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Home My WebLink AboutPC 09-22-2026 Searchable PacketCITY OF CUPERTINO PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA 10350 Torre Avenue, Council Chamber and via Teleconference Tuesday, September 22, 2026 6:45 PM IN-PERSON AND TELECONFERENCE / PUBLIC PARTICIPATION INFORMATION OPTIONS TO OBSERVE: Members of the public wishing to observe the meeting may do so in one of the following ways: 1) Attend in person at Cupertino Community Hall, 10350 Torre Avenue. 2) Tune to Comcast Channel 24 or Channel 26 and U-Verse Channel 99 on your TV. 3) Watch a live stream online at www.Cupertino.gov/youtube and www.Cupertino.gov/webcast 4) Attend in person at a remote Teleconference Location noticed pursuant to Gov. Code 54953(b)(2), which location, if noticed, would be stated on the cover page of this agenda. OPTIONS TO PARTICIPATE AND COMMENT: Members of the public wishing to address the Planning Commission may do so in the following ways: 1) Appear in person at Cupertino Community Hall: a. During “Oral Communications”, the public may comment on matters not on the agenda, and for agendized matters, the public may comment during the public comment period for each agendized item. b. Speakers are requested to complete a Speaker Card. While completion of Speaker Cards is voluntary and not required to attend the meeting or provide comments, it is helpful for the purposes of ensuring that all speakers are called upon. c. Speakers must wait to be called, then proceed to the lectern/podium and speak into the microphone when recognized by the Chair. d. Speakers are limited to three (3) minutes each. However, the Chair may reduce the speaking time depending on the number of people who wish to speak on an item. A speaker representing a group of 2 to 5 or more people who are present may have up to 2 minutes per group member, up to 10 minutes maximum. e. Please note that due to cyber security concerns, speakers are not allowed to connect any personal devices at the lectern/podium. However, speakers that wish to share a document Page 1 1 PC 09-22-2026 1 of 290 Planning Commission Agenda September 22, 2026 (e.g. presentations, photographs or other documents) during oral comments may do so in one of the following ways: i. At the overhead projector at the podium or ii. E-mail the document to planningcommission@cupertino.gov by 3:00 p.m. and staff will advance the slides/share the documents during your oral comment. 2) Written communications as follows: a. E-mail comments to planningcommission@cupertino.gov b. Regular mail or hand delivered addressed to the: Cupertino Planning Commission, City Hall, 10300 Torre Avenue, Cupertino, CA 95014 c. Comments addressed to the Planning Commission received by 5:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting will be included in written communications published and distributed before the beginning of the meeting. d. Comments addressed to the Planning Commission received after the 5:00 p.m. deadline, but through the end of the Planning Commission meeting, will be posted to the City’s website by the end of the following business day. 3) Teleconference in one of the following ways: a. Online via Zoom on an electronic device (Audio and Video): Speakers must register in advance by clicking on the link below to access the meeting: https://cityofcupertino.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_MtvYJZncTGOh8Q_wpEKvXw i. Registrants will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. ii. Speakers will be recognized by the name they use for registration. Once recognized, speakers must click ‘unmute’ when prompted to speak. iii. Please read the following instructions about technical compatibility carefully: One can directly download the teleconference (Zoom) software or connect to the meeting in their internet browser. If a browser is used, make sure the most current and up-to-date browser, such as the following, is used: Chrome 30+, Firefox 27+, Microsoft Edge 12+, Safari 7+. Certain functionality may be disabled in older browsers, including Internet Explorer. b. By Phone (Audio only): No registration is required in advance and speakers may join the meeting as follows: i. Dial 669-900-6833 and enter WEBINAR ID: 810 7372 7180 ii. To “raise hand” to speak: Dial *9; When asked to unmute: Dial *6 iii. Speakers will be recognized to speak by the last four digits of their phone number. c. Online via the teleconferencing device (Audio and Video) being used to provide access to the meeting from a remote Teleconference Location noticed pursuant to Gov. Code Page 2 2 PC 09-22-2026 2 of 290 Planning Commission Agenda September 22, 2026 54953(b)(2), which location, if noticed, would be stated on the cover page of this agenda. i. Speakers are required to notify the City Clerk via email to cityclerk@cupertino.gov prior to noon on the date of the meeting during which they plan to participate and comment from the remote location noticed to ensure the City Clerk is prepared to accept their comment. ii. If the teleconferencing device malfunctions impeding access to the meeting from the remote location, the speaker may alternatively participate via the other options for remote participation provided above. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1.Subject: Approval of the September 08, 2026 Planning Commission Minutes. Approve the September 08, 2026 Planning Commission Minutes. 1- Draft Minutes POSTPONEMENTS ORAL COMMUNICATIONS This portion of the meeting is reserved for persons wishing to address the Commission on any matter within the jurisdiction of the Commission and not on the agenda. Speakers are limited to three (3) minutes. In most cases, State law will prohibit the Commission from making any decisions with respect to a matter not on the agenda. PUBLIC HEARINGS Government Code Section 65103.5 limits the distribution of copyrighted material associated with the review of development projects. Members of the public wishing to view plans that cannot otherwise be distributed under Govt. Code Section 65103.5 may make an appointment with the Planning Division to view them at City Hall by sending an email to planning@cupertino.gov. Plans will also be made available digitally during the hearing to consider the proposal. 2.Subject: General Plan Amendment to adopt amendments to Chapter 7 (Health and Safety) and Appendices D (Community Noise Fundamentals), and E (Geologic and Seismic Hazards) of the Cupertino General Plan: 2015-2040 Community Vision, and a new Appendix H (Health and Safety Background Report) (Application No(s): GPA-2025-001; Applicant: City of Cupertino; APN(s)/Location: citywide) Page 3 3 PC 09-22-2026 3 of 290 Planning Commission Agenda September 22, 2026 Recommended Action: That the Planning Commission adopt the draft resolution (Attachment 1) recommending that the City Council: 1. Adopt amendments to Chapter 7 (Health and Safety) and Appendices D (Community Noise Fundamentals), and E (Geologic and Seismic Hazards), and a new Appendix H (Health and Safety Background Report) and 2. Find the actions exempt from CEQA. Staff Report 1 - Draft Resolution 2 - PlaceWorks Memo – Policy Areas Being Updated in the Draft Health and Safety Element 3 - Redlines Chapter 7 and Appendix E 4 - PlaceWorks' CEQA Exemption Memo dated September 15, 2026 OLD BUSINESS - None NEW BUSINESS - None STAFF AND COMMISSION REPORTS FUTURE AGENDA SETTING 3.Subject: Upcoming Draft Agenda Items 1- Upcoming Future Agenda Items ADJOURNMENT In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), anyone who is planning to attend this meeting who is visually or hearing impaired or has any disability that needs special assistance should call the City Clerk's Office at 408-777-3223, at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting to arrange for assistance. In addition, upon request in advance by a person with a disability, meeting agendas and writings distributed for the meeting that are public records will be made available in the appropriate alternative format. Any writings or documents provided to a majority of the members after publication of the agenda will be made available for public inspection. Please contact the City Clerk’s Office in City Hall located at 10300 Torre Avenue, Cupertino, California 95014, during normal business hours. IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please be advised that pursuant to Cupertino Municipal Code section 2.08.100 written communications sent to the City Council, Commissioners or staff concerning a matter on the agenda are included as supplemental material to the agendized item. These written communications are accessible to the public through the City website and kept in packet archives. Do not include any personal or private information in written communications to the City that you do not wish to make public, as written communications are considered public records and will be made publicly available on the City website. Page 4 4 PC 09-22-2026 4 of 290 Planning Commission Agenda September 22, 2026 Page 5 5 PC 09-22-2026 5 of 290 CITY OF CUPERTINO Agenda Item Subject: Approval of the September 08, 2026 Planning Commission Minutes. Approve the September 08, 2026 Planning Commission Minutes. CITY OF CUPERTINO Printed on 9/16/2026Page 1 of 1 6 PC 09-22-2026 6 of 290 DRAFT MINUTES CUPERTINO PLANNING COMMISSION Tuesday, September 8, 2026 At 6:45 p.m. Chair Tracy Kosolcharoen called the regular Planning Commission meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance in the Cupertino Community Hall Council Chamber, 10350 Torre Avenue and via teleconference. ROLL CALL Present: Chair Tracy Kosolcharoen, Vice Chair Steven Scharf and Commissioners David Fung, Seema Lindskog and Santosh Rao. Absent: None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Subject: Approval of the July 28, 2026 Planning Commission Minutes. Recommended Action: Approve the July 28, 2026 Planning Commission Minutes. MOTION: Rao moved and Fung seconded to approve the July 28, 2026 Planning Commission Minutes. The motion passed with the following vote: Ayes: Kosolcharoen, Scharf, Fung, Lindskog and Rao. Noes: None. Abstain: None. Absent: None. POSTPONEMENTS – None ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Pamela Hershey discussed the health and safety element. Rhoda Fry discussed campaign signs. PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. Subject: Consider a Use Permit, Tentative Map, Architectural and Site Approval, and Tree Removal Permit for the construction of a 35-unit townhome development to replace an existing strip mall (Coach House). The project utilizes Senate Bill 330 (SB 330) and provisions of State Density Bonus law. (Application No(s): U-2025-005, ASA-2025-014, TM-2025-006, TR-2025-030; Applicant: Joshua Vrotsos, Dividend Homes; Location: 1655 S. De Anza Boulevard and 7357 Prospect Road; APNs: 366 10 061 and 7 PC 09-22-2026 7 of 290 Planning Commission Minutes September 8, 2026 366 10 126) Recommended Action: Staff recommends that the Planning Commission adopt the draft resolutions recommending that the City Council: 1. Find the project statutorily exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); and 2. Make the required findings of No Net Loss (SB 166); and 3. Approve the project by: a. Adopting Resolution No. 26-XXX approving Use Permit (U-2025-005) (Attachment 1); b. Adopting Resolution No. 26-XXX approving Architectural & Site Approval Permit (ASA-2025-014) (Attachment 2); c. Adopting Resolution No. 26-XXX approving Tentative Final Map (TM-2025-006) (Attachment 3); and d. Adopting Resolution No. 26-XXX approving Tree Removal Permit (TR-2025-030) (Attachment 4). Written Communications for this item included a staff presentation. Planning Manager Piu Ghosh introduced Senior Planner Emi Sugiyama. Commissioners made ex parte disclosures. Senior Planner Emi Sugiyama gave a presentation. Commissioners asked questions which staff responded to. Josh Vrotsos, Vice President of Development at Dividend Homes, gave a verbal report. Commissioners asked questions which staff and the applicant responded to. Chair Kosolcharoen opened the public comment period and the following people spoke:  Rhoda Fry  Jennifer Griffin  Feng Li Chair Kosolcharoen closed the public comment period. Chair Kosolcharoen reopened the public comment period and the following people spoke: 8 PC 09-22-2026 8 of 290 Planning Commission Minutes September 8, 2026  Yao Lin Chair Kosolcharoen closed the public comment period. MOTION: Lindskog moved and Fung seconded to move the staff recommendation to: 1. Find the project statutorily exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); and 2. Make the required findings of No Net Loss (SB 166); and 3. Approve the project by: a. Adopting Resolution No. 26-XXX approving Use Permit (U-2025-005) (Attachment 1); b. Adopting Resolution No. 26-XXX approving Architectural & Site Approval Permit (ASA-2025-014) (Attachment 2); c. Adopting Resolution No. 26-XXX approving Tentative Final Map (TM-2025-006) (Attachment 3); and d. Adopting Resolution No. 26-XXX approving Tree Removal Permit (TR-2025-030) (Attachment 4). This motion was not voted on. FRIENDLY AMENDMENT: Kosolcharoen made a friendly amendment to the motion to have the applicant’s arborist work to cover gaps in the trees. This friendly amendment was not considered. SUBSTITUTE MOTION: Rao moved and Kosolcharoen seconded to have the applicant’s arborist work to cover gaps in the trees and move the staff recommendation to: 1. Find the project statutorily exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); and 2. Make the required findings of No Net Loss (SB 166); and 3. Approve the project by: a. Adopting Resolution No. 26-XXX approving Use Permit (U-2025-005) (Attachment 1); b. Adopting Resolution No. 26-XXX approving Architectural & Site Approval Permit (ASA-2025-014) (Attachment 2); c. Adopting Resolution No. 26-XXX approving Tentative Final Map (TM-2025-006) (Attachment 3); and d. Adopting Resolution No. 26-XXX approving Tree Removal Permit (TR-2025-030) (Attachment 4). The motion passed with the following vote: Ayes: Kosolcharoen, Scharf, Fung, Lindskog and Rao. Noes: None. Abstain: None. Absent: None. 9 PC 09-22-2026 9 of 290 Planning Commission Minutes September 8, 2026 OLD BUSINESS – None NEW BUSINESS – None STAFF AND COMMISSION REPORTS Planning Manager Piu Ghosh reported on the upcoming Health and Safety Element item. FUTURE AGENDA SETTING 3. Subject: Upcoming Draft Agenda Items A tentative Planning Commission meeting agenda calendar was provided in the published agenda. Commissioners added the following future agenda items.  (Rao, Scharf) Study session on a political sign ban ordinance. ADJOURNMENT At 8:09 p.m. Chair Kosolcharoen adjourned the regular Planning Commission meeting. Minutes prepared by: Lindsay Nelson, Administrative Assistant 10 PC 09-22-2026 10 of 290 CITY OF CUPERTINO Agenda Item Subject: General Plan Amendment to adopt amendments to Chapter 7 (Health and Safety) and Appendices D (Community Noise Fundamentals), and E (Geologic and Seismic Hazards) of the Cupertino General Plan:2015-2040 Community Vision, and a new Appendix H (Health and Safety Background Report) (Application No(s): GPA-2025-001; Applicant: City of Cupertino; APN (s)/Location: citywide) That the Planning Commission adopt the draft resolution (Attachment 1) recommending that the City Council: 1. Adopt amendments to Chapter 7 (Health and Safety) and Appendices D (Community Noise Fundamentals), and E (Geologic and Seismic Hazards), and a new Appendix H (Health and Safety Background Report) and 2. Find the actions exempt from CEQA. CITY OF CUPERTINO Printed on 9/17/2026Page 1 of 1 11 PC 09-22-2026 11 of 290 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT PLANNING DIVISION CITY HALL 10300 TORRE AVENUE • CUPERTINO, CA 95014-3255 TELEPHONE: (408) 777-3308 CUPERTINO.GOV PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT Meeting: September 22, 2026 Subject General Plan Amendment to adopt amendments to Chapter 7 (Health and Safety) and Appendices D (Community Noise Fundamentals), and E (Geologic and Seismic Hazards) of the Cupertino General Plan: 2015-2040 Community Vision, and a new Appendix H (Health and Safety Background Report) (Application No(s): GPA-2025-001; Applicant: City of Cupertino; APN(s)/Location: citywide) Recommended Actions That the Planning Commission adopt the draft resolution (Attachment 1) recommending that the City Council: 1. Adopt amendments to Chapter 7 (Health and Safety) and Appendices D (Community Noise Fundamentals) and E (Geologic and Seismic Hazards), and a new Appendix H (Health and Safety Background Report) and 2. Find the actions exempt from CEQA. Discussion Background The Health and Safety Element is a State-mandated element of the General Plan that addresses the threats posed by natural and human-caused hazards to Cupertino and establishes goals and policies to reduce risk to the community. The current Health and Safety Element was adopted in 2014. Since that time, State law has expanded requirements related to wildfire, flooding, climate change adaptation, and evacuation planning. The California Government Code Section 65302(g) requires all local jurisdictions to review and, as necessary, update their Safety Element upon each revision of the Housing Element or Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP), or at least once every eight years. The City‘s 2024 Housing Element update and adoption of the City’s Annex of the Santa Clara Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, triggered this update. Commission and Council Review and Public Input In 2025, City and PlaceWorks staff presented the broad policy areas described in the attached memo (Attachment 2) that would be the subject of the update to the Planning 12 PC 09-22-2026 12 of 290 Commission and Public Safety Commission at scheduled study sessions. Commissioners and members of the public provided comments on several policy areas, including clarification of distinctions between new and existing development standards, evacuation planning and emergency access, wildfire risk reduction and defensible space, emergency preparedness staffing and coordination, and climate resilience strategies, many of which were incorporated into the Public Draft. The Public Draft Health and Safety Element, released on February 11, 2026, ensured compliance with current State law, integrates climate vulnerability findings, incorporates detailed evacuation capacity analysis and mapping, reflects updated wildfire hazard designations, and strengthens policies addressing both new and existing developments across all major hazard categories. The Planning Commission held a study session on March 9, 20261 at which it recommended that the draft Element be revised to incorporate additional strategies from the evacuation study to increase evacuation route capacity, and to strengthen policies related to extreme heat. After close to two months of public review, the Public Draft was presented to the City Council at Study Sessions on May 19, 20262 and July 7, 20263. Councilmembers and members of the public provided verbal comments at the meetings and submitted written comments to City staff. Comments focused on emergency preparedness, evacuation, defensible space and wildfire risk reduction, extreme heat mitigation, community and freeway noise, and hazardous materials/contamination mapping and disclosure. Staff presented an updated Public Draft and made recommendations to address the comments received. City staff prepared a matrix of comments for the second City Council Study Session, detailing how all comments received and Staff’s recommendations for revisions based on those comments.4 The City Council reviewed the revised draft Health and Safety Element on July 7, 2026 and directed staff to submit it for required State agency reviews. 1 Meeting materials for the March 9, 2026 Planning Commission study session are available online here: https://cupertino.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=7939626&GUID=7AC99155 -0A72-4867-A7E1- 3E6AC39E8B2A&Options=&Search= or navigate to the Commission meeting at Cupertino.gov/agenda. 2 Meeting materials for the May 19, 2026 Council study session are available online here: https://cupertino.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=8027889&GUID=ADBDFC27 -7C0D-4E49-8A24- 538FC135D655&Options=&Search= or navigate to the Council meeting at Cupertino.gov/agenda. 3 Meeting materials for the July 7, 2026 Council study session are available online here: https://cupertino.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=8125388&GUID=9386D264 -85DF-43B9-AC4E- 4346C02BD56F&Options=&Search= or navigate to the Council at Cuperitno.gov/agenda. 4 The comment matrix presented at the second City Council Study Session can be accessed here: https://cupertino.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=8125388&GUID=9386D264 -85DF-43B9-AC4E- 4346C02BD56F&Options=&Search=%20or%20navigate%20to%20the%20Council%20at%20Cuperitno.gov/ agenda#docaccess-8c6fc0c03818c5832fd5aa0115d4cb62. 13 PC 09-22-2026 13 of 290 Analysis The updated Health and Safety Element and new Appendix H: Health and Safety Background Report ensures compliance with current State law, integrates climate vulnerability findings, incorporates detailed evacuation capacity analysis and mapping, reflects updated wildfire hazard designations, and strengthens policies addressing both new and existing development across all major hazard categories. As stated earlier, the attached memorandum from the City’s Consultant, PlaceWorks, summarizes the applicable California Government Code requirements, describes how the updated draft Health and Safety Element satisfies those requirements, and highlights key updates in the draft (Attachment 2). The edits to the General Plan are indicated in redlines in Attachment 3, and include redlines as a result of CAL Fire staff review discussed further below. It should be noted that during the public review of the Draft Health and Safety Element, several City Council, Planning Commission, and public comments requested changes to the City’s policies regarding applicability of the wildfire protection policies and actions to existing development, new development, and retrofits within the City’s adopted Fire Hazard Severity Zones. In considering these requests, as a first step, staff and consultants considered consistency of the requests with State codes and regulations. It was found that while the City may enact stricter standards than the State or , in other words, can “go beyond” what the State requires, it may not reduce requirements below the State minimum standards. The State has extensive requirements to limit fire spread and ensure accessibility, defensible space, water supply, vegetation management, and more for buildings constructed near wildland areas, which act as the minimum standard for new construction and remodels, as applicable. In addition to the adoption of the updated Health and Safety Element and associated background report, non-substantial amendments are being adopted to: 1. Appendix D: Community Noise Fundamentals, where an updated map is being adopted in compliance with state law. 2. Appendix E: Geologic and Seismic Hazards, where minor edits are being proposed for clarity and reflect updated mapping. State Agency Review Following direction at the July 7, 2026 City Council, staff submitted the draft Health and Safety Element for mandatory review by State agencies. Pursuant to Government Code Section 65302(g), jurisdictions that contain State Responsibility Area lands or Very High FHSZs in the Local Responsibility Area must submit draft Safety Element updates to the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection (Board of For estry) for review to ensure that wildfire policies are consistent with State fire hazard mapping, defensible space requirements, ignition-resistant construction standards, evacuation planning 14 PC 09-22-2026 14 of 290 requirements, and other wildfire risk reduction provisions. This review process has two phases: an informal review by CAL FIRE staff and a formal review by the Board of Forestry’s Resource Protection Committee. The City submitted the Health and Safety Element to CAL FIRE staff on July 13th. CAL FIRE staff evaluated whether the Health and Safety Element adequately addresses wildfire hazards and incorporates appropriate policies consistent with State law. During this review process, CAL FIRE staff comments resulted in the following changes to the Draft Health and Safety Element: ▪ Background Section: o Updated the web link to the Evacuation Route Capacity Assessment. o Added a description of the CZU Lightning Complex fire. o Added language confirming that no areas of Cupertino lack coverage for fire protection services. ▪ Policies: o Revised policies for new development and subdivisions in High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. o Added policies to ensure adequate access and road maintenance in hillside areas. o Revised policies for defensible space and roadside vegetation management. o Revised policies to ensure coordination of anticipated future locations of water supplies. Following informal review by CAL FIRE staff, the City submitted the draft Element to the Board of Forestry on August 21st for formal review. The Board of Forestry will review and provide comments on the Draft Element at its September 22nd meeting. Staff and consultants will provide an update on the Board of Forestry’s review at the Planning Commission meeting. Following completion of the Board of Forestry’s review process, staff advises against making revisions to the Draft as any significant revisions would trigger a second review by CAL FIRE and Board of Forestry, which could add 45-90 days to the project, which may also have budget impacts for the project. In addition, as required by State law, the City consulted with the California Geological Survey (CGS) and the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES). CGS provides technical comments regarding seismic and geologic hazard policies, including provisions addressing earthquake fault zones, liquefaction, landslides, and other geologic risks. The purpose of this review is to ensure that the Safety Element appropriately considers available mapping and current scientific information related to geologic and seismic hazards. Cal OES primarily provides comments regarding hazard mitigation coordination. This review supports alignment between the Safety Element, the local hazard mitigation plan, and broader emergency management and hazard mitigation planning efforts. Staff sent the Health and Safety Element to both agencies for 15 PC 09-22-2026 15 of 290 review on July 14th. City staff did not receive comments from CGS, and was notified by Cal OES on July 22nd that the draft Element is consistent with AB 2140’s guidance for integrating the Hazard Mitigation Plan into the General Plan. Tribal Consultation Pursuant to SB 18, City staff conducted formal consultation with California Native American tribes. Staff sent a request for the list of tribes to the California Native Heritage Commission (NAHC) on May 18, 2026. NAHC provided a list of nine tribes to contact. Letters were sent via mail and email to each contact provided on June 4, 2026. Staff received a response from the Tamien Nation on June 12, 2026. Staff initiated the consultation process with the Tribe on July 9, 2026 and met with a member of the Tamien Nation on August 28, 2026. The representative of the Tribe indicated that since the project is not a development proposal, which could cause ground-disturbing activity, they did not have any comments on the proposed policy amendments. The consultation meeting did not result in changes to the draft Health and Safety Element. California Environmental Quality Act The Health and Safety Element update qualifies for a CEQA exemption under the common-sense exemption set forth in CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3). This exemption applies where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility the activity may have a significant effect on the environment. The CEQA Exemption Memorandum is provided as Attachment 4. Key findings include: ▪ The Health and Safety Element update is a program-level policy document establishing a framework for addressing hazards and does not commit the jurisdiction to any specific development action. ▪ The update does not include land use or zoning changes, does not increase development potential, and does not grant entitlements for development projects. ▪ No provisions of the update would result in direct or indirect population growth or place additional demands on natural resources, public services, or infrastructure. ▪ Future implementation actions that could affect the environment, such as code amendments, capital projects, or other physical improvements, would be subject to separate CEQA review at the time they are prepared, as applicable. Next Steps The draft Health and Safety Element will be presented to the City Council after Planning Commission’s recommendation. Following adoption of the Health and Safety Element by the City Council, staff will file all state required documentation and prepare the document for final production and online publication. Prepared by: Piu Ghosh, Planning Manager Jacqueline Prostman Rohr, Senior Associate, PlaceWorks Eli Krispi, Senior Associate, PlaceWorks 16 PC 09-22-2026 16 of 290 Tammy L. Seale, Principal, PlaceWorks Reviewed and Approved for Submission by: Luke Connolly, Assistant Director of Community Development Attachments: 1 – Draft Resolution (Draft Health and Safety Element and Appendices D, E and H) 2 – Memo from PlaceWorks describing policy areas being updated in Draft Health and Safety Element 3 – Redlined General Plan Chapter 7 and Appendix E 4 – CEQA Exemption Memo prepared by PlaceWorks dated September 15, 2026 17 PC 09-22-2026 17 of 290 CITY OF CUPERTINO 10300 Torre Avenue Cupertino, California 95014 DRAFT RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF CUPERTINO RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL ADOPT A RESOLUTION ADOPTING A GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT TO UPDATE THE HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT AND ASSOCIATED AMENDMENTS TO REFLECT THE UDPATES TO THE HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT The Planning Commission recommends approval of the General Plan Amendments (GPA- 2025-001) with the findings reflected in the Draft Resolution attached hereto as Exhibit GPA. PASSED AND ADOPTED this 22nd day of September 2026, at a Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission of the City of Cupertino by the following roll call vote: AYES: NOES: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: ATTEST: APPROVED: Piu Ghosh Tracy Kosolcharoen, Chair Planning Manager Planning Commission 18 PC 09-22-2026 18 of 290 RESOLUTION NO._________ A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF CUPERTINO RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL ADOPT A RESOLUTION ADOPTING A GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT TO UPDATE THE HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT AND ASSOCIATED AMENDMENTS TO REFLECT THE UDPATES TO THE HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT SECTION I: PROJECT DESCRIPTION Application No: GPA-2025-001 Applicant: City of Cupertino Location: Citywide/Various locations SECTION II: RECITALS WHEREAS, pursuant to California Government Code Section 65300, each city and county in California must adopt a comprehensive, long-term general plan addressing the physical development of the county or city, and any land outside its boundaries which in the agency’s judgment bears relation to its planning; and WHEREAS, California Government Code Section 65302 identifies seven mandatory elements which all city and county general plans must include (land use, circulation, conservation, open space, noise, safety and housing); and WHEREAS, Cupertino General Plan: Community Vision 2015 – 2040 was adopted by the City Council in 2015 and has been amended from time to time as needed; and WHEREAS, Senate Bill (SB) 1241, codified in California Government Code Section 65302(g)(3), requires local agencies with land classified as State Responsibility Areas or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones to review and update their general plan safety element to address wildfire risks; and WHEREAS, SB 379, codified in California Government Code Section 65302(g)(4), requires that local agencies update their general plan safety element to address climate adaptation and resiliency: and WHEREAS, SB 99, codified in California Government Code Section 65302(g)(5) requires that local agencies update their general plan safety element to identify residential developments in any hazard area identified in the safety element that do not have at least two emergency evacuation routes; and 19 PC 09-22-2026 19 of 290 WHEREAS, AB 2684, codified in California Government Code Section 65302.16 requires that local agencies review and update the general plan safety element to address extreme heat as a hazard of concern; and WHEREAS, Assembly Bill (AB) 747 and AB 1409, codified in California Government Code Section 65302.15 requires local agencies identify evacuation routes and their capacity, safety, and viability and evacuation locations under a range of emergency scenarios; and WHEREAS, SB 1035 and SB 379, requires that the City review the Safety Element and update it as needed upon updates to the Housing Element or Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, or at least once every eight years; and WHEREAS, Cupertino’s Health and Safety element (“Safety Element”) is completely within Chapter 6 and Appendices D and E of Cupertino General Plan: Community Vision 2015-2040; and WHEREAS, the Safety Element integrates and incorporates by reference the current Santa Clara County Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, including the City of Cupertino Annex, approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in accordance with California Government Code Sections 8685.9. 65302, and 65302.6; and WHEREAS, the Safety Element integrates and incorporates all required updates and amendments related to climate adaptation and resiliency, extreme heat concerns, evacuation route locations, capacity, safety and viability required pursuant to California Government Code Sections 65302(g)(4), 65302(g)(5), 65302.14 and 65302.16; and WHEREAS, there have been numerous opportunities for members of the public to participate in the development of the Safety Element update, including multiple Planning Commission, Public Safety Commission and City Council Study Sessions held on July 8, 2025, July 10, 2025, March 9, 2026, May 19, 2026, and July 7, 2026; and WHEREAS, a public review draft of the Safety Element was published in February 2026, with an extended comment period through May 8, 2026; and WHEREAS, on June 4, 2026, as provided in California Government Code Sections 65352 -- 65352.5, the City mailed a public notice to all California Native American tribes provided by the Native American Heritage Commission, and the City completed consultation with the Tamien Nation on August 28, 2026; and WHEREAS, on July 14, 2026, notice was sent to the California Geological Survey and the California Office of Emergency Services in accordance with California Government Code Section 65302; and WHEREAS, on August 21, 2026, the Safety Element was submitted to the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection in accordance with California Government Code 20 PC 09-22-2026 20 of 290 Section 65302.5 and formally reviewed by the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection on September 22, 2026; and WHEREAS, the Safety Element was developed in consultation with emergency service providers and members of the public, was reviewed by CAL FIRE, the Board of Forestry, the California Geological Survey, and the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services; and reflects best practices outlined in the State's General Plan Guidelines and Technical Advisories; and WHEREAS, the Safety Element Update project qualifies for a CEQA exemption under the common-sense exemption set forth in CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), as it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the project may have a significant effect on the environment; and WHEREAS, in accordance with Government Code Section 65353(c) and Section 65091(a)(4), on September 17, 2026, the City published notice of the Planning Commission’s hearing on the proposed amendments to the Safety Element in the Cupertino Courier, a newspaper of general local circulation; and WHEREAS, notices describing the Planning Commission's public hearing on the proposed amendments to the Safety Element were sent to each local agency expected to provide water, sewage, streets, roads, schools, and other essential facilities or services in Cupertino, whose ability to provide those facilities and services may be affected and to those entities listed in Government Code Section 65352; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing for careful consideration of all maps, facts, exhibits, correspondence, testimony, and other evidence submitted in this matter, and receipt of public testimony on the proposed amendments to the Safety Element at issue herein; and WHEREAS, on September 22, 2026, the Planning Commission recommended on a X-X vote that the City Council adopt the General Plan Amendment (GPA-2025-001), in substantially similar form to the Resolution presented (Resolution No. ______) and that the Notice of Exemption has been prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15260; and WHEREAS, on October 20, 2026, the Cupertino City Council conducted a duly noticed public hearing with careful consideration of all maps, facts, exhibits, correspondence, and testimony, and other evidence submitted in this matter; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Cupertino is the decision-making body for this Resolution. 21 PC 09-22-2026 21 of 290 SECTION III: RESOLUTIONS NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that, after careful consideration of the maps, facts, exhibits, testimony and other evidence submitted in this matter, and based on the preceding findings, the City Council hereby finds and determines the following: 1. The foregoing recitals are true and correct and are incorporated by reference into this action. 2. Adopts amendments to the General Plan (Application No. GPA-2025-001), including amendments to Chapter 7 (Health and Safety) and Appendices D (Community Noise Fundamentals), and E (Geologic and Seismic Hazards), and adoption of a new Appendix H (Health and Safety Background Report), as shown in Exhibits GPA-1 – GPA-4, which are incorporated herein by reference as part of this resolution; and 3. The Health and Safety Element is internally consistent with other elements of the Cupertino General Plan. 4. This action is exempt from CEQA. 5. Authorizes the staff to make any grammatical, typographical, numbering, and formatting changes in the amended Chapters necessary to assist in production of the final published General Plan. PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Cupertino this ____day of _________, ____, by the following vote: Members of the City Council AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: ___________ Kitty Moore, Mayor City of Cupertino ________________________ Date 22 PC 09-22-2026 22 of 290 ATTEST: _____________ Lauren Sapudar, City Clerk ________________________ Date 23 PC 09-22-2026 23 of 290  EXHIBIT - GPA-1 24 PC 09-22-2026 24 of 290 Introduction Community health and public safety responsibilities evolve to address the community’s growth and changing needs. The City is committed to maintaining a high level of preparedness to protect the community from risks to life, property, and the environment associated with both natural and human-caused disasters and hazards. In the future, more emphasis will be placed on sustainable approaches to community health and safety, including crime and fire prevention through design, improved use of technology, management of hazardous materials, and improved disaster planning. This Element includes goals, policies, and strategies that address the potential risks associated with these hazards, actions the City can take to reduce these risks, and ways the City and community can take more sustainable approaches for preventing or minimizing injuries to life and damages to property. CONTENTS: Introduction Overview Goals, Policies, and Strategies Emergency Preparedness and Response Electromagnetic Fields Seismic and Geologic Hazards 25 PC 09-22-2026 25 of 290 OVERVIEW PURPOSE AND CONTENT The Health and Safety Element includes the City’s goals, policies, and strategies to minimize health and safety hazards and increase resilience in Cupertino. Section 65302(g) of the California Government Code requires that the Health and Safety Element contain background information and policies to address multiple natural hazards, an analysis of vulnerabilities from climate change, policies to improve climate change resilience, and an assessment of residential areas with evacuation constraints. The health and safety issues in Cupertino include the following:  Emergency preparedness and response  Fire hazards  Hazardous waste and materials  Electromagnetic fields  Seismic and geologic hazards  Flood and inundation hazards  Climate change resilience  Noise This element is supported by the Health and Safety Element Background Report (Appendix H), which provides detailed information for each of the health and safety issues. RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER LOCAL PLANS AND REGULATIONS Cupertino General Plan’s Health and Safety Element is one of several plans that address community safety and related topics. Other City plans include the Santa Clara County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (Hazard Mitigation Plan), the Santa Clara County Community Wildfire Protection Plan, the Cupertino Climate Action Plan, and various local regulations. The Health and Safety Element is consistent with these other plans and integrates them as appropriate to ensure that the City has a unified strategy to address public safety and resilience issues. GENERAL PLAN ELEMENTS The Health and Safety Element provides policy direction and safety improvements that complement the intent and policies of other General Plan elements. How land uses are determined in areas prone to natural hazards, what regulations limit development in these areas, and how hazards are mitigated for existing development are all issues that tie the elements together. For instance, the Recreation, Parks, and Community Services Element must consider how hazards will affect the park and recreation infrastructure and facilities in Cupertino but also recognize that parks can provide strategies to reduce flood risks throughout the city. The Housing Element is also closely tied to the Health and Safety Element. Future potential development in the city must be protected from hazards and be able to adapt to climate change hazards to ensure homes and the people living in them remain safe. Health and Safety 26 PC 09-22-2026 26 of 290 Element policies, especially those concerning evacuation routes and critical facilities, must also be consistent with those of the Mobility Element. Interstate 280 and State Route 85 are Cupertino’s primary evacuation routes, supported by routes designated as arterials in the City’s Mobility Element. SANTA CLARA COUNTY MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN The 2023 Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan assesses the risk of hazards and vulnerabilities from natural and human-caused hazards, including risk to people and facilities, and identifies short-term (five-year) mitigation actions to reduce or eliminate hazard risks. The Hazard Mitigation Plan includes a dedicated annex for the City of Cupertino, which discusses Cupertino’s characteristics and history, development trends, hazard mitigation capabilities, integration with other hazard mitigation planning efforts, and vulnerabilities of specific facilities and infrastructure. Santa Clara County led the preparation of the Hazard Mitigation Plan in collaboration with the City and other local agencies and special districts, in accordance with the federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 and the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s hazard mitigation assistance guidance. The City Council adopted the Cupertino annex on October 1, 2024. The current Hazard Mitigation Plan, including Cupertino’s annex, as certified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, is incorporated into this Health and Safety Element by reference, as permitted by California Government Code Section 65302.6. It is available online at: www.cupertino.org/emergencyplans. SANTA CLARA COUNTY COMMUNITY WILDFIRE PROTECTION PLAN The 2023 Santa Clara County Community Wildfire Protection Plan is a plan is to reduce fire hazards through increased information and education about wildfires, hazardous fuels reduction, actions to reduce structure ignitability, and other recommendations to assist emergency preparedness and fire- suppression efforts. The Santa Clara County Fire Department (Fire Department) prepared and published this plan, in collaboration with the Community Wildfire Protection Plan Core Team, made up of representatives of Santa Clara County organizations, including the City. The Santa Clara County Community Wildfire Protection Plan complements local agreements and existing plans for wildfire protection to coordinate efforts in determining appropriate fire management actions. The Community Wildfire Protection Plan is available online at: www.cupertino.org/emergencyplans. 27 PC 09-22-2026 27 of 290 CITY OF CUPERTINO CLIMATE ACTION PLAN On August 16, 2022, the Cupertino City Council adopted the City’s Climate Action Plan 2.0 to address climate change challenges. Cupertino’s goal is to reduce the City’s greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by the year 2040. The Climate Action Plan describes a series of community-wide measures and actions that will aid the City in reducing greenhouse gas emissions to meet community goals. The Climate Action Plan includes topics such as energy, transportation, waste, water, plants and animals, and natural systems, as well as an adaptation chapter that is intended to help residents prepare for extreme weather events and the impacts of a changing climate. The Climate Action Plan is viewed as a strategic framework that will be re-evaluated regularly. The Climate Action Plan has targeted communitywide carbon neutrality by 2040 in line with the emergency climate declaration made by the City Council in 2018 and in support of state and international climate goals. The Climate Action Plan 2.0 is available online at: https://www.cupertino.gov/Your-City/Divisions/Environment-Sustainability/Climate-Action. CLIMATE CHANGE VULNERABILITY Changes to the global climate system are expected to affect future occurrences of natural hazards in and around Cupertino. Many hazards are projected to become more frequent and intense in coming years and decades, and in some cases, these trends have already begun. According to California’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment, Cupertino can expect to experience various changes from climate- related hazard events. Climate change is expected to lead to an increase in wildfires in the surrounding area and across Santa Clara County due to hotter and drier conditions. Across the region, more frequent and intense wildfires may also create poor air quality for Cupertino. Warmer temperatures are projected to cause an increase in extreme heat events. The number of extreme heat days, defined in Cupertino as a day when the high temperature is at least 93.2 degrees Fahrenheit (°F), is expected to rise from a historical annual average of 5 to 14 days by the middle of the century (2035 to 2064), and an average of 24 days by the end of the century (2070 to 2099). Both droughts and floods are expected to become more frequent as rainfall is likely to occur in fewer, more intense storms. Climate change is expected to cause an increase in heavy rainfall, which may also contribute to an increased risk of landslides in the hills around Cupertino. Climate change can increase infection rates from various diseases because many of the animals that carry diseases are more active during warmer weather. Warmer temperatures earlier in the spring and later in the winter can cause these animals to be active for extended periods, increasing the time these diseases can be transmitted. What is vulnerability? Vulnerability is the degree to which natural, built, and human systems are susceptible to harm from exposure to stresses associated with environmental and social change and from the absence of a capacity to adapt. Source: California Governor’s Oﬃce of Emergency Services. 2022. California Adaptation Planning Guide. https://www.caloes.ca.gov/climate. 