HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC_2026_03_10 - 2025 Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Annex B: City of Atascadero
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-1
Annex B City of Atascadero
B.1 Community Profile
B.1.1 Mitigation Planning History and 2025 Process
This annex was updated in 2025 to build upon the previous version created for the 2019 San
Luis Obispo Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) update. This 2025 annex update also includes input
from the City of Atascadero Local Hazard Mitigation Plan completed in September 2015. The
2019 HMP was not integrated into the city’s planning mechanisms due to a lack of opportunity.
The 2025 mitigation plan will be integrated into these documents as opportunities become
available. A review of jurisdictional priorities found no significant changes in priorities since the
last update.
The city’s Local Planning Team (LPT) held responsibility for implementation and maintenance
of the plan. The city Fire Chief is responsible for coordinating the update of the plan.
Table B-1 Atascadero Hazard Mitigation Plan Revision Planning Group
DEPARTMENT TITLE
Atascadero Fire Department Fire Chief
Atascadero Fire Department Battalion Chief
Atascadero Public Works Public Works Director
Atascadero Public Works Deputy Director
Atascadero Public Works Public Works Analyst
Atascadero Police Department Police Commander
Atascadero Police Department Police Commander
Atascadero Department of Technology Deputy City Manager
Atascadero Community Development Planning Manager
Atascadero Community Development Chief Building Official
Additionally, the plan must document opportunities for neighboring communities, local and
regional agencies involved in hazard mitigation activities, agencies with the authority to
regulate development, as well as businesses, academia, and other private and non-profit
interests, to actively participate in the planning process. At least one point of contact for each
stakeholder group should be listed below in Table B-2.
Table B-2 City of Atascadero Stakeholder Groups
STAKEHOLDER GROUP ORGANIZATION
Agencies involved in hazard mitigation activities Atascadero State Hospital
Waste Management
Agencies that have the authority to regulate
development
Atascadero Mutual Water Company
Neighboring communities Templeton Community Service District
Representatives of business academia, and other
private orgs
Atascadero Unified School District
Atascadero Chamber of Commerce
Representatives supporting underserved
communities
El Camino Homeless Organization
Annex B: City of Atascadero
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-2
More details on the planning process and how the jurisdictions, service districts and
stakeholders participated, as well as how the public was involved during the 2025 update, can
be found in Chapter 3 of the Base Plan.
B.1.2 Geography and Climate
Atascadero is located 17 miles inland from the Pacific coast and lies midway between Los
Angeles and San Francisco on U.S. Highway 101 (US 101), about 220 miles from each city. The
city is one of seven incorporated communities in San Luis Obispo County. The city consists of
26.15 square miles, is 879 feet above sea level and is located 40 miles west of the San Andreas
Fault.
The city is situated in the southern part of the Salinas River Valley. The Salinas River flows along
the eastern city limits from south to north. Steep hills and canyons border the community on
the west, and open rolling hills surround the city center. The city lies within an agricultural area
where ranchlands are becoming vineyards to support the growing wine industry. Suburban
residential development approved by San Luis Obispo County borders the city on the southern
and eastern edges, and lower-density residential development lies to the north and west.
Atascadero is bordered on the west by the rugged mountainous ridges of the Santa Lucia
Coastal Range, on the east by the low hills of the La Panza and Temblor Ranges, and on the
north by the low hills and flat-topped mesas of the Diablo Range. The highest elevations in the
vicinity are within the Santa Lucia Coastal Range, where many peaks are 2,000 to 3,400 feet
above mean sea level.
The area has a Mediterranean climate with a wet season from October to early April and a dry
summer season with low humidity. The city has an average annual precipitation of 20.7 inches.
In winter, the average high temperatures range from the 50s to the 60s, with lows in the 30s.
In summer, the average daily highs are in the 90s, with some days exceeding 100.
Summertime lows are typically in the 60s and 70s.
Atascadero is a General Law city operating within rules established by the California
Legislature. The organizational structure of the local government is of the City Council–City
Manager form. The City Manager, hired by the City Council, is responsible for planning,
organizing, and directing all administrative activities such as enforcing municipal laws,
directing the daily operations of the city, and preparing and observing the municipal budget.
The City Council is composed of a mayor and four City Council members elected at large by
the citizens of Atascadero. The City Council acts upon all legislative matters concerning
Atascadero, approving and adopting all ordinances, resolutions, contracts, and other matters
requiring overall policy decisions and leadership.
Figure B-1 displays a map of the City of Atascadero planning area.
Annex B: City of Atascadero
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-3
Figure B-1 The City of Atascadero
Annex B: City of Atascadero
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-4
B.1.3 History
The area was originally home to the Salinan Indians. In the late 18th Century and early 19th
Century, Spanish missionaries established 21 missions along the California coast, including the
nearby Mission San Miguel Arcángel, and Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. When Mexico won
its independence from Spain, and California became a Mexican province, the Mexican
government secularized the mission lands. Rancho Atascadero was granted to Trifon Garcia in
1842, and Rancho Asuncion was granted to Pedro Estrada in 1845.
Toward the end of the 19th century, J.H. Henry consolidated a number of tracts into the 23,770-
acre Atascadero Ranch, which included all of the present planning area, except for Baron von
Schroeder's Eaglet, now part of Eagle Ranch. In 1913, E.G. Lewis founded Atascadero as
California’s first planned community, consisting of 26.15 square miles of the original 38 square
miles of the historic Atascadero Ranch, later known as the Colony.
The Atascadero Fire Department was first established as an all-volunteer department in 1915. In
1922 the Atascadero Fire Protection District was founded on the heels of a disastrous 5,000-
acre wildland fire near the Eagle Ranch property. Originally the District was 7 square miles in
area with a population less than 3,000. On February 4, 1926 Atascadero’s first paid fire
department was established.
In June 1979, the residents of Atascadero voted in favor of incorporation. The Fire District
dissolved in 1979 when the department became an official part of the newly incorporated City.
The 1980 General Plan became the first major planning document adopted by the newly
incorporated City of Atascadero. In 1983, a new zoning ordinance was adopted to implement
that plan.
B.1.4 Economy
Based on the 2018-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Atascadero’s labor force is
estimated to be 15,020 people. The city’s economic base primarily consists of employees within
the educational services, health care and social services, which accounts for 23.7% of jobs. The
city’s largest employers include the Atascadero State Hospital and the Atascadero Unified
School District (AUSD). The second largest type of industry in the city is the retail trade and
services sector at 14.2% of employment.
All consumable goods must be transported to the city via trucks utilizing U. S. Highway 101. It
should be noted there are two rail spurs located in the undeveloped area of the county
adjacent to the city. There is no airport in the city.
Table B-3 shows how Atascadero’s labor force breaks down by industry estimates from the U.S.
Census Bureau’s 2018-2023 American Community Survey.
Table B-3 City of Atascadero's Employment by Industry
INDUSTRY # EMPLOYED %
Population (16 years and over) 24,330
In Labor Force 15,020 64.5%
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining 270 1.8%
Armed Forces 29 .001%
Construction 963 6.4%
Manufacturing 1,358 9%
Wholesale trade 120 .8%
Retail trade 2,129 14.2%
Transportation and warehousing, and utilities 810 5.4%
Annex B: City of Atascadero
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-5
INDUSTRY # EMPLOYED %
Information 183 1.2%
Finance and insurance, and real estate and rental and leasing 668 4.4%
Professional, scientific, and management, and administrative and
waste management services
1,700 11.3%
Educational services, health care, and social assistance 3,556 23.7%
Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, and food services 1,501 10%
Other services, except public administration 757 5%
Public administration 1,005 6.7%
Unemployed 650 2.7%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2018-2023 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/
Table B-4 shows how Atascadero’s labor force breaks down by occupation based on estimates
from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2018-2023 American Community Survey. The most common
occupations are those in management, business, science, and art (40.9%).
Table B-4 City of Atascadero Employment by Occupation (2023)
INDUSTRY # EMPLOYED %
Population (2023) 29,735
In Labor Force 15,020
Management, business, science, and arts occupations 6,148 40.9%
Service occupations 3,040 20.2%
Sales and office occupations 3,183 21.2%
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance occupations 1,174 7.8%
Production, transportation, and material moving occupations 1,475 9.8%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2018-2023 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/
B.1.5 Population
The U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey estimated the city’s 2023 population as
29,735, down from 30,037 in 2017. Table B-5 shows an overview of key social and demographic
characteristics of the city taken from the American Community Survey.
Note that the city’s median household and per capita income are both above average for the
county and the state, although the median home price is slightly below average for the county.
The percentage of individuals living below the poverty level (9.9%) is less than that of the
county (12.8%), or California as a whole (12%).
Annex B: City of Atascadero
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-6
Table B-5 City of Atascadero Demographic and Social Characteristics, 2018-2023
CITY OF ATASCADERO 2018 2023 % CHANGE
Population 30,037 29,735 -1%
Median Age 38.3 40.5 +5.7%
Total Housing Units 12,029 12,090 +.5%
Housing Occupancy Rate 96.3% 95% -1.2%
% of Housing Units with no Vehicles Available 4.4% 3.2% -27.3%
Median Home Value $471,900 $673,400 +42.7%
Unemployment 3.3% 2.7% -18.2%
Mean Travel Time to Work (minutes) 22.9 21.9 -4.4%
Median Household Income $103,085 $130,843 +26.9%
Per Capita Income $38,371 $59,728 +55.7%
% of Individuals Below Poverty Level 7.2% 9.9% +37.5%
# of Households 11,580 11,510 +2.9%
Average Household Size 2.56 2.54 -.6%
% of Population Over 25 with High School Diploma 95.3% 92.8% -2.6%
% of Population Over 25 with Bachelor’s Degree or
Higher
33.1% 30.2% -8.8%
% with Disability 11.7% 13.7% +17.1%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2018-2023 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/
B.1.6 Development Trends
Prior to the city’s incorporation, San Luis Obispo County guided growth in the Unincorporated
County through its General Plan. San Luis Obispo County adopted the General Plan in 1968 and
by 1972 developed more stringent growth standards in accordance with State of California
(State) planning standards. With the incorporation of Atascadero in 1979, the newly formed
Planning Commission adopted the 1980 General Plan and subsequently, in 1983, a new zoning
ordinance. The city updated the General Plan in the mid-1980s and adopted a revised version
in 1992 and 2002.
