Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the General Plan Amendments topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
County staff recommend safety and open‑space general plan updates addressing flood, fire and access
Summary
Planning staff presented amendments to the general plan safety and open‑space elements to meet state law (SB 379, SB 99, AB 1409/747, AB 2684 and SB 1425) and to add policies addressing Sunol flood concerns, emergency communications and equitable open space access; the committee voted to forward both amendments and CEQA notices to the full board.
Alameda County planning staff briefed the Transportation & Planning Committee on Jan. 5 about proposed amendments to the general plan’s safety and open‑space elements intended to comply with recent state laws and local concerns, and the committee voted to forward the drafts and the related CEQA notices of exemption to the full Board of Supervisors.
Planner Ali Abbers said the November 2025 draft updates the safety element to incorporate state requirements including Senate Bill 379 (climate adaptation in safety elements), Senate Bill 99 (identifying residential developments in hazard areas with single egress), AB 1409/747 (evacuation routes and locations), and AB 2684 (addressing extreme heat). The proposed open‑space appendix documents existing policies to meet SB 1425 requirements for equitable access to open space.
Abbers explained the documents reflect an extensive outreach process that began in 2022 and included MACs, advisory committees, and the planning commission. The November draft added language responsive to flood‑control concerns raised by Sunol residents; it expands discussion of the Alameda County Flood Control and Water Conservation District and Zone 7, adds policies to reduce flood hazards in Sunol, and promotes redundant emergency communications systems in hazard areas.
The planning commission recommended approval and staff prepared draft notices of exemption from CEQA, finding the amendments would not cause a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change to the environment.
Supervisors asked staff to confirm coordination with Cal Fire, the Office of Emergency Services, the sheriff’s office and Public Works on evacuation routes, emergency notification compatibility and wildfire/heat mitigation. Abbers said Cal Fire will conduct a final review on Jan. 13 and that local fire and emergency agencies were included in drafting the policies. On the question of a hazardous tree ordinance, the committee agreed to retain the language as “consider” rather than “adopt,” directing staff to study implications before stronger action.
Supervisor Nate Miley moved and the committee approved forwarding the safety element amendments and the open‑space appendix to the full board for action. Staff said documents and background materials are posted on the planning department website for public review.