28 PC 09-22-2026 28 of 290 VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT Under California law (California Government Code Section 65302[g]), the Health and Safety Element is required to include a vulnerability assessment of how people, buildings, infrastructure, and other key community assets may be affected by climate change. The City of Cupertino conducted a Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment as part of preparation of the Safety Element, which assessed how eight different climate-related hazards (air quality and smoke, drought, extreme heat, flooding, human health hazards, landslides, severe storms, and wildfire) may affect 45 different population groups and community assets. Each population or asset received a score of low, medium, or high vulnerability for each climate-related hazard. Cupertino’s Vulnerability Assessment is included in the Health and Safety Element Background Report, Appendix H of the City’s General Plan. The Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment found that Cupertino’s populations and assets are most vulnerable to flooding, extreme heat, and wildfire. Overall, residents in Cupertino tend to be most vulnerable to extreme heat, human health hazards, and flooding, which directly affect health outcomes. The most vulnerable population groups include those with chronic illness and/or disabilities, seniors living alone, households in poverty, and persons experiencing homelessness. Infrastructure and key services are also highly vulnerable, especially energy delivery and communication infrastructure, the transportation network and public transit services, and water and wastewater services, which can be disrupted by flooding that causes roadways to become impassable, extreme heat events that strain electricity transmission lines, and severe storms that cause Public Safety Power Shutoffs. To increase community resilience and help lower vulnerability, the Health and Safety Element includes goals, policies, and strategies, several of which are particular to the populations and assets identified to be highly vulnerable in the Vulnerability Assessment. PUBLIC SAFETY ISSUES The City’s commitment to public safety encompasses two broad areas of responsibility: (1) provide public safety services, including preparing a response for emergencies such as natural disasters or structure fires; and (2) plan for a safe environment in which the public is not exposed to unnecessary risks to life and property. There are multiple areas in which the City develops policies and strategies to address Public Safety Issues as further described below. EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE Emergencies can severely impact the health of a community and a city or agency’s ability to provide needed services. Emergencies can include natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and forest fires, or other events such as infrastructure disruptions, security incidents, and hazardous spills. Emergency preparedness includes activities that are undertaken before an emergency occurs so there is an effective and coordinated response. Emergency response accounts for actions taken after an emergency or disaster to minimize the negative effects, such as evacuation, emergency communication, 29 PC 09-22-2026 29 of 290 and coordinating first responders. Emergency preparedness and response require the integration of the following elements into each of the City’s functions: emergency planning, coordination, mitigation, training, and public education. The City, its contributing agencies, and the community are partners in ensuring that emergency planning is effectively implemented. LOCAL EMERGENCY RESPONSE The City of Cupertino’s Office of Emergency Management, Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office West Valley Patrol Division, and Santa Clara County Fire Department conduct emergency preparedness activities in Cupertino. City of Cupertino’s Oﬃce of Emergency Management The City’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) works to mitigate risks, to prepare, respond, and recover from emergencies affecting the city. OEM works with the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office and Santa Clara County Fire Department to conduct emergency response activities in Cupertino. OEM coordinates several volunteer programs vital to the community’s preparedness and resilience. These programs include the Cupertino Citizen Corps, Block Leaders, and Neighborhood Watch. These initiatives engage residents in proactive measures to safeguard their neighborhoods, ensuring a robust community response in the face of emergencies. The OEM conducts regular community training sessions, equipping residents with essential disaster preparedness and response skills. For instance, the Cupertino Citizen Corps oﬀers Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training courses, which prepare volunteers to assist during emergencies and provide CPR and ﬁrst aid certiﬁcation. The Block Leaders program also trains residents to organize and support their immediate community, fostering a network of informed and prepared individuals. Citywide exercises are essential for the OEM, simulating disaster scenarios to help oﬃcials, ﬁrst responders, and volunteers practice their response strategies. These exercises ensure everyone knows their roles and can act promptly during emergencies. The OEM collaborates closely with City departments and public safety agencies to provide a uniﬁed and coordinated response. The OEM also focuses on planning and protocol development and drafting and updating emergency response plans that align with state and federal guidelines. These plans cover various hazards, including earthquakes, ﬂoods, and wildﬁres, ensuring swift and eﬀective recovery after an emergency. The collaborative eﬀorts with City departments and public safety agencies ensure comprehensive coverage and eﬃciency. By fostering a culture of preparedness and community involvement and working closely with City departments and public safety agencies, the OEM plays a crucial role in safeguarding Cupertino's residents, infrastructure, and services from potential hazards. Santa Clara County Sheriﬀ’s Oﬃce The Santa Clara County Sheriﬀ’s Oﬃce, speciﬁcally the West Valley Patrol Division of the Santa Clara County Sheriﬀ’s Oﬃce, provides law enforcement services to the City of Cupertino in addition to the cities of 30 PC 09-22-2026 30 of 290 Saratoga and Los Altos Hills, and the western unincorporated county areas from Summit Road to Moﬀett Field. The West Valley Patrol Division provides progressive law enforcement services and works towards maintaining healthy community partnerships. The Sheriﬀ's Oﬃce is integral to Cupertino's emergency response framework. In natural disasters, accidents, or other emergencies, the West Valley Division collaborates with the Oﬃce of Emergency Management and the Fire Department to coordinate evacuations and manage emergencies to deliver a swift, coordinated response. The Santa Clara County Sheriﬀ’s Oﬃce strives to maintain high standards for their response times to ensure that critical situations are addressed promptly, enhancing the safety and security of the community, as follows:  Priority 1 incidents, which include emergencies requiring immediate response, the expected response time is within five minutes.  Priority 2 incidents, which involve urgent but not life-threatening situations, have a target response time of under nine minutes.  For Priority 3 incidents, which are non-emergency calls, the Sheriff's Office aims to respond within 20 minutes. The Sheriﬀ's Oﬃce also participates in public safety education programs, informing residents about crime prevention, personal safety, and emergency preparedness. Deputies routinely participate in community events across all cities in this endeavor. Santa Clara County Fire Department Firefighting and emergency medical services are provided to Cupertino by the Santa Clara County Fire Department through three fire stations:  Cupertino Fire Station at 20215 Stevens Creek Boulevard  Monta Vista Fire Station at 22620 Stevens Creek Boulevard  Seven Springs Fire Station at 21000 Seven Springs Parkway Figure HS-1 shows the location of ﬁre stations and their service areas in Cupertino. 31 PC 09-22-2026 31 of 290 FIRE SERVICE 32 PC 09-22-2026 32 of 290 Santa Clara County Fire Department is a full service, all-risk, “all hazard” fire department that provides similar services to six other West Valley cities and adjacent unincorporated county areas. The Santa Clara County Fire Department is an internationally accredited agency through the Commission on Fire Accreditation International; therefore, frequently monitors and reviews multiple performance metrics to assure prompt and efficient delivery of firefighting resources to all emergencies based on risk. These metrics are compiled into the Department’s Community Risk Assessment -Standards of Cover document available on the Santa Clara County Fire Department website. The current performance benchmark is when fire apparatus arrives on scene to an emergency incident is:  Structure fire incidents, the first unit should arrive within 7 minutes, 40 seconds, 90 percent of the time.  Emergency medical incidents and non-structure fires, the first unit should arrive within 8 minutes, 40 seconds, 90 percent of the time. These times are from when the incident is acknowledged at the dispatch center, a unit(s) are dispatched, responds, and arrives on scene. Increases in population density will lead to an increase in service demand and potentially traffic congestion. This will impact the Fire Department’s critical response times, and the Department may need to adjust or expand staffing levels and equipment in areas of high service demand in the future. The Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Division provides comprehensive fire/life safety plan review for land development, new building construction, interior remodel projects, fire suppression, and fire alarm systems. The Division’s staff also perform construction inspections to ensure that completed projects conform to State and local fire safety regulations. In addition to conducting construction-related plan reviews and inspections, the Santa Clara County Fire Department provides annual occupancy and special event inspections, Defensible Space Inspections, and also offers community educational programs, such as those on Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and first aid certification. The Fire Department also provides first response Advanced Life Support paramedic level services to Cupertino. through an exclusive operating area agreement between the County of Santa Clara and Rural/Metro of California, Inc., d/b/a American Medical Response. The Department maintains a Santa Clara County Emergency Medical Service Multi-Casualty Incident supply trailer for large-scale emergency medical incidents and is a participant in Master Mutual Aid in the event of major disasters. In the event of a wildfire or an emergency, the Fire Department can issue evacuation warnings or evacuation orders in coordination with the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office and Cupertino’s Office of Emergency Management. 33 PC 09-22-2026 33 of 290 EMERGENCY PLANNING The State of California requires all state, regional, and local agencies and utilities, including the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and Santa Clara Valley Water District, to maintain their own emergency plans relating to the infrastructure they install and maintain. The City of Cupertino’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) coordinates citywide emergency planning and protocol development. Additionally, State law requires cities to prepare an emergency plan to effectively respond to natural or human-caused disasters that threaten lives, the natural environment, or property. In the event of an emergency, the City would implement the Cupertino Emergency Operations Plan and rely on State, regional, and local agencies to implement their emergency operations plans, with the City supporting as needed. The Cupertino Emergency Operations Plan establishes an organizational framework to enable the City to manage its emergency response activities and to coordinate with County, State, and federal agencies. The Emergency Operations Plan was prepared in accordance with the National Incident Management System and is used in conjunction with the State Emergency Plan, the Santa Clara Operational Disaster Response and Recovery Area Interim Agreement, Santa Clara County Emergency Operations Plan, as well as plans and Standard Operating Procedures of contract agencies and special districts. The City reviews the Emergency Operations Plan annually and conducts periodic emergency disaster drills to ensure the plan is effective. When an incident occurs anywhere in Cupertino, the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office and/or the Santa Clara County Fire Department will be the first to arrive at the scene, where they will implement the incident command system (ICS) and determine which agencies and resources need to be involved. Support personnel, such as City staff, special districts, and volunteer groups, are trained to perform specific functions in ICS and the Emergency Operations Center. The City maintains the Cupertino Alert, Warning, and Notification Program, which provides critical alerts and warnings to the public while sharing information among City departments and partner agencies before, during, and after an emergency. The Alert, Warning, and Notification Program is designed to help the City’s departments effectively coordinate information sharing and provide alerts, warnings and notification to the public before, during, and after any emergency or situation. To reach as many people as possible with crucial information, the City’s emergency alert, warning, and notification plan includes several information methods, such as the Emergency Alert and Warning System (AlertSCC, Genasys Protect), Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), Cupertino.org, the City Channel (TV), Radio Cupertino, and social media sites such as Nextdoor, Facebook and X. AlertSCC is capable of notifying anyone who lives or works in Cupertino that is impacted by, or is in danger of being impacted by, an emergency. Alerts are distributed through AlertSCC via voice or text messages to cell phones, home phones, personal digital assistants, laptops, desktop computers, and Teletypewriter/Telecommunications Devices for the Deaf (TTY/TDD) devices for the hearing impaired. IPAWS, FEMA's national alert system, is an online tool enabling jurisdictions to send emergency alerts to 34 PC 09-22-2026 34 of 290 the public. It enables emergency officials to issue effective warnings during serious emergencies using the Emergency Alert System, Wireless Emergency Alerts, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio. The City also uses volunteers to disseminate public information about extreme weather events through an outreach program called Raising Awareness of Community Hazards. EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER The City’s Emergency Operations Center is located on the first floor of City Hall, with an alternative location in the Service Center on Mary Avenue. The staffing and duties of the Emergency Operations Center are actively managed through the City’s Emergency Operations Plan. Capabilities include emergency backup power, computer network and internet access, and telephone and radio communications to City and County sites. It should be noted that due to structural deficiencies at the existing City Hall location, there may be additional physical and seismic improvements required to City Hall building to ensure that it can continue to meet the requirements of an Emergency Operations Center. Additional communication support is provided by volunteers from Cupertino Amateur Radio Emergency Service (CARES). CARES volunteers coordinate extensive citywide communications capabilities, including helping to connect neighbors, public safety officials, special districts, the City, and County departments. DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS AND OTHER VOLUNTEERS All City employees are designated Disaster Service Workers under Section 3100 of the California Government Code during declared emergencies. They may be required to remain at work as long as they are needed, and receive specific training in personal and home preparedness, First Aid, CPR, National Incident Management System, and Terrorism Awareness. Volunteer groups also play an important role in the City’s Emergency Operations Plan. Citizen Corps members (CARES, CERT, and Medical Reserve Corps) continue to receive appropriate training and equipment to rapidly respond throughout the city and augment professional first responders. Unregistered and untrained volunteers may be utilized and trained, as needed during a disaster. EMERGENCY EVACUATION With advanced warning, evacuation can effectively reduce injury and loss of life during a catastrophic event. Emergency evacuations can be triggered by a number of hazard events, especially wildfire and flooding, with the main goal of providing information to support residents and employees leaving a hazardous area in an orderly fashion. As shown in Figure HS-2, primary emergency access and evacuation routes include Interstate 280, which intersects the city from the northwest to the east along the northern portion of the city, State Route 85, which intersects the city from the north to southeast through the central portion of the city, and other local roadways that connect to these primary 35 PC 09-22-2026 35 of 290 evacuation routes. It is important to note that the recommended evacuation routes in any given situation will depend on the specifics of the emergency. The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Department manages evacuation events in Cupertino in coordination with the City’s Emergency Manager and Santa Clara County Fire Department. During an evacuation event the City and County Sheriff ’s Department use the online Genasys Protect platform to identify evacuation zones and send out notifications to residents in those zones with evacuation warnings and/or orders. Evacuation orders and warnings are also sent out through AlertSCC emergency notification platform. There are 34 contiguous evacuation zones in the city. Maps of each zone are available through the City’s website: www.cupertino.gov/evacuation. California Government Code Section 65302(g)(5) requires cities to identify evacuation constrained residential parcels in hazard areas that do not have at least two emergency evacuation routes. Nearly all parcels in the city are in at least one hazard zone. Figure HS-3 shows residential parcels with evacuation constraints. This includes residential parcels located on a single access road and parcels in cul-de-sac neighborhoods with 10 parcels or more. As shown on Figure HS-3, evacuation constrained residential parcels in the western portion of Cupertino are also within Fire Hazard Severity Zones. The lack of multiple emergency access points limits roadway access for these properties, which may create difficulties if there is a need to evacuate. California Government Code Section 65302.15 requires Safety Elements to identify evacuation routes and their capacity, safety, and viability and evacuation locations under a range of emergency scenarios. In coordination with the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office and Santa Clara County Fire Department, the City conducted an Evacuation Route Capacity Assessment in October 2025 in compliance with Government Code Section 65302.15. The assessment evaluates the capacity, safety, and viability of evacuation routes and locations under three wildfire evacuation scenarios, assuming that evacuations would occur in the western portions of Cupertino:  Scenario A: A wildfire evacuation in the Fall at 2:00pm and all roadways would be open.  Scenario B: A wildfire were to occur after an earthquake, and evacuation would occur in the Summer at 6:00pm with road closures.  Scenario C: A wildfire were to occur after an earthquake, and evacuation would occur in the Fall at 2:00pm with road closures. Based on these three scenarios, the assessment defines the evacuation area, evacuation routes, and estimates vehicle trips. The assessment found that each scenario would have varying capacity and viability constraints due to the number of evacuees, type of evacuees, and potential road closures. It is important to note that emergency scenarios are often unpredictable, and it is anticipated that evacuees would vacate at a rate that closely resembles a bell curve from the time an evacuation order is issued. The Evacuation Route Capacity Assessment is available for review on the City’s website: https://cupertino.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=8027889&GUID=ADBDFC27-7C0D-4E49-8A24- 538FC135D655&Options=&Search=#docaccess-43d31256e884721836b2ef28e7cc3786. 36 PC 09-22-2026 36 of 290 POTENTIAL EVACUATION ROUTES 37 PC 09-22-2026 37 of 290 3 EVACUATION CONSTRAINED 38 PC 09-22-2026 38 of 290 FIRE HAZARDS Fire hazards include wildfires and urban fires. The combination of complex terrain, climate, vegetation, and development patterns contribute to an elevated risk of wildfire. Historically, the fire season extended from early summer through late fall of each year during the hotter, drier months, although it is increasingly a hazard that can occur year-round. Fire conditions arise from a combination of high temperatures, low moisture content in the air and plant matter, an accumulation of vegetation, and high winds. Two types of fires are of concern to Cupertino: wildfires and structural fires. WILDFIRES Wildfires occur on mountains, hillsides, and grasslands. Fuel, weather, and topography are primary factors that affect how wildland fires spread. In and around Cupertino, grassland and woodland habitat provide highly flammable fuel that is conducive to wildfires. Due to Cupertino’s geographic location, it is exposed to hazards from both wildland and urban fires. There are approximately 16 square miles of hillsides included in and around the boundary of the city. These areas include State Responsibility Area (SRA) lands west of the city, such as Rancho San Antonio Open Space, Picchetti Ranch Open Space, Saratoga Creek County Park, and Sanborn County Park, as well as Local Responsibility Area (LRA) lands, including McClellan Ranch Preserve, Stevens Creek County Park, Fremont Older Open Space, residential neighborhoods along the western hillsides of the city, and the hillsides of Saratoga. There is limited information on historic fires in the Cupertino area. However, there is no recorded history of wildfires within the city. The closest known wildfire was the Stevens Fire which occurred on August 30, 2007. This wildfire burned 151 acres in the dry brush-covered hills near Stevens Creek Canyon southwest of Cupertino. In 2020, the CZU Lightning Complex fire burned near the western border of Santa Clara County and Cupertino. While this fire was outside of Santa Clara County, it caused severe smoke impacts for Cupertino and surrounding communities. Changing climate conditions are expected to increase the fire risk in and around Cupertino. For instance, warmer temperatures brought on by climate change can exacerbate drought conditions and droughts Fire Hazard Severity Zones and Responsibility Areas CAL FIRE designates Fire Hazard Severity Zones, which may be designated Very High, High, or Moderate. Several factors are considered, including ﬁre history, existing and potential vegetation fuel, ﬂame length, blowing embers, terrain, and weather patterns for the area. CAL FIRE designates Fire Hazard Severity Zones in two types of areas depending on which level of government is ﬁnancially responsible for ﬁre protection. Local Responsibility Areas: Incorporated communities are ﬁnancially responsible for wildﬁre protection. State Responsibility Areas: CAL FIRE and contracted counties are ﬁnancially responsible for wildﬁre protection. 39 PC 09-22-2026 39 of 290 can kill or dry out plants, creating more fuel for wildfires. Increased winds can result in more erratic fire behavior, making fires harder to contain. Warmer temperatures are also expected to occur later in the year, extending the wildfire season, which is likely to begin earlier in the year and extend later than it has historically. FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONE The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) establishes Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZs) in both state responsibility area (SRA) and local responsibility areas (LRA), designating each as moderate, high, or very high severity. These zones evaluate hazard, instead of risk, and are based on fuel loading, slope, fire weather, and other relevant factors, such as areas where winds have been identified as a major cause of wildfire spread. Hazard is based on the physical conditions that create a likelihood and expected fire behavior over a 30 to 50-year period without considering hazard reduction measures such as home hardening, whether a wildfire has recently occurred, or fuel reduction efforts. The State identifies the Wildland-Urban Interface or WUI as the Moderate, High, and Very High FHSZs in State and Local Responsibility Areas. Development in the Very High FHSZs, and where applicable within Moderate or High FHSZs as determined by local fire code adoption, must comply with additional State and local requirements for building and site design, including the latest provisions of the California Building Code, California Residential Code, California Fire Code, and the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code. Figure HS-4 shows the FHSZs in and around Cupertino. In June 2025, the City adopted the Local Responsibility Area FHSZ map into Cupertino Municipal Code Chapter 16.74, Wildland Urban Interface Fire Area. During the review and adoption process, the City revised the State’s recommended Local Responsibility Area FHSZ to ensure that only one FHSZ applied to each applicable parcel. Where CAL FIRE identified multiple FHSZs on a single parcel, the City upgraded the designation to the higher of the zones, to ensure consistency in implementation of fire hazard reduction measures. 40 PC 09-22-2026 40 of 290 FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES 41 PC 09-22-2026 41 of 290 The City requires that all emergency roads be constructed in accordance with locally adopted Fire Code and Standards. It also requires a private emergency access connection between public streets in Lindy Canyon and Regnart Canyon areas. The County requires homes to provide individual private fire protection water supply tanks and hydrants since there is no water service to these areas. Figure HS-5 illustrates the water service areas in the city. The urbanized portions of Cupertino are not in designated fire hazard severity zones. The city is served by well-managed all hazard emergency response services with a robust fire prevention program. Moreover, there is a strong code enforcement program, an adequate water supply, and a well- maintained delivery system. State, regional, and local standards also ensure that new buildings and facilities adequately address issues of fire safety, access, evacuation, and fire-fighting requirements. STRUCTURAL FIRES Cupertino is also at risk from structural fires. Structural fires are often due to hazardous conditions, faulty wiring, mechanical equipment, or combustible construction materials in the built environment. The absence of fire alarms and fire sprinkler systems often exacerbates the damage associated with a structural fire. Structural fires are largely caused by human accidents, although deliberate fires (arson) may cause some events. Older buildings lacking modern fire safety features may face greater risk of fire damage. To minimize fire damage and loss, the City’s Fire Code, based on California Code of Regulation Title 24, sets standards for building and construction. It requires adequate water supply for firefighting, and minimum street widths, among other things. FIRE PROTECTION Santa Clara County Fire Department provides fire protection in Cupertino through three fire stations (Cupertino, Monta Vista, and Seven Springs stations). All parts of Cupertino are in the service area for the Santa Clara County Fire Department, and no parts of Cupertino lack coverage for fire protection services. For existing commercial buildings, the Fire Department conducts periodic inspections to ensure compliance with the general and specific fire safety regulations for each occupancy type as specified in the adopted Fire and Building Codes. The Santa Clara County Fire Department also implements a hazardous brush inspection program for hillside areas within its jurisdictional boundaries, including inspections of hillside properties by fire crews beginning in early April each year. 42 PC 09-22-2026 42 of 290 WATER SERVICE 43 PC 09-22-2026 43 of 290 HAZARDOUS WASTE AND MATERIALS Hazardous materials are materials that pose a significant risk to public safety, or human and environmental health. Hazardous materials are a part of our everyday life in the form of batteries, light bulbs, and household chemicals such as pesticides, motor oil, cleaners, and paints. They are also used in many commercial and industrial operations. The use, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials, including management of contaminated soils and groundwater, is regulated by federal, State, and local laws. A release or spill of bulk hazardous materials could result in fire, explosion, toxic cloud, or direct contamination of water, people, and property. The release or spill could involve a local site or many square miles, depending on its severity. Santa Clara County Fire Department, County of Santa Clara Office of Emergency Management, and County of Santa Clara Hazardous Materials Compliance Division are responsible for hazardous materials accidents at all locations within the city. The City has adopted a Hazardous Materials Storage Ordinance that regulates the storage of these materials in solid, liquid, and gas forms. Several State agencies, which have jurisdiction over hazardous materials sites, oversee the monitoring of hazardous materials and waste facilities. Potential and known contamination sites are monitored and documented by the California Department of Toxic Substances Control and the Regional Water Quality Control Board. Figure HS-6 identifies potential sites within the city that may contain hazardous materials. The California Department of Toxic Substances Control typically acts as the lead agency for sites involving toxic substances and remediation, while the Regional Water Quality Control Board leads issues concerning water quality. Additionally, the County of Santa Clara Department of Environmental Health serves as the oversight agency for sites within the city. It is important to note that the City is not the lead agency for cleanup or mitigation of these sites under the California Environmental Quality Act. A review of hazardous materials sites in Cupertino,1 produced by the California Department of Toxic Substances Control EnviroStor database indicates two active voluntary cleanup sites, a voluntary cleanup site requiring no further action, one certified school cleanup site, and three closed hazardous waste sites, three inactive sites, and five sites referred to local or regional agencies. The two active cleanup sites are Cupertino Village Cleaners at 10989 North Wolfe Road and Delia's Cleaners at 7335 Bollinger Road. Neither site requires action by the City, as the California Department of Toxic Substances Control oversees hazardous waste cleanup efforts at these locations. A review of leaking underground storage tanks in Cupertino, produced by the State Water Resources Control Board,2 indicates 14 open cleanup program sites in the assessment, remediation, and long-term management phases. These sites can be accessed for further details via the following links:  California Department of Toxic Substances Control EnviroStor database: https://www.envirostor.dtsc.ca.gov/public/map/ 1 The City conducted a review of hazardous materials sites on December 26, 2025. 2 The City conducted a review of leaking underground storage tank sites on December 26, 2025 44 PC 09-22-2026 44 of 290  State Water Resources Control Board GeoTracker database: https://geotracker.waterboards.ca.gov/map/ Since 1990, State law has required that hazardous waste be properly disposed of in approved hazardous waste treatment or disposal facilities. To accomplish this, new treatment methods and facilities have been developed and approved to pre-treat hazardous waste before its ﬁnal disposal. Under authority of the 1986 “Tanner” Bill (Assembly Bill 2948), Cupertino, along with 13 other cities in Santa Clara County, joined the County to develop a comprehensive and coordinated planning approach to hazardous waste disposal. In 1990, a countywide Household Hazardous Waste Program was created to provide residents with accessible options for safely disposing of hazardous materials, such as paints, batteries, and chemicals, thereby reducing environmental and public health risks. Cupertino residents may use the permanent drop-oﬀ location for household hazardous waste in San Jose or visit temporary events that occur throughout the year in neighboring jurisdictions. ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS Electromagnetic fields (s) are a physical field produced by electrically charged objects, such as high- transmission power lines. The potential health effects of the very low-frequency electromagnetic fields surrounding power lines and electrical devices are the subject of ongoing research and a significant amount of public debate. The U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has issued some cautionary advisories but stresses that the data is currently too limited to draw solid conclusions. Currently, electromagnetic fields from transmission lines, electrical and wireless facilities, and appliances are regulated through federal and State requirements. 45 PC 09-22-2026 45 of 290 FIGURE HS-6 POTENTIAL HAZARDOUS SITES 46 PC 09-22-2026 46 of 290 SEISMIC AND GEOLOGIC HAZARDS Seismic and geologic hazards are risks caused by the movement of different parts of the earth’s crust or surface. Seismic hazards include earthquakes and hazardous events caused by them. Geologic hazards are other hazards involving land movements that are not linked to seismic activity and can inflict harm to people or property. SEISMIC HAZARDS Seismic activity occurs along boundaries in the earth’s crust, called faults. Pressure along the faults builds over time and is ultimately released, resulting in ground shaking commonly referred to as an earthquake. Earthquakes can also trigger other hazards, including surface rupture (cracks in the ground surface), liquefaction (causing loose soil to lose its strength), landslides, and subsidence (sinking of the ground surface). Earthquakes While Cupertino is at risk from many natural and human-caused hazards, the event with the greatest potential for loss of life or property and economic damage is an earthquake. This risk is true for most of the San Francisco Bay Area region, which has several active faults. Earthquake risk is very high in Santa Clara County, including the City of Cupertino, due to the presence of three major active faults 3 in the region, the Hayward Fault, Calaveras Fault, and San Andreas Fault. All of these faults have the potential for major earthquakes. General Plan Appendix E provides additional detail about seismic hazards, magnitude and occurrence, acceptable exposure rise, and technical investigations required based on acceptable risk. Earthquakes are likely to continue to occur on an occasional basis. Most are expected to cause no substantive damage and may not even be felt by most people. Major earthquakes are rare but have occurred and remain a possibility in the region. The Hayward Fault is emerging as a significant hazard throughout the Bay Area due to its heightened likelihood of activity and its intersection with densely populated areas and critical infrastructure. In a worst-case scenario, a rupture on the Hayward Fault could extend through the Calaveras Fault to its junction with the San Andreas Fault. According to the Uniform California Earthquake Rupture Forecast, there is a 14.3 percent probability of a magnitude 6.7 or greater earthquake occurring along the Hayward Fault by 2044. For the Calaveras Fault, the probability is 7.4 percent, while the San Andreas Fault has a 6.4 percent chance of experiencing a similar event in the same timeframe. Although infrequent, a major earthquake along any of the nearby faults could result in substantial casualties and damage, although the greatest risk in Cupertino is from the San Andreas Fault due to its proximity and high potential to cause a severe earthquake. A major earthquake along any of these faults could damage or destroy transportation infrastructure, such as Interstate 280, State Route 85, or bridges, limiting access in and out of the community. 3 Active faults are defined by their current movement and deformation and their potential to cause earthquakes or other types of ground deformation in the future. 47 PC 09-22-2026 47 of 290 The San Andreas Fault, one of the longest and most active faults in the world, is west of Cupertino. Two additional faults closely associated with the San Andreas Fault include the Sargent-Berrocal and Monta Vista-Shannon Fault systems that intersect the western portion of the city. There are no Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zones in the city; the nearest Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone is along the San Andreas Fault, west of the city. Figure HS-7 shows the location of regional faults and Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zones, which outlines the areas at risk for potential surface fault rupture. Movement on the San Andreas Fault is predominantly right-lateral strike-slip, where the earth ruptures in a horizontal fashion, with the opposite sides of the fault moving to the right with respect to each other. Movement on the Sargent-Berrocal and Monta Vista-Shannon Faults is more variable in style. Both faults are characterized by “thrust” faulting, where a significant amount of vertical “up-down” displacement occurs on an inclined plane, and one side of the fault is elevated (i.e., thrust over) the other side. Other Seismic Hazards In addition to the direct physical damage that can result from the motion of an earthquake, damage can result from liquefaction. Soils susceptible to liquefaction are typically found in low-lying, current or former, floodplains. Portions of the city near the floodplains of Permanente Creek, Stevens Creek, Regnart Creek, and Calabazas Creek are likely to face liquefaction during an earthquake. Figure HS-8 shows the areas facing an elevated liquefaction risk in Cupertino, based on geological, geotechnical, and groundwater conditions. Earthquake-induced landslides pose a significant risk due to the presence of landslide-prone areas in western Cupertino and proximity of earthquake faults. Ground shaking from seismic activity can cause rocks, debris, and hillside soils to loosen and fall downslope, harming facilities and infrastructure in its path. Sinkholes, which are depressions or holes in the ground that form when the surface collapses into an underground space, are also a hazard in Cupertino. Sinkholes can occur suddenly and can be very dangerous if they form underneath buildings, roads, or other structures. 48 PC 09-22-2026 48 of 290 FAULT ZONES 49 PC 09-22-2026 49 of 290 LIQUEFACTION AREAS 50 PC 09-22-2026 50 of 290 GEOLOGIC HAZARDS Geologic hazards in Cupertino include landslides and erosion. Landslides and rock falls may occur in sloped areas, especially areas with steep slopes, and usually in areas of loose and fragmented soil. Landslides, rockfalls, and debris flows occur continuously on all slopes; some processes act very slowly, and others occur very suddenly, often with disastrous results. Landslides are often triggered by other natural hazards, such as earthquakes, heavy rain, floods, or wildfires, so landslide frequencies are often related to the frequency of these other hazards. Landslides have occurred on hillsides throughout the city and generally occur in winter during high rainfall years. Due to the hilly terrain, the southwestern portion of the city is in a very high landslide susceptibility class, as shown on Figure HS-9. Appendix E, Seismic and Geologic Hazards, further describes these landslide susceptibility areas, noting that they include all recognized landslide deposits and steep walls of Stevens Creek canyon, which have a moderate to high landslide potential under static or seismic conditions. Climate change is expected to result in more precipitation extremes, including more frequent periods of heavy rainfall, which could cause an increase in the number of landslides or make landslides larger than normal. Increased wildfire frequency can also destabilize hillsides due to loss of vegetation and changed soil composition, which can contribute to greater runoff and erosion. Climate change will also cause more frequent and extreme droughts, which dries out soil. Accordingly, when precipitation occurs, the soil cannot absorb as much water, which creates higher levels of runoff, potentially leading to landslides and mudflows. The combination of a generally drier climate in the future, which will increase the chance of drought and wildfires, and the occasional extreme downpour, is, therefore, likely to cause more mudslides and landslides. Cupertino is also susceptible to hazards related to erosion, or the geological process in which earthen materials are worn away and transported by natural forces such as water or wind, causing the soil to deteriorate. Eroded topsoil can be transported into streams and other waterways. Water erosion is the removal of soil by water and transportation of the eroded materials away from the point of removal. The impact of soil erosion on water quality becomes significant, particularly as soil surface runoff increases. Highly erosive soil can damage roads, bridges, buildings, and other structures by causing foundational instability, erosion around supports, washouts during heavy rains, and increased maintenance costs. The shifting or loss of soil over time can undermine the structural integrity of these infrastructures, leading to potential failures and safety hazards. 51 PC 09-22-2026 51 of 290 FIGURE HS-9 LANDSLIDE SUSCEPTIBILITY AREAS 52 PC 09-22-2026 52 of 290 FLOOD AND INUNDATION HAZARDS Flooding is the rising and overflowing of water onto normally dry land. Floods are one of the most frequent natural hazards impacting Santa Clara County and among the costliest natural disasters in terms of human hardship and economic loss nationwide, causing substantial damage to structures, landscapes, and utilities, as well as life-safety issues. Floods are surface hydrological hazards that can have a significant, and sometimes, long-lasting effect on a community. Floods can originate from various sources, including heavy rainstorms, landslides, or dam failure. Sediment deposits also increase flood risks because they clog the drainage system and may induce upstream flooding. Rain-related floods are the most common type of floods in Cupertino and usually occur during periods of extended heavy rainfall. The watersheds in the Santa Cruz Mountain Range feed into four major streambeds that traverse the city: Permanente Creek, Stevens Creek, Regnart Creek, and Calabazas Creek. Stevens Creek and its streamside are among the natural elements that have the most influence on Cupertino’s character. These creeks collect surface runoff and drain into channels leading to the San Francisco Bay. During heavy rainfall, these creeks create a potential flooding risk in the city as water levels may exceed the top of the creekbank. Historically, Cupertino has been at risk of flooding primarily during the winter and spring when stream systems swell with heavy rain. Occasionally, flash flooding from short-duration, high-intensity precipitation (often during atmospheric river events) may occur. In urban areas, flash flooding is an increasingly serious problem due to removal of vegetation and replacement of groundcover with impermeable surfaces such as roads, driveways, and parking lots. Other hazards connected with flooding and stormwater runoff include erosion, degradation of water quality, and loss of environmental resources. Areas at an elevated risk of flooding are divided into 100- and 500-year flood zones. A 100-year flood zone has a 1-percent chance of experiencing a major flood in any given year, and a 500-year flood zone has a 0.2-percent chance of flooding in any given year. The 100-year floodplain in Cupertino is primarily along Permanente Creek, Stevens Creek, Regnart Creek, and Calabazas Creek. A majority of the city is within the 500-year floodplain. Figure HS-10 shows the 100- and 500-year flood zones in and around Cupertino. The City participates in the Community Rating System (CRS) program, which is a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management activities that exceed minimum National Flood Insurance Program requirements. Flood insurance premium rates for property owners in the city may be discounted to reflect the reduced flood risk resulting from community actions meeting the three goals of the Community Rating System, which are to: (1) reduce flood damage to insurable property; (2) strengthen and support the insurance aspects of the National Flood Insurance Program; and (3) encourage a comprehensive approach to floodplain management. In 2025, after completion of a five-year review of the City’s floodplain management and flood risk reduction efforts, the Federal Emergency Management Agency improved the City’s CRS rating, from Class 7 to Class 6. Effective October 2025, property owners in Cupertino’s Special Flood Hazard Areas receive a 20 percent discount on flood insurance premiums, and property owners outside the Special 53 PC 09-22-2026 53 of 290 Flood Hazard Areas and within the City limits receive a 10 percent discount due to the improved CRS rating. The City and the Santa Clara Valley Water District are actively involved in programs to minimize the risk of flooding. The City developed an approach to land use for the non-urbanized floodplain of Stevens Creek south of Stevens Creek Boulevard in the Land Use Element. This ensures the preservation of the 100-year floodplain and the protection of the riparian corridor along this portion of Stevens Creek. The City and the Water District also developed a flood management program for the floodplain of Stevens Creek between Interstate 280 and Stevens Creek Boulevard while preserving the natural environment of Stevens Creek. Structural improvements, while not preferred, may be necessary to protect properties from a 100-year flood event. Although heavy precipitation events are a regular feature in California, atmospheric rivers, which are narrow corridors of concentrated moisture in the atmosphere and capable of transporting large amounts of water vapor that condenses and falls as intense precipitation, have caused major flooding in recent years. In winter and spring of 2023, a series of atmospheric rivers impacted the Bay Area, resulting in significant rainfall and widespread flooding across the San Francisco Bay Area. While climate change may not change average precipitation levels significantly, scientists expect that it will cause more years with extreme precipitation events. This means that more years are likely to see intense storm systems that drop substantial volumes of precipitation over a short period and cause flooding. Because of this, floods are expected to happen more often in Cupertino, and climate change may expand the parts of the city that are considered prone to flooding. 54 PC 09-22-2026 54 of 290 FLOOD HAZARD ZONES 55 PC 09-22-2026 55 of 290 DAM AND PIPELINE FAILURE A dam failure is an uncontrolled release of water from a reservoir through a dam because of structural failures or deficiencies. Pipeline failures are a similar uncontrolled release from a water pipeline or aqueduct. The primary danger from dam or pipeline failure is the high-velocity flooding downstream of the dam and the limited warning times that can be given for evacuation. Dam or pipeline failures can range from minor to catastrophic, potentially harming human life and property downstream from the failure. In addition, ecosystems and habitats can be destroyed by fast- moving floodwaters, debris, and sedimentation from the inundation. Failures are rare but not unprecedented; they can be caused by overtopping, foundation defects, piping and seepage failures, or conduit and valve failures. Many dam or pipeline failures are the secondary result of other natural disasters, such as earthquakes, landslides, and extreme storms. The largest body of water in the area is the Stevens Creek Reservoir. Stevens Creek Reservoir meets current dam safety standards and the probability of its failure is minimal. The Stevens Creek Reservoir, owned by the Santa Clara Valley Water District, is outside of city limits, immediately to the southwest, as shown in Figure HS-11. In the event of a dam failure at the Stevens Creek Reservoir, land surrounding Stevens Creek would flood, including residential areas adjacent to Stevens Creek and a portion of Interstate 280. The Santa Clara Valley Water District has a comprehensive Dam Safety Program, which includes proactive inspection of upgrades and improving its dams and water supply structures as needed and in consultation with regulatory agencies. Engineers monitor dams using instruments, monthly visual inspections, and periodic dam safety reviews to prevent loss of life, personal injury, and property damage from the failure of dams. The safety of each dam is re-evaluated with advances in geotechnical, structural, and earthquake engineering and for evidence of seepage or ongoing ground movement. The potential for a dam failure in Cupertino is likely to remain a risk in future years, although the probability of such events is expected to remain very low. 56 PC 09-22-2026 56 of 290 DAM INUNDATION AREAS 57 PC 09-22-2026 57 of 290 EXTREME HEAT According to the California Extreme Heat Action Plan, extreme heat days are defined as temperatures exceeding 98 percent of historical highs, and these events are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change. Extended periods of extreme heat, known as heat waves, threaten community safety and raise energy costs. An extreme heat day in Cupertino is one where the maximum temperature rises above 93.2 degrees Fahrenheit. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recognizes extreme heat as a substantial public health concern. Seniors, persons with chronic illnesses and/or disabilities, persons experiencing homelessness, outdoor workers, low-resourced people of color, immigrant/linguistically isolated communities, and households in poverty are the most vulnerable to extreme heat. According to the U.S. Census, approximately 66 percent of all housing in the city was built prior to 1980, some of which are unlikely to have air conditioning and may lack effective insulation to regulate indoor temperatures. During extreme heat days, temperatures in poorly insulated homes may reach unhealthy temperatures. Therefore, people living in these homes, especially vulnerable populations, are at higher risk for heat-related illnesses from extreme heat events. Very high temperatures can also harm plants and animals that are not well adapted to these events, including natural ecosystems. Extreme heat can increase water temperature in lakes, streams, creeks, and other water bodies, especially during drought conditions when water levels are lower. The warmer temperatures brought on by climate change are likely to cause an increase in extreme heat events locally. Depending on the location and emissions levels, the state Cal-Adapt database indicates the number of extreme heat days is expected to rise from a historical annual average of 5 to 14 days by the middle of the century (2035 to 2064), and an average of 24 days by the end of the century (2070 to 2099). CLIMATE CHANGE RESILIENCE Climate change is the long-term shift in average weather patterns globally, characterized by significant alterations in temperature and precipitation patterns over extended periods. As global temperatures continue to rise, communities experience more frequent and intense natural hazards, including heatwaves, storms, floods, droughts, and wildfires. These events often occur simultaneously, creating cascading effects that can amplify impacts to Cupertino. Climate change hazards affecting Cupertino include poor air quality, drought, extreme heat, flooding, landslides, severe weather, and wildfire. When multiple climate hazards occur simultaneously, such as droughts amplifying wildfire risk, or extreme heat exacerbating water shortages, the impacts on the Cupertino community, infrastructure, and natural systems can be particularly severe. These changes will continue to affect the frequency, intensity, and distribution of hazards throughout the city in the coming decades. 