sf
Q No
9. lEs propietario, alquila o comparte una casa?
0 Poseer
0 Alquilar
0 Vivienda compartida
10. lTienes acceso a Internet en tu casa?
0 sr
Q No
Si tiene alguna pregunta sobre esta encuesta, envie un correo electronico a
Mitigation@MarinCounty.org
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
558
l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
~ARIN
a ~
12. CITY OF SAN RAFAEL
COMMUNITY PROFILE
Marin County Multi-Jurisdictional
Hazard Mitigation Plan
2023
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-2
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
This page is intentionally blank.
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-3
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The City of San Rafael and Preparative Consulting would like to thank those collaborators and
partners who participated in the planning and development of this document.
The official Marin County Operational Area (OA) Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
(MJHMP) Steering Committee provided the oversight and dedication to this project that was
required and without their commitment; this project would not be possible.
As with any working plan, this document represents planning strategies and guidance as
understood as of the date of this plan’s release. This plan identifies natural hazards and risks
and identifies the hazard mitigation strategy to reduce vulnerability and make the communities
of the City of San Rafael more disaster resistant and sustainable.
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-4
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
This page is intentionally blank.
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-5
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE .................................................................... 12-1
Acknowledgements ......................................................................................................... 12-3
Table of Contents ............................................................................................................ 12-5
Section 1.0: Introduction ................................................................................................. 12-7
1.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 12-7
1.2 Planning Process ................................................................................................... 12-7
1.2.1 Steering Committee Members (Jurisdictional Representatives) ....................... 12-8
1.2.2 Steering Committee Planning Process............................................................. 12-9
1.2.3 Coordination with stakeholders and agencies ................................................... 12-9
1.2.4 Public Engagement ........................................................................................ 12-16
1.3 Overview and History ........................................................................................... 12-24
1.4 Government ......................................................................................................... 12-28
1.5 Weather and Climate ........................................................................................... 12-28
1.6 Demographics ...................................................................................................... 12-29
1.7 Social Vulnerability and Risk ................................................................................ 12-33
1.8 Economy and Tax Base ....................................................................................... 12-50
1.9 Critical Facilities ................................................................................................... 12-51
1.10 Historical Properties ............................................................................................ 12-57
2.0: Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment ......................................................... 12-60
2.1 Climate Change................................................................................................. 12-62
2.2 Hazards ............................................................................................................... 12-70
2.2.1 Debris Flows .................................................................................................. 12-71
2.2.2 Drought.......................................................................................................... 12-77
2.2.3 Earthquake .................................................................................................... 12-79
2.2.4 Flooding......................................................................................................... 12-85
2.2.5 Land Subsidence/Sinkholes........................................................................... 12-96
2.2.6 Levee Failure ................................................................................................. 12-99
2.2.7 Sea Level Rise ............................................................................................ 12-102
2.2.8 Severe Weather – Extreme Heat ................................................................. 12-108
2.2.9 Severe Weather – High Wind and Tornado ................................................. 12-110
2.2.10 Tsunami...................................................................................................... 12-113
2.2.11 Wildfire ...................................................................................................... 12-115
Section 3.0: Mitigation Strategy ................................................................................. 12-128
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-6
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
3.1 Changes in Development ................................................................................... 12-128
3.2 Capability Assessment ....................................................................................... 12-129
3.2.1 Regulatory Capabilities ................................................................................ 12-130
3.2.2 Administrative and Technical Capabilities .................................................... 12-136
3.2.3 Fiscal Capabilities ........................................................................................ 12-138
3.2.4 Community Outreach ................................................................................... 12-139
3.2.5 Participation in the National Flood Insurance Program ................................ 12-140
3.3 Mitigation Goals ................................................................................................. 12-143
3.4 Status of Previous Mitigation Actions ................................................................. 12-145
3.5 Hazard Mitigation Actions ................................................................................... 12-147
3.6 Progress in Local Mitigation Efforts .................................................................... 12-155
3.7 Plan Integration .................................................................................................. 12-155
3.8 Future Development Trends ............................................................................... 12-156
Section 4.0: Plan Review, Evaluation, and Implementation ...................................... 12-159
4.1 Plan Adoption ..................................................................................................... 12-159
4.2 Plan Monitoring .................................................................................................. 12-159
4.3 Plan Evaluation .................................................................................................. 12-160
4.4 Plan Update ....................................................................................................... 12-160
Figures and Tables ...................................................................................................... 12-162
Acronyms/Abbreviations ............................................................................................ 12-165
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-7
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
SECTION 1.0: INTRODUCTION
1.1 INTRODUCTION
The City of San Rafael, Community Profile has been prepared in conjunction with the Marin
County OA Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP), establishing an inter-
jurisdictional process for the development and implementation of effective hazard mitigation
strategies in association with identified hazards that pose real or potential threats to the City of
San Rafael.
1.2 PLANNING PROCESS
The majority of the Marin County OA is unincorporated sparsely populated rural and protected
lands. Most of the 262,000 county population is consolidated into the Eastern portion of the
county. The Marin County OA MJHMP Steering Committee and broader Planning Team
approached the development of the Marin County OA MJHMP and the associated jurisdictional
and district profiles from a coordinated and collaborative planning and public engagement unity
of effort.
The Steering Committee felt a unified effort, led by the County OEM, would be the most
effective approach for this planning process. This approach allowed the small jurisdictions and
districts with limited staffing and resources to take advantage of the combined efforts of the
County and other jurisdictions to reach a broader segment of each of their own populations and
do so in a way to ensure greater equity and inclusion of the public in this planning process.
Extensive and coordinated public outreach was done involving all participating jurisdictions and
districts with an eye towards equity, inclusion, openness, accessibility, and ensuring they meet
the population where they live, work, or recreate to provide the public convenience of access
and ease of participation in this planning process.
The Marin County OA is very different from most California Counties in that the populated
portion of the County where the jurisdictions and district’s planning areas are located has the
same climate, similar topography, and are exposed to many of the same hazards. Only three
jurisdictions, Larkspur, Ross, and San Anselmo, are not coastal jurisdictions and are not
impacted by Tsunami or Sea Level Rise.
This unity of effort approach allowed the Steering Committee to establish a more robust
Planning Team representing local, countywide, regional, state, and federal stakeholders
servicing the Marin County OA planning area. These stakeholders were in a unique position to
provide informed and specific information and recommendations on hazard mitigation goals and
actions, as well as population needs and social vulnerability for each of the jurisdictional and
district planning areas. This united effort allowed the planning team to attend fewer meetings
than they would have been required to attend if they were required to attend separate meetings
for each participating jurisdiction and district. The reduced number of meetings allowed the
planning team the opportunity and time to provide more detailed and thoughtful contributions to
the planning effort.
In addition to providing representation on the coordinated Marin County OA Multi-Jurisdictional
Hazard Mitigation Plan Steering Committee, the City of San Rafael involved additional internal
planning team to support the broader planning process. The City of San Rafael jurisdictional
representatives for the coordinated Marin County OA Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation
Plans Steering Committee and the Planning Team Members are represented below.
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-8
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
1.2.1 STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS (JURISDICTIONAL REPRESENTATIVES)
Primary Point of Contact Alternate Point of Contact
Quinn Gardner, Deputy Director of
Emergency Management
Manny Albano, San Rafael Fire Community
Disaster Preparedness Coordinator
Telephone: 415-726-1960 Telephone: 415-256-5508
Email: Quinn.Gardner@cityofsanrafael.org Email: manny.albano@cityofsanrafael.org
This annex was developed by the primary point of contact with assistance from the members of
the local mitigation planning team listed in Table 1 and Table 2.
Table 1: City of San Rafael Local Hazard Mitigation Planning Team Members
Jurisdiction Name Title/ Department Phone Email
San Rafael Quinn
Gardner
Deputy Director of
Emergency
Management
415-726-1960 Quinn.Gardner@cityofsanrafael.org
San Rafael Cory Bytof Sustainability
Program Manager 415-485-3407 Cory.bytof@cityofsanrafael.org
San Rafael Joanna
Kwok Senior Civil Engineer 415-485-3408 Joanna.Kwok@cityofsanrafael.org
San Rafael April Miller Public Works Director 415-485-3355 April.Miller@cityofsanrafael.org
San Rafael Kate
Hagemann
Climate Adaptation &
Resilience Planner 415-256-5534 Kate.Hagemann@cityofsanrafael.org
San Rafael Manny
Albano
San Rafael Fire
Community Disaster
Preparedness
Coordinator
415-256-5508 manny.albano@cityofsanrafael.org
Table 275: City of San Rafael Local Hazard Mitigation Planning Team Members
This 2023 Marin County OA MJHMP is a comprehensive update of the 2018 Marin County OA
MJHMP. The planning area and participating jurisdictions and organizations were defined to
consist of the unincorporated County of Marin, five special districts, and the eleven incorporated
jurisdictions to include the City of San Rafael. All participating jurisdictions are within the
geographical boundary of the Marin County OA and have jurisdictional authority within this
planning area.
The Steering Committee led the planning process based on the contribution and input from the
whole community stakeholders who identified the community’s concerns, values, and priorities.
The Steering Committee met and reviewed the mitigation recommendations and strategies
identified within this plan. Each participating local jurisdiction established a mechanism for the
development and implementation of jurisdictional mitigation projects, as identified within this
plan and associated locally specific supporting documents. As deemed necessary and
appropriate, participating jurisdictions will organize local mitigation groups to facilitate and
administer internal activities.
The Steering Committee assisted with the planning process in the following ways:
• Attending and participating in the Steering Committee meetings.
• Identification of potential mitigation actions.
• Updating the status of mitigation actions from the 2018 Marin County OA MJHMP.
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-9
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
• Collecting and providing other requested data (as available).
• Making decisions on plan process and content.
• Reviewing and providing comments on plan drafts; including annexes.
• Informing the public, local officials, and other interested stakeholders about the
planning process and providing opportunity for them to be involved and provide
comment.
• Coordinating, and participating in the public input process.
• Coordinating the formal adoption of the plan by the governing boards.
1.2.2 STEERING COMMITTEE PLANNING PROCESS
The Steering Committee met monthly to develop the plan. Email notifications were sent out to
each Steering Committee member to solicit their participation in the Steering Committee
meetings. The meetings were conducted using a Zoom platform videoconferencing. Meeting
attendees signed in using the chat feature to record their attendance.
The Steering Committee agreed to make and pass plan-based general policy recommendations
by a vote of a simple majority of those members present. The Steering Committee will also
seek input on future hazard mitigation programs and strategies from the mitigation planning
team by focusing on the following:
• Identify new hazard mitigation strategies to be pursued on a state and regional basis,
and review the progress and implementation of those programs already identified.
• Review the progress of the Hazard Mitigation program and bring forth community
input on new strategies.
• Coordinate with and support the efforts of the Marin County OEM to promote and
identify resources and grant money for implementation of recommended hazard
mitigation Strategies within local jurisdictions and participating public agencies.
During the planning process, the Steering Committee communicated through
videoconferencing, face-to-face meetings, email, telephone conversations, and through the
County website. The County website included information for all stakeholders on the MJHMP
update process. Hannah Tarling of the Marin County Office of Emergency Management and
Preparative Consulting established a Microsoft 365 SharePoint folder which allowed the
Steering Committee members and Marin OEM and Preparative Consulting to share planning
documents and provide a format for the planning partners to submit completed documents and
access other planning related documents and forms. Draft documents were also posted on this
platform and the Marin County OES website so that the Steering Committee members and the
public could easily access and review them.
1.2.3 COORDINATION WITH STAKEHOLDERS AND AGENCIES
Opportunities for involvement in the planning process must be provided to neighboring
communities, local and regional agencies involved in hazard mitigation, agencies with
authority to regulate development, businesses, academia, and other private and nonprofit
interests (44 CFR, Section 201.6(b)(2)).
Early in the planning process, the Marin County and City of San Rafael Steering Committee
reached out to the following Local and Regional Agencies involved in hazard mitigation
activities to invite them to participate in this planning process as a member of the Planning
Team. These individuals work with Marin County and the City of San Rafael communities
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-10
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
and could provide subject matter expertise and relevant information to the planning process
regarding the community history, hazard risk, vulnerability, and impact, mitigations efforts,
community needs, demographics, and social vulnerability, economic concerns, ecology,
and other community services and needs.
The Marin County and City of San Rafael Steering also determined that data collection, risk
assessment analyses, mitigation strategy development, and plan approval would be greatly
enhanced by inviting other local, state and federal agencies and organizations to participate
in the process. Based on their involvement in hazard mitigation planning, their landowner
status in the County, the City of San Rafael and/or their interest as a neighboring
jurisdiction, representatives from the following groups were invited to participate on the
Planning Team:
Eighty-five planning partners participated in this update, as listed in Table 2.
Table 2: 2023 MJHMP Local Planning Team Members
No. Agency Point of Contact Title
1 Belvedere Laurie Nilsen Emergency Svs, Coord.
2 Belvedere Rebecca Markwick Planning Director
3 Belvedere Samie Malakiman Associate Planner
4 Bolinas Com. PUD Jennifer Blackman General Manager
5 Bolinas Fire Protection
Dist.
Stephen Marcotte Asst. Fire Chief
6 Central Marin Fire District Matt Cobb Battalion Chief/Fire
7 Central Marin Fire District Ezra Colman Battalion Chief/Fire
8 Central Marin Fire District Rubin Martin Fire Chief
9 Corte Madera RJ Suokko Director of Public Works
10 Corte Madera Chris Good Senior Civil Engineer
11 Sanitary District No. 2 RJ Suokko DPW
12 Fairfax Loren Umbertis Public Works Director
13 Fairfax Mark Lockaby Building Official
14 Larkspur Dan Schwarz City Manager
15 Larkspur Julian Skinner Public Works Director/ City Engineer
16 Larkspur Robert Quinn Public Works Superintendent
17 Las Gallinas Valley
Sanitary District Dale McDonald Administrative Services Mgr.
18 Las Gallinas Valley
Sanitary District Greg Pease Safety Manager
19 County of Marin Steven Torrence OEM Director
20 County of Marin Hannah Tarling Emergency Management Coordinator
21 County of Marin Chris Reilly OEM Project Manager
22 County of Marin Woody Baker-
Cohn Senior Emergency Management Coordinator
23 County of Marin Leslie Lacko Community Development Agency
24 County of Marin Hannah Lee Senior Civil Engineer
25 County of Marin Felix Meneau Project Mgr./ FCWCD
26 County of Marin Julia Elkin Department of Public Works
27 County of Marin Beb Skye Department of Public Works
28 County of Marin Scott Alber Battalion Chief, Marin County Fire Dept.
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-11
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Table 2: 2023 MJHMP Local Planning Team Members
No. Agency Point of Contact Title
29 County of Marin Lisa Santora Deputy Public Health Officer, Marin Health &
Human Services
30 County of Marin Koblick, Kathleen Marin Health & Human Services
31 County of Marin Amber Davis Public Health Preparedness
32 Mill Valley Patrick Kelly Department of Public Works
33 Mill Valley Ahmed A Aly Project Manager
34 Mill Valley Jared Barrilleaux Deputy Director of Engineering
35 Mill Valley Daisy Allen Senior Planner
36 Southern Marin Fire
District Tom Welch Deputy Chief/South Marin Fire Dist.
37 Southern Marin Fire
District Marshall Nau Fire Marshall/South Marin Fire Dist.
38 North Marin Water District Eric Miller Asst. General Manager
39 North Marin Water District Tim Fuette Senior Engineer
40 Novato David Dammuller Engineering Services Mgr.
41 Novato Dave Jeffries Consultant/JPSC
42 Ross Richard Simonitch Public Works Director
43 San Anselmo Sean Condry Public Works & Building Director
44 San Anselmo Erica Freeman Building Official
45 San Anselmo Scott Schneider Asst. PW Director
46 San Rafael Quinn Gardner Deputy Director of Emergency Management
47 San Rafael Cory Bytof Sustainability Program Manager
48 San Rafael Joanna Kwok Senior Civil Engineer
49 San Rafael Kate Hagemann Climate Adaptation & Resilience Planner
50 Sausalito Andrew Davidson Senior Engineer/ DPW
51 Sausalito Kevin McGowan Director of Public Works
52 Sausalito Brandon Phipps Planning Director
53 Tiburon Sam Bonifacio Assistant Planner
54 Tiburon Dina Tasini Director of Community Development
55 Tiburon Laurie Nilsen Emergency Svs, Coord.
Special Districts & Partner Agencies
56 County of Marin Disability
Access Program Laney Davidson Disability Access Manager/ ADA Coordinator
57 County of Marin Disability
Access Program Peter Mendoza Disability Access Manager/ ADA Coordinator
58 Emergency Medical
Services Chris Le Baudour EMS Authority
59 Fire Departments Jason Weber Fire Chiefs
60 Golden Gate Bridge,
Highway & Transportation
District
Daniel Rodriguez Security, Emergency Management Specialist
61 Golden Gate Bridge,
Highway & Transportation
District
Dennis Mulligan General Manager & CEO,
62 Marin City Climate
Resilience and Health
Justice
Terrie Green Executive Director
63 Marin Center for
Independent Living Peter Mendoza Director of Advocacy and Special Projects
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-12
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Table 2: 2023 MJHMP Local Planning Team Members
No. Agency Point of Contact Title
64 Marin City Community
Services District Juanita Edwards Interim General Manager
65 Marin County Community
Development Agency Leslie Lacko Community Development Agency
66 Marin County Flood
Control & Water
Conservation District
Garry Lion Advisory Board Member
67 Marin County Office of
Education Michael Grant Director, Marin County Office of Education
68 Marin County Parks Max Korten General Manager and Director
69 PG&E Mark Van Gorder Government Affairs, North Bay
70 PG&E Ron Karlen PG&E Public Safety Specialist
71 Sonoma Marin Area Rail
Transit (SMART) Jennifer McGill Chief of Police
72 Transportation Authority of
Marin (TAM) Anne Richmond Executive Director
73 Willow Creek School Itoco Garcia Superintendent
State Partners
74 Cal OES - ESC Sarah Finnigan Cal OES Emergency Services Coordinator
75 Cal OES, Division of
Safety of Dams Danielle Jessup Coordinator/ Dam Safety Planning Division
76 California Department of
Public Health
Svetlana
Smorodinsky
Disaster Epidemiologist/ Environmental &
Occupational Emergency Preparedness
Team
77 California Department of
Public Health
Patrice
Chamberlain Health Program Specialist II
78 California Department of
Water Resources Julia Ekstrom, PhD Supervisor, Urban Unit
Water Use Efficiency Branch
79 Caltrans Trang Hoang Senior Transportation Engr/ Office of
Advance Planning
80 Caltrans Markus Lansdowne Caltrans D4 Emergency Coordinator
Federal Partners
81 Army Corps of Engineers Jessica Ludy Flood Risk Management, Equity, and
Environmental Justice
82 National Park Service Stephen Kasierski OneTam
83 US Coast Guard LT Tony Solares Sector SF Waterways Safety Branch
84 US Coast Guard MST1 Brandon M.
Ward Emergency Management Specialist
85 US Coast Guard LT William K.
Harris USCG SEC San Francisco
Table 276: 2023 MJHMP Local Planning Team Members
Several opportunities were provided for the groups listed above to participate in the City of San
Rafael’s planning process. At the beginning of the planning process, invitations were extended
to these groups to actively participate on the Planning Team. Participants from these groups
assisted in the process by attending several videoconferencing meetings where hazard
vulnerability and risk were discussed along with hazard mitigation strategies and actions.
Planning Team members provided data and other applicable information directly as requested
in meetings, emails, telephone calls, videoconferencing, worksheets, or through data contained
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-13
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
on their websites or as maintained by their offices. This information was used to develop
hazard vulnerability and risk profiles along with mitigation actions.
These key agencies, organizations, and advisory groups received meeting announcements,
agendas, and minutes by e-mail throughout the plan update process. They supported the effort
by attending meetings or providing feedback on issues. All the agencies were provided with an
opportunity to comment on this plan update and were provided with a copy of the plan to review
and offer edits and revisions. They were also provided access to the Marin County OEM hazard
mitigation plan website to review all planning documents and hazard mapping tools.
Each was sent an e-mail message informing them that draft portions of the plan were available
for review. In addition, the complete draft plan was sent to the California Governor’s Office of
Emergency Services (Cal OES) and FEMA Region IX for a pre-adoption review to ensure
program compliance.
In addition, through the public meetings conducted at the beginning of the planning process,
members of the planning team, the public, and other key stakeholders were invited to participate
in the planning process through public outreach activities.
Further as part of the public outreach process, all planning areas engaged in public outreach
and education by providing information on their website or though press releases directing the
public to the main Marin County OEM website that provided coordinated and detailed public
information of the planning process and how the public could participate. All planning areas
were invited to attend the public meetings and to review and comment on the plan prior to
submittal to Cal OES and FEMA. Additional public outreach action is detailed in the 1.2.4
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT section of this annex.
The following planning meetings were held with the planning team:
Table 3: City of San Rafael & Marin County OA MJHMP Planning Meetings
No. Date Attendees Meeting Planning Meeting Objectives
1 10/26/22 Steering
Committee
Project Overview
Meeting
• Plan Overview – Steps and
Timeline
• Planning Process
• Steering Committee Role
2 11/9/22 Steering
Committee
Steering
Committee
Kickoff Meeting
• Hazard Mitigation and
Emergency Management
Overview
• Plan Overview – Steps and
Timeline
• Community Overview
• Planning Process
• Hazard Identification and Risk
Assessment
• Stakeholders and Planning Team
Identification
3 12/6/22
Steering
Committee,
Planning
Team
Planning Team
Kickoff Meeting
• Hazard Mitigation and
Emergency Management
Overview
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-14
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Table 3: City of San Rafael & Marin County OA MJHMP Planning Meetings
No. Date Attendees Meeting Planning Meeting Objectives
• Plan Overview – Steps and
Timeline
• Community Overview
• Planning Process
• Hazard Identification and Risk
Assessment
4 02/07/23 Steering
Committee
Steering
Committee
Hazard Profile
Meeting
• Jurisdictional Letter of
Commitment
• Identify Planning Team Members
• Hazard Risk Ranking
Worksheets
• Jurisdictional Profiles
• Jurisdictional/ District Capability
Assessment
• 2018 Hazard Mitigation Project
Status Update
5 03/07/23
Steering
Committee/
Planning
Team
Planning Team
Public Outreach
Strategy Meeting
• Planning Goals and Objectives
• Hazard Risk Ranking
Worksheets
• Jurisdictional Profiles
• Jurisdictional/ District Capability
Assessment
• 2018 Hazard Mitigation Project
Status Update
• Public Outreach Strategy
6 04/04/23 Steering
Committee
Steering
Committee
Meeting
• HMGP (DR-4683) Funding
Timeline
• Public Outreach
• Planning Goals and Objectives
• Jurisdictional Hazard
Vulnerability Maps
• Jurisdictional Profiles
• Jurisdictional/ District Capability
Assessment
• 2018 Hazard Mitigation Project
Status Update
7 04/13/23
General
Public,
Steering
Committee,
Planning
Team
Public Outreach
Town Hall
Meeting #1
(In-person and
virtual on Zoom)
Thursday, 6:00
pm to 7:30 pm
Marin County
BOS Chambers
• Meeting translated live in
Spanish with 29 language
subtitle capability for virtual
participants.
• Meeting also interpreted in
American Sign Language
• Meeting recorded and posted on
Hazard Mitigation website.
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-15
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Table 3: City of San Rafael & Marin County OA MJHMP Planning Meetings
No. Date Attendees Meeting Planning Meeting Objectives
• Hazard Mitigation and
Emergency Management
Overview
• Planning Process
• Hazard Identification and Risk
Assessment
• Planning Goals and Objectives
• Hazard Mitigation Projects
• Community Input
8 04/29/23
General
Public,
Steering
Committee,
Planning
Team
Public Outreach
Town Hall
Meeting #2
(In-person and
virtual on Zoom)
Saturday, 10:00
am to 11:30 am
Marin County
Health and
Wellness Center
• Meeting translated live in
Spanish with 29 language
subtitle capability for virtual
participants.
• Meeting also interpreted in
American Sign Language
• Meeting recorded and posted on
Hazard Mitigation website.
• Hazard Mitigation and
Emergency Management
Overview
• Planning Process
• Hazard Identification and Risk
Assessment
• Planning Goals and Objectives
• Hazard Mitigation Projects
• Community Input
9 05/31/23 Steering
Committee
Steering
Committee
Hazard Ranking
Meeting
• HMGP (DR-4683) Funding
Timeline
• Public Outreach Status
• Jurisdictional Hazard
Vulnerability Maps
• OEM Overview of Hazard Maps
and Marin Maps
• Marin Co. MJHMP Risk
Assessment Tool Overview
• 2018 Hazard Mitigation Project
Status Update
• Hazard Working Groups
10 06/27/23
Steering
Committee,
Planning
Team
Planning Team
Meeting
• HMGP (DR-4683) & BRIC Grant
Funding Timeline
• Public Outreach Status
• Jurisdictional Hazard Risk
Assessment Tool
• OEM Overview of Hazard Maps
and Marin Maps
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-16
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Table 3: City of San Rafael & Marin County OA MJHMP Planning Meetings
No. Date Attendees Meeting Planning Meeting Objectives
• Marin County OA Hazards over
the Last 5-Years
• 2018 Hazard Mitigation Project
Status Update
• 2023 Hazard Mitigation
Projects/Capital Improvement
Projects
• Hazard Working Groups
11 07/01/23-
09/01/23
Steering
Committee
Members
Steering
Committee
Members Plan
Development
Sessions
• Individual phone or conference
calls with planning jurisdictions
and districts to answer specific
questions and assist them in
developing their profile annex.
12 11/27/23
Steering
Committee,
Planning
Team
Planning Team
Meeting
• Presentation and review of the
Draft Marin County OA MJHMP
and Jurisdictional/District
Annexes
13 11/28/23
General
Public
Public Outreach
Presentation on
Marin County
Office of
Emergency
Management
Website
• Presentation and review of the
Draft Marin County OA MJHMP
and Jurisdictional/District
Annexes.
• Opportunity for public comment
and questions and answers.
Table 277: City of San Rafael & Marin County OA MJHMP Planning Meetings
1.2.4 PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
Early discussions with the Marin County OEM established the initial plan for public engagement
to ensure a meaningful and inclusive public process with a focus on equity and accessible to the
whole community. The Public Outreach efforts mirrored the Planning Team approach with a
unified effort, led by the County OEM, involving all participating jurisdictions and districts. Public
outreach for this plan update began at the beginning of the plan development process with a
detailed press release informing the community of the purpose of the hazard mitigation planning
process for the Marin County OA planning area and to invite the public to participate in the
process.
Public involvement activities for this plan update were conducted by the County and all
participating jurisdictions and districts and included press releases; website postings; a
community survey; stakeholder and public meetings; and the collection of public and
stakeholder comments on the draft plan which was posted on the County website. Information
provided to the public included an overview of the mitigation status and successes resulting
from implementation of the 2018 plan as well as information on the processes, new risk
assessment data, and proposed mitigation strategies for the plan update.
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-17
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Equity and Whole Community Approach
The Marin County OEM and the Steering Committee prioritized equity and engagement of the
whole community in the development of the Marin County OA MJHMP by establishing a
framework with key actions for each step of the planning process. Elements of the equity
approach included:
Engaging hard-to-reach populations
This effort was to ensure the greatest equity and access to the public to enable participation in
the process. The Marin County OEM outreach strategy is to “meet people where they are.” The
Town Hall meetings were conducted at different familiar locations within the county where
people could easily access them and were conducted on both a weekday and weekend, and in
the evening and during the daytime. The meetings were offered in-person with a virtual
broadcast using Zoom videoconferencing and streamed live on Marin County OEM Facebook
account. After the meeting, Marin County OEM uploaded the recorded meeting to their website
to allow the public on demand access to the meeting.
Translation and Interpretation Services
The survey and outreach materials were provided in both English and Spanish to improve
accessibility among populations with limited English proficiency. The website uses Google
Translate for accessibility in multiple languages. Interpretation services were offered for both
town hall meetings. Each town hall meeting included live Spanish translation and subtitles, Live
American Sign Language (ASL/CDI) interpretation, the ability for the Zoom videoconferencing
attendee to activate subtitles in 29 different languages, and vision accessible PowerPoint slide.
Three stakeholder and public meetings were held, two at the beginning of the plan development
process and one prior to finalizing the updated plan. Where appropriate, stakeholder and public
comments and recommendations were incorporated into the final plan, including the sections
that address mitigation goals and strategies. Specifically, public comments were obtained
during the plan development process and prior to plan finalization.
All press releases and website postings are on file with the Marin County OEM. Public
meetings were advertised in a variety of ways to maximize outreach efforts to both targeted
groups and to the public at large. Advertisement mechanisms for these meetings and for
involvement in the overall MJHMP development process include:
• Development and publishing of an MJHMP public outreach article
• Providing press releases to local newspapers and radio stations
• Posting meeting announcements on the local County MJHMP website
• Email to established email lists
• Personal phone calls
The public outreach activities were conducted with participation from and on behalf of all
jurisdictions participating in this plan.
The Steering Committee has made the commitment to periodically bring this plan before the
public through public meetings and community posting so that citizens may make input as
strategies and implementation actions change. Public meetings will continue to be held twice a
year after the first and third MJHMP meetings. Public meetings will continue to be stand-alone
meetings but may also follow a council meeting or other official government meeting. The
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-18
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
public will continue to be invited to public meetings via social media messaging, newspaper
invitations, and through the website for each jurisdiction participating in the plan. Each
jurisdiction is responsible for assuring that their citizenry is informed when deemed appropriate
by the Steering Committee.
WEBSITE
At the beginning of the plan update process, Marin County OEM established a hazard mitigation
website https://emergency.marincounty.org/pages/lhmp on behalf of all the planning areas to
ensure consistent messaging and information, to keep the public posted on plan development
milestones, and to solicit relevant input. The website also provided information on signing up for
Alert Marin, provided detailed information about the hazard mitigation process and plan
development, provided a URL and QR code link to the survey in both English and Spanish, and
provided information about upcoming town hall meetings. (See Figure 1)
The site’s address was publicized in all press releases, surveys and public town hall
meetings. Each planning partner also established a link on their own agency website.
Information on the plan development process, the Steering Committee, a link to the Hazard
Mitigation survey, and drafts of the plan were made available to the public on the site for the
public review period. The County of Marin intends to keep a website active after the plan’s
completion to keep the public informed about successful mitigation projects and future plan
updates.
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-19
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Figure 552: Marin County OEM MJHMP Website and San Rafael Public Outreach
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
___ J MAR:'1N Emer gency: Portal Get Al erted St ay I nf o r med Wea the r Pr epare COV I D -19 Mo re -'!# C)
Marin County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation
Update
■ The va r ious communities and service providers within
Marin County are working together to update our Marin
County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mit igation Plan. As
part of this update process, we ar e asking for
community Insig ht and In put.
NATURAL HAZARDS
Loca\lon
[.>.tent
1.,.\a&nlludc/Strength)
Pn!\'IOUS Occvrrcnces
FutureProbabll,ty
hltpi:.//ffMf9ffoCY.1NOncounty.rxg/r-Jft/alefu
City of San Rafael Offi1ce of Em:e rgenc.y Se.rvioes IISI
EOC San Rafael • Edited Just now
RISK
COMMUNITY ASSETS
Bu,11 Et,\.'ltOOITlt!flt
Nal.Ufa l Enwonment
Econom,
Ev e ry f ew y ears our commun· y u pdates th e Local H azar d M i tJi g ati o n Pla n (l!...HMP). T h i s
y ear . o ur p lan h as b een d e v e l oped alo n g side oth e r County jurisdi ct i o ns. T h e pl a n
p r esents proj ects focused o n r e duc iing t h e i m pacts o f n atu ra l h azards lilke, sea !le v e l
rise \'tlii lldfi1re s. fl oods and m o r e . Community i s invited t o provide feedback.
U se the int e racti,v e m a p o n Em ergency.M a rinGounty.org/pages/mi tJigati o n to see
the pote ntial im pact o f n a tural h a zards in o ur area.
Lo o l< through t h e prop osed p r o j e cts li,sted.
D o th ese projects reflect community n eeds? L et u s llmow by fil lling o ut the s urvey.
All tlh:e pla n s, a n int e ractive m a p , an d m o r e i s availa bl'e at
https://e m erg ency.ma rincounty.org/pages/mitigatio n
Cada cie rto t i e mpo se a ctJu a'liza e Plan Local de M i t igaci6n de Ri esgos (LHMP). El plan
presenta proyectos c.en trados e n red uai r el i mpacto d e p e ligr os natural es com o ell
aum e nto de'I n ivel d e l m,a r, las i ncen d i os f o r ,estales, l as inundacion es y m as. S e l e pide
a l a comuni dad que d e s u o p ini6n.
U tilice ,e'I m apa inte ractiv o e n Ernergency.Marin County.org/pages/mi t igati on
p a ra ver e'I impacto pot e m:iial d e l a s pelli gros natur al es e n su are a .
Re vise Pa l i sta d e p r o y ectos propue stos.
i Reflej a n e.stos p r o y ectos las n ecesidades de s u v ecindario? Daje n os sab er
lle n ando I a e n c u est a .
Se l e p i d e a l a comuni dad q u e cfe su opinion
Em e rge n cy.Mari n County.o rg/pa ges/m it i gation
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-20
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
PUBLIC MEETINGS
Two separate Marin County OA MJHMP Public Town Hall Meeting were conducted at
different locations within the County, on different days of the week and during different times
of the day. This effort was to ensure the greatest equity and access by the public to enable
participation in the process. The Marin County OEM outreach strategy is to “meet people
where they are.” Each Town Hall Meeting included, live Spanish translation and subtitles,
Live American Sign Language (ASL/CDI) interpretation, the ability for the Zoom
videoconferencing attendee to activate subtitles in to 28 different languages, and vision
accessible PowerPoint slide.
The first Town Hall Meeting was conducted on Thursday, April 13, 2023, from 6:00 pm to
7:30 pm, at the Marin County Board of Supervisors Chambers, Marin County Civic Center,
3501 Civic Center Drive, Room #330 San Rafael, CA 94903. The in-person meeting was
also broadcast virtually using Zoom videoconferencing and streamed live on Marin County
OEM Facebook account. Each of the jurisdictions participating in the MJHMP released a
Press Release on their respective websites announcing the Public Town Hall Meeting and
providing the date, time, and URL link to the Zoom Meeting for the public to log in and attend
the Zoom Meeting. Marin County OEM also posted a notice for the Public Town Hall Meeting
on their Facebook account. At the conclusion of the presentation, a question and answer
session was held to answer questions from the attendees.
The second Town Hall Meeting was conducted on Saturday, April 29, 2023, from 10:00 am
to 11:30 am, at the Marin County Health and Wellness Center, 3240 Kerner Ave. Rooms
#109 and #110 San Rafael, CA. 94903. The meeting followed the same format as the first
and hosted the same access level of equity and accessibility.
The Marin County OA MJHMP Public Town Hall Meeting was recorded and downloaded
from Zoom and made available to all of the jurisdictions and districts to place on their
websites and local Access TV for the public to view.
Meeting participants were also invited to complete the Hazard Mitigation Survey and were
provide the URL link to the Survey Monkey website to complete the survey.
Figure 553: Marin County OEM MJHMP Public Town Hall Meeting
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-21
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
SOCIAL MEDIA
The Marin County OA utilized several forms of social media to reach residents and
customers. Information about the Hazard Mitigation Planning process was communicated to
the public via Facebook, Twitter, and local access TV. Residents and customers were invited
to complete the Hazard Mitigation Plan survey which was accessible via an attached URL or
QR Code and provide feedback on potential hazard mitigation projects or programs.
The results of the survey were provided to each of the planning partners and used to support
the jurisdictional annex process. Each planning partner was able to use the survey results to
help identify actions as follows:
• Gauge the public’s perception of risk and identify what citizens are concerned about.
• Identify the best ways to communicate with the public.
• Determine the level of public support for different mitigation strategies.
• Understand the public’s willingness to invest in hazard mitigation.
PRESS RELEASES
Press releases were distributed over the course of the plan’s development as key milestones
were achieved and prior to each Marin County OA MJHMP Public Town Hall Meeting. All
press releases were made available to the community in both English and Spanish.
Figure 554: Hazard Mitigation Plan Public Outreach Press Release
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
___ _j MARIN
Marin County MutU.Jurisdictionlll Haza,-d
Mitigation Pian Public Outreach Suf'l'ey
Dear Marin County Comroonity Member,
The various oorrmunltles 'Wilhln Marin County are WOlklng logdller 10 update
Mar1n eounrys Mutti,.Jm$dlctlonal Hazard Mitlg.WOO Plan. As pal'I Of this
ocwtvm,mlty plannlng r:>fQCe$S,, we iire ~king tor c:onvnunlty lnp.rt to ensure that tne
p,opo,eo n>tlilotlon """°"' and vul"""b<Hl/eo ore~ v.ttn tile community's
exbllng peroeptjons and ex~tlons.
What Is Hazard Mitlgallon? Hazard MtigaUon ts lhe ertort to re<b:e the loss of life
ono damage to poperty 3nd tile env1<onmen1 by ie.senrng tile Impact or natUflll
hal.ards on 1M ct.1nvmmlty. By undttsl.andlng what natural hazards ~ lace In
Mar1n COunry. and bow U'IOSe halard$ may impact oor communltle$. either by
Injuring people, ~ or ...UQj!ng p,openy, c,, lmpac,lng tile en,!-:
we ,er~ this document 10 seek w.1)'$ co proted people , p,opetty. and the
enYlronment trQm the: Im~ of these ~
A3 prefects or programs to reduce or mitigate the mpaa of lhese natural hazards
on the cornnullty, To be ellglble for l.Oeal Hazard MitlgatJon Project funding we
mUSI 11rs1 ~ how ~ natural halards impact us and tntn e;i;plore how we
can prottd agalns.t them. we lee/ It IS 1~1'11 to engage 1M whale c:ommunily
lntnt!;tfb'l
You ate aSl<ed to answer a few Simple quesclons abotJt yoo, leYet Of concem for
natural hazards In )O.lt com~ and any preparedness actions you have taken
or may be la~ to p,epare aor a na1ur.u disas~.
The Coonty wtll ~ address new ljlCl(I emerging threats-wil!hln thl$ dO(JJrrlenl suct,
as Climate Change and poet air qualify: hOwever, lhe pnrnary natural haZatdS being
as:5e$sed are!
OamFalue
Oec,ls Flow, Erosion, t.ondS!loe,
~-Fire Oebrls Flow
°'°'-9>'
Eanhquake
F"""'">g
Land Subsidence (Slnkll<>e)
Leitee !="•e
Se-.aLt\'elRiSe
Severe 1Neathet-Extfeme Heat
severe Weatnef -Wlncl , Halt.
Ughtnjng
WIidfire
Tsooaml
VlSU ,,,. 1,1.aaa County H,yrg MfrjgatJoa WtW!t'
bUm-;llmwfl!eocv marincoumv orr/eamc'JhMQ
• ~~~1 ~',
!""'.\NOtntM,IJIIN
~\lfAlllDISfllCT
~
r.~~
We have provided a Wl!bslle address (URL) for you to enter i n ,. ... Take !he Su"'l"(I [!Ill~.--,
1
. -, '[!I·•'..
a searct1 bar or a QR oooe klryou to seantoac:oess anonllneSI.We)',
http!l;Jfwww.SU'feymonke)' oorr{rlMamaultyt\Jljt.,1P
Atttnd, Town Hall MHtlpqt
You are il'Mled 10 attend one Of two fflfftlngs being held I~
__ _j MARIN
Marin County Muttl.Jurisdlctlonal Hazard
Mitigation Plan Pubtic Outreach SUNey
Wllh a vldecxonference and a Facebook live feed klr you to partidpa1e
remotely. we Viii ~ an oveMeW Qt the Hazard Mldgalbn
Planning p,ocess ano e,q,laln 110w ycu can help.
You may aa:eos tile meeting remotely by ak:l<lng tile loom link belOw:
I . Thu ..... y, April 13, i,rn, 6:00 pm t o 7:30 pm
Mar1n County Boltd or Suptrvtsors Chamber$
Marin Comly Civic. Center
3501 CMc center Drive, Room #330
San Rar..ei , CA 94903 ~--!!!,!:!9!!!!!
Meeting I[): 888 2383 1897 Pos,oooe: Ot 5749
2. Saturday, Aprlr 29 , 2023, 10:00am to 11:30 am
Mar1n county Htalth Ind WtllntH Ctnle,
3240 Kerner A.ve . Rooms #109 and 111110
S... Ra fael, CA. 94903
BSJ:!OM<fnl!!;
~usrew.t>.zoom u"11818243§()04()?JM<l=MWNkOOIYCOIISGIMll<D60GRM
!l!'!!l!!lQ!l!!
Mee ng 10: 8 18 24J6 0040 Passcode: 432999
Tnank ycu fc,, raioog tile tfme to-• ttob lmpo,tant """"Y· Eodl comroonlly
membef"s fttdbaek IS crttieal II) lhe Cota'lty's ~b't. to devdOp a ~based
plilfl lO effe<:<lvety p,ole<:I tile oomir<Jnllles ol Marln.
Sh:erel)',
Steven Torrence
Director Of emergency Management
Offlce o f E-ncy •---ment
,~~~ = .. 0 8CPUO
~-::,,,,
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-22
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
SURVEY
A hazard mitigation plan survey (see Figure 4) was developed by the Steering Committee
and made available to the public in both English and Spanish. The survey was used to
gauge household preparedness for natural hazards and the level of knowledge of tools and
techniques that assist in reducing risk and loss from natural hazards. This survey was
designed to help identify areas vulnerable to one or more natural hazards. The answers to
its ten questions helped guide the Steering Committee in defining our hazards, and selecting
goals, objectives, and mitigation strategies. The survey was available on the hazard
mitigation plan website, advertised in press releases, and at town hall meetings. Finally, the
survey and the process of public input was advertised throughout the course of the planning
process. The survey was available to the public on March 13, 2023, and closed on June 12,
2023. At the conclusion of the planning process 293 surveys were completed by the public.
Public Comments Considered by the Planning Team
The Planning Team used the following information gathered from the Public Outreach
Survey to inform decisions regarding hazard mitigation strategies, actions, and priorities.
• Climate Change, Wildfire, and Drought were the top hazards of concern for the public.
• Text messages, mail, and the County website were the preferred methods for receiving
hazard mitigation information.
• 48% of respondents expressed that they were “Very Much” concerned and 31% were
“Moderately” concerned that a natural disaster could impact their home or place of
residence.
• 85% of respondents own their own home.
• 99% of respondents have access to the internet.
Public Outreach Survey
h�ps://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MarincountyMJHMP
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
-
Marin County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Survey I
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-23
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Figure 555: Hazard Mitigation Plan Survey
PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE PLAN
To solicit public feedback on the draft plan, Marin OEM engaged in a multi-faceted approach
intended to reach as many Marin residents as possible, including members of the community
who are under-served and under-represented. All members of the community had the
opportunity to provide initial comments on the plan during a two-week period from
Wednesday, December 4, 2023, to Wednesday, December 18, 2023. Although the initial
comment period was listed as two weeks, the public could submit comments indefinitely via
the County’s website to support the County’s continuous improvement efforts. The base plan,
as well as city, town and special district annexes, were available for download on
emergency.marincounty.org (include photos). The website additionally asked for feedback in a
survey in English and Spanish (include photos), the survey was designed to establish where
that person lives or works, their top hazards of concern, elicit feedback on the plan and offer a
place for them to share projects to reduce risk in their community. The survey collected
responses from the community in English and in Spanish.
