Natural hazard mitigation in Southern California

4.3 Evaluation of mitigation policies in OC and LAC

4.3.1 Evaluation framework

The natural hazard mitigation elements of the general plans will be judged based on the
findings of chapters 2 and 3. As demands for plan contents were mentioned:

• a strong factual basis,

• a clear goal definition,

• a description of the interaction and balancing between different interests, and

• strong mitigation policies in a clear implementation framework

These are the conceptual aspects the plans will be evaluated on (the last aspect will be split into
two separate aspects: the concepts of the mitigation policies in itself, and the proposed
implementation efforts). Another goal of this study is to find out to what extent local
governments include elements that are mandated by state government. The State of California
mandates that the safety element must address:

• evacuation routes,

• clearances around structures, and

• peak load water requirements.

Furthermore, hazard maps must be included for seismic and other geologic hazards. These are
the aspects that form the basis of the plan evaluation. For every aspect, a plan can receive a ‘0’,
a ‘+’ or a ‘+ +’. A ‘0’ indicates that that aspect is not covered by the plan at all. An aspect rated
‘+’ is mentioned, but not in detail. A ‘+ +’ indicates that the aspect has been extensively
covered in the plan. This distinction between ‘+’ and ‘+ +’ is important, because research
suggests that the more detail is provided in a plan, the higher chances are that the policies will
be actually implemented (Beatley & Berke 1992).

It is important to realize that from a plan element, it is impossible to review the planning
procedure that has preceded the adoption of the plan. The evaluation is therefore only based on
plan contents, not on the planning process. Furthermore, only natural hazard mitigation will be
considered. Mitigation of man-made hazards as well as disaster preparedness, response and
recovery are not included.

4.3.2 Natural hazard mitigation in Orange County

On the following pages, the evaluation of the safety elements in Orange County is provided.
Table 4.5 shows in what general plan elements natural hazard mitigation is discussed, and the
year of adoption, or the last updating, of the element. Table 4.6 shows what hazards the

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