58 PC 09-22-2026 58 of 290 AIR QUALITY Air quality refers to the condition of the air within our surroundings, particularly regarding its cleanliness and the presence of pollutants. Air quality is determined by the composition of gases and particles in the atmosphere, and it is a critical aspect of environmental health. Air pollution comes from both mobile sources (e.g., cars, trucks, airplanes) and stationary sources (e.g., agricultural and industrial uses). Cupertino is highly susceptible to poor air quality due to major highways and quarry activity adjacent to the city. Wind patterns and geographical features move air pollution from other areas, such as the San Joaquin Valley, and trap pollution in the Santa Clara Valley. From 2015 to 2019, Cupertino experienced 31 days where ozone or fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels exceeded State standards. Because of Cupertino’s proximity to major highways, quarry activity, and Santa Clara Valley’s geographical features, air quality will continue to be a concern. Increasing statewide fire frequency can create recurring air quality degradation events, leading to respiratory health effects. Wildfire smoke consists of a mix of gases and fine particulate matter from burning vegetation and materials. The pollutant of most concern from wildfire smoke is PM2.5, which is damaging to human health because of its ability to deeply penetrate lung tissue and affect the heart and circulatory system. Although wildfire smoke presents a health risk to everyone, sensitive groups, such as children (particularly younger children), older adults, people with chronic respiratory or cardiovascular disease, and low-resourced persons may experience more severe acute and chronic symptoms from exposure to wildfire smoke. In many regions of the United States, climate-driven changes in weather conditions, including temperature and precipitation, are expected to increase ground-level ozone and particulate matter, such as windblown dust from droughts or smoke from wildfires. Increased frequency of wildfires will release greater amounts of particulate matter and other pollutants into the air and drier conditions increase airborne dust. Possible changes in wind patterns may also trap a greater amount of air pollutants in the Santa Clara Valley, increasing exposure to air pollution. DROUGHT A drought is an extended period when precipitation levels are well below normal. Drought may affect domestic water supply, energy production, public health, and wildlife, or contribute to wildfire. Like most of California and the western United States, Cupertino chronically experiences drought cycles. The U.S. Drought Monitor recognizes a five-point scale for drought events:  D0 (abnormally dry)  D1 (moderate drought)  D2 (severe drought)  D3 (extreme drought)  D4 (exceptional drought) 59 PC 09-22-2026 59 of 290 According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, the most intensive drought in recent years occurred during most of 2014, when all of Santa Clara County was classified as “extreme” drought. More recently, in 2022, from January through the end of the year, the county was also classified as being in “severe” drought. As of July 2024, Santa Clara County, including Cupertino, was not classified as drought. During severe drought conditions, water shortages are common, and water restrictions may be imposed to meet essential community needs. The Santa Clara Valley Water District’s 2020 Water Shortage Contingency Plan contains actions to implement and enforce regulations and restrictions for managing a water shortage when it declares a water shortage emergency under the authority of the California Water Code. Cupertino’s water supply comes from local and imported water. Local rainfall and runoff flow into reservoirs for storage and blend with imported water. Approximately 50 percent of Santa Clara County’s water supply comes from hundreds of miles away – first as snow or rain in the Sierra Nevada range of northern and eastern California, then as water in rivers that flow into the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta or directly to water conveyance systems. Imported water is brought into the county through the complex infrastructure of the State Water Project, the federal Central Valley Project, and San Francisco’s Hetch-Hetchy system. Although droughts are a regular feature of California’s climate, scientists expect climate change will lead to more frequent and intense droughts statewide. Reduced winter precipitation levels and warmer temperatures have greatly decreased the size of the Sierra Nevada snowpack (the volume of accumulated snow), making less fresh water available for communities throughout California, including the imported water supply for Cupertino. A continued decline in the Sierra Nevada snowpack volume is expected, which may lead to lower volumes of available imported water. SEVERE WEATHER Severe weather is generally any destructive weather event, but it usually occurs in Cupertino as localized storms that bring heavy rain, hail, thunderstorms, and strong winds. Severe weather is usually caused by intense storm systems, although types of strong winds can occur without a storm. Severe weather often produces high winds and lightning that can damage structures and cause power outages. Lightning from these storms can ignite wildfires and structure fires that can cause damage to buildings and endanger people. A relatively common weather pattern that brings southwest winds and heavy rain to California is often referred to as an atmospheric river. High winds, often accompanying severe storms, can cause significant property damage, threaten public safety, and have adverse economic impacts, including business closures and widespread power loss. These winds may occur as part of a seasonal climate pattern or in relation to other severe weather events, such as thunderstorms. Electricity utilities throughout California, including PG&E, have begun to occasionally “de-energize,” or turn off the electricity for power lines that run through areas with an elevated fire risk. Public Safety 60 PC 09-22-2026 60 of 290 Power Shutoff (PSPS) events are intended to reduce the risk of power lines sparking or being damaged and starting a wildfire. A PSPS event may occur at any time of the year, particularly during high wind events and dry conditions, and may be limited to specific communities or affect broad swaths of the state. While PSPS events have been smaller and less frequent recently, these events still pose a risk to PG&E customers across Santa Clara County, including Cupertino. Climate change is expected to cause an increase in intense rainfall and strong storm systems, such as atmospheric rivers. This increase means that Cupertino could see more intense weather resulting from these storms in the coming years and decades, although such an increase may not affect all forms of severe weather. Heavy rainfall can increase the frequency and severity of other hazards, including flooding and landslides. HUMAN HEALTH HAZARDS Human health hazards are bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other organisms that can cause diseases and illness in people. Some of these diseases may cause only mild inconvenience, but others are potentially life-threatening. These diseases are often carried by animals, such as mice and rats, ticks, and mosquitoes. Warmer temperatures and high precipitation levels can lead to increased populations of these disease-carrying animals, creating a greater risk of disease and increased rates of infection. Populations most vulnerable to human health hazards are those who spend a disproportionate amount of time outdoors (such as outdoor workers or persons experiencing homelessness), those with fragile immune systems or existing illnesses (which may include persons with chronic illnesses and seniors), and those who may live in sub-standard housing or not have access to health insurance and medical care (households in poverty, low-resourced people of color, immigrant/linguistically isolated communities, and cost-burdened/low-income/overcrowded households). While many vector-carrying organisms thrive in warm and wet environments, regional climate trends toward hotter and drier conditions may reduce some vector populations, such as mosquitoes, in certain areas. However, the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, including periods of heavy rainfall and flooding, can still create episodic conditions conducive to vector breeding, particularly during cooler seasons. As a result, the overall risk of human health hazards may still increase, especially for already vulnerable populations. 61 PC 09-22-2026 61 of 290 NOISE The noise environment is an accumulation of many different sources, ranging from human voices to major noise sources, such as freeway traffic. The degree to which noise becomes an annoyance depends on a variety of factors, including noise level, duration, time of day, background sounds, and surrounding land uses, including proximity to more sensitive populations. COMMUNITY NOISE FUNDAMENTALS The three elements of community noise are noise level, noise spectrum, and variation in noise level with time. Noise level is measured in decibels (dB). Noise is composed of various frequencies within a noise spectrum that defines the character of the noise. Since human hearing is more sensitive to the higher speech frequencies, the A-weighted frequency network is applied, in accordance with national and international standards, to adjust the measured noise level to more closely relate to human perception of loudness. Noise environments have different characteristics that vary with duration and time of day; for instance, a freeway may emit a fairly constant noise level for long periods while an airport may emit many short- term high-level noise events punctuated by extended periods of quiet. To provide a standard measure for community noise exposure that takes into account the time-varying characteristics, the State of California adopted the Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL) as the standard metric. The CNEL is a 24-hour energy average metric that penalizes evening and nighttime noise and provides a uniform measure for time-varying noise environments. NOISE ENVIRONMENT The noise environment can generally be divided into two categories: transportation-related and non- transportation-related noise. Traffic noise is the greatest contributor to noise pollution in Cupertino and one of the most difficult to control through local efforts. Two major freeways (Interstate 280 and State Route 85) and four major corridors (Stevens Creek Boulevard, De Anza Boulevard, Homestead Road, and Foothill Boulevard) cross Cupertino. These roadways are used not only by local residents and employees, but also by commuters to destinations beyond Cupertino. Heavy-duty trucking operations to and from the Heidelberg Cement Plant and Stevens Creek Quarry in the western foothills near Stevens Creek Boulevard and Foothill Boulevard are also significant transportation-related noise contributors. Cupertino receives some aircraft noise from facilities in the region, including San Jose International Airport, Moffett Federal Airfield, and Palo Alto Airport; however, the Cupertino city limit does not fall within the identified noise contours of any of these airports. One railroad line passes through the Monta Vista neighborhood and connects with the Heidelberg Cement Plant. 62 PC 09-22-2026 62 of 290 Non-transportation noise varies from stationary equipment (e.g., air conditioning units) to construction activity. Regulation to minimize excessive noise from non- transportation sources includes compliance with the City’s noise standards that limit certain noise-generating activities during evening and early morning, when ambient noise levels tend to be lower. Advancements in technology to muffle sound also reduce noise from construction equipment and stationary equipment such as compressors and generators. LAND USE COMPATIBILITY The Cupertino Municipal Code, Title 10, outlines the maximum noise levels on receiving properties based on land use types (Figure HS-12). Land use decisions and the development review process play a large role in minimizing noise impacts on sensitive land uses. Noise compatibility may be achieved by not locating conflicting land uses adjacent to one another and incorporating buffers and noise control techniques, including increased building setbacks, installation and maintenance of landscaping, building transitions, site design, and building construction techniques. Selection of the appropriate noise control techniques varies depending on the level of noise that needs to be reduced as well as the location of the intended noise-generating land use and the character of its surrounding uses. 63 PC 09-22-2026 63 of 290 LAND USE COMPATIBILITY FOR COMMUNITY 64 PC 09-22-2026 64 of 290 65 PC 09-22-2026 65 of 290 LOOKING FORWARD As Cupertino’s resident and employee population grows, the City must identify ways to ensure public safety and support the community’s high quality of life. Innovative site design and construction techniques are needed to reduce noise in developments near major corridors and where uses are mixed to ensure compatibility. The following are ways the City will address key challenges and opportunities facing Cupertino: 1. NOISE As State, regional, and local policies encourage mixed-use development near corridors, the City should look to ways to reduce noise impacts on residences near and in such developments through site design, landscaping, and construction techniques. Additionally, the City should review locations and site design for sensitive uses, including schools, childcare facilities, and hospitals to ensure that they are not negatively impacted by noise. 2. PROJECT DESIGN AND OPERATIONS Measures such as project and building design, emergency access, operations, and maintenance of property, can help developments promote public safety and fire safety. Such measures will also allow the providers to maintain a high service level, while accommodating future growth. 3. COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION The City and service providers should enhance community participation through new and existing programs such as neighborhood watch, emergency preparedness, and school programs. 4. SHARED RESOURCES The City can enhance emergency, fire safety, and public safety services by coordinating programs with service providers and neighboring cities through shared services, mutual aid, and agreements. 5. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS Measures related to emergency access, first responder training and operations, and evacuation and emergency preparedness public education and awareness can help minimize harm and protect community safety. 66 PC 09-22-2026 66 of 290 This page is intentionally blank. 67 PC 09-22-2026 67 of 290 GOALS, POLICIES, AND STRATEGIES GOAL HS-1 Reduce hazard risks through regional coordination and mitigation planning REGIONAL COORDINATION The City seeks to coordinate its local requirements and emergency planning efforts with federal, State, and regional resources to ensure a consistent, integrated, and efficient approach to emergency planning. POLICY HS-1.1: REGIONAL HAZARD RISK REDUCTION PLANNING Coordinate with Santa Clara County and local agencies to implement the Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan for Santa Clara County. STRATEGIES: HS-1.1.1. Monitoring and Budgeting. Monitor and evaluate the success of the Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, including local strategies provided in the Cupertino Annex. Working with Santa Clara County, ensure that strategies are prioritized and implemented through the Capital Improvement Program and provide adequate budget for ongoing programs and department operations. HS-1.1.2. Hazard Mitigation Incorporation. Ensure that mitigation actions identified in the Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan are being incorporated into upcoming City-sponsored projects, where appropriate. HS-1.1.3. Hazard Mitigation Plan Amendments and Updates. Support Santa Clara County in its role as the lead agency that prepares and updates the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan. POLICY HS-1.2: HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN INCORPORATION Incorporate the Santa Clara County Multi-Jurisdictional 68 PC 09-22-2026 68 of 290 Hazard Mitigation Plan and the City of Cupertino Annex, as approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, into this Health and Safety Element by reference, as permitted by California Government Code Section 65302.6. POLICY HS-1.3: PUBLIC AGENCY COOPERATION Continue to cooperate with other public agencies to ensure adequate medical and other emergency services, including assessing and projecting future emergency service needs and maintaining clear communication protocols among jurisdictions and regional agencies to support unified decision-making, real-time information sharing, and coordinated emergency response. STRATEGIES: HS-1.3.1: Multiagency Emergency Response. Coordinate with local and State emergency management agencies using the Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS) and National Incident Management System (NIMS) to facilitate multiagency emergency response. HS-1.3.2: Inter-jurisdictional Coordination. Maintain inter-jurisdictional cooperation and coordination, including mutual aid agreements with fire protection and suppression agencies in Santa Clara County. HS-1.3.3: Coordinated Disaster Response. Continue to maintain agreements with other local, State, and federal agencies to ensure coordinated emergency and disaster response. HS-1.3.4: New Facilities. Coordinate with Santa Clara County Fire Department and Santa Clara County Sheriff's Department through capital improvement planning to establish fire and sheriff stations to serve Cupertino. New additions to public safety infrastructure will be determined by evaluating increased localized demand and proposed growth. Evaluate whether a combined facility is possible to reduce infrastructure costs and/or improve operational efficiency, when a need is determined. POLICY HS-1.4: REGIONAL COORDINATION FOR FIRE PREVENTION Coordinate wildland fire prevention efforts with adjacent jurisdictions. Work with the County and the Midpeninsula Open Space District to implement measures to reduce fire hazards, continuing efforts in fuel management, and considering the use of “green” fire break uses for open space lands. POLICY HS-1.5: REGIONAL COORDINATION FOR FLOOD CONTROL Consult with the Santa Clara Valley Water District as well as surrounding jurisdictions 69 PC 09-22-2026 69 of 290 regarding regional approaches to the planning, construction, operation, and maintenance of drainage and flood-control facilities. POLICY HS-1.6: COORDINATION FOR ADEQUATE WATER SUPPLY Coordinate with California Water Service and San José Water on effective management of water infrastructure systems. POLICY HS-1.7: COORDINATION FOR ADEQUATE WASTEWATER CAPACITY Coordinate with the Cupertino Sanitary District and San José- Santa Clara Regional Wastewater Facility to ensure wastewater infrastructure is effectively serving existing customers and has adequate capacity to provide for new demands on the infrastructure system. POLICY HS-1.8: SEA LEVEL RISE PROTECTION Ensure all areas in Cupertino are adequately protected from the anticipated effects of sea level rise. STRATEGIES: HS-1.8.1. Monitor Rising Sea Level. Regularly coordinate with regional, State, and federal agencies on rising sea levels in the San Francisco Bay and major tributaries to determine if additional adaptation strategies should be implemented to address flooding hazards. This includes monitoring for updates to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s flood map to identify areas in the city susceptible to sea level rise, addressing changes to State and regional sea and bay level rise estimates, and coordinating with adjacent municipalities on flood control improvements as appropriate. HS-1.8.2. Flood Insurance Rate Maps. Provide to the public, as available, up-to-date Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) that identify rising sea levels and changing flood conditions. POLICY HS-1.9: PFAS CONTAMINATION Coordinate with Valley Water and the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board to monitor groundwater contamination, including for PFAS. STRATEGY: HS-1.9.1. PFAS and Environmental Review. Ensure that environmental review analyzes and discloses all groundwater contaminants with established thresholds under federal and state regulations, as required by law. 70 PC 09-22-2026 70 of 290 GOAL HS-2 Ensure a high level of emergency preparedness for natural and human- caused disasters EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE The City seeks to focus on planning and education to prepare and enlist the community in the management of disasters and emergencies. POLICY HS-2.1: BUILDING AND FIRE CODE COMPLIANCE Ensure that all new development and redevelopment complies with the most current version of the California Building Code, California Fire Code, California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, and applicable local ordinances and standards to ensure improved public safety. POLICY HS-2.2: PROMOTE EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS Distribute multi-hazard emergency preparedness information for all threats identified in the City’s Emergency Operations Plan. Information will be provided through Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), First Aid and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training, lectures and seminars on emergency preparedness, publication of monthly safety articles in the Cupertino Scene, posting of information on the City’s Emergency Preparedness website, and coordination of video and printed information at the library. Efforts will be made to provide information in multiple formats to accommodate persons of all abilities. POLICY HS-2.3: EMERGENCY OPERATIONS AND TRAINING Ensure City staff are trained on their functions/responsibilities in the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and in disaster preparedness, first aid, and CPR, as applicable. STRATEGIES: HS-2.3.1: Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Complete functional, resilient, and seismic upgrades to the EOC facility at City Hall and Torre Annex to Essential Facility Standards, adopt a fully funded Capital Improvement Program 71 PC 09-22-2026 71 of 290 and budget, as applicable, as an urgent priority. HS-2.3.2: City Employee Training. Conduct regular emergency training exercises and participate in regional training exercises to ensure that employees are adequately trained in emergency response and recovery operations. POLICY HS-2.4: VOLUNTEER GROUPS Continue to encourage the ongoing use of volunteer groups, such as Cupertino Emergency Response Team (CERT), to augment the City’s emergency services, and clearly define responsibilities during a local emergency. STRATEGIES: HS-2.4.1: Cupertino Citizen Corps. Continue to support the Cupertino Amateur Radio Emergency Services (CARES), Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), and Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) programs to ensure the development of neighborhood-based emergency preparedness throughout the city. Encourage ongoing cooperation with CERTs in other cities. HS-2.4.2: Community Groups. Continue pre-disaster agreements with appropriate community groups to provide specified post-disaster assistance, through the Emergency Services Manager, and with the advice of the City Attorney. HS-2.4.3: American Red Cross. Continue to implement the American Red Cross agreements under the direction of the Emergency Services Division during a disaster. HS-2.4.4: Emergency Shelter Providers. Continue the agreements with designated emergency shelter sites to provide space for emergency supply containers. HS-2.4.5: Community Areas for Refuge and Keep-safes (ARKs). Maintain and expand the availability of City ARKs through Block Leadership and volunteer efforts to adopt an ARK. HS-2.4.6: Amateur Radio Operators. Continue to support training and cooperation between the City and Cupertino Amateur Radio Emergency Service (CARES) to prepare for emergency communications needs. HS-2.4.7: Block Leader Awareness. Expand support for and awareness of the Block Leader program, including ensuring residents are aware of emergency contacts including how to contact their block leader. HS-2.4.8: Block Leader Communication. Conduct annual outreach to Block Leaders regarding evacuation procedures and where to find information in the event of an emergency to communicate to their blocks. POLICY HS-2.5: EMERGENCY PUBLIC INFORMATION Maintain Cupertino’s Alert, Warning, and Notification (AWN) Program to be used during emergency situations. The City maintains storage containers, called ARKs, strategically located around the City that contain emergency response supplies used by Community Emergency Response Teams, Medical Reserve Corps, and Cupertino Amateur Radio Emergency Service. 72 PC 09-22-2026 72 of 290 STRATEGIES: HS-2.5.1: Communication Methods. Use Cupertino TV channel, Cupertino Radio 1670 AM, AlertSCC, the City’s website, City social media accounts, and other communication methods to transmit information to the public in multiple formats and languages appropriate to the demographics of Cupertino. HS-2.5.2: Public Information Office. Activate the Joint Information System in coordination with the Sheriff and the Fire Department to provide accurate information to the public as needed. POLICY HS-2.6: FIRE PREVENTION AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS Promote fire prevention and emergency preparedness through City- initiated public education programs, the City Channel, the City’s website, the Cupertino Scene, and other social media platforms. POLICY HS-2.7: HAZARD PREPAREDNESS Ensure that members of the community are adequately prepared for potential hazard scenarios, including geologic and seismic hazards, wildfire hazards, flooding hazards, extreme heat, poor air quality, and hazardous materials releases. Leverage the Neighborhood Block Program to advertise and incorporate its members into training efforts to expand outreach and engagement. STRATEGIES: HS-2.7.1: Emergency Preparedness. Publish and promote emergency preparedness tips, activities, and drills for the community. Use the City social media accounts and the website to provide safety tips and actively assist in neighborhood drills and safety exercises to increase participation and build community support. HS-2.7.2: Neighborhood Response Groups. Encourage participation in Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training by neighborhood groups and community-based organizations. HS-2.7.3: Vulnerable Populations. As part of community-wide efforts, actively cooperate with State agencies that oversee facilities for persons with disabilities and those with access and functional needs to ensure the facilities conform to health and safety requirements, including emergency planning, training, response exercises, and employee education. HS-2.7.4: Multilingual Emergency Information. Prepare emergency preparedness materials in English, Spanish, and other languages commonly spoken in the community and distribute to appropriate foreign language populations. HS-2.7.5: Critical Needs for Vulnerable Populations During Emergencies. Coordinate with local service organizations and regional public sector partners on response for food and other critical needs access to vulnerable populations including home-bound seniors and other mobility-limited residents living alone. HS-2.7.6: Overlapping Hazards and Sensitive Populations. Identify areas of overlapping hazards on sensitive populations, as data 73 PC 09-22-2026 73 of 290 becomes available, in future Vulnerability Assessments and prioritize capital improvement, development regulations and other city projects to increase resilience such areas. POLICY HS-2.8: EDUCATIONAL AND OUTREACH MATERIALS Support education and expanded awareness by residents and business of hazard preparedness and response activities, such as vegetation management and defensible space, evacuation routes, home resilience retrofits, and emergency evacuation procedures. STRATEGY: HS-2.8.1: Distribution of Hazard Preparedness Information. Distribute relevant community educational and engagement materials broadly through in-person and virtual means, including the school districts, the Senior Center, City facilities, and the Cupertino Scene. POLICY HS-2.9: POOR AIR QUALITY EVENT ASSISTANCE Work with local agencies and community-based organizations to provide resources to help residents respond to poor air quality events (e.g., transportation to resilience centers and supply free N95 masks). POLICY HS-2.10: DISASTER MEDICAL RESPONSE Continue to coordinate with the appropriate County agencies and local emergency medical clinics to ensure preparedness and provide disaster medical response. STRATEGY: HS-2.10.1: Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Emergency Medical Clinics. Work with Santa Clara County to develop an MOU with local emergency clinics to provide services in the event of an emergency. The County’s role and involvement in emergencies should be considered in development of the MOU. POLICY HS-2.11: EVACUATION ROUTES Ensure that evacuation routes into and out of the city have adequate capacity, safety, and viability in the event of an emergency. Ensure evacuation route designations are reviewed and updated, as needed. STRATEGIES: HS-2.11.1: Evacuation Route Coordination. Continue to coordinate with emergency responders, the County, and Caltrans to ensure evacuation routes are designed and maintained to remain accessible during emergency evacuations and to ensure changes to roadways continue to maintain adequate emergency ingress and egress. HS-2.11.2: High-Hazard Day Parking Management. In coordination with the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office and Santa Clara County Fire Department, update the Emergency Operations Plan to establish a master list of streets with parking restrictions on designated evacuation corridors during Red Flag Warnings and other high-hazard days Red Flag Warnings A red ﬂag warning is issued by the National Weather Service before and during ﬁre weather conditions. These conditions include strong winds, low humidity, and warm temperatures, increasing the risk of wildﬁres starting and spreading quickly. 74 PC 09-22-2026 74 of 290 to preserve lane width, sight distance, and emergency access. HS-2.11.3: Managed Traffic Control During Evacuations. Coordinate with the Santa Clara County Fire Department, Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office, and Caltrans to implement managed traffic control measures during evacuations, including turn restrictions, signal timing adjustments, lane conversions, and route or ramp closures as needed to maximize outbound flow from evacuation areas. HS-2.11.4: Dynamic Traffic Assignment: Conduct a citywide dynamic traffic assignment evacuation study, with each update of the Health and Safety Element, no less than every 8 years, modeling time-to-safety conditions under multiple evacuation scenarios given current land uses and projected future buildout. The study shall evaluate the benefits of different proposed supply-side and demand- side policies to improve the effectiveness of evacuations. HS-2.11.5: Infrastructure Prioritization. Prioritize infrastructure improvements on roadways that serve as a single point of ingress and egress for residential areas, particularly in a High or Very High fire hazard severity zone or in an area with a slope of at least 30%. POLICY HS-2.12: EVACUATION AWARENESS Ensure the public is aware of evacuation zones, evacuation routes, and how to access emergency alerts and evacuation orders. Annually provide information to members of the public about evacuation concerns for all relevant hazards, including designated evacuation routes and evacuation plan details, through multiple formats and in multiple languages, including via the Cupertino Scene and other means of communication. STRATEGIES: HS-2.12.1: Evacuation Mapping Availability. Ensure easy-to-use evacuation maps, with identifiable neighborhood names, major intersections and landmarks, are prepared and made available digitally. HS-2.12.2: Evacuation Planning Coordination. Coordinate with schools, parks and open space areas, golf courses, and other community facilities on evacuation plans, including staging and traffic control protocols. POLICY HS-2.13: INGRESS AND EGRESS STANDARDS FOR NEW DEVELOPMENT Require new subdivisions or multiple unit developments of five or more lots or units to have at least two ingress and egress routes, if they are located in at least one of these areas: • An area with evacuation constraints, as shown in Figure HS- 3, Evacuation-Constrained Residential Areas • A High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, as shown in Figure HS-4, Fire Hazard Severity Zones. • An area with a slope of 30% or more. Encourage new subdivisions or multiple unit developments of five or 75 PC 09-22-2026 75 of 290 more lots or units not located in an area identified in this policy to have at least two ingress and egress routes. POLICY HS-2.14: INGRESS AND EGRESS FOR EXISTING DEVELOPMENT Encourage existing developments of five or more units in areas of evacuation constraints, as shown in Figure HS-3, Evacuation-Constrained Residential Areas, to provide secondary means of ingress and egress. POLICY HS-2.15: EMERGENCY ACCESS Ensure compliant emergency access is provided for all new hillside development. STRATEGIES: HS-2.15.1: Roadway Design. Create an all-weather emergency road system to serve hillside and wildfire- prone areas. HS-2.15.2: Hillside Access Routes. Require new hillside development to have frequent grade breaks in access routes, which must comply with applicable fire access and egress standards, to ensure a timely response from fire personnel. POLICY HS-2.16: EVACUATION ROUTE ASSESSMENT REQUIREMENT Require new subdivisions or developments of five or more lots or units to prepare, and to submit to the City for review, an evacuation route assessment, if they are located in at least one of these areas: • An area with evacuation constraints, as shown in Figure HS- 3, Evacuation-Constrained Residential Areas • A High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, as shown in Figure HS-4, Fire Hazard Severity Zones. • An area with a slope of 30% or more. STRATEGY: HS-2.16.1: Mitigate Evacuation Constraints. Projects that conduct an evacuation review assessment which determines that the project would add evacuation demand shall identify feasible measures to avoid, reduce, or offset added evacuation constraints. 76 PC 09-22-2026 76 of 290 Goal HS-3 Protect the community from hazards associated with wildland and urban fires FIRE SAFETY The City seeks to provide direction to the Santa Clara County Fire Department on ways to better protect the community from natural and human-caused fire disasters, and to implement local policies to improve building and site design. POLICY HS-3.1: EARLY PROJECT REVIEW Involve the Santa Clara County Fire Department in the early design stage of all development projects to ensure input and modifications as needed. POLICY HS-3.2: FIRE RESPONSE TIMES Ensure Santa Clara County Fire Department maintains required response time standards for emergency response in Cupertino. STRATEGIES: HS-3.2.1: Response Time Standards. Work with Santa Clara County Fire Department to establish citywide response time standards, accounting for time for call, turnout time, travel time, and on scene time for both fire and emergency medical response. POLICY HS-3.3: ADEQUATE FIRE PROTECTION In coordination with the Santa Clara County Fire Department, require that new development be located where fire and emergency services have sufficient capacity to meet project needs and require that the developer provide infrastructure or equipment necessary, proportional to the project's fire service demand, to maintain adequate fire protection to comply with critical response time standards, proportional to the project's fire service demand. Increased population density and new building types will impact fire life safety, capacity of water supply, traffic 77 PC 09-22-2026 77 of 290 flow, and will contribute to greater demand on public safety resources. STRATEGIES: HS-3.3.1: Development Review for Adequate Service. Review development projects, in coordination with the Santa Clara County Fire Department, to evaluate fire response times and ensure adequate service to new development. Evaluation should consider both on- site and off-site conditions that may affect emergency response, including roadway width, access to water supply, and visibility of street signage. When development projects do not meet fire response times, require that project applicants provide infrastructure, equipment, or improvements necessary to ensure adequate fire protection and compliance with critical response time standards. HS-3.3.2: City Fire Code. To the extent feasible, conduct periodic fire safety inspections to ensure compliance with adopted codes. POLICY HS-3.4: NEW DEVELOPMENT IN FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES. Ensure new developments in designated Fire Hazard Severity Zones (see Figure HS-4) comply with the City’s Municipal Code and applicable State codes, including the California Building Code, California Fire Code, California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, and California Fire Safe Regulations, or equivalent standards. Applications for proposed development must include a site plan, planting plan, irrigation plan, plan for management and long-term maintenance of defensible space, water supply source and access, as required by State or City codes and regulations. STRATEGY: HS-3.4.1: Review in Moderate Fire Severity Hazard Zones. In the event, the California Fire, Wildland Urban Interface, and Building Codes require the implementation of different building standards in the Moderate Fire Severity Hazard Zones, ensure these are included in all permit plans prior to issuance of the first permits whether ministerial and discretionary. POLICY HS-3.5: LAND USE AND ZONING CHANGES, AND DEVELOPMENT IN HIGH AND VERY HIGH FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES Avoid land use and zoning changes which increase residential density or intensity of existing land use, new subdivisions or multiple unit developments of five or more lots or units in the High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, except as required by State law, in order to protect public safety, reduce wildfire risks, and enhance emergency response capabilities. POLICY HS-3.6: LAND USE AND ZONING CHANGES AND DEVELOPMENT IN SPECIFIC VERY HIGH FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES Prohibit new subdivisions, multiple unit developments, or land use and zoning changes that would increase residential density or intensity of the existing land use in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone , as shown in Figure HS-4, if located in at least one of these areas, except as such 78 PC 09-22-2026 78 of 290 developments may be required by State law: • Properties with primary access from private roads • An area with a slope of 30% or more. POLICY 3.7: FIRE-RESISTANT MATERIALS. Ensure improvements and new structures within a High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone comply with the California Building Code, California Fire Code, California Wildland Urban Interface Code, and California Fire Safe Regulations, or equivalent standards, to ensure fire-resistant roof coverings and exterior building materials. The Chief Building Official shall enforce these standards in alignment with Health and Safety Code Section 13143.4, making necessary findings as required. STRATEGY: HS-3.7.1: Wildfire Assistance Program. Explore establishing a wildfire financial assistance program to help property owners enact and maintain wildfire home hardening and defensible space features and practices on their properties, prioritizing providing assistance to properties that do not yet conform to current standards. POLICY 3.8: FIRE PROTECTION PLANS. Require fire protection plans for all new development projects in the High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, including plans for long-term, comprehensive, fuel reduction and management. The fire protection plan shall be consistent with California Fire Code, Chapter 49. POLICY HS-3.9: ACCESS FOR FIRE AND EMERGENCY VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT Require proposed new development to provide adequate access for fire and emergency vehicles and equipment that meets or exceeds applicable State and local standards. Developments must also comply with the applicable provisions of the California Fire Code to ensure fire safety measures, including emergency access, fire protection systems, and defensible space requirements, align with statewide fire prevention standards. STRATEGIES: HS-3.9.1: Fire Hazards Response Support Support measures that help firefighting crews and emergency response teams respond to fire hazards or work under low-visibility conditions, such as high-visibility signage for streets and building addresses that meet or exceed the standards in the California Fire Safe Regulations (Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Articles 2 and 3, Sections 1273 and 1274). HS-3.9.2: New Hillside Roads Ensure new access roads proposed with new development are designed 79 PC 09-22-2026 79 of 290 to meet State Minimum Fire Safe Regulations, California Fire Code, and City Municipal Code standards and constructed prior to the issuance of final occupancy for any new development. (Moved) (Moved) (Moved) HS-3.9.3: Hillside Road Upgrades. Require new hillside development to upgrade existing access roads to meet State Minimum Fire Safe Regulations, California Fire Code, and City Municipal Code standards. HS-3.9.4: Hillside Road Maintenance Agreements Required. Require recordation of maintenance agreements which run with the land, prior to final occupancy, stipulating that private hillside road maintenance is the responsibility of the property owner or, in the event of a shared access road, the shared responsibility of the property owners with shared access to the roadway. These standards include road standards for evacuation and emergency vehicle access, vegetation management, and other requirements of the California Fire Safe Regulations. POLICY HS-3.10: PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL ELECTRIC SECURITY GATES Discourage the use of private residential electric security gates and selectively permit them only if they do not act as a barrier to emergency personnel. STRATEGIES: HS-3.10.1: Location. Strongly discourage electric gates in high fire and very high fire hazard zones. Allow electric gates only in locations permitted by the Municipal Code. Require a fence exception for electric security gates in areas as outlined in the Municipal Code. HS-3.10.2: Access to Gates. Where electric security gates are allowed, require the installation of an approved key switch to enable vehicle access by the Fire Department. (Moved) POLICY HS-3.11: EXTENSION OF WATER SERVICE Require new subdivisions and development within High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones to obtain a water service extension letter, to include fire flow capacity, from water service providers prior to receiving development permit approval to ensure adequate water services for both fire protection and daily use. POLICY HS-3.12: LONG-TERM WATER SUPPLY Ensure long-term water supply for fire suppression and maintaining fire- flows. POLICY HS-3.13: COORDINATION OF LONG-TERM WATER SUPPLY Coordinate with water utility providers and the Santa Clara County Fire Department to anticipate future locations and keep water supply systems in pace with growth and firefighting service needs. STRATEGIES: HS-3.13.1: Adequate Water Service. Identify and improve areas lacking adequate water service for firefighting, including capacity for peak load under a reasonable worst-case wildland fire 80 PC 09-22-2026 80 of 290 scenario determined by the Santa Clara County Fire Department. HS-3.13.2: Sufficient Water Flow. Work with San Jose Water, California Water Service, and Santa Clara County Fire Department to ensure that fire hydrants are adequately distributed throughout Cupertino and have sufficient water flow. POLICY HS-3.14 FIRE SAFE ROADWAYS Require existing non-conforming public and private roadways in Fire Hazard Severity Zones to comply with current fire safety regulations required for new subdivisions and development. STRATEGY: HS-3.14.1: City Roadways Repair and Maintenance. Prepare and implement plans to repair and maintain City-owned roadways as needed to meet current standards. HS-3.14.2: Private Roadways Repair and Maintenance. Require private property owners to prepare and implement plans to update, repair, and maintain their existing privately-owned roadways to meet current local and State standards, given the absence of other site constraints. At time of development review, ensure maintenance agreements are recorded running with the land to ensure that street maintenance is the responsibility of the private property owner, or in the case of a shared roadway, the shared responsibility of the private property owners with shared access. These standards include road standards for evacuation and emergency vehicle access, vegetation management, and other requirements of the California Fire Safe Regulations, Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, Division 1.5, Chapter 7. POLICY HS-3.15: VEGETATION MANAGEMENT Collaborate with Santa Clara County Fire Department to provide fuel reduction, defensible space, and vegetation management. STRATEGIES: HS-3.15.1: Roadside Vegetation Management. Collaborate with Santa Clara County Fire Department to provide public and private roadside fuel reduction, defensible space, and vegetation management, particularly along evacuation routes. HS-3.15.2: Defensible Space. Require all existing and new properties in the Fire Hazard Severity Zones to establish and maintain defensible space and vegetation management around dwellings and inhabited structures, in accordance with City and State standards. POLICY HS-3.16: FIRE-RESISTANT LANDSCAPING Promote the use of fire-resistant landscaping in public and private developments. In High and Very High Fire Severity Zones, fire- resistant landscaping shall be required. POLICY HS-3.17: FUEL BREAKS AND EMERGENCY ACCESS ROUTES Coordinate with CAL FIRE, Santa Clara County Fire Department, and private property owners to maintain existing 81 PC 09-22-2026 81 of 290 fuel breaks and emergency access routes for effective fire suppression. POLICY HS-3.18: RECOVERY AND REDEVELOPMENT AFTER A LARGE FIRE. Develop and update programs as needed that ensure recovery and redevelopment after a large fire and that reduce future vulnerabilities to fire hazard risks through site preparation, redevelopment layout design, fire-resistant landscape planning, and home hardening building design and materials. 82 PC 09-22-2026 82 of 290 Goal HS-4 Ensure high levels of community safety with police services that meet the community’s needs PUBLIC SAFETY The City seeks to support public safety through improved police services and better site design. POLICY HS-4.1: NEIGHBORHOOD AWARENESS PROGRAMS Continue to support the Neighborhood Watch Program, Block Leader Program, and other similar programs intended to help neighborhoods prevent crime through social interaction. POLICY HS-4.2: CRIME PREVENTION THROUGH BUILDING AND SITE DESIGN Consider appropriate design techniques to reduce crime and vandalism when designing public spaces and reviewing development proposals. STRATEGIES: HS-4.2.1: Perimeter Roads for Parks. Encircle neighborhood parks with a public road to provide visual accessibility whenever possible. HS-4.2.2: Development Review. Continue to request County Sheriff review and comment on new development to ensure new development provides appropriate security and public safety measures. POLICY HS-4.3: FISCAL IMPACTS Require that new development accounts for fiscal impacts to the County Sheriff, Santa Clara County Fire, and City of Cupertino when approving various land use mixes. POLICY HS-4.4: LAW ENFORCEMENT RESPONSE TIMES Ensure that law enforcement emergency response times consistently meet the standards of the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Department. STRATEGY: HS-4.4.1: Response Time Review. Include requirements to conduct regular reviews of response time data for police service to identify trends, patterns, and areas for improvement in contracts for Sheriff services. 83 PC 09-22-2026 83 of 290 GOAL HS-5 Reduce risks associated with geologic and seismic hazards SEISMIC AND GEOLOGIC HAZARDS The City seeks to ensure community safety in areas with potential seismic and geologic hazards by implementing best construction and engineering practices and education. POLICY HS-5.1: SEISMIC AND GEOLOGIC REVIEW PROCESS Evaluate new development proposals and subdivisions within mapped seismic and geologic hazard zones using a formal seismic/geologic review process. Use General Plan Appendix E to determine the level of review required. STRATEGIES: HS-5.1.1: Geotechnical and Structural Analysis. Require any site with a slope exceeding 10 percent to reference the Landslide Hazard Potential Zone maps of the State of California for all required geotechnical and structural analysis. HS-5.1.2: Residential Upgrades. Require that any residential facility that is being increased more than 50 percent assessed value or physical size, conform to all provisions of the current building and residential codes throughout the entire structure. Owners of residential buildings with known structural defects, such as unreinforced garage openings, “soft first story” construction, unbolted foundations, or inadequate sheer walls are encouraged to take steps to remedy the problem and bring their buildings up to the current building and residential codes. HS-5.1.3: Geologic Review. Continue to implement and update geologic review procedures for geologic reports required by General 84 PC 09-22-2026 84 of 290 Plan Appendix E through the development review process. POLICY HS-5.2: PUBLIC EDUCATION ON SEISMIC SAFETY Reinforce the existing public education programs to help residents minimize hazards resulting from earthquakes. STRATEGIES: HS-5.2.1: Covenant on Seismic Risk. Require developers to record a covenant to disclose risks to future residents in all fault zones and inform them that more information is in City Hall records. This requirement is in addition to the State requirement that information on the geological report is recorded on the face of subdivision maps. (Moved) (Moved) (Moved) (Moved) POLICY HS-5.3: HILLSIDE GRADING Establish standards and procedures to limit grading on hillside properties, particularly those that change natural flows or flatten existing slopes. Restrict the extent and timing of hillside grading operations to April through October, except as otherwise allowed by the City. Require performance bonds during the remaining time to guarantee the repair of any erosion damage. Require planting of graded slopes as soon as practical after grading is complete. 85 PC 09-22-2026 85 of 290 GOAL HS-6 Protect people and property from the risks associated with hazardous materials and exposure to electromagnetic fields HAZARDOUS MATERIALS The City is committed to protecting its citizens from hazardous materials through improved disposal practices, better site design, and more public education. POLICY HS-6.1: HAZARDOUS MATERIALS STORAGE AND DISPOSAL Require the proper storage and disposal of hazardous materials to prevent leakage, potential explosions, fire, or the release of harmful fumes as required by the Santa Clara County Fire Department and/or the Santa Clary County Department of Environmental Health. Maintain information channels to the residential and business communities about the illegality and danger of dumping hazardous material and waste in the storm drain system or in creeks. POLICY HS-6.2: PROXIMITY OF RESIDENTS TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS Assess future residents’ exposure to hazardous materials when new residential development or sensitive populations are proposed in existing industrial and manufacturing areas. Do not allow residential development or sensitive populations (such as childcare uses or elder care) if such hazardous conditions cannot be mitigated to an acceptable level of risk. STRATEGIES: HS-6.2.1: Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) required. Establish and maintain requirements for environmental site assessment report review in conjunction with development. Continue to implement requirements in the Municipal Code to ensure environmental site assessment is completed prior to project approval, including, but not limited to, projects proposed on former industrial sites or others where there is a possibility of contamination. HS-6.2.2: Soil Remediation required. Ensure that conditions of approval are incorporated to require soil remediation with the appropriate 86 PC 09-22-2026 86 of 290 regulatory agency with any ministerial or discretionary project approvals. Continue to implement the requirement that soil remediation be conducted prior to issuance of any permits involving ground/soil disturbing activity. HS-6.2.3: Other Hazardous Materials Review required. If there is sufficient evidence about the presence or storage of hazardous materials in properties within 500 feet of property on which new residential or uses for sensitive populations are proposed, review by the authority controlling the presence of the hazardous materials is required to ensure that any requirements from that authority are included in any approvals, whether ministerial or discretionary. HS-6.2.4: Hazardous Materials Storage. Continue to enforce current federal, State, County, and local standards and regulations related to hazardous materials storage. POLICY HS-6.3: RADIOFREQUENCY STUDIES Continue to require radiofrequency studies for wireless developments during the development review process to confirm that projects meet federal and State standards. POLICY HS-6.4: EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS Continue to encourage residents and businesses to use non- and less- hazardous products, especially less toxic pest control products, to slow the generation of and reduce hazardous waste requiring disposal through the county-wide program. POLICY HS-6.5: HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSALS Continue to support and facilitate a convenient opportunity to properly dispose of hazardous waste for residences and businesses. STRATEGIES: HS-6.5.1: Partner on Hazardous Waste Collection and Disposal. Continue to explore efficient, economical, and convenient ways to offer Household Hazardous Waste and electronic waste collection for residents in partnership with the solid waste contractor or the County. HS-6.5.2: Educational Materials. Publish educational materials about the Household Hazardous Waste program in the Cupertino Scene, City website, and brochures that are distributed throughout the community. POLICY HS-6.6: RADIOFREQUENCY AWARENESS AND TRANSPARENCY Continue to address public concerns about radiofrequency exposure and promote science-based awareness by educating residents, ensuring regulatory compliance, and fostering transparency through effective community outreach and communication led by the Technology, Information, and Communications Commission (TICC) as needed. 