Community Safety Element, Open Space and Conservation Element, and Circulation Element Update

The Town of Atherton is implementing a project to update its Community Safety Element, Open Space and Conservation Element, and Circulation Element. The primary objective is to establish a comprehensive policy framework for emergency services, emergency preparedness, and the mitigation of various hazards, including seismic and soil-related issues, flooding, dam failure, fire, drought, extreme heat, and climate-related human health hazards. These updates ensure compliance with California Government Code Sections 65302(g) and 65302.15. The project incorporates an Existing Conditions Background Report and a Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment as appendices to the General Plan, with focused updates to infrastructure, open space protection, and evacuation routes. This townwide initiative in San Mateo County is classified as a forecast under NAICS code 541320. The project is exempt from CEQA review under Section 15061(b)(3) because it does not involve land use or zoning changes that would result in direct or indirect growth or alter building density. While the framework directs the Town to explore future amendments to land use or zoning regulations to enhance community resilience and public safety, the current project does not include those specific amendments or site-specific designs. The Town Planner, Brittany Bendix, serves as the primary point of contact for this effort.