The General Plan is currently being updated in 2025. The update process is an opportunity to
evaluate long-term city growth, resources, public services, and facilities, and a host of other
topics essential to our quality of life. This includes policies related to housing, economic
development and fiscal sustainability, mobility, infrastructure, and public safety. The project is
scheduled to be completed in September of 2025, and is envisioned to provide a blueprint for
the city through 2045.
According to the Local Planning Team (LPT), Atascadero’s growth will focus on in-fill
development due to topographical and land area constraints in addition to infrastructure
limitations, namely sewer service. Growth will be focused throughout the urban core,
specifically in areas along and adjacent to El Camino Real and Morro Rd. One area available for
potential annexation is Eagle Ranch, adjacent to the city’s southern and western boundaries.
Up to 3,000 acres could be annexed into the city limits to accommodate mostly residential
uses with some commercial opportunities.
Most of the existing activity, including 3 million square feet of commercial and industrial
buildings, takes place along El Camino Real, Morro Road, and near the US 101 interchanges.
The historic downtown, located in the city center, is surrounded by residential neighborhoods
Annex B: City of Atascadero
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-7
(with approximately 8,000 dwelling units) that transition to low-density rural areas to the east
and west of US 101 and open space, public recreation, and public facilities east of US 101.
The LPT notes that, while the city is anticipating and planning for increased density and
growth within the urban core, much of this is outside of the identified hazard areas. The state’s
policies to further provide increased density and housing will require the city to accommodate
growth outside the urban core with more limited infrastructure and within higher wildfire risk
areas. Figure B-2 below shows the updated 2025 General Plan land use in draft form.
Specific to hazards, analysis of parcels developed between 2019-2024 (since the last update of
this HMP) indicated some growth in areas prone to dam inundation, flood (0.2% annual
chance zone), landslide, earthquake (liquefaction), and wildfire (see Development Trends
subsections in base plan Chapter 5 for specific counts). While these trends may indicate some
increase in community vulnerability, they do not account for site specific investigations or
compliance with local regulations that may reduce risk during development. For all other
hazards identified in Section B.3.3, the city’s net vulnerability has not increased or decreased
due to changes in development since the previous plan was approved.
Annex B: City of Atascadero
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-8
Figure B-2 The City of Atascadero Land Use Plan
Sources: USDA, CADOT, CNRA, County of San Luis Obispo Open Data: City of Atascadero, 2024
Annex B: City of Atascadero
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-9
B.2 Hazard Identification and Summary
The Atascadero LPT identified the hazards that affect the city and summarized their frequency
of occurrence, spatial extent, potential magnitude, and significance specific to their
community (see Table B-6). There are no hazards that are unique to Atascadero. The overall
hazard significance takes into account the geographic area, probability, and magnitude as a
way to identify priority hazards for mitigation purposes. This is discussed further in the
Vulnerability Section.
Table B-6 City of Atascadero – Hazard Summaries
HAZARD
GEOGRAPHIC
AREA
PROBABILITY OF
FUTURE
OCCURRENCE
MAGNITUDE/
SEVERITY
(EXTENT)
OVERALL
SIGNIFICANCE
Adverse Weather:
Thunderstorm/Heavy Rain/ Lighting/
Dense Fog/ Freeze
Significant Likely Limited Low
Adverse Weather: High Wind/Tornado Extensive Likely Limited Low
Adverse Weather: Extreme Heat Extensive Occasional Negligible Low
Agricultural Pest Infestation and
Disease
Limited Occasional Negligible Medium
Biological Agents (naturally occurring) Extensive Occasional Critical Medium
Dam Incidents Limited Unlikely Limited Low
Drought and Water Shortage Extensive Likely Limited Medium
Earthquake Limited Unlikely Limited Low
Flood Significant Occasional Critical Medium
Landslides and Debris Flow Limited Likely Limited Medium
Subsidence Limited Occasional Negligible Low
Wildfire Extensive Likely Critical High
Human Caused: Hazardous Materials Significant Likely Limited Medium
Geographic Area
Limited: Less than 10% of planning area
Significant: 10-50% of planning area
Extensive: 50-100% of planning area
Probability of Future Occurrences
Highly Likely: Near 100% chance of occurrence in
next year or happens every year.
Likely: Between 10 and 100% chance of occurrence
in next year or has a recurrence interval of 10 years
or less.
Occasional: Between 1 and 10% chance of
occurrence in the next year or has a recurrence
interval of 11 to 100 years.
Magnitude/Severity (Extent)
Catastrophic—More than 50 percent of property
severely damaged; shutdown of facilities for more
than 30 days; and/or multiple deaths
Critical—25-50 percent of property severely
damaged; shutdown of facilities for at least two
weeks; and/or injuries and/or illnesses result in
permanent disability
Limited—10-25 percent of property severely
damaged; shutdown of facilities for more than a
week; and/or injuries/illnesses treatable do not
result in permanent disability
Negligible—Less than 10 percent of property
severely damaged, shutdown of facilities and
services for less than 24 hours; and/or
injuries/illnesses treatable with first aid
Annex B: City of Atascadero
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HAZARD
GEOGRAPHIC
AREA
PROBABILITY OF
FUTURE
OCCURRENCE
MAGNITUDE/
SEVERITY
(EXTENT)
OVERALL
SIGNIFICANCE
Unlikely: Less than 1% chance of occurrence in next
100 years or has a recurrence interval of greater than
every 100 years.
Significance
Low: minimal potential impact
Medium: moderate potential impact
High: widespread potential impact
B.3 Vulnerability Assessment
The intent of this section is to assess Atascadero’s vulnerability separately from that of the
planning area as a whole, which has already been assessed in Section 5.3 Risk Assessment in
the main plan. This vulnerability assessment analyzes the population, property, and other
assets at risk to hazards ranked of low, medium, or high significance that may vary from other
parts of the planning area.
The information to support the hazard identification and risk assessment was based on the
City’s previous Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP). A LHMP Update Guide and associated
worksheets were distributed to each participating municipality or special district to complete
during update process in 2025. Information collected was analyzed and summarized in order
to identify and rank all the hazards that could impact anywhere within the county, as well as to
rank the hazards and identify the related vulnerabilities unique to each jurisdiction.
Each participating jurisdiction was in support of the main hazard summary identified in the
Base Plan (See Table 5-2). However, the hazard summary rankings for each jurisdictional annex
may vary slightly due to specific hazard risk and vulnerabilities unique to that jurisdiction.
Identifying these differences helps the reader to differentiate the jurisdiction’s risk and
vulnerabilities from that of the overall county.
Note: The hazard “Significance” reflects overall ranking for each hazard and is based on the City
of Atascadero’s LPT member input from the Data Collection Guide and the risk assessment
developed during the planning process (see Section 5.1 of the Base Plan), which included a
more detailed qualitative analysis with best available data.
B.3.1.1 Other Hazards
The following hazards identified in the base plan HIRA are not applicable within this
jurisdictional annex due to no risk or insignificant anticipated impacts and are not considered
further for risk assessment or mitigation actions:
• Adverse weather: Hail
• Coastal Storm/ Coastal Erosion/ Sea Level Rise
• Tsunami and Seiche
B.3.2 Assets at Risk
This section considers Atascadero’s assets at risk, including values at risk, critical facilities and
infrastructure, historic assets, economic assets and growth and development trends.
B.3.2.1 Values at Risk
The following data on property exposure is derived from the San Luis Obispo County 2024
Parcel and Assessor data. This data should only be used as a guideline to overall values in the
city as the information has some limitations. It is important to note that in the event of a
disaster, it is generally the value of the infrastructure or improvements to the land that is of
concern or at risk. Generally, the land itself is not a loss. Table B-7 shows the exposure of
Annex B: City of Atascadero
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properties to landslides (e.g., the values at risk) broken down by property type for the City of
Atascadero. The property type with the highest exposed structure count is residential with
10,232 properties exposed. Note that all values are based on assessor data, but due to
proposition 13, the actual replacement cost is generally significantly higher than the assessed
value.
Table B-7 Atascadero Total Exposure by Property Type
PROPERTY TYPE STRUCTURE
COUNT IMPROVED
VALUE
ESTIMATED
CONTENT
VALUE TOTAL VALUE
Commercial 625 $376,427,924 $376,427,924 $752,855,848
Exempt 53 $29,821,565 $29,821,565 $59,643,130
Industrial 49 $25,353,714 $38,030,571 $63,384,285
Mixed Use 364 $98,313,172 $98,313,172 $196,626,344
Mobile/Manufactured Homes 133 $19,805,202 $9,902,601 $29,707,803
Multi-Family Residential 315 $206,003,403 $103,001,702 $309,005,105
Residential 8,551 $2,390,630,571 $1,195,315,286 $3,585,945,857
Vacant Improved 142 $15,935,099 - $15,935,099
Total 10,232 $3,162,290,650 $1,850,812,820 $5,013,103,470
Source: San Luis Obispo Assessor Data November 15, 2024, WSP GIS Analysis
B.3.2.2 Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
A critical facility may be defined as one that is essential in providing utility or direction either
during the response to an emergency or during the recovery operation. In the City of
Atascadero there are 78 critical facilities. See Section 5 and Appendix G of the Base Plan for
more details on the definitions and categories of critical facilities.
An inventory of critical facilities in the City of Atascadero from San Luis Obispo County GIS is
provided in Table B-8 and illustrated in Figure B-1.
Table B-8 City of Atascadero’s Critical Facilities
FEMA LIFELINE TOTAL
Communications 6
Energy 1
Food, Hydration, and Shelter 3
Health and Medical 12
Safety and Security 20
Transportation 35
Water Systems 1
Total 78
Source: San Luis Obispo County, CalARP, HIFLD, National Bridge Inventory, National Inventory of Dams, FCWCD, WSP Analysis
Table B-9 below lists additional critical facilities and infrastructure identified by the LPT from
the City of Atascadero.