87 PC 09-22-2026 87 of 290 GOAL HS-7 Protect people and property from risks associated with floods FLOODING The City seeks to ensure community protection from floods through the design of projects, municipal operations, and public education. POLICY HS-7.1: EVACUATION MAP Maintain an evacuation map for the flood hazard areas in Cupertino on the City’s website. POLICY HS-7.2: EMERGENCY RESPONSE TO DAM FAILURE Ensure that Cupertino is prepared to respond to a potential dam failure. STRATEGIES: HS-7.2.1: Emergency and Evacuation Plan. Coordinate with the Santa Clara Valley Water District to maintain and update the Stevens Creek Dam Failure Plan, including an alert, warning, and notification system and appropriate signage. HS-7.2.2: Inter-agency Cooperation. Continue to coordinate dam-related evacuation plans and alert/notification systems with the City of Sunnyvale, the Santa Clara Valley Water District, and Santa Clara County to ensure that traffic management between the agencies facilitates life safety. Work with other neighboring cities to enhance communication and coordination during a dam-related emergency. POLICY HS-7.3: EXISTING NON- RESIDENTIAL USES IN THE FLOODPLAIN Allow commercial and recreational uses that are now exclusively within the floodplain to remain in their present use or to be used for agriculture or open space, provided the use does not conflict with federal, State, or regional requirements. POLICY HS-7.4: CONSTRUCTION IN FLOODPLAINS Continue to implement land use, zoning, and building and residential code regulations limiting new construction in the already urbanized flood hazard areas recognized by the Federal Flood Insurance Administrator. 88 PC 09-22-2026 88 of 290 STRATEGIES: HS-7.4.1: Dwellings in Flood Plains. Prohibit new residential development or subdivisions in the 100-year floodplain or regulatory floodway which increases the density or intensity of the existing land use. Regulate all types of redevelopment in floodplains to prevent increased density. This includes discouraging fill materials and obstructions that may increase flood potential or modify the natural riparian corridors. HS-7.4.2: Description of Flood Zone Regulation. Continue to maintain and update a map of potential flood hazard areas and a description of flood zone regulations on the City’s website. HS-7.4.3: National Flood Insurance Program Community Rating System. Continue to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS). HS-7.4.4 Land Uses in Flood Plains. Encourage the development of compatible open space/recreational uses in regulatory floodways and the 100-year floodplain that are consistent with the provisions of the Federal Emergency Management Agency for floodway uses. HS-7.4.5 Update Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. Review and update Municipal Code Section 16.52, Prevention of Flood Damage, to maintain compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program and ensure development standards consider changes to the flood plain due to climate change. (Moved) POLICY HS-7.5: STABILITY OF EXISTING WATER STORAGE FACILITIES Ensure the structural integrity of water storage facilities. STRATEGY: HS-7.5.1: Coordination with Other Agencies. Work closely with the San Jose Water Company and owners of other water storage facilities to develop and implement a program to monitor the stability of all existing water storage facilities and related improvements, such as distribution lines, connections, and other system- components. POLICY HS-7.6: REDUCE FLOOD RISK Reduce flood risk by maintaining effective stormwater drainage systems, regulating construction, and updating stormwater infrastructure design requirements, and retrofitting storm drainage systems as needed. 89 PC 09-22-2026 89 of 290 GOAL HS-8 Increase resilience of the community to extreme heat EXTREME HEAT The City seeks to maintain community health and well-being in the face of increased extreme heat events and higher average temperatures. POLICY HS-8.1: EXTREME HEAT Recognize extreme heat as a significant hazard in Cupertino, integrating extreme heat into emergency preparedness and response procedures. STRATEGIES: HS-8.1.1: Heat Action Plan. Develop a citywide Heat Action Plan, as an annex to the Emergency Operations Plan, which would include the identification of cooling centers to provide sufficient coverage for the entire community, in coordination with emergency service and utility providers, the minimum hours and thresholds for cooling center operations, and transportation options to cooling centers. HS-8.1.2: Extreme Heat Vulnerable Neighborhoods. Identify neighborhoods most at risk from extreme heat and prioritize extreme heat support and resources for these locations and for communities recognized as uniquely vulnerable to extreme heat in the Vulnerability Assessment. HS-8.1.3: Extreme Heat Protection for Outdoor Workers. Continue to work with labor and business groups to ensure education and enforcement of State and federal standards for extreme heat. Support industry partnerships to strengthen extreme heat resilience. POLICY HS-8.2: EXTREME HEAT MITIGATION. Review public projects and new nonresidential and multi-family projects for opportunities to reduce their contribution to the urban heat island effect through site design, building materials, landscaping, or other project features that provide shading and cooling onsite, and continue to support City led and 90 PC 09-22-2026 90 of 290 community-based efforts to increase shade and provide cooling city-wide. STRATEGIES: HS-8.3.1: Shading and Heat- Mitigating Materials. Coordinate with the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority to increase shading and heat-mitigating materials on pedestrian walkways and at transit stops, including the planting and maintenance of trees for shade. HS-8.3.2: Enhanced Shading for New Nonresidential and Multifamily Development. Require new developments to enhance shading on properties by planting trees and installing shade structures and other cooling/shading features, including active cooling in high-use public hubs and corridors. HS-8.3.3: Enhanced Shading for Existing Nonresidential and Multifamily Development. Require the inclusion of vegetation and shade trees and/or shade structures in existing non-residential and multi-family residential parking lots, to reduce the urban heat island effect, where one or more of the following occur:  A change of use is proposed, or  More than 25% of the site is being modified, or  A new parking lot is proposed, or  An existing parking lot is substantially retrofitted in compliance with the Municipal Code. HS-8.3.4: Enhanced Shading for Existing Parking Lots. Encourage the inclusion of vegetation and trees and/or shade structures in existing parking lots. HS-8.3.5: Artificial Turf. Assess public and environmental health impacts and environmental resource use associated with the installation and use of synthetic or artificial turf on City owned or managed property. POLICY HS-8.4: RESILIENT URBAN FOREST Increase carbon sequestration by expanding and enhancing the urban tree canopy and green space, prioritizing equitable distribution, climate-resilient design, and long- term ecosystem health. STRATEGIES: HS-8.4.1 Urban Forest Management Plan. Develop an Urban Forest Management Plan (UFMP) that identifies the framework and strategy for expanding the tree canopy in Cupertino. Ensure the sustainability of the urban forest (including all existing and new trees) by including tree maintenance and protection, attention to safety, resident engagement, and the planting of native and climate- appropriate trees. HS-8.4.2: Tree Replacement Adopt and maintain regulations to protect trees, including but not limited to public trees. Ensure trees protected are climate appropriate. Ensure any trees that may be removed to accommodate new houses are replaced at a minimum ratio of 2:1. Consider amending the 91 PC 09-22-2026 91 of 290 Protected Tree Ordinance of the Municipal Code to require a minimum of two replacement trees for any tree removal. Refer to the Climate Action Plan and General Plan Environmental Resources Element for additional strategies in support of the urban forest and tree planting, including Strategies ES-2.1.5, ES-5.1.1, and ES- 5.1.2 92 PC 09-22-2026 92 of 290 GOAL HS-9 Increase community resilience to climate change hazards CLIMATE CHANGE RESILIENCE The City seeks to ensure that the community adapts to the impacts of climate change through sustainable practices, innovative design techniques, public outreach and education, and agency collaboration. POLICY HS-9.1: EQUITABLY LOCATED RESILIENCE CENTERS Establish one or more community resilience centers in Cupertino. Ensure that resilience centers are not in areas at risk from hazard impacts to the extent possible, are equitably located, offer refuge from extreme heat and extreme weather events as well as poor air quality and disasters, and are equipped with renewable energy generation and backup power supplies. Such facilities should be in easily accessible locations and available to all community members. STRATEGY: HS-9.1.1: Evacuation Shelter Planning and Siting. Update the Emergency Operations Plan to identify and maintain a network of temporary evacuation shelters and community refuge sites outside the Fire Hazard Severity Zones to reduce travel demand on primary evacuation corridors. POLICY HS-9.2: RESILIENCE CENTER TRANSIT SERVICES Work with transit, dial-a-ride, and paratransit service providers to provide transit services to and from community resilience centers for seniors, people with disabilities, and residents with access and functional needs. POLICY HS-9.3: SUSTAINABLE WATER SUPPLIES Maintain a sustainable, long-term water supply to meet community needs with consideration of the effects of more frequent and severe drought events. Work with water providers to implement extensive water conservation measures and ensure 93 PC 09-22-2026 93 of 290 sustainable water supplies, including for fire suppression needs. STRATEGY: HS-9.3.1: Water Conservation. Promote water conservation measures in all public and private development, in landscaping and potable water use. HS-9.3.2: Dual-plumbing Water Systems. Adopt an ordinance for installation of dual-plumbing water systems that utilize greywater for irrigation at new residential construction. HS-9.3.3: Water Conservation Outreach and Education. Continue to work with water providers to support their water conservation and water efficiency rebate programs as directed by Environmental Resources Policy ES-7.9. Additionally, ensure that information about water conservation and rebate programs is targeted to households with low- or fixed incomes, older adults, persons with disabilities who have access needs, historically underserved communities, and to youth via schools. POLICY HS-9.4: SUSTAINABLE, ENERGY- EFFICIENT, AND ENVIRONMENTALLY REGENERATIVE FEATURES Encourage new developments and existing property owners to incorporate sustainable, energy- efficient, and environmentally regenerative features into their facilities, landscapes, and structures to reduce energy demands and improve on-site resilience. Support financing efforts to increase community access to these features. STRATEGIES: HS-9.4.1: Decarbonization. Continue to encourage carbon free appliances in new and existing buildings to the extent allowed by State and federal law. This could include adopting amendments to the Building Code to increase energy efficiency standards beyond the State’s requirements to the extent feasible by the law and educating residents and businesses about health and air quality benefits of carbon free appliances. HS-9.4.2: Permeable Pavement. Require permeable pavement (not installed on any impervious materials) in areas used for surface parking and/or driveways, such as driveways in single family homes and in at least 25% of open parking spaces in other types of projects. POLICY HS-9.5: DROUGHT-TOLERANT GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE Promote the use of drought-tolerant green infrastructure, including landscaped areas, as part of cooling strategies in public and private spaces. STRATEGIES: HS-9.5.1: Drought-tolerant Green Infrastructure in Public Projects. Identify opportunities for and install green infrastructure in conjunction with street improvement projects and other capital improvement projects. HS-9.5.2: Drought-tolerant Green Infrastructure in Private projects. Identify opportunities for and encourage the installation of green infrastructure in conjunction with private development. 94 PC 09-22-2026 94 of 290 POLICY HS-9.6: NATURAL RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE Encourage public and private projects to use natural resources and nature- based solutions to absorb the impacts of climate-related hazards and associated natural hazards, as feasible. POLICY HS-9.6: SEVERE WEATHER RESILIENCY Increase the resiliency of City-owned structures to severe weather events, including high wind events, and support homeowners and business owners to increase the resilience of their buildings and properties through retrofits, weatherization, and other improvements. POLICY HS 9.6: NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS. Where feasible, encourage the use of nature-based solutions, existing natural features, and/or ecosystem processes, or the restoration thereof, when considering alternatives for the conservation, preservation, or sustainable management of open space. This may include, but is not limited to, aquatic or terrestrial vegetated open space, systems and practices that use or mimic natural processes, and other engineered systems, to provide clean water, conserve ecosystem values and functions, and provide a wide array of benefits to people and wildlife. Environmentally regenerative features refer to design or operational features of buildings, infrastructure, and systems that help to restore, renew, or regenerate the natural environment. Examples include green roofs and living walls, permeable pavement, on-site renewable energy generation, rainwater harvesting and reuse, or use of low-impact materials and construction techniques. 95 PC 09-22-2026 95 of 290 GOAL HS-10 Minimize noise impacts on the community and maintain a compatible noise environment for existing and future land use NOISE The City seeks to ensure that the community continues to enjoy a high quality of life through reduced noise pollution, effective project design, and noise management operations. POLICY HS-10.1: LAND USE DECISION EVALUATION Use the Land Use Compatibility for Community Noise Environments chart, the Future Noise Contour Map (see Figure D-1 in Appendix D), and the City Municipal Code to evaluate land use decisions. POLICY HS-10.2: BUILDING AND SITE DESIGN Minimize noise impacts through appropriate building and site design. STRATEGIES: HS-10.2.1: Commercial Delivery Areas. Locate delivery areas for new commercial and industrial developments away from existing or planned homes. HS-10.2.2: Noise Control Techniques. Require analysis and implementation of techniques to control the effects of noise from industrial equipment and processes for projects near residential uses. Ensure that new development, including multifamily residential and non-residential development, complies with the applicable interior noise standards established in the Building Code, to the satisfaction of the Building Official. Prior to issuance of any certificates of occupancy, require post-construction monitoring or reporting by an acoustical engineer 96 PC 09-22-2026 96 of 290 certifying that the project meets the applicable interior noise standards. HS-10.2.3: Sound Wall Requirements. Exercise discretion in requiring sound walls to be sure that all other measures of noise control have been explored before permitting or installation of a sound wall, and, if the installation is permitted, ensure the sound wall is architecturally enhanced with veneer or other decorative cladding, maintained at the expense of the sponsors of the sound wall or, if a landscape screen is permitted, that the landscaping is continuously maintained and replaced as necessary to ensure a green screen, maintained at the expense of the sponsors of the sound wall. Sound walls should be designed and landscaped to fit into the environment. POLICY HS-10.3: CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE ACTIVITIES Regulate construction and maintenance activities. Establish and enforce reasonable allowable periods of the day, during weekdays, weekends, and holidays for construction activities. Require construction contractors to use the best available technology to minimize excessive noise and vibration from construction equipment such as pile drivers, jack hammers, and vibratory rollers. Implement the noise requirements of the Municipal Code in Titles 10 and 17. POLICY HS-10.4: FREEWAY DESIGN AND NEIGHBORHOOD NOISE Ensure that roads and development along State Route 85 and Interstate 280 are designed and improved in a way that minimizes neighborhood noise, including the installation of rubberized asphalt paving. Support the use of rubberized asphalt on freeways and streets that are not in the City’s jurisdiction but are within the City’s Sphere of Influence. Coordinate with appropriate agencies on projects to implement this requirement. STRATEGIES: HS-10.4.1: Freeway Soundwalls. Support the evaluation and installation of freeway soundwalls where needed to reduce noise impacts on adjacent neighborhoods. This includes considering support for: (1) new soundwalls along freeway segments where none currently exist; and (2) evaluating whether existing soundwalls provide adequate noise attenuation for nearby residents. HS-10.4.2: Freeway Soundwall Sponsorship. Establish a process for neighborhoods affected by freeway noise to request City sponsorship of an application to the appropriate agency for further analysis, study, and potential installation of a soundwall. If studies by the appropriate agency determine that freeway soundwall installation is geometrically infeasible, the agency should consider alternative noise buffers, including sound fences, acoustic panels, vegetation, or other feasible treatments. HS-10.4.3: Noise Impact Analysis. Continue to coordinate with Caltrans and VTA on freeway projects within or adjacent to Cupertino, including interchange projects, to ensure that required environmental review 97 PC 09-22-2026 97 of 290 evaluates potential noise impacts and identifies feasible mitigation measures, as applicable. POLICY HS-10.5: NEIGHBORHOODS Review residents’ needs for convenience and safety and prioritize them over the convenient movement of commute or through traffic, where practical. POLICY HS-10.6: TRAFFIC-CALMING SOLUTIONS TO STREET NOISE Evaluate solutions to discourage through traffic in neighborhoods through enhanced paving and modified street design. STRATEGY: HS-10.6.1: Local Improvement. Modify street design to minimize noise impact to neighbors. POLICY HS-10.7: REDUCTION OF NOISE FROM TRUCKING OPERATIONS Conduct interagency coordination with Santa Clara County to carry out noise mitigation measures to diminish noise along Foothill and Stevens Creek Boulevards from the quarry and cement plant trucking operations. These measures include regulation of truck speed, the volume of truck activity, and trucking activity hours to avoid late evening and early morning. Alternatives to truck transport, specifically rail, are strongly encouraged when feasible. STRATEGIES: HS-10.7.1: Restrictions in the County’s Use Permit. Coordinate with the County to restrict the number of trucks, their speed, and noise levels along Foothill and Stevens Creek Boulevards, to the extent allowed in the Use Permit. Ensure that restrictions are monitored and enforced by the County. HS-10.7.2: Road Improvements to Reduce Truck Impacts. Consider road improvements such as medians, landscaping, noise attenuating asphalt, and other methods to reduce quarry truck impacts. HS-10.7.3: Street Signage. Consider whether restrictions on the movement of quarry related trucks between certain quiet hours on thoroughfares, such as Stevens Creek Boulevard and Foothill Boulevard can be implemented and install signage to help enforce adopted regulations. POLICY HS-10.8: NOISE GENERATING USES Prior to approving noise generating uses, including public or private recreational uses, within or adjacent to established residential areas, ensure the proposed noise generating use includes adequate noise mitigation measures, including, but not limited to, posted rules and regulations which limit hours of operation, to meet the City’s adopted noise standards. POLICY HS-10.9: NOISE GENERATING GARDEN EQUIPMENT Continue to implement and maintain Municipal Code standards regulating noise-generating garden equipment, including lawn mowers, leaf blowers, and similar equipment. 98 PC 09-22-2026 98 of 290 community noise fundamentals Dappendix d: CONTENTS: D-2 Background D-2 Frequency Weighing D-3 Noise Exposure D-4 Subjective Response to Noise D-5 Noise Measurements D-8 Principle Noise Sources In Cupertino On-Road Vehicles Train Noise Heliports Aircraft Noise Stationary Source Noise Hanson Permanente Quarry Constructions Noise Public Facility Noise D-12 Future Noise Contours EXHIBIT - GPA-2 99 PC 09-22-2026 99 of 290 APPENDIX D: COMMUNITY NOISE FUNDAMENTALS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) BACKGROUND Three aspects of community noise are important in determining subjective response: • Level (i.e., magnitude or loudness) of the sound; • The frequency composition or spectrum of the sound; and • The variation in sound level with time. Airborne sound is a rapid fluctuation of air pressure and local air velocity. Sound levels are measured and expressed in decibels (dB) with 0 dB roughly equal to the threshold of hearing. The frequency of a sound is a measure of the pressure fluctuations per second measured in units of hertz (Hz). Most sounds do not consist of a single frequency, but are comprised of a broad band of frequencies differing in level. The characterization of sound level magnitude with respect to frequency is the sound spectrum. A sound spectrum is often described in octave bands that divide the audible human frequency range (i.e., from 20 to 20,000 Hz) into ten segments. FREQUENCY WEIGHTING Many rating methods exist to analyze sound of different spectra. The simplest method is generally used so that measurements may be made and noise impacts readily assessed using basic acoustical instrumentation. This method evaluates all frequencies by using a single weighting filter that progressively de-emphasizes frequency components below 1000 Hz and above 5000 Hz. This frequency weighting reflects the relative decreased human sensitivity to low frequencies and to extreme high frequencies. This weighting is called A-weighting and is applied by an electrical filter in all U.S. and international standard sound level meters. D-2 100 PC 09-22-2026 100 of 290 APPENDIX D: COMMUNITY NOISE FUNDAMENTALS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) D-3 NOISE EXPOSURE Noise exposure is a measure of noise over a period of time, whereas noise level is a single value at an instant in time. Although a single sound level may adequately describe community noise at any instant in time, community noise levels vary continuously. Most community noise is produced by many distant noise sources that produce a relatively steady background noise having no identifiable source. These distant sources change gradually throughout the day and include traffic, wind in trees, and distant industrial activities. Superimposed on this slowly varying background is a succession of identifiable noise events of brief duration. These include nearby activities such as single vehicle passbys or aircraft flyovers, which cause the community noise level to vary from instant to instant. A single number called the equivalent sound level or Leq is used to describe noise varying over a period of time. The Leq is the average noise exposure level over a period of time (i.e., the total sound energy divided by the duration). It is the constant sound level, which would contain the same acoustic energy as the varying sound level, during the same time period. The Leq is useful in describing noise over a period of time with a single numerical value. In determining the daily measure of community noise, it is important to account for the difference in human response to daytime and nighttime noise. During the nighttime, exterior background noise levels are generally lower than in the daytime. Most household noise also decreases at night, and exterior noise intrusions become more noticeable. People are more sensitive to noise at night than during other periods of the day. To account for human sensitivity to nighttime noise, the Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL) is the adopted standard in California. CNEL values are typically computed by energy summation of hourly noise level values, with the proper adjustment applied for the period of evening or night. The CNEL is computed by assessing a 5-dB penalty for evening (i.e., 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm) noise and a 10-dB penalty for nighttime (i.e., 10:00 pm to 7:00 am) noise. Noise exposure measures such as Leq and CNEL are A-weighted, with units expressed in decibels (i.e., dB). 101 PC 09-22-2026 101 of 290 APPENDIX D: COMMUNITY NOISE FUNDAMENTALS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) SUBJECTIVE RESPONSE TO NOISE The effects of noise on people can be classified into three general categories: 1. Subjective effects of annoyance, nuisance, dissatisfaction. 2. Interference with activities such as speech, sleep, and learning. 3. Physiological effects such as anxiety or hearing loss. The sound levels associated with community noise usually produce effects only in the first two categories. No universal measure for the subjective effects of noise has been developed, nor does a measure exist for the corresponding human reactions from noise annoyance. This is primarily due to the wide variation in individual attitude regarding the noise source(s). An important factor in assessing a person’s subjective reaction is to compare the new noise environment to the existing noise environment. In general, the more a new noise exceeds the existing, the less acceptable it is. Therefore, a new noise source will be judged more annoying in a quiet area than it would be in a noisier location. Knowledge of the following relationships is helpful in understanding how changes in noise and noise exposure are perceived. • Except under special conditions, a change in sound level of 1 dB cannot be perceived. • Outside of the laboratory, a 3-dB change is con sidered a just-noticeable difference. • A change in level of at least 5 dB is required before any noticeable change in community response would be expected. • A 10-dB change is subjectively heard as an approx imate doubling in loudness and almost always causes an adverse community response. D-4 102 PC 09-22-2026 102 of 290 APPENDIX D: COMMUNITY NOISE FUNDAMENTALS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) D-5 NOISE MEASUREMENTS Existing ambient noise levels were measured at 15 sites around Cupertino to document representative noise levels at a variety of locations. These locations are shown on Figure D-1. Short-term noise level measurements were taken at 13 locations for a minimum period of 15 minutes during the daytime on Tuesday, April 22 and Wednesday, April 23, 2014, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Short-term noise measurements serve as a snapshot of noise levels at a particular time and location, offering a sense of how other, similar locations might experience noise during comparable times of day. Long-term noise level measurements were taken at two locations for a period of 24 hours between April 22 and 23, 2014. Long-term noise level measurements serve to provide a broader picture of how noise levels vary over the course of a full day, helping to put the short- term measurements in a broader temporal context. Both long- and short-term measurements serve to indicate where excessive noise may be an existing or future issue for existing or new land uses. As shown in Table D-1, noise levels at the short-term measurement locations ranged from a minimum of 58.4 dBA Leq at Location 4 to a maximum of 71.4 dBA Leq at Location 3, with an average Leq of 66.2 dBA, and the majority locations falling between 65 and 70 dBA Leq. Noise levels tended to be higher adjacent to major roadways and freeway, where high volumes of traffic were the dominant source of noise. Noise levels were measured using a Larson-Davis Model 820 sound level meter, which satisfies the American National Standards Institute for Type 1 general environmental noise measurement instrumentation. The sound level meter and microphone were mounted on a tripod 5 feet above the ground and equipped with a windscreen during all short-term measurements. For long-term measurements, the microphone and windscreen were attached to available objects, at a height between four and six feet, as dictated by conditions in the field. The sound level meters were programmed to record noise levels with the “slow” time constant and using the “A” weighting filter network. Meteorological conditions during the measurement periods were favorable and were noted 103 PC 09-22-2026 103 of 290 APPENDIX D: COMMUNITY NOISE FUNDAMENTALS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) to be representative of typical conditions for the season. Generally, conditions included clear to partly cloudy skies, daytime temperatures of approximately 57 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit, and less than 5 to 10 mile-per-hour winds, with occasional higher gusts noted at certain sites. The short- and longterm noise measurement locations are described below. Table D-1 summarizes the results of both the short- and long-term noise monitoring. Table D-1 Noise Monitoring Summary Location Duration Noise Level ST-1 15 minutes 68.9 dBA Leq ST-2 15 minutes 68.8 dBA Leq ST-3 15 minutes 71.4 dBA Leq ST-4 15 minutes 58.4 dBA Leq ST-5 15 minutes 67.4 dBA Leq ST-6 15 minutes 61.6 dBA Leq ST-7 15 minutes 67.9 dBA Leq ST-8 15 minutes 68.0 dBA Leq ST-9 15 minutes 67.6 dBA Leq ST-10 15 minutes 58.5 dBA Leq ST-11 15 minutes 70.9 dBA Leq ST-12 15 minutes 64.2 dBA Leq ST-13 15 minutes 67.3 dBA Leq LT-1 24 hours 69.1 dBA Ldn LT-2 24 hours 72.3 dBA Ldn D-6 104 PC 09-22-2026 104 of 290 APPENDIX D: COMMUNITY NOISE FUNDAMENTALS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) GF GFGF GF GF GF GF GF GFGF GF GFGF GF GF City of Sunnyvale %&'(280 |ÿ85 City of San Jose City of Santa Clara Santa Clara County City of Los Altos Santa Clara County Monta Vista RecreationCenter/Park Linda Vista Park Deep CliffGolf Course McClellanRanchPreserve Blackberry Farm Park Somerset Square Park Varian Park Memorial Park Three OaksPark Hoover Park Jollyman Park Cali MillPlaza Library Field Wilson Park Creekside Park PortalPark Sterling Barnhart Park Franco Park S B L A N E Y A V E N B L A N E Y A V E RAINBOW DR BOLLINGER RD N S T E L L I N G R D BUBBRD NTANTAU AVE S D E A N Z A B L V D BL A N E Y A V E N FOOTHILL BLV D S S T E L L I N G R D HOMESTEAD RD PRUNERIDGE AVE MI LLERAVE STEVENS CREEK BLVD S TANTAU AVE GRAN T R D N D E A N Z A B L V D PROSPECT RD MCCLELLAN RD N W O L F E R D S W O L F E R D LT-2 LT-1ST-1 ST-2 ST-3 ST-4 ST-5 ST-6 ST-7ST-8 ST-9 ST-10ST-11 ST-12 ST-13 GF Long-term Noise Monitoring Location GF Short-term Noise Monitoring Location Parks City Boundary NOISE CITY OF CUPERTINO GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT, HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE, AND ASSOCIATED REZONING PROJECT Figure 4.10-1 Noise Monitoring Locations Source: City of Cupertino, 2013; MIG, Inc, 2014; PlaceWorks, 2014; ESRI, 2010. 0 0.5 10.25 Miles FIGURE D-1 NOISE MONITORING LOCATIONS D-7 105 PC 09-22-2026 105 of 290 APPENDIX D: COMMUNITY NOISE FUNDAMENTALS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) The sound level meters were programmed to record noise levels with the “slow” time constant and using the “A” weighting filter network. Meteorological conditions during the measurement periods were favorable and were noted to be representative of typical conditions for the season. Generally, conditions included clear to partly cloudy skies, daytime temperatures of approximately 57 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit, and less than 5 to 10 mile-per-hour winds, with occasional higher gusts noted at certain sites. The short- and longterm noise measurement locations are described below. PRINCIPAL NOISE SOURCES IN CUPERTINO ON-ROAD VEHICLES Freeways that traverse Cupertino include I-280, which runs along and near the City’s northern boundary, and SR 85, which roughly bisects the geographic area of Cupertino, running from northwest to southeast. In addition to these highways, major roadways running north to south through or adjacent to Cupertino include Foothill Boulevard, Bubb Road, Stelling Road, De Anza Boulevard, Blaney Avenue, Wolfe Road/Miller Avenue, and the Lawrence Expressway, just beyond the eastern edge of the City. Major east-west roadways include Stevens Creek Boulevard, McClellan Road, Bollinger Road, Rainbow Drive, and lastly, Homestead Road and Prospect Road, which run along the northern and southern boundaries of the city, respectively. Together, these highways and streets comprise the major roads in the City of Cupertino. TRAIN NOISE Cupertino does not host any passenger rail lines and has only one, seldom- used freight railway. This freight right-of-way is a Union Pacific rail line, which now exclusively serves the Hanson Permanente quarry and cement plant. As described in the General Plan for the City of Cupertino, this railway presently operates at very low frequencies, with approximately three train trips in each direction per week, usually during the daytime or early evening. Therefore, this railway contributes only very minimally to the noise environment of Cupertino. D-8 106 PC 09-22-2026 106 of 290 APPENDIX D: COMMUNITY NOISE FUNDAMENTALS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) D-9 HELIPORTS There are no heliports located within the City of Cupertino listed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The nearest heliport is located approximately 3.4 miles to the east of Cupertino at the County Medical Center in San Jose. Another nearby heliport is located at McCandless Towers in Sunnyvale, 3.6 miles to the northeast of Cupertino. There are no additional heliports within five miles of Cupertino. AIRCRAFT NOISE There are no public or private airports or airstrips in Cupertino. At the nearest points within city boundaries, Cupertino is located approximately 4.0 miles to the southwest of the San Jose International Airport. The Santa Clara County Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC) has adopted a Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) for areas surrounding San Jose International Airport. The city is not located within any protected airspace zones defined by the ALUC. Cupertino is located approximately 4.4 miles to the south of Moffett Federal Airfield, 8.4 miles to the southeast of the Palo Alto Airport, 24 miles to the southeast of San Francisco International Airport, and 27 miles to the southeast of Oakland International Airport. Additional small airports in the vicinity include the San Carlos Airport, 17 miles to the northwest, Hayward Executive Airport, 23 miles to the north-northwest, and the Half Moon Bay airport, 26 miles to the northwest. Although Cupertino does receive some noise from aircraft using these facilities, the Cupertino City Boundary does not fall within the airport land use planning areas/airport influence areas, runway protection zones, or the identified noise contours of any airport. STATIONARY SOURCE NOISE Stationary sources of noise may occur from all types of land uses. Cupertino is mostly developed with residential, commercial, mixed-use, institutional, and some light industrial/research and development uses. Commercial uses can generate noise from HVAC systems, loading docks, trash compactors, and other sources. Industrial uses may generate noise from HVAC systems, loading docks, and machinery required for manufacturing or other industrial processes. Noise 107 PC 09-22-2026 107 of 290 APPENDIX D: COMMUNITY NOISE FUNDAMENTALS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) generated by commercial uses is generally short and intermittent. Industrial uses may generate noise on a more continual basis, or intermittently, depending on the processes and types of machinery involved. In addition to on-site mechanical equipment, which generates stationary noise, warehousing and industrial land uses generate substantial truck traffic that results in additional sources of noise on local roadways in the vicinity of industrial operations. For Cupertino, the city’s limited industrial areas are primarily located in four areas of the city, the Monta Vista Special Center, the Bubb Road Special Center, the North De Anza Special Center, and the North Vallco Park Special Center (as referenced in the existing General Plan). These industrial areas are characterized by a mix of light industrial, office, and research and development uses; with the exception of the Monta Vista Special Center and the North De Anza Special Center, these areas are usually separated from sensitive uses, such as residences, by either major roads or some degree of buffering. These uses have the potential to generate noise impacts upon nearby sensitive receptors located at the edges of these areas. Such impacts would vary depending on the specific uses, with truck deliveries, HVAC, and other mechanical equipment being the primary sources of noise. The separation of residences by streets or other buffering serves to decrease the noise perceived by these receptors and, in the case of major roads, the noise from the roads was generally observed to exceed that from the industrial uses. Residential neighborhoods in Cupertino with a notable potential to receive substantial industrial noise include portions of the Monta Vista Village Neighborhood (primarily in the vicinity of the area surrounding Bubb Road between Stevens Creek Boulevard and McClellan Road), as well as residential areas bordering the North De Anza Special Center. It should be noted, however, that although these areas allow for light industrial uses, offices and research and development comprise the majority of existing land uses in these areas. HANSON PERMANENTE QUARRY The Hanson Permanente Quarry and cement plant are located to the west of Cupertino, outside of the city boundary. The quarry and cement plant are owned and operated by Lehigh Hanson and are under the jurisdiction of the County of Santa Clara. The nearest sensitive receptors to the quarry and cement plant D-10 108 PC 09-22-2026 108 of 290 APPENDIX D: COMMUNITY NOISE FUNDAMENTALS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) D-11 (within the city boundary) are residences located one-third mile to the east of the closest portion of quarry and plant operations; however, the bulk of quarry/ plant equipment and structures are located approximately two-thirds mile from the nearest residence. Given this distance and the presence of intervening hills that rise 100–200 feet above the elevation of the nearest residences, even the nearest residences would not be anticipated to experience excessive noise from quarry and plant operations. CONSTRUCTION NOISE Construction activity also contributes to the noise environment of Cupertino; however, such activities are typically temporary, occurring in any one location for only a limited period of time. Larger or multi-phase construction projects may contribute to the noise environment of a particular location for a more extended period of time. Public infrastructure that requires ongoing maintenance may also result in ongoing noise impacts, though usually not at a constant location. For example, different sections of road may be repaved at different times, meaning that noise impacts from associated construction activities would, at any given time, only occur along and near the section of roadway undergoing such maintenance. PUBLIC FACILITY NOISE Outdoor activities that occur on school campuses and in parks throughout the city generate noticeable levels of noise. Noise generated on both the weekdays (from physical education classes and sports programs) and weekends (from use of the fields and stadiums) can elevate community noise levels. 109 PC 09-22-2026 109 of 290 APPENDIX D: COMMUNITY NOISE FUNDAMENTALS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) FUTURE NOISE CONTOURS Ensuring that future land use and infrastructure decisions consider the potential adverse impacts of noise is a key concern for the City of Cupertino. Figure D-2 identifies future noise contours within the city, and in combination with the policies included in the Health and Safety Element, will be used to help reduce future noise impacts. Source: City of Cupertino, 2023. FIGURE D-2 FUTURE NOISE CONTOURS D-12 110 PC 09-22-2026 110 of 290 CONTENTS: E-2 Fault Rupture E-3 Ground Shaking E-5 Seismic Ground Deformation E-5 Liquification E-6 Seismically Induces Landslide E-6 Landslide Hazard E-7 Development Review Appendix E: Geologic and E EXHIBIT GPA-3 111 PC 09-22-2026 111 of 290 The following definitions provide a more comprehensive discussion of the hazards that are described in the main body of the text of Chapter 7: Health and Safety Element. FAULT RUPTURE Surface fault rupture is the breaking of the ground along a fault trace usually during a large magnitude earthquake. Although the risk of damage associated with surface fault rupture is high, it can be avoided by not placing structures across active fault traces. Thus, an important element in community planning involves knowing the locations of active fault traces. The State of California has produced maps depicting the general locations of known active fault traces. These maps, referred to in the past as the Alquist-Priolo Special Studies Zones Maps and more recently as Earthquake Fault Maps, provide location information about the most widely known active faults. Such as the San Andreas fault. However, the scale and resolution of these maps are not sufficient to accurately identify the location of faults with respect to individual properties and building sites. In addition, other significant local faults, such as the Monta Vista-Shannon and Sargent-Berrocal faults, are not covered by the State maps. The City has updated its Geologic and Seismic Hazards map (Figure E-1) to reflect the most recent data concerning local fault trace alignments. Within the Regional Fault Zones “Zone F”, as illustrated on Figure E-1: Geologic and Seismic Hazards, property owners must retain professional geologic consultants to determine whether specific fault traces impact proposed building sites for habitable or critical structures. 112 PC 09-22-2026 112 of 290 GROUND SHAKING Buildings and other structures located in seismically active regions such as the San Francisco Bay area are exposed to the hazard of severe ground shaking during earthquakes. Ground shaking is the vibration caused by rupture of a fault segment during an earthquake, and it can be felt over a wide area when the magnitude of the earthquake is very strong. The shaking intensity is also stronger in the area close to the earthquake epicenter and weaker in areas further away from the earthquake. In addition, the level of ground shaking is influenced by underlying rock formations, soil conditions and the depth to groundwater. A widely used shaking intensity scale is the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale (Table E-1), which describes the amount of damage occurring at any geographical location in response to seismic shaking. The intensity of an earthquake ground shaking is related to the size or magnitude of the earthquake. Each magnitude represents 10 times the amount of ground motion and approximately 31 times the amount of energy as the next lower numeral. Thus, an earthquake of magnitude 8 releases about 1,000 times more energy (31 x 31) than a magnitude 6 earthquake. A large-magnitude earthquake on nearby faults could cause considerable local damage, depending on the distance from the epicenter and characteristics of the ground. In general, structures on less well-consolidated bedrock and soil will experience greater shaking intensities than structures situated on hard rock. The City of Cupertino adopted the current California Code of Regulations, Title 24, or Buildings and Standards Code, with certain amendments, which applies to new and existing buildings and structures in the city. Title 16 Buildings and Construction of the City’s Municipal Code includes Chapter 16.04 Building Code, which incorporates the current California Building Code, Volumes 1 and 2 and specified appendices, and Chapter 16.06 Residential Code, which incorporates the California Residential Code with specified appendices. The City’s Building Code and Residential Code incorporate seismic design parameters that consider various types of faults, soil profile types and near-source acceleration factors. The majority of the city located west of Highway 85 is located within 2 kilometers of known seismic sources (per California Division of Mines and Geology Near-Source Zones Map E-19). Proposed new development located within two kilometers of a known seismic source receives the most stringent near-source design factor, which is required for use with current Cupertino Building Code (CBC) and Cupertino Residential Code (CRC) structural design calculations. 113 PC 09-22-2026 113 of 290 Figure E-2 generally depicts the location of the various faults and hazard zones within the Cupertino planning area. Table E-1 General Comparison Between Earthquake Magnitude and the Earthquake Effects Due to Ground Shaking Earthquake Category Richter Magnitude Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale (After Huser, 1970) Damage to Structure Minor 2.00 I Detected only by sensitive instruments No Damage 3.00 recognized as an earthquake; standing cars some awaken; dishes, 4.00 Architectural Damage VI Felt by all; many are frightened and run outdoors; Falling plaster and chimneys; 5.00 5.3 varies depending on quality of construction; Moderate 6.00 Structural Damage 6.9 thrown out plumb; ground cracked, underground pipes broken; serious damage Major 7.00 7.7 XI Few structures remain standing; bridges destroyed; fissures in ground; pipes broken; Great 8.00 lines of sight and level distorted; objects thrown into the air; large rock masses Total Destruction 114 PC 09-22-2026 114 of 290 SEISMIC GROUND DEFORMATION Ground located in relatively close proximity to active fault traces may experience some level of ground deformation beyond the primary surface fault rupture zones. The distribution of this anticipated deformation is illustrated on Figure E- 1: Geologic and Seismic Hazards, “Zone F”.. Ground deformation away from the primary rupture zones may include broad bowing or warping of the surface, ground cracking and secondary ground fissuring. The general magnitudes of such deformation could be up to several inches, whereas ground impacted by primary surface fault rupture could experience offsets of several feet. Adjacent to local thrust faults (Berrocal and Monta Vista faults), relatively broad zones of ground deformation should be anticipated immediately west of the mapped fault trace alignments. These zones of deformation are anticipated to result from seismic displacement at depth along inclined fault planes descending to the west. The potential for such ground deformation should be considered during the design of new structures near active fault traces, as shown by Regional Fault Zones on Figure E-1: Geologic and Seismic Hazards. LIQUEFACTION Soil liquefaction is the phenomenon in which certain water-saturated soils lose their strength and flow as a fluid when subjected to intense shaking. With loss of soil strength, lateral spreading or sliding of soil toward a stream embankment can occur. Liquefaction can also result in the formation of sand boils, which represent conduits of pressure release from within the liquefied layer (at depth) to the ground surface. Liquefaction can also lead to local settlement of the ground surface and a reduction of bearing support for building foundations. The potential exists for tilting or collapse of structures due to liquefaction of underlying earth materials. Currently identified lands subject to a moderate or higher level of risk for liquefaction are essentially coincident with areas of potential flood inundation adjacent to local creek channels. Relatively deep, unconsolidated granular soil materials potentially prone to liquefaction may occur in these areas. The high liquefaction susceptibility areas and flood hazard zones are depicted by Hazard “Zone I” on Figure E-1: Geologic and Seismic Hazards. 115 PC 09-22-2026 115 of 290 SEISMICALLY INDUCED LANDSLIDING Reactivation of existing landslides or generation of new slope failures (as discussed in the following section on landslides) may be initiated under intense seismic ground shaking conditions. As a result of the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, many large pre-existing landslides demonstrated lurching or other signs of movement and partial reactivation within the local Santa Cruz Mountains to the southwest of the City. Intense seismic ground shaking from a nearby earthquake could trigger new slope failures or movement of pre- existing landslides. Steep to precipitous banks adjacent to the floodplain of Stevens Creek may be particularly susceptible to seismically induced land sliding. These areas, and other high landslide susceptibility areas within the City, are included within “Zone L” on Figure E-1: Geologic and Seismic Hazards LANDSLIDE HAZARDS Landslides present the greatest geologic hazards to the foothills and low mountains in the planning area. The sliding of a slope is the normal geologic process that widens valleys and flattens slopes. The rate ranges from rapid rock fails to very slow soil and bedrock creep. Landslides are caused by inter-related natural factors, such as weak soil and rock over hillsides made steeper by rapid stream erosion, adverse geologic structure, groundwater levels and high rainfall rates. Landslides can be caused by improper grading, excessive irrigation, removal of natural vegetation and altering surface and subsurface drainage. Figure E-2 shows mapped landslide deposits within Cupertino. Geologic mapping in the hillsides shows that landslide deposits cover as much as 20 to 30 percent of the hillsides in the planning area. Landslides range from small, shallow deposits made up of soil and weak bedrock materials to large, deep landslides involving a large amount of bedrock. Extensive geologic characterization and engineering analyses are necessary to determine the long-term stability of a landslide deposit. Old deposits are the most difficult to judge. Experience shows that old landslide deposits are far more likely to move again than areas that have not had landslides before. 