Hazard Mitigation Plan

Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (PDF)

Rancho Santa Margarita residents enjoy the benefits of the region’s warm, sunny, and usually temperate Mediterranean type of climate and the unique and beautiful landscape that makes Southern California so attractive. Southern California’s terrain, climate, and geology carry substantial natural hazards as well. These hazards make the population and the environment vulnerable to natural disaster situations.

History of Natural Hazards

Historical data indicates that residents of the area have always confronted earth movements, fires, flooding, and storms. It has never been possible to predict when these disasters will occur or the effects that they may have on the City and its residents. With collaboration among public agencies, private sector organizations ,and the citizens of the community, it is possible to minimize the losses that result from these natural disasters.

The inevitability of natural disasters and the growing population and development within the City create a strong community need to develop strategies, coordinate resources, and increase public awareness to reduce the risks and prevent loss from future natural hazard events. Identifying the risks posed by natural hazards and developing strategies to reduce the impact of hazard events will assist in protecting life and property of the citizens of the community.


About the Plan

The City is required to have a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reviewed and approved Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP), in order to be eligible to receive FEMA Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) project grants or to receive post-disaster, Hazard Mitigation Grant Project (HMGP) funding for any disaster declared on or after November 1, 2004.

The Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (PDF) serves as a strategic planning tool for use by the City of Rancho Santa Margarita in its efforts to identify and mitigate the future impacts of natural hazard events. The plan represents the City’s commitment to reduce risks from natural hazards and serves as a guide for decision makers as they commit resources to reduce the effects of natural hazards. The plan works in conjunction with other plans, including the City’s General Plan and Emergency Operations Plan.

The Local Hazard Mitigation Plan is an evolving document that will be reviewed and updated regularly to reflect changing conditions, and will be improved by new information, especially information on local planning activities.


For More Information

The City of Rancho Santa Margarita is dedicated to involving the public directly in the development, review and updating of the plan. All members of the public are invited to read through the plan and submit any questions or suggestions to the City.