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San Rafael commission backs General Plan update to link hazard mitigation plan and boost disaster reimbursement
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Summary
The commission unanimously recommended a General Plan amendment to add the city's local hazard mitigation plan link to the safety and resilience element to meet AB 2140; staff said the change could increase state/federal disaster reimbursement by roughly 6% on eligible costs.
The San Rafael Planning Commission voted April 14 to recommend City Council adopt an amendment to the General Plan safety and resilience element that formally links the city’s plan to the county’s multi‑jurisdictional local hazard mitigation plan (LHMP). Staff said the change is intended to meet Assembly Bill 2140 requirements and to preserve eligibility for additional state reimbursement in declared disasters.
Margaret Cavanaugh Lynch (planning manager) presented the amendment and noted staff would confirm the FEMA approval date before the item goes to council. Quinn Gardner, deputy director of emergency management, told commissioners that adding the link could increase reimbursement for eligible disaster costs by roughly 6 percentage points on top of federal and state shares, potentially improving recovery funding for overtime, repairs, and emergency protective measures.
Commissioners asked clarifying questions about approval timing and the multi‑jurisdictional process; Quinn said the countywide LHMP was processed on a multi‑stage schedule with approvals at different times for local, state (Cal OES), and FEMA review. A commissioner moved to recommend City Council approve the resolution (resolution 2601); the motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Staff will verify FEMA approval dates and include that verification in the council packet; the Planning Commission’s action is a recommendation and the council will take final action.