116 PC 09-22-2026 116 of 290 Areas in these old landslides that are next to steep, new stream channels are more likely to have new landslides than areas further from the new channels. This would be especially true with severe shaking during a major earthquake on any of the three faults in Cupertino. The historic account of the 1906 earthquake shows many landslides occurred throughout the Santa Cruz Mountains. Some of these were catastrophic, causing loss of life, personal injury, and severe damage to buildings. Landslides are expected along the high, steep embankments that bound the Stevens Creek floodplain, confined to local sites along the stream channel alignment extending from the front the hillsides across the valley floor. This hazard can be reduced significantly by restrictive building at the base and top of the embankments. DEVELOPMENT REVIEW These geologic and seismic hazards present risks to property and public safety. Tables E-2 through E-5 briefly explain geologic and seismic hazards in Cupertino, magnitude and occurrence, acceptable exposure rise, and technical investigations required based on acceptable risk. Figure E-1 identifies the areas in Cupertino susceptible to the greatest risk. During the development review process, Figure E-1 identifies which seismic or geologic hazard zone a proposed project is in, and Table E-3 defines the acceptable exposure level based on the development type. These two factors should then be used to determine the required geologic and seismic technical investigations in Table E-5 for a proposed development project. Tables E-2 and E-3 provide supporting information and definitions for this process. 117 PC 09-22-2026 117 of 290 Table E-2 Explanations of Geologic and Seismic Hazards Hazard Zone Description (F)– Fault Rupture Area of potential surface fault rupture hazard within 300 feet east and 600 feet west of the Monta Vista and Berrocal faults, and within 600 feet of the San Andreas fault. (S)– Slope Instability Area includes all recognized landslide deposits, and steep walls of Stevens Creek canyon, with a moderate to high landslide potential under static or seismic conditions. Area also reflects the mapped zone of potential earthquake-induced landsliding prepared by the California Geological Survey (2002). (H)– Hillside Area contains moderate to steep slope conditions not included in the above categories, with an undetermined potential for slope instability. (L)– Liquefaction / Inundation Area where local geological, geotechnical and groundwater conditions indicate a potential for liquefaction under seismic conditions. Much of this area also has the potential for periodic flood inundation. The Liquefaction/Inundation Zone is stippled where covered by an overlaying Fault Zone. (V)– Valley Area includes all relatively level valley floor terrain not included in the above categories with low levels of geologic hazard risk. Table E-3 Maximum Earthquake Magnitudes and Recurrence Intervals Causative Faults Distance from De Anza/SCB Intersection Maximum Historic Moment Magnitude Maximum Probable Moment Magnitude Est. Prob. San Andreas System San Andreas 5.5 miles 7.9 7.9 220 years Hayward (South) 10 miles 7.0 7.0 236 years Calveras (Central) 14 miles 6.3 7.0 374 years Sargent-Berrocal System Sargent-Berrocal 3.5 miles 3.7-5.0 6.8 330 years Monta Vista- 2 miles 2.0-3.0 6.8 2400 years 118 PC 09-22-2026 118 of 290 Table E-4 Acceptable Exposure to Risk Related to Various Land Uses Exposure to Risk Land Use Group Risk to Acceptable Level Extremely Low Group 1 Vulnerable structures (nuclear reactors, large dams, plants manufacturing/ storing hazardous materials) As required for maximum attainable safety Group 2 transmission interties/substations, regional water pipelines, treatment Design as needed to remain functional after max. prob. earthquake on local faults Group 3 telephones, bridges, freeways, evacuation 5% to 25% of project cost police stations, post-earthquake aid stations, schools, City Hall and Service Design as needed to remain functional after max. prob earthquake on local faults Group 4 prisons, convalescent and nursing homes) Design as needed to remain functional after max. prob. earthquake on local faults High occupancy buildings (theaters, hotels, large office/apartment buildings) Moderately Low Group 5 water supply turnout lines, sewage lines) 5% to 25% of project cost Facilities important to local economy maximum probable earthquake on local need not design to remain functional Ordinary Level Group 6 2% of project cost; to 10% project cost in extreme cases (small apartment buildings., single-family residential, motels, small commercial/office Group 7 Very low occupancy buildings (warehouses, farm structures) without damage; resist mod. Earthquakes without structural. damage, with some nonstructural. damage; resist major earth- quake (max. prob. on local faults w/o collapse, allowing some Open space and recreation (farmland, landfills, wildlife areas) 119 PC 09-22-2026 119 of 290 Table E-5 Technical Investigations Required based on Acceptable Risk Land Use Activity Hazard Map Symbol Hazard Zone F, S, H Hazard Zone L, V Evaluation Required Evaluation Required Groups 1 to 4 CBC/CRC CBC/CRC Soils Soils Geology Seismic Hazard Seismic Hazard Groups 5 to 7 CBC/CRC CBC/CRC Soils Geology Descriptions of Technical Evaluations: CBC/CRC: Current, adopted version of the current Cupertino Building Code (CBC) and Cupertino Residential Code (CRC), as applicable. Soils: Soils and foundation investigation to determine the ability of local soil conditions to support structures. Geology: Determine subsidence potential, faulting hazard, slope stability (See Geologic and Seismic Hazard Map for additional detail). Seismic Hazard: Detailed Soils/Structural evaluation to certify adequacy of normal CBC/CRC earthquake regulations or to recommend more stringent measures. 120 PC 09-22-2026 120 of 290 FIGURE E-1 121 PC 09-22-2026 121 of 290 FIGURE E-2 Los Altos Sunnyvale Santa Clar San Jose Saratoga Legend Qal – Valley Floor Alluvium QTsc – Santa Clara Formation Tus, Tm,vq – Tertiary Sedimentary Rocks KJr – Franciscan Assemblage Landslides (Schematic) Fault Urban Service Area Boundary Sphere of Influence Boundary Agreement Line Qal QTsc Qal KJr Qal QTsc Tus, Tm QTsc BU B B RO A D RD De AN Z A BL V D AV E RD 122 PC 09-22-2026 122 of 290 Appendix H: Health and Safety Element Background Report EXHIBIT - GPA-4 123 PC 09-22-2026 123 of 290 1. Overview ....................................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Purpose and Content ............................................................................... 1 1.2 Relationship to Other Local Plans ............................................................. 2 1.2.1 General Plan Elements ...................................................................................................... 2 1.2.2 Santa Clara County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan ...................................... 2 1.2.3 Santa Clara County Community Wildfire Protection Plan ................................................. 3 1.2.4 City of Cupertino Climate Action Plan ............................................................................... 3 1.3 Community Profile .................................................................................. 4 1.4 Climate Change Vulnerability ................................................................... 7 1.4.1 Vulnerability Assessment Results ...................................................................................... 8 2. Public Safety Issues ...................................................................................................................... 10 2.1 Emergency Preparation and Response ..................................................... 10 2.1.1 Local Emergency Response ............................................................................................. 10 2.1.2 Alert, Warning, and Notification ..................................................................................... 12 2.1.3 Emergency Evacuation .................................................................................................... 13 2.2 Flood and Inundation Hazards ................................................................ 16 2.2.1 Dam and Pipeline Failure ................................................................................................ 18 2.2.2 Past Occurrences ............................................................................................................. 21 2.2.3 Potential Changes to Flood Risk in Future Years ............................................................. 21 2.3 Seismic and Geologic Hazards ................................................................. 22 2.3.1 Seismic Hazards ............................................................................................................... 22 2.3.2 Geologic Hazards ............................................................................................................. 24 2.3.3 Past Occurrences ............................................................................................................. 24 2.3.4 Potential Changes to Geologic and Seismic Risk in Future Years .................................... 28 2.4 Fire Hazards ......................................................................................... 28 2.4.1 Wildfires……….. ................................................................................................................ 29 2.4.2 Fire Hazard Severity Zone ............................................................................................... 29 2.4.3 Structural Fires ................................................................................................................ 29 2.4.4 Fire Protection 32 2.4.5 Past Occurrences ............................................................................................................. 33 2.4.6 Potential Changes to Fire Risk in Future Years ................................................................ 34 2.5 Hazardous Waste and Materials .............................................................. 34 2.5.1 Potential Changes to Hazardous Materials in Future Years ............................................ 36 2.6 Climate Change Resilience ..................................................................... 36 2.6.1 Air Quality…….. ................................................................................................................ 36 2.6.2 Drought…………. ............................................................................................................... 37 2.6.3 Extreme Heat….. .............................................................................................................. 39 2.6.4 Severe Weather ............................................................................................................... 41 2.6.5 Human Health Hazards.................................................................................................... 43 3. Vulnerability Assessment Results ................................................................................................. 45 3.1 Overview 45 3.2 Items Included in the Cupertino Vulnerability Assessment ......................... 46 TABLE OF CONTENTS 124 PC 09-22-2026 124 of 290 3.2.1 Populations…… ................................................................................................................ 46 3.2.2 Infrastructure…. .............................................................................................................. 46 3.2.3 Buildings……….. ................................................................................................................ 47 3.2.4 Economic Drivers ............................................................................................................. 48 3.2.5 Ecosystems and Natural Resources ................................................................................. 48 3.2.6 Key Services….. ................................................................................................................ 48 3.3 Vulnerability Assessment Results ............................................................ 49 End notes ........................................................................................................................................... 52 Figure S-1 Critical Facilities ................................................................................................................. 6 Figure S-2 Potential Evacuation Routes ........................................................................................... 14 Figure S-3 Evacuation-Constrained Residential Parcels ................................................................... 15 Figure S-4 Flood Hazard Zones ......................................................................................................... 17 Figure S-5 Dam Inundation Areas .................................................................................................... 20 Figure S-6 Regional Fault Lines ......................................................................................................... 25 Figure S-7 Liquefaction Areas ........................................................................................................... 26 Figure S-8 Landslide Susceptibility Areas ......................................................................................... 27 Figure S-9 Fire Hazard Severity Zones .............................................................................................. 31 Figure S-10 California Adaptation Planning Guide Vulnerability Assessment Process ...................... 45 Table S-1. Vulnerability Assessment Results .................................................................................... 50 LIST OF FIGURES LIST OF TABLES 125 PC 09-22-2026 125 of 290 1.1 PURPOSE AND CONTENT The Cupertino Health and Safety Element is a State-mandated General Plan element that must identify potential natural and human-caused hazards that could affect the City of Cupertino’s (City’s) residents, businesses, and services. The Health and Safety Element establishes a framework that anticipates these hazards and prepares the community to minimize exposure to these risks. The Health and Safety Element conveys the City’s goals, policies, and strategies to minimize the hazards to safety in and around Cupertino. It identifies the natural and human-caused hazards that affect existing and future development, describes present and expected future conditions, and sets policies and standards for improved public safety. This document includes efforts to minimize physical harm to the buildings and infrastructure in and around Cupertino to reduce damage to local economic systems, community services, and ecosystems. The Safety Element serves the following functions:  Develops a framework by which safety considerations are introduced into the land use planning process.  Facilitates identifying and mitigating hazards for new development, thus strengthening existing codes, project review, and permitting processes.  Presents policies directed at identifying and reducing hazards in existing development.  Strengthens earthquake, flood, dam inundation, and wildfire preparedness planning and post- disaster reconstruction policies.  Identifies how natural and climate-related hazards are likely to increase in frequency and intensity in the future and provides policies to increase community resilience through preparedness and adaptation. Section 65302(g) of the California Government Code requires that the Health and Safety Element contains background information and policies to address multiple natural hazards, analyze the vulnerabilities from climate change, contain policies to improve climate change resilience and assess residential areas with evacuation constraints. The public safety issues in Cupertino include the following:  Emergency preparedness and response  Flood and inundation hazards  Seismic and geologic hazards  Fire hazards  Hazardous waste and materials  Drought  Extreme heat  Severe weather The Health and Safety Element includes a discussion for each hazards and identifies goals and policies. The policies in the Health and Safety Element guide the actions of City staff, developers, and policy makers necessary to achieve the goal. These policies are carried out by corresponding strategies, which are specific tasks the City will undertake. 1. OVERVIEW 126 PC 09-22-2026 126 of 290 1.2 REL A TIONSHIP TO OTHER LOCAL PLANS AND CODES Cupertino General Plan’s Health and Safety Element is one of several plans that address community safety and related topics. Other plans include the Santa Clara County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP), the Santa Clara County Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP), and the Cupertino Climate Action Plan (CAP), and various local regulations. The General Plan Health and Safety Element should be consistent with these other plans to minimize conflicts between documents and ensure that the City has a unified strategy to address public safety and resilience issues. The Health and Safety Element incorporates information, technical analyses, and policies from these other documents where appropriate to help support this consistency. 1.2.1 General Plan Elements The 2014 Cupertino General Plan, also known as the Community Vision 2015-2040, includes two introductory chapters (Introduction and Planning Areas) and seven “element” chapters addressing different community issues:  Land Use and Community Character  Housing  Mobility  Environmental Resources and Sustainability  Health and Safety  Infrastructure  Recreation, Parks, and Community Services The Health and Safety Element provides policy direction and designs safety improvements that complement the intent and policies of other General Plan elements. Crucial relationships exist between the Health and Safety Element and the other General Plan elements. How land uses are determined in areas prone to natural hazards, what regulations limit development in these areas, and how hazards are mitigated for existing development, are all among issues that tie the elements together. For instance, the Recreation, Parks, and Community Services Element must consider how hazards will affect the park and recreation infrastructure and facilities in Cupertino, but also recognizes that parks can provide strategies to reduce flood risks throughout the city. The Housing Element is also closely tied to the Health and Safety Element. Future potential development in the city must be protected from hazards and able to adapt to climate change hazards to ensure homes and the people living in them remain safe. Health and Safety Element policies, especially those concerning evacuation routes and critical facilities, must also be consistent with those of the Mobility Element. Interstate (I-) 280 and State Route (SR-) 85 are Cupertino’s primary evacuation routes, supported by routes designated as arterials in the City’s Mobility Element. This Health and Safety Element is consistent with the other elements of the Cupertino General Plan. 1.2.2 Santa Clara County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan In collaboration with the City and other local agencies and special districts, Santa Clara County prepared the 2023 Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP) in accordance with the federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 and the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA’s) hazard mitigation assistance guidance. Santa Clara County’s MJHMP is a plan that assesses hazard vulnerabilities from natural and human-caused hazards, including risk to people and facilities, and identifies short-term (five- year) mitigation actions to reduce or eliminate hazard risks in Santa Clara County, including in incorporated communities. The MJHMP includes a dedicated annex for the City of Cupertino, which discusses Cupertino’s characteristics and history, development trends, hazard mitigation capabilities, integration with other hazard mitigation planning efforts, and vulnerabilities of specific facilities and infrastructure. The mitigation actions in the MJHMP include both short-term and long-term strategies and 127 PC 09-22-2026 127 of 290 involve planning, policy changes, programs, projects, and other activities. These mitigation actions are identified based on assessments of hazards, vulnerabilities, and risks and the participation of a wide range of stakeholders and the public in the planning process. Local governments are required to develop a hazard mitigation plan as a condition for receiving certain types of non-emergency disaster assistance. The MJHMP and Health and Safety Element address similar issues, but the Health and Safety Element provides a higher-level, long-term framework and set of policies that pertain to the safety of the city, while the MJHMP focuses on more specific mitigation, often short-term actions, to enable jurisdictions to better protect lives, property, and natural systems. The MJHMP, as its name implies, focuses on mitigation-related actions, while the Health and Safety Element also includes policies related to emergency response, recovery, and preparation activities. The current MJHMP, including Cupertino’s annex, as certified by FEMA, is incorporated into this Health and Safety Element by reference, as permitted by California Government Code Section 65302.6. It is available online at: https://www.cupertino.org/our-city/departments/public-safety-programs/emergency- management/plans-4523. 1.2.3 Santa Clara County Community Wildfire Protection Plan In collaboration with the CWPP Core Team, made up of representatives of Santa Clara County organizations, the Santa Clara County Fire Department prepared and published the 2023 Santa Clara County Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP). The Santa Clara County CWPP is the result of an area- wide planning effort. It provides a snapshot of current wildfire protection challenges and capabilities, identifies and prioritizes areas for hazardous fuel reduction, and recommends types and methods of vegetation management that may help protect the affiliated communities from wildfire losses. The goal of the plan is to reduce hazards through increased information and education about wildfires, hazardous fuels reduction, actions to reduce structure ignitability, and other recommendations to assist emergency preparedness and fire-suppression efforts. Most notably, it is intended to help facilitate a coordinated effort between the various stakeholders. The Santa Clara County CWPP complements local agreements and existing plans for wildfire protection to coordinate efforts in determining appropriate fire management actions. The fire protection agencies in Santa Clara County are predominately responsible for implementing the CWPP. The CWPP is available online at: https://www.cupertino.org/our- city/departments/public-safety-programs/emergency-management/plans-4523. 1.2.4 City of Cupertino Climate Action Plan In January 2015, the Cupertino City Council adopted the City’s first Climate Action Plan (CAP) to address climate change challenges. The City met its 2020 greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goal of 15 percent below 2010 levels two years ahead of schedule, even with population and economic growth. Since the City met their 2020 targets, the City Council authorized the creation of CAP 2.0, which was adopted by the City Council on August 16, 2022. Cupertino’s goal is to reduce the City’s GHG emissions to net zero by the year 2040. The City is following the goals and development path of the Paris Climate Agreement and supports regional, State, and national policies that help reduce global emissions. The CAP describes a series of measures and actions that will aid the municipal operations and the City in reducing GHG emissions and meet community goals. Guiding principles are key to achieving the vision for the CAP. These principles include equity, innovation, urgency and flexibility, and resilience and adaptation. The CAP includes topics such as energy, transportation, waste, water, biodiversity, and natural systems, as well as an adaptation chapter that is intended to help residents prepare for extreme weather events and the impacts of a changing climate. Each topic has several measures broken into actions that reflect a holistic approach to achieving the goal given that they consider structural changes, funding sources, equity, education, studies, etc. 128 PC 09-22-2026 128 of 290 CAP 2.0 is viewed as a strategic framework that will be re-evaluated regularly. If the City’s 2025 GHG emissions reductions are on track to reach the 2030 conclusion targets, it is anticipated that no additional CAP measure adjustments would be necessary. If the City has not made sufficient progress on GHG emissions-reduction goals by 2025, a CAP update may be required at that time to maintain status as a California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)-qualified GHG emissions-reduction plan. Such a CAP update could require additional actions, such as shifting incentive programs to mandatory requirements. If there has been sufficient progress towards meeting GHG emissions targets, the next CAP update will be completed by 2030. The CAP is available online at: https://engagecupertino.org/climate-action. 1.3 COMMUNITY PROFILE The City of Cupertino is situated on the western edge of Silicon Valley against the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains in the northwestern portion of Santa Clara County. Cupertino's land use pattern is largely built on a conventional suburban model, which is heavily influenced by the topography of the area. Cupertino's hillsides are an irreplaceable resource shared by the entire Santa Clara Valley. They provide important habitat for plants and wildlife; watershed capacity to prevent flooding in downstream areas; a wide vegetative belt tha cleanses the air of pollutants; creates recreational opportunities for residents; and a natural environment that provides a contrast to the built environment. Several streams run through Cupertino, including Permanente Creek, Stevens Creek, San Tomas Aquino Creek, Regnart Creek, Prospect Creek, and Saratoga Creek. I-280, SR-85, and the Union Pacific Railroad tracks bisect the city. The city is bordered by San Jose, Santa Clara, Saratoga, Sunnyvale, and Los Altos. Cupertino has a Mediterranean climate, with winter rain and warm to hot, dry summers. Winter rains fall from about November to March. On average, annual high temperatures in Cupertino range from 58 degrees Fahrenheit (°F) in January to 81°F in August. Low temperatures range from 41°F in January to 57°F in August.1 The city receives an average of approximately 23.7 inches of rainfall annually.2 Most rain falls during the winter months, with rare occurrences of summer storms. Cupertino ranges from the urban environment in the flatlands to semi-rural and rural environment in the western foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Ecosystems within the city include riparian habitat, grasslands, brushlands, and foothill woodlands and forests. Cupertino' s rural plant and animal resources are located in the relatively undeveloped western foothills and mountains, near the Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve and along Stevens Creek. Each ecosystem of vegetation provides food and shelter to support a variety of wildlife. Cupertino is home to approximately 60,381 residents or 20,963 households and supports about 28,415 jobs.3 The City of Cupertino is a community with a high quality of life, a renowned school system, and a robust high-technology economy as Apple Inc. is the largest employer in the city. De Anza College, one of the largest single-campus community colleges in the country, is another major employer and magnet for attracting local and international students. In 2020, the median age of all people in Cupertino was approximately 40.3 The largest ethnic groups in Cupertino are Asian, Asian Pacific Islander (Non-Hispanic) (67.7 percent); White (Non-Hispanic) (25.2 percent); Hispanic or Latinx (3.3 percent); other races or multiple races (Non-Hispanic) (3.0 percent), and American Indian or Alaskan Native (Non-Hispanic) (0.8 percent).4 Fire fighting and emergency medical services are provided to the City by the Santa Clara County Fire Department (SCCFD). Mutual aid agreements with the neighboring jurisdictions augment SCCFD' s fire response capabilities. The City contracts with the Santa Clara County Sheriff' s Office, West Valley Division, for law enforcement services. Santa Clara Valley Water District (SCVWD) is the primary wholesale water supplier for Cupertino. Water is provided to residents and businesses by the California Water Service (North of Stevens Creek Boulevard) 129 PC 09-22-2026 129 of 290 and San Jose Water (South of Stevens Creek Boulevard). Groundwater and local surface water is the SCVWD’s original source of water supply. The treated water is sold to local water retailers such as San Jose Water Company, who use their own distribution systems to serve customers in Cupertino. Approximately 50 percent of SCVWD’s water supply is imported. Groundwater (approximately 40 percent of supply) is pumped from over 100 wells in the Santa Clara Groundwater Basin. Imported surface water (approximately 50 percent of supply) is provided by the SCVWD, the wholesale supplier, via the State Water Project, federal Central Valley Project, and San Francisco’s Hetch Hetchy system. Local mountain surface water (approximately 10 percent of supply) is collected from San Jose Water's watershed in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Wastewater services are provided by the Cupertino Sanitary District. San Jose Water receives its water supplies from three main sources including groundwater, imported surface water, and local surface water. Silicon Valley Clean Energy (SVCE) is the primary electricity provider for Cupertino. SVCE is a public, non- profit agency that provides clean electricity to 270,000 residential and business customers across 13 Silicon Valley communities, including Cupertino. While SVCE generates the electricity, Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) is responsible for delivering it via PG&E’s existing power lines and infrastructure.Most of Cupertino is served by the Cupertino Union School District. Cupertino Union School District serves approximately 18,000 students in 19 elementary schools, one K through eighth-grade school, and five middle schools throughout Cupertino and parts of five other cities. The northeast area of Cupertino is served by the Santa Clara Unified School District’s Laurelwood Elementary School, which has approximately 700 students; Peterson Middle School, which has approximately 900 students; and Wilcox High School, which has approximately 1,900 students. The Fremont Union High School District serves nearly 11,000 students, covering 42 square miles and encompassing Cupertino plus portions of five other cities. Cupertino currently has approximately 165 acres of City-owned public parks and open space areas. The City' s park system is supplemented by a network of over 220 acres of local and regional interconnected trails that stretch from local open space preserves to the San Francisco Bay. In addition, there are many acres of open space preserves surrounding the city that are operated and maintained by regional agencies and districts, including over 40 acres of open space negotiated through public access agreements.As shown in Figure S-1, Cupertino’s primary transportation access is from I-280, which connects Cupertino to I-880 and San Jose to the east, as well as SR-85, which connects Cupertino to Highway 101 to the north and SR-17 to the south. Cupertino is served by the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, which provides local bus transit options. 130 PC 09-22-2026 130 of 290 Figure S-1 Critical Facilities 131 PC 09-22-2026 131 of 290 1.4 CLIMATE CHANGE VULNERABILITY Changes to the global climate system are expected to affect future occurrences of natural hazards in and around Cupertino. Many hazards are projected to become more frequent and intense in coming years and decades, and in some cases, these trends have already begun. Key climate change considerations that affect Cupertino include increasing temperatures and changes in precipitation. Overall, precipitation levels are expected to increase slightly, with more years of extreme precipitation events and droughts that last longer and are more intense. According to California’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment, Cupertino can expect to experience various changes from climate-related hazard events.5  Wildfire risk in Cupertino is and will continue to be a concern for the community. Climate change is expected to lead to an increase in wildfires in the surrounding area and across Santa Clara County due to hotter and drier conditions. Dry conditions are anticipated earlier in the year, leaving most of the region in moderate to extreme drought conditions prior to summer. These continued dry conditions with above-normal temperatures through spring will leave fuel moisture levels lower than normal, increasing the potential for wildfire activity. Across the region, more frequent and intense wildfires may also create poor air quality for Cupertino. As the climate changes, warmer temperatures will create more pollutants, such as ozone, wildfire smoke, dust, and pollen, contributing to poor air quality.  Warmer temperatures are projected to cause an increase in extreme heat events. The number of extreme heat days, defined in Cupertino as a day when the high temperature is at least 93.2°F, is expected to rise from a historical annual average of 5 to 14 days by the middle of the century (2035 to 2064), and an average of 24 days by the end of the century (2070 to 2099). In addition to the increases in extreme heat events, Cupertino is expected to see an increase in the average daily high temperatures. The number of warm nights, defined in Cupertino as a day in April through October when the minimum temperature is above 60.5°F, is expected to rise from a historical annual average of 5 to 33 nights by the middle of the century (2035 to 2064), and to an average of 89 nights by the end of the century (2070 to 2099).  Both droughts and floods are expected to become more frequent as rainfall is expected to occur in fewer, more intense storms due to climate change. Although Cupertino is likely to experience minimal change in overall annual rainfall levels from climate change, the region is also expected to see an increase in the number of extreme rainfall events. As a result, floods are expected to occur more often in Cupertino, primarily along Stevens Creek, and climate change may expand the parts of the city that are considered prone to flood. Climate change is also expected to increase the frequency and severity of droughts that cause soil to dry out and condense. When rainfall does return, dry ground means more water runs off the surface rather than being absorbed into the ground, which can lead to flooding downstream and result in debris flows along slopes and hillsides.  Severe weather events, such as strong atmospheric river events 1 and high winds, may become more frequent and intense due to climate change. Climate change is expected to cause an increase 1 Atmospheric rivers are long, narrow regions in the atmosphere that transport water vapor carried away What is vulnerability? Vulnerability is the degree to which natural, built, and human systems are susceptible to harm from exposure to stresses associated with environmental and social change and from the absence of a capacity to adapt. Source: California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. 2020. California Adaptation Planning Guide. https://www.caloes.ca.gov/climate. 132 PC 09-22-2026 132 of 290 in heavy rainfall, which may also contribute to an increased risk of landslides in the hills around Cupertino. In Cupertino, the most severe weather consists of atmospheric rivers, high winds, or thunderstorms. The types of dangers posed by severe weather vary widely, including injuries or deaths, damage to buildings and structures, fallen trees, roads blocked by debris, and fires sparked by lightning.  Climate change can increase infection rates from various diseases because many of the animals that carry diseases are more active during warmer weather. Several diseases linked to climate change that can harm the health of Cupertino community members, such as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, Lyme disease, and West Nile virus. Many of these diseases are carried by animals, such as mice and rats, ticks, and mosquitos, which are usually seen as pests even if they do not cause infections. Warmer temperatures earlier in the spring and later in the winter can cause these animals to be active for extended periods, increasing the time these diseases can be transmitted. 1.4.1 Vulnerability Assessment Results Under California law, the Health and Safety Element is required to include a vulnerability assessment that looks at how people, buildings, infrastructure, and other key community assets may be affected by climate change. In the past few years, the City prepared a vulnerability assessment and supporting documents that were used to inform the Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment for this Safety Element update. The City conducted the Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment in the fall of 2023 to analyze Cupertino’s susceptibility to climate-related hazards. Cupertino’s vulnerability assessment, prepared in accordance with the most recent available guidance in the California Adaptation Planning Guide, assesses how eight different climate-related hazards (air quality and smoke, drought, extreme heat, flooding, human health hazards, landslides, severe storms, and wildfire) may affect 45 different population groups and community assets. Each population or asset received a score of low, medium, or high vulnerability for each climate- related hazard. The Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment indicates that Cupertino’s populations and assets are most vulnerable to flooding, extreme heat, and wildfire. Overall, residents in Cupertino tend to be most vulnerable to extreme heat, human health hazards, and flooding, which directly affect health outcomes. The most vulnerable population groups include persons with chronic illness and/or disabilities, seniors living alone, households in poverty, and persons experiencing homelessness. Citywide energy delivery and communication infrastructure and services are vulnerable to multiple hazards, including severe storms, such as high winds that can trigger Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) or scheduled power outage events, extreme heat that reduces the capacity and strains the systems, and landslides that damage the systems, ultimately disrupting energy and communication services. Extreme heat can lead to power outages by causing mechanical failure of grid equipment, heat damage to power lines, and by creating a high demand for electricity to power air conditioners, all of which place stress on the network. There may be a higher demand for communication services during severe storms, potentially putting stress on the network and increasing the risk of service interruptions. This higher demand is likely to lead to greater service disruptions. from the tropics. These columns of vapor move with the weather, carrying large amounts of water vapor and strong winds. When the atmospheric rivers make landfall, they often release this water vapor in the form of rain or snow, often causing heavy rains that can lead to flooding and mudslide events. 133 PC 09-22-2026 133 of 290 PSPS events, or interruptions in energy service, can create vulnerabilities for Cupertino community members. A loss of electricity can cause a loss of refrigeration for food and medical supplies, limit cooking, cause loss of cooling (particularly dangerous during extreme heat events), lighting, and limited or no access to the Internet or other information systems. Many businesses are forced to close during a power outage, causing economic hardships and depriving community members of important services, such as grocery stores, gas stations, and banks/ATMs. Power outages may also be harmful to people who depend on electrically powered medical devices. For those who work from and participate in online school activities, a power outage means a loss of access to an internet connection and other essential tools needed to carry out work-related tasks. With the increasing reliance on virtual meetings and online classes, power outages can disrupt these activities. Flood hazards are expected to expand parts of the city currently considered prone to flooding. As a result, transportation infrastructure within and adjacent to the 100-year floodplain will likely experience more frequent inundation from floodwaters in future years. This expansion can, in turn, interrupt the City’s public transit services, reducing the mobility of transit-dependent community members. Increases in damaging flood events will cause greater property damage, public health and safety concerns, displacement, and loss of life. Climate change could affect the transportation network and associated economic activity within Cupertino by creating strain on transportation infrastructure, impacting travel behavior, goods movement, and supply chain business continuity. Transportation infrastructure, such as roadways and bridge supports, are all potentially at increased risk due to severe storms, floods, and higher temperatures. When parts of the transportation infrastructure network fail, typical travel routes for both passenger travel and goods movement may be affected, including I-280, SR-85, and other major roadways. Regional disruption of these local transportation roadways due to hazards such as flooding, landslides, or wildfire could significantly impact the transportation of goods and services provided in the city, the economic vitality of the community, and the livelihood of many businesses. Water and wastewater services are vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Drought conditions may cause stress on Cupertino’s water suppliers and reduce the overall water supply available. In some cases, water storage infrastructure may not provide adequate storage to provide water during drought periods. Water and wastewater services can be disrupted by flooding associated with sea level rise if the San José- Santa Clara Regional Wastewater Facility is not functioning properly. Failure of the treatment plant could cause sewer systems to backup and potentially contaminate streams and water systems with raw sewage. Saltwater intrusion into the Santa Clara Valley groundwater basin can also reduce water supply availability. Moreover, water and wastewater lines in the city could be damaged by landslides. Regionally, the State Water Project, federal Central Valley Project, and San Francisco’s Hetch-Hetchy systems could also be damaged and disruption from landslides has the potential to severely impair water services provided by SCVWD. Wildfires in the greater region could impact the reservoir water sources, such as the San Luis Reservoir. Water quality can be degraded due to ash content or fire retardants that make their way into surface water storage. This may reduce the overall quantity of water that Cal Water and San Jose Water Company must supply. The Health and Safety Element includes goals, policies, and strategies to increase community resilience and help lower vulnerability, particularly for the populations and assets that received a score of high in the Vulnerability Assessment. A description of the Vulnerability Assessment process, items included, and a list of the results can be found at the end of this Background Report in Section 3, Vulnerability Assessment Results. 134 PC 09-22-2026 134 of 290 This section outlines the existing and likely future hazardous conditions and other public safety issues in Cupertino and policy responses to these issues. The public safety issues in Cupertino that are covered in the following sections include:  Section 2.1: Emergency Preparation and Response  Section 2.2: Flood and Inundation Hazards  Section 2.3: Seismic and Geologic Hazards  Section 2.4: Fire Hazards  Section 2.5: Hazardous Waste and Materials  Section 2.6: Climate Change Resilience (air quality, drought, extreme heat, severe weather, and human health hazards) This section provides details pertaining to probable locations each hazard or issue is likely to occur (per availability of data), past notable events in and around Cupertino, agencies responsible for providing protection from these public safety issues, and other background information required by California Government Code Section 65302(g)(4). The results of the Vulnerability Assessment are integrated into the discussion of hazards and public safety issues. Of particular concern to Cupertino, as in many other communities, is the possibility of cascading and compounding hazard events. These are instances where one hazard event triggers one or more others, which may occur over a very short timeframe (minutes or hours) or weeks or months apart. These linked events are often the most damaging because of the wider range of impacts. When cascading and compounding events occur closely together, emergency response operations must be flexible enough to respond to rapidly changing conditions and have access to sufficient resources to meet community needs. Examples of cascading and compounding events include a heavy rainstorm that causes flooding and mudslides, or extreme and high winds that lead to wildfires. 2.1 EMERGENCY PREPARATION AND RESPONSE 2.1.1 Loc al Emergency Response The City of Cupertino’s Office of Emergency Management , Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office, and Santa Clara County Fire Department conduct emergency preparedness activities in Cupertino. Additionally, the American Red Cross and Santa Clara Collaborating Agencies’ Disaster Relief Effort (CADRE) collaborate on emergency preparedness training and exercising. City of Cupertino’s Office of Emergency Management The City of Cupertino’s Office of Emergency Management works to mitigate risks, to prepare, respond, and recover from emergencies impacting the city. The Office of Emergency Management works with the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office, Santa Clara County Fire Department, and Santa Clara County Office of Emergency Management to conduct emergency response activities in Cupertino and to support emergency preparedness training, including day-today management of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Academy in coordination with the Fire Department. Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office Local police services are provided by contract with the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office. Law enforcement services include police patrols, criminal investigations, traffic enforcement, accident 2. PUBLIC SAFETY ISSUES 135 PC 09-22-2026 135 of 290 investigation, and tactical teams. The City’s commitment to public safety encompasses two broad areas of responsibilities: (1) providing public safety services and the planning necessary for the prevention of crime; and (2) planning for a safe environment in which the public is not exposed to unnecessary risks to life and property. Santa Clara County Fire Department The Santa Clara County Fire Department provides fire prevention and proection services to Cupertino. The Santa Clara County Fire Department is a full-service department that provides similar services to seven other West Valley cities and adjacent county areas. As of July 2025, the Fire Department has 339 budgeted staff positions, including sworn and civilian personnel. Daily emergency response staffing consists of 66 firefighters and officers on 24-hour shifts operating out of 15 fire stations, with 31 front-line fire apparatus and 3 battalion chief command vehicles. Mutual-aid agreements with the neighboring jurisdictions augment Santa Clara County Fire Department’s fire response capabilities. The Santa Clara County Fire Department provides first response Advanced Life Support paramedic level services to Cupertino. The Department maintains a Santa Clara County Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Multi-Casualty Incident supply trailer for large-scale emergency medical incidents and is a participant in Master Mutual Aid in the event of major disasters. Santa Clara County EMS has a contract with a third party ambulance transport provider for the ground transport of all patients. In the event of a wildfire or an emergency, the Santa Clara County Fire Department can issue evacuation warnings or evacuation orders for impacted areas. The Santa Clara County Fire Department also conducts fire prevention inspections and educational programs, including the CERT Academy, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and first aid certification. The CERT Academy educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. In the event of a disaster or public safety emergency, CERT volunteers will be able to assist their family and neighbors when first responders are not immediately available to help. The Santa Clara County Emergency Medical Services Agency The County’s EMS regulates the Exclusive Operating Area and currently contracts Global Medical Response which is a private provider that provides emergency medical transport. Standardized Emergency Management System The County of Santa Clara is required to use a Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS) to be eligible for funding of their response-related personnel costs under State disaster assistance programs.6 State law establishes SEMS to standardize the response to emergencies involving multiple jurisdictions. SEMS is intended to be flexible and adaptable to the needs of all emergency responders in California. It requires emergency response agencies to use basic principles and components of emergency management, including the Incident Command System, multiagency or interagency coordination, the operational area concept, and established mutual-aid systems. Emergency Plans The State of California requires all State, regional, and local agencies, including PG&E and SCVWD, to maintain their own emergency plans relating to the infrastructure that they install and maintain. In the event of an emergency, the City would rely on these agencies to implement their emergency plans, with the City supporting as needed. When an incident occurs anywhere in Cupertino, the Santa Clara County 136 PC 09-22-2026 136 of 290 Sheriff’s Office and/or the Santa Clara County Fire Department is typically the first to arrive at the scene, where they secure the area and then determine which other agencies need to be involved. 