The Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) has released draft language to amend the Safety Element of the General Plan Guidelines to meet the requirements of Senate Bill 379 (Jackson, 2016). SB 379 requires cities and counties to address climate adaptation and resiliency strategies in their next revision to either their local hazard mitigation plan (on or after January 1,2017) or their Safety Element of the General Plan (on or before January 1 2011) considering the advice provided by OPR in their General Plan Guidelines.
The Draft language suggests five distinct steps: review existing documents, conduct a vulnerability assessment, develop adaptation goals, create implementation measures, and amend documents to be consistent with requirements.
There will be two webinars to explain the changes to the Safety Element and provide public comment. The Draft Safety Element of the General Plan Guidelines and webinar registration information can be accessed here.
The deadline for submitting comments is November 4, 2016.