Annex B: City of Atascadero
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-12
Table B-9 Critical Facilities and Infrastructure Identified by Atascadero Planning Team
CATEGORY FACILITY NUMBER
ESTIMATED VALUE PER
STRUCTURE/MILE
City Hall City Hall 1 $43,400,000
Police and Fire
Stations
Fire Station #1 1 $1,777,972
Fire Station #2 1 $1,167,090
Atascadero Police Department 1 $2,168,594
Other
City-Owned
Facilities
Lake Pavilion 1 $2,528,924
Charles Paddock Zoo 1 $2,352,377
Ranger House 1 $91,689
Youth Center 1 $9,902,817
Skate Park 1 $850,448
Paloma Creek Park Facilities 4 $351,765
Pine and Chalk Mountain Towers 2 $517,423
Public Works Yard 1 N/A
Potable Water
and Wastewater
Wastewater Treatment Plant 1 $Not available
Sewer Lift Stations 12 $874,267
Sewer Lift Station 5 Buildings 4 $1,279,465
Sewer Collection Pipes 67 mi N/A
Atascadero Mutual Water Company
(AMWC) well sites
17 N/A
AMWC well sites
AMWC water tanks 9 N/A
AMWC operations buildings N/A
AMWC booster stations 8 N/A
AMWC treatment facilities 5 N/A
AMWC hydrants N/A
Infrastructure State and Federal Highways (miles) 21.277 $109,967
Major Arterials (miles) 27.044 $14,279
Railroads (miles) 7.608 $10,532
Bridges 14 $5,930,990
Source: City of Atascadero
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B.3.2.3 Transportation and Lifeline Facilities
Major transportation and lifeline facilities are located adjacent to US Highway 101 and State
Highway 41, which traverse through Atascadero, as well as the rail line that runs through the
eastern edge of the city. Damages to these transportation corridors would not only impact
Atascadero but the entire region.
B.3.2.4 Historic and Cultural Resources
The National Register of Historic Places contains three sites in the City of Atascadero:
• Administration Building, Atascadero Colony, 6500 Palma Ave.
• Archeological Site 4 SLO 834, Address Restricted
• Atascadero Printery, 6351 Olmeda
There are no California State Historical Landmarks, and two California Register of Historical
Resources properties located in Atascadero: The Printery Building and Historic Administration
Building.
Other significant historic or cultural resources identified by the planning team include the
Adobe Springs on Traffic Way and numerous homes built during the Atascadero Colony era.
B.3.2.5 Natural Resources
Natural resources are important to include in benefit-cost analyses for future projects and may
be used to leverage additional funding for projects that also contribute to community goals for
protecting sensitive natural resources. Awareness of natural assets can lead to opportunities for
meeting multiple objectives. For instance, protecting wetlands areas protects sensitive habitat
as well as attenuates and stores floodwaters.
Key natural assets in the city include Atascadero, Graves, Paloma, and Boulder creeks in
addition to the Salinas River. The city also contains vast areas of native oak woodland,
California Sycamore, Madrone, and Coast Live Oak. Native plants such as Santa Lucia Fir are
well-suited for landscaping and habitat restoration as they provide drought tolerance and
adaptability to areas around the city.
B.3.3 Estimating Potential Losses
Note: This section details vulnerability to specific hazards of high or medium significance,
where quantifiable, and/or where (according to LPT member input) it differs from that of the
overall County.
San Luis Obispo County’s parcel and assessor data was used to calculate the improved value of
parcels. The most vulnerable structures are those in the floodplain (especially those that have
been flooded in the past), unreinforced masonry buildings, and buildings built prior to the
introduction of modern-day building codes. Impacts of past events and vulnerability to specific
hazards are further discussed below (see Section 4.1 Hazard Identification for more detailed
information about these hazards and their impacts on San Luis Obispo County as a whole).
B.3.3.1 Adverse Weather: Thunderstorm/ Heavy Rain/ Lightning/ Dense Fog/ Freeze
The City of Atascadero’s risk and vulnerability to adverse weather conditions does not differ
significantly from San Luis Obispo County. As a city situated inland within the county’s north-
central region, Atascadero experiences many of the same regional weather patterns,
particularly storm events and transitional seasons.
The entire property and facility inventory, as well as the population of Atascadero, is exposed to
the impacts of thunderstorm/heavy rain/lightning/dense fog/freeze due to the widespread
nature of these hazards. The typical impacts to people, structures, and critical facilities/lifeline
Annex B: City of Atascadero
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are discussed in Section 5.3.2.7 of the base plan. .Like the rest of the county, Atascadero is
susceptible to the impacts of intense rainfall, which can strain local drainage systems, cause
localized floodings, and lead to road and public safety hazards. Thunderstorms and lightning
events, while infrequent, pose risks to public safety, power infrastructure, and wildland areas.
Dense fog, especially during cooler months, can reduce visibility on major roadways such as
U.S. Highway 101, increasing the potential for traffic accidents and associated injuries. A
majority of the freeze events in the winter months does not affect road conditions significantly.
The overall rating of adverse weather in Atascadero is low.
B.3.3.2 Adverse Weather: High Wind and Tornado
High wind and tornado hazards in Atascadero are rated as low due to the area’s mild climate
and geographical location. Atascadero can experience high wind events, particularly the Santa
Lucia Winds. These winds can be strong and occasionally gusty. Tornadoes are extremely rare
and not supported by the local topography or climate.
High winds can damage property, including roods, windows, trees, and powerlines. The entire
property and facility inventory, as well as the population of the City, is exposed to the impacts
of high wind and tornado due to the widespread nature of this hazard. The typical impacts to
people, structures, and critical facilities/lifeline are discussed in Section 5.3.3.7 of the base plan.
The City has 133 mobile homes, which if unanchored, may be more susceptible to damage
from high wind/tornado; an estimated 338 persons live in these homes based on an average
household size of 2.54. Downed power lines can lead to widespread power outages, disrupting
communication, transportation, and daily life, particularly for those reliant on electricity-
dependent medical devices. High winds can also impact safe driving, especially for high-profile
vehicles. On January 5, 2023, a Shell gas station in Atascadero sustained significant wind
damage, including damage to cables and the canopy, as shown in Figure B-3 below.
Figure B-3 High Wind Damage to Gas Station in Atascadero
Photo by KSBY News, January 5, 2023, https://www.ksby.com/news/local-news/gas-station-in-atascadero-shut-
down-after-sustaining-major-damage-from-latest-storm
Annex B: City of Atascadero
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-15
B.3.3.3 Adverse Weather: Extreme Heat
Extreme heat is generally considered low in Atascadero, though the risk is slightly higher than
in nearby coastal cities. The monthly mean maximum temperature for summer the Paso
Robles NOAA weather station (the closest NOAA weather station to Atascadero) is 90.8°F;
however, temperatures up to 117°F have been recorded (see Table B-10). Recent heatwaves
have led to a significant increase in heat-related emergency calls, particularly impacting the
elderly, children, outdoor workers, and residents without air conditioning. Additionally, rising
temperatures and more frequent heat waves are increasing the likelihood of more extreme
heat events in the future. The entire property and facility inventory, as well as the population of
Atascadero, is exposed to the impacts of extreme heat due to the widespread nature of this
hazard. The typical impacts to people, structures, and critical facilities/lifeline are discussed in
Section 5.3.4.7 of the base plan, and no unique vulnerabilities or impacts are anticipated.
Table B-10 Paso Robles Climate Summary Table – Weather (Period of Record: 01/01/1894 -
04/15/2025)
SUMMARY
PERIOD
MONTHLY
MEAN
MAXIMUM
TEMP.
MONTHLY
MEAN
MINIMUM
TEMP.
DAILY
EXTREME
HIGH
TEMP
DAILY
EXTREME
HIGH
DATE
DAILY
EXTREME
LOW TEMP
DAILY
EXTREME
LOW DATE
MAXIMUM
TEMP. ≥
90°F
MEAN #
DAYS
MINIMUM
TEMP. ≤
32°F MEAN
# DAYS
Winter 61.9 °F 33.9 °F 87 °F 12/4/1958 0 °F 1/6/1913 0 41.7
Spring 73.2 °F 41 °F 110 °F 5/31/1910 20 °F 3/2/1971 6.5 7.9
Summer 90.8 °F 49.6 °F 117 °F 8/13/1933 31 °F 6/15/1973 54.5 0
Fall 79.7 °F 41.8 °F 115 °F 9/7/2020 14 °F 11/17/1958 21.1 12.6
Annual 76.5 °F 41.6 °F 117 °F 8/13/1933 0 °F 1/6/1913 82.4 63.2
Source: Western Regional Climate Center (WRCC) https://wrcc.dri.edu/
* Winter is defined as December, January, and February
** Summer is defined as June, July, and August
B.3.3.4 Agricultural Pest Infestation, Plant Disease, Marine Invasive Species, and Tree
Mortality
The City of Atascadero was given a medium significance ranking by the HMPC for agricultural
pest infestation, plant disease, marine invasive species, and tree mortality. According to the
United States Forest Service over 100 million trees have died in California and more continue to
die due to many years of drought that have weakened trees and left millions of acres of
forestland highly susceptible to insect attacks. The County of San Luis Obispo Assessor data
shows that 57 properties are at risk from tree mortality as shown in Table B-11. Land use
designations in Atascadero include a mix of agriculture, rural lands, and residential
neighborhoods. According to Figure B-2 a majority of the land is used for rural residential areas.
These areas contain vegetation such as the Coast live Oak. An outbreak of a disease such as
Sudden Oak Death could kill many of these trees leaving residential areas susceptible to
wildfires and more extreme drought conditions, and higher incidents of landslides and erosion.
Table B-11 below shows that 56 residential properties with a total value of over $29 million are
exposed to tree mortality hazard zones. Preventative measures for diseases such as Sudden
Oak Death include sanitation, quarantine, or removal of infected trees as there is no cure once
a tree is infected with Sudden Oak Death.
Table B-11 Atascadero Properties Exposed to Tree Mortality Hazard Zones
PROPERTY
TYPE STRUCTURE
COUNT IMPROVED
VALUE ESTIMATED
CONTENT VALUE TOTAL VALUE POPULATION
Commercial 1 $297,000 $297,000 $594,000 --
Annex B: City of Atascadero
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-16
PROPERTY
TYPE STRUCTURE
COUNT IMPROVED
VALUE ESTIMATED
CONTENT VALUE TOTAL VALUE POPULATION
Residential 56 $19,727,099 $9,863,550 $29,590,649 141
Total 57 $20,024,099 $10,160,550 $30,184,649 141
Source: San Luis Obispo Assessor Data November 15, 2024, CAL FIRE, FRAP, TMTF October 2022, WSP GIS Analysis
B.3.3.5 Biological Incidents
The Atascadero LPT gave biological agents a medium overall significance rating. Atascadero’s
risk and vulnerability to this hazard does not differ substantially from that of the county’s
overall. Disease outbreaks usually occur in densely populated areas, where person to person
proximity provides ample opportunity for transmission of illnesses. Places of work and
business, schools and high-population public spaces are of particular concern when the threat
of transmissible illness occurs. More information on biological agents can be found in Section
5.3.6 of the base plan.