2.1.2 Alert , Warning , and Notification The City of Cupertino’s Alert, Warning, and Notification (AWN) Program provides critical alert and warning to the public while supporting information sharing among City departments and partner agencies before, during, and after an emergency. Effective dissemination of information, including alerts and warnings, are critical emergency management tools to help prevent hazards from becoming disasters. The AWN Program serves as a supplemental tool designed to help the City’s departments effectively coordinate information sharing and provide alerts and warnings to the public for the entire cycle of an incident. The AWN Program provides the framework for alert, warning, and notifications before, during, and after any emergency or situation. In a community-wide emergency, alerts, warnings, and notifications play a critical role in keeping people out of harm’s way and providing info on the status and resolution of the situation. To reach as many people as possible with crucial information, the City’s emergency alert, warning, and notification plan includes several information methods: the Emergency Alert and Warning System (AlertSCC), Cupertino.org, the City Channel (TV), Radio Cupertino, and social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter. The City also uses volunteers to disseminate public information about extreme weather events through an outreach program called Raising Awareness of Community Hazards, or REACH. The REACH program is used to share public information ahead of a threat when there is time to act. Cupertino uses AlertSCC to notify anyone who lives or works within Cupertino that is impacted by, or is in danger of being impacted by, an emergency. AlertSCC is the County’s official emergency alert and notification system. AlertSCC can provide information and instructions in a variety of emergency situations, which may include flooding, wildfire, earthquake, subsequent evacuations, public safety incidents, including crimes, that immediately affect someone’s neighborhood, and post-disaster information about shelters, transportation, or supplies. Depending on the urgency, severity, and certainty of the threat, some combination of the following alerting devices may be activated to registered users with as much notice as possible:  Cupertino’s Emergency Radio Station (Radio Cupertino 1670 AM).  Cupertino’s Emergency Notification TV Channel (Channel 26 on Comcast Cable or Channel 99 on AT&T).  Integrated Public Alert and Warning System, including Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) and Emergency Alert System (EAS)  National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radios  Twitter, NextDoor, Instagram, and Facebook  Raising Emergency Awareness of Community Hazards (REACH) Program Alerts are distributed through AlertSCC via voice or text messages to cell phones, home phones, personal digital assistants, laptops, desktop computers, and TTY/TDD devices for the hearing impaired. Cupertino has access to other State and national systems, including the Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA), Emergency Alert Systems (EAS), and the Emergency Digital Information System (EDIS). EAS is a national public warning system commonly used by State and local authorities to deliver important emergency information, such as weather and AMBER alerts, to affected communities. EAS participants include radio and television broadcasters, cable systems, satellite radio and television providers, and wireline video providers. FEMA, the Federal Communications System, and the NOAA’s National Weather Service work collaboratively to maintain the EAS and Wireless Emergency Alerts, which are the two main components of the national public warning system and enable authorities at all levels of government to send urgent 137 PC 09-22-2026 137 of 290 emergency information to the public. EDIS is a wireless emergency and disaster information service operated by Cal OES and is an enhancement to the EAS. These systems are available in multiple languages. 2.1.3 Emergency Evacuation With advanced warning, evacuation can effectively reduce injury and loss of life during a catastrophic event. Primary emergency access and evacuation routes include I-280, which intersects the city from northwest to east along the northern portion of the city; SR-85, which intersects the city from north to southeast through the central portion of the city, and other local roadways that connect to these primary evacuation routes. All evacuation routes in Cupertino face a potential disruption from flooding or earthquake, which may block roadways, damage the roadway surface, or collapse bridges and overpasses. In the event of widespread disruption to local evacuation routes, remaining evacuation routes may become congested, slowing down evacuation of the community or specific neighborhoods. This issue may be compounded since evacuation routes for Cupertino will also likely serve as evacuation routes for surrounding communities, and so potential disruptions may have regional effects. In preparation for wildfires and other disasters, the City leverages evacuation planning data through the Genasys Protect platform, formerly known as Zonehaven. The City of Cupertino worked with public safety partner agencies to identify and plan for evacuation from 34 contiguous evacuation zones within the city. Maps of each zone are available through the City website. In the event of a wildfire or an emergency, the City and public safety partners (Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office and Santa Clara County Fire Department) can issue evacuation warnings or evacuation orders for impacted areas. Evacuation orders and warnings will be sent to residents using the AlertSCC platform. The City’s website has an interactive hazard awareness map tool that shows residents and visitors the location and status of all evacuation zones in Cupertino. The map shows zones that are under warnings and orders for all types of hazards. The map is intended to inform members of the public before an emergency. Figure S-2 shows the potential evacuation routes throughout the city, although the recommended evacuation routes in any given situation will depend on the specifics of the emergency. The City Annex to the Santa Clara County Multi-Jurisdcitional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP) and the Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) address evacuation routes’ capacity, safety, and viability. Addressing evacuation considerations this way meets updated evacuation planning requirements reflected in Gov. Code § 65302.15. Figure S-3 shows residential parcels with evacuation constraints. All of these parcels are at least a half mile from a major roadway and have access to only one emergency evacuation route. The lack of multiple emergency access points limits roadway access for these properties, which may create difficulties if there is a need to evacuate. 138 PC 09-22-2026 138 of 290 Figure S-2 Potential Evacuation Routes 139 PC 09-22-2026 139 of 290 Figure S-3 Evacuation-Constrained Residential Parcels 140 PC 09-22-2026 140 of 290 2.2 FLOOD AND INUNDATION HAZARDS Flooding is the rising and overflowing of water onto normally dry land. Floods are one of the most frequent natural hazards impacting Santa Clara County and among the costliest natural disasters in terms of human hardship and economic loss nationwide, causing substantial damage to structures, landscapes, and utilities, as well as life-safety issues. Flooding can be extremely dangerous; even six inches of moving water can knock a person over. Floodwaters can transport large objects downstream, damaging or removing stationary structures, such as dam spillways. Ground saturation can result in instability, collapse, or other damage that breaks utility lines and interrupts services. Objects can also be buried or destroyed through sediment deposition from heavy flooding. Standing water can cause damage to roads, foundations, and electrical circuits, as well as spread vector-borne illnesses. Other problems connected with flooding and stormwater runoff include erosion, degradation of water quality, and losses of environmental resources. Floods are usually caused by large amounts of stormwater, either from a period of very intense rainfall or a long period of steady rain. Historically, Cupertino has been at risk of flooding primarily during the winter and spring when stream systems swell with heavy rain. This type of flood results from prolonged, heavy rainfall and typically occurs due to high peak flows of moderate duration and a large volume of runoff. Flooding is more severe when prior rainfall has saturated the ground. The watersheds in the Santa Cruz Mountains feed into four major streambeds that traverse the city, Permanente Creek, Stevens Creek, Regnart Creek, and Calabazas Creek. These creeks collect surface runoff and drain into channels leading to the San Francisco Bay. During heavy rainfall, these creeks create a potential flooding risk in the city as water levels may exceed the top of the creekbank. Occasionally, flash flooding from short-duration, high-intensity precipitation events (often during atmospheric river events) may occur. Atmospheric rivers are a relatively common weather pattern that brings southwest winds and heavy rain to California. Atmospheric rivers are long, narrow regions in the atmosphere that transport water vapor carried away from the tropics. These columns of vapor move with the weather, carrying large amounts of water vapor and strong winds. When the atmospheric rivers make landfall, they often release this water vapor in the form of rain or snow, often causing heavy rains that can lead to flooding and mudslide events. Flash floods can occur even during a drought. Such events can tear out trees, undermine buildings and bridges, and scour creek channels. In urban areas, flash flooding is an increasingly serious problem due to removing vegetation and replacing groundcover with impermeable surfaces such as roads, driveways, and parking lots. The greatest risk from flash floods is occurrence with little to no warning. Areas at an elevated risk of flooding are divided into 100- and 500-year flood zones. A 100-year flood zone has a 1-percent chance of experiencing a major flood in any given year, and a 500-year flood zone has a 0.2-percent chance of flooding in any given year. The 100-year floodplain in Cupertino is primarily along Permanente Creek, Stevens Creek, Regnart Creek, and Calabazas Creek. A majority of the city is within the 500-year floodplain. Figure S-4 shows the 100- and 500-year flood zones in and around Cupertino. The City of Cupertino and SCVWD are actively involved in programs to minimize the risk of flooding. The City developed an approach to land use for the non-urbanized floodplain of Stevens Creek south of Stevens Creek Boulevard that ensures the preservation of the 100-year floodplain and the protection of the riparian corridor along this portion of Stevens Creek. Furthermore, the City and SCVWD developed a flood management program for the floodplain of Stevens Creek between I-280 and Stevens Creek Boulevard, while preserving the natural environment of Stevens Creek. 141 PC 09-22-2026 141 of 290 Figure S-4 Flood Hazard Zones 142 PC 09-22-2026 142 of 290 Agencies responsible for flood control in Cupertino include the Unites States Army Corps of Engineers, SCVWD, Federal Insurance Administration, and the California Department of Water Resources (DWR).  United States Army Corps of Engineers identifies the need for and constructs major flood-control facilities. It also develops flood and dam inundation maps and reports.  SCVWD supplies water for Santa Clara County and owns the Stevens Creek Reservoir. While this reservoir was constructed in 1935 for water conservation, it does provide incidental flood protection by containing runoff early in the rainfall season, serves recreational needs, and benefits the environment by storing water to maintain flow in the creeks. SCVWD routinely inspects and monitors the condition of Stevens Creek Reservoir and provides an annual surveillance report to DWR’s Division of Safety of Dams (DSOD).  FEMA manages the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), providing insurance to the public in communities that participate in the program. FEMA is the primary federal government agency contact during natural disasters and publishes the Flood Insurance Rate Maps, which identify the extent of flood potential in flood-prone communities based on a 100-year flood (or base flood) event.  The City of Cupertino is a member of FEMA’s NFIP. The City of Cupertino’s Public Works Department is responsible for administering the NFIP and providing flood protection and insurance information to Cupertino residents and businesses.  Federal Insurance Administration is the primary agency that delineates potential flood hazard areas and floodways through the Flood Insurance Rate Maps and the Flood Boundary and Floodway Map. Flood insurance is required by all homeowners who have federally subsidized loans.  DWR is responsible for managing and protecting California’s water. DWR works with other agencies to benefit the state’s people, and to protect, restore, and enhance the natural and human environments. DWR also works to prevent and respond to floods, droughts, and catastrophic events that would threaten public safety, water resources and management systems, the environment, and property. DWR is responsible for inspecting the Stevens Creek Reservoir on an annual basis to ensure it is safely operating. Floodplains can change over time; the floodplain and watercourse of a stream can also be affected by human activities, such as land development and replacing permeable surfaces with hardscapes, the construction of bridges or culverts, or the creation of levees or other impoundment structures that control the flow in the watercourse. 2.2.1 Dam and Pipeline Failure A dam failure is an uncontrolled release of water from a reservoir through a dam because of structural failures or deficiencies in the dam, usually associated with intense rainfall or prolonged flooding. Water pipeline or aqueduct failures can create a similar sudden flood. Dam and pipeline failures can range from minor to catastrophic, potentially harming human life and property downstream from the failure. In addition, ecosystems and habitats can be destroyed by fast-moving floodwaters, debris, and sedimentation from inundation. Although dam and pipeline failures are very rare, these events are not unprecedented. There are four major causes of failures:  Overtopping: These failures occur when a reservoir fills too high with water, especially in times of heavy rainfall, leaving water to rush over the top of the dam. Other causes of this type of failure include settling of the crest of the dam or spillway blockage.  Foundation defects: These failures occur as a result of settling in the foundation of the dam, instability of slopes surrounding the dam, uplift pressures, and seepage around the foundation. All these failures result in structural instability and potential dam failure. 143 PC 09-22-2026 143 of 290  Piping and seepage failures: These failures occur as a result of internal erosion caused by seepage and erosion along hydraulic structures, such as the spillways of a dam, or failures in the walls of a water pipeline. Animal burrows and cracks in the dam structure may also cause erosion.  Conduit and valve failure: These failures occur as a result of problems with valves and conduits in a dam or pipeline’s systems. Many dam and pipeline failures are also the secondary result of other natural disasters, such as earthquakes, landslides, and extreme storms. Other causes include equipment malfunction, structural damage, and sabotage. Dams are constructed with safety features known as “spillways” that allow water to overtop the dam if the reservoir fills too quickly. Spillway overflow events, often referred to as “design failures”, result in increased discharges downstream and increased flooding potential. In a dam failure scenario, the greatest threat to life and property typically occurs in those areas immediately below the dam since flood depths and discharges generally decrease as the flood wave moves downstream. The primary danger associated with dam failure is the high-velocity flooding downstream of the dam and limited warning times for evacuation. SCVWD has a comprehensive Dam Safety Program, which includes proactive inspection of upgrades and improving its dams and water supply structures as needed and in consultation with regulatory agencies. Engineers monitor dams using instruments, monthly visual inspections, and periodic dam safety reviews to prevent loss of life, personal injury, and property damage from the failure of dams. The safety of each dam is re-evaluated with advances in geotechnical, structural, and earthquake engineering and if there is evidence of seepage or ongoing ground movement. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, as required by federal law, reviews and approves comprehensive emergency action plans (EAPs) for each of these dams. The EAP minimizes the threat to public safety and the response time to an impending or actual sudden release of water from project dams. The EAP is also designed to provide emergency notification when floodwater releases may present the potential for major flooding. The EAP is used primarily to notify partner agencies; however, it may also be used to notify the public in unique situations. The Stevens Creek Reservoir, owned by SCVWD, is outside of city limits, immediately to the southwest, as shown in Figure S-5. In the event of a dam failure at the Stevens Creek Reservoir, land surrounding Stevens Creek would flood, including residential areas adjacent to Stevens Creek and a portion of I-280. As mandated by the National Dam Inspection Act, the United States Army Corps of Engineers has the authority and responsibility for conducting inspections of all dams. The purpose of these inspections is to check the structural integrity of the dam and associated appurtenant structures, ensuring the protection of human life and property. The National Dam Inspection Act requires all states to establish dam safety programs and sets minimum standards for dam design, construction, maintenance, and inspection. The California Dam Safety Program is responsible for implementing the National Dam Inspection Act in California and ensuring that all non-federal dams in the state comply with federal safety standards. The program also works to promote dam safety awareness, provides technical assistance to dam owners and operators, and conducts regular inspections and evaluations of California’s dams. DWR’s DSOD oversees the California Dam Safety Program which regulates approximately 1,250 dams in California. DSOD inspects dams on an annual basis to ensure they are safe and performing as intended. DSOD also conducts independent reviews of applications for dam construction, removal, alteration, or repair; has inspection oversight over dam construction projects; and periodically reviews the stability of dams and their critical related structures, considering improved design approaches and requirements. DSOD works closely with dam owners to identify and correct issues on an ongoing basis. 144 PC 09-22-2026 144 of 290 Figure S-5 Dam Inundation Areas 145 PC 09-22-2026 145 of 290 2.2.2 Past Occurrences Floods are a regular feature in California and cause the second-greatest number of disaster declarations in the state. Cupertino has had several flooding events, including the following:7  A series of storms from December 17, 2005, to January 12, 2006, caused extensive flooding throughout Northern California. Widespread county flooding occurred after two to four inches of rain fell on the area in about 24 hours.  In 2015, a strong winter storm impacted California following nearly a month and a half of no rain and the driest January on record. The storm brought heavy rain, gusty winds, and damage to trees and power lines along with some minor flooding of urban areas. Rainfall amounts were heaviest in the mountains with 5 to 10 inches or more occurring. Several small mudslides in Santa Clara County were reported with the largest occurring in the Santa Cruz Mountains, north of Boulder Creek on Highway 9. Multiple offramps from I-280 reported flooding.  In 2019, an atmospheric river with an associated cold front moved through the region from February 12 to February 15 bringing widespread flooding and debris flows. Multiple mainstem rivers flooded, prompting evacuations from local officials. Strong wind gusts caused downed trees, power outages, and structural damage.  In Winter and Spring of 2023, a series of atmospheric rivers impacted the Bay Area, resulting in significant rainfall and widespread flooding across the San Francisco Bay Area. 2.2.3 Potential Changes to Flood Risk in Future Years Likelihood of Future Occurrence Historically, extended heavy rains have resulted in floodwaters that exceed normal high-water boundaries and cause damage in Cupertino. Flooding has occurred within the 100- and 500-year floodplains and localized in other areas throughout the city. As land uses and climate conditions shift, and improvements are made to flood-control channels, the size of these flood zones is likely to change. The potential for a dam failure event in Cupertino is likely to remain a risk in future years, although the odds of such events are expected to remain very low. Climate Change and Flooding Floods are among the most damaging natural hazards in Santa Clara County, and climate change is expected to make flood events worse. Although climate change may not change average precipitation levels significantly, scientists expect that it will cause more years of extreme precipitation events. This means that more years are likely to see particularly intense storm systems that drop enough rainfall over a short period to cause flooding. Because of this, floods are expected to occur more often in Cupertino, and climate change may expand the parts of the city that are considered prone to flood. Climate change is also likely to increase the frequency and severity of droughts that cause soil to dry out and become hard. When precipitation does return, more water runs off the surface than is absorbed into the ground, which can increase flooding downstream. While the risk and associated short- and long-term impacts of climate change are uncertain, experts in this field tend to agree that the most significant impacts include those resulting from increased heat and rainfall events that cause increased frequency and magnitude of flooding. Increases in damaging flood events will cause greater property damage, public health and safety concerns, displacement, and loss of life. Displacement of residents can include both temporary and long-term displacement, an increase in insurance rates, or restriction of insurance coverage in vulnerable areas. 146 PC 09-22-2026 146 of 290 2.3 SEISMIC AND GEOLOGIC HAZARDS Seismic and geologic hazards are risks caused by the movement of different parts of the earth’s crust or surface. Seismic hazards include earthquakes and hazardous events caused by them. Geologic hazards are other hazards involving land movements that are not linked to seismic activity and can inflict harm to people or property. Additional information about seismic and geologic hazards is Cupertino, including development review coordination is in General Plan Appendix E, Geologic and Seismic Hazards. 2.3.1 Seismic Hazards Seismic activity occurs along boundaries in the earth’s crust, called faults. Pressure along the faults builds over time and is ultimately released, resulting in ground shaking commonly referred to as an earthquake. Earthquakes can also trigger other hazards, including surface rupture (cracks in the ground surface), liquefaction (causing loose soil to lose its strength), landslides, and subsidence (sinking of the ground surface). Earthquakes and other seismic hazards often damage or destroy property and public infrastructure, including utility lines, and falling objects or structures pose a risk of injury or death. Earthquakes While Cupertino is at risk from many natural and human-caused hazards, the event with the greatest potential for loss of life or property and economic damage is an earthquake. This risk is true for most of the San Francisco Bay Area region since damaging earthquakes affect widespread areas and trigger many secondary effects that can overwhelm the ability of local jurisdictions to respond. Earthquakes in the Bay Area result from strain energy constantly accumulating across the region because of the motion of the Pacific Plate, relative to the North American Plate. Earthquake risk is very high in Santa Clara County, including the City of Cupertino, due to the presence of three major active faults 2 in the region, the Hayward Fault, Calaveras Fault, and San Andreas Fault. Both the San Andreas and the Hayward Faults have the potential for experiencing major to great events. The San Andreas fault, one of the longest and most active faults in the world is located west of Cupertino. Two additional faults closely associated with the San Andreas Fault include the Sargent-Berrocal and Monta Vista-Shannon fault systems that intersect the western portion of the city. The following three major faults are considered active faults within the region:  Calaveras Fault: The Calaveras Fault is a major branch of the San Andreas Fault, to the east of the Hayward Fault. It extends 76 miles from the San Andreas Fault near Hollister to Danville at its northern end. The Calaveras Fault is one of the most geologically active and complex faults in the Bay Area.8 According to the 2023 Santa Clara County MJHMP, the probability of experiencing a magnitude 6.7 or greater earthquake along the Calaveras Fault in the next 30 years (beginning from 2023) is 7.4 percent.9 The Calaveras Fault is approximately 14 miles to the east of the city.  San Andreas Fault: The San Andreas Fault extends 810 miles from the East Pacific rise in the Gulf of California through the Mendocino fracture zone off the shore of northern California. The fault is estimated to be 28 million years old. The probability of experiencing a Magnitude 6.7 or greater earthquake along the San Andreas Fault within the next 30 years (beginning from 2023) is 6.4 percent.9 The San Andreas Fault is approximately 5.5 miles to the west of the city.  Hayward Fault: The Hayward Fault runs parallel to and east of the San Andreas Fault. It extends from San José about 74 miles northward along the base of the East Bay Hills to San Pablo Bay. The 2 Active faults are defined by their current movement and deformation and their potential to cause earthquakes or other types of ground deformation in the future. 147 PC 09-22-2026 147 of 290 Hayward Fault is increasingly becoming a hazard priority throughout the Bay Area because of its increased chance for activity and its intersection with highly populated areas and critical infrastructure. According to the Uniform California Earthquake Rupture Forecast, Volume 3, released in March 2015, the probability of experiencing a Magnitude 6.7 or greater earthquake along the Hayward Fault in the next 30 years (starting from 2014) is 14.3 percent.10 An earthquake of this magnitude has regional implications for the entire Bay Area, as the Hayward Fault crosses transportation and resource infrastructure, including multiple highways, regional gas and water pipelines, electrical transmission lines, and the Hetch-Hetchy Aqueduct. Disruption of the Hetch- Hetchy system has the potential to severely impair water service to Santa Clara County. The Hayward Fault is approximately 10 miles to the east of the city. Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zones are California Geological Survey-designated zones in California that are subject to special regulations for development and construction in the presence of certain active faults. These faults have surface traces, or a line on the earth’s surface, defining a fault. During an earthquake, the ground's surface can move along these traces, damaging buildings or other structures built on top of them. However, no Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zones are in the city. The nearest Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone is along the San Andreas Fault, west of the city. Figure S-6 shows the location of regional faults and Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zones. Other Seismic Hazards In addition to the direct physical damage that can result from the motion of an earthquake, damage can result from liquefaction. Liquefaction occurs primarily in saturated, loose, fine- to medium-grained soils in areas where the groundwater table is within approximately 50 feet of the surface. Shaking causes the soils to lose strength and behave as a liquid. Excess water pressure is vented upward through fissures and soil cracks and can result in a water-soil slurry flowing onto the ground surface. This subsurface process can lead to near-surface or surface ground failure that can result in property damage and structural failure. Groundwater that is less than 10 feet to the surface can cause the highest liquefaction susceptibility, with lower groundwater levels causing lower liquefaction risks. Soils susceptible to liquefaction are typically found in low-lying, current, or former floodplains. Portions of the city near the floodplains of Permanente Creek, Stevens Creek, Regnart Creek, and Calabazas Creek are likely to face liquefaction during an earthquake. Figure S-7 shows the areas facing an elevated liquefaction risk in Cupertino. Site-specific geotechnical studies are the only practical and reliable way of determining the specific liquefaction potential of a site. However, a determination of general risk potential can be provided based on soil type and depth of groundwater. In most cases, proper design and construction of subgrade soils and building foundations provides a mechanism to mitigate the risk of seismic hazards to an acceptable level in conformance with the California Code of Regulations and the City’s Municipal Code. Identifying areas having a liquefaction potential is only intended as notification to seek further site-specific information and analysis of this potential hazard as part of future site development. It should not be solely relied on, without site-specific information and analysis, for design or decision-making purposes. Earthquake-induced landslides pose a significant risk due to the presence of landslide-prone areas in western Cupertino and proximity of earthquake faults. Ground shaking from seismic activity can cause rocks, debris, and hillside soils to loosen and fall downslope, harming facilities and infrastructure in its path. Sinkholes, which are depressions or holes in the ground that form when the surface collapses into an underground space, are also a hazard in Cupertino. They can be formed by natural processes, such as earthquakes or subsidence, which is when the ground surface sinks as a result of underlying soil or rock 148 PC 09-22-2026 148 of 290 being compressed, compacted, or eroded. Sinkholes can occur suddenly and can be very dangerous if they form underneath buildings, roads, or other structures. 2.3.2 Geologic Hazards Geologic hazards, such as landslides and erosion, depend on the geologic composition of the area. Landslides and rock falls may occur in sloped areas, especially areas with steep slopes, and usually in loose and fragmented soil areas. Slope stability depends on many factors and interrelationships, including rock type, pore water pressure, slope steepness, and natural or human-made undercutting. Landslides, rockfalls, and debris flows occur continuously on all slopes; some processes act very slowly, while others occur very suddenly, often with disastrous results. Landslides are often triggered by other natural hazards, such as heavy rain, floods, or wildfires, so landslide frequency is often related to the frequency of these other hazards. In Santa Clara County, landslides typically occur during and after severe heavy rainfall, so the risk of landslides often rises during and after sequential severe storms that saturate steep, loose soils. Landslides and mudslides are a common occurrence and have caused damage to homes, public facilities, roads, parks, and sewer lines. Due to the hilly terrain, the western portion of the city is within a very high landslide susceptibility class. Landslides present the greatest geologic hazards in the city and generally occur in winter during high precipitation years. Landslides range from small, shallow deposits of soil and weak bedrock materials to large, deep landslides involving a large amount of bedrock. Landslides are also likely along the steep embankments that bound the Stevens Creek floodplain. Figure S-8 illustrates areas in Cupertino that are most susceptible to landslides. Cupertino is also susceptible to hazards related to erosion, or the geological process in which earthen materials are worn away and transported by natural forces, such as water or wind, causing the soil to deteriorate. Eroded topsoil can be transported into streams and other waterways. Highly erosive soils can damage roads, bridges, buildings, and other structures. Sinkholes can also be formed by the erosion of soil or sediment by water flowing through the ground. This hazard can happen in areas with sandy or porous soils or in areas with a high-water table. Sinkholes can pose a hazard to infrastructure and human safety. They can cause damage to buildings, roads, and other structures and pose a risk to people and animals if they are not properly identified and managed. 2.3.3 Past Occurrences Cupertino is in a region of high seismicity with numerous local faults nearby. While major earthquakes are rare in Cupertino, minor earthquakes occur more often. The San Andreas Fault, the fastest-slipping fault along the Pacific and North American Plate boundary, has caused earthquakes of magnitude 7.8 and 7.9 in the past, including the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. In 1989, the Loma Prieta earthquake, which also originated along the San Andreas Fault, produced a magnitude 6.9 earthquake.11 The earthquake caused extensive damage and created a seven-county major disaster area, including Santa Clara County. Landslides have occurred on hillsides throughout the city and generally occur in winter during high rainfall years. 149 PC 09-22-2026 149 of 290 Figure S-6 Regional Fault Lines 150 PC 09-22-2026 150 of 290 Figure S-7 Liquefaction Areas 151 PC 09-22-2026 151 of 290 Figure S-8 Landslide Susceptibility Areas 152 PC 09-22-2026 152 of 290 2.3.4 Potential Changes to Geologic and Seismic Risk in Future Years Likelihood of Future Occurrence Seismic Risk Earthquakes are likely to continue to occur on an occasional basis. Most are expected to cause no substantive damage and may not even be felt by most people. Major earthquakes are rare but a possibility in the region. A major earthquake along any of the nearby faults could result in substantial casualties and damage, although the greatest risk in Cupertino is from the San Andreas Fault due to its proximity and high potential to cause a severe earthquake. A major earthquake on the Hayward Fault could damage or destroy transportation infrastructure, such as I-280, SR-85, or bridges, limiting access in and out of the community. Based on historical data and the location of Cupertino relative to active and potentially active faults, the city will likely experience a significantly damaging earthquake. If serious shaking occurs, newer construction is generally more earthquake-resistant than older construction because of improved building codes. Geologic Risk Geologic risks, such as landslides, are common occurrences in Cupertino. With significant rainfall, additional failures are likely in the community’s landslide hazard areas, and minor to moderate landslides will likely continue to impact the area when heavy precipitation occurs, as they have in the past. Climate Change and Geologic and Seismic Hazards While climate change is unlikely to increase earthquake frequency or strength, the threats from seismic and geologic hazards are expected to continue. Climate change may result in precipitation extremes (i.e., wetter rainfall periods and drier dry periods). While total average annual rainfall may not change significantly, rainfall may be concentrated in more intense precipitation events. Heavy rainfall could cause an increase in the number of landslides or make landslides larger than normal. Increased wildfire frequency can destabilize hillsides due to loss of vegetation and change soil composition, contributing to greater runoff and erosion. The combination of a generally drier climate in the future, which will increase the chance of drought, wildfires, and the occasional extreme downpour, is likely to cause more mudslides and landslides. Impacts from these conditions would compound landslide potential for the most susceptible locations. 2.4 FIRE HAZARDS Fire hazards include both wildfires and urban fires. The combination of complex terrain, climate, vegetation and development patterns contribute to an elevated risk of wildfire. The Community Wildfire Protection Plan 2023 (CWPP) describes how each of these variables contributes to fire risk, and describes how fire risk varies throughout the city. Historically, the fire season extended from early summer through late fall of each year during the hotter, dryer months, although it is increasingly a hazard that can occur year-round. Fire conditions arise from a combination of high temperatures, low moisture content in the air and plant matter, an accumulation of vegetation, and high winds. Three types of fires are of concern to Cupertino: (1) wildfires, (2) wildland-urban interface fires, and (3) structural fires. 153 PC 09-22-2026 153 of 290 2.4.1 Wildfires Wildfires occur on mountains, hillsides, and grasslands. Fuel, weather, and topography are primary factors that affect how wildland fires spread. In and around Cupertino, grassland and woodland habitat provide highly flammable fuel that is conducive to wildfires. These plant species are capable of regeneration after a fire, making periodic wildfires a natural part of the ecology of these areas. The climate of Cupertino and the surrounding area keeps the grass dry and more readily combustible during fire season. Wildfire potential for Santa Clara County is typically greatest in the months of August, September, and October, when dry vegetation coexists with hot, dry winds.. During these times, controlling a fire becomes far more difficult. Areas adjacent to the city that are susceptible to wildfires are also of concern as these conditions could exacerbate vulnerabilities within the city. Grassland fires are easily ignited, particularly in dry seasons. These fires are relatively easily controlled if they can be reached by fire equipment, although after a fire, the burned slopes are highly subject to erosion and gullying. While brushlands are naturally adapted to frequent light fires, fire suppression in recent decades has resulted in heavy fuel accumulation on the ground. Wildland fires, particularly near the end of the dry season, tend to burn fast and very hot, threatening homes and leading to serious destruction of vegetative cover. In woodland and forested areas, a wildland fire can generate a destructive crown fire, which is a fire that burns materials at the top of trees, spreading from treetop to treetop. They can be very intense and difficult to contain. Because areas of the city with natural vegetation are extremely flammable during late summer and fall, wildfire is a serious hazard in undeveloped hillside areas in the western portion of the city, as well as open space areas adjacent to the city. These areas include State Responsibility Area (SRA) lands west of the city, such as the Rancho San Antonio Open Space, Picchette Ranch Open Space, Stevens Creek County Park, Saratoga Creek County Park, Sanborn County Park, Fremont Older Open Space, as well as Local Responsibility Area (LRA) lands in the hillsides of Saratoga. 2.4.2 Fire Hazard Severity Zone The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) establishes Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZs), designating each as moderate, high, or very high severity. In 2025, CAL FIRE designated approximately 2,150 acres of the city in a FHSZ. Figure S-9 shows the FHSZs in and around Cupertino. Areas adjacent to the city that are susceptible to wildfires are also of concern, as these conditions could exacerbate vulnerabilities within the city. A combination of factors, including weather, topography, and vegetation, creates a higher risk of wildfire hazards. CAL FIRE periodically reviews and revises the FHSZ boundaries based on updated modeling and scientific information. Individuals should consult the most recent mapping available from CAL FIRE’s Community Wildfire Preparedness and Mitigation Program at https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/what-we- do/community-wildfire-preparedness-and-mitigation/fire-hazard-severity-zones. Future updates to the Health and Safety Element will incorporate new mapping data as it becomes available. 2.4.3 Structural Fires Cupertino is also at risk from structural fires. These fires occur in built-up environments, destroying buildings and other human-made structures. Structural fires are often due to faulty wiring, mechanical equipment, or combustible construction materials. The absence of fire alarms and fire sprinkler systems often exacerbates the damage associated with a structural fire. Structural fires are largely caused by human accidents, although deliberate fires (arson) may cause some events. Older buildings lacking modern fire safety features may face greater risk of fire damage. To minimize fire damage and loss, the City’s Fire Code, based on California Code of Regulation Title 24, sets standards for building and 154 PC 09-22-2026 154 of 290 construction. It requires adequate water supply for firefighting, fire-retardant construction, and minimum street widths, among other things. 155 PC 09-22-2026 155 of 290 Figure S-9 Fire Hazard Severity Zones 156 PC 09-22-2026 156 of 290 2.4.4 Fire Protection As described in Section 1.2.3, the Santa Clara County Fire Department provides fire protection in Cupertino. The Santa Clara County Fire Department operates three fire stations in Cupertino:  Cupertino Fire Station at 20215 Stevens Creek Boulevard  Monta Vista Fire Station at 22620 Stevens Creek Boulevard  Seven Springs Fire Station at 21000 Seven Springs Parkway The Santa Clara County Fire Department operates an additional twelve fire stations that are slated to provide service throughout the District during a significant event. As development continues in Cupertino, the City and Santa Clara County Fire Department will continue to monitor the changing fire protection needs in the community. Santa Clara County Fire Department The Fire Prevention Division provides a comprehensive fire/life safety plan review for land development, new building construction, interior remodel projects, fire suppression, and fire alarm systems. In addition, periodic construction inspections are performed to ensure that completed projects conform to State and local fire safety regulations. For existing commercial buildings, the Fire Prevention Division provides an annual inspection program that is delivered through both the Prevention Division and fire station personnel. Annual inspections are conducted to ensure reasonable compliance with the general and specific fire safety regulations for each occupancy type as specified in the adopted Fire and Building Codes. The Santa Clara County Fire Department manages and implements a hazardous brush abatement program for hillside areas within its jurisdictional boundaries. In January of each year, homeowners are reminded that they must remove native brush and vegetation from around their homes to create defensible space. The brush abatement program entails inspections of hillside properties by fire crews beginning in early April each year. The costs associated with the abatement work are then placed on the property tax bill for that parcel. Santa Clara County lists the Montebello Road/Stevens Canyon area as the fourth-highest risk in the county. This area is adjacent to the city limits, near the southwestern border of Cupertino. Stevens Creek Quarry Road connecting to the southern point of Stevens Canyon has been improved to acceptable standards for a fire access road. A fire trail extends from Skyline Boulevard on Charcoal Road to Stevens Canyon. The City requires that all emergency roads be constructed with an all-weather surface. It also requires a private emergency access connection between public streets within Lindy Canyon and Regnart Canyon areas. Presently, no water systems are serving the Montebello Road and upper Stevens Canyon area, except for Stevens Creek itself. Because there is no water service to these areas, the County requires homes to provide individual water tanks and fire sprinkler systems. Santa Clara Valley Water District Santa Clara Valley Wate District’s (SCVWD) Project F4: Vegetation Management for Access and Fire Safety supports SCVWD’s ongoing vegetation management activities that reduce fire risk by maintaining creekside lands. These activities also ensure access to maintenance and emergency personnel and equipment. The project includes vegetation management activities, such as weed abatement, goat grazing, herbicide application, and pruning to provide access and reduce fire risk. Before conducting 157 PC 09-22-2026 157 of 290 maintenance, SCVWD’s personnel perform biological preconstruction surveys to minimize environmental impacts. Santa Clara County Firesafe Council The Santa Clara County Firesafe Council (SCCFSC) is a nonprofit, grassroots organization providing education and project assistance for homeowners and landowners in communities vulnerable to wildfire. In addition to partnering directly with CAL FIRE, Santa Clara County Fire, and regional fire districts, SCCFSC works with public agencies, other nonprofits, businesses, and private landowners to design and implement protective measures, such as developing shaded fuel breaks, to increase wildfire survivability. Pacific Gas and Electric Company PG&E’s 2023–2025 Wildfire Mitigation Plan outlines its program to reduce wildfires. Key strategies in this plan include:  Undergrounding utility lines: PG&E has a program to underground 10,000 circuit miles of distribution lines in areas of high fire threats, eliminating the ignition risk for these power lines.  Increased safety settings: Configuring electrical equipment on power lines to automatically shut off power if an object comes into contact with a distribution line.  Vegetation management: Continuing vegetation management activities.  Enhanced inspections: Providing more frequent and detailed inspections of power lines. PG&E is undergrounding power lines in areas with the greatest impact on reducing wildfire risk and outages for their customers. 2.4.5 Past Occurrences There is limited information on historic fires in the Cupertino area. However, there is no recorded history of wildfires within the city.12 The closest known wildfire was the Stevens Fire which occurred on August 30, 2007. This wildfire burned 151 acres in the dry brush-covered hills near Stevens Creek Canyon southwest of Cupertino. The fire burned for three days and was contained on September 2, 2007. This fire was the result of a downed power line, and no injuries or deaths were reported. The 2020 fire season was the largest wildfire season recorded in California’s modern history. It was also the most devastating in recent Santa Clara County history. In eastern Santa Clara County, the SCU Lighting Complex fires burned 396,624 acres spanning from Calaveras Reservoir to the north, to nearly San Luis Reservoir to the south. The SCU Lighting Complex destroyed 222 structures and cause widespread smoke impacts across the region. Near the western border of Santa Clara County and closer to Cupertino, the CZU Lightning Complex fire, started as a series of lightning fires on August 16, 2020, burned across western Santa Cruz and San Mateo counties until September 22, 2020. These fires resulted in a total 86,509 acres burned, with 1,450 structures lost, and one fatality. While this fire was outside of Santa Clara County, it caused severe smoke impacts for Cupertino and surrounding communities. 158 PC 09-22-2026 158 of 290 2.4.6 Potential Changes to Fire Risk in Future Years Likelihood of Future Occurrence As noted previously, the risk of wildfires in Santa Clara County is highest in late summer and fall. Extreme weather conditions during periods of low humidity, low fuel moisture, and high winds contribute to the severity of any potential wildfires. Fires occurring during these times typically burn hot and fast and are difficult to control unless initial suppression occurs immediately. Wildfire for Cupertino is a concern given its Very High FHSZ designations, and proximity to surrounding LRA and SRA lands with wildfire risk. Moreover, the community consists of, and is surrounded by, undeveloped hillsides to the west, which makes these areas a high risk for wildfire. Wildfires will continue to be a high-risk hazard for personal safety and property damage in Cupertino, and smoke impacts from local and regional wildfires will likely continue to be problematic. The likelihood of structural fires occurring in the city is low since these fires are usually the result of human accidents or mechanical issues in buildings. New developments are required to incorporate fire protection measures under the Fire Code, including enhanced requirements for structures in the Very High FHSZ. Climate Change and Wildfire Changing climate conditions are expected to increase the fire risk in and around Cupertino. Warmer temperatures brought on by climate change can exacerbate drought conditions. Droughts can kill or dry out plants, creating more fuel for wildfires. Warmer temperatures are also expected to increase the number of pest outbreaks, such as the bark beetle, creating more dead trees and increasing the fuel load. Hot, dry spells may also increase disease and insect infestations, resulting in higher fuel loads. Increased winds will result in more erratic fire behavior, making fires harder to contain. Warmer temperatures are also expected to occur later in the year, extending the wildfire season, which is likely to begin earlier in the year and extend later than it has historically. 2.5 HAZARDOUS WASTE AND MATERIALS Hazardous materials are materials that pose a significant risk to public safety, or human and environmental health. These include toxic chemicals, flammable or corrosive materials, petroleum products, and unstable or dangerously reactive materials. They can be released through human error, malfunctioning or broken equipment, or as an indirect consequence of other emergencies (e.g., if a flood damages a hazardous material storage tank). Hazardous materials can also be released accidentally during transportation because of vehicle accidents. The release or spill of bulk hazardous materials could result in fire, explosion, toxic cloud, or direct contamination of water, people, and property. The effects may involve a local site or many square miles. Health problems may be immediate, such as corrosive effects on the skin and lungs, or gradual, such as the development of cancer from a carcinogen. Property damage could range from immediate destruction by explosion to permanent contamination by a persistent hazardous material. Most hazardous materials in the region are transported on truck routes along major roadways, such as I-280 and SR-85 that pass through Cupertino. The most vulnerable areas along this route are considered the on-/off-ramps and interchanges. Since 1970, one reported roadway hazardous materials incident occurred in Cupertino.13 The City adopted a Hazardous Materials Storage Ordinance that regulates the storage of hazardous materials in solid and liquid form. Since 1990, State law has required that hazardous waste be properly disposed of in approved hazardous waste treatment or disposal facilities. To accomplish this, new treatment methods and facilities have been developed and approved to pre-treat hazardous waste before its final disposal. Under the 1986 Tanner Bill (AB 2948) authority, Cupertino, along with 13 other cities, 159 PC 09-22-2026 159 of 290 joined the County to develop a comprehensive and coordinated planning approach to hazardous waste disposal. In 1990, a countywide Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Program was created. To supplement the County’s HHW Program and make the collection of HHW more convenient for residents, the City currently provides a door-to-door hazardous waste retrieval service through its solid waste franchise agreement. Hazardous materials and waste within Cupertino are managed by the Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA), a local administrative agency within the County of Santa Clara Hazardous Materials Compliance Division. The CUPA consolidates, coordinates, and makes consistent the regulatory activities of several hazardous materials and hazardous waste programs, including Hazardous Materials Management, California Accidental Release Prevention, Hazardous Waste Management, Underground Storage Tanks, Aboveground Storage Tanks, and Emergency Response. The Santa Clara County Fire Department Fire Prevention Division provides hazardous materials inspection, services for building construction, annual building inspection, and hazardous materials regulation. Several State agencies monitor hazardous materials/waste facilities. Potential and known contamination sites are monitored and documented by the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) and the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC). A review of the leaking underground storage tank (LUST) list 3 produced by the RWQCB and the DTSC EnviroStor database 14 indicates two active voluntary cleanup sites, one closed voluntary cleanup site, one certified school cleanup site, and three closed non-operating sites. The two active cleanup sites include the following:  Cupertino Village Cleaners at 10989 North Wolfe Road  Delia's Cleaners at 7335 Bollinger Road If a hazardous material spill poses an imminent public health threat, the City will support local regulating agencies in notifying the public. The transport of hazardous materials/wastes and explosives through the city is regulated by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). I-280 and SR-85 are open to vehicles carrying hazardous materials/wastes. Transporters of hazardous wastes are required to be certified by the United States Department of Transportation, and manifests are required to track the hazardous waste during transport. The danger of hazardous materials/waste spills during transport does exist and will potentially increase as transportation of these materials increases on I-280 and SR-85. Santa Clara County Fire Department, County of Santa Clara Office of Emergency Management, and County of Santa Clara Hazardous Materials Compliance Division are responsible for hazardous materials accidents at all locations within the city. 3 A review of LUST sites occurred on December 6, 2023. 