2014-006 - Santa Ana General Plan Housing Element and Public Safety Element Updates

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PUBLIC SAFETY ELEMENT this risk, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) is constructing the $2.2 billion Santa Ana River Mainstem Project which includes raising the height of Prado Dam and constructing new gate -works allowing for controlled water releases up to 30,000 cubic feet per second and constructing channel improvements between Prado Dam and the ocean. Given the progress to date, the Corps' project provides 100 -year flood protection for Orange County. When completed, the project is designed to provide 190 -year level protection from flooding due to the Santa Ana River. Exhibit 4 shows areas susceptible to flooding. Throughout the Santa Ana River Basin in Orange County the potential exists for massive downstream flooding from the failure of the Prado Dam and overflow of the Santa Ana River. Located in Riverside County at the head of Santa Ana Canyon, Prado Dam is a single purpose dam designed to reduce the flood risk for metropolitan area in Orange County. In order to assure acceptable levels of risk to people and property from flooding, the City has established flood plain management regulations in the flood prone areas. The flood plain management regulations require that new construction or substantial improvements in the flood prone areas must be elevated above the base flood. Congress authorized advanced engineering and design studies for flood control along the Santa Ana River in 1976. The Army Corp of Engineer completed the lining improvements along the Santa Ana River in the 1990's. Potential flood damage can be minimized along the Santa Ana River and Santiago Creek by coordinating preparedness planning between emergency response and disaster relief agencies. PLAN COMPONENTS Major thrusts of the Public Safety programs focus on crime, fire and disaster prevention; involvement of the public in crime and fire prevention programs; strict enforcement of safety features of building and zoning codes; completion of physical improvements related to flood control; maintenance of emergency preparedness programs, and community education. Throughout the recommendations runs a theme of efficient and effective use of available financial, personnel and material resources. In an era of limited financial options, the City is concentrating on maximizing the impact of its existing facilities rather than depending upon expansion activities. The City maintains an Emergency Services Plan which provides direction and guidance for officials and citizens in the event of emergency. The plan covers emergencies related to earthquakes, floods, major fires and/or explosions, industrial accidents, bomb threats and explosions, utility failures, interruptions and reductions, radiological hazards, welfare and mass care, water quality emergencies, traffic control and hazardous materials spills. CITY OF SANTA ANA GENERAL PLAN I ��_ �1/ \)