B.3.3.6 Dam Incidents
The City of Atascadero rated Dam Incidents as having low significance. Atascadero is
potentially affected by four dams. The Hartzell Dam is a significant hazard dam northwest of
Atascadero. Water from this dam eventually flows to Paso Robles Creek to the Salinas River.
The dam failure inundation zone is relative narrow and the stream only briefly flows on the
northernmost tip of Atascadero and a small area designated as a “sphere of influence”.
Slightly south of town, the high-hazard Eagle Ranch Dam holds 300 acre-feet of water along
Hale Creek. This dam drains to Atascadero Creek, flows through town roughly parallel to and
mostly on the north side of Highway 41, and empties to the Salinas River slightly downstream
(north) of the 101. The potential inundation zone through Atascadero is modest , especially
compared to the Salinas Dam inundation zone discussed below.
In town, the high-hazard Atascadero Park Dam forms Atascadero Lake. This dam drains to the
north along either side of Highway 41 through neighborhoods, across the 101/41 interchange,
before emptying into Atascadero Creek and flowing north to the Salinas River. Exposure of
people, structures, and infrastructure in the potential dam inundation zone is significant and
discussed further below.
The Salinas Dam is a much larger high-hazard dam the southeast if Atascadero on the Salinas
River. This dam holds roughly 140 times more water than any of the three dams described
above. The inundation zone along the Salinas River, shown in the figure below,, is relatively
wide and is located along the entire eastern edge of the city limits. A total of 607 structures
and 298 people exist within one or more of the dam inundation zones in the City of Atascadero
(shown in Table B 12). In addition, 11 bridges exist within dam inundation zones of the Eagle
Ranch, Atascadero Park, and Salinas Dams (Table B-13). Appendix E provides additional detail
of critical facilities at risk from each dam inundation zone. Section 5.3.8 of the Base Plan
provides additional information on dam-related hazards in the county.
Annex B: City of Atascadero
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-17
Figure B-4 Dam Inundation Zones In and Near Atascadero
Annex B: City of Atascadero
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-18
Table B-12 Structures and Population Within Dam Inundation Zones in Atascadero
PROPERTY TYPE STRUCTURE COUNT POPULATION
Commercial 30 -
Exempt 7 -
Industrial 2 -
Mixed Use 12 -
Multi-Family Residential 9 23
Residential 233 585
Vacant Improved 5 -
Total 298 607
Table B-13 Critical Facility Assets Exposed to Dam Inundation in Atascadero by FEMA Lifeline
CO
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- - - - - - 11 - 11
Source: San Luis Obispo Assessor Data 2024, Division of Safety of Dams, Department of Water Resources, WSP GIS Analysis
B.3.3.7 Drought or Water Shortage
The City of Atascadero sources its water primarily from the Atascadero Subbasin of the Salinas
Valley Groundwater Basin. The Atascadero Basin is approximately 19,800 acres in size,
extending from the Salinas River on the north to the southern boundary of Paso Robles. The
Salinas River is the primary surface water source, although the subbasin also encompasses
Atascadero Creek, Graves Creek, and smaller tributaries which feed into the Salinas River.
Average annual precipitation ranges from 13 to 23 inches (Atascadero GSP, 2022).
The Atascadero Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GA) published the Water Year 2024
Annual Report for the Groundwater Sustainability Plan for the Atascadero Basin in February
2025. According to this report, above average precipitation occurred in 2023-2024, resulting in
generally stable groundwater levels throughout the year. Total pumping from the basin for
water year (WY) 2024, which includes the City of Atascadero as well other municipal,
agricultural, and public users, decreased to about 14,500 acre-feet (AF), down from about
15,000 to 16,700 AF during WY 2017-2022. About 526 AF of surface water came primarily from
the Nacimiento Water Project (NWP) and was supplied exclusively to municipal agencies.
Total water use in WY 2024 was 15,000 AF, down from a peak of 19,500 AF in WY 2021. While
the GSA will continue adaptive management based on monitoring data, the basin remains
sustainable with no overdraft concerns and is expected to remain sustainable in the coming
years.
The Atascadero Mutual Water Company (AMWC) manages and distributes the City’s water
supply. Its infrastructure includes 250 miles of pipelines, nine storage tanks ranging in capacity
from 120,000 gallons to 4.8 million gallons, 17 active wells, eight booster stations, five
Annex B: City of Atascadero
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-19
treatment buildings, and 20 pressure reducing stations. Construction of an additional
treatment facility for PFAW is underway and expected to be completed in 2026.
Section 5.3.9.7 of the Base Plan includes an analysis of the vulnerability of people, property,
facilities, and other assets to this hazard countywide. Drought poses a medium significance
overall to the city, but its impacts are often disproportionately felt by socially vulnerable
populations. These vulnerable groups, including low-income (9.9% of all people in Atascadero,
according to the ACS 2023 Five-Year Estimates) and disabled individuals (13.7% of individuals
in Atascadero) have a disability are particularly susceptible to the adverse effects of water
scarcity due to limited resources and socio-economic disparities. In times of drought, access to
clean water for drinking, sanitation, and agriculture becomes severely constrained,
exacerbating existing inequalities and increasing the risk of food insecurity, malnutrition, and
disease among these populations.
Vulnerability of buildings is low.
B.3.3.8 Earthquake
Earthquake and liquefaction hazards pose a Low Significance for the City of Atascadero.
According to the Technical Background Report of the County Safety Element (1999), mapped
faults in the vicinity of Atascadero include the potentially active Rinconada fault and the
Nacimiento fault zones. The Rinconada fault trends northwest along the eastern City limits.
The fault mostly lies east of the Salinas River and outside the City limits. Because the
Rinconada fault is potentially active, it presents a moderate fault rupture hazard to the City of
Atascadero. Further studies to evaluate the activity of the faults are warranted, prior to placing
structures near the mapped fault traces.
Atascadero is at a lower risk of severe ground shaking compared to other areas within the
county, but the risk is still present. Areas of the city which are more susceptible to the
damaging effects of ground shaking are those areas that are underlain by liquefiable soils.
Table B-15 below details the various property types in the City of Atascadero at risk of
liquefaction. Based on this analysis residential property types, including mobile and
manufactured homes and multi-family residential, are at the greatest risk of liquefaction in
Atascadero compared to other types of properties in the community. Commercial properties
throughout are also significantly exposed, more so than most jurisdictions in the county, with
625 commercial properties exposed. There are 10,232 improved parcels at risk with a
combined total value of over $5 billion. Figure B-5 below depicts the areas of Atascadero at risk
of liquefaction.
Table B-14 details the total number of critical facilities found in liquefaction susceptible zones
in the city, organized by FEMA Community Lifeline.
Table B-14 Critical Facility Assets Exposed to Liquefaction Susceptibility by FEMA Lifeline
LIQUEFACTION SUSCEPTIBILITY
CATEGORY CO
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High Liquefaction Susceptibility - - - - - - 1 - 1
Moderate Liquefaction
Susceptibility 1 - 1 - 1 6 21 - 30
Low Liquefaction Susceptibility 5 1 2 - 11 14 13 1 47
Source: San Luis Obispo County, CalARP, HIFLD, NBI, NID, FCWCD, WSP Analysis
Annex B: City of Atascadero
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-20
Table B-15 City of Atascadero Improved Properties Exposed to Liquefaction Potential by Property Type
PROPERTY TYPE
STRUCTURE
COUNT HIGH
STRUCTURE
COUNT
MODERATE
STRUCTURE
COUNT LOW
STRUCTURE
PARCEL
COUNT
IMPROVED
VALUE
ESTIMATED
CONTENT
VALUE TOTAL VALUE POPULATION
Agricultural - - - 0 $0 $0 $0 -
Commercial 1 207 417 625 $376,427,924 $376,427,924 $752,855,848 -
Exempt 2 12 39 53 $29,821,565 $29,821,565 $59,643,130 -
Industrial - 13 36 49 $25,353,714 $38,030,571 $63,384,285 -
Mining - - - 0 $0 $0 $0 -
Mixed Use - 87 277 364 $98,313,172 $98,313,172 $196,626,344 -
Mobile/Manufactured
Homes
- 4 129 133 $19,805,202 $9,902,601 $29,707,803 334
Multi-Family
Residential
- 64 251 315 $206,003,403 $103,001,702 $309,005,105 791
Residential 13 1,291 7,247 8,551 $2,390,630,571 $1,195,315,286 $3,585,945,857 21,463
Vacant Improved - 10 132 142 $15,935,099 $0 $15,935,099 -
Total 16 1,688 8,528 10,232 $3,162,290,650 $1,850,812,820 $5,013,103,470 22,587
Source: San Luis Obispo Assessor Data November 15, 2024, WSP GIS Analysis
Annex B: City of Atascadero
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-21
Figure B-5 Areas of the City of Atascadero at Risk of Liquefaction
Annex B: City of Atascadero
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-22
B.3.3.9 Flood
Flood hazards pose a medium significance for the City. In Atascadero, flooding remains a
significant hazard, primarily due to riverine and flash flood events. The city’s topography,
characterized by steep slopes and narrow valleys, contributes to rapid runoff during heavy
rainfall, increasing the risk of flash floods. Key waterways, including Atascadero Creek, Graves
Creek, and the Salinas River, play a central role in the city’s flood dynamics.
The most severe flood events on record occurred in 1969, 1993, 1995, and 2001. Notably, the
1969 floods caused the Salinas River to reach a discharge of over 28,000 cubic feet per second,
leading to extensive damage. In January 2023, a series of atmospheric river storms brought
significant flooding, swelling the Salinas River into one of the largest rivers in the state during
that period. This event damaged infrastructure and homes, especially along Atascadero Creek
and the Salinas River. The city incurred nearly $1 million in emergency repairs due to erosion
along Atascadero Creek,and more than $700,000 in repair to other drainage facilities and
damges infrastructure throughout the city. Residents reported private property damage and
sewage backups (Sources: High Country News; New Times SLO).
To mitigate flood risks, Atascadero maintains GIS-based maps of riparian areas, enforces
creekside development standards, and collaborates with agencies such as the USACE and the
U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife. The city also participates in the National Flood Insurance
Program (NFIP) and adheres to FEMA and state floodplain regulations to support its flood
mitigation strategies.