The website and survey were shared through traditional and social media (photos) The Marin
Independent Journal (Marin IJ) used the press release to write an article (hopefully; include
photos). Social media accounts were updated four times with an initial ask, two reminders,
and a closing announcement. The Marin OEM Public Information Officer coordinated with the
Marin County Public Information Officers (MAPIO) working group to distribute information
to partner jurisdictions (city, town, and special districts) to share this information on their social
media sites and with the communities in the area.
To reach those who may not be engaged digitally, the planning team worked with Marin
County Community Response Teams, (CRTs are a collaboration of non-profit organizations
supporting underrepresented communities in four zones) to conduct outreach with half-sheet
flyers in English and Spanish to share in the 4 CRT zones (southern Marin, north Marin, west
Marin, San Rafael). These half sheets were also shared county-wide at libraries, including in
areas not covered by CRTs, like at the Fairfax library. CRTs are designed to reach Marin’s
l ~'?UN. TY OF ~
~ARIN ~
-Public Outreach Survey
Encuesta del Plan Local de Mitigaci6n de Riesgos Multi-
Jurfsdtcclonal del Condado de Marin en Espaftol
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MarinCountyMJHMPEspanol
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-24
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
traditionally underserved and underrepresented communities, so by conducting outreach
through this method, we were able to inform residents who may not have been engaged
otherwise, including residents in Marin City, West Marin, and the Canal District of San
Rafael.
After December 18, 2023, the various participating jurisdiction and district profiles remained
on the Marin County OEM website for public comments. The City of San Rafael had an
additional 14-day comment period for the City of San Rafael Community Profile where their
profile was posted on the City website for final public comment from January 29 – February
12, 2024.
The 14-day public comment period gave the public an opportunity to comment on the draft
plan update prior to the plan’s submittal to Cal OES. Comments received on the draft plan are
available upon request. All comments were reviewed by the planning team and incorporated
into the draft plan as appropriate.
Public Comments Considered by the Planning Team
The Marin County OEM posted the draft Hazard Mitigation Plan and hazard mitigation actions
on their website and solicited public comments on the content. The City of San Rafael
distributed press releases directing the community to the Marin County OEM website to review
the draft plans. The Planning Team gathered public comments and information on the Marin
County OEM website regarding proposed and current Hazard Mitigation Actions. The Planning
Team used the comments and suggestions to inform decisions rega rding hazard mitigation
strategies, actions, and priorities. Most comments included ideas for hazard mitigation projects
and comments on the effectiveness of current mitigation projects. These comments were used
to revise the proposed hazard mitigation actions which resulted in the final list of hazard
mitigation actions listed in 3.5 Hazard Mitigation Actions
1.3 OVERVIEW AND HISTORY
The area that is now the City of San Rafael was once the site of several Coast Miwok villages,
including the village of Nanaguani along San Rafael Creek, inhabited by the Aguasto tribe. In
1817, Mission San Rafael Arcangel was founded as the 20th of 21 Spanish missions in the
Spanish colonial province of Alta California. Originally planned as an asistencia (hospital) for
Native Americans who became ill at Mission Dolores in present day San Francisco, Mission San
Rafael Arcangel gained full mission status in 1822. Following the secularization of Spanish
missions in 1833, the mission was placed under the control of administrators. In 1837, Timothy
Murphy was appointed as administrator, and by 1844, was granted three contiguous parcels
that shaped the future boundaries of San Rafael as Murphy’s land was eventually devised and
portioned into smaller tracts.
San Rafael incorporated as a city in 1874. San Rafael grew gradually after California statehood
in 1850 and was named county seat in 1851. Following the completion of the Transcontinental
Railroad in 1869, the construction of the County Courthouse in 1872, and incorporation in 1874,
San Rafael entered a period of accelerated growth. Over the ensuing decades leading into the
turn of the twentieth century, the nascent town built out as freight, passenger, and streetcar
extensions were completed4.
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-25
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
The opening of the Golden Gate Bridge in 1937, and the increasing popularity of the
automobile, increased connectivity between Marin County and San Francisco, effectively ending
the rail transit era as the Great Depression neared its end and World War II dawned.
Following the war, housing starts increased, and the Terra Linda and Marinwood neighborhoods
were developed on former ranch lands in 1953 and 1955, respectively. In the years immediately
after the war, Fourth Street emerged as the main shopping area for Marin County. San Rafael’s
downtown continued to prosper, as department stores, restaurants, the County Courthouse, and
City Hall combined with churches, nearby residences, and emerging postwar industries to
define the modern city.
Over the mid-twentieth century, San Rafael’s downtown continues to be centered on its Fourth
Street commercial corridors, which displays a great variety of period architecture, embodied in
its stores, shops, and restaurants. In 2017, Downtown San Rafael was designated as a
California Cultural District.
The City of San Rafael is the county seat of Marin County located on the traditional lands of the
Coast Miwok people. The City has a total area of 22.422 square miles.
City of San Rafael Land Acknowledgment
A Land Acknowledgment is a formal statement that recognizes the history and legacy of
colonialism that impacted Indigenous Peoples, their traditional territories, and practices. It is a
simple, powerful way of showing respect and a step toward correcting past practices and
honoring truth.
This land acknowledgement is provided by the Federated Indians of the Graton Rancheria.
Outside of the acknowledgement, the partnership and work continues with the tribe to take
actions that are most important to them.
We acknowledge that the present day City of San Rafael is traditionally home to the Coast
Miwok people many of whom today are tribal citizens of the Federated Indians of Graton
Rancheria. We thank the original care takers of this land and honor their continuing involvement
in stewardship practices that benefit us all.
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
20
2
3
M
a
r
i
n
C
o
u
n
t
y
O
p
e
r
a
t
i
o
n
a
l
A
r
e
a
Mu
l
t
i
-Ju
r
i
s
d
i
c
t
i
o
n
a
l
H
a
z
a
r
d
M
i
t
i
g
a
t
i
o
n
P
l
a
n
12
-26
CIT
Y
OF
SAN
RAF
A
E
L
COM
M
U
N
I
T
Y
PRO
F
I
L
E
Fi
g
u
r
e
55
6
:
M
a
p
o
f
C
i
t
y
o
f
S
a
n
R
a
f
a
e
l
i
n
M
a
r
i
n
C
o
u
n
t
y
So
u
r
c
e
:
M
a
r
i
n
C
o
u
n
t
y
O
E
M
J.t·t,1s.h,,_'tf-
lnverne'5s
Po int Reyes
Na~iom~l
Sens.ho re
;----,
/ ..... ,,
' ' I ', /' \.,
,, " ..,...-.........
I
l
Poi n~ Reyes
Ste 110n
O l e me
\
11/2 512023 , 9:25 :17 Alvl
\
\
\,
',._
·,---,
', -\
\ ', ,, ,_
~
N ica s io
Marin
L:3gunif :3s
Gary Giacomini
Open Space
Woodv ill e
Boti nas L sgoon
Open Space
Pr eserve
--..... ~,
----------~----'---',, ___
-,_ ,_
L _ _J Coun1y Bcundory Leg"I Marin Cites I Towns (shading) -C ITY OF NOVATO
Mann Mas-k -C ITY Oi' BEl V E DE R E C ITY OF SAN RAFAEL
r~:~; Menn Citie s I Yown s (cuUine ) -C ITY Of LAR KSP U R C IYY Oi' SAUSALI TO
i. ~
~
.:.
·,,
~..,+I)
-.,
" .... -\
-r.,_\ \
; \
•• I ' ('--..
N ova l o -.., .• J;,.l~!:,_~>F.p1nY --_ . ~-
,_.,...:
•-_; ............. ________ __
------------:-··"\ JI ..,_,...r
\_
'Lucos V3Jle;
;+,,\,r"""'
:.,, .....
1,.1·•--i 'c '·· ---~~
"·-·•-·•, .......
;;i ~ v .eneti a ·,
San "ablo Say
\i'/i ldli."e Area
/
... ,,.--~ i , .. _..••-•~w••
"""' "'• .. "
/
/
/
~~i i¼ _...,• 5.irri,~afa.,l i•~¼:.-·
.::::..;::.... • -c!i:a ,~ R;, f A P. I i .... ♦.J -~---··-
...
,-
.... 1 Cor~ M~deril .l
<1 --~ ·cl. -~' '1
.,,, • ·-·-· ~ ... ,: ' ,_ r,t rMill tVillll!Y.,•·f :rT-..._,,~, 1,
·,._.'"··~ • •' '\.,, •\~,. l
Mt Tema lpe,s ·-.....,. i ( ~~iron! \
S1a~e Park ~■...+J ,_ ..At. ~.,..(" ~
~-) '
l'ib u·o1 \,
. \ \ / "\
... ~~~'t,"~•~ ♦.,· \ _ _J
", .. .J. \..,,,...-..-
~ -_...,., .. ...---
Golden Ga:e
Nations
~ecreation Area
/
I
~,
,,
---.. ... ..__.., __ ..
/
I
/
/
/
/
/
Soora"lte
S a11 Pablo
Ricl1moncl
P in:
fl"\ 0 2 1:28J ,868 _ ~ ,'.-+---.-'---.'--r.1._.-'---r--'----'--~8 nll -TOWN OF FA IRFAX
O'WNOF RO SS
OlNN OF SAN S ELt.tO
0 3 6 12 km
Co-Jn:-1 or Mam , Cailtcmra S-.ate =-aoo, E.::"1, HE~. Ganr ,, Sa'e•~a,,h,
METlmAS..". tlSGS BL.re.JU :n LYld )l..an.a~emen! E~. ~PS , USDA
C ITY Oi' MILL VALL EY TO\O,'N Or CORTE MADER A -TOWN OF TI B UR ON
~ )> ~
;;c --< --< z~
•
20
2
3
M
a
r
i
n
C
o
u
n
t
y
O
p
e
r
a
t
i
o
n
a
l
A
r
e
a
Mu
l
t
i
-Ju
r
i
s
d
i
c
t
i
o
n
a
l
H
a
z
a
r
d
M
i
t
i
g
a
t
i
o
n
P
l
a
n
12
-27
CIT
Y
OF
SAN
RAF
A
E
L
COM
M
U
N
I
T
Y
PRO
F
I
L
E
Fi
g
u
r
e
55
7
:
M
a
p
o
f
t
h
e
C
i
t
y
o
f
S
a
n
R
a
f
a
e
l
So
u
r
c
e
:
M
a
r
i
n
C
o
u
n
t
y
O
E
M
.,
.. :' ··-··-••-...•;t ............. .,,..~••-...•;
·, .. \, ·,
.... , .. ,
··,.
.\~.. ·"·· r -.,. '\.
'l , .... / .:-.. \
.... J ... ""·. • .......
I -, •
... ,~.._.... \ \
L ema A'ita
.... , .. ,· :
.... _..................... '---~
•• , I
~· -~ r·--.. ■ ....... ■ i •~ .. I
.\ •-:
f .... ,··-■!
I .. ,
··,
..,::··;
) ,· Ch 1na Camp ,..-~ •. -.\ ...
··,.. .t·•-"-y•-.. -·•~ .. -: \ •.
\ ,::,,• l r \
~---· '\ ~-~ ' ,....... : :-... "'" . ... ... ~---
··, ..
q·, ...
State P arJ .. ·• ......... \.
._•""'•• ...... .iT•··:;..................... ,~•""• '•· ........... ·•"-_ i .,...\,.. ~
' ', ,.., , .... ' ..... / .... ' ... ~ 1 1.,... .,.,. • .... • •
..... ~ • '· ')l. i ·,..,l '"~•.
'· ·, .... ..,.t"'
• 'i
-. ~lftm \ 1-,• .. '{..,;..,~, : .. ,. "· ·.... \., ·,.. : :, ! ).. • ;,
Cascade i I \ .,I ; • -·· , ~ , .... ' +. ... 1 ..... -t .......
Canyon \ / .'·'1 "·
···,._ ...... ,,...... I ~ ;/~ ... ... ...... , \ ;/ ... ,
·-.. -= .... ,. .. -.. ~-··-··_,J. r _ .. ~ ; .. ·• ',:,. ', S;in An,,e rr-o 1 .,. i • I San Rafael
.tT t~.,~~--:
,:;_ I
,·· ',:j
• I
·~ ....... . ;
4.~.,..-.··
.'
;"'-..,_.':1-t-:, ..... ,t•--·
... ' : .......... • ...... /
~\. .,.:.lf;f
·"'·t.. .. ;~
h a"", Is ands
. .. _.. .. ) ~ , ... ,_.
; r...,..J
)-..... r· ... • .... , ·-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-I ,•, : i .:• '\. I ! --~ ........ ..,....,,........... +"\, ·-.. -: ..
,• ·,o~. "-
'• ,~w.iR --.. " .......... ..,,
~ I • ,...... ...,~ ..... ,• ·, .. -... l' ,.. •·• ., ·". ·--........... _,E-■,i...... ~' / ♦, ,., ;' ;_,.;, { I
..... \.,.,\. I '-
-::_.'I
•.,._I '·..>-··•.
(-.. _ ;,~ ..
·-♦ •.•... ) -G,' •-·.,.
~"~:
,,. .. ·--.....
...
\
\,/,.~~ .........
.,.
i" ....... __ :;;-.,.... ......... ___ ~~
. ,-, i .f ...
/
\
\
/
/
<
\
\ < \
I
/
/
/
·;
\
\
,-·•,: 1\-·;:::::!""~:· ·-• San Oueffnrr r,-f' :. ·,. r • 1 F •• i !./ '• ....
\ • ~ •• ~-. -.. -.. -.. -.. -.. -·\
~_,_-_....___ \ , .. .,. ....... -~ ............ ~ .,. .... ~ • ..._, ___ ·-··t
I :
/
'
,/
/
/
1/4/20 24, 12 :15 :14 PM
[""_:-.::] County Boundary Legal
Marin Mas
M,mn Cities I Towns (sh,nling)
-C l O F LA R KSPUR
D INN OF FA IRFA X
OW N OF R OS S
ffi 1:8 7,87 9 \e,J o 0 .5 1 2m i
0 0.75 1.5 3 k m
/
/
/
[~~i Marin Ci~es I Towns (outline) CITY OF SAN RA FA EL -TOWN OF SAN A N SE LMO
Cti.Jn:.,. or \◄a"1n. ca;·omla St:;..:: Parll:S, Es.;, Tnm'Tom. Garmin, SdeG:".aph.
Ge:::Ted"lr,:il:::9ie5,, n:::, METli~AS.i\ l/SGS, Suire.au or Land W-.iU'la~e!l"'em
OW N OF CORT E MAD ERA
~ )> ~
;;:,c --< --< z ~
•
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-28
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
1.4 GOVERNMENT
The City of San Rafael is governed by a five-person City Council, four councilmembers are
elected by their districts and the mayor is elected at large. The city council elects a vice mayor
each year from its membership. The Mayor is the executive head of the City; and appoints a
City Manager, the administrative head of the City. The city consists of 20 departments: the City
Attorney, City Clerk, City Council, City Manager’s Office, Community Development (including
homelessness and housing), Digital Service & Open Government, Economic Development,
Finance, Fire Department, Human Resources, Library & Recreation, Parking Services, Police
Department (including the Specialized Assistance for Everyone (SAFE)) , Public Works,),, the
Sanitation District, and Sustainability and Volunteer Program.
The City Council assumes responsibility for the adoption of this plan; and the City Manager will
oversee its implementation.
The San Rafael Fire Department delivers exceptional public service from six neighborhood fire
stations and provides Chief services to the Marinwood Fire Department. On December 5, 1874,
the San Rafael Fire Department was organized as a volunteer company for the purpose of
providing fire protection for the newly incorporated City of San Rafael. Today, the San Rafael
Fire Department is an organization with over 90 professionals trained in specialties including
emergency medical care, firefighting, hazardous materials and emergency preparedness.
The San Rafael Police Department is a full time police department. In 1935 San Rafael Police
Officers started wearing its own badges that said San Rafael Police. Prior to that year, they
wore sheriff’s badges. There are approximately 63 sworn police officers that work for the
department.
1.5 WEATHER AND CLIMATE
The City of San Rafael lies 12 feet above sea level. In San Rafael, the summers are long,
comfortable, arid, and mostly clear and the winters are short, cold, wet, and partly cloudy. Over
the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 43.1°F to 73.7°F and is rarely below
49°F or above 63°F. The difference in precipitation between the driest month and the wettest
month is 5 inches. The annual rainfall is 8 inches. The month of highest relative humidity is
February (79%). The month with the lowest relative humidity is June (66%). The month which
sees the most rainfall is January. The driest month of the year is July.
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-29
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Figure 558: The City of San Rafael Precipitation and Monthly Temperatures
Source: En.Climate-Data.org
1.6 DEMOGRAPHICS
The California Department of Finance shows an overall estimated decrease in the population of
the Marin County OA and the City of San Rafael since the last plan update in 2018. Of the total
estimated 257,135 residents of the Marin County OA in 2022 based on the 2020 U.S. Census
Survey, 190,148 residents live in the incorporated county and 66,987 residents live in the
unincorporated county.
The City of San Rafael had an estimated population of 59,851 in the 2018 plan. 2020 U.S.
Census Survey estimated the City’s population at 61,271. However, revised estimates for 2022
estimate the population to decrease to 60,560 population.
Table 4: City of San Rafael Estimated Jurisdictional Population
Jurisdiction Population 2022
(Estimate)
Population 2020 Population 2018
(Estimate)
Percent Change
2018-2022
Marin County OA 257,135 262,321 262,179 -1.92%
City of San Rafael 60,560 61,271 59,851 1.17%
Table 278: City of San Rafael Estimated Jurisdictional Population
Source: California Department of Finance
According to the U.S. Census, the population of The City of San Rafael is 61,271 as of 2020.
Table 5 shows the population growth comparison of the State of California, County of Marin and
the City of San Rafael between 2010 – 2020.
Table 5: Population Change of The City of San Rafael
Jurisdiction Total Population Change, 2010-2020
April 1, 2010 April 1, 2020 Number Percent
California 37,253,956 39,538,223 2,284,267 6.1%
Marin County OA 252,409 262,321 9,912 3.9%
City of San Rafael 59,851 61,271 1,420 1.17%
Table 279: Population Change of The City of San Rafael
Source: City of San Rafael Housing Element, US Census Bureau, California Department of Finance
January February March April May June July August September October November December
Avg.
Temperature
°C (°F)
9.3 °C (48.7) °F 10 °C (50) °F 11.2 °C (52.2) °F
12.2 °C (54) °F
14.2 °C (57.5) °F
16.3 °C (61.3) °F
16.6 °C (61.8) °F
16.9 °C (62.4) °F 17 °C (62.6) °F 15.4 °C (59.7) °F 12.1 °C (53.8) °F 9.5 °C (49.1) °F
Min.
Temperature
°C (°F)
6.1 °C (43.1) °F 6.8 °C (44.3) °F 7.8 °C (46.1) °F 8.6 °C (47.6) °F 10.3 °C (50.5) °F
11.8 °C (53.3) °F
12.4 °C (54.4) °F
13 °C (55.3) °F 12.8 °C (55) °F 11.6 °C (52.8) °F 8.8 °C (47.9) °F 6.6 °C (43.9) °F
Max.
Temperature
°C (°F)
13.6 °C (56.5) °F 14.4 °C (57.9) °F 15.8 °C (60.5) °F
17.2 °C (62.9) °F
19.4 °C (67) °F
22.2 °C (72) °F
22.5 °C (72.6) °F
22.8 °C (73) °F 23.2 °C (73.7) °F 21 °C (69.8) °F 16.7 °C (62.1) °F 13.5 °C (56.2) °F
Precipitation
/ Rainfall mm
(in)
118 (4) 124 (4) 88 (3) 41 (1) 22 (0) 5 (0) 1 (0) 2 (0) 2 (0) 25 (0) 58 (2) 114 (4)
Humidity(%) 78% 79% 77% 70% 69% 66% 72% 73% 70% 69% 75% 77%
Rainy days
(d)
8 7 6 4 3 1 0 0 0 2 5 7
avg. Sun
hours
(hours)
5.7 6.4 7.8 9.4 10.0 10.6 9.3 8.5 8.7 7.8 6.7 5.6
l ~'?UN. TY OF ~---~
~ARIN ~
I I I
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-30
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Table 6 lists the various languages spoken in the City of San Rafael.
Table 6: Languages Spoken in San Rafael
Primary Language Spoken % of Population
English only 64.7%
Spanish 25.0%
Other Indo-European languages 5.2%
Asian and Pacific Islander languages 3.7%
Other languages 1.3%
Table 280: Languages Spoken in San Rafael
Source: US Census Bureau (2020)
Figure 559: Races in San Rafael
Source: City-Data.com
l ~'?UN. TY OF ~
~ARIN ~
-----------
Races in San Rafa e l, CA (2021)
Wh ite (54.8%)
Asi an (6.7%)
Bl a c k (1.7%)
Na ti ve Hawaiian (0.6 %)
Hispanic (31 .9%)
2+ races (3.5%)
Other (1 .3%)
American I nd ian (0.2%)
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-31
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Table 7: Marin County OA Jurisdictional Housing Stock
2022 and 2018
Year Total Units Single Family Multi-Family Mobile
Homes Detached Attached 2 to 4 5 plus
California
2022 Number 14,583,998 8,341,577 1,010,851 1,168,669 3,500,674 562,223
Percent 100.0% 57.2% 6.9% 8.0% 24.0% 3.9%
2018 Number 14,157,502 8,160,864 985,926 1,129,761 3,318,946 562,005
Percent 100.0% 57.6% 7.0% 8.0% 23.4% 4.0%
Marin County OA
2022 Number 111,879 68,004 11,314 8,524 22,013 1,984
Percent 100.0% 60.8% 10.1% 7.6% 19.7% 1.8%
2018 Number 112,294 68,697 11,318 8,307 21,986 1,986
Percent 100.0% 61.2% 10.1% 7.4% 19.6% 1.8%
City of San Rafael
2022 Number 21,337 12,465 3,395 1,362 3,572 543
Percent 100.00% 58.42% 27.24% 40.12% 262.26% 15.20%
2018 Number 21,448 12,581 3,427 1,335 3,557 548
Percent 100.00% 58.66% 27.24% 38.96% 266.44% 15.41%
Table 281: Marin County OA Jurisdictional Housing Stock
Source: California Department of Finance
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
20
2
3
M
a
r
i
n
C
o
u
n
t
y
O
p
e
r
a
t
i
o
n
a
l
A
r
e
a
Mu
l
t
i
-Ju
r
i
s
d
i
c
t
i
o
n
a
l
H
a
z
a
r
d
M
i
t
i
g
a
t
i
o
n
P
l
a
n
12
-32
CIT
Y
OF
SAN
RAF
A
E
L
COM
M
U
N
I
T
Y
PRO
F
I
L
E
Fi
g
u
r
e
56
0
:
C
i
t
y
o
f
S
a
n
R
a
f
a
e
l
L
a
n
d
U
s
e
M
a
p
So
u
r
c
e
:
C
i
t
y
o
f
S
a
n
R
a
f
a
e
l
G
e
n
e
r
a
l
P
l
a
n
2
0
4
0
(
A
u
g
.
2
0
2
1
)
I
\
\
\
\
'.
~:: ! Planning Area
D citylimil
\
-Sea Level Rise Overlay Area
0.1
Sa~AtSelr
M,1ei;
'Cf)
-----------------------------------
I
2040 General Plan Land Use Designations
Hillside Resource Residential
Hillside Residential
Very Low Densi ty Residential
Low Density Residential
Medium Density Residential
High Density Residential
_ Downtown Mixed Use
-Community Commercial Mixed Use
-Neighborhood Commercial Mixed Use
-Office Mixed Use
-Public/Quasi-Public
-Marine Related Mixed Use
-General Industrial
-Light Industrial/Office
-Mineral Resources
-Parks, Recreation, and Open Space
-Conservation
-Airport/Recreation
Water
,~------------------i
I
I
'"'
I
I
I
I
~ )> ~
;;:,c -< --< z~
•
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-33
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
1.7 SOCIAL VULNERABILITY AND RISK
The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) has initiated the “Prepare
California” grant program focused on building community resilience amongst vulnerable
individuals living in the areas of the state most susceptible to natural disasters. The Prepare
California Initiative is aimed at reducing long-term risks from natural disasters by investing in
local capacity building and mitigation projects designed to protect communities.
Prepare California leverages funds approved in Governor Gavin Newsom’s 2021-22 State
Budget and is designed to unlock federal matching funds for community mitigation projects that
vulnerable communities would otherwise be unable to access. This program is intended for
communities that are the most socially vulnerable and at the highest risk for future natural
hazard events. The state identified communities by prioritizing California census tracts
according to their estimated hazard exposures and social vulnerability.
The National Risk Index is a dataset and online tool to help illustrate the United States
communities most at risk for 18 natural hazards: Avalanche, Coastal Flooding, Cold Wave,
Drought, Earthquake, Hail, Heat Wave, Hurricane, Ice Storm, Landslide, Lightning, Riverine
Flooding, Strong Wind, Tornado, Tsunami, Volcanic Activity, Wildfire, and Winter Weather.
For purposes of this plan the following National Risk Index (NRI) hazards are profiled in support
of eight of the twelve Marin County OA MJHMP Hazards. NRI data was not available for Dam
Failure, Land Subsidence, Levee Failure, or Sea Level Rise.
Table 8: NRI Hazards and Marin County OA MJHMP Hazards
NRI Hazards Marin County OA MJHMP Hazards
Earthquake Earthquake
Riverine Flooding Flooding
Coastal Flooding Flooding
Wildfire Wildfire
Landslide Debris Flow
Drought Drought
Heat Wave Severe Weather -Extreme Heat
Tsunami Tsunami
Strong Wind Severe Weather – Wind, Hail, Lightning
Table 282: NRI Hazards and Marin County OA MJHMP Hazards
Source: FEMA National Risk Index 2023
The National Risk Index leverages available source data for Expected Annual Loss due to these
18 hazard types, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience to develop a baseline relative
risk measurement for each United States county and Census tract. These measurements are
calculated using average past conditions, but they cannot be used to predict future outcomes for
a community. The National Risk Index is intended to fill gaps in available data and analyses to
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-34
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
better inform federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial decision makers as they develop risk
reduction strategies.
Calculating the Risk Index
Risk Index scores are calculated using an equation that combines scores for Expected Annual
Loss due to natural hazards, Social Vulnerability and Community Resilience:
Risk Index = Expected Annual Loss × Social Vulnerability ÷ Community Resilience
Hazard Type Risk Index
Hazard type Risk Index scores are calculated using data for only a single hazard type, and
reflect a community's Expected Annual Loss value, community risk factors, and the adjustment
factor used to calculate the risk value.
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-35
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
The following Tables 9 - 22 illustrate the NRI Hazard Type Risk Index for the San Rafael Census
Tracts.
Table 9: NRI Hazard Type Risk Index for San Rafael Census Tract 1060.01
Hazard Type EAL Value Social
Vulnerability
Community
Resilience CRF Risk Value Score
Earthquake $2,896,142 Very High Very High 1.4 $4,040,816 98.9
Riverine Flooding $558,070 Very High Very High 1.4 $778,642 97.8
Coastal Flooding $208,258 Very High Very High 1.4 $290,569 98.2
Drought $146,022 Very High Very High 1.4 $203,736 98.7
Wildfire $23,077 Very High Very High 1.4 $32,198 89.3
Heat Wave $7,811 Very High Very High 1.4 $10,898 53.1
Tornado $4,247 Very High Very High 1.4 $5,925 14.3
Landslide $4,006 Very High Very High 1.4 $5,589 91.1
Strong Wind $268 Very High Very High 1.4 $373 11.9
Tsunami $23 Very High Very High 1.4 $33 91
Table 283: NRI Hazard Type Risk Index for San Rafael Census Tract 1060.01
Source: FEMA National Risk Index 2023
The following Figures 10 - 23 illustrate the Social Vulnerability Map for the San Rafael Census
Tracts.
Figure 561: City of San Rafael Social Vulnerability Map Census Tract 1060.01
Source: FEMA National Risk Index 2023
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
ucas Va lley
Soc ia l Vuln er ab il ity Lege nd
San Pablo Ba
Wildlife Are;
Scor e 81.48
National Percentile
81 .48
Percent ile Within California
71 .40
0
81% of U.S. Census tracts have a lower Social
Vulnerab ility
100
71% of Cens us tracts in Cal ifornia have a lower
Soc ial Vulnerabi lity
■ Very High ■ Re lative ly High ■ Re latively Moderate ■ Relatively Low Very Low
■ Data Unavailabl e
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-36
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Table 10: NRI Hazard Type Risk Index for San Rafael Census Tract 1081.00
Hazard Type EAL Value Social
Vulnerability
Community
Resilience CRF Risk Value Score
Earthquake $1,252,334 Relatively Low Very High 1.03 $1,287,401 93.1
Wildfire $31,464 Relatively Low Very High 1.03 $32,345 89.3
Heat Wave $10,456 Relatively Low Very High 1.03 $10,749 52.8
Tornado $4,772 Relatively Low Very High 1.03 $4,906 11.6
Landslide $3,550 Relatively Low Very High 1.03 $3,650 85.7
Strong Wind $336 Relatively Low Very High 1.03 $345 11.2
Riverine Flooding $308 Relatively Low Very High 1.03 $317 29.3
Coastal Flooding $0 Relatively Low Very High 1.03 $0 0
Drought $0 Relatively Low Very High 1.03 $0 0
Tsunami $0 Relatively Low Very High 1.03 $0 0
Table 284: NRI Hazard Type Risk Index for San Rafael Census Tract 1081.00
Source: FEMA National Risk Index 2023
Figure 562: City of San Rafael Social Vulnerability Map Census Tract 1081.00
Source: FEMA National Risk Index 2023
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
lta
Soc ial Vu ln erab ility Legend
00:'rillID
Terra
Linda /Sleepy
Hollow Divide
~
■ Very Hig h ■ Relative ly High ■ Re latively Moderate ■ Relative ly Low
■ Data Unavailable
Score 39.45
National Percentile
39 .45
Percent ile Within California -0
39% of U.S. Census t rac t s have a lower Socia l
Vulnerability
100
29% of Census t racts in California have a lower
Social Vu lne rability
Very Low
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-37
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Table 11: NRI Hazard Type Risk Index for San Rafael Census Tract 1082.01
Hazard Type EAL Value Social
Vulnerability
Community
Resilience CRF Risk Value Score
Earthquake $546,877 Very High Very High 1.57 $859,791 90.1
Heat Wave $3,994 Very High Very High 1.57 $6,279 43.5
Tornado $1,577 Very High Very High 1.57 $2,480 5.7
Landslide $599 Very High Very High 1.57 $941 63.7
Wildfire $158 Very High Very High 1.57 $248 45.8
Strong Wind $123 Very High Very High 1.57 $194 7.2
Coastal Flooding $0 Very High Very High 1.57 $0 0
Drought $0 Very High Very High 1.57 $0 0
Riverine Flooding $0 Very High Very High 1.57 $0 0
Tsunami $0 Very High Very High 1.57 $0 0
Table 285: NRI Hazard Type Risk Index for San Rafael Census Tract 1082.01
Source: FEMA National Risk Index 2023
Figure 563: City of San Rafael Social Vulnerability Map Census Tract 1082.01
Source: FEMA National Risk Index 2023
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
Sorich Ranch
Park
e
Social Vulnerability Lege nd
■ Very High ■ Relatively High ■ Re latively Moderate ■ Relatively Low
■ Data Unavailable
San Pe
Mount
Score 95.23
National Percentile
95.23
Percentile Within Ca lifornia
91.50
0
95% of U.S. Census tracts have a lower Socia l
Vulnerability
100
92% of Census tracts in California have a lower
Socia l Vulnerability
Very Low
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-38
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Table 12: NRI Hazard Type Risk Index for San Rafael Census Tract 1082.02
Hazard Type EAL Value Social
Vulnerability
Community
Resilience CRF Risk Value Score
Earthquake $1,683,172 Very High Very High 1.4 $2,358,985 97
Heat Wave $6,786 Very High Very High 1.4 $9,510 50.6
Tornado $4,156 Very High Very High 1.4 $5,825 14.1
Landslide $3,401 Very High Very High 1.4 $4,767 89.3
Strong Wind $240 Very High Very High 1.4 $336 11
Wildfire $116 Very High Very High 1.4 $162 40.9
Coastal Flooding $0 Very High Very High 1.4 $0 0
Drought $0 Very High Very High 1.4 $0 0
Riverine Flooding $0 Very High Very High 1.4 $0 0
Tsunami $0 Very High Very High 1.4 $0 0
Table 286: NRI Hazard Type Risk Index for San Rafael Census Tract 1082.02
Source: FEMA National Risk Index 2023
Figure 564: City of San Rafael Social Vulnerability Map Census Tract 1082.02
Source: FEMA National Risk Index 2023
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
~
e
Hollow D ivid e
iXllilOOil)
iIDffiliE
San Pedro
Mountain
Score
National Percentile
82.00
Percentile Within Ca lifornia
71.90
0
82% of U.S. Census tracts have a lower Social
H~~ Vu lnerability
82
100
72% of Census tracts in California have a lower
Social Vulne rabi lity
~ W!lOOID
Socia l Vulnerability Legend
Dominican
University of
California
■ Very High ■ Relatively Hi gh ■ Relative ly Moderate ■ Re lative ly Low
■ Data Unavailable
Very Low
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-39
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Table 13: NRI Hazard Type Risk Index for San Rafael Census Tract 1090.01
Hazard Type EAL Value Social Vulnerability Community
Resilience CRF Risk Value Score
Earthquake $858,614 Relatively Moderate Very High 1.08 $926,933 90.7
Heat Wave $6,980 Relatively Moderate Very High 1.08 $7,535 46.6
Tornado $3,117 Relatively Moderate Very High 1.08 $3,365 7.7
Landslide $2,980 Relatively Moderate Very High 1.08 $3,217 83.9
Wildfire $1,757 Relatively Moderate Very High 1.08 $1,897 73.6
Strong Wind $223 Relatively Moderate Very High 1.08 $240 8.5
Coastal Flooding $0 Relatively Moderate Very High 1.08 $0 0
Drought $0 Relatively Moderate Very High 1.08 $0 0
Riverine Flooding $0 Relatively Moderate Very High 1.08 $0 0
Tsunami $0 Relatively Moderate Very High 1.08 $0 0
Table 287: NRI Hazard Type Risk Index for San Rafael Census Tract 1090.01
Source: FEMA National Risk Index 2023
Figure 565: City of San Rafael Social Vulnerability Map Census Tract 1090.01
Source: FEMA National Risk Index 2023
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
elmo Greenfield A\fe
'il'il'ill@
Socia l Vulnerability Legend
San Ratael
Dominican
University of
California
ffiIDiiffi)
■ Very High ■ Relatively High ■ Relatively Moderate ■ Re lative ly Low
■ Data Unavailab le
Score 46.52
Hwy• Nationa l Percenti le
Memo
46.52
Percen t ile Within California -0
47% of U.S. Census tracts have a lower Social
Vu ln erability
100
s,,.,,,., 35% of Census tracts in California have a lower
Social Vulnerabi lity
Very Low
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-40
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Table 14: NRI Hazard Type Risk Index for San Rafael Census Tract 1090.02
Hazard Type EAL Value Social
Vulnerability
Community
Resilience CRF Risk Value Score
Earthquake $878,039 Very Low Very High 0.77 $676,077 88.5
Landslide $17,439 Very Low Very High 0.77 $13,428 97.2
Heat Wave $6,528 Very Low Very High 0.77 $5,026 39.9
Wildfire $5,930 Very Low Very High 0.77 $4,566 80.1
Tornado $3,032 Very Low Very High 0.77 $2,335 5.4
Strong Wind $211 Very Low Very High 0.77 $162 6.4
Coastal Flooding $0 Very Low Very High 0.77 $0 0
Drought $0 Very Low Very High 0.77 $0 0
Riverine Flooding $0 Very Low Very High 0.77 $0 0
Tsunami $0 Very Low Very High 0.77 $0 0
Table 288: NRI Hazard Type Risk Index for San Rafael Census Tract 1090.02
Source: FEMA National Risk Index 2023
Figure 566: City of San Rafael Social Vulnerability Map Census Tract 1092.02
Source: FEMA National Risk Index 2023
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
S~selmo San Rafael
r - -~
Social Vulnerability Legend
San
Mo
Dominica
University
Californi
Score
Na tiona l Percentile
10.24
Percentile Within California I 5 .80
10.24
0 100
10% of U.S. Census tracts have a lower Social
Vulnerability
6% of Census tracts in California have a lower
Social Vulnerability
■ Very High ■ Relatively High ■ Relatively Moderate ■ Relatively Low Very Low
■ Data Unavailable
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-41
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Table 15: NRI Hazard Type Risk Index for San Rafael Census Tract 1101.00
Hazard Type EAL Value Social Vulnerability Community
Resilience CRF Risk Value Score
Earthquake $1,897,762 Relatively Moderate Very High 1.11 $2,105,437 96.4
Riverine Flooding $507,837 Relatively Moderate Very High 1.11 $563,410 96.9
Landslide $91,056 Relatively Moderate Very High 1.11 $101,020 99.6
Coastal Flooding $34,693 Relatively Moderate Very High 1.11 $38,490 93.9
Heat Wave $9,626 Relatively Moderate Very High 1.11 $10,680 52.7
Tornado $5,822 Relatively Moderate Very High 1.11 $6,459 15.6
Wildfire $3,134 Relatively Moderate Very High 1.11 $3,477 78.6
Tsunami $1,310 Relatively Moderate Very High 1.11 $1,453 96.9
Strong Wind $338 Relatively Moderate Very High 1.11 $375 11.9
Drought $0 Relatively Moderate Very High 1.11 $0 0
Table 289: NRI Hazard Type Risk Index for San Rafael Census Tract 1101.00
Source: FEMA National Risk Index 2023
Figure 567: City of San Rafael Social Vulnerability Map Census Tract 1101.00
Source: FEMA National Risk Index 2023
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
W3iliID
San Rafael
wm@
Socia l Vul nerab il ity Legend
~
Harry A Barbie r
Memorial Pad
iliIDOOID
China Camp
State Park
WiNill)
Marin Islands
National
Wildlife Refuge
■ Very High ■ Re lative ly High ■ Relatively Moderate ■ Re latively Low
■ Data Unavailable
Sco r e 50.38
National Percentile
50.38
Percentile Within Ca lifornia -0
50% of U.S. Census t racts have a lower Soc ial
Vu l nerability
100
39% of Census t racts in California have a lower
Social Vu ln erabi l ity
Very Low
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-42
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Table 16: NRI Hazard Type Risk Index for San Rafael Census Tract 1102.00
Hazard Type EAL Value Social Vulnerability Community
Resilience CRF Risk Value Score
Earthquake $1,454,196 Very Low Very High 0.65 $939,097 90.8
Riverine Flooding $689,063 Very Low Very High 0.65 $444,986 96
Coastal Flooding $99,874 Very Low Very High 0.65 $64,497 95.3
Heat Wave $8,402 Very Low Very High 0.65 $5,426 41.1
Tornado $5,938 Very Low Very High 0.65 $3,835 9
Landslide $4,229 Very Low Very High 0.65 $2,731 81.3
Wildfire $1,521 Very Low Very High 0.65 $982 64.8
Tsunami $754 Very Low Very High 0.65 $487 95
Drought $672 Very Low Very High 0.65 $434 80.9
Strong Wind $313 Very Low Very High 0.65 $202 7.5
Table 290: NRI Hazard Type Risk Index for San Rafael Census Tract 1102.00
Source: FEMA National Risk Index 2023
Figure 568: City of San Rafael Social Vulnerability Map Census Tract 1102.00
Source: FEMA National Risk Index 2023
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
fael
iI!l'.fil@
Harry A Barbie r
Memorial Parl
W!ll'.ili)
China Camp
State Park
Social Vulnerability Legend
Marin Islands
National
Wildlife Refuge
■ Very High ■ Relative ly High ■ Relatively Moderate ■ Relatively Low
■ Data Unavailable
Score 2.9
Nationa l Percenti le
2.97
Percenti le Within California I 1.10
0
3% of U.S. Census tracts have a lower Social
Vulnerability
1% of Census tracts in California have a lower
Socia l Vulnerability
Very Low
10
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-43
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Table 17: NRI Hazard Type Risk Index for San Rafael Census Tract 1110.01
Hazard Type EAL Value Social Vulnerability Community
Resilience CRF Risk Value Score
Earthquake $1,961,205 Relatively Moderate Very High 1.07 $2,094,386 96.4
Riverine Flooding $493,279 Relatively Moderate Very High 1.07 $526,776 96.6
Landslide $1,896 Relatively Moderate Very High 1.07 $2,024 76.3
Heat Wave $1,889 Relatively Moderate Very High 1.07 $2,017 28
Tornado $1,886 Relatively Moderate Very High 1.07 $2,014 4.8
Coastal Flooding $1,016 Relatively Moderate Very High 1.07 $1,085 81.3
Drought $782 Relatively Moderate Very High 1.07 $835 83.2
Strong Wind $82 Relatively Moderate Very High 1.07 $87 4.2
Tsunami $0 Relatively Moderate Very High 1.07 $0 0
Wildfire $0 Relatively Moderate Very High 1.07 $0 0
Table 291: NRI Hazard Type Risk Index for San Rafael Census Tract 1110.01
Source: FEMA National Risk Index 2023
Figure 569: City of San Rafael Social Vulnerability Map Census Tract 1110.01
Source: FEMA National Risk Index 2023
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
San Rafael
afael -
t Street
'est
Jm
4th St
2nd t
Social Vulnerability Legend
5 th 'A ve
San Rafael
Fourth Street
'&~cial
■ Very Hi gh ■ Relatively High ■ Relative ly Moderate ■ Re lative ly Low
■ Data Unavailab le
Score 45.01
Nat iona l Percenti le
45.01
Percenti le With in California -0
Hi 45% of U.S. Census tracts have a lower Socia l
Vuln erab ility
100
34% of Census tracts in Ca li fornia have a lower
Social Vuln erability
Very Low
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-44
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Table 18: NRI Hazard Type Risk Index for San Rafael Census Tract 1110.02
Hazard Type EAL Value Social Vulnerability Community
Resilience CRF Risk Value Score
Earthquake $2,186,537 Relatively Low Very High 0.97 $2,113,288 96.5
Riverine Flooding $157,397 Relatively Low Very High 0.97 $152,125 89.1
Heat Wave $7,761 Relatively Low Very High 0.97 $7,501 46.5
Tornado $3,666 Relatively Low Very High 0.97 $3,543 8.2
Landslide $3,248 Relatively Low Very High 0.97 $3,140 83.5
Wildfire $493 Relatively Low Very High 0.97 $476 54.3
Strong Wind $252 Relatively Low Very High 0.97 $243 8.6
Coastal Flooding $0 Relatively Low Very High 0.97 $0 0
Drought $0 Relatively Low Very High 0.97 $0 0
Tsunami $0 Relatively Low Very High 0.97 $0 0
Table 292: NRI Hazard Type Risk Index for San Rafael Census Tract 1110.02
Source: FEMA National Risk Index 2023
Figure 570: City of San Rafael Social Vulnerability Map Census Tract 1110.02
Source: FEMA National Risk Index 2023
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
SJl..o,...Ac,selmo Greenfield A ve
't.l"lJlA!J.!J
WilillXD
~cial Vu lnerab ility Legend
I
■ Very High ■ Relatively High
■ Data Unavai lable
iI!ill)[)
San Rafael
~
1,
Poplar Dr
Dominican
University of
California
II
Score 30.85
Nati o nal Perc ent il e
30.85
Perce nt il e Within Ca lifornia
HMM
0
31% of U.S. Census tracts have a lower Social
Vu l nerability
100
22% of Census tracts in Ca l ifornia have a lower
Socia l Vu lnerability
■ Relatively Moderate ■ Relative ly Low O Very Low
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-45
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Table 19: NRI Hazard Type Risk Index for San Rafael Census Tract 1121.00
Hazard Type EAL Value Social Vulnerability Community
Resilience CRF Risk Value Score
Earthquake $2,953,072 Relatively High Very High 1.22 $3,592,625 98.6
Riverine Flooding $1,579,204 Relatively High Very High 1.22 $1,921,215 99.2
Coastal Flooding $335,107 Relatively High Very High 1.22 $407,682 98.6
Heat Wave $7,205 Relatively High Very High 1.22 $8,765 49.2
Tornado $4,348 Relatively High Very High 1.22 $5,290 12.7
Landslide $1,412 Relatively High Very High 1.22 $1,717 73.5
Wildfire $544 Relatively High Very High 1.22 $662 59
Strong Wind $253 Relatively High Very High 1.22 $308 10.3
Tsunami $0 Relatively High Very High 1.22 $1 88.3
Drought $0 Relatively High Very High 1.22 $0 0
Table 293: NRI Hazard Type Risk Index for San Rafael Census Tract 1121.00
Source: FEMA National Risk Index 2023
Figure 571: City of San Rafael Social Vulnerability Map Census Tract 1121.00
Source: FEMA National Risk Index 2023
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
College of
Marin Kentfield
-Campus •
Marin
Community
College
ffim:©O
wmilE
e
San Rafael
Socia l Vulnerability Legend
II
■ Very High ■ Relatively High ■ Relatively Moderate ■ Relatively Low
■ Data Unavailable
Score 63.22
Nationa l Percentile
63.22
Percentile Within California
50.10
0
63% of U.S. Census tracts have a lower Social
Vulnerability
100
50% of Census tracts in California have a lower
Social Vulnerabil ity
Very Low
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-46
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Table 20: NRI Hazard Type Risk Index for San Rafael Census Tract 1122.02
Hazard Type EAL Value Social Vulnerability Community
Resilience CRF Risk Value Score
Earthquake $4,623,267 Relatively High Very High 1.38 $6,371,177 99.6
Riverine Flooding $3,465,093 Relatively High Very High 1.38 $4,775,134 99.8
Coastal Flooding $673,143 Relatively High Very High 1.38 $927,637 99.3
Heat Wave $6,945 Relatively High Very High 1.38 $9,571 50.7
Drought $6,392 Relatively High Very High 1.38 $8,808 91.4
Tornado $5,012 Relatively High Very High 1.38 $6,907 16.7
Landslide $1,375 Relatively High Very High 1.38 $1,895 75.2
Tsunami $787 Relatively High Very High 1.38 $1,084 96.5
Wildfire $289 Relatively High Very High 1.38 $398 51.9
Strong Wind $261 Relatively High Very High 1.38 $360 11.6
Table 294: NRI Hazard Type Risk Index for San Rafael Census Tract 1122.02
Source: FEMA National Risk Index 2023
Figure 572: City of San Rafael Social Vulnerability Map Census Tract 1122.02
Source: FEMA National Risk Index 2023
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
~u uomrn1can-------~ -~.;,::::.:· --/
San Rafael
j{/ia!IOO
iJWilffi
,llege of
n Kentfield
ampus -
Marin
m~ur:1v. -
~o\ ~geOO
~
University of
California
Wildlife Refug e
~7 uentin
-1-~--
Soc ia l Vu lne rabi lity Legend
Score 79.89
Nationa l Percen t ile
79.89
Percentile Within Cal iforni a
69.30
0
80% of U.S. Census tracts have a lower Socia l
Vulnerability
100
69% of Census tracts in Californ ia have a lower
Soc ial Vulnerability
■ Very Hi gh ■ Re latively High ■ Relatively Moderate ■ Re latively Low Very Low
■ Data Unavailable
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-47
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Table 21: NRI Hazard Type Risk Index for San Rafael Census Tract 1122.03
Hazard Type EAL Value Social
Vulnerability
Community
Resilience CRF Risk Value Score
Riverine
Flooding $949,892 Very High Very High 1.41 $1,335,333 98.8
Earthquake $339,205 Very High Very High 1.41 $476,845 86.4
Coastal
Flooding $104,469 Very High Very High 1.41 $146,860 97.1
Heat Wave $4,658 Very High Very High 1.41 $6,548 44.2
Tornado $972 Very High Very High 1.41 $1,367 3.5
Strong Wind $126 Very High Very High 1.41 $177 6.8
Lightning $119 Very High Very High 1.41 $167 3.6
Hail $15 Very High Very High 1.41 $21 3.2
Landslide $3 Very High Very High 1.41 $4 39.8
Tsunami $2 Very High Very High 1.41 $3 89.2
Cold Wave $0 Very High Very High 1.41 $0 0
Drought $0 Very High Very High 1.41 $0 0
Wildfire $0 Very High Very High 1.41 $0 0
Winter
Weather $0 Very High Very High 1.41 $0 0
Table 295: NRI Hazard Type Risk Index for San Rafael Census Tract 1122.03
Source: FEMA National Risk Index 2023
Figure 573: City of San Rafael Social Vulnerability Map Census Tract 1122.03
Source: FEMA National Risk Index 2023
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
Lowrie Yac ht
H arbor -San
Rafael
fi
e
Social Vulnerability Legend
s e\l am 81 \f.q
Score 82.36
National Perc en tile
82.36
Percentile Within California
72.30
0
82% of U.S . Census tracts have a lower Social
Vu l nerability
100
72% of Census tracts in Cal iforn ia have a lower
Social Vu ln erability
■ Very High ■ Relatively High ■ Relatively Moderate ■ Relatively Low O Very Low
■ Data Unavailable
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-48
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Table 22: NRI Hazard Type Risk Index for San Rafael Census Tract 1122.04
Hazard Type EAL Value Social
Vulnerability
Community
Resilience CRF Risk Value Score
Riverine
Flooding $1,730,596 Very High Very High 1.59 $2,753,311 99.6
Earthquake $742,329 Very High Very High 1.59 $1,181,016 92.5
Coastal
Flooding $201,710 Very High Very High 1.59 $320,912 98.3
Heat Wave $7,879 Very High Very High 1.59 $12,536 55.9
Tornado $1,813 Very High Very High 1.59 $2,884 6.6
Tsunami $991 Very High Very High 1.59 $1,576 97.1
Landslide $925 Very High Very High 1.59 $1,472 71
Strong Wind $216 Very High Very High 1.59 $344 11.2
Lightning $203 Very High Very High 1.59 $324 6.6
Hail $25 Very High Very High 1.59 $40 7.5
Cold Wave $0 Very High Very High 1.59 $0 0
Drought $0 Very High Very High 1.59 $0 0
Wildfire $0 Very High Very High 1.59 $0 0
Table 296: NRI Hazard Type Risk Index for San Rafael Census Tract 1122.04
Source: FEMA National Risk Index 2023
Figure 574: City of San Rafael Social Vulnerability Map Census Tract 1122.04
Source: FEMA National Risk Index 2023
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
4th St
Montecito
Plaza Shopping
Center
101
San Rafael
High School -
San Rafael City
Social Vulnerability Legend
Marin Yacht
Club -San
Rafael
Pick leweed
Park
Pickleweed
library
■ Very High ■ Relatively High ■ Relatively Moderate ■ Relatively Low
■ Data Unavailable
Spinn
Lago
Score 96.49
Nationa l Percentile
96.49
Percentile Within Cali fornia
93.90
0
96% of U.S . Cen sus tracts have a lower Socia l
Vulnerabil ity
100
94% of Census tracts in California have a lower
Social Vulnerability
Very Low
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-49
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Social Vulnerability in San Rafael and the Marin County OA
Most socially vulnerable residents in the Marin County OA reside in parts of Novato, parts of
San Rafael, including in and around the Canal District, the Greenbrae neighborhood of
Larkspur, and the unincorporated areas of Marin City and Santa Venetia. This aligns with what
the County knows about Marin residents. However, discrepancy lies in the western, more rural
area of the county. West Marin is comprised of seven villages, and other populated areas, that
are distanced from the centralized resources in the eastern part of the county. At three local
elementary school in West Marin (2022-2023 school year), students eligible for free and
reduced lunch program are, 62%, 41%, and 52%, a reflection of the financial capacity of local
families. West Marin is home to many farms that may employ and house underrecognized
workers that may not have taken part in a census survey, what the SVI is calculated from. In the
fourth quarter of FY 2021/22 the bus routes traveling to West Marin (Rural Routes) were the
only service category to have increased in ridership since pre-COVID (increase 0.1%; Marin
Transit, 2022) showing the reliance of West Marin residents on public transportation; however,
this data continues to adjust based upon the increase in alternate methods of mass
transportation. Considering this, the County of Marin acknowledges that unique social factors in
West Marin require different approaches than other parts of the County.
