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Solvang updates safety element to incorporate local hazard mitigation plan, adopt Cal FIRE map
Summary
The council adopted an amendment to the safety element of the Solvang General Plan to incorporate the City's Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) and to update fire hazard severity zones to the CAL FIRE map, enabling eligibility for expanded state disaster relief under AB 2140.
The Solvang City Council on July 14 adopted Resolution No. 25-12-98 to amend the safety element of the city's General Plan so it explicitly incorporates the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan and replaces the fire hazard severity zone map with the recently adopted CAL FIRE map.
Staff said the change is intended to ensure state-law consistency — specifically language required by AB 2140 — and to keep the city eligible for disaster-recovery funding. A staff presenter told the council that because Cal OES identified missing language, the amendment adds an explicit policy (SAF 1.1) adopting the LHMP as part of the general plan.
City Manager Randy Murphy told the council that when the language is in place the city may be eligible for more complete state reimbursement after a declared disaster. Murphy said, as explained in the staff report, that the federal-state reimbursement framework often leaves a local share; consistency with AB 2140 can in many cases make the jurisdiction eligible for up to 100% state-funded support for eligible projects, reducing the burden on local general-fund dollars.
Planning staff noted the amendment is procedural in substance: it does not change land-use zoning or fire-safety requirements in themselves but aligns wording and maps so the city is compliant with state requirements and with its LHMP. The Planning Commission reviewed the item in June and recommended approval.
Councilmembers asked clarifying questions and received staff assurance the amendment would not change zoning or land-use patterns. The council voted 5-0 to adopt the resolution.