Given the increasing frequency of severe weather events, it remains crucial for Atascadero to
continue updating its hazard mitigation strategies, investing in resilient infrastructure, and
engaginage the community in preparedness efforts. Ongoing collaboration with regional and
federal agencies will further enhance the city’s capacity to manage and reduce flood-related
risks. A flood map for the City was created showing flooding extents and at-risk properties (see
Figure B-6). For additional context and a countywide flood hazard assessment, refer to Section
5.3.8 of the Base Plan.
Values at Risk
Table B-16 and Table B-17 summarize the values at risk in the City’s 1% annual chance (100-
year) and 0.2% annual chance (500-year) floodplains, respectively. These tables also detail loss
estimates for each flood as well as population estimates at risk to flooding. Note that the
potential loss increases significantly with the 500-year or 0.2% annual chance flood. It is also
important to note that assessor data is generally significantly below actual replacements costs.
According to the updated exposure analysis, a number of properties in Atascadero are at risk
to riverine flooding. Within the 1% annual chance flood zone, 99 improved parcels are exposed,
with a total estimated improved value near $26 million. The estimated content value adds
another $16 million, resulting in a combined total value at risk of approximately $42 million.
Estimated potential losses for the 1% annual chance flood total roughly $10.6 million.
In the 0.2% annual chance flood zone, exposure increases significantly. A total of 2,797
improved parcels are located within the 0.2% floodplain. The improved value of these parcels
is over $715 million, with an additional $474 million in content value, bringing the combined
total value at risk to approximately $1.19 billion. Estimated potential losses for the 0.2% annual
chance flood event could reach nearly $298 million. These figures highlight the importance of
continued flood risk management and mitigation efforts within the City.
Annex B: City of Atascadero
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-23
Figure B-6 City of Atascadero DWR & FEMA Flood Hazards with Flooded Structures
Annex B: City of Atascadero
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-24
Table B-16 City of Atascadero Improved Properties Exposed to FEMA Riverine 1% Flood
Hazard by Property Type
PROPERTY TYPE PARCEL
COUNT IMPROVED
VALUE CONTENT
VALUE TOTAL VALUE LOSS
ESTIMATE POPULATION
Commercial 8 $3,547,125 $3,547,125 $7,094,250 $1,773,563 -
Exempt 5 $0 $0 $0 $0 -
Industrial 2 $1,448,117 $2,172,176 $3,620,293 $905,073 -
Mixed Use 3 $575,843 $575,843 $1,151,686 $287,922 -
Multi-Family Residential 1 $30,259 $15,130 $45,389 $11,347 3
Residential 79 $20,280,040 $10,140,020 $30,420,060 $7,605,015 198
Vacant Improved 1 $5,306 $0 $5,306 $1,327 -
Total 99 $25,886,690 $16,450,293 $42,336,983 $10,584,246 201
Source: San Luis Obispo Assessor Data November 15, 2024, FEMA NFHL Effective Date 6/6/2024, WSP GIS Analysis
Table B-17 City of Atascadero Improved Properties Exposed to FEMA Riverine 0.2% Flood
Hazard by Property Type
PROPERTY TYPE PARCEL
COUNT IMPROVED
VALUE CONTENT
VALUE TOTAL VALUE LOSS
ESTIMATE POPULATION
Commercial 373 $152,458,529 $152,458,529 $304,917,058 $76,229,265 -
Exempt 20 $10,681,461 $10,681,461 $21,362,922 $5,340,731 -
Industrial 12 $6,651,683 $9,977,525 $16,629,208 $4,157,302 -
Mixed Use 207 $59,336,743 $59,336,743 $118,673,486 $29,668,372 -
Mobile/Manufactured
Homes
6 $1,064,304 $532,152 $1,596,456 $399,114 15
Multi-Family Residential 249 $98,225,006 $49,112,503 $147,337,509 $36,834,377 625
Residential 1,921 $385,063,25
5
$192,531,628 $577,594,883 $144,398,721 4,822
Vacant Improved 9 $2,099,723 $0 $2,099,723 $524,931 -
Total 2,797 $715,580,70
4
$474,630,540 $1,190,211,244 $297,552,811 5,462
Source: San Luis Obispo Assessor Data November 15, 2024, FEMA NFHL Effective Date 6/6/2024, WSP GIS Analysis
Population at Risk
The population exposure to flooding events also presents a significant concern. Based on the
parcel and floodplain data analysis, approximately 201 people are at risk within the 1% annual
chance floodplain, consisting of 198 residents in single-family homes and 3 in multi-family
residential properties.
In the 0.2% annual chance flood zone, the number of people at risk increases to 5,462
residents. This includes 4,822 individuals in single-family homes, 625 in multi-family residential
units, and 15 in mobile/manufactured homes. These figures emphasize the need for proactive
flood mitigation planning to protect both property and public safety across Atascadero's flood
hazard areas.
Insurance Coverage, Claims Paid, and Repetitive Losses
The City joined the NFIP on January 20, 1982. The current adopted effective map is dated June
6, 2024. As of May 12, 2025, NFIP records show 68 active flood insurance policies in the City,
totaling $20,844,000 in coverage. Of these, 33 policies are in A zones, and the rest are in B, C, or
X zones.
Since joining the NFIP, the City has recorded 40 flood loss claims totaling $915,067, all for
residential properties. According to the OpenFEMA dataset accessed in 2024, the City includes
three Repetitive Loss (RL) properties, none of which meet the criteria for Severe Repetitive Loss
Annex B: City of Atascadero
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-25
(SRL). There are two affected structures categorized as a single-family residential building,
excluding mobile homes and units within multi-family buildings, as well as one categorized as
a single-family residence only.
The City does not currently participate in the Community Rating System (CRS).
Critical Facilities at Risk
Atascadero has 19 critical facilities located within the 1% annual chance floodplain, based on
combined FEMA and DWR awareness mapping. These facilities are all related to
transportation, highlighting the vulnerability of the city's infrastructure network to major flood
events. While no communications, energy, medical, or public safety assets are currently within
this flood zone, the potential disruption to mobility and emergency access makes these at-risk
facilities a priority for flood mitigation and response planning.
In the 0.2% annual chance floodplain, the number of critical facilities at risk rises to 29
additional within this zone, not inclusive of the 1% counts. This includes five communications
facilities, three designated for food, hydration, or shelter, three medical-related sites, eight
safety and security assets, and ten transportation facilities. Although these assets are exposed
to a lower-probability event, the range of lifelines represented underscores the importance of
long-term resilience planning, particularly as flood patterns continue to shift. Table B-18 and
Table B-19 show critical facilities exposed by floodplain type, below.
Table B-18 Critical Facility Assets Exposed to FEMA and DWR Awareness 1% Flood Hazards by
Jurisdictions and FEMA Lifelines
JURISDICTION CO
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Atascadero - - - - - - 19 - 19
Total - - - - - - 19 - 19
Source: San Luis Obispo County, FEMA NFHL Effective Date 6/6/2024, DWR, USACE Comprehensive Study, CalARP, HIFLD, NBI, NID, FCWCD, WSP
Analysis
Table B-19 Critical Facility Assets Exposed to FEMA Riverine 0.2% Flood Hazards by
Jurisdictions and FEMA Lifelines
JURISDICTION CO
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Atascadero 5 - 3 - 3 8 10 - 29
Total 5 - 3 - 3 8 10 - 29
Source: San Luis Obispo County, FEMA NFHL Effective Date 6/6/2024, DWR, USACE Comprehensive Study, CalARP, HIFLD, NBI, NID,
FCWCD, WSP Analysis
Annex B: City of Atascadero
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-26
B.3.3.10 Landslide and Debris Flow
The City of Atascadero LPT gave landslide and debris flow a medium ranking. Instability in the
city generally increases with steepness and distance from the Salinas River, with areas of steep
terrain that consist of fractured soil or thin layers of clay that are susceptible to erosion and
land subsidence. The areas of the city that are considered to have a very high risk of landslides
are developments along the alluvial valley of the Salinas River and Highway 101, and in the
relatively steeply sloping terrain of the Santa Lucia Mountains west of Highway 101. Areas along
Highway 41 are also documented as having steep and unstable slopes. There are also several
high and very high-risk areas outside of the city boundary that have potential to impact the
City. 8,600 properties in the city with a total value over $4.2 billion are exposed to landslide
potential as shown in Table B-20. Atascadero has 78 critical facility assets exposed to landslide
potential as shown in Table B-21.
Overall, although some of the mapped landslides may now be stable, the concentration of old
and recent landslides is indicative of relatively unstable slope conditions.
Table B-20 Improved Properties Exposed to Landslide Potential
PROPERTY TYPE STRUCTURE
COUNT IMPROVED
VALUE
ESTIMATED
CONTENT
VALUE TOTAL VALUE POPULATION
Agricultural 0 $0 $0 $0 -
Commercial 419 $265,763,338 $265,763,338 $531,526,676 -
Exempt 39 $27,373,606 $27,373,606 $54,747,212 -
Industrial 36 $20,289,752 $30,434,628 $50,724,380 -
Mining 0 $0 $0 $0 -
Mixed Use 315 $88,957,940 $88,957,940 $177,915,880 -
Mobile/Manufactured Homes 130 $19,523,253 $9,761,627 $29,284,880 326
Multi-Family Residential 252 $177,354,647 $88,677,324 $266,031,971 633
Residential 7,277 $2,061,255,488 $1,030,627,744 $3,091,883,232 18,265
Vacant Improved 132 $13,589,672 $0 $13,589,672 -
Total 8,600 $2,674,107,696 $1,541,596,206 $4,215,703,902 19,224
Source: San Luis Obispo Assessor Data November 15, 2024, WSP GIS Analysis
Table B-21 Critical Facility Assets Exposed to Landslide Potential by FEMA Lifelines
LANDSLIDE POTENTIAL CO
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High 4 1 2 - 6 9 12 1 35
Moderate 1 - - - 5 5 1 - 12
Low 1 - 1 - 1 6 22 - 31
Total 78
Source: San Luis Obispo County, CalARP, HIFLD, NBI, NID, FCWCD, WSP Analysis
Annex B: City of Atascadero
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-27
As shown in Figure B-7 below, areas in Atascadero with the very high risk of landslides are
those around Little Morro Creek, Atascadero Creek, and Paloma Creek. Additionally, Los Padres
National Forest and Morro Creek along Highway 41 have areas with very high landslide risks.