Cold Weather Impact on Vulnerable Populations in San Rafael
In the last 50 years (1974), average temperatures in Marin County have rose by 6 degrees
Fahrenheit. The coldest recorded month was December of 1990 at 34.7 degrees (The
Californian.com). The term “extreme cold” is defined by the National Weather Service as
temperatures below freezing (32 degrees F), however, the impact of cold weather on individuals
may vary by location and other conditions the population typically experience, the types of
facilities they are in, and what efforts individuals are expected to take. There are several factors:
o Living or working outside of a building
o Having windows that do not provide cold weather protection
o Wind chill
o Rain severity and duration
Cold weather is relevant to the City of San Rafael and Marin County populations in the
vulnerability to populations who do not have adequate heating sources, those who are not
housed, and those who are institutionalized without adequate heating. Prolonged cold,
especially combined with rainfall, can cause hypothermia in vulnerable individuals and those
affected by cold weather conditions in being safe during episodes of cold weather.
Estimated Annual Loss Index, Social Vulnerability Index, and Community Resilience
Index in San Rafael
Looking to the community resilience index (CRI) results, the data is only calculated at the
county-level and compared across the nation. As a whole, the Marin County OA is considered to
have a “very high” ability to prepare for anticipated natural hazards, adapt to changing
conditions, and withstand and recover rapidly from disruptions when compared to the rest of the
U.S. Unfortunately, this metric does not give us the distinct experiences of the diverse
communities across Marin.
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-50
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
When the Estimated Annual Loss Index, Social Vulnerability Index, and Community Resilience
Index are aggregated as one, final results of the National Risk Index show the Marin County OA
as a whole to have “Relatively High” risk, this is due to the financial implications a disaster may
have on the county. When broken out by census tract, five tracts are in the highest category
(“Very High Risk”), this matches generally with the same tracts that are ranked in as higher
social vulnerability; parts of Novato, parts of San Rafael, including in and around the Canal
District, the Greenbrae neighborhood of Larkspur, and unincorporated areas of Santa Venetia.
However, Marin City is ranked as “Very Low” risk for the National Risk Index. Previous
discussion highlighted why the Expected Annual Loss was low, but further discussion is
required. As a County, we know Marin City should not be classified as “Very Low” on the NRI.
Marin City residents, for example, only have one way in and out of their community and this
road floods frequently, making it unsafe to cross and leave the community for work, school,
medical resources. Additionally, there is only one “grocery” store, a Target, in Marin City. Both of
these elements contribute to the vulnerability of residents as they may be unable to leave or
return home and have limited access to groceries, relying on a single store’s supply chain. At
the local elementary school in Marin City, 47% of students are eligible for free and reduced-price
meals (2022 – 2023 school year), a reflection of the financial capacity of local families. All this
means, we can expect the social and built capacity of Marin City to be limited.
The City of San Rafael has 14 census tracts and more than half of them rate Very High (5) or
Relatively High (2) for Social Vulnerability. The remaining 5 census tracts rate Relatively
Moderate (3), Relatively Low (2) and Very Low (2) in Social Vulnerability Index.
The median income for a household in the City was $113,839 and the per capita income for the
City was $60,891. Approximately 2.4 percent of families and 5.3 percent of the population were
below the poverty line (2022 data, U.S. Census Bureau).
1.8 ECONOMY AND TAX BASE
The City of San Rafael is one of the Marin County OA’s primary retail, service, and commercial
center. Table 23 shows income by household in The City of San Rafael as of 2019.
Table 23: Household Income for The City of San Rafael as of 2021
Household Income Number Percent
Total Households 23,816 -
Less than $10,000 714 3.0
$10,000 to $14,999 786 3.3
$15,000 to $24,999 1,167 4.9
$25,000 to $34,999 1,000 4.2
$35,000 to $49,999 2,001 8.4
$50,000 to $74,999 3,048 12.8
$75,000 to $99,999 2,620 11.0
$100,000 to $149,999 4,215 17.7
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-51
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Table 297: Household Income for The City of San Rafael as of 2019
Source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey 2021 Estimates
Table 24 shows the percentage of people in The City of San Rafael over the age of 16 employed
by industry.
Table 24: City of San Rafael Civilian Employed Population 16 years+ by Industry
Industry Estimated Employed Percent
Civilian employed population 16 years and over 31,411 -
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining 465 1.48%
Construction 2778 8.84%
Manufacturing 1320 4.20%
Wholesale trade 550 1.75%
Retail trade 3504 11.16%
Transportation and warehousing, and utilities 1313 4.18%
Information 1462 4.65%
Finance and insurance, and real estate and rental and leasing 2295 7.31%
Professional, scientific, and management, and administrative
and waste management services
5479 17.44%
Educational services, and health care and social assistance 6391 20.35%
Arts, entertainment, and recreation, and accommodation and
food services
2971 9.46%
Other services, except public administration 1759 5.60%
Public administration 1124 3.58%
Table 298 City of San Rafael Civilian Employed Population 16 years+ by Industry
Source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey 2021 Estimates
1.9 CRITICAL FACILITIES
The following list of facilities has been determined to be critical to the ability of the City of San
Rafael to fulfill the requirements of its mission during an emergency:
Table 16: City of San Rafael Critical Facilities
Category Name Address
Fire
Severity
Zone
Flood Zone
Critical Facilities
Fire Fire: Marinwood Fire Department
(MRW) / Headquarters & Station 58
777 Miller Creek Road
94903 High AE
Fire Fire: San Rafael Fire Department
(SNR) / Station 51 1039 C Street 94901 N/A X
$150,000 to $199,999 2,453 10.3
$200,000 or more 5,787 24.3
Median household income (dollars) $104,521
Mean household income (dollars) $155,715
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-52
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Table 16: City of San Rafael Critical Facilities
Category Name Address
Fire
Severity
Zone
Flood Zone
Fire Fire: San Rafael Fire Department
(SNR) / Station 52 210 Third Street 94901 N/A X
Fire Fire: San Rafael Fire Department
(SNR) / Station 54
46 Castro Avenue
94901 N/A AE
Fire Fire: San Rafael Fire Department
(SNR) / Station 55
955 Pt. San Pedro
Road 94901 N/A AE
Fire Fire: San Rafael Fire Department
(SNR) / Station 56
650 Del Ganado Road
94903 Moderate X
Fire Fire: San Rafael Fire Department
(SNR) / Station 57
3530 Civic Center Drive
94903 N/A X , AE
Fire Fire: Skywalker Ranch Fire Brigade
(SKY)
5858 Lucas Valley
Road 94912 Moderate X
Fire Fire: San Rafael Fire Department
(SNR) / Station 53
30 Joseph Court
94903
N/A
X
Law County Jail 13 Peter Behr Dr, San
Rafael, CA 94903 N/A X
Law County 911 Communications
Center / PSAP
1600 Los Gamos Drive,
Suite 200. San Rafael,
CA 94903
High X
Law Marin County Sheriffs Office
1600 Los Gamos Drive,
Suite 200. San Rafael,
CA 94903
High X
Law San Rafael Police Department 1400 Fifth Avenue,
San Rafael, CA 94901 Moderate X
EOC Marin County EOC
1600 Los Gamos Drive,
Suite 200. San Rafael,
CA 94903
High X
Local
Government Marin Civic Center 3501 Civic Center Dr,
San Rafael, CA 94903 N/A X
Local
Government
Marin County Corporate Yard
Building
2 Peter Behr Drive,
San Rafael, CA 94903 N/A X
Local
Government Marin County Fuel Island 2 - 6 Peter Behr Drive,
San Rafael, CA 94903 N/A X
Local
Government
Marin County Vehicle Repair
Shops/Building
2 - 6 Peter Behr Drive,
San Rafael, CA 94903 N/A X
Local
Government Boro Community Center 50 Canal Street, San
Rafael, CA 94901 N/A AE
Local
Government San Rafael Public Works Yard 111 Morphew St, San
Rafael, CA 94901 N/A X
Local
Government San Rafael Community Center 618 B Street, San
Rafael CA 94901 N/A AH, AE
Local
Government Terra Linda Community Center 670 Del Ganado Rd,
San Rafael CA 94903 Moderate X
Health /
Medical
Kaiser Permanente San Rafael
Medical Center
99 Montecillo Rd,
San Rafael, CA 94903 N/A X
Health /
Medical Adrian Way Home 306 Adrian Way
San Rafael, Ca 94903 N/A AE
Health /
Medical Aldersly (Snf Unit) 326 Mission Ave 94901 N/A X
Health /
Medical Casa Allegra - Devon Drive Home 363 Devon Dr 94903 High X
Health /
Medical
Kaiser Foundation Hospital - San
Rafael 99 Montecillo Rd 94903 N/A X
Health /
Medical Smith Ranch Generations (Snf) 1550 Silveira Pkwy
94903 Moderate X
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-53
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Table 16: City of San Rafael Critical Facilities
Category Name Address
Fire
Severity
Zone
Flood Zone
Health /
Medical Northgate Post Acute 40 Professional Center
Pkwy 94903 N/A X
Health /
Medical Nova House, Inc. 393 Nova Albion Way
94903 High X
Health /
Medical Aldersly (Snf Unit) 326 Mission Ave 94901 N/A X
Health /
Medical Pine Ridge Care Center 45 Professional Center
Pkwy 94903 N/A X
Health /
Medical Professional Post Acute Center 81 Professional Center
Pkwy 94903 N/A X
Health /
Medical Marin Post Acute 234 N San Pedro Rd
94903 Moderate X
Health /
Medical
San Rafael 5th Avenue Health &
Wellness 1601 5Th Ave 94901 N/A X
Health /
Medical Sunrise Ii 48 Golden Hinde Blvd
94903 High X
Health /
Medical Villa Marin (Rcfe Unit) 100 Thorndale Dr
94903 Moderate X
Health /
Medical Three Home Village 1, 2, 3 675 Rosal Way, San
Rafael, Ca 94903 N/A AE
Health /
Medical Almavia Of San Rafael 515 Northgate Drive,
San Rafael, Ca 94903 High X
Health /
Medical
Nazareth House Of San Rafael,
Inc.
245 Nova Albion Way,
San Rafael, Ca 94903 N/A X
Health /
Medical Drake Terrace
275 Los Ranchitos
Road, San Rafael, Ca
94903
High X
Health /
Medical Cogir Memory Care 111 Merrydale Rd, San
Rafael, Ca 94903 N/A X
Health /
Medical Greenwood Assisted Living 233 West End Ave, San
Rafael, Ca 94901 Moderate X
Health /
Medical St. Michael's Extended Care 416 4th Street, San
Rafael, Ca 94901 N/A AE, X
Health /
Medical Golden Home Extended Care, Inc. 1234 Las Gallinas Ave,
San Rafael, Ca 94903 High X
Health /
Medical All Saints Extended Care Inc 1373 Lincoln Ave., San
Rafael, Ca 94901 High X
Health /
Medical
D Street Residential Support
Services
527 D Street, San
Rafael, Ca 94901 N/A X
Health /
Medical Schon Hyme Rest Home 25 Villa Avenue, San
Rafael, Ca 94901 Moderate X
Health /
Medical A Loving Touch 45 Meriam Drive 94903 N/A X
Health /
Medical
Smith Ranch Homes (Independent
Living)
500 Deer Valley Road
94903 High X
Health /
Medical Luna's Home 1027 Las Pavadas Ave
94903 Moderate X
Health /
Medical Aldersly (Al) (Rcfe Unit) 326 Mission Ave 94901 N/A X
Health /
Medical
Smith Ranch Skilled Nursing And
Rehabilitation Center
1550 Silveira Parkway
94903 N/A X
Health /
Medical Villa Marin (Snf) 100 Thorndale Dr
94903 Moderate X
Health /
Medical Dominican Sisters Of San Rafael 1520 Grand Avenue
94901 N/A X
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-54
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Table 16: City of San Rafael Critical Facilities
Category Name Address
Fire
Severity
Zone
Flood Zone
Health /
Medical St. Vincent's School For Boys 1 St Vincent's Drive,
94903 High X, A, AE
Health /
Medical Lighthouse 714 C Street, San
Rafael 94901 N/A AH
Health /
Medical Casa Allegra - Adrian House 306 Adrian Way, San
Rafael N/A AE
Health /
Medical Long Life Living #1 36 Mt Foraker Drive,
San Rafael 94903 High X
Health /
Medical Dominican Convent - Lourdes Site 77 Locust Ave, San
Rafael, 94901 N/A X
Health /
Medical
Dominican Convent - Jane D'anza
Site
1540 Grand Ave, San
Rafael 94901 N/A X
Health /
Medical Helen Vine Detox Center 291 Smith Ranch Rd,
San Rafael 94903 Moderate X
Health /
Medical Lifehouse Sunrise Ii 48 Golden Hinde Blvd,
San Rafael 94903 High X
Health /
Medical Bayside Marin Treatment Center 718 4th Street, San
Rafael 94901 N/A X
Health /
Medical Caremax Peachstone Residence
440 Peachstone
Terrace, San Rafael
94903
High X
Health /
Medical Center Point - The Manor 603 D Street, San
Rafael 94901 N/A AE
Health /
Medical Casa Allegra - Happy House 291 Devon Dr, San
Rafael, Ca 94901 High X
Health /
Medical Bay Home Inc. 19 Heatherstone Court,
San Rafael 94903 High X
Health /
Medical Marin Services For Men 501 Whitewood Drive,
San Rafael, 94903 N/A X
Health /
Medical Castle SLE 1363 Lincoln Ave #4,
San Rafael, CA 94901 High X
Health /
Medical Villa Marin (Il) 100 Thorndale Dr
94903 Moderate X
Health /
Medical Parnow Friendship House
164 North San Pedro
Road, San Rafael
94903
Moderate X
Health /
Medical Lifehouse - Knoll Rd
18 Professional Center
Parkway, San Rafael
94903
N/A X
Health /
Medical Newport Academy 5 Maoli Dr, San Rafael,
Ca 94903 High X
Health /
Medical Helen Vine San Rafael House 235 Union Street. San
Rafael, Ca 94901 N/A X
Health /
Medical L'chaim House I 777 Montcillo Rd, San
Rafael 94903 High X
Health /
Medical Long Life Living #3 57 Vallejo Way, San
Rafael 94903 High X
Health /
Medical L'chaim House II
463 Albion Way, San
Rafael
94903
High X
Health /
Medical Lifehouse - Nova 93 Nova Albion Way,
San Rafael 94903 N/A X
Health /
Medical Tender Residential Home 257 Blackstone Dr, San
Rafael 94903 Very High X
Health /
Medical Aldersly (Il Unit) 326 Mission Ave 94901 N/A X
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-55
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Table 16: City of San Rafael Critical Facilities
Category Name Address
Fire
Severity
Zone
Flood Zone
Health /
Medical Buckelew Mariner Circle 6 Mariner Circle, San
Rafael N/A AE
Health /
Medical Buckelew - Avanti 7 Le Claire Ct, San
Rafael, Ca 94903 N/A X
Health /
Medical Casa Allegra - 980 Ignacio 35 Mitchell Blvd #8, San
Rafael, Ca 94903 N/A X
Health /
Medical Lifehouse - 1600 Vendola Drive 1600 Vendola Dr, San
Rafael, Ca 94903 N/A AE
Health /
Medical
Lifehouse (Supportive Living -
Various Sites)
18 Professional Center
Parkway, San Rafael,
Ca 94903
N/A X
Health /
Medical Casa Allegra - Reichert Ave 35 Mitchell Blvd. Suite 8
San Rafael, Ca 94903 N/A X
Health /
Medical Marin Health & Wellness Campus 3253 Kerner Blvd, San
Rafael, CA 94901 N/A AE
Health /
Medical
Kaiser Permanente Downtown San
Rafael Medical Offices
1033 3rd St, San Rafael,
CA 94901 N/A AH, X
Health /
Medical Marin Community Clinic 3110 Kerner Boulevard,
San Rafael, CA N/A AE
Health /
Medical
Kaiser Permanente San Rafael
Medical Offices
1650 Los Gamos Dr.,
San Rafael, CA 94903 High X
Health /
Medical MarinHealth Urgent Care 4000 Civic Center Dr,
San Rafael, CA 94903 N/A X
School Dominican University 50 Acacia Avenue
San Rafael, CA 94901 N/A X
School Bahia Vista Elementary 125 Bahia Vista, San
Rafael CA 94901 N/A AE
School Coleman Elementary 800 Belle Ave.
San Rafael, CA 94901 N/A X
School Glenwood Elementary 25 West Castlewood
San Rafael, CA 94901 Moderate X, AE
School Laurel Dell Elementary 225 Woodland Ave.
San Rafael, CA 94901 N/A X
School San Pedro Elementary 498 Point San Pedro
San Rafael, CA 94901 N/A X
School Sun Valley Elementary 75 Happy Lane
San Rafael, CA 94901 High X
School Vallecito School 50 Nova Albion Way,
San Rafael CA 94903 N/A X
School Venetia Valley TK-8 177 N. San Pedro Rd.
San Rafael, CA 94903 N/A X
School Davidson Middle 280 Woodland Ave.
San Rafael, CA 94901 N/A X, AE
School San Rafael High 150 Third Street
San Rafael, CA 94901 N/A X
School Terra Linda High 320 Nova Albion Way
San Rafael, CA 94903 Moderate X
School Madrone High 185 Mission Ave.
San Rafael, CA 94901 N/A AE, X
Airport/
Heliport San Rafael - Airport 400 Smith Ranch Rd,
San Rafael, CA 94903 N/A AE
High Potential Loss Facilities
None
Critical Infrastructure
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-56
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Table 16: City of San Rafael Critical Facilities
Category Name Address
Fire
Severity
Zone
Flood Zone
Water/Wastew
ater
Central Marin Sanitation &
Household Hazardous Waste
Facility
1301 Andersen Drive,
San Rafael, CA 94901 Moderate AE, X
Communications MERA Antenna Site - Dollar Hill Robert Dollar Dr., San
Rafael, CA High X
Communications MERA Antenna Site - EOF 1600 Los Gamos Dr
94903 High X
Communications MERA Antenna Site - Forbes Hill Hepburn Heights Rd,
San Rafael, CA Moderate X
Communications MERA Antenna Site - Marin County
Radio Shop N/A X
Communications MERA Antenna Site - San Pedro
Ridge Site
Mayhills Rd. San
Rafael, CA Moderate X
Power Utility PG&E Substation - Las Gallinas 125 N Redwood Dr.,
San Rafael, CA 94903 High X
Power Utility PG&E Substation - San Rafael 2nd St, San Rafael, CA
94901 N/A AH
Transportation Marin Transit 711 Grand Ave,
San Rafael, CA 94901 N/A AE
Transportation Golden Gate Transit: Transit
Center Customer Service Center
850 Tamalpais
San Rafael, CA 94901 N/A AH
Transportation
Golden Gate Transit: EOC,
Dispatch, Fuel, IT
1011 Andersen Dr.,
San Rafael, CA 94901 N/A AE
Transportation
San Rafael Transportation Center
(SMART Train & central bus
station)
3rd & Hetherton, San
Rafael, CA, 94901 N/A AH, X
Pump Station San Rafael Stormwater Pump
Station - Piombo
LAT: 37.96
LON: -122.49 N/A AE
Communications MERA Antenna Site - Mt Burdell 38.1449, -122.5941 Moderate X
Communications MERA Antenna Site – Big Rock
Ridge 38.0591, -122.6039 Moderate X
Pump Station San Rafael Stormwater Pump
Station – San Quentin
LAT: 37.96
LON: -122.49 N/A VE
Pump Station San Rafael Stormwater Pump
Station – Cayes
LAT: 37.96
LON: -122.49 N/A AE
Pump Station San Rafael Stormwater Pump
Station – Kerner
LAT: 37.97
LON: -122.50 N/A AE
Pump Station San Rafael Stormwater Pump
Station – 400 Canal
LAT: 37.97
LON: -122.51 N/A X
Pump Station San Rafael Stormwater Pump
Station – Rossi
LAT: 37.97
LON: -122.51 N/A X
Pump Station San Rafael Stormwater Pump
Station- Montecito
LAT: 37.97
LON: -122.52 N/A X
Pump Station San Rafael Stormwater Pump
Station – North Francisco
LAT: 37.97
LON: - 122.52 N/A AE
Pump Station San Rafael Stormwater Pump
Station – Corporate Center
LAT: 37.97
LON: -122.52 N/A nN?A
Pump Station San Rafael Stormwater Pump
Station – Lindaro
LAT: 37.97
Lon: - 122.53 N/A AH
Pump Station San Rafael Stormwater Pump
Station – Glenwood
LAT: 37.98
Lon: - 122.48 N/A X
Pump Station San Rafael Stormwater Pump
Station – Peacock
LAT: 37.98
Lon: - 122.47 N/A X, AE
Table 299: City of San Rafael Critical Facilities
Source: City of San Rafael
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-57
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
1.10 HISTORICAL PROPERTIES
The City of San Rafael has twelve registered historically significant homes, public buildings, or
landmarks. To inventory these resources, the HMPC collected information from a number of
sources:
• California Department of Parks and Recreation Office of Historic Preservation (OHP)
OHP is responsible for the administration of federally and state mandated historic
preservation programs to further the identification, evaluation, registration, and
protection of California’s irreplaceable archaeological and historical resources. OHP
administers the National Register of Historic Places, the California Register of Historical
Resources, California Historical Landmarks, and the California Points of Historical
Interest programs.
• City of San Rafael Chamber of Commerce.
• City of San Rafael website.
As defined by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), any property over 50 years of age
is considered a potential historic resource and is potentially eligible for the National or California
Register. Thus, in the event that the property is to be altered, or has been altered, as the result
of a major federal action, the property must be evaluated under the guidelines set forth by
NEPA. Structural mitigation projects are considered alterations for the purpose of this
regulation. Similar regulations exist for buildings under the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA). There is a list of numerous other potentially historically significant structures listed in
Appendix B of the City’s General Plan.
Table 26: Historic Sites In The City of San Rafael
Name/Landmark
State Plaque
Number
National
Register
(NR)
State
Landmark
California
Register
Date
Listed
(NR)
Jurisdiction
Boyd House X 12/17/1974 San Rafael
Bradford House X 6/6/1980 San Rafael
China Camp (924) X X X 4/26/1979 San Rafael
Dixie
Schoolhouse X 12/26/1972 San Rafael
Robert Dollar
Estate X 12/11/1972 San Rafael
Robert Dollar
House X 7/23/1991 San Rafael
Marin County
Civic Center (999) X 7/17/1991 San Rafael
Erskine B. McNear
House X 1/11/1982 San Rafael
Miller Creek
School Indian
Mound
X 10/14/1971 San Rafael
Mission San
Rafael Arcangel
(220)
X X San Rafael
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-58
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Table 26: Historic Sites In The City of San Rafael
Name/Landmark
State Plaque
Number
National
Register
(NR)
State
Landmark
California
Register
Date
Listed
(NR)
Jurisdiction
San Rafael
Improvement Club X 3/29/1984 San Rafael
St. Vincent’s
School for Boys
(630)
X X San Rafael
Table 300: Historic Sites In The City of San Rafael
Source: California Office of Historic Preservation and the National Register of Historic Places
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-59
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Figure 575: City of San Rafael Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
Source: Marin County OEM
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
I:)
San elmo
Marin County / San Rafael
Critical Infrastructure
in wood
Harry A Barbier
Memor' ark
•
0FflCI 0I
~ .~ ~ EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT
Legend
e Dams
• Military and Civil
Defense Installations
Communication
Facilities
e Electric Power Facilities
Wastewater Facilities
e Water Supply Facilities
• Airports
Emergency Operations
Centers
• Fire Stations
Hospitals and Medical
Facil ities
Poli ce / Sheriff Stations
Schools
0 0.5 2
Jt!e vMi:!<L ,... Miles
Marin County OEM / Woody Baker-Cohn
email: OEM _GIS @MarinCounty.org
Date Printed: 11 /01/23
~
N
Co un ty of Marin, Ca li fo rni a State Parks, Esri, HE RE, Ga rmin, Sa feGra ph, GeoTech nolog ies, Inc, METI/NASA, USGS, Burea u of Lan d Ma nageme nt, EPA, NP S, USDA
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-60
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
2.0: HAZARD IDENTIFICATION AND RISK ASSESSMENT
The City of San Rafael identified hazards that affect the city and developed natural hazard profiles
based upon the countywide risk assessment, past events and their impacts. Figure 25 shows the
top hazards that the Jurisdiction is at risk from according to the hazard mitigation Steering
Committee.
Figure 576: City of San Rafael Hazard Risk Assessment Ranking
Figure 26: Risk Rank Categorization
Risk Level Risk Numerical Score
High Risk 12 - 16
Serious Risk 8 - 11
Moderate Risk 4 - 7
Low Risk 1 - 3
Figure 577: Hazard Risk Categorization
Each Marin County OA MJHMP participating jurisdiction and organization reviewed and approved
the Top Hazards identified by the Planning Team. Each participating jurisdiction and organization
then completed a more complex assessment tool to further develop their hazard assessment and
prioritization.
The planning process used the available FEMA tools to evaluate all the possible threats faced.
The primary tool selected was the Hazard Assessment and Prioritization Tool. This matrix allowed
the participating jurisdiction or organization to assess their own level of vulnerability and mitigation
capability. Each participating Jurisdiction and organization assessed the top hazards for:
16 15 14 14 13 13 13 12 11 10
7
00
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
We
i
g
h
t
e
d
R
a
n
k
P
e
r
c
e
n
t
a
g
e
V
a
l
u
e
Hazard Types
Hazards by Rank
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-61
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
• Probability/ Likelihood of Future Events
• Geographic Extent
• Magnitude/ Severity
• Climate Change Influence
• Significance
Probability/ Likelihood of Future Events
• Unlikely: Occurs in intervals greater than 100 years - Less than 1% probability of
occurrence in the next year or a recurrence interval greater than 100 years.
• Occasional: Occurring every 11 to 100 years - 1-10% probability of occurrence in the
next year or a recurrence interval of 11 to 100 years.
• Likely: Occurring every 1 to 10 years - 10-90% probability of occurrence in the next year
or recurrence interval of 1 to 10 years.
• Highly Likely: Occurring almost every year - 90-100% probability of occurrence in the
next year or a recurrence interval of less than 1 year.
Geographic Extent
• Negligible: Less than 10% of the planning area
• Limited: 10-25% of the planning area
• Significant: 25-75% of planning area
• Extensive: 75-100% of planning area
Magnitude/ Severity
• Weak: Limited classification on scientific scale, slow speed of onset or short duration of
event, resulting in little to no damage.
• Moderate: Moderate classification on scientific scale, moderate speed of onset or
moderate duration of event, resulting in some damage and loss of services for days.
• Severe: Severe classification on scientific scale, fast speed of onset or long duration of
event, resulting in devastating damage and loss of services for weeks or months.
• Extreme: Extreme classification on scientific scale, immediate onset or extended
duration of event, resulting in catastrophic damage and uninhabitable conditions.
Table 27: Select Hazards Magnitude and Severity Scale
Hazard Scale/Index Weak Moderate Severe Extreme
Drought Palmer Drought
Severity Index +1.99 to -1.99 -2.00 to -2.99 -3.00 to -3.99 -4.00 and below
Earthquake Modified
Mercalli I to IV V to VII VIII IX to XII
Richter
Magnitude 2,3 4,5 6 7,8
Tornado Fujita Tornado
Damage Scale FO F1, F2 F3 F4, F5
Table 301: Select Hazards Magnitude/ Severity Scale or Index
l ~'?UN. TY OF ~---~
~ARIN ~
I I I
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-62
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Climate Change Influence
• Low: Minimal potential impact
• Medium: Moderate potential impact
• High: Widespread potential impact
Significance
• Low: Minimal potential impact - Two or more criteria fall in lower classifications, or the
event has a minimal impact on the planning area. This rating is sometimes used for
hazards with a minimal or unknown record of occurrences or for hazards with minimal
mitigation potential.
• Medium: Moderate potential impact - The criteria fall mostly in the middle ranges of
classifications and the event’s impacts on the planning area are noticeable but not
devastating. This rating is sometimes used for hazards with a high extent rating but very
low probability rating.
• High: Widespread potential impact - The criteria consistently fall in the high
classifications and the event is likely/highly likely to occur with.
2.1 CLIMATE CHANGE
The County of Marin and associated jurisdictions profiled jointly recognize that the earth’s
climate is forcibly being augmented due to humans’ reliance on fossil fuels and non-natural
resources which pose negative impacts on the earth’s climate. Reliance on fossil fuels and non -
natural products results in the climate shifting to include unseasonable temperatures, more
frequent and intense storms, prolonged heat and cold events, and a greater reliance on
technological advancements to maintain the wellbeing of community members and balance of
the environment. The forced adaptation to climatic shifts is necessary for the County and
jurisdictions to understand and include with these assessments.
Locally to Marin, drought and rain events have already had devastating impacts to critical
infrastructure, agriculture, and water resources; and globally, unseasonable temperatures have
been identified as the cause for enhanced wildfires, severe droughts, ice sheets and glaciers
disappearing, and persons emigrating from their countries due to a lack of sustainable, local
resources. Melting land ice contributes additional water to the oceans and as ocean
temperatures rise the water expands, both of which contribute to increase rates of sea level rise.
Marin is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean and on the east by San Francisco Bay,
making it particularly vulnerable to flooding and erosion caused by sea level rise.
The cause of current climate change is largely human activity, burning fossil fuels, natural gas,
oil, and coal. Burning these materials releases greenhouse gases into Earth’s atmosphere.
Greenhouse gases trap heat from the sun’s rays inside the atmosphere causing Earth’s average
temperature to rise. This rise in the planet's temperature was formerly called, “global warming”,
but climate change has shown to include both intense heat and cold shifts. The warming of the
planet impacts local and regional climates. Throughout Earth's history, climate has continually
changed; however, when occurring naturally, this is a slower process that has taken place over
hundreds and thousands of years. The human influenced climate change that is happening now
is occurring at an abnormally faster rate with devastating results.
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-63
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
GLOBAL OBSERVED AND PROJECTED IMPACTS AND RISKS
AR6 WGI Headline Statements from the Summary for Policymakers (ipcc.ch)
• Human-induced climate change, including more frequent and intense extreme events,
has caused widespread adverse impacts and related losses and damages to nature and
people, beyond natural climate variability.
• Global warming, reaching 1.5°C in the near-term, would cause unavoidable increases in
multiple climate hazards and present multiple risks to ecosystems and humans.
• Beyond 2040 and depending on the level of global warming, climate change will lead to
numerous risks to natural and human systems.
• The magnitude and rate of climate change and associated risks depend strongly on
near-term mitigation and adaptation actions, and projected adverse impacts and related
losses and damages escalate with every increment of global warming.
• Multiple climate hazards will occur simultaneously, and multiple climatic and non-climatic
risks will interact, resulting in compounding overall risk and risks cascading across
sectors and regions.
FUTURE TRENDS/ IMPACTS
Source: Study Confirms Climate Models are Getting Future Warming Projections Right –
Climate Change: Vital Signs of the Planet (nasa.gov)
Global Warming
• If global warming transiently exceeds 1.5°C in the coming decades or later, then many
human and natural systems will face additional severe risks.
• An estimated 60% of today’s methane emissions are the result of human activities. The
largest sources of methane are agriculture, fossil fuels, and decomposition of landfill
waste.
• The concentration of methane in the atmosphere has more than doubled over the past
200 years. Scientists estimate that this increase is responsible for 20 to 30% of climate
warming since the Industrial Revolution (which began in 1750).
• According to the most recent National Climate Assessment, droughts in the Southwest
and heat waves (periods of abnormally hot weather lasting days to weeks) are projected
to become more intense, and cold waves less intense and less frequent.
• The last eight years have been the hottest years on record for the globe.
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-64
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Figure 578: NASA Global Temperature Change CO2 Gas
Source: NASA Global Climate Change, 2022
Figure 579: NASA Global Temperature Change 1884 to 2022
Source: NASA Global Climate Change, 2022
Drought
• A NASA-led study in 2022 concluded that the 22-year-long megadrought in
southwestern US was the driest the territory had experienced in at least 1,200 years and
was expected to persist through at least 2022.
Sea Level Rise
• Global sea levels are rising as a result of human-caused global warming, with recent
rates being unprecedented over the past 2,500-plus years.
• U.S. Sea Level Likely to Rise 1 to 6.6 Feet by 2100.
I ~<;>UNTY OF
~ARIN
~ ~
ATMOSPHERIC METHANE CONCENTRATIONS
SINCE 1984
Data source: Data from NOAA, measured from a global
network of air sampling sites
1990 2000
YEAR
TIME SERIES: 1884 TO 2022
Data source: NASNGISS
Credit: NASA's Scientific Visualization Studio
2010
420
400
2
.Q
E 380
~
C.
"' 360 t: "' s
c5 340
(.)
320
2020 1960 1970 1980 1990
YEAR
2000 2010 2020
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-65
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
• Global sea level has risen about 8 inches (0.2 meters) since reliable record-keeping
began in 1880. By 2100, scientists project that it will rise at least another foot (0.3
meters), but possibly as high as 6.6 feet (2 meters) in a high-emissions scenario.
• Sea ice cover in the Arctic Ocean is expected to continue decreasing, and the Arctic
Ocean will very likely become essentially ice-free in late summer if current projections
hold. This change is expected to occur before mid-century.
• An indicator of changes in the Arctic sea ice minimum over time. Arctic sea ice extent
both affects and is affected by global climate change.
Figure 580: NASA Global Temperature Change Sea Level
Source: NASA Global Climate Change, 2022
Wildfire
• Warming temperatures have extended and intensified wildfire season in the West, where
long-term drought in the region has heightened the risk of fires.
• Scientists estimate that human-caused climate change has already doubled the area of
forest burned in recent decades. By around 2050, the amount of land consumed by
wildfires in Western states is projected to further increase by two to six times.
• Even in traditionally rainy regions like the Southeast, wildfires are projected to increase
by about 30%.
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
SATELLITE DATA: 1993-PRESENT
Data source: Satellite sea level observations.
Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center
100
E 80
E --= 60 C
-~ :... ;; 40 .E
C,
'iji
I
(',:: 20
al
(,/)
0
19,95 20 0 0 2005
RISE SINCE 199J
mi llimeters
2010 20 15 2020
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-66
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Flooding (Precipitation)
• Climate change is having an uneven effect on precipitation (rain and snow) in the United
States, with some locations experiencing increased precipitation and flooding, while
others suffer from drought. Climate change is having an adverse effect on this type of
hazard in the Bay Area, including Marin County, including sea level rise and storm
flooding from regular precipitation and atmospheric rivers.
• On average, more winter and spring precipitation is projected for the northern United
States, and less for the Southwest, over this century. For the City of San Rafael, this
means more impact on the storm drainage system.
• Projections of future climate over the U.S. suggest that the recent trend toward
increased heavy precipitation events will continue. This means that while it may rain less
frequently in some regions (such as the Southwest), when it does rain, heavy downpours
will be more common.
• Flooding impacts are intensified during high tides as many of the City storm drains
discharge into the Bay below king tide heights. Many outfalls become non-operational
during high tides, causing flooding, a problem that will be exasperated with sea level
rise.
