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Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
What is a Local Hazard Mitigation Plan?
A Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) identifies potential local natural hazards and then identifies and prioritizes vulnerable areas in the local community. The purpose of an LHMP is to help communities be prepared in case of natural disasters and other hazards, as well as to prepare for recovery after such events. An LHMP can help protect the public and City infrastructures and it allows cities to apply for the California Office of Emergency Services and Federal Emergency Management grants.
Our Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
Our plan was approved by FEMA on January 28, 2021, and is effective for 5 years.
Assembly Bill 2140 (Hancock, 2006) authorizes local governments to adopt their LHMPs with the safety elements of their general plans (Gov. Code § 65302.6). Integration or incorporation by reference is encouraged through a post-disaster financial incentive that authorizes the state to use available California Disaster Assistance Act funds to cover local shares of the 25% non-federal portion of grant-funded post-disaster projects when approved by the legislature (Gov. Code § 8685.9).
AB 2140 is one of the most important links between general plans and hazard mitigation in California. Adopting the LHMP with the safety element provides a vehicle for the implementation of the LHMP. This integration allows hazard mitigation strategies to be implemented and local hazard awareness to be upgraded and enhanced.
LHMP Planning Meetings Agendas and Information
Meeting Documents
City of Watsonville Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
October 14, 2019 Meeting
November 14, 2019 Meeting
January 16, 2020
February 20, 2020
August 10, 2020
Rules and Planning Documents
Meeting Goals and Rules
The 2018 California State Hazard Mitigation Plan (SHMP) represents the state’s primary hazard mitigation guidance document and is composed of comprehensive and valuable input provided by State Hazard Mitigation Team members and stakeholders.
The Pajaro River Watershed Integrated Regional Water Management Plan (IRWM) effort is a collaborative effort to identify and implement regional and mutli-beneficial projects for the Pajaro River Watershed.
Draft Plan & Draft Appendices
If you have any questions or would like to forward comments, you can do so at the following address: lhmp@cityofwatsonville.org .