160 PC 09-22-2026 160 of 290 2.5.1 Potential Changes to Hazardous Materials in Future Years Likelihood of Future Occurrence Given that there has been one hazardous materials incident in transport through the city in the past 53 years and land use activities that would require hazardous materials are not likely to increase in the future, it is unlikely that a hazardous materials incident will occur in Cupertino on a frequent basis. Moreover, according to Caltrans, most incidents are related to releases of fluids from the transporting vehicles themselves and not the cargo, thus the likelihood of a significant hazardous materials release within the city is more limited and difficult to predict. Climate Change and Hazardous Materials Climate change is unlikely to substantially affect hazardous materials transportation incidents. However, increases in the frequency and intensity of climate hazards, such as floods, landslides, and severe storms, may create a greater risk of hazardous materials releases during these events. The two active cleanup sites mentioned are both within the 500-year floodplain and are at risk of hazardous materials releases. 2.6 CLIMATE CHANGE RESILIENCE 2.6.1 A ir Quality Air quality is determined by the composition of gases and particles in the atmosphere, and it is a critical aspect of environmental health. Air pollution comes from both mobile sources (e.g., cars, trucks, airplanes) and stationary sources (e.g., agricultural and industrial uses). The Bay Area Air Quality Management District has the responsibility to create strategies and monitor the targets set by State and federal standards for the Bay Area. Due to air quality planning efforts, regional air quality has improved significantly over the past several decades, even though the population, traffic, and industrialization have increased. Cupertino is highly susceptible to poor air quality due to major highways and quarry activity adjacent to the city. Wind patterns and geographical features move air pollution from other areas, such as the San Joaquin Valley, and trap pollution in the Santa Clara Valley. From 2015 to 2019, Cupertino experienced 31 days where ozone or fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels exceeded State standards.15 Poor air quality poses significant health risks and can contribute to respiratory conditions such as asthma, increase the risks of heart attacks and stroke, and has been linked to various cancers. Children and youth, seniors, those with pre-existing conditions, pregnant women, and outdoor workers are especially vulnerable to health impacts from poor air quality and makeup over 41 percent of Cupertino’s population. Poor air quality can also limit outdoor recreational opportunities. Poor air quality costs the Bay Area about $32 billion annually in premature deaths, medical events, decreased activity, and cancer.16 As reflected in the Vulnerability Assessment, outdoor recreation and key community services, such as public transit access, are highly vulnerable. Outdoor recreation can be curtailed due to poor air quality conditions from lower-level ozone, particulate matter, or wildfire smoke. Residents and visitors may not travel to parks or surrounding recreational areas if poor air quality creates negative health outcomes. Transit riders may be deterred from using public transit during days with poor air quality or high smoke days during wildfires, which could reduce the fares collected from transit riders. 161 PC 09-22-2026 161 of 290 Wildfire Smoke Increasing statewide fire frequency can create recurring air quality degradation events, leading to respiratory health effects. Wildfire smoke consists of a mix of gases and fine particulate matter from burning vegetation and materials. The pollutant of most concern from wildfire smoke is PM2.5, which is damaging to human health due to its ability to deeply penetrate lung tissue and affect the heart and circulatory system. Although wildfire smoke presents a health risk to everyone, sensitive groups may experience more severe acute and chronic symptoms from exposure to wildfire smoke, such as children (particularly younger children), older adults, people with chronic respiratory or cardiovascular disease, and low-resourced persons. Potential Changes to Air Quality in Future Years Likelihood of Future Occurrence Poor air quality tends to occur annually and is likely to continue. Due to Cupertino’s proximity to major highways, quarry activity, and Santa Clara Valley’s geographical features, air quality will continue to be a concern. Climate Change and Air Quality Climate change will worsen air pollution.17 Ozone and PM2.5 form when other pollutants react in the atmosphere, and warmer temperatures speed up these reactions. Warmer temperatures also lengthen the growing seasons of plants and trees, increasing allergen production. In many regions of the United States, climate-driven changes in weather conditions, including temperature and precipitation, are expected to increase ground-level ozone and particulate matter (such as windblown dust from droughts or smoke from wildfires). These changes worsen existing air pollution. More wildfires will release particulate matter and other pollutants into the air. Drier conditions increase dust. Possible changes in wind patterns may also trap air pollutants in the Santa Clara Valley, increasing exposure. 2.6.2 Drought A drought is an extended period when precipitation levels are well below normal. Drought may affect domestic water supply, energy production, public health, and wildlife; or contribute to wildfire. Like most of California and the western United States, Cupertino chronically experiences drought cycles. Drought impacts the city’s water supply, which may in severe instances make less water available for people, businesses, and natural systems. Local ecosystems that are not well adapted to drought conditions can be more easily harmed by it. During drought events, the flow of water in creeks and streams is reduced, creating more slow-moving or standing water. This can concentrate sediment and toxins in the low water levels, causing harm to plants and animals. As reflected in the Vulnerability Assessment, riparian habitat is highly vulnerable to the impacts of drought. Drought conditions can cause smaller streams to run dry, subsequently harming the plants and animal habitat within the ecosystem. Trees may not have adequate water during drought periods, which can lead to pests and diseases destroying important habitat. Droughts can also indirectly lead to more wildfires, stressing plants and making them more susceptible to pests and diseases. The U.S. Drought Monitor recognizes a five-point scale for drought events: D0 (abnormally dry), D1 (moderate drought), D2 (severe drought), D3 (extreme drought), and D4 (exceptional drought). According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, the most intensive drought in recent years occurred during most of 2014, when all of Santa Clara County was classified as “extreme” drought. More recently, in 2022, from January 162 PC 09-22-2026 162 of 290 through the end of the year, the county was also classified as being in “severe” drought. As of November 2023, Santa Clara County, including Cupertino, was not classified as drought. During severe drought conditions, water shortages are common, and water restrictions may be imposed to meet essential community needs. SCVWD’s 2020 Water Shortage Contingency Plan contains actions to implement and enforce regulations and restrictions for managing a water shortage when it declares a water shortage emergency under the authority of the California Water Code. Cupertino’s water supply comes from local and imported water. Local rainfall and runoff flow into reservoirs for storage and blend with imported water. The water is released into creeks and ponds to augment natural percolation and maintain groundwater levels. Some local surface water is processed at the Rinconada Water Treatment Plant. The treated water is sold to Cupertino’s two local water suppliers: the California Water Company and the San Jose Water Company. Both local retailers purchase their water supply from SCVWD, which receives water from the Rinconada Water Treatment Plant and wells fed by groundwater. SCVWD, the groundwater management agency in Santa Clara County, manages groundwater recharge through percolation ponds and in-stream recharge of creeks. The McClellan Pond recharge facility in Cupertino and the Stevens Creek Reservoir, outside the city on its southwest boundary, also contribute to Cupertino’s water supply. Private well owners, farmers, and water retailers use water pumped from the groundwater aquifer through wells. The Rinconada Water Treatment Plant is the second largest of SCVWD's water treatment plants. The Rinconada Water Treatment Plant draws water from the South Bay Aqueduct and the San Luis Reservoir. The San Luis Reservoir is a key component of the federal Central Valley Project, while the South Bay Aqueduct is a key component of the State Water Project system. The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta pumps into the Delta-Mendota Canal and then into the San Luis Reservoir. SCVWD is one of many users that draw water from this reservoir. Approximately 50 percent of Santa Clara County’s water supply comes from hundreds of miles away – first as snow or rain in the Sierra Nevada range of northern and eastern California, then as water in rivers that flow into the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta or directly to water conveyance systems. Imported water is brought into the county through the complex infrastructure of the State Water Project, the federal Central Valley Project, and San Francisco’s Hetch-Hetchy system. As reflected in the Vulnerability Assessment, water and wastewater services are highly vulnerable to the impacts of drought. Drought conditions may cause stress on Cupertino’s water suppliers and reduce the overall water supply available. In some cases, water storage infrastructure, such as the San Luis Reservoir, may not provide adequate storage to provide water during drought periods. Potential Changes to Drought in Future Years Likelihood of Future Occurrence Drought differs from many other natural hazards in that it is not a distinct event and usually has a slow onset. Drought can severely impact a region physically and economically, affecting different sectors in different ways and with varying intensities. Adequate water is the most critical issue for commercial and domestic use. As the population in the city continues to grow, so will the water demand. However, the water supply is currently considered adequate to meet projected water needs through the year 2045. As demonstrated in the 2020 Urban Water Management Plan, SCVWD shows sufficient capacity to 163 PC 09-22-2026 163 of 290 accommodate the demand through 2045 through a diversified and resilient portfolio that includes recycled water and conservation programs. Based on historical information, drought in California, including Santa Clara County, is cyclical, driven by weather patterns. Drought has occurred in the past and will occur in the future. Periods of actual drought with adverse impacts can vary in duration, and the period between droughts is often extended. Although an area may be under an extended dry period, determining when it becomes a drought is based on comparing observed precipitation with what is normal (climatologic), comparing soil moisture and crop conditions with what is normal (agricultural), or by looking at how much water is contained in snow, the level or flow rate of moving water, water in reservoirs, or groundwater levels (hydrologic). However, how individuals recognize drought depends on how it affects them. Climate Change and Drought Although droughts are a regular feature of California’s climate, scientists expect climate change will lead to more frequent and intense droughts statewide. Overall, precipitation levels are expected to stay similar to historic levels in Cupertino, potentially increasing by the end of the century. However, there are likely to be more years with extreme levels of rainfall, both high and low, because of climate change. This is expected to cause more frequent and intense droughts, compared to historical norms, which cause soil to dry out and become hard. When precipitation does return, more water runs off the surface than is absorbed into the ground, which can lead to flooding downstream. Higher air temperatures are expected to increase evaporation, causing more water loss from lakes and reservoirs, exacerbating drought conditions. Reduced winter precipitation levels and warmer temperatures have greatly decreased the size of the Sierra Nevada snowpack (the volume of accumulated snow), making less fresh water available for communities throughout California, including the imported water supply for Cupertino. A continued decline in the Sierra Nevada snowpack volume is expected, which may lead to lower volumes of available imported water. Depending on the location and emissions levels, the state Cal-Adapt database indicates the snowpack (i.e., snow water equivalent) for the Tahoe-Sierra Integrated Regional Water Management Region in the spring is expected to decline from a historical average of 16.1 inches to an average of 7.8 inches (a 52 percent decrease) by the middle of the century (2035 to 2064), and an average of 2.9 inches (an 82 percent decrease) by the end of the century (2070 to 2099).18 If heat-trapping emissions continue unabated, more precipitation will fall as rain instead of snow, and the snow that does fall will melt earlier in the year, reducing the Sierra Nevada spring snowpack by as much as 70 to 90 percent.18 The loss of snowpack would pose challenges to water managers and hamper hydropower generation. 2.6.3 Extreme Heat While there is no universal definition of extreme heat, California guidance documents define extreme heat as temperatures hotter than 98 percent of the historical high temperatures for the area, as measured between April and October of 1961 to 1990. Days that reach this level are called extreme heat days. In Cupertino, the extreme heat threshold is 93.2°F. A heat wave is an event with five extreme heat days in a row. Health impacts are the primary concern with these hazards, though economic and service impacts are also an issue. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognizes extreme heat as a substantial public health concern. Historically, NOAA data indicates that about 175 Americans succumb 164 PC 09-22-2026 164 of 290 to the hazards of summer heat, although this number has increased in recent years.19 From 2004 to 2018, studies by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services indicate that there is an average of 702 deaths annually that are directly or indirectly linked to extreme heat.20 In 2019, Santa Clara County reported an extreme heat event from June 9th to the 11th. The combination of high pressure and offshore solid flow resulted in an early season heat wave across the Bay Area. Multiple daily records were broken across the region due to the heat. Three fatalities were reported during the heat event; one person died as a direct result of heat-related illness, while two others drowned while attempting to cool down during the heat wave. In 2021, Santa Clara County reported an extreme heat event from July 9th to the 11th. Daytime highs rose above 100°F. Overnight lows remained warm, particularly across higher elevations with temperatures between 70°F and 80°F in the early mornings. There were no reported fatalities as a result of this heat event. Extreme heat events are dangerous because people exposed to extreme heat can suffer several heat- related illnesses, including heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and (most severely) heat stroke. As reflected in the Vulnerability Assessment, seniors, persons with chronic illnesses and/or disabilities, persons experiencing homelessness, outdoor workers, low-resourced people of color, immigrant/linguistically isolated communities, and households in poverty are the most vulnerable to extreme heat. Nursing homes and adult care facilities are especially vulnerable to extreme temperatures if power outages occur, and air conditioning or heating is not available. In addition, households in poverty may be at increased risk of extreme heat if the installation or use of air conditioning and heating is not affordable. Outdoor workers in construction or landscaping are also much more exposed to the elements than most people, so they are more susceptible to extreme heat conditions and the potential illnesses associated with very high temperatures. Moreover, extreme heat may be highly damaging to outdoor recreational activities, such as running, bicycling, and hiking. Intense physical exertion is more dangerous during very high temperatures, as people must regularly stay hydrated and not overexert themselves to avoid heat-related illnesses. Most homes in Cupertino are older and were constructed over 40 years ago. Given that approximately 66 percent of all housing in the city was built prior to 1980,21 some of these homes are unlikely to have air conditioning and may lack effective insulation to regulate indoor temperatures. During extreme heat days, temperatures in poorly insulated homes may reach unhealthy temperatures. Therefore, people living in these homes, especially vulnerable populations, are at higher risk for heat-related illnesses from extreme heat events. Streets and sidewalks are also well-shaded throughout many parts of the city. Trees and vegetation in urban forests are most useful as an extreme heat reduction strategy when planted in strategic locations around buildings or to shade pavement in parking lots and streets. Trees and vegetation help to lower surface and air temperatures by providing shade and evapotranspiration. Evapotranspiration, alone or in combination with shading, can help reduce peak summer temperatures by 2°F to 9°F. 22, 23 Very high temperatures can harm plants and animals that are not well adapted to these events, including natural ecosystems. Extreme heat can increase water temperature in lakes, streams, creeks, and other water bodies, especially during drought conditions when water levels are lower. In some cases, water temperatures may exceed comfortable levels for several plants and animals, causing ecological harm. 165 PC 09-22-2026 165 of 290 As reflected in the Vulnerability Assessment, energy delivery and communication services are highly vulnerable to extreme heat. Extreme heat can regularly cause power outages due to a combination of mechanical failure of electrical grid equipment, heat damage to the wires themselves, and high demand for electricity as a result of cooling equipment, all of which causes stress on the grid. Indirectly, extreme heat stresses power lines, causing them to run less efficiently. The heat also causes more demand for electricity (usually to run air conditioning units), and in combination with the stress on the power lines, may lead to brownouts and blackouts. Potential Changes to Extreme Heat in Future Years Likelihood of Future Occurrence Extreme heat tends to occur on an annual basis and is likely to continue occurring. Due to Cupertino’s inland location south of San Francisco Bay and relatively low elevation, high temperatures will continue to be a more common than cold temperatures. Climate Change and Extreme Heat The warmer temperatures brought on by climate change are likely to cause an increase in extreme heat events locally. Depending on the location and emissions levels, the state Cal-Adapt database indicates the number of extreme heat days is expected to rise from a historical annual average of 5 to 14 days by the middle of the century (2035 to 2064), and an average of 24 days by the end of the century (2070 to 2099).24 Overall, Cupertino is expected to see an increase in the average daily high temperatures. Depending on the future severity of climate change, the state Cal-Adapt database indicates the annual average maximum temperature is expected to increase from a historical annual average of 69.4°F to an average of up to 73.5°F by the middle of the century (2035 to 2064), and an average of up to 76.5°F by the end of the century (2070 to 2099).2 Although the temperature increases may appear modest, the projected high temperatures are substantially greater than historical norms. These increases make it more likely that an above-average high temperature will cross the extreme heat threshold. As temperatures increase, Cupertino residents, employees, and visitors will face increased risk of dehydration, heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heart attack, stroke, and respiratory distress caused by extreme heat. 2.6.4 Severe Weather Severe weather is generally any destructive weather event, but usually occurs in Cupertino as localized storms that bring heavy rain, hail, thunderstorms, and strong winds. Severe weather is usually caused by intense storm systems, although types of strong winds can occur without a storm. The types of dangers posed by severe weather vary widely and may include injuries or deaths, damage to buildings and structures, fallen trees, roads and railways blocked by debris, and fires sparked by lightning. Severe weather often produces high winds and lightning that can damage structures and cause power outages. Lightning from these storms can ignite wildfires and structure fires that can cause damage to buildings and endanger people. Objects such as vehicles, unprotected structures (e.g., bus stops, carports), fences, telephone poles, or trees can also be struck directly by lightning, which may result in an explosion or fire. A relatively common weather pattern that brings southwest winds and heavy rain to California is often referred to as an atmospheric river. Atmospheric rivers can be associated with severe weather in the following ways:  Heavy precipitation: Atmospheric rivers can bring large amounts of moisture to a region, which can lead to heavy precipitation and flooding. This level of precipitation can be especially 166 PC 09-22-2026 166 of 290 problematic in areas with steep terrain or poor drainage, where the water can accumulate quickly and cause damage.  Landslides: Heavy precipitation associated with atmospheric rivers can also increase the risk of landslides and debris flows in areas with steep terrain. This risk is because the excess water can saturate the soil and destabilize slopes, leading to landslides or rockfalls.  High winds: In addition to heavy precipitation, atmospheric rivers can also be associated with strong winds. This risk increase because the strong temperature contrast between the warm, moist air in the atmospheric river and the cold air surrounding it can lead to the formation of strong low-pressure systems and high winds. A thunderstorm is a rain event that includes thunder and lightning. According to NOAA’s National Severe Storms Laboratory, a thunderstorm is classified as “severe” when it contains one or more of the following: hail with a diameter of one inch or greater, wind gusts exceeding 57.5 miles per hour (mph), or tornado. However, tornadoes are uncommon in Santa Clara County; only six have been recorded in the county since 1950. High winds, often accompanying severe storms, can cause significant property damage, threaten public safety, and have adverse economic impacts from business closures and power loss. High winds, as defined by the National Weather Service, are sustained wind speeds of 40 mph or greater lasting one hour or longer or wind gusts of 58 mph or greater for any duration. These winds may occur as part of a seasonal climate pattern or in relation to other severe weather events, such as thunderstorms. All wind events pose several different types of threats. By themselves, the winds threaten the health of people and structures in Cupertino. Dust and plant pollen blown by the wind can create breathing problems. The winds can blow roofs off buildings and cause tree limbs to fall on structures. High winds also increase the threat of wildfires. Winds may dry out brush and forest areas, increasing the fuel load in fire-prone areas. Winds may spark wildfires by knocking down power lines or causing them to arc, creating sparks. If wildfires do start, high winds can push flames quickly into new areas, contributing to the rapid spread of wildfires and making them harder to control. As reflected in the Vulnerability Assessment, energy communication infrastructure, energy delivery and communication services, homes and residential structures, and public transit access are highly vulnerable to severe weather. Electricity transmission and distribution lines can be damaged or destroyed by high- velocity winds. This can cause secondary impacts, such as power outages, which would impact Cupertino residents and businesses. Homes, particularly older ones, may be constructed to less rigorous standards and/or may not be well maintained. This can increase their risk of damage during severe weather events, particularly high winds, and hail. High winds could disrupt energy delivery, causing the electrical grid to not function properly. If multiple sections or elements of the system fail (substations, power plants, electricity lines), City residents and businesses could be without power for hours, days, or weeks if severe. Communication services may be knocked out by severe weather that damages communication towers. Public transit access may be delayed or rerouted if roadways become impassable due to storms and other severe weather. If roadways completely fail, the transit services could be suspended for days or weeks. Public Safety Power Shutoff Events Electricity utilities throughout California, including PG&E, have begun to occasionally “de-energize”, or turn off the electricity for power lines that run through areas with an elevated fire risk. PSPS events are intended to reduce the risk of power lines sparking or being damaged and starting a wildfire. As previously 167 PC 09-22-2026 167 of 290 described, these activities, called PSPS events, result in a loss of power for customers served by the affected power lines. A PSPS event may occur at any time of the year, usually during high wind events and dry conditions. PSPS events may be limited to specific communities or affect broad swaths of the state. In October 2019, PG&E conducted one large-scale PSPS event, shutting off power to approximately 740,000 customers in 35 counties across the state, including customers in Cupertino. Several PSPS events also occurred in 2020 during widespread wildfires across northern California. While PSPS events have been smaller and less frequent recently, these events still pose a risk to PG&E customers across Santa Clara County, including Cupertino. PSPS events can impact emergency management activities. A loss of power can make it more difficult for homes or businesses to receive emergency notifications. PSPS events can also create vulnerabilities for community members who lack backup power supplies and depend on electricity for heating or cooling homes and buildings, medical devices, lighting, and the internet. Additionally, community members may face economic hardships and be deprived of important services, such as grocery stores, gas stations, and banks/ATMs. Traffic lights and other traffic-control systems may not work, which can complicate evacuation needs and hinder emergency response. Although critical public health and safety facilities often have backup generators, the loss of power may also disable other key infrastructure systems. Potential Changes to Severe Weather in Future Years Likelihood of Future Occurrence According to historical hazard data, severe weather is an annual occurrence in Santa Clara County. Damage and disaster declarations related to severe weather have occurred and will continue to occur in the future. Heavy rain and thunderstorms are the county's most frequent type of severe weather occurrences. Wind and lightning often accompany these storms and have caused damage in the past. However, damage associated with severe weather's primary effects has been limited. The secondary hazards caused by severe weather, such as floods and fire, have had the greatest impact on the county. In general, any severe storm that affects Santa Clara County has local effects in Cupertino as well. Thunderstorms, high winds, and lightning can each have localized impacts on infrastructure, properties, and public safety. Climate Change and Severe Weather Climate change is expected to cause an increase in intense rainfall and strong storm systems, such as atmospheric rivers. This increase means that Cupertino could see more intense weather resulting from these storms in the coming years and decades, although such an increase may not affect all forms of severe weather. While average annual rainfall may increase only slightly, climate change is expected to cause an increase in the number of years with intense levels of precipitation. Heavy rainfall can increase the frequency and severity of other hazards, including flooding. 2.6.5 Human Health Hazards Human health hazards are bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other organisms that can cause diseases and illness in people. Some of these diseases may cause only mild inconvenience, but others are potentially life-threatening. These diseases can be and often are carried by animals, such as mice and rats, ticks, and mosquitos. Warmer temperatures and high precipitation levels can lead to increased populations of disease-carrying animals, creating a greater risk of disease and increased rates of infection. Populations most vulnerable to human health hazards are those who spend a disproportionate amount of time outdoors (such as outdoor workers or persons experiencing homelessness), those with fragile 168 PC 09-22-2026 168 of 290 immune systems or existing illnesses (which may include persons with chronic illnesses and seniors), and those who may live in sub-standard housing or not have access to health insurance and medical care (households in poverty, low-resourced people of color, immigrant/linguistically isolated communities, and cost-burdened/low-income/overcrowded households). These persons may be living in conditions that increase their chances of catching vector-borne illnesses, lack the ability to fight off infections that may occur, or lack the financial resources to seek timely medical care. As reflected in the Vulnerability Assessment, several groups within Cupertino’s population are vulnerable to human health hazards, such as households in poverty, immigrant communities/linguistically isolated persons, low-resourced people of color, outdoor workers, persons experiencing homelessness, persons with chronic illnesses and/or disabilities, and seniors. According to the 2023 MJHMP,9 past occurrences of human health hazards in Santa Clara County since 2018 include COVID-19, Lyme disease, Valley Fever, and West Nile Virus. Potential Changes to Human Health Hazards in Future Years Likelihood of Future Occurrence Human health hazards have occurred in the past and, therefore, will likely occur in the future at various scales and levels of severity. Climate Change and Human Health Hazards Increases in average temperature and changes in precipitation patterns favoring larger precipitation events may facilitate the growth and activity of disease-carrying vectors. Many of the vector-carrying organisms thrive in warmer and wetter conditions. The overall risk of human health hazards is thus expected to increase. 169 PC 09-22-2026 169 of 290 3.1 OVERVIEW The Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment analyzes how climate-related hazards may harm the community using the four-step process recommended in the California Adaptation Planning Guide. Figure S-10 illustrates the recommended four-step process. This analysis describes the degree to which natural, built, and human systems are susceptible to harm from exposure to stresses associated with environmental and social change and from the absence of capacity to adapt. Figure S-10 California Adaptation Planning Guide Vulnerability Assessment Process The Vulnerability Assessment considers the threats from all relevant natural hazards, which are events or physical conditions that have the potential to cause harm or loss and will emphasize changes to hazard frequency and severity due to climate change. The Vulnerability Assessment includes eight climate-related hazards: air quality and smoke, drought, extreme heat, flooding, human health hazards, landslides, severe storms, and wildfire. The Vulnerability Assessment assesses 45 different population groups and community assets facing potential harm from the hazards. This assessment includes the risk of physical damage to buildings and infrastructure, the social vulnerability of persons likely to be disproportionately harmed by hazards, potential disruption to the city’s economic engines, and loss of essential services. Step 4: Prioritize Vulnerability Determine how susceptible a population or asset is to harm from a particlar hazard. Step 3: Assess Adaptive Capacity Assess the ability of populations and community assets to prepare for, respond to, and recover from the impacts of climate change using existing resources and programs. Step 2: Identify Sensitivities and Potential Impacts Identify populations and assets Evaluate potential impacts of each relevant hazard Step 1: Identify Exposure Characterize the community’s exposure to current and projected climate change hazards 3. VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT RESULTS 170 PC 09-22-2026 170 of 290 3.2 ITEMS INCLUDED IN THE CUPERTINO VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT The City included the following populations and other assets in the Vulnerability Assessment. Each list includes a description and source of data needed to support the Vulnerability Assessment. 3.2.1 Populations The City collected population data from the U.S. Census (American Community Survey and Decennial Census), the California Healthy Places Index, and the Santa Clara County Homeless Point-in-Time Count. The American Community Survey data is an estimate only with some margin of error. The 16 populations evaluated include: 1. Children and youth (under 18). 2. Cost-burdened/low-income/overcrowded households: households paying 30 percent or more of their income towards housing expenses.25 The State identifies $131,750 as the low-income threshold for a household of four people in Santa Clara County in 2022.26 Six percent of Cupertino residents earn incomes at or below poverty level.27 Overcrowded households include housing units that have 1.0 persons or more per room (excluding bathrooms and kitchens). 3. Households in poverty: households with an income below the poverty line, which is $27,750 for a household of four.28 4. Immigrant communities/linguistically isolated persons: Communities consisting of foreign-born populations, including immigrants, refugees, and undocumented persons. Linguistically isolated persons include households without a member who is fluent in English. Chinese, Hindi, and Japanese are the primary languages in Cupertino among households that are not fluent in English.29 5. Low-resourced people of color: Persons identifying as a member of a racial and/or ethnic group and facing limited access to resources, such as financial, social, healthcare, or educational assistance.30,31 6. Outdoor workers: Workers in landscaping, construction, outdoor recreation, etc. 7. Persons experiencing homelessness: 2022 Point-in-Time count reported 102 total persons experiencing homelessness (all unsheltered) within the City of Cupertino.32 8. Persons living on single-access roads (roads with only a single entry or exit point). Single-access roads are generally to the west, near the hillsides of the community. 9. Persons with chronic illnesses and/or disabilities. 10. Persons without a high school degree. 11. Persons without access to lifelines: Persons without reliable access to a car, transit, or communication systems. 12. Renters. 13. Seniors (age 65 and older). Seniors constitute 15 percent of Cupertino’s population.33 14. Seniors living alone. 15. Students. 16. Unemployed persons. 3.2.2 Infrastructure The City gathered details on infrastructure from State and local GIS data, and the 2023 Santa Clara County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. These seven asset groups are: 1. Energy and communication infrastructure: a. Transmission Lines: PG&E b. Natural gas pipelines and structures: PG&E c. Cell towers, radio sites, fiber-optic lines, and internet lines 171 PC 09-22-2026 171 of 290 2. Flood-control and stormwater infrastructure 3. Vehicle fuel stations a. Electric vehicle charging stations: 13 public charging stations b. Gas stations 4. Hazardous materials sites: 13 cleanup sites 5. Transportation infrastructure a. Freeways: I-280 b. State highways: SR-85 c. Local roads: Stevens Creek Boulevard, North De Anza Boulevard, South De Anza Boulevard, North Wolfe Road, Miller Avenue, North Stelling Road, South Stelling Road, McClellan Road, Steven Canyons Road, South Foothills Boulevard, Rainbow Drive, Bubb Road, Prospect Road, Bollinger Road, North Blaney Avenue, South Blaney Avenue d. Bridges and culverts: Seven local bridges e. Transit facilities: Valley Transportation Authority stops f. Railway: Union Pacific Railroad 6. Parks, Open Space, and Trails a. Community Parks: McClellan Ranch, McClellan Ranch West (Simms Property), Blackberry Farm Park, Blackberry Farm Golf Course, Franco Park, Memorial Park, Sports Center, Mary Avenue Dog Park, Cali Mill Plaza Park, Civic Center Park, Library Plaza, Civic Center Plaza, Main Street Park Easement, Town Square Easement, Little Rancho Park b. Neighborhood Parks: Linda Vista, Varian Park, Monta Vista, Villa Serra, Sommerset Square, Jollyman, Wilson Park, Library Field, Creekside, Sterling Barnhart, Portal Park, Three Oaks, Hoover c. Open Space Areas: Stocklmeir Ranch, Stevens Creek Trail, Oak Valley, Canyon Oak Park 7. Bicycling and pedestrian trails.34, 35, 36 8. Water and wastewater infrastructure: California Water Service (north of Stevens Creek Boulevard), San Jose Water (south of Stevens Creek Boulevard), Cupertino Sanitary District, San José-Santa Clara Regional Wastewater Facility. 3.2.3 Buildings The City collected buildings data from Google Maps, the California School Database, and local agency websites and GIS records. These six assets are: 1. Government and community facilities: Cupertino City Offices, Cupertino Emergency Operations Center, Quinlan Community Center, Cupertino Library, Cupertino Senior Center, and Cupertino Sports Center 2. Commercial centers: Homestead Square Shopping Center, De Anza Shopping Center, Main Street Cupertino, the Crossroads, the Marketplace, and Cupertino Village 3. Medical and care facilities: Kaiser Permanente, Urgent Care Cupertino, Sunshine Health Care Center, Sacred Heart Clinic, Foothill Medical Clinic, Prairie Health, Golden Apple Medical Group, and adult care and senior living facilities 4. Homes and residential structures: Multifamily and single-family residences 5. Public safety buildings: Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office and Santa Clara County Fire Department (Cupertino Fire Station) 172 PC 09-22-2026 172 of 290 6. Schools: Cupertino Union School District (20 elementary schools and 5 middle schools), Fremont Union High School District (Cupertino High School, Homestead High School, and Monte Vista High School), De Anza College, and private schools (Monta Vista Christian School, Stratford School - Cupertino Raynor Campus, St. Joseph of Cupertino School, West Valley Christian School, Villa Montessori) 3.2.4 Economic Drivers The City determined important economic assets based on the 2021 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report and land uses within the city. These five assets are: 1. Major employers: Apple Inc., Cupertino Union School District, Corinthian International Parking Services, Synophic Systems Inc., and De Anza Community College District 2. Education services 3. Technology, research, and development 4. Commercial and retail centers 5. Outdoor recreation 3.2.5 Ecosystems and Natural R esources The City determined the ecosystems and natural resources based on information from the Environmental Resources Element of the General Plan. These four resource types include: 1. Riparian 2. Grasslands 3. Brushlands 4. Foothill Woodlands and Forests 3.2.6 Key Services These assets are based on typical services provided in cities throughout California, which are supported by the infrastructure and buildings listed previously. Key community services include the operation and functions needed to provide and maintain services. The Vulnerability Assessment assesses the infrastructure and people needed to support them separately. These seven services are: 1. Education services: Cupertino Union School District, Fremont Union High School District, private schools, and childcare. 2. Emergency services: Emergency Operations Center, Santa Clara County Fire Department, and Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office 3. Energy delivery and communication services: Silicon Valley Clean Energy, PG&E, radio, television, cellular and landline phone, and internet 4. Government administration and community services 5. Public transit access: Valley Transportation Authority Bus Routes 6. Solid waste removal: Recology South Bay 7. Water and wastewater: California Water Service (north of Stevens Creek Boulevard), San Jose Water (south of Stevens Creek Boulevard), and Cupertino Sanitary District 173 PC 09-22-2026 173 of 290 3.3 VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT R ESULTS Table 5-1 shows the results of the Vulnerability Assessment prepared for Cupertino, in accordance with the requirements of Senate Bill 379. For each population or asset that may be vulnerable to each climate- related hazard, the population or asset is scored on a scale of low to high. The vulnerability scores reflect both the severity of climate-related impacts and the ability of populations and assets to resist and recover from these effects. The City assessed 287 different pairings for vulnerability, 89 of which scored as highly vulnerable. The following matrix provides the scores for each population and assets to each relevant hazard. Gray cells with a dash (-) indicate that a specific hazard is not applicable to a specific population or asset, and therefore was not scored. Refer to the “Climate Change” and “Vulnerable Populations and Assets” sections of the Health and Safety Element for additional details on the Vulnerability Assessment method. 174 PC 09-22-2026 174 of 290 Table S-1. Vulnerability Assessment Results Populations & Assets Air Quality and Smoke Drought Extreme Heat Flooding Human Health Hazards Sea Level Rise Landslides Severe Weather Wildfire Children and youth (under 18) High Low High Medium Medium - Medium Medium Medium Cost-burdened/low-income/overcrowded households Medium Medium Medium Medium Medium - Low Medium Medium Low-resourced people of color Medium Medium High High High - Medium High Medium Low Low Low High Low - High High High Persons without access to lifelines Medium Low High High Medium - Medium Medium Medium Unemployed persons Low Low Medium Medium Medium - Low Medium Medium Buildings and Infrastructure Commercial centers - - Low Medium - - - Medium - Vehicle fuel stations - - Low Medium - - - Low - Medical care and assisted living facilities - - Low Low - - Low Medium - Public safety buildings - - Low Medium - - - Medium - Economic Drivers 175 PC 09-22-2026 175 of 290 Populations & Assets Air Quality and Smoke Drought Extreme Heat Flooding Human Health Hazards Sea Level Rise Landslides Severe Weather Wildfire Technology, research, and development Low Low Low Medium Medium - - Low - Commercial and retail centers Medium Medium Medium Low High - - Medium - Outdoor recreation High Medium High Medium Low - Medium Medium Medium Ecosystem and Natural Resources Grasslands - Low Low Low - - Low Low Medium Key Services Emergency services Medium - Low Medium High - Medium Medium Low Public transit access High - High High Low - Medium High Medium 176 PC 09-22-2026 176 of 290 1 BestPlaces, n.d. Climate in Cupertino. https://www.bestplaces.net/city/california/cupertino. 2 Cal-Adapt. 2023. Annual Averages. https://cal-adapt.org/tools/annual-averages. 3 United States Census Bureau. 2024. Cupertino city, California. https://data.census.gov/profile/Cupertino_city,_California?g=160XX00US0617610. Accessed January 17, 2024. 4 Cupertino, City of. 2023. 6th Cycle Housing Element 2023-2031: Second Draft. Submitted to HCD on October 16, 2023. https://engagecupertino.org/public-documents. 5 Bedsworth, Louise, Dan Cayan, Guido Franco, Leah Fisher, Sonya Ziaja (California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, California Energy Commission, California Public Utilities Commission). 2018. Statewide Summary Report. California’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment. Publication number: SUMCCCA4-2018-013. 6 Cal OES. Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS). https://www.caloes.ca.gov/office-of- the-director/operations/planning-preparedness-prevention/california-specialized-training- institute/hazardous-materials-program/standardized-emergency-management-system-sems/ 7 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 2023. Storm Events Database. https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/ 8 United States Geological Survey (USGS). 2003. Map of Active Fault Traces, Geomorphic Features and Quaternary Surficial Deposits Along The Central Calaveras Fault, Santa Clara County, California.https://earthquake.usgs.gov/cfusion/external_grants/reports/01HQGR0212.pdf. 9 IEM. 2023. Draft Santa Clara County Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. Volume 1: Base Plan. 10 U.S. Geological Survey. 2015, March. UCEFR3: A New Earthquake Forecast for California’s Complex Fault System. https://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2015/3009/pdf/fs2015-3009.pdf. 11 United States Geological Survey (USGS). M 6.9 - The 1989 Loma Prieta, California Earthquake. https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/nc216859/impact 12 CAL FIRE. 2025, February 3 (accessed). Historical Fire Perimeters. https://www.fire.ca.gov/what-we- do/fire-resource-assessment-program/fire-perimeters 13 U.S. Department of Transportation. 2023. Incident Statistics. https://portal.phmsa.dot.gov/analytics/saw.dll?Portalpages&PortalPath=%2Fshared%2FPublic%20Webs ite%20Pages%2F_portal%2FHazmat%20Incident%20Report%20Search. 14 California Department of Toxic Substances Control. 2023. EnviroStor Database. https://www.envirostor.dtsc.ca.gov/public/map/?myaddress. 15 Bay Area Air Quality Management District. 2023. Air Quality Summary Reports. https://www.baaqmd.gov/about-air-quality/air-quality-measurement/air-quality-summaries. 16 Bay Area Air Quality Management District. April 19, 2017. Final 2017 Clean Air Plan. Appendix C. Available: https://www.baaqmd.gov/~/media/files/planning-and-research/plans/2017-clean-air- plan/attachment-a-proposed-final-cap-vol-1-pdf.pdf?la=en. 17 David Ackerly, Andrew Jones, Mark Stacey, and Bruce Riordan. University of California, Berkeley. 2018. San Francisco Bay Area Summary Report. California’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment. https://www.energy.ca.gov/sites/default/files/2019-11/Reg_Report-SUM-CCCA4-2018- 005_SanFranciscoBayArea_ADA.pdf. 18 Cal-Adapt. 2023. Snowpack. https://cal-adapt.org/tools/snowpack/. END NOTES 177 PC 09-22-2026 177 of 290 19 National Weather Service. N.D. July 12-15, 1995 Deadly Heat Wave. https://www.weather.gov/mkx/1995_heat-wave. 20 Vaidyanathan A, Malilay J, Schramm P, Saha S. Heat-Related Deaths - United States, 2004-2018. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2020 Jun 19;69(24):729-734. doi: 10.15585/mmwr.mm6924a1. PMID: 32555133; PMCID: PMC7302478. 21 United States Census Bureau. 2023. Cupertino city, California. ACS 5-Year Estimates, Year Structure Built. B25034. https://data.census.gov/table?q=B25034:+Year+Structure+Built&g=160XX00US0617610. 22 Huang, J., H. Akbari, and H. Taha. 1990. The Wind-Shielding and Shading Effects of Trees on Residential Heating and Cooling Requirements. ASHRAE Winter Meeting, American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers. Atlanta, Georgia. 23 Kurn, D., S. Bretz, B. Huang, and H. Akbari. 1994. The Potential for Reducing Urban Air Temperatures and Energy Consumption through Vegetative Cooling. ACEEE Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings, American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy. Pacific Grove, California. 24 Cal-Adapt. 2024.Extreme Heat Days and Warm Nights. https://cal-adapt.org/tools/extreme-heat. 25 City of Cupertino. 2015. City of Cupertino Housing Element 2015-2023. https://www.cupertino.org/home/showpublisheddocument/12736/636317559509530000. 26 California Department of Housing and Community Development. 2022. State Income Limits for 2022. https://www.hcd.ca.gov/docs/grants-and-funding/inc2k22.pdf. 27 United States Census Bureau. 2023. Cupertino city, California. https://data.census.gov/cedsci/profile?g=1600000US0617610. 28 Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation. 2023. “HHS Poverty Guidelines for 2023.” https://aspe.hhs.gov/topics/poverty-economic-mobility/poverty-guidelines. 29 American Community Survey. 2015. 2015: ACS 5-Year Estimates, Language Spoken at Home by Ability to Speak English for the Population 5 Years and Over, B16001. https://data.census.gov/table?q=Table+B16001&g=160XX00US0617610&tid=ACSDT5Y2015.B16001. 30 Public Health Alliance of Southern California. 2018. Healthy Places Index. https://map.healthyplacesindex.org/ 31 Roos, Michelle (E4 Strategic Solutions). 2018. Climate Justice Summary Report. California’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment. Publication number: SUM-CCCA4-2018-012. 32 County of Santa Clara. 