Cold Weather
• In the last 50 years (1974), average temperatures in Marin County have rose by 6
degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest recorded month was December of 1990 at 34.7
degrees (The Californian.com). The term “extreme cold” is defined by the National
Weather Service as temperatures below freezing (32 degrees F), however, the impact of
cold weather on individuals may vary by location and other conditions the population
typically experience, the types of facilities they are in, and what efforts individuals are
expected to take. There are several factors:
o Living or working outside of a building
o Having windows that do not provide cold weather protection
o Wind chill
o Rain severity and duration
• The length of the frost-free season, and the corresponding growing season, has been
increasing since the 1980s, with the largest increases occurring in the western United
States.
• Cold weather is relevant to the City of San Rafael and Marin County populations in the
vulnerability to populations who do not have adequate heating sources, those who are
not housed, and those who are institutionalized without adequate heating. Prolonged
cold, especially combined with rainfall, can cause hypothermia in vulnerable individuals.
• Cold weather is relevant to the City of San Rafael and Marin County jurisdictions and
partners in aiding those affected by cold weather conditions in being safe during
episodes of cold weather.
According to the California Natural Resource Agency (CNRA), climate change is already
affecting California and is projected to continue to do so well into the foreseeable future.
Current and projected changes include increased temperatures, seal level rise, a reduced winter
snowpack, altered precipitation patterns, and more frequent storm events. Over the long term,
reducing greenhouse gases can help make these changes less severe, but the changes cannot
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-67
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
be avoided entirely. Unavoidable climate impacts result in a variety of secondary consequences
including detrimental impacts on human health and safety, economic continuity, ecosystem
integrity and provision of basic services. Climate change is being profiled in the 2023 Marin
County OA MJHMP as a standalone hazard while addressing each of the other natural hazards.
The Marin County OA is considering climate change issues when identifying future mitigation
actions.
California is experiencing a climate crisis that is increasingly taking a toll on the health and well-
being of its people and on its unique and diverse ecosystems. Every Californian has suffered
from the effects of record high temperatures, dry winters, prolonged drought, and proliferating
wildfires in recent years. California’s biodiversity is threatened as alterations to habitat
conditions brought about by a changing climate are occurring at a pace that could overwhelm
the ability of plant and animal species to adapt.
Indicators of Climate Change in California
Source: 2022 Report: Indicators of Climate Change in California | OEHHA
• Since 1895, annual average air temperatures in California have increased by about 2.5
degrees Fahrenheit (°F). Warming occurred at a faster rate beginning in the 1980s.
• Recent years have been especially warm: Eight of the ten warmest years on record
occurred between 2012 and 2022; 2014 was the warmest year on record.
• Of all the Western states, California endured the hottest temperatures for the longest
time, driving the average statewide temperature to the second warmest over the past
128 years.
• Extreme heat ranks among the deadliest of all climate-driven hazards in California, with
physical, social, political, and economic factors effecting the capacity of individuals,
workers, and communities to adapt, and with the most severe impacts often on
communities who experience the greatest social and health inequities.
• Glaciers have essentially disappeared from the Trinity Alps in Northern California
• In 2020, wildfire smoke plumes were present in each county for at least 46 days.
• The 2022 fire season saw more fires than the previous fire season along with continued
extreme drought and heat conditions.
• The drought, begun in 2019, was the third statewide drought declared in California since
2000.
• This drought has been marked by extreme swings; the state received record-breaking
amounts of precipitation in October and December 2021 that were offset by the driest
January, February, and March 2022 dating back more than 100 years. The year 2023
opened with California simultaneously managing both drought and flood emergencies.
• A series of storms in late December 2022 and early January 2023 broke rural levees,
disrupted power, flooded roads, downed trees, and eroded coastal land.
• Sea level rise accelerates coastal erosion, worsens coastal flooding during large storms
and peak tidal events, and impacts important infrastructure positioned along our state’s
1,100-mile coast.
• The western drought which impacted all of California and the western United States was
nearly lifted due to unseasonably heavy rains in late 2022 and early 2023.
The graph below shows the relative change, in millimeters, in sea levels at Crescent City (1933-
2020), San Francisco (1900-2020), and La Jolla (1925-2020).
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-68
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Figure 581: Annual Mean Sea Level Trends
Source: 2022 Report: Indicators of Climate Change in California | OEHHA
Climate Change in the Marin County Operational Area
Climate change is already having significant impacts across California. Temperatures are
warming, heat waves are more frequent, and precipitation has become increasingly variable.
Climate change will continue to alter Marin County OA ecosystems as a result of rising
temperatures, changes in precipitation, and sea level rise, which will increase the severity and
occurrence of natural hazards across the Marin County OA well into the future. Coastal cooling
processes that keep temperatures down, such as fog, will continue to decrease. Rising
temperatures will exacerbate drought conditions and raise the potential for significant wildfires
and associated smoke as vegetation becomes drier and tree mortality increases. Forested
woodlands that play a major role in carbon reduction will gradually transition into chaparral and
shrublands. There will be more extreme storms and weather events, including expanded heat
waves and increased rain events with changes in precipitation. Significant rain events will lead
to an increase in flooding and the potential for severe landslides. Shoreline communities will
become inundated with sea level rise, storm surge, and high tide events. Marshlands and
wetlands that act as natural storm barriers will disappear as they transition into open water.
Notable impacts from climate change that are already evident in the Marin County OA and
surrounding region as identified in a 2020 Marin County Civil Grand Jury Report include:
• From 1895-2018, the average temperature in Marin County increased by 2.3 degrees
Fahrenheit.
• Over the past century, sea level rise in the San Francisco Bay Area rose by eight inches
and has accelerated rapidly since 2011.
• The threat of wildfires in 2019 was so severe that Pacific Gas and Electric shut off
electric power to the County for multiple days.
Climate change will continue to affect homes, businesses, infrastructure, utilities, transportation
systems and agriculture across the Marin County OA. The risk to socially vulnerable
populations will increase as they feel the immediate impacts of climate change more
significantly and are less able to adapt to climate changes and recover from its impacts.
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
-Crescent City -La Joll a -San Franc isco
1900 1910 19 20 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 20 10 2020
Chart: OEHHA Climate Change Indicators of California 2022 • Source: NOAA • Get the data • Download image • Created with Da tawrapper
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-69
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
The Marin County OA has adopted numerous planning initiatives and mitigation measures to
help combat the effects of climate change across the OA. The Marin Climate Energy
Partnership (MCEP), which is a partnership program including numerous Marin County
jurisdictions, the County of Marin, and regional agencies, adopted a model Climate Action Plan
(CAP) that is intended to support countywide strategic efforts and is currently being used to
update or establish climate action plans for additional jurisdictions within Marin County. The
adopted Climate Action Plan serves as the adopted plan for the unincorporated County, which
was completed in 2020. The MCEP also collects data and reports on progress in meeting each
County jurisdictions’ individual greenhouse gas emission targets. In October 2022, the County
published the Greenhouse Gas Inventory for Unincorporated Community Emissions for the Year
2020. Marin County OA jurisdictions have already met their greenhouse reduction goals for
2020 and are about halfway to meeting the statewide goal to reduce emissions 40% below 1990
levels by the year 2030. Marin County also formed a Sea Level Marin Adaptation Response
Team in 2018 and had a Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment and associated Adaptation
Report completed for the County and each of its jurisdictions in 2017 as part of their Bay
Waterfront Adaptation and Vulnerability Evaluation. Additional Marin County OA climate change
mitigation programs and initiatives include Marin Clean Energy, Electrify Marin, the Marin Solar
Project, the Marin Energy Watch Partnership, Resilient Neighborhoods, and Drawdown: Marin.
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-70
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
2.2 HAZARDS
Of the hazards profiled in the Marin County OA MJHMP, those noted in the table are specific for
the City of San Rafael as per the planning team.
Table 28: City of San Rafael Hazard Risk Assessment
Hazard
Probability/
Likelihood of
Future Events
Extent Magnitude/
Severity
Climate
Change
Influence
Significance Risk
Score
Debris Flow Highly Likely Significant Moderate Medium Medium 13.00
Drought Likely Extensive Moderate High Medium 14.00
Earthquake Occasional Significant Severe None Medium 10.00
Flooding Highly Likely
Significant Severe High High 16.00
Land Subsidence Highly Likely Significant Weak Low Medium 11.00
Levee Failure Unlikely Significant Severe High High 13.00
Sea Level Rise Highly Likely Significant Moderate High High 15.00
Severe Weather –
Extreme Heat Likely Extensive Moderate High Low 13.00
Severe Weather –
Wind, Tornado Occasional Extensive Moderate Medium Medium 12.00
Tsunami Unlikely Limited Moderate None Medium 7.00
Wildfire Likely Significant Severe High Medium 14.00
Table 302: City of San Rafael Hazard Risk Assessment
Source: City of San Rafael
Omitted Hazards
Because San Rafael does not have any dams and is not within a dam flood inundation zone,
dam failure is an omitted hazard.
l ~'?UN. TY OF ~---~
~ARIN ~
I I I I
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-71
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Table 29: County of Marin Hazard Risk Assessment
Hazard
Probability/
Likelihood of
Future Events
Geographic
Extent
Magnitude/
Severity
Climate
Change
Influence
Significance Risk
Score
Dam Failure Unlikely Negligible Extreme Low Medium 9.00
Debris Flow Occasional Extensive Severe Medium Medium 13.00
Drought Highly Likely Extensive Moderate High High 16.00
Earthquake Highly Likely Extensive Extreme None High 15.00
Flooding Highly Likely Limited Severe High Medium 14.00
Land Subsidence Occasional Limited Moderate Medium Medium 10.00
Levee Failure Unlikely Negligible Moderate Medium High 9.00
Sea Level Rise Highly Likely Limited Extreme High High 16.00
Severe Weather –
Extreme Heat Highly Likely Extensive Moderate High Medium 15.00
Severe Weather –
High Wind/Tornado Highly Likely Extensive Moderate High Medium 15.00
Tsunami Highly Likely Limited Extreme Medium High 15.00
Wildfire Highly Likely Significant Severe High High 16.00
Table 303: Hazard Risk Assessment
Source: County of Marin
2.2.1 DEBRIS FLOWS
For the purposes of the Marin County OA MJHMP, debris flows are classified as landslides
(including rockslides) and mud flows.
A landside is the breaking away and gravity-driven downward movement of hill slope materials,
which can travel at speeds ranging from fractions of an inch per year to tens of miles per hour
depending on the slope steepness and water content of the rock/soil mass. Landslides range
from the size of an automobile to a mile or more in length and width and, due to their sheer
weight and speed, can cause serious damage and loss of life. The rate of a landslide is affected
by the type and extent of vegetation, slope angle, degree of water saturation, strength of the
rocks, and the mass and thickness of the deposit. Some of the natural causes of this instability
are earthquakes, weak materials, stream and coastal erosion, and heavy rainfall. In addition,
certain human activities tend to make the earth materials less stable and increase the chance of
ground failure. These activities include extensive irrigation, poor drainage or groundwater
withdrawal, removal of stabilizing vegetation and over-steepening of slopes by undercutting
them or overloading them with artificial fill. These activities can cause slope failure, which
normally produce landslides.
Landslide material types are often broadly categorized as either rock or soil, or a combination of
the two for complex movements. Rock refers to hard or firm bedrock that was intact and in place
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-72
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
prior to slope movement. Soil, either residual or transported material, means unconsolidated
particles. The distinction between rock and soil is most often based on interpretation of
geomorphic characteristics within landslide deposits, but can also be inferred from geologic
characteristics of the parent material described on maps or in the field. Landslide movements
are also based on the geomorphic expression of the landslide deposit and source area, and are
categorized as falls, topples, spreads, slides, or flows. Falls are masses of soil or rock that
dislodge from steep slopes and free fall. Topples move by the forward pivoting of a mass
around an axis below the displaced mass. Lateral spreads move by horizontal extension and
shear or tensile fractures. Slides displace masses of material along one or more discrete planes
and can either be rotational or transitional. Flows mobilize as a deforming, viscous mass without
a discrete failure plane.
Natural conditions that contribute to landslide include the following:
• Degree of slope
• Water (heavy rain, river flows, or wave action)
• Unconsolidated soil or soft rock and sediments
• Lack of vegetation (no stabilizing root structure)
• Previous wildfires and other forest disturbances
• Earthquake
In addition, many human activities tend to make the earth materials less stable and, thus,
increase the chance of ground movement. Human activities contribute to soil instability through
grading of steep slopes or overloading them with artificial fill, by extensive irrigation,
construction of impermeable surfaces, excessive groundwater withdrawal, and removal of
stabilizing vegetation.
Another hazard related to landslide and erosion is the fall of a detached mass of rock from a cliff
or down a very steep slope (rockfall). Weathering and decomposition of geological materials
produce conditions favorable to rockfalls. Other causes include ice wedging, root growth, or
ground shaking (earthquake). Destructive landslides and rockfalls usually occur very suddenly
with little or no warning time and are short in duration.
Landslides can cause high mortality and injuries from rapidly flowing water and debris. The most
common cause of death in a landslide is trauma or suffocation by entrapment. Broken power,
water, gas or sewage pipes can also result in injury or illness in the population affected, such as
water-borne diseases, electrocution or lacerations from falling debris. People affected by
landslides can also have short- and long-term mental health effects due to loss of family,
property, livestock or crops. Landslides can also greatly impact the health system and essential
services, such as water, electricity or communication lines.
Landslide susceptibly can be characterized by looking at both slope class and rock strength.
Landslide susceptibility classes express the generalization that on very low slopes, landslide
susceptibility is low even in weak rock, and that landslide susceptibility increases with slope and
in weaker rocks. Very high landslide susceptibility includes very steep slopes in hard rocks and
moderate to very steep slopes in weak rocks. Figure 31 shows landslide susceptibility classes.
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-73
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Figure 582: Landslide Susceptibility Classes
Source: USGS
A mud flow is a general term for a mass-movement landform and process characterized by a
flowing mass of fine-grained earth material with a high degree of fluidity. Heavy rainfall,
snowmelt, or high levels of groundwater flowing through cracked bedrock may trigger a
movement of soil or sediments. Floods and debris flows may also occur when strong rains on
hill or mountain slopes cause extensive erosion and/or what is known as "channel scour".
Some broad mud flows are rather viscous and therefore slow; others begin very quickly and
continue like an avalanche. Mud flows are composed of at least 50% silt and clay-sized
materials and up to 30% water.
The point where a muddy material begins to flow depends on its grain size and the water
content. Fine grainy material or soil has a smaller friction angle than a coarse sediment or a
debris flow, but falling rock pieces can trigger a material flow, too. When a mud flow occurs it is
given four named areas, the 'main scarp', in bigger mud flows the 'upper and lower shelves',
and the 'toe'. See Figure 32 for the typical areas of a mud flow, with shelves (right) and without
(left). The main scarp will be the original area of incidence, the toe is the last affected area(s).
The upper and lower shelves are located wherever there is a large dip (due to mountain or
natural drop) in the mud flow's path. A mud flow can have many shelves.
l ~'?UN. TY OF ~
~ARIN ~
ROCK STRENGTH
D !IJ II
[I] 0 0 0
U) [f] U) 0 V VII
<e: [I] 0 V VII
....l
u m
1-ll CTI VI
'1..
0
....l
U)
LAN DSLIDE
SUSCEPTIBIL ITY
CLASSES
( 0 Ill V VI VII VIII IX X )
inaeasing susceptibitity
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-74
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Figure 583: Mud Flow Areas
Source: Washington Department of Natural Resources
If large enough, mud flows can devastate villages and country-sides. Mud flows are common in
mountain areas prone to wildfire, where they have destroyed many homes built on hillsides
without sufficient support after fires destroy vegetation holding the land. The area most
generally recognized as being at risk of a dangerous mud flow are:
• Areas where wildfires or human modification of the land have destroyed vegetation
• Areas where landslides have occurred before
• Steep slopes and areas at the bottom of slopes or canyons
• Slopes that have been altered for construction of buildings and roads
• Channels along streams and rivers
• Areas where surface runoff is directed
A landslide in San Rafael would most likely occur in the areas of the City where the terrain is
steeper and is more susceptible to movement of soil. Most of San Rafael is hilly and lies in an
areas of moderate to high landslide susceptibility. Some areas of the city have extreme
landslide susceptibility including along the border of Sleepy Hollow and Lucas Valley, north of
downtown, and in the southern end near Larkspur. These areas of San Rafael are primarily
residential and consist of numerous winding streets and hillside homes that could be damaged
or destroyed by a landslide. Residences in or on the fringes of open space areas including the
San Pedro Mountain Open Space Preserve, Harry A. Barbier Memorial Park, China Camp State
Park, the Loma Alta Open Space Preserve and the Terra Linda Open Space Preserve have
moderate to high susceptibility to a landslide. There are thousands of residences in these
areas. A landslide in any of areas could impact ingress and egress into communities that are at
high susceptibility of a landslide. Highway 101 also has high landslide susceptibility through
much of central San Rafael, and a landslide on the highway could cause significant
transportation challenges that could impact the City. Much of downtown, including commercial
buildings, the San Rafael City Hall, the San Rafael Police Department, the San Rafael Fire
Station #51 and the Marin Academy lies in an area of moderate landslide susceptibility.
Numerous schools in southern San Rafael lie on the fringe of areas with moderate to high land
susceptibility and include the Dominican University of California, the Laurel Dell Academy, the
Davidson Middle School, the Glenwood School, San Rafael High School, the San Raphael
School, and the Sun Valley School. Numerous critical facilities in northern San Rafael lie partly
in areas of moderate to high landslide susceptibility and include Gallinas Elementary School,
Terra Linda High School, the Vallecito School, the Mark Day School, the San Rafael Fire Station
#53 and the Marin County Civic Center. There are dozens of medical facilities throughout San
Rafael that lie in areas of moderate to high landslide susceptibility, including the Kaiser
Permanente San Rafael Medical Center. The Caulbridge School lies predominantly in an area
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-75
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
of extreme landslide susceptibility. Several radio towers throughout San Rafael lie in areas of
moderate to extreme landslide susceptibility.
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-76
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Figure 584: City of San Rafael Debris Flow Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
Source: Marin County OEM
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
• Dams • Mi litary and Civil
Defense Installations
Communication
Facilities
Electri c Power Facilities
Wastewater Facilities
Water Supply Facilities
Airports
Em ergency Operations
Cente rs
Marin County / San Rafael
Landslide
•
0RICI0I
EMERGENCY
• MANAGEMENT
inwood
Fire Stations V
Hospitals and Medical VI
Facilities •vn
Police / Sheriff Statio ns •vm
Schools •ix
Landslide •x
Susceptibility
Class
0
III
0 ade
swee
0 .5
...
2
Miles
Marin County OEM / Woody Baker-Cohn
email: OEM_GIS @Mari nCounty.org
Date Printed : 11/01/23
6
N
County of Marin, (alifornia State Parks, Esri , HERE , Garmin, SafeGraph , Geo Techno logies, Inc, METI/NASA, USGS , Bureau of Land Managem ent, EPA, NPS,
USDA, DOC/CGS
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-77
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
An earthquake has the potential to cause landslides throughout areas of landslide susceptibility
in San Rafael. A wildfire and subsequent rain event in any of the open spaces in and around
San Rafael, including in the San Pedro Mountain Open Space Preserve, Harry A. Barbier
Memorial Park, China Camp State Park and along the border of Lucas Valley and Sleepy
Hollow could cause mudslides that could impact adjacent communities.
On 3/23/2023, a landslide in the 100 block of Bret Harte Avenue sent trees crashing into power
lines.
On 3/5/2019, wet weather caused a landslide below Crestview Way, threatening a home.
On 2/7/2017, a severe storm caused a mudslide that resulted in a boulder shearing a house in
the 300 block of Mountain View Avenue in two.
On 1/10/2017, a slide along the 30 block of Glenaire Drive in the Bret Harte neighborhood south
of downtown San Rafael sent mud cascading 140 feet down onto three homes.
On 1/3–1/5/1982, a severe storm caused a mudslide that collapsed several homes, resulting in
fatalities.
Climate Change and Future Development Considerations
Extreme storm events and more frequent wildfires as a result of climate change have the
potential to increase the amount and severity of landslides, including disastrous debris flows.
Climate change is leading to more volatile precipitation patterns around the world with very dry
stretches punctuated by storms that drop large amounts of rain in a short amount of time.
Landslides in wetter regions of California, including the Marin County OA, move on average
faster and farther downhill during rainy periods compared to drought years, according to a 2022
study by the American Geophysical Union (AGU)36, showing the increased potential for
landslides in the Marin County OA in rainy years. As development increases in the numerous
canyons and around the many open spaces of the Marin County OA, the potential for significant
impacts from a landslide and/or mudflow increases. Further development of the residential
areas of San Rafael that have a higher landslide susceptibility will expose more people and
property to landslide risk. With increased wildfire potential as a result of climate change, more
residents in San Rafael could be susceptible to post-fire debris flows. Future development
should take into account the movement of mud and debris in waterways after a major rain
event. Adequate space adjacent to susceptible waterways should be maintained free of
development to allow for the passage of mud and debris, and catchment basins should be built
in these areas to help capture any excess mud and debris.
2.2.2 DROUGHT
A drought is a deficiency in precipitation over an extended period, usually a season or more,
resulting in a water shortage causing adverse impacts on vegetation, animals, and/or people. It
is a normal recurrent feature of climate that occurs in virtually all climate zones, from very wet to
very dry. Drought is a temporary aberration from normal climatic conditions and can thus vary
significantly from one region to another. Droughts occur slowly, over a multi-year period, and it
36 Landslide Sensitivity and Response to Precipitation Changes in Wet and Dry Climates.
https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2022GL099499
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-78
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
is often not obvious or easy to quantify when a drought begins and ends. Drought is a complex
issue involving many factors—it occurs when a normal amount of moisture is not available to
satisfy an area’s usual water-consuming activities.
There are several types of drought which can often be defined regionally based on its effects:
• Meteorological drought is usually defined by a period of below average water supply,
based on the degree of dryness (in comparison to normal or average) and the
duration of the dry period. Drought onset generally occurs with a meteorological
drought.
• Agricultural drought occurs when there is an inadequate water supply to meet the
needs of the state’s crops and other agricultural operations such as livestock.
Agricultural drought links various characteristics of meteorological (or hydrological)
drought to agricultural impacts, focusing on precipitation shortages, soil water
deficits, reduced ground water or reservoir levels needed for irrigation.
• Hydrological drought is defined as deficiencies in surface and subsurface water
supplies. It is generally measured as stream flow, snowpack, and as lake, reservoir,
and groundwater levels. Hydrological drought usually occurs following periods of
extended precipitation shortfalls.
Socioeconomic drought occurs when a drought impacts health, well-being, and quality of life, or
when a drought starts to have an adverse economic impact on a region.
Drought can occur in all areas of San Rafael, though its effects would be most felt in the
mountainous areas around the city where the risk of wildfire would increase. The wetland areas
of San Rafael, particularly the marshlands along San Rafael Bay and San Pablo Bay, could
become drier during prolonged period of drought and experience marshland fires that could
impact local businesses and residences in the area. Dry trees in public open spaces like Harry
A. Barbier Memorial Park, Boyd Memorial Park and Jerry Russom Memorial Park can become a
safety hazard to the public due to falling limbs or the toppling of the tree itself.
Climate Change and Future Development Considerations
Climate change increases the odds of worsening drought. Warmer temperatures enhance
evaporation, which reduces surface water and dries out soils and vegetation. This makes
periods with low precipitation in the summer drier than they would be in cooler conditions.
Climate also alters the timing of water availability as warmer winter temperatures cause less
precipitation to fall. During droughts, communities in the Marin County OA including San Rafael
may have limited access to water for household use, including drinking, cooking, cleaning, and
watering plants, as well as for agriculture, transportation, and power generation. Drought may
lead to higher water costs, rationing, or even the decimation of important water sources like
wells in the Marin County OA. As more people move into the Marin County OA and San Rafael,
additional strain will be placed on the OA’s water supply. Drought can affect livestock and crops
in the Marin County OA, impacting its economy. Drought can increase the occurrence and
severity of wildfires and tree mortality in the Marin County OA including in the open spaces in
and around San Rafael. Impacts to residents and infrastructure from wildfire as a result of
drought will increase as more development occurs in the mountainous areas of the Marin
County OA including San Rafael where wildfires are more likely to occur. Drought also has the
potential to dry out the marshlands along the shoreline of San Rafael, increasing the chances of
brush fires there. Future development in this area and in the mountainous areas of San Rafael
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-79
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
could expose people to drier summer conditions that could increase their vulnerability to wildfire.
Drought also increases the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, including by
decreasing land productivity, which reduces the amount of vegetation storing carbon dioxide. In
addition, increases in drought-related wildfire and soil erosion can release carbon dioxide
sequestered in trees and plants back into the atmosphere. This will only worsen climate change
for the Marin County OA into the future. When considering future development, the Marin
County OA including San Rafael can help prepare for both future droughts and climate change
by practicing and promoting water conservation and enhancing water efficiency throughout
landscapes, city plans, and water infrastructure. The Marin County OA can also identify
alternative water supplies, create drought emergency plans, and encourage farmers to plant
drought-resistant crops.
2.2.3 EARTHQUAKE
Earthquakes are sudden rolling or shaking events caused by movement under the earth’s
surface. Earthquakes happen along cracks in the earth's surface, called fault lines, and can be
felt over large areas, although they usually last less than one minute.
The amount of energy released during an earthquake is usually expressed as a magnitude and
is currently measured by seismologists on the Moment Magnitude (Mw Scale). The Mw Scale
was developed to succeed the previously used Richter Scale and is measured on a scale of
zero to ten with increasing values reflecting increasing intensity.
The other commonly used measure of earthquake severity is intensity, which is an expression of
the amount of shaking at any given location on the ground service. Intensity is most commonly
measured on the Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) Scale (see Figure 34).
Figure 585: Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale
Source: USGS
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
Intensity Shaking
No t felt
II Weak
Ill Weak
IV Li ght
V Mo dera t e
VI Strong
VII
Very
stro ng
Sev ere
Violent -Extreme
e
Descripti on/Damage
Not felt exce pt by a very few un der espec ially favorable co nd it io ns.
Felt o nly by a few perso ns at rest,es pec ially on up per floors of b uildi ngs .
Felt q uite noticeably by perso ns indoors, es peci ally o n upper floo rs o f bui ld ings . Ma ny people do not reco gn ize it as an earthquake.
Sta nd ing m otor ca rs m ay roc k slightly. Vibrations simi lar to the pass ing of a truc k. Duratio n est imat ed.
Felt ind oo rs by many, o ut doors by few d u ring the d ay. At night, so m e aw akened. Dishes, w indows, doors disturbed; wa lls make crac kin g
so und. Se nsa tion like heavy t r uck striking building . St and ing m oto r cars rocked not icea bly.
Felt by nea rl y everyo ne; m any awa ke ned. So m e d ishe s, wind ows bro ken. Unsta ble o bj ec t s ove rturn ed. Pendulum cloc ks may stop.
Felt by all, many frighte ned . So me heavy furni t ure move d; a fe w insta nces of fa ll en plaste r. Damage slight.
Damage negligi ble in bu ildings of good des ign and constructio n; slight to moderat e in we ll-built ordinary structures; co nsid era b le d ama ge
in poorl y built or ba d ly des igned stru ctures ; some chimneys broken.
Dam age slight in specia lly d esigned st ru ctures; co nsiderable da mage in o rd inary sub st antial bu il dings w it h partial co llapse. Dam age great
in poorl y built st r uctures. Fall of chi m neys , facto ry stac ks, co lumns, monuments, wa lls. Heavy f urn itu re overt urned.
Damage cons ide rab le in spec ially designed st ru ctures; well-des igned frame structu res thrown o ut o f plumb. Damage grea t in substa ntial
buil d ings, w ith partial collapse. Buil d ings shift ed off fou nda tio ns.
So m e well-bui lt wooden struc t ures d es t royed; most m aso nry and fra me st ruct u res destroye d w it h fou nda ti o ns. Rails bent.
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-80
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Figure 35 gives intensities (measured on the MMI scale) that are typically observed at locations
near the epicenter or earthquakes of different magnitudes.
Figure 586: Mercalli Scale vs. Magnitude
Source: USGS
The extent of ground shaking also depends in large part on how soft the underlying soil is. Soft
soils amplify ground shaking (see Figure 36). This was observed during the 1989 Loma Prieta
Earthquake when the most significant damages experienced in San Francisco were in the
Marina District, which was built on fill.
Figure 587: Soil Types
Source: USGS
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
Soil Vs>
type 1500
A m/sec
1500
Soil
ty pe
m /sec>
Vs> 750
B
m /sec
750
Soil
Ty pe
m /sec>
Vs> 350
C
m /sec
350
Soil
Ty pe
m /sec>
Vs> 200
D
m /sec
Soil 200
Ty pe m /sec>
E Vs
e
Richter Typical Maximum
Magnitude Scale Modified Mercalli
Intensity Scale
1.0-2.9 I
3.0-3.9 11-111
4.0-4.9 IV-V
5.0-5.9 VI-VII
6.0-6.9 VII-IX
7.0 or hi g her VIII or hig her
Includes unwea t hered intrusive igneous rock . Occurs infrequently i n t he bay area. We consider it with type B
(both A and Bare represented by the color b lu e on the map). Soil types A and B do not contri bute greatly to
shaking amplification.
Includes volcanics, most Mesozoic bedrock, and some Franciscan bedrock. (Mesozoic rocks are between 245
and 64 million years old . The Franciscan Complex is a Mesozoic un it that is common in the Bay Area .)
Includes some Quaternary (less than 1.8 million years old ) sands, sandstones and mudstones, some Upper
Tertiary (1 .8 to 24 million years old) sandstones, mudstones and limestone, some Lower Tert iary (24 to 64
m i llion years o ld ) mudstones and sandstones, and Franciscan melange and serpentinite.
Includes some Quaternary muds, sands, gravels, si lts and mud . Significant amplification of shaking by these
soils is gene rally expected.
Includes water-saturated mud and artifici a l fi l l. T he strongest amplification of shak i ng due i s expected fo r
this soil type.
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-81
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
An earthquake fault is defined as “a fracture or fracture zone in the earth’s crust along which
there has been displacement of the sides relative to one another.” For the purpose of planning
there are two types of faults, active and inactive. Active faults have experienced displacement
in historic time, suggesting that future displacement may be expected. Inactive faults show no
evidence of movement in recent geologic time, suggesting that these faults are dormant.
Two types of fault movement represent possible hazards to structures in the immediate vicinity
of the fault: fault creep and sudden fault displacement. Fault creep, a slow movement of one
side of a fault relative to the other, can cause cracking and buckling of sidewalks and
foundations even without perceptible ground shaking. Sudden fault displacement occurs during
an earthquake event and may result in the collapse of buildings or other structures that are
found along the fault zone when fault displacement exceeds an inch or two. The only protection
against damage caused directly by fault displacement is to prohibit construction in the fault
zone.
An earthquake could occur anywhere in and around San Rafael due to the number of active
faults within and near the Marin County OA.
Earthquake Shake Intensity
The colors on Figures 32 and 33 represent the level of ground shaking intensity of a potential
future earthquake. The result is expressed as the level of ground shaking (expressed as a
percentage of gravity) that on average occurs every 500 years.
This map shows the expected relative intensity of ground shaking and damage in California
from anticipated future earthquakes. The shaking potential is calculated as the level of ground
motion that has a 2% chance of being exceeded in 50 years, which is the same as the level of
ground-shaking with about a 2500 year average repeat time. The relatively long-period (1.0
second) earthquake shaking is shown here. Long period-shaking affects tall, relatively flexible
buildings, but also correlates well with overall earthquake damage.
Earthquake Shaking Potential Maps for California depict expected intermediate period (1s or
1hz) ground motions with 2% exceedance probability in 50 years.
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-82
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Figure 588: Marin County OA Earthquake Impact and Fault Lines
Source: Marin County OEM
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
(
\
\--~
I
I
\
\
/
/
\
\
\
\
\
\
\
!
I
I
I
I
I
I I
I
I
/
e
Legend
EarthquakeShaking --0.45 -0 .55 -0 .65
0 .75 --0 .85 --0 .95 -
-1.05
1.15
1.25
1.35
1.45
1.55
1.65
1.75
1.85
1.95
Marin County
Earthquake
Petaluma
0
omc101
EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT
Boyes Hot
Springs
El Verano
Sonoma
~an Pablo
Bay W•ldlif
Area
/'
C•/
,.,,-~-,,r,-........
---'-10
Mi les
Marin Co unty OEM / Woody Baker-Coh n
email: OEM_G I S@MarinCounty.o rg
Date Pr inted : 10/07/23
County of Marin, California State Parks, Esri, HERE, Garmi n, SafeGra ph, GeoTechnologies, Inc, METI/NASA, USGS, Bu reau of Land Management, EPA, NPS,
USDA, County of Marin, California State Parks, Esri, HERE, Garm in , SafeGraph, FAO, METI /N ASA, USGS, Bureau of Land Management, EPA , NPS
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-83
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
San Rafael is located directly between the San Andreas and Hayward faults. A moderate to
extreme earthquake originating from either of these major faults or any of the other faults in the
region could have major impacts to the City. There is increased risk of shaking and liquefaction
throughout San Rafael from an earthquake, particularly in the southern area of the city
downtown and along the Highway 101 corridor; the area south of China Camp State Park; the
northern area of the city along Manuel T. Freitas Parkway and the Highway 101 corridor, and
areas along Galinas Creek and the South Fork of Galinas Creek. These areas include the
primary commercial areas of the City including downtown, and numerous residential
neighborhoods with thousands of residences. Nearly all of the city’s critical facilities lie in areas
of moderate earthquake shaking potential with the exception of the Marin County Civic Center,
the San Rafael Fire Station #53 and several medical facilities. Vulnerable structures include
bridges and older buildings that have not undergone major seismic retrofitting. Utility
infrastructure throughout the City could be impacted by an earthquake. Most of Highway 101
that runs through the City lies in an area of moderate earthquake shaking potential.
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-84
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Figure 589: City of San Rafael Earthquake Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
Source: Marin County OEM
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
Marin County / San Rafael
Earthquake
•
0FIICI0F
~ ✓: ~ EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT
• •
1r,w oc
e '!i,e
Ter ra L111a ,e
San Anselmo
Dams
Military and Civil
Defen se Installations
Communication
Faciliti es
El ectric Power Fa ci lities
Wastewater Facilities
Water Supply Fa cilities
Airports
Em ergency Operations
Centers
&
ii&
Legend
Fire Stations
Hospital s and Medical
Facilities
Police / Sheriff Stations
Schoo ls
EarthquakeShaking
0.45
0.55
0.65
0.75
-0.85
-0.95
-1.05
-1.15
-1.25
-1.35
-1.45
-1.55
-1.65
-1.75
1.85
1.95
0 ade
E,
0 .5 2
Miles
Marin County OEM / Woody Baker-Cohn
email: OEM _GIS@MarinCounty.org
Date Printed: 11/01/23
~
N
County of Marin, California State Parks, Esri, HERE , Garmin, SafeGraph, GeoTechnologies, Inc, METI /NASA, USGS, Bureau of Land Management, EPA, NPS, USDA
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-85
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Earthquakes could also cause landslides in the open space areas in and surrounding San
Rafael with steeper terrain, causing damage to homes and roads as a result of shifting soils.
San Rafael hasn’t yet experienced a significant earthquake. The Marin County OA was
sparsely populated at the time of the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake, and the effects across
the County were relatively minimal. Likewise, the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake caused
minimal impacts across the Marin County OA as the epicenter of the quake was further south in
Santa Cruz County. Smaller earthquakes with minimal to no impacts are routinely felt in San
Rafael.
Climate Change and Future Development Considerations
There is no direct link between climate change and seismic activity that could impact the Marin
County OA including San Rafael, so climate change is not expected to cause any changes to
the frequency or intensity of seismic shaking. According to a 2018 study by the Institute of
Physics (IOP)37, climate change could result in “isostatic rebounds,” or a sudden upward
movement of the crust because of reduced downward weight caused by glaciers. As glaciers
are known to melt when overall global temperatures increase, climate change could indirectly
lead to an increase in seismicity in the Marin County OA including San Rafael. Climate change
could also impact earthquakes felt in the Marin County OA as droughts can further deteriorate
existing fault lines and pumping groundwater can put further pressure on the earth’s crust.
Future development in the populated areas of Marin County OA where seismic shaking and
subsidence are more prevalent could exacerbate the impacts of an earthquake. This includes
the lowlands of San Rafael, where the risk of subsidence and subsequent earthquake shaking
are higher. Future development in these areas could expose more people and infrastructure to
earthquake shaking as a result of climate change.
2.2.4 FLOODING
Flooding is the rising and overflowing of a body of water onto normally dry land. Floods are
among the costliest natural disasters in terms of human hardship and economic loss nationwide.
The area adjacent to a channel is the floodplain. Floodplains are illustrated on inundation maps,
which show areas of potential flooding and water depths. In its common usage, the floodplain
most often refers to that area that is inundated by the 100-yea r flood, the flood that has a one
percent chance in any given year of being equaled or exceeded. The 100-year flood is the
national minimum standard to which communities regulate their floodplains through the National
Flood Insurance Program. The 200-year flood is one that has 0.5% chance of being equaled or
exceeded each year. The 500-year flood is the flood that has a 0.2 percent chance of being
equaled or exceeded in any given year. The potential for flooding can change and increase
through various land use changes and changes to land surface, which result in a change to the
floodplain. A change in environment can create localized flooding problems inside and outside
of natural floodplains by altering or confining natural drainage channels. These changes are
most often created by human activity such as construction of bridges or channels. In areas
where flow contains high sediment load, such as Easkoot Creek in Stinson Beach (due to an
active landslide upstream), the flow carrying capacity of the channel may be reduced
dramatically during a single flood event. Coastal floodplains may also change over time as
waves and currents alter the coastline (especially wetlands) and sea levels rise.
37 An Enhanced Seismic Activity Observed Due to Climate Change: Preliminary Results from Alaska.
https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1755-1315/167/1/012018
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-86
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Flooding can occur in several ways:
Riverine flooding – Riverine flooding, defined as when a watercourse exceeds its “bank-full”
capacity, generally occurs as a result of prolonged rainfall, or rainfall that is combined with
snowmelt and/or already saturated soils from previous rain events. This type of flood occurs in
river systems whose tributaries may drain large geographic areas and include one or more
independent river basins. The onset and duration of riverine floods may vary from a few hours
to many days and is often characterized by high peak flows combined with a large volume of
runoff. Factors that directly affect the amount of flood runoff include precipitation amount,
intensity and distribution, the amount of soil moisture, seasonal variation in vegetation, snow
depth, and water-resistance of the surface due to urbanization. In the Marin County OA,
riverine flooding can occur anytime from November through April and is largely caused by heavy
and continued rains, sometimes combined with snowmelt, increased outflows from upstream
dams, and heavy flow from tributary streams. These intense storms can overwhelm the local
waterways as well as the integrity of flood control structures. Flooding is more severe when
antecedent rainfall has resulted in saturated ground conditions. The warning time associated
with slow rise riverine floods assists in life and property protection.
Flash flooding – Flash flooding describes localized floods of great volume and short duration.
This type of flood usually results from a heavy rainfall on a relatively small drainage area.
Precipitation of this sort usually occurs in the winter and spring. Flash floods often require
immediate evacuation within the hour and thus early threat identification and warning is critical
for saving lives.
Localized/Stormwater flooding – Localized flooding problems are often caused by flash
flooding, severe weather, or an unusual amount of rainfall. Flooding from these intense weather
events usually occurs in areas experiencing an increase in runoff from impervious surfaces
associated with development and urbanization as well as inadequate storm drainage systems.
Tidal flooding – Tidal flooding develops when high tides exceed either the top of bank
elevation of tidal sloughs and channels, or the crest of bay levees. An especially high tide event
that occurs during alignment of the gravitational pull between the sun and the moon, causing
tidal water levels to rise to higher-than normal levels. King tides are normal, predictable events
that occur semi-annually during winter months. Typically storms in which high tides coincide
with peak stormwater flow are the most damaging.
The area is also at risk of flooding resulting from levee failures and dam failures. Dam failure
flooding is discussed separately in the Dam Failure Section of this document; levee failure
flooding is discussed separately in the Levee Failure Section of this document. Regardless of
the type of flood, the cause is often the result of severe weather and excessive rainfall, either in
the flood area or upstream reach.
A weather pattern called the “Atmospheric River” contributes to the flooding potential of the
area. An Atmospheric River brings warm air and rain to the West. A relatively common weather
pattern brings southwest winds to the Pacific Northwest or California, along with warm, moist
air. The moisture sometimes produces many days of heavy rain, which can cause extensive
flooding. The warm air also can melt the snowpack in the mountains, which further aggravates
the flooding potential. In the colder parts of the year, the warm air can be cooled enough to
produce heavy, upslope snow as it rises into the higher elevations of the Sierra Nevada or
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-87
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Cascades. Forecasters and others on the West Coast often used to refer to this warm, moist air
as the “Pineapple Express” because it comes from around Hawaii where pineapples are grown.
A diagram of an atmospheric river event is shown in Figure 39.
Figure 590: Diagram of an Atmospheric River Event
Source: NOAA
The Marin County OA is susceptible to various types of flood events. In coastal areas, flooding
may occur when strong winds or tides result in a surge of seawater into areas that are above
the normal high tide line. Other types of flooding in Marin include isolated ponding and
stormwater overflow. Isolated ponding is when pools form on the ground and can occur in any
area that doesn’t drain effectively – for example, in a natural depression in the landscape.
Stormwater overflow is when storm drains back up. Stormwater drainage systems quickly
convey rainwater through underground pipes to creeks and the Bay. When the stormdrains are
obstructed or broken or when the water bodies to which they lead to are already full, water
backs up onto the streets. Although stormwater overflow and isolated ponding also occur
throughout the County, the effects are typically not widespread or significantly damaging.
Flooding in San Rafael generally results from a combination of high tides from San Rafael Bay
and San Pablo Bay and creek flooding Gallinas Creek, the South Fork of Galinas Creek and
San Rafael Creek in low-lying areas. Local flooding in San Rafael is exacerbated where the
storm water drainage network has inadequate capacity for peak flows.