Annex B: City of Atascadero
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-28
Figure B-7 City of Atascadero Landslide Risk
Annex B: City of Atascadero
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-29
B.3.3.11 Subsidence
Subsidence was given a low overall significance rating from the Atascadero LPT. Section
5.3.13.7 of the Base Plan includes an analysis of the vulnerability of people, property, facilities,
and other assets to this hazard countywide and the typical impacts are similar in Atascadero.
The United States Geological Survey shows that areas in northeastern Atascadero along Rocky
Canyon Road and Highway 41 have subsidence from groundwater pumping. Throughout the
last three decades land has been converted from dry farming and grazing to irrigated
agriculture and urban development. Groundwater has been relied upon to make up for
shortages of surface water. The 2015 City of Atascadero Local Hazard Mitigation Plan noted
that Highway 1 west of Atascadero closes every winter due to land subsidence. Although
subsidence isn’t a major concern for Atascadero and is rated low, it will still be important to
monitor groundwater extraction, as this is the main cause of subsidence in California.
Additionally, land elevation should also be monitored to prevent any subsidence-related
hazards in the city. Population vulnerability is low.
B.3.3.12 Wildfire
Wildfires in the City of Atascadero have been driven in the past by dry conditions, seasonal
winds, and human activity. Strong seasonal winds, such as Santa Ana or Diablo winds, can
further accelerate fire spread, making containment efforts more difficult. Wildfire occurrence
usually happen between late summer and early fall. Among the most devastating wildfires to
impact Atascadero and the surrounding San Luis Obispo County area was the Chimney Fire of
2016. This wildfire burned 46,344 acres, starting August 2016.
Following the methodology described in the wildfire hazard Section 5.3.15 Wildfire of the Base
Plan, along with the GIS parcel analysis discussed in more detail under Section 5.2 Asset
Summary, a wildfire vulnerability analysis for the City of Atascadero was completed. The
assessment was performed using GIS, and results indicate that there were neither parcels nor
critical facilities in wildfire severity hazard zones within the boundaries of the City of
Atascadero. However, wildfire hazards have been rated by the City’s planning team as holding
High Significance based on the community’s experience and historical evidence.
In the City of Atascadero, 8.034 properties are situated within fire hazard severity zone ranging
from moderate to very high. Of these 1,119 are located in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity
Zone, while 1,147 properties fall within the High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. Collectively, these
properties represent a total assessed value of $3,771,725,135 and impact approximately 18,423
residents across all fire hazard severity zones. Table B-22 shows the properties in the City
exposed to Fire Hazard Severity Zones. Figure B-8 depicts the Fire Hazard Severity Zones in the
City of Atascadero.
Annex B: City of Atascadero
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-30
Table B-22 City of Atascadero Improved Properties Exposed to Fire Hazard Severity Zones by Property Type
PROPERTY TYPE ST
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IMPROVED
VALUE
ESTIMATED
CONTENT
VALUE TOTAL VALUE POPULATION
Commercial 1 94 198 293 $155,033,765 $155,033,765 $310,067,530 -
Exempt 2 5 31 38 $18,043,750 $18,043,750 $36,087,500 -
Industrial - 19 17 36 $17,829,975 $26,744,963 $44,574,938 -
Mixed Use - 50 180 230 $56,652,383 $56,652,383 $113,304,766 -
Mobile/Manufactured Homes 3 7 105 115 $14,706,460 $7,353,230 $22,059,690 289
Multi-Family Residential 1 18 175 194 $121,317,542 $60,658,771 $181,976,313 487
Residential 1,101 935 4,995 7,031 $2,034,623,449 $1,017,311,725 $3,051,935,174 17,648
Vacant Improved 11 19 67 97 $11,719,225 $0 $11,719,225 -
Total 1,119 1,147 5,768 8,034 $2,429,926,549 $1,341,798,586 $3,771,725,135 18,423
Source: San Luis Obispo Assessor Data November 15, 2024, CAL FIRE - FHSZ Phase 3 March 10, 2025, WSP GIS Analysis
Annex B: City of Atascadero
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-31
Figure B-8 City of Atascadero Fire Hazard Severity Zones
Annex B: City of Atascadero
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-32
Table B-23 shows critical facilities in Atascadero that are exposed to fire hazard severity zones,
categorizing them by severity level and facility type. The exposure of these critical assets to
wildfire hazards poses significant risks to transportation and safety/security. The table below
shows a total 50 critical facilities exposed to fire hazard severity zone, five (5) of which fall in
the very high fire hazard severity zone rating, eight (8) of which are exposed to high fire hazard
severity zone, and thirty-seven (37) exposed to moderate fire hazard severity zone. Linear
transmission lines owned by PG&E are not considered in the analysis.
Table B-23 Critical Facilities Assets Exposed to Fire Hazard Severity Zones
WILDFIRE
THREAT CO
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Very High - - - - 1 - 4 - 5
High - - - - 1 2 5 - 8
Moderate 1 1 - - 6 11 18 - 37
Total 1 1 0 0 8 13 27 0 50
Source: San Luis Obispo County, CAL FIRE - FHSZ Phase 3 March 10, 2025, CalARP, HIFLD, NBI, NID, WSP Analysis; *LPT noted that some
AMWC water storage tanks on the west side may be at risk that may not be reflected in this analysis.
B.3.3.13 Human Caused: Hazardous Materials
The Atascadero LPT rated hazardous materials incidents as having medium overall
significance. The Cal OES Spill Release Reporting Center reports 15 hazardous materials
incidents in the City of Atascadero from January 1st, 2019 through December 20th, 2024. This
likely excludes a number of unreported minor spills. The 15 reported incidents constitutes 3%
of the hazardous materials incidents reported countywide during the same time frame and
averages out to roughly 2.5 incidents per year.
B.4 Capability Assessment
Capabilities are the programs and policies currently in use to reduce hazard impacts or that
could be used to implement hazard mitigation activities. This capabilities assessment is
divided into six sections: regulatory mitigation capabilities, administrative and technical
mitigation capabilities, fiscal mitigation capabilities, mitigation outreach and partnerships,
participation in the National Flood Insurance Program, and other mitigation efforts.
To develop this capability assessment, the jurisdictional planning representatives used a matrix
of common mitigation activities to inventory which of these policies or programs were in place.
The team then supplemented this inventory by reviewing additional existing policies,
regulations, plans, and programs to determine if they contributed to reducing hazard-related
losses.
During the plan update process, this inventory was reviewed by the jurisdictional planning
representatives and WSP consultant team staff to update information where applicable and
note ways in which these capabilities have improved or expanded. Additionally, in
summarizing current capabilities and identifying gaps, the jurisdictional planning
representatives also considered their ability to expand or improve upon existing policies and
Annex B: City of Atascadero
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-33
programs as potential new mitigation strategies. The City of Atascadero’s capabilities are
summarized below.
B.4.1 Regulatory Mitigation Capabilities
Table B-24 City of Atascadero Regulatory Mitigation Capabilities
REGULATORY TOOL YES/NO COMMENTS
General plan Yes General Plan 2025 Safety Element Establishes
policies, programs, goals and objectives to protect
the community from risks associated with seismic,
geologic, flood, and fire hazards. The plan was
originally adopted in June 2002 and most recently
updated in July 2016.
Zoning ordinance Yes Updated periodically as needed
Subdivision ordinance Yes Updated periodically as needed
Growth management ordinance No
Floodplain ordinance Yes Title 7 Public Works, Chapter 11 Flood Damage
Prevention.
Other special purpose ordinance
(stormwater, water conservation,
wildfire)
Yes Title 7 Public Works, Chapter 13 Stormwater
Pollution Prevention
Community Wildfire Protection Plan
Building code Yes CA Building Standards Title 24, Ata Municipal
Code.
Fire department ISO rating ISO Rating is a 3 / 3X
Erosion or sediment control program Yes Public Works manages the City’s MS4 Permit
Stormwater management program Yes City Engineering Standard Specifications Section 5
and Regional Water Quality Control Board
Resolution No. R-3-2013-0032 contains the
regulatory criteria and mitigations applicable to
new development and redevelopment
Site plan review requirements Yes All development plans are reviewed, at a
minimum, through the City’s permitting process.
Capital improvements plan Yes Five year Capital Improvement Plan updated every
other year with budget process
Economic development plan No Incorporated into the General Plan and part of
annual strategic planning efforts
Local emergency operations plan Yes Multi-Hazard Emergency Response Plan Basic Plan
and Appendices A-F. Adopted in Fall 2003 and
Summer 2004.
Other special plans Yes Fire Department Master Plan, CWPP. Identifies
areas of the City at higher risk for wildland fires.
Flood Insurance Study or other
engineering study for streams
Yes The City Flood Damage Prevention Regulations
and City Engineering Standard Specifications
requires detailed hydrology and analysis of projects
located within certain flood zones or where it may
impact streams
Elevation certificates (for floodplain
development)
Yes FEMA Elevation Certificates are required for new
structures and substantially remodeled structures
within any Flood Zone A.
Annex B: City of Atascadero
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-34
B.4.1.1 Discussion on Existing Building Codes, Land Use and Development
Regulations
The City of Atascadero’s Zoning Ordinance contains numerous standards and requirements
related to minimizing flood risk to new structures and developments. In addition, Ordinance
No. 193, An Ordinance adding Chapter 5 to Article 7 of the City of Atascadero Municipal Code
Relating to Flood Damage Prevention, provides further guidance to reduce flood damage. It is
the purpose of this ordinance to promote public health, safety, and general welfare and to
minimize public and private losses due to flood conditions. Also, Ordinance No. 304 amended
Title 6, Chapter 13 of the Atascadero Municipal Code to provide a mechanism to allow the Fire
Chief to order the removal of weeds, rubbish, and similar material that has the potential to
become a flooding hazard. See also discussion in Development Trends.
The city adapts and enforces the California Building Code with local amendments and
requirements.
B.4.2 Administrative/Technical Mitigation Capabilities
Table B-25 identifies the personnel responsible for activities related to mitigation and loss
prevention in Atascadero.