Most of the lowland areas in San Rafael are in the 100-year floodplain, with several areas in the
500-year floodplain. The 100-year floodplain extends mostly along the Highway 101 corridor
south of San Rafael Creek for three miles between Gallinas Creek and the South Fork of
Gallinas Creek east of Highway 101, and north of Point San Pedro around the San Pedro
Lagoon and the Peacock Gap Golf Country Club. This area include part of downtown, hundreds
of homes, numerous commercial buildings and shopping plazas, several medical facilities, the
Golden Gate, Bridge and Transportation District Emergency Operations Center, the Central
Marin Sanitary Agency Wastewater Treatment Plant, a Pacific Gas and Electric yard, the San
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
The science behind atmospheric rivers
M-,pt,,,;c (Alli;,. ~ing<$.lm"..C .....r..-...<1 ,.,i:., "'"°' .,tt.o .. ~ • .....,..,..1a1o1or~ iigw"<.., _, o1,.;~,ond ,_
~ 11\tll,e\\'~, ... n Wnltod St~ M\on ,,1&,,,..,.. lnllllld .lfldillffP -•'lhe ,_"' IN,..,, ..... ""'.-....i (od!I to<r .. l~~-t-.
n.:..91,m,nyAA, or•->)"l""' Iha! ~l1P'°"""' benolv:i.,I ,.., Cl ,.,...,...,..,ollh, l•!I"(. more p<liltil .. AA,..., =•1>,eitJ<III0<...,•11 arid l'<>od!,
c~ ,;I diirupt,g ~ lndU<ln9 """'1llcl~...-.d-""'1 •'"'1,q,lw; d.!<ru9f w I and-,y.--•~to lea,rnm;,,
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-88
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Rafael Fire Station #54, the Bahia Vista School, the Davidson Middle School, the San Rafael
Fire Station #52, part of the San Rafael High School, the San Rafael Fire Station #55, the Smith
Ranch Airport, and nine of the ten pump stations in the Marin Lagoon that could be susceptible
to flooding. Approximately three miles of Highway 101 and the SMART railroad tracks lie in the
100 -year floodplain and could be susceptible to flooding, presenting transportation challenges
for the city. Approximately two miles of San Pedro Road lies in the 100-year floodplain and
could be susceptible to flooding, effecting ingress and egress to communities north of Point San
Pedro. The 500-year floodplain primarily extends west and north of the 100-year floodplain
along San Rafael Creek and west of the 100-year floodplain along Gallinas Creek and the South
Fork of Gallinas Creek. This area consists of most of downtown; part of the San Rafael transit
center and train station, hundreds of homes and numerous commercial buildings and medical
facilities; Laurel Dell Elementary School, Coleman Elementary School, the All Children
Academics School; part of the San Rafael High School, Raphael School, Sun Valley Elementary
School, the Marin Academy and the Star Academy; the Civic Center North Pump Station, the
John Duckett Pump Station, the Northgate Industrial Park Pump Station, all six of the Captain
Cove Pump Stations, and the Marin Emergency Radio Authority antenna site that could be
susceptible to flooding. A large section of the 500-year floodplain lies north of downtown and
extends along several hundred feet of Highway 101, including the SMART railroad tracks which
could be susceptible to flooding. The San Rafael City Hall and the Marin County Civic Center
lie outside of the 100 and 500-year floodplains, though access may be hindered due to area
flooding.
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-89
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Figure 591: City of San Rafael Flooding Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
Source: Marin County OEM
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
San Anselmo
San I-' elmo
Legend
• Dams
Military and Civil • Defense Installations
Communication
Facilities
Electric Power Facilities
Wastewater Facilities
Marin County / San Rafael
Flooding
inwood
Emergency Operations
Centers
Fire Stations
Hospitals and Medica l
Facilities
Police / Sher iff Stations
Schools idera
•
0IIICI0I
EMERGENCY
• MANAGEMENT
2
Miles • Water Supply Facilitie s Flooding
0 Cqrte Made
Meddowswe• 6 Airports
-500 Year Flood Plain
100 Year Flood Plain \
Marin County OEM / Woody Baker-Cohn
email: OEM _GIS @M arinCounty.org
Date Printed: 11/01/23 N
County of Marin , Ca lifornia State Parks , Esri, HERE , Ga rmin , SafeGraph, GeoTechnolog ies, Inc, METI/NASA , USGS , Bureau of Land Management, EPA, NPS, USDA
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-90
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Table 31 shows the number of City of San Rafael critical facilities by flood zone.
Table 31: City of San Rafael Critical Facilities in the Flood Zones
Category Name Address Flood Zone
Critical Facilities
Fire Fire: Marinwood Fire Department (MRW)
/ Headquarters & Station 58 777 Miller Creek Road 94903 AE
Fire Fire: San Rafael Fire Department (SNR)
/ Station 51 1039 C Street 94901 X
Fire Fire: San Rafael Fire Department (SNR)
/ Station 52 210 Third Street 94901 X
Fire Fire: San Rafael Fire Department (SNR)
/ Station 54 46 Castro Avenue 94901 AE
Fire Fire: San Rafael Fire Department (SNR)
/ Station 55 955 Pt. San Pedro Road 94901 AE
Fire Fire: San Rafael Fire Department (SNR)
/ Station 56 650 Del Ganado Road 94903 X
Fire Fire: San Rafael Fire Department (SNR)
/ Station 57 3530 Civic Center Drive 94903 X , AE
Fire Fire: Skywalker Ranch Fire Brigade
(SKY) 5858 Lucas Valley Road 94912 X
Fire Fire: San Rafael Fire Department (SNR)
/ Station 53
30 Joseph Court
94903 X
Law County Jail 13 Peter Behr Dr, San Rafael, CA
94903 X
Law County 911 Communications Center /
PSAP
1600 Los Gamos Drive, Suite 200.
San Rafael, CA 94903 X
Law Marin County Sheriffs Office 1600 Los Gamos Drive, Suite 200.
San Rafael, CA 94903 X
Law San Rafael Police Department 1400 Fifth Avenue,
San Rafael, CA 94901 X
EOC Marin County EOC 1600 Los Gamos Drive, Suite 200.
San Rafael, CA 94903 X
Local
Government Marin Civic Center 3501 Civic Center Dr,
San Rafael, CA 94903 X
Local
Government Marin County Corporate Yard Building 2 Peter Behr Drive,
San Rafael, CA 94903 X
Local
Government Marin County Fuel Island 2 - 6 Peter Behr Drive,
San Rafael, CA 94903 X
Local
Government
Marin County Vehicle Repair
Shops/Building
2 - 6 Peter Behr Drive,
San Rafael, CA 94903 X
Local
Government Boro Community Center 50 Canal Street, San Rafael, CA
94901 AE
Local
Government San Rafael Public Works Yard 111 Morphew St, San Rafael, CA
94901 X
Local
Government San Rafael Community Center 618 B Street, San Rafael CA
94901 AH, AE
Local
Government Terra Linda Community Center 670 Del Ganado Rd, San Rafael
CA 94903 X
Health /
Medical
Kaiser Permanente San Rafael Medical
Center
99 Montecillo Rd,
San Rafael, CA 94903 X
Health /
Medical Adrian Way Home 306 Adrian Way
San Rafael, Ca 94903 AE
Health /
Medical Aldersly (Snf Unit) 326 Mission Ave 94901 X
Health /
Medical Casa Allegra - Devon Drive Home 363 Devon Dr 94903 X
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-91
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Table 31: City of San Rafael Critical Facilities in the Flood Zones
Category Name Address Flood Zone
Health /
Medical Kaiser Foundation Hospital - San Rafael 99 Montecillo Rd 94903 X
Health /
Medical Smith Ranch Generations (Snf) 1550 Silveira Pkwy 94903 X
Health /
Medical Northgate Post Acute 40 Professional Center Pkwy
94903 X
Health /
Medical Nova House, Inc. 393 Nova Albion Way 94903 X
Health /
Medical Aldersly (Snf Unit) 326 Mission Ave 94901 X
Health /
Medical Pine Ridge Care Center 45 Professional Center Pkwy
94903 X
Health /
Medical Professional Post Acute Center 81 Professional Center Pkwy
94903 X
Health /
Medical Marin Post Acute 234 N San Pedro Rd 94903 X
Health /
Medical
San Rafael 5th Avenue Health &
Wellness 1601 5Th Ave 94901 X
Health /
Medical Sunrise Ii 48 Golden Hinde Blvd 94903 X
Health /
Medical Villa Marin (Rcfe Unit) 100 Thorndale Dr 94903 X
Health /
Medical Three Home Village 1, 2, 3 675 Rosal Way, San Rafael, Ca
94903 AE
Health /
Medical Almavia Of San Rafael 515 Northgate Drive, San Rafael,
Ca 94903 X
Health /
Medical Nazareth House Of San Rafael, Inc. 245 Nova Albion Way, San Rafael,
Ca 94903 X
Health /
Medical Drake Terrace 275 Los Ranchitos Road, San
Rafael, Ca 94903 X
Health /
Medical Cogir Memory Care 111 Merrydale Rd, San Rafael, Ca
94903 X
Health /
Medical Greenwood Assisted Living 233 West End Ave, San Rafael, Ca
94901 X
Health /
Medical St. Michael's Extended Care 416 4th Street, San Rafael, Ca
94901 AE, X
Health /
Medical Golden Home Extended Care, Inc. 1234 Las Gallinas Ave, San Rafael,
Ca 94903 X
Health /
Medical All Saints Extended Care Inc 1373 Lincoln Ave., San Rafael, Ca
94901 X
Health /
Medical D Street Residential Support Services 527 D Street, San Rafael, Ca
94901 X
Health /
Medical Schon Hyme Rest Home 25 Villa Avenue, San Rafael, Ca
94901 X
Health /
Medical A Loving Touch 45 Meriam Drive 94903 X
Health /
Medical
Smith Ranch Homes (Independent
Living) 500 Deer Valley Road 94903 X
Health /
Medical Luna's Home 1027 Las Pavadas Ave 94903 X
Health /
Medical Aldersly (Al) (Rcfe Unit) 326 Mission Ave 94901 X
Health /
Medical
Smith Ranch Skilled Nursing And
Rehabilitation Center 1550 Silveira Parkway 94903 X
Health /
Medical Villa Marin (Snf) 100 Thorndale Dr 94903 X
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-92
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Table 31: City of San Rafael Critical Facilities in the Flood Zones
Category Name Address Flood Zone
Health /
Medical Dominican Sisters Of San Rafael 1520 Grand Avenue 94901 X
Health /
Medical St. Vincent's School For Boys 1 St Vincent's Drive, 94903 X, A, AE
Health /
Medical Lighthouse 714 C Street, San Rafael 94901 AH
Health /
Medical Casa Allegra - Adrian House 306 Adrian Way, San Rafael AE
Health /
Medical Long Life Living #1 36 Mt Foraker Drive, San Rafael
94903 X
Health /
Medical Dominican Convent - Lourdes Site 77 Locust Ave, San Rafael, 94901 X
Health /
Medical Dominican Convent - Jane D'anza Site 1540 Grand Ave, San Rafael
94901 X
Health /
Medical Helen Vine Detox Center 291 Smith Ranch Rd, San Rafael
94903 X
Health /
Medical Lifehouse Sunrise Ii 48 Golden Hinde Blvd, San Rafael
94903 X
Health /
Medical Bayside Marin Treatment Center 718 4th Street, San Rafael 94901 X
Health /
Medical Caremax Peachstone Residence 440 Peachstone Terrace, San
Rafael 94903 X
Health /
Medical Center Point - The Manor 603 D Street, San Rafael 94901 AE
Health /
Medical Casa Allegra - Happy House 291 Devon Dr, San Rafael, Ca
94901 X
Health /
Medical Bay Home Inc. 19 Heatherstone Court, San Rafael
94903 X
Health /
Medical Marin Services For Men 501 Whitewood Drive, San Rafael,
94903 X
Health /
Medical Castle SLE 1363 Lincoln Ave #4, San Rafael,
CA 94901 X
Health /
Medical Villa Marin (Il) 100 Thorndale Dr 94903 X
Health /
Medical Parnow Friendship House 164 North San Pedro Road, San
Rafael 94903 X
Health /
Medical Lifehouse - Knoll Rd 18 Professional Center Parkway,
San Rafael 94903 X
Health /
Medical Newport Academy 5 Maoli Dr, San Rafael, Ca 94903 X
Health /
Medical Helen Vine San Rafael House 235 Union Street. San Rafael, Ca
94901 X
Health /
Medical L'chaim House I 777 Montcillo Rd, San Rafael
94903 X
Health /
Medical Long Life Living #3 57 Vallejo Way, San Rafael 94903 X
Health /
Medical L'chaim House II 463 Albion Way, San Rafael
94903 X
Health /
Medical Lifehouse - Nova 93 Nova Albion Way, San Rafael
94903 X
Health /
Medical Tender Residential Home 257 Blackstone Dr, San Rafael
94903 X
Health /
Medical Aldersly (Il Unit) 326 Mission Ave 94901 X
Health /
Medical Buckelew Mariner Circle 6 Mariner Circle, San Rafael AE
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-93
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Table 31: City of San Rafael Critical Facilities in the Flood Zones
Category Name Address Flood Zone
Health /
Medical Buckelew - Avanti 7 Le Claire Ct, San Rafael, Ca
94903 X
Health /
Medical Casa Allegra - 980 Ignacio 35 Mitchell Blvd #8, San Rafael, Ca
94903 X
Health /
Medical Lifehouse - 1600 Vendola Drive 1600 Vendola Dr, San Rafael, Ca
94903 AE
Health /
Medical
Lifehouse (Supportive Living - Various
Sites)
18 Professional Center Parkway,
San Rafael, Ca 94903 X
Health /
Medical Casa Allegra - Reichert Ave 35 Mitchell Blvd. Suite 8 San
Rafael, Ca 94903 X
Health /
Medical Marin Health & Wellness Campus 3253 Kerner Blvd, San Rafael, CA
94901 AE
Health /
Medical
Kaiser Permanente Downtown San
Rafael Medical Offices 1033 3rd St, San Rafael, CA 94901 AH, X
Health /
Medical Marin Community Clinic 3110 Kerner Boulevard, San
Rafael, CA AE
Health /
Medical
Kaiser Permanente San Rafael Medical
Offices
1650 Los Gamos Dr., San Rafael,
CA 94903 X
Health /
Medical MarinHealth Urgent Care 4000 Civic Center Dr, San Rafael,
CA 94903 X
School Dominican University 50 Acacia Avenue
San Rafael, CA 94901 X
School Bahia Vista Elementary 125 Bahia Vista, San Rafael CA
94901 AE
School Coleman Elementary 800 Belle Ave.
San Rafael, CA 94901 X
School Glenwood Elementary 25 West Castlewood
San Rafael, CA 94901 X, AE
School Laurel Dell Elementary 225 Woodland Ave.
San Rafael, CA 94901 X
School San Pedro Elementary 498 Point San Pedro
San Rafael, CA 94901 X
School Sun Valley Elementary 75 Happy Lane
San Rafael, CA 94901 X
School Vallecito School 50 Nova Albion Way, San Rafael
CA 94903 X
School Venetia Valley TK-8 177 N. San Pedro Rd.
San Rafael, CA 94903 X
School Davidson Middle 280 Woodland Ave.
San Rafael, CA 94901 X, AE
School San Rafael High 150 Third Street
San Rafael, CA 94901 X
School Terra Linda High 320 Nova Albion Way
San Rafael, CA 94903 X
School Madrone High 185 Mission Ave.
San Rafael, CA 94901 AE, X
Airport/
Heliport San Rafael - Airport 400 Smith Ranch Rd,
San Rafael, CA 94903 AE
High Potential Loss Facilities
Critical Infrastructure
Water/Wastew
ater
Central Marin Sanitation & Household
Hazardous Waste Facility
1301 Andersen Drive,
San Rafael, CA 94901 AE, X
Communications MERA Antenna Site - Dollar Hill Robert Dollar Dr., San Rafael, CA X
Communications MERA Antenna Site - EOF 1600 Los Gamos Dr 94903 X
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-94
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Table 31: City of San Rafael Critical Facilities in the Flood Zones
Category Name Address Flood Zone
Communications MERA Antenna Site - Forbes Hill Hepburn Heights Rd, San Rafael,
CA X
Communications MERA Antenna Site - Marin County
Radio Shop X
Communications MERA Antenna Site - San Pedro Ridge
Site Mayhills Rd. San Rafael, CA X
Power Utility PG&E Substation - Las Gallinas 125 N Redwood Dr., San Rafael,
CA 94903 X
Power Utility PG&E Substation - San Rafael 2nd St, San Rafael, CA 94901 AH
Transportation Marin Transit 711 Grand Ave,
San Rafael, CA 94901 AE
Transportation Golden Gate Transit: Transit Center
Customer Service Center
850 Tamalpais
San Rafael, CA 94901 AH
Transportation
Golden Gate Transit: EOC, Dispatch,
Fuel, IT
1011 Andersen Dr.,
San Rafael, CA 94901 AE
Transportation San Rafael Transportation Center
(SMART Train & central bus station)
3rd & Hetherton, San Rafael, CA,
94901 AH, X
Pump Station San Rafael Stormwater Pump Station -
Piombo
LAT: 37.96
LON: -122.49 AE
Communications MERA Antenna Site - Mt Burdell 38.1449, -122.5941 X
Communications MERA Antenna Site – Big Rock Ridge 38.0591, -122.6039 X
Pump Station San Rafael Stormwater Pump Station –
San Quentin
LAT: 37.96
LON: -122.49 VE
Pump Station San Rafael Stormwater Pump Station –
Cayes
LAT: 37.96
LON: -122.49 AE
Pump Station San Rafael Stormwater Pump Station –
Kerner
LAT: 37.97
LON: -122.50 AE
Pump Station San Rafael Stormwater Pump Station –
400 Canal
LAT: 37.97
LON: -122.51 X
Pump Station San Rafael Stormwater Pump Station –
Rossi
LAT: 37.97
LON: -122.51 X
Pump Station San Rafael Stormwater Pump Station-
Montecito
LAT: 37.97
LON: -122.52 X
Pump Station San Rafael Stormwater Pump Station –
North Francisco
LAT: 37.97
LON: - 122.52 AE
Pump Station San Rafael Stormwater Pump Station –
Corporate Center
LAT: 37.97
LON: -122.52 nN?A
Pump Station San Rafael Stormwater Pump Station –
Lindaro
LAT: 37.97
Lon: - 122.53 AH
Pump Station San Rafael Stormwater Pump Station –
Glenwood
LAT: 37.98
Lon: - 122.48 X
Pump Station San Rafael Stormwater Pump Station –
Peacock
LAT: 37.98
Lon: - 122.47 X, AE
Table 304: City of San Rafael Critical Facilities in the Flood Zones
Source: County of Marin/FEMA DFIRM
Floodwaters can be deep enough to drown people and move fast enough to sweep people and
vehicles away, lift buildings off foundations, and carry debris that smashes into buildings and
other property. Flood waters can cause significant erosion which can lead to slope instability,
severely damaging transportation and utility infrastructure by undermining foundations or
washing away pavement. If water levels rise high enough to get inside buildings, flooding can
cause extensive damage to personal property and the structure itself. Flood events that
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-95
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
develop very quickly are especially dangerous because there may be little advance warning.
Flooding may occur when strong winds or tides result in a surge of seawater into areas that are
above the normal high tide line. Tide elevations within San Pablo Bay and San Rafael Bay have
the potential to significantly impact the San Rafael storm drain system. San Rafael already
sees flooding from king tides in San Pablo Bay and San Rafael Bay and this is only expected to
increase with sea level rise and climate change.
On 1/9/2023, roads feeding into Highway 101 were flooded in San Rafael after a winter storm.
On 10/24/2021, widespread flooding occurred in San Rafael as a result of an atmospheric river
event. Many roadways were under two feet of water and were impassable. Downtown flooding
was focused in the area east of A Street. Road closures were in place around 2nd and 3rd
street from A street to the freeway onramp. Several power outages impacted some traffic
signals and pump stations in the city. The flooding worsened due to high tide.
Figure 592: City of San Rafael Flooding – 10/21/2021
Source: City of San Rafael
On 2/12-2/13/2019, a storm dumped 4.45 inches of rain in San Rafael causing localized
flooding. Flooding was reported in the Contempo Marin neighborhood, and Lucas Valley Road
was closed at the Highway 101 underpass toward Smith Ranch Road after rainwater began to
pool and flood the road.. The closure caused traffic delays on nearby city routes as morning
drivers sought access to Highway 101. Power was out into the afternoon to signal lights in the
Northgate mall area, and the Northgate One shopping complex was without power.
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-96
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Climate Change and Future Development Considerations
Climate change is expected to affect California's precipitation patterns, which are likely to
influence future flood events. A 2017 study38 found that the number of very intense precipitation
days in California is projected to more than double by the end of the century, increasing 117
percent, making it likely that flood events will become more frequent in the Marin County OA
including San Rafael. Climate change is expected to alter rainfall patterns in Northern
California, including the Marin County OA. As the climate warms, rain events are predicted to
become more intense. The Marin County OA including San Rafael will likely experience more
rain inundation events that lead to flooding and increase the potential threat of levee failure, tree
mortality, and other potential hazards. Sea level rise as a result of climate change will
exacerbate the impacts of tidal flooding in the lowland areas of the Marin County OA including
the shoreline areas of San Rafael. Future development in these areas will expose more people
and infrastructure to the effects of flooding. Development in the marshland areas of San Rafael
would expose additional people and infrastructure to flooding as marshlands act as a natural
buffer to storm surge. Development along San Rafael Creek, Gallinas Creek, and the South
Fork of Gallinas Creek would expose more people, structures and infrastructure including major
roads to creek flooding and storm surge as a result of climate change. Climate change could
lead to worse flooding impacts in the downtown area including roads that feed onto Highway
101.
2.2.5 LAND SUBSIDENCE/SINKHOLES
Land subsidence is a gradual settling or sudden sinking of the Earth's surface owing to
subsurface movement of earth materials. The principal causes are aquifer-system compaction,
drainage of organic soils through groundwater pumping, underground mining, hydro-
compaction, natural compaction, sinkholes, and thawing permafrost. More than 80 percent of
the identified subsidence in the United States is a consequence of underground water
exploitation. The increasing development of land and water resources threatens to exacerbate
existing land-subsidence problems and initiate new ones.
Sinkholes can form in three primary ways. Dissolution sinkholes form when dissolution of the
limestone or dolomite is most intensive where the water first contacts the rock surface.
Aggressive dissolution also occurs where flow is focused in preexisting openings in the rock,
such as along joints, fractures, and bedding planes, and in the zone of water-table fluctuation
where groundwater is in contact with the atmosphere. See Figure 42 for a picture and
description of how dissolution sinkholes form.
38 Precipitation in a Warming World: Assessing Projected Hydro-Climate Changes in California and other
Mediterranean Regaions. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-11285-y
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-97
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Figure 593: Dissolution Sinkhole Formation
Source: USGS
Cover-subsidence sinkholes tend to develop gradually where the covering sediments are
permeable and contain sand. In areas where cover material is thicker, or sediments contain
more clay, cover-subsidence sinkholes are relatively uncommon, are smaller, and may go
undetected for long periods. See Figure 43 for a picture and description of how cover-
subsidence sinkholes form.
Figure 594: Cover-Subsidence Sinkhole Formation
Source: USGS
Cover-collapse sinkholes may develop abruptly over a period of hours and cause catastrophic
damages. They occur where the covering sediments contain a significant amount of clay. Over
time, surface drainage, erosion, and deposition of sediment transform the steep-walled sinkhole
into a shallower bowl-shaped depression. See Figure 44 for a picture and description of how
cover-collapse sinkholes form.
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
Thin overb urde n Rai n
Ra infal l an d surface water pe rcol ate through
joints in the limestone. Disso lved carbonate
rock is carried away from the surface and a
sm all depress ion gradua lly forms .
Pond On ex posed carbonate surfaces, a depress ion
may focus surface drainage, accelerat in g the
d isso lution process. Debris carried into the
deve loping sinkhole may plug the outfiow,
pond ing water and creating wetlands. ___} r---.---
Granul ar se diments spall
into secondary openings
in the underlying carbonate
roc ks.
-'dverb'ur~en · •. : : • . . ' ..
A column of overlying sedi-
ments settles into the
vacated spaces ( a process
termed "piping").
. ... : ..
Dissolution and infilling con-
tinue, forming a noticable
depressi o n in the land
surface.
. . . . . . -·~-
The slow downward erosi on
eventually forms small sur-
face depressions I in ch to
se veral feet in depth and
diamete r.
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-98
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Figure 595: Cover-Collapse Sinkhole Formation
Source: USGS
New sinkholes have been correlated to land-use practices, especially from groundwater
pumping and from construction and development practices that cause land subsidence.
Sinkholes can also form when natural water-drainage patterns are changed and new water-
diversion systems are developed. Some sinkholes form when the land surface is changed,
such as when industrial and runoff-storage ponds are created. The substantial weight of the
new material can trigger an underground collapse of supporting material, thus causing a
sinkhole.
The overburden sediments that cover buried cavities in the aquifer systems are delicately
balanced by groundwater fluid pressure. The water below ground helps to keep the surface soil
in place. Groundwater pumping for urban water supply and for irrigation can produce new
sinkholes in sinkhole-prone areas. If pumping results in a lowering of groundwater levels, then
underground structural failure, and thus, sinkholes, can occur.
Land subsidence and sinkholes would most likely occur in the lowland areas of San Rafael
where superficial deposits and fill are more prevalent, particularly in and around marshland
bordering San Rafael Bay and San Pablo Bay. The downtown area, the primary commercial
areas of the city along the Highway 101 corridor, and numerous residential neighborhoods with
schools and other critical facilities are at increased risk of land subsidence. Land subsidence
could have numerous impacts for San Rafael, including the settling of businesses and homes as
well as the shifting of roadways and utility infrastructure that run through the city.
On 1/2016, a sinkhole formed at the Rotary Manor Senior Community as a result of a collapsed
culvert that fed into San Rafael Creek. The complex garden was destroyed when the sinkhole
appeared.
There have been no major sinkholes in San Rafael since the last plan update.
Climate Change and Future Development Considerations
Climate change could indirectly influence land subsidence as more severe and prolonged
periods of drought may encourage more groundwater withdrawals. In coastal areas like the
Marin County OA including San Rafael, land subsidence leads to higher sea levels and
increased flood risk. The rate of land subsidence could increase across the Marin County OA
including the lowland areas of San Rafael as a result of climate change. The impacts of land
subsidence on infrastructure, including roads and underground utilities, in San Rafael could
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
Sed im ents spall into a cavity. As spa lling continues, the
cohes ive covering sed i-
me nts form a structura l
arch.
T he cav ity m igrates up-
ward by progress ive roof
coll apse.
T he cav ity eventually
breaches the ground sur-
face, creating sudden and
dramatic sinkholes.
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-99
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
increase with future development in the lowland populated areas of the city where land
subsidence is more likely to occur.
2.2.6 LEVEE FAILURE
Levee failure is the overtopping, breach or collapse of the levee. Levees can fail in the event of
an earthquake, internal erosion, poor engineering/construction or landslides, but levees most
commonly fail as a result of significant rainfall or very high tides. During a period of heavy
rainfall, the water on the water-body side of the levee can build up and either flow over the top
(“overtopping”) or put pressure on the structure causing quickening seepage and subsequent
erosion of the earth. The overflow of water washes away the top portion of the levee, creating
deep grooves. Eventually the levee weakens, resulting in a breach or collapse of the levee wall
and the release of uncontrollable amounts of water. Figure 45 shows a levee and the multiple
ways it can fail.
Figure 596: Levee Failure Mechanisms
Source: University of California
San Rafael is protected by non-accredited levees along the Santa Venitia Marsh, Gallinas
Creek, the South Fork of Gallinas Creek, San Rafael Creek, and San Rafael Bay. The Marin
County Levee 22 along the Santa Venitia Marsh is 3.79 miles long with an undocumented
height. Approximately five people and one building with a property value of approximately $190
thousand are a risk of failure of the Marin County Levee 22. The Smith Ranch Levee lies
between Gallinas Creek and the South Fork of Galinas Creek and is 2.26 miles long with an
undocumented height. Approximately 1,308 people and 211 buildings with a property value of
$104 million are at risk of failure of the Smith Ranch Levee, including the Smith Ranch Airport.
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
Levee cres t
Anatomy of a levee 1 a. Overtoppi ng 1 b. Overtopping/Jetting
2. Inter nal Eros ionfPiping 3. Surface Eros ion
4.Slid i ng
S. Wave Impacts 6. Structural Impacts
7. Liquefaction
8. Pip ing of substratum 9 . Tree damage 1 0. Slope failu r e
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-100
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
The Marin County Levee 3 lies along the South Fork of Gallinas Creek and is 0.9 miles long with
an undocumented height. Approximately 501 people and 224 buildings with a property value of
$122 million are at risk of failure of Marin County Levee 3, including the entire Marin Lagoon
community and its nine pump stations. The McNears seawall lies San Rafael Bay and is 1.4
miles long with an undocumented height. Approximately 604 people 242 buildings with a
property value of $169 million in both San Rafael and the unincorporated County of Marin are at
risk of failure of the McNears seawall, including hundreds of residences around the Peacock
Gap Golf Country Club. The Marin County Levee 2 lies along the south bank of San Rafael
Creek and its confluence with San Rafael Bay and is 0.2 miles long with an undocumented
height. Approximately seventeen people and four buildings with a property value of $11.7
million is at risk of failure of the Marin County Levee 2, including the area in and around
Pickleweed Park. The Marin County Levee 22 lies along San Rafael Creek and San Rafael Bay
and is 1.18 miles long with an undocumented height. Approximately 951 people and 436
buildings with a property value of $196 million are at risk of failure of Marin County Levee 22,
including the residential community around the Spinnaker Lagoon. Marin County Levee 19 lies
along San Rafael Bay and is 0.67 miles long with an undocumented height. Approximately
16,425 people and 1,727 buildings with a property value of $2.44 billion are at risk of failure of
the Marin County Levee 19 including several miles of Highway 101.
San Rafael has never experienced a levee failure.
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-101
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Figure 46: City of San Rafael Levee Inundation Impact
Source: Marin County OEM
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
San elmo
• Dams
Military and Civil • Defense Installations
Communication
Facilities • Electric Power Facilities
Wastewater Facilities • Water Supply Facilities
Airports
Marin County / San Rafael
Levee Inundation
•
0FIICI0I
. .~ ~ EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT
in wood
Emerg ency Operations
Centers
Fire Stations
Hospitals and Medical
Facilities
~ Police / Sheriff Stations
Schools -Le vee Centerline
-Le vee Inundation
Harry A Barbier
Memor' ark
0.5 1 2
:_cflttE;)vN'!~<L = Miles ~
Marin County OEM / Woody Baker-Cohn
email: OEM _GIS @M arinCounty.org
Date Printed : 11/01/23 N
County of Marin, Ca lifornia State Parks, Esri, HERE, Garmin, Sa feGraph, GeoTechnolog ies, Inc, METI/NASA, USGS, Bureau of Land Management, EPA, NPS, USDA
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-102
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Climate Change and Future Development Considerations
Climate change is expected to lead to an increase in the frequency and severity of major storm
events, which can place added strain on levee systems. An increase in rainfall and runoff as a
result of climate change will increase the potential for higher water levels in leveed areas across
the Marin County OA including in San Rafael, increasing the potential for a levee failure. Rising
seas will lead to increased stress on the levees around the Marin County OA shoreline including
in San Rafael, particularly during a major tidal event and potential tsunami. As development
increases in the populated areas of San Rafael protected by its levees, particularly along San
Rafael Bay and around its marshlands, the potential for significant impacts to residents and
infrastructure will only increase.
2.2.7 SEA LEVEL RISE
Climate change is the distinct change in measures of weather patterns over a long period of
time, ranging from decades to millions of years. More specifically, it may be a change in
average weather conditions such as temperature, rainfall, snow, ocean and atmospheric
circulation, or in the distribution of weather around the average. While the Earth’s climate has
cycled over its 4.5-billion-year age, these natural cycles have taken place gradually over
millennia, and the Holocene, the most recent epoch in which human civilization developed, has
been characterized by a highly stable until recently.
The Marin County OA MJHMP is concerned with human-induced climate change that has been
rapidly warming the Earth at rates unprecedented in the last 1,000 years. Since industrialization
began, the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) at escalating quantities has
released vast amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases responsible for trapping
heat in the atmosphere, increasing the average temperature of the Earth. Secondary impacts
include changes in precipitation patterns, the global water cycle, melting glaciers and ice caps,
and rising sea levels. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC),
climate change will “increase the likelihood of severe, pervasive and irreversible impacts for
people and ecosystems” if unchecked.
Through changes to oceanic and atmospheric circulation cycles and increasing heat, climate
change affects weather systems around the world. Climate change increases the likelihood and
exacerbates the severity of extreme weather – more frequent or intense storms, floods,
droughts, and heat waves. Consequences for human society include loss of life and injury,
damaged infrastructure, long-term health effects, loss of agricultural crops, disrupted transport
and freight, and more. Climate change is not a discrete event but a long-term hazard, the
effects of which communities are already experiencing.
Climate change adaptation is a key priority of the State of California. The 2013 State of
California Multi- Hazard Mitigation Plan stated that climate change is already affecting
California. The State has also seen increased average temperatures, more extreme hot days,
fewer cold nights, a lengthening of the growing season, shifts in the water cycle with less winter
precipitation falling as snow, and earlier runoff of both snowmelt and rainwater in the year. In
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-103
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
addition to changes in average temperatures, sea level, and precipitation patterns, the intensity
of extreme weather events is also changing.
Rising sea levels are considered a secondary effect of climate change due to warming ocean
temperatures and melting glacial ice sheets into the ocean. The California coast has already
seen a rise in sea level of four to eight inches over the 20th century due to climate change. Sea
level rise impacts can be exacerbated during coastal storms, which often bring increased tidal
elevations called “storm surge.” The large waves associated with such storm surges can cause
flooding in low-lying areas, erosion of coastal wetlands, saltwater contamination of drinking
water, disruption of septic system operations, impacts on roads and bridges, and increased
stress on levees. In addition, rising sea levels results in coastal erosion as shoreline sediment is
re-deposited back into the ocean. Evidence shows that winter storms have increased in
frequency and intensity since 1948 in the North Pacific, increasing regional wave heights and
water levels during storm events.
According to the 2017 “Rising Seas in California, An Update on Sea-Level Rise Science” report
Marin County may experience impacts from Sea Level Rise over defined periods of time, to
include long-term changes (second half of this century and beyond), and short- to mid-term
projections (within the next two or three decades).
The lowland areas in San Rafael are particularly vulnerable to sea level rise and could
experience between one and six feet of inundation (Mean High Water (MHW)), especially as
these neighborhoods continue to subside over time. (Marin Shoreline Sea Level Rise
Vulnerability Assessment, 2017). Much of this vulnerable land was built on fill that used to be
tidal marsh or mud. Sea level rise would likely return this area to tidal habitat again without
measures to protect existing land uses. With a 100-year storm surge, downtown and further
inland areas within the basin of the valley as far back as Gerstle Park could experience flooding.
San Rafael’s vulnerable assets include the entire Canal neighborhood and Kerner Business
District, and shoreline development and boating facilities off Point San Pedro Road. In time, the
impacts move into downtown San Rafael, Peacock Gap, and Marin Lagoon. Recent
construction at the Loch Lomond Marina and surrounding properties helped to elevate the
shoreline to offer further protection from sea level rise in those areas. In addition to sea level
rise, subsidence is already a significant issue south of Interstate 580 and Highway 101, and in
Marin Lagoon, where development is built largely on fill atop bay mud. With sea level rise,
subsidence rates could increase. San Rafael’s exposed historic resources could also be
vulnerable to both tidal flooding and 100-year storm surge flooding from San Rafael Creek,
generally in close proximity to Highway 101. Resources include the Litchfield Sign (local
landmark), the French Quarter, two potentially historic areas, Ritter Street and Gerstle Park
(partial), and four potentially historic structures.
The following are key issues related to San Rafael sea level rise and a 100-year storm surge:
• Flooding in the Canal area and Kerner Business District could compromise extensive
multi-family housing, commercial, industrial, and recreational uses.
• Highway 101 on and off-ramps could anticipate 100-year storm surge flooding in
near-term and tidal flooding in the medium-term.
• The San Rafael Transit Center could be vulnerable in the long-term. This could
compromise local and regional bus lines, and the new SMART train.
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-104
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
• A significant portion of downtown could face storm surges in the near- and medium-
terms and sea level rise in the long-term.
• Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District facilities on Andersen Drive
could be vulnerable in the medium-term.
• Several schools including Bahia Vista and Glenwood Elementary, Davidson Middle,
and San Rafael High schools could be vulnerable.
• Five historic landfills along the shoreline and one closed brownfield site further inland
could be subject to inundation.
• Miles of electrical transmission and natural gas pipelines are in the near-term.
• Marinas and other boating facilities could be vulnerable to sea level rise in the
medium - to long-term.
• Peacock Gap homes and golf course could be vulnerable to storms in the near-term
and sea level rise in the long-term.
• Marin Lagoon and streets in the Las Gallinas area could begin to see peripheral tidal
flooding and storm surge flooding in the near-term, and neighborhood scale flooding
by the long-term.
• Fire Station 54 is vulnerable to ten inches of sea level rise.
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-105
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Figure 47: City of San Rafael Sea Level Rise Impact
Source: Marin County OEM
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
l,l
San Anselmo
San elmo
Legend
• Dams
Military and Civil • Defense In stallations
Communication
Faci lities • Electric Power Facilities
Wastewater Facilities
Marin County / San Rafael
Sea Level Rise
inwood •
Emergency Operations
Centers
Fire Stations
Hosp itals and Medical
Faci li ties
Police / She riff Stations
Schools Corte MadeO 0 .5 \
•
0fllCI0F
-EMERGENCY • • : MANAGEMENT
2
Miles • Water Supp ly Facilities Sea Level Rise M o· ~ Airports 1 ft Sea Level Rise
-5 ft Sea Leve l Rise
Marin County OEM / Woody Baker-Cohn
email: OEM_GIS@MarinCounty.org
Date Printed: 11/01/23 N
County of Marin, Ca lifornia State Parks, Esri, HERE, Garmin, SafeGraph, GeoTechnologies, Inc, METI/NASA, USGS, Bureau of Land Management, EPA, NPS, USDA
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-106
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
The 2017 Marin Shoreline Sea Level Rise Vulnerably Assessment estimates that San Rafael
could anticipate impacts to over 58,000 people over 4,700 living units with $2.6 billion in
assessed property value as a result of a 100-year sea level rise scenario and including storm
surge. A majority of privately held parcels contain buildings used for housing, work,
entertainment, worship, and commerce. Many public parcels can also contain buildings,
especially schools, community centers, and emergency services. Without shelter, many, if not
most, of the existing activities on the land would not be feasible. Damages to and destruction of
buildings especially several hundred to thousands of buildings at once, would be devastating to
the local, regional, and state economy for years afterwards. Buildings in San Rafael are older,
and many, especially downtown are unreinforced and could be weakened by flooding. These
buildings are primarily mixed-use or commercial. Newer commercial buildings are typically
concrete slab tilt-ups or smaller cinder block and stucco buildings. According to a BCDC profile
for San Rafael for the Stronger Housing Safer Communities on seismic and flooding safety,
most single-family homes in the low-lying areas of San Rafael are one- and two-story homes,
built in the Victorian era, the earlier part of the 20th century, post-WWII, and newer modern
homes. There are also 2-4 unit dwellings, and medium- and large-sized apartment complexes
typically of wood construction. Several critical businesses could be vulnerable to sea level rise.
These businesses either contain critical goods like medications and access to medical and
building supplies after a major storm or flooding event or house some of the most vulnerable
populations in the region. Transportation is a major concern for San Rafael and for the entire
region. San Rafael serves as a regional transit center, and nearly all routes stop there,
including the newly unveiled SMART line. In the near-term, other major roads impacted are
Bellam Boulevard, Francisco Boulevard East, Kerner Blvd, Grand Avenue and Irwin Street.
Much like with buildings, many of the roads to be flooded first are in, or are major access ways
to, the Canal District and north of Interstate 580. Residents in this area tend to live with scarce
financial resources and can be especially burdened by disruptions in the transportation system
or damage to their vehicles. In addition, those with health or mobility constraints, who do not
own a home or car, or are not proficient in the English language, may also be disproportionally
burdened by sea level rise and storms. If these residents are displaced, the upheaval and loss
would be significant to the community and the regional economy that depends on their
contributions. Further, this area hosts the majority of light industrial and a major portion
commercial uses that depend on the transportation network to reach clients, receive and deliver
materials, and receive customers. Moreover, already constrained street parking could be
flooded with tidal waters. Repeated exposure to saltwater would damage personal and
commercial vehicles. Emergency access for fire, ambulance, and police could be limited at a
time residents are most vulnerable. Fire Station 54 could be directly flooded, damaging
equipment and vehicles in the station. In the medium-term, tidewaters extend under the
freeways further into the street grid of downtown and the industrial and commercial Andersen
Drive area. While Highway 101 is generally elevated, on and off ramps at grade could be
flooded out along most of its course through the city. Unlike 101; however, Interstate 580 could
anticipate surface flooding between the medium- and long-terms. In the long-term, streets and
homes in the Gerstle Park neighborhood west of downtown and US Highway 101 could flood
when Mahon Creek overflows its banks. While previously impacted by storm surges. Pt. San
Pedro Road could expect impacts at tidal MHHW by the long-term. Roads bayside of Pt. San
Pedro Road, such as Mooring Road, could be vulnerable in the near-term. PG&E has
significant assets in San Rafael that could be exposed and vulnerable to sea level rise and
storm surge impacts. Underground gas pipes could face buoyancy pressures as the water table
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-107
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
beneath them rises and pushes them to the surface. The pressure can place bending forces on
the pipes, especially where they are held down by roads. Moreover, if a road sheltering a
natural gas pipe is damaged enough to rupture the pipes the consequences could be severe.
The transmission lines are above ground and could be vulnerable to falling trees and high
winds. In addition, posts could become damaged over time, from floating debris, and
subsidence. The PG&E offices and yard on Andersen Drive could anticipate storm surge
impacts in the long-term. The San Rafael public works building and corporate yard may not
experience direct impacts until the long-term with a storm surge, and primarily in the parking
lots. However, access to and from the site could be compromised in the long-term due to sea
level rise alone.
Climate Change and Future Development Considerations
The two major causes of global sea level rise are thermal expansion of warming oceans and the
melting of land-based glaciers and polar ice caps. Climate change is affecting natural and built
systems around the world, including the California coast. In the past century, average global
temperature has increased about 1.4°F, and average global sea level has increased 7 to 8
inches. Sea level rise in the San Francisco Bay Area is projected to increase by eight inches
MHW in 2050 and could reach 4.5 to eight feet by 2021 if greenhouse gas emissions aren’t
reduced39.
Figure 48: Projections of Sea Level Rise in the San Francisco Bay Area, 2000-2100
Source: 2019–2020 Marin County Civil Grand Jury, Climate Change: How Will Marin Adapt?
While the Marin County OA shoreline including around San Rafael already experiences regular
erosion, flooding, and significant storm events, sea level rise will exacerbate these natural
processes, leading to significant social, environmental, and economic impacts. The third
National Climate Assessment cites strong evidence that the cost of doing nothing exceeds the
costs associated with adapting to sea level rise by 4 to 10 times. Sea level rise will continue to
affect the Marin County OA including San Rafael with increased tidal flooding and storm surge,
particularly up San Rafael Creek, during severe weather events. Future development in the
coastal and lowland areas of San Rafael including the entire Canal neighborhood, Kerner
Business District and shoreline development and boating facilities off Point San Pedro Road
would only amplify these impacts and will put more people and property at risk from flooding as
39 2017 Marin Shoreline Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment. https://www.marincounty.org/-
/media/files/departments/cd/planning/slr/baywave/vulnerability-assessment-
final/final_allpages_bvbconsulting_reduced.pdf?la=en
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
Sea-Level Rise if Greenhouse Gas
Emissions Remain High
2000 2010 2020 2030 2040 2050 2060 2070 2080 2090
(Year)
8
7
6
2
Sea-Level Rise if Greenhouse Gas
Emissions Are Moderated
2000 2010 2020 2030 2040 2050 2060 2070 2080 2090
(Year)
8
7
6
5
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-108
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
a result of sea level rise. Sea level can also lead to increased land subsidence and the potential
of levee failure, with billions of dollars in property in San Rafael at risk of a levee failure. The
impacts of a tsunami would also be magnified with rising seas. Transportation and utility
infrastructure across San Rafael will continue to become inundated.
2.2.8 SEVERE WEATHER – EXTREME HEAT
Extreme heat is defined as temperatures that hover 10 degrees or more above the average high
temperature for the region and last for several weeks. A heat wave is an extended period of
extreme heat, often with high humidity. When relative humidity is factored in, the temperature
can feel much hotter as reflected in the Heat Index (see Figure 49):
Figure 49: Heat Index
Source: NOAA
Heat kills by taxing the human body beyond its abilities. In a normal year, about 1,300
Americans succumb to the demands of summer heat. Heat is the leading weather-related cause
of mortalities in the US. In 2006, California reported a high of 204 heat related deaths, with 98
reported in 2017 and 93 deaths reported in 2018.