Table B-25 City of Atascadero Administrative/Technical Mitigation Capabilities
PERSONNEL RESOURCES YES/NO DEPARTMENT/POSITION
Planner/engineer with knowledge of land
development/land management practices
Yes Community Development, Public Works
Engineer/professional trained in construction
practices related to buildings and/or infrastructure
Yes Community Development, Public Works
Planner/engineer/scientist with an
understanding of natural hazards
Yes Community Development, Public Works,
Fire Department
Personnel skilled in GIS Yes Information Technology
Full time building official Yes Community Development
Floodplain manager Yes Public Works
Emergency manager Yes City Manager, alt. Police Chief and Fire
Chief
Grant writer Yes Administrative Services
GIS Data Resources
(Hazard areas, critical facilities, land use,
building footprints, etc.)
Yes Information Technology
B.4.3 Fiscal Mitigation Capabilities
Table B-26 identifies financial tools or resources that the City could potentially use to help fund
mitigation activities.
Table B-26 City of Atascadero Fiscal Mitigation Capabilities
FINANCIAL RESOURCES ACCESSIBLE/ELIGIBLE TO USE
Community Development Block Grants No
Capital improvements project funding Yes
Authority to levy taxes for specific purposes No
Fees for water, sewer, gas, or electric services No
Impact fees for new development No
Incur debt through general obligation bonds No
Annex B: City of Atascadero
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-35
FINANCIAL RESOURCES ACCESSIBLE/ELIGIBLE TO USE
Incur debt through special tax bonds Yes
Incur debt through private activities Yes
Withhold spending in hazard prone areas No
B.4.4 Mitigation Outreach and Partnerships
The City of Atascadero has an active wildfire fuel reduction and education program and
participates in programs such as Firewise and Storm Ready. The city also does outreach to
local schools such as fire prevention presentations in all schools during fire prevention week.
More outreach events and partnerships are listed below in Table B-27.
Table B-27 City of Atascadero Mitigation Outreach and Partnerships
CAPABILITY TYPE YES/NO NOTES
Hazard Awareness/Education Campaigns Yes Wildfire Consultations
Firewise Yes In the process of establishing 2 Firewise
communities
Storm Ready Yes Post storm ready information on social
media
Severe Weather Awareness Week No
School programs Yes Fire prevention presentations in all schools
during fire prevention week
Other
Methods Used to Communicate Hazard Info.
to the Public
Yes Social Media, Website, alertslo.org,
Billboards
Local News Yes
Social media Yes Facebook, Instagram, X notifications of
emergencies and utilize the platforms for
education
Community Newsletters Yes City Manager Update through Chamber
Utility Bill Inserts No AMWC drought and water conservation
Community Events Yes Wildfire Prevention Day
Other
Organizations that represent or work with
underserved or vulnerable communities
Yes ECHO, Atascadero Chamber of Commerce
American Red Cross Yes
Salvation Army Yes
Veterans Groups No
Environmental/Conservation Groups Yes Beaver Brigade, Atascadero Land
Preservation Society (ALPS)
Homeowner/Neighborhood Associations No
Chamber of Commerce Yes
Community Organizations (Lions, Kiwanis, etc.) Yes
B.4.5 National Flood Insurance Program
In the City of Atascadero, the City Engineer is designated as the Floodplain Administrator (FPA).
Local floodplain management regulations are actively implemented and enforced by this
Annex B: City of Atascadero
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-36
position to regulate and permit development within Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). This
includes reviewing construction and land use permits to confirm compliance with elevation,
structural, and zoning requirements aimed at reducing flood risk to properties and
residents. The city consistently adopts the latest effective Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM)
provided by FEMA, updating local floodplain management practices to align with newly
identified flood risks. This helps to ensure the community is aware of the most recent flood
hazard data for planning and development purposes.
Following flood or other damage events, the City of Arroyo Grande enforces substantial
improvement/substantial damage provisions by evaluating damaged properties to determine
if they meet thresholds requiring them to comply with updated floodplain management
standards. If substantial damage is determined, properties must undergo upgrades to meet
current floodplain standards before they can be repaired or rebuilt. This process helps to
reduce future risk by ensuring that post-event repairs and reconstructions contribute to long-
term flood resilience. The city does not participate in the NFIP’s Community Rating System
(CRS). More information on Atascadero’s participation in the National Flood Insurance Program
can be found in Table B-28 below.
Table B-28 City of Atascadero NFIP Participation
NFIP TOPIC COMMENTS
Regulation
Does the Community Participate in the NFIP? Yes
How does the community enforce local floodplain
regulations and monitor compliance?
Permitting process and code enforcement
Do floodplain development regulations meet or
exceed FEMA or state minimum requirements? If
so, in what ways?
Yes, meets minimum requirements of FEMA and
State
Explain the permitting process. Application, Review, Approval, Inspections
Compliance History
Are there any outstanding compliance issues? (i.e.,
current violations)?
No
Does the community intend to continue to comply
with NFIP requirements?
YES
How does the community identify substantially
damaged/improved structures? What is the
process to make sure these structures are brought
into compliance post-disaster event?
Yes, Red tagging and permitting
Staff Resources
Please note the department and position
responsible for floodplain management.
Do they serve any roles other than Community
Floodplain Administrator (FPA)?
City Engineer
Yes, Public Works Director and City Engineer
Explain NFIP administration services (e.g., permit
review, GIS, inspections, engineering capability).
permit review, GIS, inspections, engineering
capability
What are the barriers to running an effective NFIP
program in the community, if any?
Funding
Community Rating System (CRS)
Does the community participate in CRS? If so, what
is the community's CRS Class Ranking?
No
What categories and activities provide CRS points,
and how can the class be improved?
N/A
Annex B: City of Atascadero
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-37
NFIP TOPIC COMMENTS
Does the plan include CRS planning requirements? N/A
B.4.6 Opportunities for Enhancement
Based on the capabilities assessment, the City of Atascadero has several existing mechanisms
in place that already help to mitigate hazards. In addition to these existing capabilities, there
are also opportunities for the city to expand or improve on these policies and programs to
further protect the community. The city is anticipating and planning for increased density and
growth outside of the identified hazard areas. To meet state policies surrounding increased
density and housing, the city will have to accommodate this growth. This could include
training opportunities to inform city staff members on how best to integrate hazard
information and mitigation projects into their departments. Other opportunities include
providing training for staff members related to hazards or hazard mitigation grant funding in
partnership with the County and Cal OES and training city staff on mitigation and the hazards
that pose a risk to the City of Atascadero. This will lead to more informed staff members who
can better communicate this information to the public.
B.5 Mitigation Strategy
B.5.1 Mitigation Goals and Objectives
The City of Atascadero adopts those hazard mitigation goals and objectives developed by the
County Planning Team and described in Section 7 of the Base Plan: Mitigation Strategy. Those
goals are as followed:
1. Strengthen risk reduction and resilience by minimizing risks to life, property,
infrastructure, and the environment through comprehensive, community-wide
strategies.
2. Boost outreach and capacity to improve disaster resilience for vulnerable communities.
3. Promote regional collaboration to reduce hazard vulnerability and strengthen
community resilience.
4. Reduce injury, loss of life, and damage to critical facilities and infrastructure from
natural hazards.
5. Enhance public education and engagement to boost awareness and preparedness for
natural, human-health, and human-caused hazards.
6. Use the best science and data to guide resilience efforts and prioritize mitigation
projects for natural hazards and climate change impacts.
B.5.1.1 Continued Compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program
The city has been an NFIP participating community since 1982. In addition to the mitigation
actions identified herein, the City will continue to comply with the NFIP. This includes ongoing
activities such as enforcing local floodplain development regulations, including issuing permits
for appropriate development in Special Flood Hazard Areas and ensuring that development is
mitigated in accordance with the regulations. This will also include periodic reviews of the
floodplain ordinance to ensure that it is clear, up to date, and in compliance with the Federal
model ordinance (Flood Damage Prevention Regulations).
Annex B: City of Atascadero
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-38
B.5.2 Completed 2019 Mitigation Actions
During the 2025 planning process the City of Atascadero LPT reviewed all the mitigation
actions from the 2019 plan. During the 2025 planning process the LPT identified that four (4) of
the fourteen (14) mitigation actions from 2019 were deleted. Table B-29 below describes the
mitigation actions from the 2019 plan that were completed or deleted.
Table B-29 Mitigation Actions for 2019
2019
Action
ID
Hazard(s)
Addressed
Mitigation Action Title Lead Agency Action
Status
Notes
AT.8 Wildfire Continue fuel load reductions program by
annual control burns in the WUI impacting
the city
Fire Dept. Deleted, no
longer a
priority
AT.16 Landslide Retrofit or implement stabilizing measures
for Atascadero hillside developments that
predate current best practices and codes
Community
Development /
Public Works
Deleted, no
longer a
priority
AT.18 Landslide Focus on proposed new developments to
determine if soils stabilization is
economically feasible. If the soils
stabilization is not economically feasible
deny, the proposed development or rezone
Community
Development /
Public Works
Deleted, no
longer a
priority
AT.19 Drought
and Water
Shortage
Implement the water demand management
strategies outlined in the Atascadero Mutual
Water Company Urban Water Management
Plan
Community
Development /
Public Works/
Atascadero MWC
Deleted, no
longer a
priority
B.5.3 Mitigation Actions
The LPT for the City of Atascadero identified and prioritized the following mitigation actions
based on the risk assessment. Background information and information on how each action
will be implemented and administered, such as ideas for implementation, responsible office,
potential funding, estimated cost, and timeline are also included. Actions were prioritized
using the process described in Section 7.2.1 of the Base Plan. Actions with an ‘*’ are those that
mitigate losses to future development. Timeline and project cost definitions are noted in
Section 7.3.2 of the Base Plan.
A special note regarding a column in the table: The ‘Primary Hazards Mitigated’ column uses
an abbreviated version of the Adverse Weather hazards in the interest of conciseness:
References to ‘Adverse Weather: Thunderstorm’ includes the subhazards
Thunderstorm/Lightning/Heavy Rain/Dense Fog/Freeze.
Annex B: City of Atascadero
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-39
Table B-30 City of Atascadero’s Mitigation Action Plan
MITIGATION
ACTION
NUMBER
PRIMARY HAZARD(S)
MITIGATED DESCRIPTIONS/BACKGROUND/BENEFITS
LEAD AGENCY &
PARTNERS
ESTIMATED COST &
POTENTIAL FUNDING
SOURCES
2025
PRIORITY TIMELINE
STATUS/
IMPLEMENTATION
NOTES
AT.1 Dam Incident Perform inspections, maintenance, and
repairs for Atascadero Lake dam and spillway.