Extreme heat has the potential to impact all areas of San Rafael and would be felt more in areas
where there is a widespread presence of concrete and asphalt, which stores heat longer. This
includes most of the downtown and commercial area of the city. There are thousands of
residences in this area. Heat waves can cause power outages and can sicken people who are
exposed to high temperatures too long, particularly infants and the elderly.
In September 2022 the Marin County OA including the San Rafael experienced an Extreme
Heat Event with temperatures exceeding 113 degrees.
Climate Change and Future Development Considerations
The primary effect of climate change is warmer average temperatures. The annual average
daily high temperatures in California are expected to rise by 2.7°F by 2040, 5.8°F by 2070, and
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
NOAA's Nati ona l Weather Service
Heat In dex
Tempe r at u re jOf )
80 82 84 86 98 100 102 104
40 80 81 83 85 105 109 11 4 1
45 80 82 84 87 109 114 1
~ 50 81 83 85 88 ~ 81 84 86 8'9 ~ 55
""C 60 82 84 88 91 .E 65 82 85 89 93 ::l :c 70 83 86 90 95
G, 75 84 88 92 97 > :.:a 80 84 89 94 100 <ll
Qi 85 85 90 96 102 110 Cl
90 86 91 98 105 113
95 86 93 100 108 117
100 87 95 103 112 121
Lik eli hood orHe111 Ois orders w it h Pro l on9ed Exposu r e or Srreuous Ac t ivity
O c .. 1.,ti on 0 1 Ex.treme C~Ult ion O,mger ■ Extreme D.in91e r
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-109
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
8.8°F by 2100 compared to observed and modeled historical conditions40. At the current rate,
annual average temperatures in the Marin County OA region and Bay Area will likely increase
by approximately 4.4 degrees by 2050 and 7.2 degree by the end of the century unless
significant efforts are made to reduce greenhouse emotions according to California’s latest
climate change assessment.
Figure50: Annual Average Temperatures in the San Francisco Bay Area, 2000-2100
Source: California Climate Change Assessment (Fourth Edition)
As climate change accelerates in the 21st century, it is anticipated that extreme heat events will
become more frequent and intense across the Marin County OA including in San Rafael. There
will be increased residential and business needs for cooling and addressing heat-related issues.
These effects would primarily be felt in the lowland areas of San Rafael where heat builds in
developed areas. Heat waves also tax the energy grid. Future development in the Marin
County OA including San Rafael could exacerbate the impacts from heat related events,
particularly in electricity provision and water delivery. Increased temperatures will also lead to
an increase in the occurrence and severity of wildfires across the Marin County OA including
San Rafael as conditions become hotter and drier. These effects will primarily be felt in the
mountainous and marshlands areas of San Rafael where hotter and drier conditions are more
apt to lead to wildfires. Future development near the many open spaces around San Rafael
could expose more people and infrastructure to the threat of a major wildfire as a result of
increasing temperatures.
40 California Adaptation Planning Guide
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
-82 u.. .
QI 80 ._
:,
~ 78
QI a.
~ 76 ....,
~ 74
E
~ 72
11) ...
~ 70
11)
iii :, 68
C
C
<t 66
a) Annual time series
Historical -observed
Historical -modeled range
RCP4 .S average
RCP8 .S average
RCP4.S range
RCP8 .S range
1960 1980 2000 2020 2040 2060 2080 2100
-82 11.. .
QI 80 ._
.a
~ 78
QI a.
~ 76
_µ
~ 74
E
~ 72
:'.:
~ 70
11)
iii :, 68
C
C
<t 66
b) Ti me period summaries
Historical -observed AVG/MIN/MAX
Historical -modeled AVG/MIN/MAX
RCP4 .5 AVG/M IN/MAX
RCP8 .5 AVG/M IN/MAX
MAX
MIN
1976-2005 2006-2039 2040-2069 2070-2100
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-110
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
2.2.9 SEVERE WEATHER – HIGH WIND AND TORNADO
High Wind
High wind is defined as a one-minute average of surface winds 40 miles per hour or greater
lasting for one hour or longer, or winds gusting to 58 miles per hour or greater regardless of
duration that are either expected or observed over land. These winds may occur as part of a
seasonal climate pattern or in relation to other severe weather events such as thunderstorms.
The Beaufort scale is an empirical measure that relates wind speed to observed conditions on
land and is a common measure of wind intensity (see Figure 51).
Figure 51: Beaufort Wind Scale
Source: NOAA
Windstorms in the Marin County OA are typically straight-line winds. Straight-line winds are
generally any thunderstorm wind that is not associated with rotation (i.e., is not a tornado). It is
these winds, which can exceed 100 mph, which represent the most common type of severe
weather and are responsible for most wind damage related to thunderstorms.
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
Beaufort
number
0
1
2
3
4
5
Description
calm
Light air
Ug ht b ree ze
Ge ntle b ree ie
Moder.ate breeze
Fresh breeze
St rong b reeze
Hi gh wind, Moderat.e
gale, eargale
Gale, Frns h ga le
Strongg-a le
Storm, Whole gale
v olent st orm
Hurricane
Wind ,speed
Land conditions
kts m/h
<1 <1 Cillm.S o e r ises vertica lly.
1-2 1-5 Wind mo on vi si ble ·n smoke .
3 -6 6 -11 Wind fl!l t one po~d sk i n. Leaves ru!.tie .
7-10 12 -19 Lt:aves and sma ll et vi £!: i n constant motion.
11 -15 20 -2.8 Dus1 and l oose paper ra i sed .Sma ll b1anches be~i n to move.
16 -20 29-38 Branc he:s o f a modera e si ze mo e. Sma ll trees be11 l n o s vay.
11-26
27-33
34 -40
3!1-4!1 large branches i n moli on. hi stl i ngheard in overhead w ires . Umbrella use
be comes d iffi cu lt_ Empty pl astic garbage cans t l p o ver.
50 _ 61 Who le rees In mo Ion . Effort needed to •nilk aga lns;t the w ind. Sway ing of
skyscrapers mc1v be fe l t espc<la lly by people on upper oors.
62 _ 74 Some twi~ broken from tree:s . Cllrs vee-r en read _ Proeress en foo is
ser l cus l y impeded .
Some branches break off trees , and some sma ll tr ees b lowo er .
41 -47 75 -88 Construction/ empore rv s igns llnd barr icades blow over. 011m11ec to c I rcus
tents a nd czrnop ics.
48-55 89 _ 102 Trees are broken o or uprooted. :;ap llngs bent and deformed. Poorly
a~ched ospho l t sh 1n1 les and ~h i ng les In poor cond i ion peel ofi roofs .
W i despread vegetati on damage. Many roofing surfaces are damaged;
56 -63 103 -117 a5pha lH l es tha.t ha e cur l ed up and/orfrac ur~ due to age may break
away compl e elv .
Z:64
verv wi desi,,e11d d11maee to veee euon . some wi ndows may bree : mob il e
z 118 homes and poorly constructed sheds and bar ns are darnai.ed . Debr i s may be
hurl ed about
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-111
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Tornado
Tornadoes are rotating columns of air marked by a funnel-shaped downward extension of a
cumulonimbus cloud whirling at destructive speeds of up to 300 mph, usually accompanying a
thunderstorm. Tornadoes are the most powerful storms that exist, and damage paths can be in
excess of one mile wide and 50 miles long. The Enhanced Fujita Scale (see Figure 52) is
commonly used to rate the intensity of tornadoes in the United States based on the damages
that they cause.
Figure 52: Enhanced Fujita Scale
Source: NOAA
Tornadic waterspouts are tornadoes that form over water or move from land to water. They
have the same characteristics as a land tornado. They are associated with severe
thunderstorms, and are often accompanied by high winds and seas, large hail, and frequent
dangerous lightning.
l ~'?UN. TY OF ~---~ ~ARIN ~
EF-1
EF-2
EF-3
EF-4
Enhanced Fujita Scale
65-85 mph winds
86-110 mph winds
111-135 mph winds
136-165 mph winds
166-200 mph winds
>200 mph winds
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-112
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Figure 53597: Waterspout Formation
Source: MarineInsights
All of San Rafael is susceptible to storms and damage from wind and tornadoes, though the
mountainous areas surrounding the city and the parks inside the city have increased
susceptibility due to a higher presence of trees. Drought can increase the susceptibility of trees
toppling over in a high wind event. Fallen trees could damage homes and other facilities.
Power lines could be impacted by fallen trees and wind, causing power outages. Roadways
could also become blocked by fallen trees, affecting the ability of residents to reach their homes.
On 12/2/2012, high winds caused power lines to blow down across Smith Ranch Road. Two
power poles were snapped off on Highway 101 in Terra Linda, closing the northbound offramp
to Lucas Valley-Smith Ranch Road. Power lines fell at the Park’n’Ride lot and across Redwood
Boulevard. Smith Ranch Road was closed between Redwood Boulevard and the Highway 101.
A stretch of Redwood Boulevard was closed south of Paul Drive.
On 3/14/2023, high winds caused arcing power lines along Mountain View Avenue, contributing
to power outages in the city.
San Rafael has never experienced a tornado.
Climate Change and Future Development Considerations
It is anticipated that the atmospheric rivers that deliver storms to Northern California may
intensify because of climate change. This increase in storm intensity may bring more intense
winds and potential tornados to Northern California, including the Marin County OA and San
Rafael. Significant wind events and tornados can topple trees, particularly those that may be
saturated or drought stressed as a result of climate change. An increase in fallen trees in San
Rafael as a result of increased storms due to climate change can lead to an increase in power
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
WATERSPOUTS AT SEA
THE VERTICAL
FUNNEL
Water spouts at sea
are vertical wind
shear; a wind force
that changes
direction as it goes
higher.
IT'S NOT SEAWATER
INSIDE WATERSPOUTS
The clouds gather. and
water condensation
leads to a swirling mass
of water droplets.
WIND VELOCITY
According to NOAA, an
average waterspout is around
50 meters in diameter. and its
associated wind moves at 50
mi les an hour.
TORNADIC AND NON-
TORNADIC WATER
SPOUTS
A t orna d ic wat ers pou t is
associated with
thunderstorms. high winds.
hail. and frequent lightning.
Fa ir-w eathe r w a terspouts
need warm water to develop
along the dark flat base of a
line of growing cumulus
clouds.
THE EARLIEST
WATERSPOUTS
In 1555, at the Grand
Harbour of Valletta.
CAN BE
DESTRUCTIVE
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-113
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
outages. Future development in any of the forested areas of San Rafael including in the
southern and western mountainous residential areas will increase the effects of severe wind
events.
2.2.10 TSUNAMI
Tsunamis consist of waves generated by large disturbances of the sea floor, which are caused
by volcanic eruptions, landslides or earthquakes. Shallow earthquakes along dip slip faults are
more likely to be sources of tsunami than those along strike slip faults. The West Coast/Alaska
Tsunami Warning Center (WC/ATWC) is responsible for tsunami warnings. Tsunamis are often
incorrectly referred to as tidal waves. They are actually a series of waves that can travel at
speeds averaging 450 (and up to 600) miles per hour with unusual wave heights. Tsunamis can
reach the beach before warnings are issued.
A tsunami experienced by San Rafael would most likely occur from an earthquake, the location
of which would determine the amount of time that the tsunami waves would reach the city. Much
of eastern San Rafael is at a lower elevation. The three areas of San Rafael in a tsunami
inundation zone include the southern area of the city protected by Marin County Levee’s 12 and
19, the San Pedro Point area protected by the McNears seawall, and the marshlands at the
lower end of Gallinas Creek near Santa Venetia. There are hundreds of residences, numerous
commercial buildings, several critical facilities, and major roads and highways that lie in these
areas and could be susceptible to a tsunami. The San Rafael Fire Station #54, the San Rafael
Fire Station #55, the Bahia Vista School, the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation
District EOC and a Pacific Gas and Electric yard all lie in a tsunami inundation zone and could
be susceptible to a tsunami. Several miles of Highway 101 and Interstate 580 lie in an tsunami
inundation area and could be susceptible a tsunami, effecting ingress and egress in San Rafael
and the greater Marin County OA.
San Rafael has experienced damage to docks in the east San Rafael area from Tsunami
associated surges but is generally well protected within the Bay.
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-114
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Figure 54: City of San Rafael Tsunami Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
Source: Marin County OEM
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
San elmo
• Dams
Military and Civil • Defense Installations
Communication
Facilities • Electric Power Facilities
Wastewater Facilities • Water Supply Facilities
Airports
Marin County / San Rafael
Tsunami
-EMERGENCY ~ MANAGEMENT
inwood '7
Ven
Emergency Operations
Centers
Fire Stations
Hospitals and Medical
Facilities
Police / Sheriff Stations
Schools
Hazards Group
D Tsunami Inundation
Harry A Barbier
Merne r" ark
0 0 .5 2
Miles
Marin County OEM / Woody Baker-Cohn
email: OEM_GIS@MarinCounty.org
Date Printed: 11/01/23
~
N
County of Marin, California State Parks , Esri, HERE , Garmin , SafeGraph, GeoTechnologies, Inc, METI/NASA, USGS, Bureau of Land Management, EPA, NPS , USDA
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-115
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Climate Change and Future Development Considerations
The biggest threat to tsunamis is sea level rise which is a direct result of climate change. Sea
level rise can make tsunamis worse than they already are because higher sea levels allow for
tsunamis to travel further inland and cause even more damage. Sea level rise results in more
vulnerable coastlines which make coastal communities even more vulnerable to an incoming
tsunami as the natural buffer to absorb the energy of an incoming tsunami will cease to exist.
This is particularly true in the Marin County OA including San Rafael, where a large segment of
the developed population lies in an area vulnerable to sea level rise. Furthermore, it has been
theorized that ocean warming, caused by climate change, can impact the tectonic plates that
rest below large bodies of water. Ultimately, this can result in more geological activities and
worse tsunamis. Climate change has also affected ocean patterns, which could eventually lead
to tsunamis distributing themselves across the ocean and impacting areas that are currently not
susceptible to a tsunami. Tsunamis as a result of climate change and associated sea level rise
will exacerbate the impacts of flooding in the lowland areas of the Marin County OA including
San Rafael. This is particularly true along the mouth of San Rafael Creek and around the
marshland areas of Gallinas Creek where additional storm surge as a result of a larger tsunami
could cause greater impacts. Future development in these areas as well as in the southern
area of the city protected by levees will expose more people and infrastructure to the effects of
flooding as tsunami inundation areas expand with climate change. Development in marshland
in San Rafael would expose additional people and infrastructure to flooding as marshlands act
as a natural buffer to a tsunami. Flooding could be exacerbated in areas where levees could fail
along Gallinas Creek and along the shoreline of San Rafael, including the southern area of the
city and the area around Point San Pedro as a result of high wave heights associated with a
more significant tsun ami. A major tsunami as a result of sea level rise caused by climate
change could cause additional flooding impacts to Interstate 580 in San Rafael, significantly
impacting travel into and out of the Marin County OA.
2.2.11 WILDFIRE
A wildfire is a fire that occurs in an area of combustible vegetation. The three conditions
necessary for a wildfire to burn are fuel, heat, and oxygen. Fuel is any flammable material that
can burn, including vegetation, structures, and cars. The more fuel that exists and the drier that
fuel is, the more intense the fire can be. Wildfires can be started naturally through lightning or
combustion or can be set by humans. There are many sources of human-caused wildfires
including arson, power lines, a burning campfire, an idling vehicle, trains, and escaped
controlled burns. On average, four out of five wildfires are started by humans. Uncontrolled
wildfires fueled by wind and weather can burn acres of land and everything in their path in mere
minutes and can reach speeds up to 15 miles per hour or faster depending upon wind speed
and ember distribution. On average, more than 100,000 wildfires burn 4 to 5 million acres of
land in the United States every year. Although wildfires can occur in any state, they are most
common in the Western states including California where heat, drought, and thunderstorms
create perfect wildfire conditions.
Wildfires are of primary concern when they occur in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI), which
is defined as areas where homes are built near or among lands prone to wildfire. Even
relatively small acreage fires may result in disastrous damages. Most structures in the WUI are
not destroyed from direct flame impingement, but from embers carried by wind. The damages
can be widely varying, but are primarily reported as damage to infrastructure, built environment,
and injuries to people.
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-116
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
The pattern of increased damages is directly related to increased urban spread into historical
forested areas that have wildfire as part of the natural ecosystem. Many WUI fire areas have
long histories of wildland fires that burned only vegetation in the past. However, with new
development, a wildland fire following a historical pattern may now burn these newly developed
areas. WUI fires can occur where there is a distinct boundary between the built and natural
areas or where development or infrastructure has encroached or is intermixed in the natural
area. WUI fires may include fires that occur in remote areas that have critical infrastructure
easements through them, including electrical transmission towers, railroads, water reservoirs,
communications relay sites or other infrastructure assets.
Consequently, wildland fires that burn in natural settings with little or no development are part of
a natural ecological cycle and may actually be beneficial to the landscape. Century old policies
of fire exclusion and aggressive suppression have given way to better understanding of the
importance fire plays in the natural cycle of certain forest types.
Warning times are usually adequate to ensure public safety, provided that evacuation
recommendations and orders are heeded in a timely manner. While in most cases wildfires are
contained within a week or two of outbreak, in certain cases, they have been known to burn for
months, or until they are completely extinguished by fall rains.
Wildfire poses the greatest risk to human life and property in the Marin County OA’s densely
populated WUI, which holds an estimated 69,000 living units. The Marin County OA is home to
23 communities listed on CAL FIRE’s Communities at Risk list, with approximately 80% of the
total land area in the county designated as having moderate to very high fire hazard severity
ratings. The county has a long fire history with many large fires over the past decades, several
of which have occurred in the WUI. To compound the issue, national fire suppression policies
and practices have contributed to the continuous growth (and overgrowth) of vegetation
resulting in dangerously high fuel loads. The Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP)
provides a scientifically based assessment of wildfire threat in the WUI of the Marin County OA.
The City of San Rafael has a 38 Point Action Plan aimed at reducing risks associated with
wildfire.
Fire protection in California is the responsibility of either the federal, state, or local government
depending upon the location of the incident. On federally owned land, or federal responsibility
areas (FRA), fire protection is provided by the federal government, and or in partnership with
local agreements. In state responsibility areas (SRA), CAL FIRE typically provides fire
protection. However, in some counties CAL FIRE contracts with county fire departments to
provide protection of the SRA – this is the case in the Marin County OA, where CAL FIRE
contracts with MCFD. Local responsibility areas (LRA) include incorporated cities and cultivated
agriculture lands, and fire protection is typically provided by city fire departments, fire protection
districts, counties, and by CAL FIRE under contract to local government. The San Rafael Fire
Department provides first response and wildfire prevention efforts to San Rafael.
CAL FIRE contracts with MCFD to provide wildland fire protection and associated fire
prevention activities for lands designated by the State Board of Forestry as SRA. The MCFD is
responsible for the protection of approximately 200,000 acres of SRA within the county and is
the primary agency that handles wildland fires. This includes the area of China Camp State
Park, in east San Rafael. MCFD also provides similar protection services to approximately
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-117
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
100,000 acres of FRA in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA), the Muir Woods
National Monument, and the Point Reyes National Seashore.
Figure 55 indicates the federal responsibility areas, state responsibility areas and local
responsibility areas in the Marin County OA.
Figure 55: Federal, State and Local Responsibility Areas in the Marin County OA
Source: Marin Community Wildfire Protection Plan
The mix of weather, diverse vegetation and fuel characteristics, complex topography, and land
use and development patterns in the Marin County OA are important contributors to the fire
environment. The MCFD Woodacre ECC currently manages the data from four Remote
Automated Weather Stations (RAWS) for predicting fire danger utilizing the National Fire
Danger Rating System (NFDRS) during the fire season. The RAWS are located in Woodacre,
Middle Peak, Barnabe, Big Rock and a new station will be coming online in Novato.
The Marin County OA is bounded by the cool waters of the Pacific Ocean to the west, the San
Francisco and Richardson Bays to the southeast, the San Pablo Bay to the east, and Sonoma
County agricultural lands to the north. The combination of these large bodies of water, location
in the mid-latitudes, and the persistent high pressure over the eastern Pacific Ocean results in
several micro-climates. Weather in the OA consists of warm, dry summers and cool, wet
winters. The climate in early fall and late spring is generally similar to the summer, and late fall
is similar to winter. Spring is generally cool, but not as wet as the winter. While these general
weather conditions are fairly representative of the typical Marin County OA weather, complex
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
Legend
Federal responsl bflily area s (FRA)
Local respons,b,l lly areas (LRA)
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-118
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
topography, annual variability of weather patterns, and less frequent and transient weather
patterns are important to fire conditions.
In the late spring through early fall, the combination of frequent and strong high-pressure
systems (known as the Pacific High) over California combined with the cool waters of the
ocean/bays results in persistent fog and low clouds along the coast (including over the southern
Marin County OA near the San Francisco Bay) with winds. The fog often penetrates into the
inland valleys of the northern and central Marin County OA, especially during overnight hours.
At the coastline, mist from fog can keep the land surfaces modestly moist while inland land
surfaces above the fog or inversion are often very dry.
The Pacific High that persists from late spring through early fall over the eastern Pacific,
combined with a thermal low pressure over the Central Valley of California, results in an almost
continuous sea breeze. These winds usher in cool and moist air and can be strong at times (15
to 25 mph), especially over the ridge tops and through northwest to southeast lying valleys,
including San Geronimo/Ross, Hicks, Lucas Valleys, and Mill Valley and the Marin Headlands.
These westerly winds are usually highest in the afternoon, decrease in the evening, and are
light overnight before increasing again in the late morning/early afternoon.
Occasionally in the summer and more often in the fall, the Pacific High moves inland and
centers over Oregon and Idaho, while low pressure moves from the Central Valley of California
to southern California and Arizona. The resulting north-to -south pressure gradient can be strong
enough to retard the typical sea breeze and can even result in winds blowing from the land to
the ocean (offshore winds). As the offshore winds move air from the Central Valley to the
coastal areas of California, the air descends and compresses, which greatly warms and dries
the air. Under these “Diablo” wind conditions, temperatures in the Marin County OA can reach
100°F in the inland areas and even 80°F at the coast, and relative humidity can be very low. In
addition, wind speeds can be high (20 to 40 mph), gusty and are often much faster over the
mountains and ridge tops such as Mt. Tamalpais, Loma Alta, Marin Headlands and Mt. Burdell
compared to low-lying areas. Wind speeds can be high over the ridges and mountains at all
times of day under this “offshore” wind pattern and are often much slower or even calm at night
in low-lying areas because nighttime cooling decouples the aloft winds from the surface winds. It
is during these Diablo wind events that there is a high potential for large, wind -driven fires
should there be an ignition. Historically, the largest and most destructive fires have occurred
during these offshore (also known as Foehn) wind events including the Angel Island and the
Vision fires which were located in West Marin.
A few times per year in the summer and early fall, monsoonal flow from Mexico may bring in
moist and unstable air over central and northern California, which can result in thunderstorms
with or without precipitation. With the otherwise dry summer conditions, lightning from this type
of weather pattern can ignite fires. These monsoonal flow patterns are usually only one to two-
day events.
Beginning in late November and lasting through the end of March, the Pacific High moves south
and weakens, allowing storms that originate in the Gulf of Alaska to move over California.
These storms bring precipitation and, at times, strong winds out of the south. Each storm
usually results in one fourth inch to several inches of rain over a day or so. Near Mt. Tamalpais,
rainfall amounts are enhanced by orographic lifting, resulting in higher rain amounts in the
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-119
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Kentfield and Fairfax areas compared to the rest of the county. Typically, after the first rain in
November, the cool weather and occasional storm keeps the ground wet through late Spring.
However, in some years, significant rain does not occur until later in the year (e.g., early-to-late
December) and there can be several weeks without any storms and rain. During storms,
temperatures are usually mild.
When there are no storms over California, a land-breeze typically forms (i.e., winds blowing
from the Central Valley to the Pacific Ocean). These winds can reach 30 mph, and travel
through the southeast to northwest lying valleys, over low-lying ridges such as the Marin
Headlands, and through the Golden Gate. These winds are usually highest in the mid-morning
hours and decrease in the afternoon as the Central Valley warms during the day. The winds are
associated with cold and modestly moist air.
In late February/early March through late April, the Pacific High strengthens and moves north,
and storms impacting the county become less frequent. During this time of year there is often a
low-pressure area over the desert in southwest California. The combination of the Pacific High
to the north and low-pressure to the southwest results in strong winds blowing from the
northwest to the southeast. Like the sea breeze, these winds bring in cool, moist air and are
usually highest in the afternoon hours. Because of winter and spring rains, the land is wet and
there is little danger of wildland fire despite the strong winds and only occasional precipitation.
There is often little coastal fog this time of year.
Vegetation, which is also known as fuel, plays a major role in fire behavior and potential fire
hazards. A fuel’s composition, including moisture level, chemical make-up, and density,
determines its degree of flammability. Of these, fuel moisture level is the most important
consideration. Generally, live trees contain a great deal of moisture while dead logs contain very
little. The moisture content and distribution of fuels define how quickly a fire can spread and how
intense or hot it may become. High moisture content will slow the burning process since heat
from the fire must first eliminate moisture.
In addition to moisture, a fuel’s chemical makeup determines how readily it will burn. Some
plants, shrubs, and trees such as chamise and eucalyptus (both present in the Marin County
OA) contain oils or resins that promote combustion, causing them to burn more easily, quickly,
and intensely.
Finally, the density of a fuel influences its flammability; when fuels are close together but not too
dense, they will ignite each other, causing the fuel to spread readily. However, if fuels are so
close that air cannot circulate easily, the fuel will not burn freely.
The Marin County OA has extensive topographic diversity that supports a variety of vegetation
types. Marin County’s OA has significant changes in topography with steep vegetated slopes
which can also add to the ability of the fuel to further expand a wildfire.
Environmental factors, such as temperature, precipitation, soil type, aspect, slope, and land use
history, all help determine the existing vegetation at any given location. In the central and
eastern parts of the county, north facing slopes are usually densely wooded from lower
elevations to ridge peaks with a mixture of mostly hardwood tree species such as coast live oak,
California bay, Pacific madrone, and other oak species. Marshlands are also present throughout
the county; once ignited marsh fires can be difficult to contain and extinguish.
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-120
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Grasslands with a mixture of native and nonnative annual and perennial plant species occur
most often in the northern and western parts of the county due to a combination of soil type,
lower rainfall, and a long history of ranching. The southern and western facing slopes tend to
have a higher percentage of grasslands, which in turn have the potential to experience higher
rates of fire spread. Grassland fires are dangerous even without extreme fire weather scenarios
due to the rapid rate of fire spread; in some cases, fires spread so quickly that large areas can
burn before response resources are able to arrive.
In the west portion of the county closer to the coast, where precipitation is higher and marine
influence is greater, most areas are densely forested with conifer species (i.e., Bishop pine,
Douglas-fir, and coast redwood) and associated hardwood species. Chaparral vegetation also
occurs in parts of the county, especially on steeper south and west facing slopes. This mix of
densely forested areas mixed with chaparral results in higher fuel loads and potentially higher
fire intensity. Expansion of the residential community into areas of heavier vegetation has
resulted in homes existing in close proximity to dense natural foliage; these homes are often
completely surrounded by highly combustible or tall vegetation, increasing the potential that
wildland fires could impact them.
As part of the development of the Marin Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP), an
updated vegetation map layer was created using the most recent vegetation information
available from a variety of state and local data sources.
Vegetation distribution in the Marin County OA is characterized by approximately 20 different
types of vegetation which have been classified into 15 fire behavior fuel models.
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-121
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Figure 56598: Fuel Model Map for the Marin County OA
Source: Unknown
Insect infestations and plant diseases, such as California oak mortality syndrome (sudden oak
death), are increasing and threaten to change the structure and overall health of native plant
communities in Marin County. Sudden oak death has no known cure and is the biggest concern;
this syndrome is caused by the fungus-like Phytophthora ramorum, which has led to widespread
mortality of several tree species in California since the mid-1990s; the tanoak (Lithocarpus
densiflorus) in particular appears to have little or no resistance to the disease. Sudden oak
death has resulted in stands of essentially dead trees with very low fuel moistures.
Studies examining the impacts of sudden oak death on fire behavior indicate that while
predicted surface fire behavior in sudden oak death stands seems to conform to a common fuel
model already in use for hardwood stands, the very low moisture content of dead tanoak leaves
may lead to crown ignitions more often during fires of “normal” intensity.
Two other plant diseases prevalent in the Marin County OA are pitch canker (which affects
conifers such as Bishop pine and other pine species) and madrone twig dieback (which affects
Pacific madrones). Pitch canker is caused by the fungus Fusarium circinatum (F. subglutinans,
F. sp. pini), which enters the tree through wounds caused by insects. While some trees do
recover, most infected trees are eventually killed by the fungus. Management of this disease
largely focuses on containment to reduce the fungus spreading to other trees. Pitch canker is a
particular issue in the NPS lands of Pt. Reyes National Seashore, where many acres of young
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
Fuel Model
D 101 : Short, Sparse Dry Climate Grass
D 102 : Low Load . Dry Climate Grass
D 104 : Moderate Load , Ory Climate Grass
D 107 : High Load . Dry Climate Grass
D 121 : Low Load , Dry Climate Grass-Shrub
D 141 : Low load Dry Cl imate Shrub
D 142 : Moderate Load Dr/ Climate Shrub
D 145: High Load, Dry Climate Shrub
D 147: Very High Load , Dry Climate Shrub
Low Load Dry Climate Timber-Grass-Shrub
D 165 : Very High Load , Ory Climate Timber-Shrub
CJ 181 : Low Load Compact Conifer Litter
182 : Low Load Broadleaf Litter
-186 : Moderate load Broadleaf Utter
-189: Very High Load Broadleaf Litter
-91: Urban.'Developed
98: Open Water
c::J 99: Bare Ground
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-122
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Bishop Pines that were seeded on the Inverness Ridge by the Mount Vision Fire of 1995 have
been infected.
These dead and dying trees have created large swaths of land with dense and dry fuel loads.
Madrone twig dieback is caused by the native fungus Botryosphaeria dothidea and appears to
be getting worse throughout the county due to drought effects on Pacific madrones. Three
additional threats to trees common to the Marin County OA include:
• Bark and ambrosia beetles (Monarthrum dentiger and monarthrum scutellare), which
target oak and tanoak trees. Sudden oak death may be exacerbating the effects of
beetle infestations which prey on trees already weakened by this disease.
• Root rot, caused by oak root fungus (Armillaria mellea), is primarily associated with oaks
and other hardwoods but also attacks conifers. These fungal infestations cause canopy
thinning and branch dieback and can kill mature trees. As with the beetle infestations,
sudden oak death may be exacerbating the effects of root rot fungus in the county
forests.
• Velvet-top fungus (Phaeolus schweinitzii) is a root rot fungus affecting Douglas-fir and
other conifers, with the infection typically occurring through a wound.
Topography characterizes the land surface features of an area in terms of elevation, aspect,
and slope. Aspect is the compass direction that a slope faces, which can have a strong
influence on surface temperature, and more importantly on fuel moistures. Both elevation and
aspect play an important role in the type of vegetation present, the length of the growing
season, and the amount of sunlight absorbed by vegetation. Generally, southern aspects
receive more solar radiation than northern aspects; the result is that soil and vegetation on
southern aspects is warmer and dryer than soil and vegetation on northern aspects. Slope is a
measure of land steepness and can significantly influence fire behavior as fire tends to spread
more rapidly on steeper slopes. For example, as slope increases from 20 – 40%, flame heights
can double and rates of fire spread can increase fourfold; from 40 – 60%, flame heights can
become three times higher and rates of spread can increase eightfold.
The Marin County OA is topographically diverse, with rolling hills, valleys and ridges that trend
from northwest to southeast. Elevation throughout the county varies considerably, with Mt.
Tamalpais’ peak resting at 2,574 feet above sea level and many communities at or near sea
level. Correspondingly, there is considerable diversity in slope percentages. The San Geronimo
Valley slopes run from level (in the valley itself) to near 70%. Mt. Barnabe has slopes that run
from 20 to 70%, and Throckmorton ridge has slopes that range in steepness from 40 – 100%.
These slope changes can make fighting fires extremely difficult.
In the WUI where natural fuels and structure fuels are intermixed, fire behavior is complex and
difficult to predict. Research based on modeling, observations, and case studies in the WUI
indicates that structure ignitability during wildland fires depends largely on the characteristics
and building materials of the home and its immediate surroundings.
The dispersion of burning embers from wildfires is the most likely cause of home ignitions.
When embers land near or on a structure, they can ignite near-by vegetation or accumulated
debris on the roof or in the gutter. Embers can also enter the structure through openings such
as an open window or vent and could ignite the interior of the structure or debris in the attic.
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-123
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Wildfire can further ignite structures through direct flame contact and/or radiant heat. For this
reason, it is important that structures and property in the WUI are less prone to ignition by
ember dispersion, direct flame contact, and radiant heat.
Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) Events
As a result of the 2017 Northern California Wildfires, the 2018 Camp Fire in Butte County and
other wildfires caused by power line infrastructure, Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) began
initiating Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events in their service areas (including Marin
County) to help prevent the start of future wildfires. PG&E will initiate a PSPS if conditions
indicate potentially dangerous weather conditions in fire-prone areas due to strong winds, low
humidity, and dry vegetation. During these events, PG&E will proactively turn off power in high
fire risk areas to reduce the threat of wildfires. The most likely electric lines to be considered for
a public safety power outage will be those that pass through areas that have been designated
by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) High Fire-Threat District at elevated (Tier
2) or extreme risk (Tier 3) for wildfire. Customers outside of these areas could have their power
shut off, though, if their community relies upon a line that passes through a high fire-threat area
or an area experiencing severe weather. PG&E will consider numerous factors and analyze
historical data to help predict the likelihood of a wildfire occurring, and closely monitoring
weather watch alerts from the National Weather Service (NWS). These factors generally
include, but are not limited to:
• A Red Flag Warning declared by the National Weather Service
• Low humidity levels, generally 20 percent and below
• Forecasted sustained winds generally above 25 mph and wind gusts in excess of
approximately 45 mph, depending on location and site-specific conditions such as
temperature, terrain and local climate
• Condition of dry material on the ground and live vegetation (moisture content)
• On-the-ground, real-time observations from PG&E's Wildfire Safety Operations Center
and field crews
Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) operates a total of 1,179 miles of overhead electricity
transmission and distribution lines in the Marin County OA. Overhead electricity lines and poles
can be damaged or downed under severe weather conditions, particularly severe wind
conditions, which increases the potential for wildfire ignition. 52 percent of PG&E’s overhead
distribution lines and 41 percent of its overhead transmission lines are located in CPUC-
identified High-Fire Threat Districts subject to elevated or extreme fire risk. PG&E is currently
planning and implementing safety measures to prevent wildfires and reduce the impacts of
Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events on communities in the Marin County OA and
throughout California.
In October 2019 the County of Marin and the City of San Rafael experienced two PSPS events
totaling over five days without power.
These measures include installing weather stations; installing high-definition cameras; installing
sectionalizing devices on its overhead lines to separate the grid into smaller sections; hardening
the system by installing stronger power poles, covering lines, and undergrounding lines in
targeted areas; creating temporary microgrids to provide electricity during PSPS events; and
enhancing existing vegetation management activities. From 2018 to July 2021, PG&E hardened
three miles of overhead lines, installed 68 transmission and distribution sectionalizing devices,
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-124
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
completed enhanced vegetation management on approximately 51 of overhead line miles,
installed 28 weather stations, and installed 12 high-definition cameras in the Marin County OA.
PG&E has also begun undergrounding several overhead transmission lines throughout
California.
A wildfire in San Rafael would most likely occur on the central and northwestern areas of the
city which is in a high FHSZ and where there is more forested terrain. Open spaces in this area
include Boyd Memorial Park and Jerry Russom Memorial Park. Neighborhoods in a high FHSZ
include the Smith Ranch area, West End from San Rafael Hill to Ridgewood Avenue and Bret
Harte Avenue, the Los Ranchitos areas and Terra Linda neighborhoods. The areas of San
Rafael in a high FHSZ are primarily residential with thousands of homes and consists of
numerous winding streets and hillside homes that could be damaged or destroyed by a wildfire.
Many of the hillside neighborhoods are at risk of wildfires and have extremely limited ingress
and egress for residents and emergency services. Part of downtown including numerous
businesses and the San Rafael City Hall, San Rafael Police Department, and San Rafael Fire
Station #51; the Sun Valley School; part of the Terra Linda School; the Marindale School; the
Caulbridge School; the County of Marin Office of Education; the County of Marin 911
Communications Center; the Pacific Gas and Electric Las Gallinas substation; and several
Marin Emergency Radio Authority (MERA) towers lie in a high FHSZ and could be susceptible
to a wildfire. Pockets of San Rafael including the area around San Pedro Hill and Harry A.
Berbier Memorial Park lies in a moderate FHSZ and could be susceptible to a wildfire. This
area includes hundreds of residences; part of downtown including numerous businesses, the
Marin Academy and the Saint Raphael School; numerous medical facilities; part of the Terra
Linda High School; part of the Star Academy; the John Duckett Pump Station; part of the Kaiser
Permanente San Rafael Medical Center; the San Rafael Fire Station #56, part of the Pacific
Gas and Electric yard; part of the Central Marin Sanitation Agency Wastewater Treatment Plant;
several MERA towers; and the radio tower for the Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District and the
Ross Valley Sanitary District.
All of San Rafael could be impacted by a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) event and/or
suffer poor air quality from smoke as a result of a wildfire in Marin County or the surrounding
region. As wildland areas around San Rafael become drier due to climate change, the risk of a
wildfire occurring and impacting the town will continue to increase. Fires in the town may
increase over time as marshlands, parks, and other open spaces experience drier conditions.
San Rafael has never had a major wildfire cause significant damage to life or property.
However, vegetation fires in San Rafael Open space and along roadways are an annual
occurrence.
On 11/2/2023, a quarter–acre grass fire burned on San Rafael Hill. The fire was reported at
about 2:30 a.m. near the San Rafael Elks Lodge west of Robert Dollar Drive. Firefighters
controlled the blaze within about 20 minutes. No one was evacuated. The cause appeared to
be related to unhoused encampments or related activity, due to personal belongings found in
the vicinity. The fire’s slow rate of spread was influenced by defensible space cleared by the
San Rafael Fire Department.
On 10/18/2023, a vegetation fire broke out on San Rafael Hill near Mountain Park. The blaze
burned a roughly 40 by 40 square foot area off Coleman Avenue, between Graceland Drive and
Vineyard Drive. The fire happened ahead of a broad heat advisory set to take effect and a few
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-125
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
hours before a controlled burn was scheduled to take place on the Mount Tamalpais
Watershed.
On 6/6/2022, a vegetation fire burned two acres and prompted home evacuations. The fire in
the Dominican-Black Canyon neighborhood was reported at 9:50 p.m. in a eucalyptus grove on
a steep hillside between Deer Park Avenue and Highland Avenue. Residents from five
structures were asked to evacuate during the fire. The homes were threatened, but not
damaged. The nearby Dominican University campus was not evacuated.
On 9/1/2021, residents had to evacuate a section of Lucas Valley near San Rafael after a
vegetation fire broke out on a hillside. The fire was reported at about 2:10 p.m. near Mount
Lassen Drive. It grew to about 30 acres. Flames burned uphill away from homes. The
evacuation zone included the area north of Lucas Valley Road between Las Gallinas Avenue
and Bridgegate Drive and north to Marinwood open space. The cause was under investigation.
On 6/9/2018, a vegetation fire ignited in the hills of San Rafael north of downtown, burning in
Boyd Memorial Park near Highway 101. The fire was first reported at 3:25 p.m. Evacuation
orders weren’t issued, but residents in the area were encouraged to shelter in place at one
point. The cause was under investigation. The fire moved at a moderate speed and consumed
grass and other “flashy fuels” that ignite easily and burn quickly.
Figure 57599: 2018 San Rafael Wildfire in Boyd Memorial Park
Source: SF Gate
On 1/24/2014, a brush fire raced through an east San Rafael marsh behind the Sonnen BMW
dealership near Kerner and East Francisco boulevards and Shoreline Parkway, shooting flames
20 feet high as three acres burned. The blaze was doused within 45 minutes. No structures
were threatened and no one was injured, but the brush and pampas grass fire was more
dangerous than usual. Officials believe sharp “popping” sounds coming from the blaze came
from ammunition bursting in the heat. Two people were seen fleeing as firefighters arrived.
The fire was apparently the result of a homeless encampment situation. Firefighters had
responded to well over 20 brush fires triggered by homeless encampments over the past
several months in the area.
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-126
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Figure 58: City of San Rafael Wildfire Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
Source: Marin County OEM
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
San Anselmo
• Dams • Military and Civil
Defense In stallations
Comm uni cation
Fac ilities
El ectric Power Facil ities
Wastewater Facilities • Wa ter Supply Facilities
Marin County / San Rafael
Fire Severity
' EMERGENCY •
OIIICIOI
• • : MANAGEMENT
Ir -NOC j •
Legend
Airports Fire Severity Zone 7-Emergency Operations
-Very High Centers
Fire Stations Hi gh 0 0 .5 2
Mode rate Made Miles Hospitals an d Med ica l swee Facilities Non·Wild lan d/Non· 6 Urban Marin County OEM / Woody Baker-Cohn Police / Sheriff Stations D Urban Unzoned
Schoo ls email: OEM _GIS @Mari nCounty.org
Date Printed : 11/01/23 N
County of Marin, California State Parks , Esri, HERE, Garmin, SafeGraph, GeoTechnologies, Inc, METI/NASA, USGS, Bureau of Land anagement, EPA, NPS , USDA
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-127
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Climate Change and Future Development Considerations
Climate change can lead to an increase in wildfire events. Climate change has been a key
factor in increasing the risk and extent of wildfires in the western United States. Changes in
climate create warmer, drier conditions. Increased drought, and a longer fire season are
boosting these increases in wildfire risk.
Figure 59: Trends in the Annual Number of Large Wildfires in the United States
Source: Fourth Climate Change Assessment
As summer conditions in Northern California become hotter and drier due to climate change, the
occurrence and severity of wildfires will only increase. The Marin County OA including San
Rafael is particularly susceptible to these future impacts of climate change on wildfire, as the
OA’s climate has generally been wet enough historically to avoid major wildfires. Extreme heat
events and high wind events could cause electrical systems to become overloaded and fail,
sparking wildfires. An increase in wildfires as a result of climate change could lead to more
significantly burned areas that could contribute to debris flows after a significant storm event,
particularly in the open space areas around San Rafael. Future development in the WUI
throughout San Rafael will expose more people and property to the impacts of a potentially
significant wildfire. The growing number of people in the San Rafael WUI can increase risk to
life, property and public health as a result of a wildfire. Future development around the San
Rafael open space parks and marshlands would expose more people to the effects of brush
fires as those natural areas dry out in the summer due to climate change.
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
g All Regions
~ l hlllu11l1~1lli1,ll11J
1984 1992 2000 2008 i ~f m/Kl,~th/C•~•d• Mio,
~ o J'.f"= ill 1984 19'92 2doo 2do8 i ~f "'' P1,;,1tol,mb;, P1,1,.,
j 0 19184 1992 2doo 2do8
a Bas in and Range
I:~
0 1....1;9'84=:;:::, =1::;:9'9=2===20:;:::'o=o =2=0;:::108=
Med iterranean California
;,l . ,992 • 2000 • 2008
;(ky Mo,OQ;o,
1984 1992 2o'oo
. 0 Warm Deserts
co
0 v
2o'o8
199 2 2000 2008
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-128
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
SECTION 3.0: MITIGATION STRATEGY
3.1 CHANGES IN DEVELOPMENT
The overall hazard mitigation priorities in the City of San Rafael have not changed since the
2018 MJHMP update. Marin County understands that hazard exposure may occur in areas of
new development, however, the county feels current building standards, municipal codes, and
regulations will provide adequate mitigation against hazard vulnerability.
The strategies that support the overall city priorities have changed since the 2018 MJHMP and
are reflected in the sections below. There were many projects that were either ongoing day-to-
day activities or were response related that were deleted from the 2018 MJHMP project list and
not carried over to this plan update. Several actions were completed, and new projects were
added to coincide with the changes in priorities, progress in local mitigation efforts and changes
in development.
It is tremendously important to San Rafael residents that growth is well managed and
harmonious with community needs. New development and other physical alterations must
respect the character and scale of the city. Change and development should be accomplished
in ways that enhance and blend with San Rafael’s existing physical and social qualities.
Development should respect the physical fabric of the city, while improving its social fabric
through new housing and economic opportunities that reach all residents.
The City of San Rafael General Plan 2040 leaves in place most zoning standards but makes a
few important changes. New Downtown zoning will enable higher densities and more housing
without losing the area’s hometown character. Northgate Mall and its environs will retain their
General Plan Map designations, but policies are more emphatic about future changes that
respond to retail trends, the desire for a North San Rafael Town Center, and the need for
housing. Greater investment in the Canal area and Southeast San Rafael will improve living
conditions for many residents, provide job opportunities, and create additional revenue, while
responding to the challenges of rising sea level. Intentionally guiding growth allows areas
needing improvement to be enhanced without reducing neighborhood quality.
Though new housing laws at the state level have exempted much residential development from
the CEQA process; those laws have preserved all life safety requirements of the building and
fire codes. When not usurped by State law, future land use and growth strategies in the City of
San Rafael will be consistent with priorities detailed in the 2023 Marin County OA MJHMP and
aim to concentrate future development in already developed areas and away from locations
where natural characteristics should be avoided such as steep slopes and sensitive habitats.
Priority areas for development are those that have, or can readily be supplied with, adequate
public facilities and services. This is done through various policies relating to zoning and
minimum development standards and requirements. Zoning designations prescribe allowed
land uses and minimum lot sizes for the purpose of supporting efficient infrastructure design,
conservation of natural resources, and avoidance of conflicting uses.
As detailed in the "Climate Change and Future Development Considerations" section of each
hazard profile, development in San Rafael has occurred and will continue to occur throughout
the town in areas prone to all of its identified hazards. Increased growth in these areas may
increase the vulnerability of people and structures to these hazards.
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-129
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Table 22: City of San Rafael Projected Growth Areas
Project Location # of
Units
# of
Parce
ls
Project Date Acres
Fire
Severity
Zone
Flood
Zone
1130 Mission Ave 13 2 2018 .40 NA X
980 Lincoln Ave 38 1 2018 .42 NA AH
21 G ST 1 1 2018 .04 NA X
809 B ST 41 3 2018 .57 NA X
21 G Street 1 1 2019 .04 NA X
215 Belle Avenue 4 3 2019 .28 NA X
1010 Northgate Drive 0 1 2019 6.94 NA X
703 3rd Street 0 1 2019 .16 NA AH
1628 5th Avenue 9 1 2019 0.2 NA X
496 B Street 6 1 2020 .14 NA AE
980 Lincoln Avenue 38 1 2020 .42 NA AH
999 Third Street 5 1 2020 .10 NA X
350 Merrydale Road 0 1 2020 2.08 NA X
104 Shaver Street 1 1 2020 .14 NA X
190 Mill Street 41 1 2020 .33 NA AE
815 B Street 41 2 2020 .29 NA X
496 B Street 6 1 2021 .14 NA AE
1628 5TH AVE units 1-9 9 1 2021 .2 NA X
21 G ST 1 1 2021 .04 NA X
1200 IRWIN ST 15 3 2021 .62 NA X
815 B Street 41 2 2021 .29 NA X
190 Mill Street 41 1 2021 .33 NA AE
1628 5TH AVE units 1-9 9 1 2022 .2 NA X
999 3rd Street 5 1 2022 .10 NA X
1380 Lincoln Avenue 9 1 2022 .22 NA X
Los Gamos Drive - - 2022 - - -
55 Brookdale Avenue 10 1 2022 .2 NA X
88 Vivian Street 0 1 2022 2.41 NA AE
Total 2524 28 165.37
Table 305: City of San Rafael Future Growth Areas
Source: City of San Rafael
3.2 CAPABILITY ASSESSMENT
The overall priorities in the City of San Rafael have not changed since the 2018 MJHMP
update. However, the strategies in which to support the overall City priorities have changed
and are reflected in the sections below. There were many projects that were either ongoing
day-to -day business activities or were response related that were completed or deleted from
the 2018 MJHMP project list and not carried over to this plan update. Several actions were
completed and new projects were added to coincide with the changes in priorities, progress in
local mitigation efforts and changes in development.
Capabilities are the programs and polices currently in use to reduce hazard impacts or that
could be used to implement hazard mitigation activities. The capability assessment identifies the
local planning mechanisms where information from the 2018 MJHMP is incorporated and where
updated hazard mitigation information from this 2023 MJHMP will be incorporated once
-===-t+:=f:===t:==f=~r-f-= =====--= -==1t====t-~=t=-±==t-_t----
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-130
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
approved. The 2018 capability assessments have been successfully incorporated into the City
of San Rafael General Plan to include the Public Safety Element, Land Use Element, and
Housing Element and the 2023 capability assessments will also be incorporated into the
General Plan and these Elements. The capability assessment is divided into four sections:
regulatory, administrative and technical, fiscal, and outreach and partnerships.
3.2.1 REGULATORY CAPABILITIES
The legal and regulatory capabilities include existing ordinances and codes that affect the City’s
physical or built environment. Examples of legal and/or regulatory capabilities can include: a
jurisdiction’s building codes, zoning ordinances, subdivision ordnances, special purpose
ordinances, growth management ordinances, site plan review, general plans, capital
improvement plans, economic development plans, emergency response plans, and real estate
disclosure plans. The table below lists regulatory mitigation capabilities, including planning and
land management tools, typically used by local jurisdictions to implement hazard mitigation
activities and indicates those that are in place.
Table 33: City of San Rafael Legal and Regulatory Capabilities
Plans
Yes/No
Latest
Update
Does the plan/program address hazards?
Does the plan identify projects to include in the mitigation
strategy?
Can the plan be used to implement mitigation actions?
General Plan Y
2021
The City General Plan ‘2040’ was adopted in 2021, which
serves as a basis for decisions that affect the City’s growth
and development such as transportation, land use, streets
and infrastructure, parks, housing and neighborhoods,
recreation and community facilities, downtown, the
environment, public health and safety, and flooding. The
General Plan is a strategic and long-term document
identifying goals and polices that guide and direct the City
in terms of implementing policies, programs, resources and
hazard mitigation actions.
Strategic Plan Y City has approved annual goals and objectives and
general plan.
Capital Improvements Plan Y
City staff develops a Capital Improvement Program (CIP)
for council consideration, which serves as a multi-year
planning tool to coordinate the financing and scheduling of
major projects to improve and maintain its infrastructure.
The CIP directs construction activities for City owned
facilities and infrastructure for the next five years.
Mitigation actions may involve construction of new or
upgraded facilities and infrastructure.
Economic Development Plan Y Draft developed in 2023.
Local Emergency Operations
Plan
Y
2023
These plans inform priority mitigation actions and
programs. The City has updated its EOP and was adopted
by City Council in October of 2023
Continuity of Operations
Plan N Tentatively scheduled for development in late 2024
Flood Mitigation Plan (FMP) N City may consider increased staffing for floodplain activities.
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-131
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Engineering Studies for
Streams N
Open Space Management
Plan Y Minor with fuller plan in Progress
Regional Transportation
Plan (RTP) N City has no specific plan or role in transportation. Relies
on County/Agency specific plans.
Stormwater Management
Plan/Program Y
Engineering Studies for
Streams N
Community Wildfire
Protection Plan
Y
2020
Marin County has a CWPP last updated in 2020 and the
City has our 38 point 2020 Wildfire Prevention and
Protection Action Plan
Other special plans (e.g.,
brownfields redevelopment,
disaster recovery, coastal
zone management, climate
change adaptation)
Y Various
Building Code, Permitting,
and Inspections Y/N Are codes adequately enforced?
Development Standards Y Title 12 – Building Regulations
Title 14 – Building Code and Zoning
Building Code Effectiveness
Grading Schedule (BCEGS)
Score
Y Classification 3 (1 and 2 family dwellings) and 3 (all other)
Fire department ISO rating: Y ISO 1
Site plan review
requirements Y As relevant to the permit
Land Use Planning and
Ordinances Y/N
Is the ordinance an effective measure for reducing
hazard impacts?
Is the ordinance adequately administered and enforced?
Municipal Code Y
Yes, subdivision ordinance, floodplain ordinance,
stormwater ordinance
Chapter 4.12 – Citywide Vegetation Standards
Title 7 – Emergency Services
Title 12 – Building Regulations
Title 14 – Building Code and Zoning
Title 15 – Subdivisions
Title 17 – Waters and Waterways
Title 18 – Protection of Flood Hazard Areas
Title 19 – Open Space
Zoning Ordinance Y
The Zoning Ordinance sets forth regulations and
standards for development to ensure that the policies,
goals, and objectives of the General Plan are carried out.
Rezoning can be initiated by the City Council, Planning
Commission, or by an individual property owner.
Subdivision ordinance Y City Ordinance Title 15 – Subdivisions
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-132
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Floodplain ordinance Y City Ordinance Title 18 – Protection of Flood Hazard
Areas
Clean Storm Water
Ordinance Y City Ordinance Title 17 – Waters and Waterways
Natural hazard-specific
ordinance (stormwater,
steep slope, wildfire)
Y Citywide Vegetation Standards
Flood insurance rate maps No
Elevation Certificates No
Acquisition of land for open
space and public recreation
uses
Y City Ordinance Title 19 – Open Space
Erosion or sediment control
program Unk
Plans
Yes/No
Latest
Update
Does the plan/program address hazards?
Does the plan identify projects to include in the mitigation
strategy?
Can the plan be used to implement mitigation actions?
Comprehensive/Master Plan Y
2020
The City General Plan ‘2020’ was adopted in 2004 and
been amended several times since. The City is currently
undergoing its
next General Plan update ‘2040’ and community
workshops are being held.
Strategic Plan Y City has approved annual goals and objectives and
general plan
Capital Improvements Plan Y
City staff develops a Capital Improvement Program (CIP)
for council consideration, which serves as a multi-year
planning tool to coordinate the financing and scheduling
of major projects to improve and maintain its
infrastructure. The CIP directs construction activities for
City owned facilities and infrastructure for the next five
years. Mitigation actions may involve construction of new
or upgraded facilities and infrastructure.
Table 306: City of San Rafael Legal and Regulatory Capabilities
Source: City of San Rafael
City of San Rafael General Plan or Master Plan
California Government Code 65300 requires that every City and County in the state have a
General Plan. The City of San Rafael General Plan, adopted in 10/27/2020, was prepared over
a 12 -year period that included an extensive public review process. The General Plan is the
most important policy and planning document in the city and is used by virtually every
department. The General Plan is the City's statement of its vision for the future. The General
Plan contains policies covering every aspect of the City: land use (how land can be developed),
circulation, noise, air quality, housing, open space and conservation, and health and safety.
City of San Rafael specific goals and policies related to mitigation of natural hazards are as
follows:
City may consider increased staffing for floodplain
management activities.
City may consider increased staffing for floodplain
management activities.
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-133
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Table 34: City of San Rafael General Plan
Goal/Policy/
Program
The San Rafael general plan is the planning guideline for the future of a city. It contains
goals, and policies describing the community's vision for economic viability, livable
neighborhoods, and environmental protection.
Land Use Element
Goal
The Land Use Element includes policies guiding the physical form of the city and provides
direction on growth management, development, and land use compatibility. It includes the
San Rafael Land Use Map, which shows the location and intensity of land uses
envisioned for the future. The Element identifies those areas of the city where change will
be encouraged as well as those areas where existing uses will be maintained and
enhanced. The intent is to direct growth and reinvestment strategically, reinforcing San
Rafael’s best qualities while revitalizing areas in need of improvement.
Goal 1: Well-Managed Growth and Change - Grow and change in a way that serves
community needs, protects the environment, improves fiscal stability, and enhances the
quality of life.
Goal 2: A Complete Community - San Rafael is a complete community, with balanced and
diverse land uses.
Goal 3: Distinctive Neighborhoods - Create and sustain neighborhoods of integrity and
distinctive character
Policy This plan will guide policy decisions.
Program NA
Conservation and Open Space Element
Goal
The Conservation and Climate Change portion of the San Rafael General Plan addresses
the management of San Rafael’s natural resources, including soil, minerals, water, air,
vegetation, and wildlife. It identifies environmentally sensitive areas in the city and
includes policies for their long-term protection.
Goal 1 of Conservation – Supporting our natural communities.
Goal 2 of conservation – Clean air.
Goal 3 of conservation – Clean water
Goal 4 of conservation - Management of sustainable energy
Goal 5 of conservation – Reduce Greenhouse emissions.
Open space defines neighborhood edges and provides a necessary complement to the
built environment coordination is a critical part of park and open space management in
San Rafael. As noted above, the City is one of several service providers. Others include
the County of Marin/Marin Open Space District, the State of California, the Marinwood
Community Service District, San Rafael City Schools, and the Miller Creek School District.
Goal of Open Space: Protected, Well-Managed Open Space - Manage San Rafael’s open
spaces for all to enjoy
Policy
Program PROS-3.1A: Criteria for Open Space Protection - Environmental health and
safety issues and potential geologic and seismic hazards.
a)Aesthetics (visual backdrop or edge, unique site features, shoreline, ridgelines).
b)Wildlife resource value (wetlands, creeks, and riparian areas, wildlife habitat and
movement
c)corridors, and habitat for special status species).
d)Ability to sequester carbon and mitigate potential climate-related impacts, including
reduction
e)of wildfire hazard, drought resilience, and protection from sea-level rise.
f)Importance to the community as a whole and/or adjoining neighborhoods.
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-134
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Table 34: City of San Rafael General Plan
Goal/Policy/
Program
The San Rafael general plan is the planning guideline for the future of a city. It contains
goals, and policies describing the community's vision for economic viability, livable
neighborhoods, and environmental protection.
g)Merits of alternative uses.
h)Ability to connect existing open spaces.
i)Potential for recreational uses and/or environmental education, especially for
economically
j)disadvantaged communities.
Program PROS-3.3A: Open Space Management Plan
a)Hazard reduction, in accordance with ecologically sound practices and wildfire
science,
including removal of highly flammable invasive species, emergency access, and erosion
control. This should be closely coordinated with ongoing efforts by the San Rafael and
Marin
County Fire Departments, Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority, CalFIRE, and non-profit
organizations such as FireSafe Marin.
Program NA
Public Safety
Goal
An overarching goal of this is to reduce the economic and social dislocation associated
with environmental hazards. Risks can be reduced by considering natural hazards in land
use and development decisions, and by implementing policies and programs to reduce
losses to life and property. This is especially important for San Rafael’s most vulnerable
populations, who may find themselves in harm’s way without the resources to prepare,
respond, and recover.
Goal 1 – A safe and more resilient city - Minimize San Rafael’s vulnerability to the impacts
of hazards and emergencies.
Goal 2 – Resilience to geological Hazards - Minimize potential risks associated with
geologic hazards, including earthquake-induced ground.
shaking and liquefaction, landslides, mudslides, erosion, sedimentation, and settlement.
Goal 3 – Resilience to Flooding and Sea Level Rise - Recognize, plan for, and
successfully adapt to the anticipated effects of increased flooding and
sea level rise.
Goal 4 – A Fire-Safe Community - Minimize injury, loss of life, and damage to property
resulting from wildland fire hazards.
Goal 5 – Protection from Hazardous Materials - Protect those who live, work, and visit San
Rafael from risks associated with hazards.
materials
Goal 6 – Emergency Preparedness - Improve disaster preparedness, resiliency,
response, and recovery.
Policy
a)Policy S-1.1: Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP)
b)Policy S-1.2: Location of Future Development
c)Policy S-1.3: Location of Public Improvements
d)Policy S-1.4: Public Health Emergencies
e)Policy S-2.1: Seismic Safety of New Buildings
f)Policy S-2.2: Minimize the Potential Effects of Landslides
g)Policy S-2.3: Seismic Safety of Existing Buildings
h)Policy S-2.4: Post-Earthquake Inspections
i)Policy S-2.5: Erosion Control
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-135
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Table 34: City of San Rafael General Plan
Goal/Policy/
Program
The San Rafael general plan is the planning guideline for the future of a city. It contains
goals, and policies describing the community's vision for economic viability, livable
neighborhoods, and environmental protection.
j)Policy S-3.1: Sea Level Rise Prediction Map
k)Policy S-3.2: Data Consistency
l)Policy S-3.3: Awareness and Disclosure
m)Policy S-3.4: Mitigating Flooding and Sea Level Rise Impacts
n)Policy S-4.1: Wildfire Hazards
a.Program S-4.1A: Wildfire Prevention and Protection Action Plan
b.Program S-4.1B: Fire Hazard Maps
o)Policy S-4.2: Fire Resilience in Developed Areas
p)Policy S-4.3: New Development in Fire Hazard Areas
q)Policy S-5.1: Hazardous Waste Management
r)Policy S-6.1: Disaster Preparedness Planning
s)Policy S-6.2: Neighborhood Disaster Preparedness Programs
t)Policy S-6.3: Improving Evacuation Capacity
u)Policy S-6.4: Emergency Operations Centers
Program NA
Public Facilities Element
Goal
The Community Services and Infrastructure Element addresses schools, libraries, law
enforcement, fire and emergency medical services, water, sewer, storm drainage, solid
waste, energy, and telecommunication facilities in San Rafael.
Goal CSI-1: Educational Excellence - Promote excellent schools and high-quality,
equitable education.
Goal CSI-2: Modern, Welcoming Libraries that Meet Community Needs - Enhance library
services and facilities to meet the informational and recreational needs of the community.
Goal CSI-3: Exceptional Public Safety Services - Provide and maintain exceptional fire,
public safety, and paramedic services.
Goal CSI-4: Reliable, Efficiently Managed Infrastructure - Support reliable, cost-effective,
well-maintained, safe, and resilient infrastructure and utility services.
Goal CSI-5: Sound Municipal Financial Practices- Maintain sound financial practices and
sufficient revenue sources to provide high-quality City services
Policy
a)Policy CSI-5.1: Cost-Benefit Analysis
b)Policy CSI-5.2: Transparent Budgeting
c)Policy CSI-5.3: Program Assessments
d)Policy CSI-5.4: Diversifying Funding Sources
e)Policy CSI-5.5: Local Government Partnerships
Policy CSI-5.6: Public-Private Partnerships
Program NA
Table 307: City of San Rafael General Plan
Source: City of San Rafael General Plan
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-136
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
3.2.2 ADMINISTRATIVE AND TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES
The administrative and technical capability identifies the City personnel responsible for activities
related to mitigation and loss prevention. Many positions are full time and/or filled by the same
person. The City may consider opportunities for future additional training and increased staffing.
Table 35: City of San Rafael Administrative and Technical Capabilities
Administrative Yes/No Is coordination effective?
Administrative Services Y
The Administrative Services Department handles finance
and purchasing, budgeting, risk management, information
technology, and business licensing for the community. The
department may be responsible for implementing
mitigation actions related to the department’s scope.
Planning Commission Y
The Planning Commission consists of citizen volunteers
appointed by the City Council to make decisions or advise
the Council on land use and property development issues.
The Commission assures that new development is
consistent with our long-range General Plan, State laws
and other public policies that advance the interests of our
community.
Hazard Mitigation Planning
Committee Y
The City participates in the Marin County Multi-
Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee
which meets quarterly to review and manage Hazard
Mitigation projects and programs.
Maintenance programs to
reduce risk (e.g., tree
trimming, clearing
drainage systems)
Y
The City of San Rafael utilized MWPA funds to conduct
various levels of vegetation removal. Removal is based on
the SRMC. The Department of Public Works maintains
drainages with annual surveys and clearing.
Mutual aid agreements Y San Rafael is part of the greater Marin County mutual aid
agreement system.
Technical Yes/No Has capability been used to assess/mitigate risk in
the past?
Warning systems/services
(Reverse 911, outdoor
warning signals)
Y
Utilizes the emergency warning systems through the EAS
system as their primary warning capability. Utilizes the
emergency warning systems through telephone
notification utilizing reverse 911.
Hazard data and
information N
Grant writing N
Hazard analysis Y San Rafael took part in the county-wide wildfire evacuation
Risk assessment.
Staff/Personnel Resources Yes/No
FT/ PT
Is staffing adequate to enforce regulations?
Is staff trained on hazards and mitigation?
Is coordination between agencies and staff effective?
Chief Building Official Y/FT
This position in San Rafael is adequately staffed to
enforce regulations. The Chief Building official helps the
city develop and enforce building standards such as
WUI code. The Building Department works in
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-137
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
coordination with other departments such as Public
Works, Fire to develop standards.
Floodplain Administrator Y/PT
Emergency Manager Y/FT The City has Staff assigned to Emergency Management
Planning, Response, Recovery, and Mitigation.
Community Development Y/FT
Develops and maintains the General Plan, including the
Safety Element. Develops area plans based on the
General Plan, to provide more specific guidance for the
development of more specific areas. Reviews private
development projects and proposed capital improvements
projects and other physical projects involving property for
consistency and conformity with the General Plan.
Civil Engineer Y/FT
San Rafael staffs a team of civil engineers to help with the
continuation of both short and long-term projects related to
hazard mitigation.
GIS Coordinator Y/PT The city staffs a part-time GIS specialist.
City Planning, Building,
and Public Works Staff Y/FT
These departments are responsible for planning and
building-related activities 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. The Public Works
Department is responsible for City-owned infrastructure,
including streets, bike lanes and sidewalks, storm
drains, traffic signals, and streetlights. Mitigation actions
involving new or retrofitted public infrastructure, as well
as those related to water conservation, fall within the
purview of the Public Works Department.
Police Department Staff Y/FT
The San Rafael Police Department conducts
emergency preparedness activities for the community.
Mitigation activities related to emergency preparedness
can be implemented by the Police Department.
Fire Department Staff Y/FT
The San Rafael Fire Department has responsibility for
fire suppression and emergency response in
commercial, residential, wildland / urban interface, and
parts of the city. The Fire Department supports the
implementation of mitigation actions that reduce the risk
of wildfire.
Chief Building Official Y/FT
This position in San Rafael is adequately staffed to
enforce regulations. The Chief Building official helps the
city develop and enforce building standards such as the
WUI code. The Building Department works in
coordination with other departments such as Public
Works, and Fire to develop standards.
Table 308: City of San Rafael Administrative and Technical Capabilities
Source: City of San Rafael
Yes, Public Works Director
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-138
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
3.2.3 FISCAL CAPABILITIES
The fiscal capability assessment shows specific financial and budgetary tools available to the
jurisdictions such as community development block grants; capital improvements project funding;
authority to levy taxes for specific purposes; fees for water, sewer, gas, or electric services; impact
fees for homebuyers or developers for new development; ability to incur debt through general
obligations bonds; and withholding spending in hazard-prone areas.
Table 36: City of San Rafael Fiscal Capabilities
Financial Yes/No
Has the funding resource been used in past and for what
type of activities?
Could the resource be used to fund future mitigation
actions?
Capital improvements project
funding Y Funding has not been used in the past for mitigation, but
could possibly fund future mitigation activities.
Authority to levy taxes for
specific purposes Y Funding has not been used in the past for mitigation, but
could possibly fund future mitigation activities.
Fees for water, sewer, gas, or
electric services Y Funding has not been used in the past for mitigation, but
could possibly fund future mitigation activities.
Impact fees for new
development Y Funding has not been used in the past for mitigation, but
could possibly fund future mitigation activities.
Stormwater utility fee N
Incur debt through general
obligation bonds and/or
special tax bonds
Y
Funding has not been used in the past for mitigation, but
could possibly fund future mitigation activities.
Incur debt through private
activities N
Community Development
Block Grant Y Funding has not been used in the past for mitigation, but
could possibly fund future mitigation activities.
Other federal funding
programs Y Funding has not been used in the past for mitigation, but
could possibly fund future mitigation activities.
State funding programs Y Funding has not been used in the past for mitigation, but
could possibly fund future mitigation activities.
Table 309: City of San Rafael Fiscal Capabilities
Source: City of San Rafael
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-139
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
3.2.4 COMMUNITY OUTREACH
The outreach and partnerships capability assessment shows outreach and public education
programs available to the City of San Rafael and the City of San Rafael partnerships utilized to
promote those programs.
Table 37: City of San Rafael Community Outreach
Outreach and Partnerships Yes/No Could the program/organization help implement future
mitigation activities?
Local citizen groups or
non-profit organizations
focused on environmental
protection, emergency
preparedness, access and
functional needs
populations, etc.
Y
Community Emergency Response Team, Marin
Conservation League, City of San Rafael Climate Action
Team
Ongoing public education
or information program
(e.g., responsible water
use, fire safety, household
preparedness,
environmental education)
Y
County Household Hazardous Waste Program,
MCSTOPP, Marin County Environmental Health Services,
The Bay Institute
Natural disaster or safety
related school programs N
StormReady certification N
Firewise Communities
certification Y Yes
Community Rating System Y Yes
Public-private partnership
initiatives addressing
disaster-related issues Y
The Get Ready program, developed in Marin County, is a
free 2-hour course provided to the community. The course
is designed to help residents plan for an emergency with a
family plan, evacuation checklist, and strategies to keep
residents and their families safe.
(https://readymarin.org/get-ready/)
Table 310: City of San Rafael Community Outreach
Source: City of San Rafael
City Emergency Management may consider opportunities
work with the school district to support disaster education.
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-140
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
3.2.5 PARTICIPATION IN THE NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM
Given the flood hazard in the planning area, an emphasis will be placed on continued
compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Detailed below is a description
of City of San Rafael’s flood management program to ensure continued compliance with the
NFIP.
City of San Rafael has participated in the Regular Phase of the NFIP since July 31, 1971. Since
then, the City of San Rafael has administered floodplain management regulations that meet or
exceed the minimum requirements of the NFIP. Under that arrangement, residents and
businesses paid the same flood insurance premium rates as most other communities. The
Community Rating System (CRS) was created to recognize floodplain management activities
that are above and beyond the NFIP’s minimum requirements. The City of San Rafael does not
currently participate in the CRS program.
As part of the City’s efforts to comply with NFIP, the City of San Rafael will make updates and
revisions to these regulations periodically to ensure they are most effective at minimizing the
threat of harm from flood events. These updates and revisions may be promoted by changes in
local demographics, shifts in land use, changes to flood regimes such as frequency and
intensity of flood events, and other factors that may warrant action. The City will also continue to
incorporate any changes to the locations and designations of mapped floodplains into future
planning documents, including future updates to this Plan.
The City of San Rafael will also explore opportunities to enforce or enhance City municipal
codes, building code, and other regulatory actions to address substantial improvements/
substantial damage properties. The City of San Rafael will consider developing a Substantial
Damage Management Plan.
In addition to the capabilities in the municipal code regarding floodplains, the City of San Rafael
has additional capabilities. Table 38 shows the City of San Rafael participation in and continued
compliance with the NFIP, as well as identify areas for improvement that could be potential
mitigation actions.
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-141
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Table 38: City of San Rafael NFIP Status
NFIP Topic Comments
Insurance Summary
How many NFIP policies are in the
community? What is the total premium
and coverage?
1,011 policies in force in the City of San Rafael with
$15,310,152 in premiums, resulting in $313,460,800
of insurance in force.
How many claims have been paid in the
community? What is the total amount of
paid claims? How many of the claims
were for substantial damage?
There have been 588 closed paid losses totaling
$6,147,345. There were 7 severe repetitive loss
properties in the City of San Rafael totaling
$950,071.78
How many structures are exposed to
flood risk within the community?
*“flood risk” is defined as the 1% annual
chance flood (100-year flood. Numbers
are from overlay of FEMA SFHA and
building stock data.
The exact number of structures within the SFHA is
unknown due to limited GIS capabilities; however, as
of 2016 there were 2,926 improved parcels within the
SFHA.
Describe any areas of flood risk with
limited NFIP policy coverage
According to FEMA the estimated insurance
penetration rate in the SFHA in Marin County is
39.596%. While an equivalent estimate is not
available specifically for the City of San Rafael there
are certain demographics that are more likely to be
underinsured or uninsured including: elderly residents
who no longer have a mortgage, undocumented
residents, renters, subletters, small businesses with
limited cashflow.
Staff Resources
Is the Community Floodplain
Administrator or NFIP Coordinator
certified?
The City’s Climate Adaptation and Resilience Planner
is a CFM.
Is floodplain management an auxiliary
function? Yes
Provide an explanation of NFIP
administration services (e.g., permit
review, GIS, education or outreach,
inspections, engineering capability)
Public works staff review permits for compliance with
NFIP requirements prior to issuance.
What are the barriers to running an
effective NFIP program in the
community, if any?
None.
Compliance History
Is the community in good standing with
the NFIP? Yes
Are there any outstanding compliance
issues (i.e., current violations)?
There are no outstanding compliance issues that are
known to the City.
When was the most recent Community
Assistance Visit (CAV) or Community
Assistance Contact (CAC)?
The date of the most recent CAV or CAC is unknown.
Is a CAV or CAC scheduled or
needed? No
Regulation
When did the community enter the
NFIP?
07/31/71
Are the FIRMs digital or paper? Digital
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-142
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Do floodplain development regulations
meet or exceed FEMA or State
minimum requirements? If so, in what
ways?
Floodplain development regulations comply with
FEMA and State minimum requirements.
Provide an explanation of the permitting
process.
Development permits that are submitted to the City
are reviewed by trained staff for compliance with
applicable NFIP requirements.
Community Rating System (CRS)
Does the community participate in
CRS? No
What is the community’s CRS Class
Ranking? N/A
What categories and activities provide
CRS points and how can the class be
improved?
N/A
Does the plan include CRS planning
requirements N/A
Table 311: City of San Rafael NFIP Status
Source: FEMA, City of San Rafael
NFIP Insurance Coverage Details
City of San Rafael joined the NFIP on July 31, 1971. The City of San Rafael does not participate
in the Community Rating System. NFIP insurance data provided by FEMA indicates that as of
06/21/2023, there were 1,011 policies in force in the City of San Rafael with $15,310,152 in
premiums, resulting in $313,460,800 of insurance in force. There have been 588 closed paid
losses totaling $6,147,345. There were 46 repetitive loss structures in the City. Thirty-nine were
in A zones, and 2 were in B, C, or X zones, and the remainder are unknown. There were seven
severe repetitive loss properties in the City of San Rafael totaling $950,071.78.
Repetitive Loss Properties
Repetitive loss records are as follows:
•Number of FEMA-identified Repetitive-Loss Properties: 46
•Number of FEMA-identified Severe-Repetitive-Loss Properties: 7
•Number of Repetitive-Loss Properties or Severe-Repetitive-Loss Properties that have
been mitigated: 0
•Repetitive Loss Residential Structures: 46
•Repetitive Loss Non-Residential Structures: 0
•Severe Repetitive Loss Residential Structures: 4
•Severe Repetitive Loss Non-Residential Structures: 3
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-143
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
3.3 MITIGATION GOALS
The information developed from the risk assessment was used as the primary basis for
developing mitigation goals and objectives. Mitigation goals are defined as general guidelines
explaining what each jurisdiction wants to achieve in terms of hazard and loss prevention.
Hazard Risk Prioritization
Mitigation Goals & Objectives
Mitigation Project Identification
Mitigation Project Implementation
Goal statements are typically long-range, policy-oriented statements representing jurisdiction-
wide visions. Objectives are statements that detail how each jurisdiction’s goals will be
achieved, and typically define strategies or implementation steps to attain identified goals. Other
important inputs to the development of jurisdiction-level goals and objectives include performing
reviews of existing local plans, policy documents, and regulations for consistency and
complementary goals, as well as soliciting input from the public.
The following represents overarching strategic goals associated with the identification and
eventual implementation of appropriate and meaningful hazard mitigation efforts in relation to
prioritized hazards and threats confronting the Marin County OA. These goals form the basis for
specific supporting process objectives and are shown from the highest priority, at the top of the
list, to those of lesser importance.
The establishment of hazard mitigation goals represents both individual and collective strategies
that have been mutually agreed upon by the Steering Committee and have changed with the
2023 MJHMP update. Objectives were added to Goals 2 and 5. Eventually, these goals have
been adopted by the Marin County OA as the guiding policy behind local hazard mitigation
efforts, in conjunction with other associated principles.
Goals were defined for the purpose of this mitigation plan as broad-based public policy
statements that:
•Represent basic desires of the community;
•Encompass all aspects of community, public and private;
•Are nonspecific, in that they refer to the quality (not the quantity) of the outcome;
•Are future-oriented, in that they are achievable in the future; and
•A time -independent, in that they are not scheduled events.
Goals are stated without regard to implementation. Implementation cost, schedule, and means
are not considered. Goals are defined before considering how to accomplish them so that they
are not dependent on the means of achievement. Goal statements form the basis for objectives
44 CFR Requirement §201.6(c)(3)(i) [The hazard mi�ga�on strategy shall include a] descrip�on of
mi�ga�on goals to reduce or avoid long‐term vulnerabili�es to the iden�fied hazards.
l ~'?UN. TY OF ~---~
~ARIN ~
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-144
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
and actions that will be used as means to achieve the goals. Objectives define strategies to
attain the goals and are more specific and measurable.
Goal 1: Minimize risk and vulnerability of the community to the impacts of natural hazards and
protect lives and reduce damages and losses to property, economy, and environment in the
Marin County OA.
•Minimize economic and resource impacts and promote long-term viability and
sustainability of resources throughout the Marin County OA.
•Minimize impact to both existing and future development.
•Provide protection for public health.
•Prevent and reduce wildfire risk and related losses.
Goal 2: Provide protection for critical facilities, infrastructure, utilities, and services from hazard
impacts.
•Incorporate defensible space and reduce hazard vulnerability.
•Develop redundancies in utilities and services.
•Enhance resilience through enhanced construction.
Goal 3: Improve public awareness, education, and preparedness for hazards that threaten our
communities.
•Enhance public outreach and participation in the Alert Marin Emergency Notification
System.
•Enhance public outreach, education, and preparedness program to include all hazards
of concern.
•Increase public knowledge about the risk and vulnerability to identified hazards and their
recommended responses to disaster events, including evacuation and sheltering
options.
•Provide planning and coordination for "At-Risk" populations.
•Provide planning and coordination for companion animals, livestock, and other animal
populations.
•Increase community awareness and participation in hazard mitigation projects and
activities.
Goal 4: Increase communities' capabilities to be prepared for, respond to, and recover from a
disaster event.
•Improve interagency (local, state, federal) emergency coordination, planning, training,
and communication to ensure effective community preparedness, response and
recovery.
•Enhance collaboration and coordination of disaster-related plans, exercises, and training
with local, state, and federal agencies, neighboring communities, private partners, and
volunteers.
•Enhance the use of shared resources/Develop a strong mutual aid support system.
•Create and maintain a fully functional, interoperable radio and communication system
with all regional public safety partners.
Goal 5: Maintain FEMA Eligibility/Position the communities for grant funding.
•Review hazard events and ongoing hazard mitigation projects annually.
•Assess the need to pursue or adjust hazard mitigation projects after significant hazard
events.
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-145
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Goal 6: Reduce exposure to High Hazard Dams that pose an unacceptable risk to the public.
•Improve alert and warning systems to provide residents downstream of a High Hazard
Dam to receive timely warning to evacuation when threatened by potential or imminent
dam failure.
•Enhance overall community preparedness to respond and evacuate a potential or
imminent dam failure.
•Increase public awareness of the risk posed by High Hazard Dams and the potential for
relocation of housing outside a possible inundation zone.
•Prioritize High Hazard Dam Mitigation projects and programs.
3.4 STATUS OF PREVIOUS MITIGATION ACTIONS
Table 39 summarizes the actions that were recommended in the previous version of the hazard
mitigation plan and their implementation status at the time this update was prepared.
Table 39: Status of Previous Hazard Mitigation Actions
Action Number / Name Completed Ongoing Not
Started Still
Relevant
Included in
Updated
Action
Plan
2. Identify the locations and then subsequently
equip, stock and train staff in order to establish
emergency evacuation shelters used to
temporarily house people during major
emergencies.
X X X
3. Update the San Rafael Emergency Operations
Center (EOC) Handbook X
4. Outfit and equip the City’s new Emergency
Operation’s Center
(EOC) scheduled for operation in Calendar Year
2019
X X X
5. Plan, prepare, conduct community outreach and
deploy emergency evacuation exercises in
neighborhoods prone to wildfire or tidal flooding
during extreme wet weather periods.
X X
6. Bayside Acres Beach Sewer
Relocation/Replacement X X X
7. Beach Drive (Fiberglass) Pump Station and
Sewer Rehabilitation X X X
8. Recruit and ultimate appoint a new Emergency
Management Coordinator (EMC) to fill vacant post.X
9. Evaluate and Implement signal timing for first
responders X X X
10. Tree Safety Maintenance Program X X X
11. Purchase and installation of EMTRAC signal
control equipment into 17 San Rafael Fire Vehicles
and 25 intersections.
X X X X
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-146
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Table 312: Status of Previous Hazard Mitigation Actions
Source: City of San Rafael
Table 39: Status of Previous Hazard Mitigation Actions
Action Number / Name Completed Ongoing Not
Started Still
Relevant
Included in
Updated
Action
Plan
13. San Rafael Capital Improvement Program
(CIP) Implementation X X X
19. Develop a climate adaptation plan, and
implement resulting strategies X X X
22. Water Storage Facility Study X X X
23. Leaky Pipe Replacement Program X X X
24. Marin Municipal Water District exploration of
desalination plants X X X
25. Evaluate the use of reclaimed water/increase
purple pipes X X X
26. Evaluate and enhance conservation measures
to reduce water consumption X X X
28. Earthquake Hazard Study
30. Structural Soft Story Identification and
Mitigation Plan X X X
33. Adopt a Drain Program X X X
35. City Storm Drain System Analysis and
Improvements X X X
36. City Flood Alert System X
39. 70-96 Bret Harte Sewer Easement Repair X X X
40. Landslide Identification and Management
Program X X X
41. Fairhills Slide Repair X X X
43. Create a City of San Rafael specific
Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP).X X X
44.Create new strategic fuel interruption zones in
WUI areas and maintain and expand existing fuel
interruption zones already in place.
X X X
46. Create new point specific wildfire prevention
programs specifically targeting areas where
homeless encampments are known to exist.
X X X
47. San Rafael Measure A Project Implementation X X X
48. East San Rafael Shore Project: Plan X X X
49. East San Rafael Shore Project: Permitting and
Construction X X X
"Still Relevant" indicates that the project or program was first proposed in the 2018 MJHMP and
remains still relevant to the current 2023 MJHMP hazard vulnerabilities.
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-147
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
3.5 HAZARD MITIGATION ACTIONS
The 2023 Marin County OA MJHMP was revised to reflect progress in local mitigation efforts.
Mitigation projects were selected for each hazard and for the City of San Rafael based off the
hazard risk assessment. The projects are supported by the mitigation goals and objectives, and
are ranked using the following criteria; approximate cost, timeframe of completion, whether the
project requires City Council regulatory action, and an assumption as to whether or not the
project would be subject to CEQA or NEPA requirements. Funding sources are identified for all
projects. All projects consider new, future, and existing development. Project worksheets are
used by the Planning Team and Steering Committee to describe criteria for each project.
Based on the hazard profiles, threat assessment, capabilities assessment, community survey
results, discussions among the City of San Rafael Hazard Mitigation Planning Team members,
and existing best practices, a set of potential mitigation actions was developed and then
evaluated based on the following criteria:
•FEMA requires local governments to evaluate the monetary and non-monetary costs
and benefits of potential mitigation actions. Although local governments are not required
to assign specific dollar values to each action, they should identify the general size of
costs and benefits.
•The City of San Rafael Hazard Mitigation Planning Team may elect to include measures
with a high cost or low benefits, but such measures should be clearly beneficial to the
community and an appropriate use of local resources.
In addition, FEMA directs local governments to consider the following questions as part of the
financial analysis:
•What is the frequency and severity of the hazard type to be addressed by the action, and
how vulnerable is the community to this hazard?
•What impacts of the hazard will the action reduce or avoid?
•What benefits will the action provide to the community?
The City of San Rafael Hazard Mitigation Planning Team also chose to review and revise the
potential hazard mitigation actions with consideration for climate impact and social vulnerability.
Projects and programs were assessed with consideration of these variables.
Prioritization
As part of the mitigation actions development and review, the City of San Rafael Hazard
Mitigation Planning Team also prioritized the actions. The prioritization efforts looked at the risks
and threats from each hazard; lifesaving, life safety, property protection and lastly environmental
protection; financial costs and benefits; technical feasibility; consideration for climate impact,
and social vulnerability, and community values. The City of San Rafael Hazard Mitigation
Planning Team members were asked to identify their priority actions using the following criteria.
Implementation priority ratings were assigned as follows:
•High Priority - An action that meets multiple objectives, is linked to a high risk hazard,
has benefits that exceed costs, and has a potential source of funding. Action can begin
within the short term (1 to 5 years).
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-148
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
•Medium Priority - An action that meets multiple objectives, is linked to a high or
medium risk hazard, has benefits that exceed costs, and is eligible for funding though no
funding has yet been secured for it. Action can begin within the short term (1 to 5 years)
once funding is secured.
•Low Priority - An action that will mitigate the risk of a hazard, has benefits that do not
exceed the costs or are difficult to quantify, has no secured source of funding, and is not
eligible for any known grant funding. Action can be completed in the long term (1 to 10
years). Low-priority actions may be eligible for grant funding from programs that have
not yet been identified.
During the five-year update cycle, the Marin County Office of Emergency Management will hold
quarterly update meetings with the Marin Operational Area Hazard Mitigation Working Group
and local stakeholders to discuss revisions to the plan and progress updates for the hazard
mitigation actions. The City of San Rafael will actively participate in this Working Group. The
Marin County Office of Emergency Management and all participating jurisdictions and special
districts will continue to hold public meetings after the first quarter and third quarter update
meetings annually and will continue to invite public participation in the update process via
updated public surveys. Additionally, the City of San Rafael Deputy Director of Emergency
Management will work with the various City departments we will oversee the hazard mitigation
actions and track the progress of the actions to the City officials and Marin Operational Area
Hazard Mitigation Working Group.
The City of San Rafael maintains project worksheets with detailed descriptions of each project.
A summary of each project is found in the table below.
Table 40 lists the Current Hazard Mitigation Actions for the City of San Rafael.
.
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-149
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Table 40: City of San Rafael Current Hazard Mitigation Actions
No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/ Progress
SR-1
Marin Emergency Radio Authority
(MERA) Upgrades. MU-13 Protect
Infrastructure and Critical Facilities
All Hazards/
1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Marin
County and
the City of
San Rafael
OES
Existing
(2018)
Cost TBD; State
and/or Federal
grants, existing
budgets
The city, as a participant,
is also studying
replacement for the
system as it reaches the
end of its service life.