Install rock armoring on lake side of dam as
funding becomes available.
City of Atascadero
Public Works
$500,000
FEMA HMA
Medium 2-3 yrs. In Progress. Dam
Inundation mapping
and EAP complete.
AT.2 Dam Incident Minimize development along the Salinas
River. Maintain setback and open space
zoning to the greatest extent possible along
the River and continue the enforcement of
existing land use ordinances
Community
Development/Public
Works
Little to no cost. Staff
Time/General Fund
Low Annual
Implementation
In Progress
AT.3 Wildfire Wildfire Evacuation Routes. Seek options to
improve city road systems to improve
emergency access and egress and emergency
evacuation times. Benefits: Improved road
widths and clearance; enhanced residence
evacuation times in high fire severity zones;
elimination or reductions in loss of life
Atascadero Fire &
Emergency Services/
Public Works
$5M-$10M
FEMA HMA
High More than 5 yrs. In Progress
AT.4 Wildfire Continue to educate the public on wildland
fire safety
Atascadero Fire
Department
Little to no cost. CA
Fire Safe Council,
General Fund, FEMA
HMA
High Annual
Implementation
In Progress
AT.5 Wildfire Continue the enforcement on the Weed
Abatement Ordinance. Continue to seek
annual grant funding for the residential
chipping program.
Atascadero Fire
Department
Little to no cost. CA
Fire Safe Council,
General Fund, FEMA
HMA
High Annual
Implementation
In Progress
AT.6 Wildfire Maintain and revise the CWPP Atascadero Fire
Department
Little to no cost.CA
Fire Safe Council,
General Fund, FEMA
HMA
High 3-5 years In Progress. To be
updated in 2025.
AT.7 Wildfire Continue to conduct current fuel
management programs and investigate and
apply new and emerging fuel management
techniques.
Atascadero Fire
Department
Little to no cost.CA
Fire Safe Council,
General Fund, FEMA
HMA
High Annual
Implementation
In Progress
Annex B: City of Atascadero
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-40
MITIGATION
ACTION
NUMBER PRIMARY HAZARD(S)
MITIGATED DESCRIPTIONS/BACKGROUND/BENEFITS LEAD AGENCY &
PARTNERS
ESTIMATED COST &
POTENTIAL FUNDING
SOURCES 2025
PRIORITY TIMELINE
STATUS/
IMPLEMENTATION
NOTES
AT.8 Adverse Weather:
Thunderstorm,
Adverse Weather:
High Wind/Tornado
Debris Management Plan Development.
Develop a debris management plan to handle
slash and leaf accumulation produced by a
wind or storm event. Benefits: Reduced
impacts due to debris accumulation
Public Works/ Fire &
Emergency Services
Department
$100.000 every 5
years. FEMA HMA
Medium 3-5 yrs. In Progress
AT.9 Adverse Weather:
Thunderstorm,
Adverse Weather:
High Wind/Tornado
Continue to communicate with Pacific Gas
and Electric on new at-risk populations that
may be affected by their PSPS events.
Benefits: reduced impacts on at-risk
populations from rolling blackouts.
Public Works/
Atascadero Fire &
Emergency Services
Department
Little to no cost. Staff
Time/General Fund
High 1 yr. In Progress
AT.10 Earthquake Continue to enforce Uniform Building Code
(UBC) provisions pertaining to grading and
construction related to seismic hazards.
Community
Development/
Public Works
Little to no cost.
General Fund/Staff
Time
Medium Annual
Implementation
In Progress
AT.11 Earthquake Continue to implement an Unreinforced
Masonry (URM) building program that
determines the structural safety of City owned
critical facilities, and retrofit as necessary
Community
Development/Public
Works
Little to no cost.
General Fund/Staff
Time
Medium Annual
Implementation
In progress
AT.12 Subsidence Continue to require a Soils Report for all new
building permits
Community
Development
Little to no cost.
General Fund/Staff
Time
Medium Annual
Implementation
In Progress. Required
for all buildings over
1K square ft.
AT.13 Flood During the plan check process utilize GIS to
ensure the building project meets current
Flood Damage Prevention Regulations prior
to the issuance of building permits
Community
Development/
Public Works
Little to no cost.
General Fund/Staff
Time
Medium Annual
Implementation
In Progress
AT.14 Landslide and Debris
Flow
Implement the City's Hillside Development
Standards and Creekside Development
Standards for all new development projects.
Require construction and maintenance of
natural and/or human-made retaining
structures that will help control landslide risk
in key residential and commercial areas.
Community
Development/ Public
Works
Little to no cost.
General Fund/Staff
Time
Medium Annual
Implementation
In Progress
AT.15 Landslide and Debris
Flow
Located and identify unstable soils through
the use of GIS and soil maps
Community
Development/
Public Works
Little to no cost.
General Fund/Staff
Time
Medium Annual
Implementation
In Progress
Annex B: City of Atascadero
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-41
MITIGATION
ACTION
NUMBER PRIMARY HAZARD(S)
MITIGATED DESCRIPTIONS/BACKGROUND/BENEFITS LEAD AGENCY &
PARTNERS
ESTIMATED COST &
POTENTIAL FUNDING
SOURCES 2025
PRIORITY TIMELINE
STATUS/
IMPLEMENTATION
NOTES
AT.16 Hazardous Materials Continue to monitor the manufacture,
storage, and transport of hazardous materials
by working with environmental health and
public safety agencies to identify effective
mitigation actions or requirements that will
help reduce the risk of incidents, including
the spread of released materials.
Atascadero Fire &
Emergency Services
Department
Little to no cost.
General Fund/Staff
Time
Low Annual
Implementation
New in 2025
AT.17 Adverse Weather:
Extreme Heat
Initiate an extreme heat public awareness
and educational campaign to discuss the
dangers of extreme heat, steps each
individual can personally take during periods
of extreme heat and ways to reduce energy
consumption during periods of extreme heat.
Atascadero Fire &
Emergency Services
Department
Little to no cost. Staff
Time/General Fund
Low 1 yr. New in 2025
AT.18 Wildfire, Flood,
Landslide and Debris
Flow
Educate the planning staff, City
administrative staff and elected officials on
the importance of keeping up to date on
trends and developments in, disaster
preparedness. Attendance at seminars and
lectures on the specific hazards would enable
staff to make appropriate recommendations
to the governing bodies as they go about the
process of approving new developments.
Atascadero Fire &
Emergency Services
Department
Little to no cost. Staff
Time/General Fund
Low Annual
Implementation
New in 2025
AT.19 Wildfire, Landslide
and Debris Flow,
Flood, Dam Incident
Create a GIS-based pre-application review for
new construction and major remodels in
hazard areas, such high wildfire severity
zones, moderate landslide susceptibility areas,
and dam failure inundation zones.
Atascadero Fire &
Emergency Services
Department
Little to no cost. Staff
Time/General Fund
Low 1 yr. New in 2025
AT.20 Flood Reinforce roads from flooding through
protection activities, including elevating the
road and installing/widening culverts beneath
the road or upgrading storm drains.
Atascadero Fire &
Emergency Services
Department; Public
Works
Little to no cost.
General Fund/Staff
Time
Low 1 yr. New in 2025
AT.21 Wildfire, Flood Ability to fast track cleanup efforts in the
Salinas Riverbed with approvals through Fish
and Wildlife, or other agencies involved in
environmentally sensitive areas
Atascadero Fire
Department
Little to no cost.
General Fund/Staff
Time
Low 1 yr. New in 2025
Annex B: City of Atascadero
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-42
MITIGATION
ACTION
NUMBER PRIMARY HAZARD(S)
MITIGATED DESCRIPTIONS/BACKGROUND/BENEFITS LEAD AGENCY &
PARTNERS
ESTIMATED COST &
POTENTIAL FUNDING
SOURCES 2025
PRIORITY TIMELINE
STATUS/
IMPLEMENTATION
NOTES
AT.22 Adverse Weather:
Thunderstorm,
Adverse Weather:
High Wind/Tornado,
Adverse Weather:
Extreme Heat; Flood,
Wildfire, Drought and
Water Shortage, Dam
Incident, Landslide
and Debris Flow,
Subsidence
Regularly review and continue to maintain
consistency between the Safety Element,
Municipal Code, zoning regulations, hazard
area maps, and LHMP implementation
strategies. Review the implementation and
impacts of SB1069 Land use zoning
Atascadero Fire
Department
Little to no cost. Staff
Time/General Fund
Low Annual
Implementation
New in 2025
AT.23* Adverse Weather:
High Wind/Tornado,
Biological Incidents,
Earthquake, Flood,
Wildfire, Hazardous
Materials
Continue to enforce local codes, ordinances,
and standards pertaining to safe
development and resiliency to natural and
human-caused hazards.
Atascadero Fire
Department
Little to no cost. Staff
Time/General Fund
Low Annual
Implementation
New in 2025
AT.24 Hazardous Materials Continue requiring businesses that use, store,
or transport hazardous materials to ensure
that adequate measures are taken to protect
public health and safety.
Atascadero Fire
Department
Little to no cost. Staff
Time/General Fund
Low Annual
Implementation
New in 2025
AT.25 Adverse Weather:
High Wind/Tornado,
Adverse Weather:
Extreme Heat,
Agricultural Pest
Infestation and
Disease; Drought and
Water Shortage
Support ongoing urban forest maintenance
and tree trimming programs, to include
planting drought-resistant trees and plants,
and monitoring for agricultural pests and
invasive species.
Atascadero Fire
Department
Little to no cost. Staff
Time/General Fund
Low 2-3 months New in 2025
AT.26 Wildfire Work to become a fire risk reduction
community: Promote the effectiveness of
defensible space in neighborhoods that have
a high wildfire risk. Encourage neighbors to
be accountable for not only their defensible
space but also their neighborhoods. Help
Atascadero Fire &
Emergency Services,
San Luis Obispo Fire
Safe Council
Little to no cost. Staff
Time, General Fund
Medium 3-5 Years New in 2025
Annex B: City of Atascadero
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-43
MITIGATION
ACTION
NUMBER PRIMARY HAZARD(S)
MITIGATED DESCRIPTIONS/BACKGROUND/BENEFITS LEAD AGENCY &
PARTNERS
ESTIMATED COST &
POTENTIAL FUNDING
SOURCES 2025
PRIORITY TIMELINE
STATUS/
IMPLEMENTATION
NOTES
neighborhoods to facilitate the creation of
NEPA Firewise USA.