SR-2
Update and implement safety and
resilience elements of the General
Plan. MU-4 Adopt Development
Regulations in Hazard Areas
All Hazards/
1, 2, 4, 5
City of San
Rafael
Planning Dept.
Existing
(2018)
Cost: General
Funds
1 – 3
years/
High
An updated General Plan
was adopted which
includes significant public
safety components.
SR-3
Review and complete a study on the
effectiveness of current California
Building codes for seismic, flood, fire,
and other disasters.MU-8 Adopt and
Enforce Building Codes
All Hazards/
1, 2, 4, 5
City of San
Rafael
Planning
Dept.
Existing
(2018)
Cost: General
Funds
3 - 5
years/
Medium
The city continues to
review and adopt current
California Building codes.
SR-4
Enhance and promote community
and individual emergency
preparedness. MU-15 Develop and
Conduct a Household Disaster
Preparedness Program. ET-2
Increase awareness of extreme
temperature risk and safety.
All Hazards/
3, 4, 5
Marin
County and
the City of
San Rafael
OES
New
(2023)
Cost TBD:
HMGP, BRIC,
Fire Safe Marin,
Private Grants
1 - 2
years/
High
Focus on signing residents
up for Alert Marin and
establish a personal
evacuation kit and plan.
SR-5
Identify the locations and then
subsequently equip, stock, and train
staff to establish emergency
evacuation shelters used to
temporarily house people during
major emergencies. MU-13 Protect
Infrastructure and Critical Facilities
All Hazard/
1, 2, 4
City of San
Rafael OES
Existing
(2019)
Cost TBD:
HMGP, BRIC,
CDAA, Fire Safe
Marin, Private
Grants
1 - 2
years/
High
None
SR-6
Evaluate and Implement signal timing
for first responders including
EMTRAC on 17 fire vehicles. MU-13
Protect Infrastructure and Critical
Facilities
All Hazard/
1, 2, 4
City of San
Rafael Fire
Dept.
Existing
(2020)
Cost TBD:
HMGP, BRIC,
CDAA, Fire Safe
Marin, Private
Grants
3-5 years/
medium
This action is in its initial
stage with planned
expansion.
Ongoing
1-2 years/
High
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-150
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Table 40: City of San Rafael Current Hazard Mitigation Actions
No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/ Progress
SR-7
Implementation of SRMC code for
new construction and substantial
renovation projects to implement 7a
standards. Codes restricting wood
shake roofs. WF-5 Require or
Encourage Fire-Resistant
Construction Techniques.
Wildfire
1, 3, 4, 5 City of San
Rafael
Building Dept.
Existing
(2018)
Cost: General
Funds, MWPA
3-5 years/
medium None
SR-8
Receive and review Vegetation
Management Plans (VMP) for
development in the Wildland-Urban
Interface (WUI) areas.
WF-9 Implement a Fuels
Management Program. WF-8
Conduct Maintenance to Reduce
Risk.
Wildfire
1, 3, 4, 5
City of San
Rafael
Fire Dept.
New
(2023)
Cost TBD:
HMGP, BRIC,
Fire Safe Marin,
Private Grants,
MWPA
1 - 2
years/
High
This reduces the chance
of a wildland fire igniting
the structure(s) and
reciprocally, wildland
ignition from a structure
fire.
SR-9
Removal and/or reduction of
hazardous fuels located within COSR
jurisdictional boundaries. WF-9
Implement a Fuels Management
Program, ET-1 Reduce Urban Heat.
Wildfire
1, 2, 4, 5
New
(2023)
Cost TBD:
HMGP, BRIC,
Private Grants,
MWPA
1 - 2
years/
High
Reduces the chance of a
wildland fire igniting the
structure(s) and
reciprocally, wildland
ignition from a structure
fire. Supports
environmental restoration.
SR-10
Hillside neighborhoods adaptation
projects to protect against wildfire risk
including narrow-street parking
restrictions, continuing vegetation
management in highest-risk areas,
and other projects listed in the
CWPP. WF-3 Reduce Risk through
Land Use Planning. WF-8 Conduct
Maintenance to Reduce Risk.
Wildfire/
1, 2, 4, 5
New
(2023)
Cost TBD:
HMGP, BRIC,
Private Grants,
MWPA
1 - 2
years/
High
None
SR-11
Consider the development of
transitional zones where additional
fuel management will be conducted.
Wildfire
1, 2, 4, 5
City of San
Rafael Fire
New
(2023)
Cost TBD:
MWPA, HMGP
Grants
3-5 years/
medium Various projects
City of San
Rafael
Fire Dept.
City of San
Rafael
Fire Dept.
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-151
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Table 40: City of San Rafael Current Hazard Mitigation Actions
No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/ Progress
WF-7 Create Defensible Space
Around Structures and Infrastructure.
WF-9 Implement a Fuels
Management Program.
SR-12
Continue efforts to partner with
Neighborhood response groups and
firewise communities to improve
wildfire adaptation. WF-10 Participate
in Firewise Program.
Wildfire
1, 3, 4
Existing
(2019)
Cost TBD:
MWPA, Firesafe
Marin
3-5 years/
medium
Continued efforts to
expand the interest in fire-
adapted communities
through the local Firewise
program.
SR-13
Participate in Countywide evacuation
route assessment and mapping
study(s). WF-1 Map and Assess
Vulnerability to wildfire.
Wildfire
1, 2, 3, 5
Existing
(2019)
Cost TBD:
MWPA, HMGP
Grants
1 - 2
years/
High
The study is set to be
completed this year.
SR-14
Conduct fuel reduction of hazardous
vegetation along evacuation routes.
WF-8 Conduct Maintenance to
Reduce Risk.
Wildfire
1, 2, 4
Existing
(2019)
Cost TBD:
MWPA, HMGP
Grants
1 - 2
years/
High
Annual surveying and
mitigation work.
SR-15
Staff Defensible space program to
educate the public and support code
enforcement efforts to improve city-
wide structure ignition potential. WF-7
Create defensible space around
structures and infrastructure.
Wildfire
1, 3, 4, 5
Existing
(2019) Cost: MWPA 3-5 years/
medium
The Defensible space
program is an ongoing and
year round program.
SR-16
Develop and Implement a Fuels
Management Program. WF-9
Implement a Fuels Management
Program.
Wildfire
1, 2, 4
Existing
(2019)
Cost TBD:
MWPA, HMGP
Grants
1 - 2
years/
High
None
SR-17
Conduct a city-wide survey of
hazardous trees and vegetation. WF-
1 Map and Assess Vulnerability to
Wildfire.
Wildfire
1, 3, 5 Existing
(2019)
Cost TBD:
MWPA, HMGP
Grants
1 - 2
years/
High
Data collection is
conducted through the
defensible space
inspection program.
SR-18
Develop tools, equipment, and
programs to implement a mobile
public education and outreach
Wildfire
1,2,3,4,5
City of San
Rafael Fire,
Existing
(2019)
Cost TBD:
MWPA, HMGP
Grants
1 - 2
years/
High
The City conducts public
education withing San
Rafael which is
City of San
Rafael
Fire Dept.
City of San
Rafael
Fire Dept.
City of San
Rafael
Fire Dept.
City of San
Rafael
Fire Dept.
City of San
Rafael
Fire Dept.
City of San
Rafael
Fire Dept.
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-152
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Table 40: City of San Rafael Current Hazard Mitigation Actions
No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/ Progress
program for emergency
preparedness, hazard education, and
community mitigation input. WF-11
Increases Wildfire Risk Awareness.
WF-12 Educate Property Owners
about Wildfire Mitigation Techniques.
Firesafe
Marin
supplemented by Firesafe
Marin.
SR-19
San Rafael adaptation projects to
protect against flooding including
maintaining, replacing, or new flood
control pump stations, maintaining
and dredging existing lagoons and
canals, maintaining, and improving
storm drainage throughout
neighborhoods, and other projects
listed in the assessment. F-1
Incorporate Flood Mitigation in Local
Planning. F-9 Manage the Floodplain
Beyond Minimum Requirements. F-
15 Elevate or Retrofit Structures and
Utilities.
Flooding,
Sea Level
Rise,
Tsunami/
1, 2, 4, 5
City of San
Rafael
Sustainability
Dept., Marin
County
New
(2023)
Cost TBD:
HMGP, FMA,
CDAA
3-5 years/
medium
City’s Climate Adaptation
Plan
SR-20
Updating or enhancing flood control
pump stations, storm force mains,
and gravity storm lines around town.
This will also include maintaining and
dredging existing flood control open
channels, canals, and lagoons. F-14
Conduct Regular Maintenance for
Drainage Systems and Flood Control
Structures. F-17 Protect
Infrastructure.
Flooding,
Sea Level
Rise, Levee,
Tsunami/
1, 2, 4, 5
New
(2023)
Cost TBD:
HMGP, FMA,
CDAA
3-5 years/
medium None
SR-21
San Rafael Capital Improvement
Program (CIP) Implementation. SLR-
3 Protect buildings and infrastructure.
F-19 Construct flood control
Flooding,
Sea Level
Rise, Levee,
Tsunami/
City of San
Rafael
Planning
Existing
(2019)
Cost TBD:
HMGP, FMA,
CDAA
3-5 years/
medium
This plan includes various
storm drains, creek
restoration, and water
pump repair projects.
City of San
Rafael
Sustainability
Dept., Marin
County
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-153
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Table 40: City of San Rafael Current Hazard Mitigation Actions
No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/ Progress
measures. F-13 Improve storm drain
capacity.
1, 2, 4, 5
SR-22
Develop a “Homeowners Guide to
Flood and Tsunami Hazards” to help
property owners identify mitigation
techniques, preparation practices,
and funding opportunities to adapt to
sea level rise. TSU-6 Increase Public
Awareness of Tsunami Hazards. F-23
Educate property owners about Flood
Mitigation Techniques.
Flooding,
Sea Level
Rise, Levee,
Tsunami/
1, 2, 4, 5
City of San
Rafael
Planning and
Sustainability
Departments
Existing
(2019)
Cost TBD:
HMGP, FMA,
CDAA
3-5 years/
medium None
SR-23
Enhance Community facilities to
support energy resiliency and socially
vulnerable populations during
extreme weather events. ET-3 Assist
Vulnerable Population
Severe
Weather-Heat
1,2,4,5
City of San
Rafael OES
New
(2023)
Cost TBD:
HMGP, BRIC,
CDAA, Private
Grants
1 - 2
years/
High
This action includes heat,
rain, poor air quality, and
cold weather conditions.
SR-24
Educate the public about severe
weather safety, power outages, and
powerline safety. SW-7 Increase
Severe Weather Risk Awareness.
Severe
Weather-Heat
1,3,4
City of San
Rafael OES
New
(2023)
Cost TBD:
HMGP, CDAA
1 - 2
years/
High
Develop community
outreach in preparation for
severe weather to
enhance public safety
SR-25
Coordinate with local government and
private organizations to prepare and
implement staff shelters during
predicted severe weather conditions.
SW-6 Retrofit Public Buildings and
Critical Facilities.
Severe
Weather-Heat
1,4
City of San
Rafael
Building Dept.
New
(2023)
Cost TBD:
HMGP, CDAA
1 - 2
years/
High
Open warming and shelter
locations for residents
experiencing
homelessness to improve
health and life safety.
SR-26
Fire and Building code amendments
and adoption to reduce the damage
to structures from earthquakes,
landslides, and fire. fire sprinklers for
new and substantially remodeled
structures. EQ-1 Adopt and Enforce
Building Codes. SU-3 Consider
Subsidence in Building Design.
Earthquake
1, 2, 4, 5
City of San
Rafael Fire
& Building
Departments
Existing
(2021)
Cost TBD:
HMGP, CDAA
3-5 years/
medium
Substantial remodels are
indicated by more than
50% sheetrock removal
during 4 years or
conducting more than 50%
of the structures assessed
value in remodel cost.
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-154
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Table 313: City of San Rafael Current Hazard Mitigation Actions
Table 40: City of San Rafael Current Hazard Mitigation Actions
No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/ Progress
SR-27
Train homeowners to locate and shut
off gas valves if they smell or hear
gas leaking. Prepare citywide
education. EQ-7 Increase Earthquake
Risk Awareness.
Earthquake
1, 2, 3, 4, 5
City of San
Rafael OES
New
(2023)
Cost TBD:
HMGP, CDAA
1 - 2
years/
High
This action may be
implemented in
preparation for training
programs.
SR-28
Remove non-native plants and trees
from all County and City and Town
facilities, and replace them with
drought-tolerant, native plants. D-8
Enhance Landscaping and Design
Measures
Drought
1, 2, 4, 5
City of San
Rafael Fire
Dept.
Existing
(2019)
Cost TBD:
HMGP, CDAA
3-5 years/
medium None
SR-29 Survey and explore the potential of
enhancing reclaimed water systems.
Drought
1, 2, 4, 5
New
(2023)
Cost TBD:
HMGP, CDAA
3-5 years/
medium None
SR-30
Landslide Identification and
Management Program – LS-1 Map
and assess vulnerability to landslides.
Landslide
1, 2, 4, 5
City of San
Rafael OES &
Public Works
New
(2023)
Cost TBD:
HMGP, CDAA
3-5 years/
medium None
City of San Rafael
Sustainability
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN e
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-155
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
3.6 PROGRESS IN LOCAL MITIGATION EFFORTS
This plan has been created as a “living” document with input from the population and professionals
within the City of San Rafael. Based on the planning meetings and the progress monitored by
the steering committee members several mitigation actions were accomplished since the last
planning cycle. Table 39 provides a brief description of the progress made in the local mitigation
efforts and the plan for those mitigation actions that were not completed or are ongoing.
The planning team for the City of San Rafael identified and prioritized the mitigation actions as
detailed in Table 40, based on the risk assessment and in accordance with the process outline in
Section 3, Mitigation Strategy, of the base plan. Background information and information on how
each action will be implemented and administered, such as ideas for implementation, responsible
office, potential funding, estimated cost, and timeline are also included. General processes and
information on plan implementation and maintenance of this LHMP by all participating jurisdictions
is included in Section 4.0: Plan Review, Evaluation, and Implementation.
3.7 PLAN INTEGRATION
For hazard mitigation planning, “integration” means that hazard mitigation information is used in
other relevant planning mechanisms, such as general planning, capital facilities planning,
emergency management, hazard specific planning, and that relevant information from those
sources is also used in hazard mitigation. This section identifies where such integration is
already in place from the 2018 MJHMP, and where the 2023 MJHMP will be used for further
integration.
The planning team for the City of San Rafael will maintain this plan and will serve as a lead staff
for grant project applications on City projects selected for application under the Hazard
Mitigation Assistance grant programs.
An important implementation mechanism that is highly effective and low-cost is incorporation of
the hazard mitigation plan recommendations and their underlying principles into town plans and
mechanisms. Where possible the City of San Rafael will use existing plans and/or programs to
implement hazard mitigation actions. Mitigation is most successful when it is incorporated into
the day-to-day functions and priorities of government and development. As described in this
plan’s capability assessment, the City of San Rafael already implements policies and programs
to reduce losses to life and property from hazards. This plan builds upon the momentum
developed through previous and related planning efforts and mitigation programs and
recommends implementing actions, where possible, through these other program mechanisms.
These existing mechanisms include Integration opportunities for the 2023 Marin County OA
MJHMP:
City General Plan - Integrates hazard mitigation through the consideration of hazards most
likely to impact the City. These hazards are considered in the Safety Element, Housing Element
and Open Space Element.
City and District Emergency Operations Plans – Integrates hazard mitigation through the
consideration of the City’s planned response to hazards most likely to impact the City.
County, City and Town Ordinances - Integrates hazard mitigation through the consideration of
plans and policies outlined in the capability assessments in the jurisdictional annexes.
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-156
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Flood/Storm Water Management/Master Plans - Integrates hazard mitigation through the
consideration of strategies to reduce flood risk and storm water management for the protection
of life and property.
Community Wildfire Protection Plan - Integrates hazard mitigation through the consideration
of strategies to reduce fire hazard and the risk of catastrophic wildfires in the WUI, while
promoting the protection and enhancement of the county’s economic assets and ecological
resources.
The successful implementation of this mitigation strategy will require review of existing plans
and programs for coordination and multi-objective opportunities that promote a safe, sustainable
community. A few examples of incorporation of the MJHMP into existing planning mechanisms
include:
25. As recommended by Assembly Bill 2140, each community should adopt (by reference or
incorporation) this MJHMP into the Safety Element of their General Plans. Evidence of
adoption (by formal, certified resolution) shall be provided to CalOES and FEMA
26. Integration of flood actions identified in this mitigation strategy with the actions and
implementation priorities established in existing Flood Management Programs
27. Using the risk assessment information to update the hazards section in the County, City
and Town Emergency Operations Plans
Efforts should continuously be made to monitor the progress of mitigation actions implemented
through these other planning mechanisms and, where appropriate, their priority actions should
be incorporated into updates of this hazard mitigation plan.
3.8 FUTURE DEVELOPMENT TRENDS
San Rafael is a desirable place to live, work, or own a business in part due to the variety of land
uses that can be found in the city. It offers older neighborhoods with traditional city blocks and
mixed uses, as well as mid- to late - 20th Century suburban areas where residential and
commercial uses have been separated. Its neighborhoods are complemented by multiple
business districts, ranging from industrial areas to office parks to neighborhood shopping
centers. Its developed areas are complemented by a network of open spaces, connecting the
city to nature and making it more interesting and scenic. Past land use decisions have
maintained a balance of uses that give the city a “hometown” quality and make San Rafael what
it is today.
The San Rafael Land Use Element is closely aligned with other elements of the General Plan.
The Mobility Element has been calibrated with the Land Use Element to ensure that
transportation capacity is adequate to support new development. At the same time, the Land
Use Element shifts development patterns to make walking, bicycling, and transit use a more
viable way to get around. The Land Use Element similarly aims to reduce the hazards identified
in the Safety and Resilience Element, while preserving the natural resources addressed in the
Conservation and Climate Change Element.
The Land Use Element guides future change to fit the desired character of San Rafael, preserve
the city’s historic qualities and natural environment, serve community needs, sustain the local
economy, and enhance the quality of life. Its goals and policies provide the direction needed to
strengthen San Rafael’s sense of place and keep the city a place that feels like “home.”
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-157
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
The Land Use Element reflects the Guiding Principles of General Plan 2040. It strategically
directs San Rafael’s growth to areas where it will strengthen the city, protect natural resources,
reduce exposure to environmental hazards, support climate change initiatives, and conserve
and strengthen existing neighborhoods. The land use goals and policies are underpinned by a
basic belief that change is both inevitable and necessary and should be harnessed to achieve
the vision of a thriving city.
It is tremendously important to San Rafael residents that growth is well managed and
harmonious with community needs. New development and other physical alterations must
respect the character and scale of the city. Change and development should be accomplished
in ways that enhance and blend with San Rafael’s existing physical and social qualities.
Development should respect the physical fabric of the city, while improving its social fabric
through new housing and economic opportunities that reach all residents.
The Land Use Element responds to the chronic risks that come from living with natural
disasters, including wildfires, earthquakes, and floods. This requires more than just being
prepared for emergencies. The Land Use Map (see Figure 60) itself responds to hazard levels
in different parts of the city, limiting development in high fire- hazard areas and on steep
landslide-prone hillsides. Policies in the General Plan require elevated foundations in low-lying
areas, and flood-proofing buildings where sea level rise is an issue. The Land Use Map includes
a sea level rise overlay area, providing a reminder of where extra steps may be necessary to
ensure the safety of life and property.
As detailed in the "Climate Change and Future Development Considerations" section of each
hazard profile, development in San Rafael has occurred and will continue to occur throughout
the town in areas prone to all of its identified hazards. Increased growth in these areas may
increase the vulnerability of people and structures to these hazards.
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-158
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Figure 60: City of San Rafael Land Use Map – Open Space
Source: City of San Rafael General Plan 2040 (Aug. 2021)
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
\
'
Fairfax
-_ ~ Plonnlng Ateo
::J City Limit
San Ans m
::::J Downtown Pree ls• Pion Ar t o
,en Spaoe Categori es
■ City Open Spoc.o
■ County O~n Space
■ Jofnt C llyl County Open Sp.>ce
S!Dte or Ca !Hornla Open Space
Commu:nlty service Open Spa.ce
o.,
SAtlllAfAEL
Ger:te.ril l Pla n
L 2040
Novato
I
J
Larkspu
PI I 8
·--•••---••••••-••--••••••--•••••-••••• --I
, ,
'
......
, ,
,
, ,
, ,
,
, ,
, , ,
, ,
, ,
, , ,
, ,
,
, ,
, ,
, ,
, ' ,
crmond
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-159
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
SECTION 4.0: PLAN REVIEW, EVALUATION, AND
IMPLEMENTATION
The strategies presented are deemed appropriate and effective by recommendation of the City of
San Rafael.
4.1 PLAN ADOPTION
Upon submission to the California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) for review, and
subsequent approval by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Marin
County OA MJHMP will be presented to local government for formal adoption. As appropriate,
the adopted plan and accompanying City of San Rafael Community Profile Annex of the Marin
County OA MJHMP will then be incorporated into local general plans for integration into
organizational policy.
4.2 PLAN MONITORING
The process of hazard mitigation does not end with the completion, approval, and adoption of
the Marin County OA MJHMP. During the five-year lifespan the Marin County and City of San
Rafael plan, the County, cities, towns and special districts, along with community-based
organizations will ensure that the mitigation goals and strategies identified are exercised and
monitored under a collaborative and cooperative umbrella, and that the document itself is
properly maintained.
The Marin County Office of Emergency Management, as lead coordinating agency for hazard
mitigation planning within the Marin County OA, leads the Marin Operational Area Hazard
Mitigation Working Group that meets quarterly to review and manage the plan, projects, and
programs. The City of San Rafael is a participating member of the Marin Operational Area
Hazard Mitigation Working Group. The City of San Rafael Public Works Director will monitor and
update the City of San Rafael Annex to the Marin County OA MJHMP.
The review will identify changing community priorities, updated or new planning documents and
the progress or status of the mitigation actions as detailed in the mitigation strategy. Additional
questions to complete the review will be considered as follows:
• Do the goals address current and expected conditions?
• Are the goals and objectives consistent with changes in the local, state, and federal
policy?
• Status updates on all mitigation actions?
• Have the hazards or risks changed?
• Are current resources appropriate for implementing the MJHMP?
• Have the outcomes occurred as expected?
• Is the County and jurisdictions or districts participating in the plan implementation
process as expected?
The Working Group is a subgroup of the Marin Disaster and Citizens Corps Council. During the
five-year update cycle, the Marin Operational Area Hazard Mitigation Working Group will have
quarterly update meetings with the Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee and local
stakeholders to discuss revisions to the plan and progress updates for the hazard mitigation
actions. Further, Marin OEM will host an annual one-day mitigation summit to increase
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-160
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
engagement and enhance collaboration on the plan and projects. The summit will also have the
goal to educate stakeholders on innovative approaches to mitigation, trends, and new plan
requirements. Marin OEM, as the host, will seek subject matter experts, state and federal
officials, and representatives from within the Marin OA to speak to mitigation and planning. The
knowledge gathered and the coordination facilitated during the summit will be used to update
the base plan and annexes.
Marin OEM has the capacity to lead the Working Group and Multi-Jurisdictional Planning with
one coordinator assigned with direct maintenance of the plan, a department analyst assigned to
support the coordinator with project and grant tracking, and a community preparedness
coordinator assigned with conducting regular public outreach on the plan and education on
mitigation. Community feedback and integration will continue through outreach events and OEM
website, where residents and visitors are invited to provide feedback through a survey, available
in English or Spanish.
Specific plan maintenance activities by the Marin County Office of Emergency Management and
its participating jurisdictions/special districts may include:
• Hold quarterly update meetings with the Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee and local
stakeholders to discuss revisions to the plan and progress updates for the hazard
mitigation actions.
• Annual Hazard Mitigation Summit
• Holding public meetings after the first quarter and third quarter update meetings.
• Maintaining the Marin County OEM Hazard Mitigation Website, which provides the public
with the ability to access identified hazard impact maps, location address search
capability, and a listing of hazard mitigation actions.
• Monitoring of the Marin County and all participating jurisdiction mitigation project
activities and dissemination of status reports.
• Generation of reports relative to plan status, project management, and revision updates
to executive leadership.
Preparations for the plan’s future revision and updating.
4.3 PLAN EVALUATION
Upon approval and adoption by the City of San Rafael, the prioritized mitigation strategies will
be further developed for funding and implementation by the lead agencies. The plan describes
the potential sources of hazard mitigation funding, and general procedures to obtain that
funding.
The mitigation strategies represented and adopted within this plan are recommendations only
and must be approved and funded in order to be implemented as official mitigation solutions.
Ultimately, it is the responsibility of jurisdictional and agency officials within the Marin County to
undertake project implementation based upon identified mitigation strategies, funding
availability, and local need when it arises. The Marin County Office of Emergency Management
will meet with the Marin Operational Area Hazard Mitigation Working Group, including the City
of San Rafael, to evaluate the plan after each update meeting.
4.4 PLAN UPDATE
The City of San Rafael Public Works Director will monitor and update the City of San Rafael
Annex to the Marin County OA MJHMP. During the five-year update cycle, the City of San
Rafael and the Marin County Office of Emergency Management will hold quarterly update
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-161
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
meetings with the Marin Operational Area Hazard Mitigation Working Group and local
stakeholders to discuss revisions to the plan and progress updates for the hazard mitigation
actions. The Marin County Office of Emergency Management and all participating jurisdictions
and special districts will continue to hold public meetings after the first quarter and third quarter
update meetings annually and will continue to invite public participation in the update process
via updated public surveys.
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-162
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
FIGURES AND TABLES
Figures
Figure 1: Marin County OEM MJHMP Website.................................................................... 12-19
Figure 2: Marin County OEM MJHMP Public Town Hall Meeting ......................................... 12-20
Figure 3: Hazard Mitigation Plan Public Outreach Press Release ....................................... 12-21
Figure 4: Hazard Mitigation Plan Survey ............................................................................. 12-23
Figure 5: Map of City of San Rafael in Marin County ........................................................... 12-26
Figure 6: Map of the City of San Rafael............................................................................... 12-27
Figure 7: The City of San Rafael Precipitation and Monthly Temperatures .......................... 12-29
Figure 8: Races in San Rafael ............................................................................................ 12-30
Figure 9: City of San Rafael Land Use Map ........................................................................ 12-32
Figure 10: City of San Rafael Social Vulnerability Map Census Tract 1060.01 .................... 12-35
Figure 11: City of San Rafael Social Vulnerability Map Census Tract 1081.00..................... 12-36
Figure 12: City of San Rafael Social Vulnerability Map Census Tract 1082.01 .................... 12-37
Figure 13: City of San Rafael Social Vulnerability Map Census Tract 1082.02 .................... 12-38
Figure 14: City of San Rafael Social Vulnerability Map Census Tract 1090.01 .................... 12-39
Figure 15: City of San Rafael Social Vulnerability Map Census Tract 1092.02 .................... 12-40
Figure 16: City of San Rafael Social Vulnerability Map Census Tract 1101.00..................... 12-41
Figure 17: City of San Rafael Social Vulnerability Map Census Tract 1102.00..................... 12-42
Figure 18: City of San Rafael Social Vulnerability Map Census Tract 1110.01 ..................... 12-43
Figure 19: City of San Rafael Social Vulnerability Map Census Tract 1110.02 ..................... 12-44
Figure 20: City of San Rafael Social Vulnerability Map Census Tract 1121.00..................... 12-45
Figure 21: City of San Rafael Social Vulnerability Map Census Tract 1122.02..................... 12-46
Figure 22: City of San Rafael Social Vulnerability Map Census Tract 1122.03..................... 12-47
Figure 23: City of San Rafael Social Vulnerability Map Census Tract 1122.04..................... 12-48
Figure 24: City of San Rafael Critical Facilities and Infrastructure ....................................... 12-59
Figure 25: City of San Rafael Hazard Risk Assessment Ranking ........................................ 12-60
Figure 26: Hazard Risk Categorization ................................................................................ 12-60
Figure 27: NASA Global Temperature Change CO2 Gas .................................................... 12-64
Figure 28: NASA Global Temperature Change 1884 to 2022 .............................................. 12-64
Figure 29: NASA Global Temperature Change Sea Level ................................................... 12-65
Figure 30: Annual Mean Sea Level Trends .......................................................................... 12-68
Figure 31: Landslide Susceptibility Classes ........................................................................ 12-73
Figure 32: Mud Flow Areas ................................................................................................. 12-74
Figure 33: City of San Rafael Debris Flow Critical Facilities and Infrastructure.................... 12-76
Figure 34: Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale ........................................................................ 12-79
Figure 35: Mercalli Scale vs. Magnitude .............................................................................. 12-80
Figure 36: Soil Types .......................................................................................................... 12-80
Figure 37: Marin County OA Earthquake Impact and Fault Lines ........................................ 12-82
Figure 38: City of San Rafael Earthquake Critical Facilities and Infrastructure .................... 12-84
Figure 39: Diagram of an Atmospheric River Event ............................................................. 12-87
Figure 40: City of San Rafael Flooding Critical Facilities and Infrastructure ......................... 12-89
Figure 41: City of San Rafael Flooding – 10/21/2021 .......................................................... 12-95
Figure 42: Dissolution Sinkhole Formation .......................................................................... 12-97
Figure 43: Cover-Subsidence Sinkhole Formation .............................................................. 12-97
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-163
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Figure 44: Cover-Collapse Sinkhole Formation ................................................................... 12-98
Figure 45: Levee Failure Mechanisms ................................................................................ 12-99
Figure 46: City of San Rafael Levee Inundation Impact……………………………………….12-101
Figure 47: City of San Rafael Sea Level Rise Impact ........................................................ 12-105
Figure 48: Projections of Sea Level Rise in the San Francisco Bay Area, 2000-2100 ....... 12-107
Figure 49: Heat Index ....................................................................................................... 12-108
Figure 50: Annual Average Temperatures in the San Francisco Bay Area, 2000-2100 ...... 12-109
Figure 51: Beaufort Wind Scale ......................................................................................... 12-110
Figure 52: Enhanced Fujita Scale ...................................................................................... 12-111
Figure 53: Waterspout Formation ....................................................................................... 12-112
Figure 54: City of San Rafael Tsunami Critical Facilities and Infrastructure ........................ 12-114
Figure 55: Federal, State and Local Responsibility Areas in the Marin County OA ............. 12-117
Figure 56: Fuel Model Map for the Marin County OA ........................................................ 12-121
Figure 57: 2018 San Rafael Wildfire in Boyd Memorial Park ............................................. 12-125
Figure 58: City of San Rafael Wildfire Critical Facilities and Infrastructure ........................ 12-126
Figure 59: Trends in the Annual Number of Large Wildfires in the United States ............... 12-127
Figure 60: City of San Rafael Land Use Map – Open Space ............................................. 12-158
List of Tables
Table 1: City of San Rafael Local Hazard Mitigation Planning Team Members ...................... 12-8
Table 2: 2023 MJHMP Local Planning Team Members........................................................ 12-12
Table 3: City of San Rafael & Marin County OA MJHMP Planning Meetings ....................... 12-16
Table 4: City of San Rafael Estimated Jurisdictional Population .......................................... 12-29
Table 5: Population Change of The City of San Rafael ........................................................ 12-29
Table 6: Languages Spoken in San Rafael .......................................................................... 12-30
Table 7: Marin County OA Jurisdictional Housing Stock ...................................................... 12-31
Table 8: NRI Hazards and Marin County OA MJHMP Hazards ............................................ 12-33
Table 9: NRI Hazard Type Risk Index for San Rafael Census Tract 1060.01 ....................... 12-35
Table 10: NRI Hazard Type Risk Index for San Rafael Census Tract 1081.00 ..................... 12-36
Table 11: NRI Hazard Type Risk Index for San Rafael Census Tract 1082.01 ..................... 12-37
Table 12: NRI Hazard Type Risk Index for San Rafael Census Tract 1082.02 ..................... 12-38
Table 13: NRI Hazard Type Risk Index for San Rafael Census Tract 1090.01 ..................... 12-39
Table 14: NRI Hazard Type Risk Index for San Rafael Census Tract 1090.02 ..................... 12-40
Table 15: NRI Hazard Type Risk Index for San Rafael Census Tract 1101.00 ..................... 12-41
Table 16: NRI Hazard Type Risk Index for San Rafael Census Tract 1102.00 ..................... 12-42
Table 17: NRI Hazard Type Risk Index for San Rafael Census Tract 1110.01 ..................... 12-43
Table 18: NRI Hazard Type Risk Index for San Rafael Census Tract 1110.02 ..................... 12-44
Table 19: NRI Hazard Type Risk Index for San Rafael Census Tract 1121.00 ..................... 12-45
Table 20: NRI Hazard Type Risk Index for San Rafael Census Tract 1122.02 ..................... 12-46
Table 21: NRI Hazard Type Risk Index for San Rafael Census Tract 1122.03 ..................... 12-47
Table 22: NRI Hazard Type Risk Index for San Rafael Census Tract 1122.04 ..................... 12-48
Table 23: Household Income for The City of San Rafael as of 2019 .................................... 12-51
Table 24 City of San Rafael Civilian Employed Population 16 years+ by Industry ............... 12-51
Table 25: City of San Rafael Critical Facilities ..................................................................... 12-56
Table 26: Historic Sites In The City of San Rafael ............................................................... 12-58
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-164
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Table 27: Select Hazards Magnitude/ Severity Scale or Index ............................................. 12-61
Table 28: City of San Rafael Hazard Risk Assessment ........................................................ 12-70
Table 29: Hazard Risk Assessment ..................................................................................... 12-71
Table 30: City of San Rafael Critical Facilities in the Flood Zones ....................................... 12-90
Table 31: City of San Rafael Critical Facilities in the Flood Zones ....................................... 12-94
Table 32: City of San Rafael Future Growth Areas ............................................................ 12-129
Table 33: City of San Rafael Legal and Regulatory Capabilities ........................................ 12-132
Table 34: City of San Rafael General Plan ........................................................................ 12-135
Table 35: City of San Rafael Administrative and Technical Capabilities ............................. 12-137
Table 36: City of San Rafael Fiscal Capabilities ................................................................ 12-138
Table 37: City of San Rafael Community Outreach ........................................................... 12-139
Table 38: City of San Rafael NFIP Status .......................................................................... 12-142
Table 39: Status of Previous Hazard Mitigation Actions ..................................................... 12-146
Table 40: City of San Rafael Current Hazard Mitigation Actions ........................................ 12-154
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-165
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
ACRONYMS/ABBREVIATIONS
Acronym Definition
ABAG Association Bay Area of Governments
ADU Accessory Dwelling Units
AQI Air Quality Index
ARP Address Resolution Protocol
ASL American Sign Language
ATSDR Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
BAAQMD Bay Area Air Quality Management District
BCDC Bay Conservation and Development Commission
BCEGS Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule
BCPUD Bolinas Community Public Utility District
BFE Base Flood Elevation
BRIC Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities
CA California
CAC Community Assistance Contact
CAL FIRE California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
Cal OES California Office of Emergency Services
CAP Climate Action Plan
CASPER Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response -
California Department of Public Health
CAV Community Assistance Visit
CDAA California Disaster Assistance Act
CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
CDI Certified Deaf Interpreter
CEQA California Environmental Quality Act
CERT Community Emergency Response Team
CGS California Geological Survey
CIP Capital Improvement Plan
CIR Conservation Incentive Rate
CITR Conservation Incentive Tier Rate
CMFD Central Marin Fire District
CMSA Central Marin Sanitation Agency
CNRA California Natural Resource Agency
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-166
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
CO Carbon Monoxide
COVID-19 Coronavirus Disease 2019
COYL Coyote Creek Left Bank Levee
CPUC California Public Utilities Commission
CRF Community Risk Factor
CRI Community Resilience Index
CRS Community Rating System
CRT Community Response Team
CSA County Service Area
C-SMART Sea-level Marin Adaption Response Team
CWPP Community Wildfire Protection Plan
DDoS Distributed Denial of Service
DMA Disaster Mitigation Act
DNS Domain Name System
DOF California Department of Finance
DoS Denial-of-Service
DPW Department of Public Works
DR Disaster Relief
DSOD Division of Safety of Dams - California Department of Water Resources
DWR California Department of Water Resources
EAL Expected Annual Loss
EAS Emergency Alert System
ECC Emergency Command Center
EOC Emergency Operation Center
EOP Emergency Operations Plan
EPA Environmental Protection Agency
EPC Emergency Preparedness Commission
ESHA Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas
FD Fire Department
FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency
FHSV Fire Hazard Severity Zones
FIRM Flood Insurance Rate Maps
FMA Flood Mitigation Assistance
FMP Flood Mitigation Plan
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-167
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
FOG Fats, Oils, & Grease
FPA Floodplain Administrator
FRA Federal Responsibility Areas
FY Fiscal Year
GGBHTD Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District
GGNRA Golden Gate National Recreation Area
GGNRA Golden Gate National Recreation Area
GIS Geographic Information System
Gov Government
GPAC General Plan Advisory Committee
H2S Hydrogen Sulfide
HFHSZ High Fire Severity Zone
HIRA Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
HIV/AIDS Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
HLR Historic Loss Ratio
HMGP Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
IoT Internet of Things
IP Intellectual Property
IPAWS Integrated Public Alert and Warning System
IPCC Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
ISEPA Identified Site Emergency Planning Application
JPA Joint Powers Agreement
LCP Local Coastal Program
LGVSD Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District
LHMP Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
LOMA Letters of Map Amendment
LOMR Letters of Map Revision
LRA Local Responsibility Areas
LRAD Long-Range Acoustic Device
LSAC Levee Safety Action Classification
Marin IJ Marin Independent Journal
MCEP Marin Climate Energy Partnership
MCFD Marin County Fire Department
MCOSD Marin County Open Space District
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-168
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
MCPIO Marin County Public Information Officers
MCSTOPP Marin County Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program
MERA Marin Emergency Radio Authority
MERS Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome
MFHSZ Moderate Fire Severity Zone
MG Million Gallons
MGD Million Gallons Per Day
MHOAC Medical/Health Operational Area Coordinator
MHW Mean High Water
MJHMP Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
MMI Modified Mercalli Intensity
MMRC Marin Medical Reserve Corps
MMWD Marin Municipal Water District
MRZ Mineral Resource Zones
MV2040 Mill Valley General Plan 2040
Mw Scale Moment Magnitude Scale
MWPA Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority
NASA National Aeronautics and Space Administration
NCDC National Climatic Data Center
NEPA National Environmental Policy Act
NFDRS National Fire Danger Rating System
NFIP National Flood Insurance Program
NID National Inventory of Dams
NIH National Institute for Health
NMWD North Marin Water District
NPDES National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
NPR Northwestern Pacific Railroad
NR National Register of Historic Places
NRI National Risk Index
NWS National Weather Service
O3 Ozone
OA Operational Area
OEM Office of Emergency Management
OHP Office of Historic Preservation
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-169
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
OWTA On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems
PD Police Department
PG&E Pacific Gas & Electric
PM10 Particulate Matter Less Than 10 Microns In Aerodynamic Diameter
PSPS Public Safety Power shutoffs
PtH Pass the hash
PUD Public Utility District
PW Public Works
RACES Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service
RAWS Remote Automated Weather Stations
RCD Resource Conservation District
RHNA Regional Housing Needs Assessment
RTP Regional Transportation Plan
SASM Sewerage Agency of Southern Marin
SFBRA San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority
SFHA Special Flood Hazard Area
SFHA Special Flood Hazard Areas - FEMA
SFHA Special Flood Hazard Area
SHMP State Hazard Mitigation Plan
SHSGP State Homeland Security Grant Program
SMART Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit
SMCSD Sausalito Marin City Sanitary District
SMFD Southern Marin Fire District
SOD Sudden Oak Death
SOX Sulfur Oxides
SQL Structured Query Language
SR State Route
SRA State Responsibility Areas
SSMP Sewer System Management Plan
SVI Social Vulnerability Index
TAM Transportation Authority of Marin
TBD To Be Determined
TENS Telephone Emergency Notification System
UCERF2 Uniform California Earthquake Rupture Forecast, Version 2
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
12-170
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY PROFILE
UCERF3 Uniform California Earthquake Rupture Forecast, Version 3
USACE U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
USGS United States Geological Survey
UWMP Urban Water Management Plan
VHFHSV Very High Fire Severity Zone
VMP Vegetation Management Plans
WC/ATWC West Coast/Alaska Tsunami Warning Center
WHO World Health Organization
WSCP Water Shortage Contingency Plan
WUI Wildland Urban Interface
WWTP Waste Water Treatment Plant
XSS Cross-Site Scripting
l ~'?UN. TY OF
~ARIN
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
FEMA Region 9
1111 Broadway, Suite 1200
Oakland, CA 94607-4052
www.fema.gov
July 3, 2024
Steven Torrence
Director of Emergency Management
Marin County Office of Emergency Management
1600 Los Gamos Drive, Suite #301
San Rafael, CA 94903
Dear Steven Torrence:
The Marin County Operational Area Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan 2023 has been
amended to include the following jurisdictions as an official planning participants:
• City of Belvedere
• Town of Fairfax
• City of Larkspur
• City of Mill Valley
• City of Novato
• Town of Ross
• Town of San Anselmo
• City of San Rafael
• Town of Tiburon
• Bolinas Community Public Utility District
• Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District
• North Marin Water District
• Southern Marin Fire Protection District
These jurisdictions must submit an adoption resolution to FEMA in order to be considered
fully approved.
FEMA’s approval of the Marin County Operational Area Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard
Mitigation Plan 2023 remains for a period of five years from the original approval date of
January 31, 2024 for all approved participants. An updated list of the status of current
participating jurisdictions is enclosed with this letter.
Prior to January 31, 2029, Marin County and all participating jurisdictions are required to
review and revise the plan to reflect changes in development, progress in local mitigation efforts,
and changes in priorities, and resubmit it for approval in order to continue to be eligible for
mitigation project grant funding.
FEMA
Marin County Hazard Mitigation Plan Amendment Notice
July 3, 2024
Page 2 of 3
The continued approval of this plan ensures Marin County and all participating jurisdictions’
continued eligibility for project grants under FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance programs,
including the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, Building Resilient Infrastructure and
Communities Program, and Flood Mitigation Assistance Program. All requests for funding,
however, will be evaluated individually according to the specific eligibility, and other
requirements of the particular program under which applications are submitted.
If you have any questions regarding the planning or review processes, please contact the FEMA
Region 9 Hazard Mitigation Planning Team at fema-r9-mitigation-planning@fema.dhs.gov.
Sincerely,
Alison Kearns
Planning and Implementation Branch Chief
Mitigation Division
FEMA Region 9
Enclosure (1)
Marin County Plan Review Tool Amended July 3, 2024
Status of Participating Jurisdictions, dated July 3, 2024
cc: Robyn Fennig, State Hazard Mitigation Officer, California Governor’s Office of
Emergency Services
Victoria LaMar-Haas, Hazard Mitigation Planning Chief, California Governor’s Office of
Emergency Services
Marin County Hazard Mitigation Plan Amendment Notice
July 3, 2024
Page 3 of 3
Status of Participating Jurisdictions as of July 3, 2024
Jurisdictions – Adopted and Approved
# Jurisdiction Adoption Receipt Date
1 Marin County March 22, 2024
2 Town of Corte Madera January 31, 2024
3 City of Sausalito April 22, 2024
Jurisdictions – Approvable Pending Adoption
# Jurisdiction
1 City of Belvedere
2 Town of Fairfax
3 City of Larkspur
4 City of Mill Valley
5 City of Novato
6 Town of Ross
7 Town of San Anselmo
8 City of San Rafael
9 Town of Tiburon
10 Bolinas Community Public Utility District
11 Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District
12 North Marin Water District
13 Southern Marin Fire Protection District