2022. Santa Clara County: 2022 Homeless Point in Time Count and Survey. https://osh.sccgov.org/sites/g/files/exjcpb671/files/documents/2022%20PIT%20Report%20Santa%20Clar a%20County.pdf. 33 United States Census Bureau. 2023. QuickFacts Cupertino city, California. https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/cupertinocitycalifornia/PST045219. 34 Valley Transportation Authority. 2015. Valley Transportation Plan 2040: The Long-Range Transportation Plan for Santa Clara County. https://www.vta.org/sites/default/files/2022-09/VTP-2040_Final.pdf. 35 City of Cupertino. Bicycle Transportation Plan. 2016. https://www.cupertino.org/home/showpublisheddocument/3479/636443578340030000. 36 City of Cupertino. 2018. Pedestrian Transportation Plan. https://www.cupertino.org/home/showpublisheddocument/16864/636650034974470000. 178 PC 09-22-2026 178 of 290 MEMORANDUM DATE September 15, 2026 TO Piu Ghosh, Planning Manager Luke Connolly, Assistant Director of Community Development FROM Tammy L. Seale, PlaceWorks, Principal Jacqueline Protsman Rohr, Project Manager Eli Krispi, PlaceWorks, Senior Associate SUBJECT City of Cupertino Health and Safety Element Update – Public Hearing Memo Overview The Health and Safety Element is a State-mandated element of the General Plan that addresses the threats posed by natural and human-caused hazards to Cupertino and establishes goals and policies to reduce risk to the community. The current Health and Safety Element was adopted in 2014. Since that time, State law has expanded requirements related to wildfire, flooding, climate change adaptation, and evacuation planning. The updated Health and Safety Element ensures compliance with current State law, integrates climate vulnerability findings, incorporates detailed evacuation capacity analysis and mapping, reflects updated wildfire hazard designations, and strengthens policies addressing both new and existing development across all major hazard categories. This memorandum summarizes the applicable California Government Code requirements, describes how the updated draft Health and Safety Element satisfies those requirements, highlights key updates in the draft, and outlines next steps prior to formal review and public hearings. Regulatory Framework UPDATES TO SAFETY ELEMENT STATE LAW SINCE 2015 Since adoption of the 2014 Health and Safety Element, amendments to Government Code Section 65302(g) have expanded local requirements related to wildfire, flooding, climate change adaptation, and evacuation planning. In particular, legislation enacted through Senate Bill (SB) 1241 (2012), SB 379 (2015), SB 99, (2019), Assembly Bill (AB) 747 (2019), AB 1409 (2021), and AB 2684 (2024) strengthened requirements for wildfire risk reduction, climate vulnerability assessment, evacuation route analysis, and extreme heat planning. SB 1241 was adopted in 2012, prior to adoption of the 2014 Health and Safety Element; however, guidance for compliance with its requirements has evolved as the State’s fire protection codes and regulations have strengthened. This update ensures compliance with current guidance from CAL FIRE and 179 PC 09-22-2026 179 of 290 CITY OF CUPERTINO | HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT UPDATE PUBLIC HEARING S September 15, 2026 | Page 2 best practices. The proposed draft Health and Safety Element ensures compliance with current State law requirements and incorporates expanded provisions related to wildfire, flooding, climate adaptation, and evacuation planning. The proposed draft Element addresses the following sections of Government Code Section 65302. Section 65302(g)(2) – Flood Hazards The 2014 Health and Safety Element includes limited flood-related policies and background discussion. The updated Element expands the flood hazard section to incorporate updated mapping, current flood risk data, and identification of responsible flood control agencies and coordination mechanisms. It strengthens policies addressing flood risk reduction and incorporates resilience strategies applicable to both existing and future development in flood-prone areas. The revised section also contains policies to reduce potential flood impacts to critical infrastructure and essential facilities, consistent with current statutory requirements. Section 65302(g)(3) – Fire Hazards (SB 1241, adopted in 2012) The 2014 Health and Safety Element includes general wildfire protection policies but does not reflect updated State mapping or current wildfire risk conditions. The updated Element incorporates the most recent Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) mapping for both Local Responsibility Area (LRA) and State Responsibility Area (SRA) lands and updates the Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Area framework, replacing prior mapping references in the 2014 Health and Safety Element to ensure consistency with current State designations. Consistent with the City’s June 2025 adoption of the updated LRA FHSZ map into Cupertino Municipal Code Chapter 16.74 (Wildland Urban Interface Fire Area), the draft Element specifies that where a parcel is mapped within multiple FHSZ designations (such as Moderate and High), the parcel is subject to the requirements associated with the highest mapped severity. This approach ensures consistency with the City’s adopted ordinance and supports clear, uniform implementation of wildfire risk reduction measures. The updated draft Element also provides expanded background information on wildfire conditions, identifies responsible fire protection agencies, and strengthens policies designed to reduce wildfire risk to new development and essential facilities. Section 65302(g)(4) – Climate Change Adaptation (SB 379, adopted in 2015) The 2014 Health and Safety Element does not include a formal climate change vulnerability assessment as required under SB 379. The updated draft Element integrates the City’s vulnerability assessment findings and expands discussion of climate-related hazards, including extreme heat. It identifies populations and infrastructure who are most vulnerable to these hazards and incorporates new goals, policies, and implementation measures focused on adaptation and resilience, consistent with current State law. Section 65302(g)(5) – Evacuation Constraints (SB 99, adopted in 2019) The 2014 Health and Safety Element does not identify residential parcels in hazard -prone areas that lack sufficient emergency access. The updated draft Element addresses this requirement through parcel-level analysis of residential street accessibility to identify parcels located in hazard areas with limited egress routes. This analysis is incorporated into the draft Element and informed development of policies supporting improved emergency access planning and coordination with emergency management agencies to reduce evacuation risk. 180 PC 09-22-2026 180 of 290 CITY OF CUPERTINO | HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT UPDATE PUBLIC HEARING S September 15, 2026 | Page 3 Section 65302.15 – Evacuation Routes and Scenarios (AB 747, adopted in 2019; and AB 1409, adopted in 2021) The 2014 Health and Safety Element does not include evaluation of evacuation route capacity, safety, or viability under multiple hazard scenarios. The proposed draft Element incorporates findings from the 2025 Evacuation Route Capacity Assessment (refer to Exhibit 2) and identifies primary evacuation routes and gateways. It evaluates route performance under wildfire, earthquake, and combined hazard scenarios and integrates evacuation considerations into land use and development policies to ensure consistency with statutory requirements. Section 65302.01 – Extreme Heat (AB 2684, adopted in 2024) Government Code Section 65302.01, enacted through AB 2684, requires that upon the next update of one or more General Plan elements on or after January 1, 2028, a city or county must review and update its Safety Element, as necessary, to address the hazard of extreme heat. The statute authorizes a jurisdiction that has adopted an Extreme Heat Action Plan or other document that fulfills commensurate goals and objectives to use that information to comply with this requirement. If doing so, the jurisdiction must summarize and incorporate that plan into the Safety Element. The statute also allows the use or reference of information contained in the State Extreme Heat Action Plan and the State Hazard Mitigation Plan. After this initial update, the planning agency must review and, if necessary, revise the Safety Element upon each revision of the Housing Element or LHMP, but not less than once every eight years, to identify new information relating to extreme heat hazards that was not available during the previous revision. The proposed draft Element includes policies and actions to mitigate extreme heat. UPDATES TO STATE BUILDING STANDARDS CODE In the 2025 State Building Standards Code (BSC), the State created a new section, the Wildland -Urban Interface (WUI) Code, which consolidates State requirements from across various regulations into a single location. The new WUI Code addresses access, water supply, ignition-resistant materials and construction, vegetation and defensible space, and similar issues. These standards apply to structures in the relevant Fire Hazard Severity Zones, and select standards also apply to additions and remodels. The City adopted the Wildland-Urban Interface Code and all other parts of the BSC, with minor amendments, on November 18, 2025. The 2025 BSC came into effect on January 1, 2026. Like other sections of the BSC, like the building code, residential code, fire code, and others, the WUI code applies to projects that require a building permit, or equivalent ministerial action, from the City. The WUI code is not discretionary and is applied in addition to other requirements in the City’s Municipal Code and General Plan. Summary of Key Updates The updated draft Health and Safety Element provides revised background information for applicable hazards and associated updated mapping and updated goals, policies, and strategies. The draft element is supported by updated appendices and the City’s 2025 Evacuation Route Capacity Assessment, which evaluates evacuation demand, route capacity, and performance under multiple hazard scenarios. The updated policies and strategies in the draft Health and Safety Element are organized by ten goals: ◼ Goal HS-1: Reduce hazard risks through regional coordination and mitigation planning. ◼ Goal HS-2: Ensure a high level of emergency preparedness for natural and human-caused disasters. 181 PC 09-22-2026 181 of 290 CITY OF CUPERTINO | HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT UPDATE PUBLIC HEARING S September 15, 2026 | Page 4 ◼ Goal HS-3: Protect the community from hazards associated with wildland and urban fires. ◼ Goal HS-4: Ensure high levels of community safety with police services that meet the community’s needs. ◼ Goal HS-5: Reduce risks associated with geologic and seismic hazards. ◼ Goal HS-6: Protect people and property from the risks associated with hazardous materials and exposure to electromagnetic fields. ◼ Goal HS-7: Protect people and property from risks associated with floods. ◼ Goal HS-8: Increase resilience of the community to extreme heat. ◼ Goal HS-9: Increase community resilience to climate change hazards. ◼ Goal HS-10: Minimize noise impacts on the community and maintain a compatible noise environment for existing and future land use. The draft element represents a comprehensive update of all sections and hazards. This section describes key updates to each hazard section in response to State requirements. EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND INFRASTRUCTURE RESILIENCE The Emergency Preparedness and Response section has been strengthened to reflect current best practices and recent operational experience. The updated draft Element expands discussion of emergency communications, multilingual alert systems, and coordination with regional and County agencies. It also updates and includes new policies supporting the resilience of critical infrastructure, including energy, telecommunications, water, and transportation systems, and addresses potential impacts associated with Public Safety Power Shutoffs and other service disruptions. In addition, the updated draft Element incorporates policies and strategies designed to improve emergency preparedness and response for vulnerable populations, including individuals with disabilities, seniors, low-income households, and persons experiencing homelessness. These policies support expanded outreach, education, continuity planning, and access to emergency resources during hazard events. EVACUATION PLANNING AND EMERGENCY ACCESS To comply with Sections 65302(g)(5) and 65302.15 of the California Government Code, the City worked with Fehr & Peers to prepare the 2025 Evacuation Route Capacity Assessment. The assessment evaluated evacuation demand and route performance under wildfire, earthquake, and combined hazard scenarios. This study is meant to be a high-level “worst case” study of community-wide evacuation challenges to determine potential constraints and inform General Plan policies to improve the effectiveness of evacuations. It is not intended to be a predictive study of how a particular evacuation case is most likely to occur. The modeling indicated that certain primary corridors west of SR-85 may experience congestion under peak evacuation conditions. The exact levels of constraint varied by scenario, but parts of Foothill Boulevard, Stevens Creek Boulevard, Rainbow Drive, and McClellan Road generally had the highest levels of constraint. The analysis also identified the potential for localized bottlenecks during high -demand evacuation events, particularly where roadway geometry, signalized intersections, or merging conditions constrain traffic flow. These bottlenecks may occur during single-hazard events and could be exacerbated under compounded 182 PC 09-22-2026 182 of 290 CITY OF CUPERTINO | HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT UPDATE PUBLIC HEARING S September 15, 2026 | Page 5 hazard scenarios. The analysis also identified a small percentage of households that may require evacuation assistance due to mobility limitations or lack of access to private vehicles. The updated Health and Safety Element incorporates these findings by identifying evacuation -constrained areas and including policies that reinforce ingress and egress considerations and requirements in development review, support provision of multiple evacuation routes where feasible, and support coordination with emergency management agencies to improve evacuation planning and response. WILDFIRE HAZARD MAPPING AND RISK REDUCTION The updated Health and Safety Element incorporates the most recent FHSZ mapping prepared by CAL FIRE and adopted by the City in June 2025 through amendments to Cupertino Municipal Code Chapter 16.74 (Wildland Urban Interface Fire Area). Local Responsibility Area FHSZ maps classify properties as Moderate, High, or Very High Fire Hazard Severity based on consistent statewide criteria, including fuel loading, slope, fire weather, and anticipated fire behavior. During the 2025 LRA map adoption process, the City revised parcel-level designations to ensure that only one FHSZ applies to each affected parcel. Where CAL FIRE mapping identified more than one severity zone on a single parcel, the City applied the higher of the mapped designations to ensure clarity and consistency in implementation of fire hazard reduction standards. As part of the Safety Element update, the prior Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Area (WUIFA) mapping framework has been replaced by the Local Responsibility Area FHSZ designations adopted in 2025. Rather than maintaining a separate locally defined overlay, the City now relies on the Local Responsibility Area FHSZ boundaries as the regulatory basis for wildfire-related development standards. The proposed draft Health and Safety Element revises wildfire-related policies and strategies to align with CAL FIRE’s standard recommendations for existing and new development within High and Very High FHSZs. These revisions clarify defensible space requirements, ignition-resistant construction standards, vegetation management expectations, and other wildfire risk reduction measures applicable within the FHSZs. SEISMIC AND GEOLOGIC HAZARDS The seismic and geologic hazards section has been updated to reflect current mapping, regulatory requirements, and best practices. The revised draft Element updates and refines policies addressing fault rupture, ground shaking, liquefaction, landslide, and slope stability hazards. The section also acknowledges the potential for cascading impacts associated with seismic events, including infrastructure disruption, utility outages, and damage to transportation networks that may affect evacuation routes, emerg ency access, and delivery of critical services. HAZARDOUS WASTE AND MATERIALS The Hazardous Waste and Materials section has been updated to reflect current regulatory oversight and strengthen policies requiring environmental site assessment and mitigation where appropriate. The revised section reinforces coordination with State and regional regulatory agencies and maintains risk reduction measures for development in proximity to known hazardous materials sites. FLOOD AND INUNDATION HAZARDS The flood hazard section has been revised to incorporate updated Federal Emergency Management Agency Flood Insurance Rate Map data and dam failure and inundation mapping. The updated draft Element 183 PC 09-22-2026 183 of 290 CITY OF CUPERTINO | HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT UPDATE PUBLIC HEARING S September 15, 2026 | Page 6 strengthens coordination with flood control agencies and updates and refines policies addressing risk reduction for both existing and future development in flood-prone areas, including protection of critical infrastructure and essential facilities. The revised section also strengthens policies addressing risk to essential facilities in flood-prone areas, consistent with State requirements. Emergency response and continuity considerations associated with flood and dam failure events have also been reinforced. NOISE A noise element is a required element of the General Plan, but it is not a required component of a safety element or this comprehensive update. In Cupertino, the noise element is incorporated into the Health and Safety Element. Minor updates have been made to the noise element to ensure consistency with current municipal requirements and requests shared by the Planning Commission and Public Safety Commission during the 2025 study sessions. For example, the proposed revisions to the noise section include new implementation strategies regarding considerations for approval of new noise generating uses, including public and private recreational uses, in or near residential areas and consideration of restrictions for quarry trucks during quiet hours. Additionally, General Plan Appendix D, Community Noise Fundamentals, was updated with a revised Figure D-2, Future Noise Contours, showing noise contours along the city roadway network based on the buildout of the General Plan Land Use map updated in May 2024. CLIMATE CHANGE AND VULNERABILITY INTEGRATION Consistent with California Government Code Section 65302(g)(4), the updated Health and Safety Element incorporates a comprehensive climate change vulnerability assessment. The assessment identified flooding, extreme heat, and wildfire as the climate change-related hazards posing the greatest risk to Cupertino’s residents and infrastructure. The 2014 Element did not include a formal climate vulnerability assessment or a focused discussion of extreme heat. The updated Element addresses this gap by establishing a Climate Change Resilience section, within which extreme heat is evaluated as a distinct climate-driven hazard. The Vulnerability Assessment evaluated eight climate-related hazards across 45 population groups and community assets and found that residents are particularly vulnerable to extreme heat, flooding, and human health hazards. The most vulnerable populations include individuals with chronic illness or disabilities, seniors living alone, households in poverty, and persons experiencing homelessness. The assessment also identified key infrastructure systems as highly vulnerable, including energy and communication infrastructure, the transportation network and public transit services, and water and wastewater systems, which may be disrupted by flooding, extreme heat events, severe storms, or wildfire- related Public Safety Power Shutoffs. In response, the updated Element introduces goals, policies, and strategies specifically designed to reduce risks to these populations and assets. In addition, climate considerations are integrated throughout the individual wildfire and flood hazard sections to ensure alignment between vulnerability findings and hazard mitigation strategies. The updated Element also incorporates adaptation strategies that strengthen resilience across multiple hazards, including community resilience centers, green infrastruc ture and other nature-based solutions, water conservation measures, and strategies that reduce long-term exposure to heat, wildfire, and flood risk. 184 PC 09-22-2026 184 of 290 CITY OF CUPERTINO | HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT UPDATE PUBLIC HEARING S September 15, 2026 | Page 7 CLARIFICATION OF NEW AND EXISTING DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS The updated draft Health and Safety Element establishes a clear distinction within its policies between regulatory standards applicable to new development and redevelopment and risk reduction measures applicable to existing development. Policies addressing new development and subdivisions use mandatory language and require compliance with current Building, Fire, and Wildland-Urban Interface Codes, FHSZ standards, fire protection planning requirements, seismic and geologic review processes, and evacuation access standards. These policies also condition approval of new development on adequate emergency access, fire service capacity, and infrastructure improvements proportional to project demand. In contrast, policies addressing existing development primarily encourage voluntary risk reduction measures, such as enhanced shading, energy-efficient retrofits, and resilience improvements, except in defined circumstances such as substantial site modification or change of use. This structure provides clarity regarding regulatory obligations for new projects while supporting risk reduction in existing neighborhoods without imposing retroactive development standards. The California Wildland-Urban Interface Code includes requirements for existing development in the Very High FHSZs, including defensible space and vegetation management, address markers, access to the site, and real estate disclosure inspections. Local jurisdictions do not have discretion to make exceptions for existing development, only adopt stricter standards. This distinction supports transparent and predictable implementation during development review and aligns policy application with current State-mandated safety requirements. CONSISTENCY WITH OTHER CITY PLANS The updated Health and Safety Element aligns with and incorporates relevant findings from the 2024 Santa Clara County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, consistent with AB 2140, as well as the Emergency Operations Plan, the Community Wildfire Protection Plan, and Climate Action Plan 2.0. Updated appendices reflect current technical analyses and hazard mapping. 185 PC 09-22-2026 185 of 290 ▪ 186 PC 09-22-2026 186 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Introduction Community health and public safety responsibilities have to evolve to address the community’s growth and changing needs. The City is committed to maintaining a high level of preparedness to protect the community from risks to life, property, and the environment associated with both natural and human-caused disasters and hazards. In the future, more emphasis will be placed on sustainable approaches to community health and safety, including crime and fire prevention through design, improved use of technology, management of hazardous materials, and improved disaster planning. This Element includes goals, policies, and strategies that address the potential risks associated with these hazards, actions the City can take to reduce these risks, and ways the City and community can take more sustainable approaches for preventing or minimizing injuries to life and damages to property. CONTENTS: H S - 2 H S - 3 Introduction Overview Purpose and Content Relationship to Other Local Plans Climate Change Vulnerability Public Safety Issues Looking Forward Goals, and Policies, and Strategies Emergency Preparedness and Response Regional Coordination Emergency Preparedness and Response Fire SafetyHazards Fire Safety Hazardous Waste and MaterialsPublic Safety Public SafetyServices Electromagnetic Fields Seismic and Geologic Hazards Seismic and Geologic Hazards Hazardous Materials Flood and Inundation HazardsGeologic and Flooding Extreme Heat Extreme Heat Climate Change Resilience NoiseClimate Change Resilience Noise Noise 187 PC 09-22-2026 187 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 Page 1 CONTEXTOVERVIEW PURPOSE AND CONTENT The Health and Safety Element includes the City’s goals, policies, and strategies to minimize health and safety hazards and increase resilience in Cupertino. Section 65302(g) of the California Government Code requires that the Health and Safety Element contain background information and policies to address multiple natural hazards, an analysis of vulnerabilities from climate change, policies to improve climate change resilience, and an assessment of residential areas with evacuation constraints. The health and safety issues in Cupertino include the following: ▪ Emergency preparedness and response ▪ Fire hazards ▪ Hazardous waste and materials ▪ Electromagnetic fields ▪ Seismic and geologic hazards ▪ Flood and inundation hazards ▪ Climate change resilience ▪ Noise This element is supported by the Health and Safety Element Background Report (Appendix H), which provides detailed information for each of the health and safety issues. RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER LOCAL PLANS AND REGULATIONS Cupertino General Plan’s Health and Safety Element is one of several plans that address community safety and related topics. Other City plans include the Santa Clara County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (Hazard Mitigation Plan), the Santa Clara County Community Wildfire Protection Plan, the Cupertino Climate Action Plan, and various local regulations. The Health and Safety Element is consistent with these other plans and integrates them as appropriate to ensure that the City has a unified strategy to address public safety and resilience issues. GENERAL PLAN ELEMENTS The Health and Safety Element provides policy direction and safety improvements that complement the intent and policies of other General Plan elements. How land uses are determined in areas prone to natural hazards, what regulations limit development in these areas, and how hazards are mitigated for existing development are all issues that tie the elements together. For instance, the Recreation, Parks, and Community Services Element must consider how hazards will affect the park and recreation infrastructure and facilities in Cupertino but also recognize that parks can provide strategies to reduce flood risks throughout the city. The Housing Element is also closely tied to the Health and Safety Element. Future potential development in the city must be protected from hazards and be able to adapt to climate change hazards to ensure homes and the people living in them remain safe. Health and Safety 188 PC 09-22-2026 188 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Page 2 Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 Element policies, especially those concerning evacuation routes and critical facilities, must also be consistent with those of the Mobility Element. Interstate 280 and State Route 85 are Cupertino’s primary evacuation routes, supported by routes designated as arterials in the City’s Mobility Element. SANTA CLARA COUNTY MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN The 2023 Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan assesses the risk of hazards and vulnerabilities from natural and human-caused hazards, including risk to people and facilities, and identifies short-term (five-year) mitigation actions to reduce or eliminate hazard risks. The Hazard Mitigation Plan includes a dedicated annex for the City of Cupertino, which discusses Cupertino’s characteristics and history, development trends, hazard mitigation capabilities, integration with other hazard mitigation planning efforts, and vulnerabilities of specific facilities and infrastructure. Santa Clara County led the preparation of the Hazard Mitigation Plan in collaboration with the City and other local agencies and special districts, in accordance with the federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 and the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s hazard mitigation assistance guidance. The City Council adopted the Cupertino annex on October 1, 2024. The current Hazard Mitigation Plan, including Cupertino’s annex, as certified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, is incorporated into this Health and Safety Element by reference, as permitted by California Government Code Section 65302.6. It is available online at: www.cupertino.org/emergencyplans. SANTA CLARA COUNTY COMMUNITY WILDFIRE PROTECTION PLAN The 2023 Santa Clara County Community Wildfire Protection Plan is a plan is to reduce fire hazards through increased information and education about wildfires, hazardous fuels reduction, actions to reduce structure ignitability, and other recommendations to assist emergency preparedness and fire- suppression efforts. The Santa Clara County Fire Department (Fire Department) prepared and published this plan, in collaboration with the Community Wildfire Protection Plan Core Team, made up of representatives of Santa Clara County organizations, including the City. The Santa Clara County Community Wildfire Protection Plan complements local agreements and existing plans for wildfire protection to coordinate efforts in determining appropriate fire management actions. The Community Wildfire Protection Plan is available online at: www.cupertino.org/emergencyplans. 189 PC 09-22-2026 189 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 Page 3 CITY OF CUPERTINO CLIMATE ACTION PLAN On August 16, 2022, the Cupertino City Council adopted the City’s Climate Action Plan 2.0 to address climate change challenges. Cupertino’s goal is to reduce the City’s greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by the year 2040. The Climate Action Plan describes a series of community-wide measures and actions that will aid the City in reducing greenhouse gas emissions to meet community goals. The Climate Action Plan includes topics such as energy, transportation, waste, water, plants and animals, and natural systems, as well as an adaptation chapter that is intended to help residents prepare for extreme weather events and the impacts of a changing climate. The Climate Action Plan is viewed as a strategic framework that will be re-evaluated regularly. The Climate Action Plan has targeted communitywide carbon neutrality by 2040 in line with the emergency climate declaration made by the City Council in 2018 and in support of state and international climate goals. The Climate Action Plan 2.0 is available online at: https://www.cupertino.gov/Your-City/Divisions/Environment-Sustainability/Climate-Action. CLIMATE CHANGE VULNERABILITY Changes to the global climate system are expected to affect future occurrences of natural hazards in and around Cupertino. Many hazards are projected to become more frequent and intense in coming years and decades, and in some cases, these trends have already begun. According to California’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment, Cupertino can expect to experience various changes from climate- related hazard events. Climate change is expected to lead to an increase in wildfires in the surrounding area and across Santa Clara County due to hotter and drier conditions. Across the region, more frequent and intense wildfires may also create poor air quality for Cupertino. Warmer temperatures are projected to cause an increase in extreme heat events. The number of extreme heat days, defined in Cupertino as a day when the high temperature is at least 93.2 degrees Fahrenheit (°F), is expected to rise from a historical annual average of 5 to 14 days by the middle of the century (2035 to 2064), and an average of 24 days by the end of the century (2070 to 2099). Both droughts and floods are expected to become more frequent as rainfall is likely to occur in fewer, more intense storms. Climate change is expected to cause an increase in heavy rainfall, which may also contribute to an increased risk of landslides in the hills around Cupertino. Climate change can increase infection rates from various diseases because many of the animals that carry diseases are more active during warmer weather. Warmer temperatures earlier in the spring and later in the winter can cause these animals to be active for extended periods, increasing the time these diseases can be transmitted. What is vulnerability? Vulnerability is the degree to which natural, built, and human systems are susceptible to harm from exposure to stresses associated with environmental and social change and from the absence of a capacity to adapt. Source: California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. 2022. California Adaptation Planning Guide. https://www.caloes.ca.gov/climate. 190 PC 09-22-2026 190 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Page 4 Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT Under California law (California Government Code Section 65302[g]), the Health and Safety Element is required to include a vulnerability assessment of how people, buildings, infrastructure, and other key community assets may be affected by climate change. The City of Cupertino conducted a Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment as part of preparation of the Safety Element, which assessed how eight different climate-related hazards (air quality and smoke, drought, extreme heat, flooding, human health hazards, landslides, severe storms, and wildfire) may affect 45 different population groups and community assets. Each population or asset received a score of low, medium, or high vulnerability for each climate-related hazard. Cupertino’s Vulnerability Assessment is included in the Health and Safety Element Background Report, Appendix H of the City’s General Plan. The Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment found that Cupertino’s populations and assets are most vulnerable to flooding, extreme heat, and wildfire. Overall, residents in Cupertino tend to be most vulnerable to extreme heat, human health hazards, and flooding, which directly affect health outcomes. The most vulnerable population groups include those with chronic illness and/or disabilities, seniors living alone, households in poverty, and persons experiencing homelessness. Infrastructure and key services are also highly vulnerable, especially energy delivery and communication infrastructure, the transportation network and public transit services, and water and wastewater services, which can be disrupted by flooding that causes roadways to become impassable, extreme heat events that strain electricity transmission lines, and severe storms that cause Public Safety Power Shutoffs. To increase community resilience and help lower vulnerability, the Health and Safety Element includes goals, policies, and strategies, several of which are particular to the populations and assets identified to be highly vulnerable in the Vulnerability Assessment. PUBLIC SAFETY ISSUES The City’s commitment to public safety encompasses two broad areas of responsibility: (1) provide public safety services, including preparing a response for emergencies such as natural disasters or structure fires; and (2) plan for a safe environment in which the public is not exposed to unnecessary risks to life and property. There are multiple areas in which the City develops policies and strategies to address Public Safety Issues as further described below. EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE Emergencies can severely impact the health of a community and a city or agency’s ability to provide needed services. Emergencies can include natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and forest fires, or others events such as infrastructure disruptions, security incidents, andor hazardous spills. Emergency preparedness includes activities that are undertaken before an emergency occurs so there is an effective and coordinated response. Emergency response accounts for actions taken after an emergency or disaster to minimize the negative effects, such as evacuation, emergency communication, 191 PC 09-22-2026 191 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 Page 5 and coordinating first responders. Emergency preparedness and response requires the integration of the following elements into each of the City’s functions: emergency planning, coordination, mitigation, training, and public education. The City, its contributing agencies, and the community are partners in ensuring that emergency planning is effectively implemented. LOCAL EMERGENCY RESPONSE The City of Cupertino’s Office of Emergency Management, Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office West Valley Patrol Division, and Santa Clara County Fire Department conduct emergency preparedness activities in Cupertino. City of Cupertino’s Office of Emergency Management The City’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) works to mitigate risks, to prepare, respond, and recover from emergencies affecting the city. OEM works with the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office and Santa Clara County Fire Department to conduct emergency response activities in Cupertino. OEM coordinates several volunteer programs vital to the community’s preparedness and resilience. These programs include the Cupertino Citizen Corps, Block Leaders, and Neighborhood Watch. These initiatives engage residents in proactive measures to safeguard their neighborhoods, ensuring a robust community response in the face of emergencies. The OEM conducts regular community training sessions, equipping residents with essential disaster preparedness and response skills. For instance, the Cupertino Citizen Corps offers Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training courses, which prepare volunteers to assist during emergencies and provide CPR and first aid certification. The Block Leaders program also trains residents to organize and support their immediate community, fostering a network of informed and prepared individuals. Citywide exercises are essential for the OEM, simulating disaster scenarios to help officials, first responders, and volunteers practice their response strategies. These exercises ensure everyone knows their roles and can act promptly during emergencies. The OEM collaborates closely with City departments and public safety agencies to provide a unified and coordinated response. The OEM also focuses on planning and protocol development and drafting and updating emergency response plans that align with state and federal guidelines. These plans cover various hazards, including earthquakes, floods, and wildfires, ensuring swift and effective recovery after an emergency. The collaborative efforts with City departments and public safety agencies ensure comprehensive coverage and efficiency. By fostering a culture of preparedness and community involvement and working closely with City departments and public safety agencies, the OEM plays a crucial role in safeguarding Cupertino's residents, infrastructure, and services from potential hazards. Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office, specifically the West Valley Patrol Division of the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office, provides law enforcement services to the City of Cupertino in addition to the cities of 192 PC 09-22-2026 192 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Page 6 Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 Saratoga and Los Altos Hills, and the western unincorporated county areas from Summit Road to Moffett Field. The West Valley Patrol Division provides progressive law enforcement services and works towards maintaining healthy community partnerships. The Sheriff's Office is integral to Cupertino's emergency response framework. In natural disasters, accidents, or other emergencies, the West Valley Division collaborates with the Office of Emergency Management and the Fire Department to coordinate evacuations and manage emergencies to deliver a swift, coordinated response. The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office strives to maintain high standards for their response times to ensure that critical situations are addressed promptly, enhancing the safety and security of the community, as follows: ▪ Priority 1 incidents, which include emergencies requiring immediate response, the expected response time is within five minutes. ▪ Priority 2 incidents, which involve urgent but not life-threatening situations, have a target response time of under nine minutes. ▪ For Priority 3 incidents, which are non-emergency calls, the Sheriff's Office aims to respond within 20 minutes. The Sheriff's Office also participates in public safety education programs, informing residents about crime prevention, personal safety, and emergency preparedness. Deputies routinely participate in community events across all cities in this endeavor. The City, and a number of surrounding jurisdictions, contracts with the Santa Clara County Sheriff’ s Office, West Valley Division, for law enforcement services. Law enforcement services include police patrols, criminal investigations, traffic enforcement, accident investigation and tactical teams. Santa Clara County Fire Department Firefighting and emergency medical services are provided to Cupertino by the Santa Clara County Fire Department through three fire stations: ▪ Cupertino Fire Station at 20215 Stevens Creek Boulevard ▪ Monta Vista Fire Station at 22620 Stevens Creek Boulevard ▪ Seven Springs Fire Station at 21000 Seven Springs Parkway Figure HS-1 shows the location of fire stations and their service areas in Cupertino. Response time is one metric for measuring level of service for fighting fire and emergency services. It is the policy of SCCFD to respond to 90 percent of emergency calls not requiring a paramedic in under seven minutes. For situations where emergency medical services are required, it is the policy that paramedics arrive in less than seven minutes at least 90 percent of the time. An increase in calls for fire service and traffic congestion may affect SCCFDs’ critical response time, and the District may need to adjust or expand staff, and equipment in areas of high service demand in the future. Figure HS- 3 shows the location of fire stations and their service areas in Cupertino. 193 PC 09-22-2026 193 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 Page 7 FIGURE HS-1 FIRE SERVICE 194 PC 09-22-2026 194 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Page 8 Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 Santa Clara County Fire Department is a full service, all-risk, “all hazard” fire department that provides similar services to six other West Valley cities and adjacent unincorporated county areas. The Santa Clara County Fire Department is an internationally accredited agency through the Commission on Fire Accreditation International; therefore, frequently monitors and reviews multiple performance metrics to assure prompt and efficient delivery of firefighting resources to all emergencies based on risk. These metrics are compiled into the Department’s Community Risk Assessment -Standards of Cover document available on the Santa Clara County Fire Department website. The current performance benchmark is when fire apparatus arrives on scene to an emergency incident is: ▪ Structure fire incidents, the first unit should arrive within 7 minutes, 40 seconds, 90 percent of the time. ▪ Emergency medical incidents and non-structure fires, the first unit should arrive within 8 minutes, 40 seconds, 90 percent of the time. These times are from when the incident is acknowledged at the dispatch center, a unit(s) are dispatched, responds, and arrives on scene. Increases in population density will lead to an increase in service demand and potentially traffic congestion. This will impact the Fire Department’s critical response times, and the Department may need to adjust or expand staffing levels and equipment in areas of high service demand in the future. The Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Division provides comprehensive fire/life safety plan review for land development, new building construction, interior remodel projects, fire suppression, and fire alarm systems. The Division’s staff also perform construction inspections to ensure that completed projects conform to State and local fire safety regulations. In addition to conducting construction-related plan reviews and inspections, the Santa Clara County Fire Department provides annual occupancy and special event inspections, Defensible Space Inspections, and also offers community educational programs, such as those on Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and first aid certification. The Fire Department also provides first response Advanced Life Support paramedic level services to Cupertino. through an exclusive operating area agreement between the County of Santa Clara and Rural/Metro of California, Inc., d/b/a American Medical Response. The Department maintains a Santa Clara County Emergency Medical Service Multi-Casualty Incident supply trailer for large-scale emergency medical incidents and is a participant in Master Mutual Aid in the event of major disasters. In the event of a wildfire or an emergency, the Fire Department can issue evacuation warnings or evacuation orders in coordination with the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office and Cupertino’s Office of Emergency Management. 195 PC 09-22-2026 195 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 Page 9 EMERGENCY PLANNING The State of California requires all state, regional, and local agencies and utilities, including the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and Santa Clara Valley Water District, to maintain their own emergency plans relating to the infrastructure they install and maintain. The City of Cupertino’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) coordinates citywide emergency planning and protocol development. CUPERTINO EMERGENCY PLAN Additionally, State law requires cities to prepare an emergency plan in order toto effectively respond to natural or human-caused disasters that threaten lives, the natural environment, or property. In the event of an emergency, the City would implement the Cupertino Emergency Operations Plan and rely on State, regional, and local agencies to implement their emergency operations plans, with the City supporting as needed. The Cupertino Emergency Operations Plan establishes an organizational framework to enable the City to manage its emergency response activities and to coordinate with County, State, and fFederal agencies. The Emergency Operations Plan was prepared in accordance with the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and is used in conjunction with the State Emergency Plan, the Santa Clara Operational Disaster Response and Recovery Area Interim Agreement, Santa Clara County Emergency Operations Plan, as well as plans and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) of contract agencies and special districts. The City reviews the Emergency Operations Plan annually and conducts periodic emergency disaster drills to ensure the plan is effective. When an incident occurs anywhere in Cupertino, the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office and/or the Santa Clara County Fire Department will be the first to arrive at the scene, where they will implement the incident command system (ICS) and determine which agencies and resources need to be involved. Support personnel, such as City staff, special districts, and volunteer groups, are trained to perform specific functions in ICS and the Emergency Operations Center. The City maintains the Cupertino Alert, Warning, and Notification Program, which provides critical alerts and warnings to the public while sharing information among City departments and partner agencies before, during, and after an emergency. The Alert, Warning, and Notification Program is designed to help the City’s departments effectively coordinate information sharing and provide alerts, warnings and notification to the public before, during, and after any emergency or situation. To reach as many people as possible with crucial information, the City’s emergency alert, warning, and notification plan includes several information methods, such as the Emergency Alert and Warning System (AlertSCC, Genasys Protect), Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), Cupertino.org, the City Channel (TV), Radio Cupertino, and social media sites such as Nextdoor, Facebook and X. AlertSCC is capable of notifying anyone who lives or works in Cupertino that is impacted by, or is in danger of being impacted by, an emergency. Alerts are distributed through AlertSCC via voice or text 196 PC 09-22-2026 196 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Page 10 Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 messages to cell phones, home phones, personal digital assistants, laptops, desktop computers, and Teletypewriter/Telecommunications Devices for the Deaf (TTY/TDD) devices for the hearing impaired. IPAWS, FEMA's national alert system, is an online tool enabling jurisdictions to send emergency alerts to the public. It enables emergency officials to issue effective warnings during serious emergencies using the Emergency Alert System, Wireless Emergency Alerts, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio. The City also uses volunteers to disseminate public information about extreme weather events through an outreach program called Raising Awareness of Community Hazards. EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER The City’s Emergency Operations Center is located on the first floor of City Hall, with an alternative location in the Service Center on Mary Avenue. The staffing and duties of the Emergency Operations Center are actively managed through the City’s Emergency Operations Plan.The EOC can be fully functional within 30 minutes of activation for a Level 3 activation on a work day, to up to multiple hours for a Level 1 activation on a weekend. Capabilities include emergency backup power, computer network and internet access, and telephone and radio communications to City and County sites. While the staffing and duties are actively managed through the City’s Emergency Operations Plan, there may be additional physical and seismic improvements required to City Hall to ensure that it can continue to meet the requirements of an Emergency Operations CenterEOC. It should be noted that due to structural deficiencies at the existing City Hall location, there may be additional physical and seismic improvements required to City Hall building to ensure that it can continue to meet the requirements of an Emergency Operations Center. Additional communication support is provided by volunteers from Cupertino Amateur Radio Emergency Service (CARES). CARES volunteers coordinate extensive citywide communications capabilities, including helping to connect neighbors, public safety officials, special districts, the City, and County dDepartments. DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS AND OTHER VOLUNTEERS During emergencies, all City employees are designated Disaster Service Workers under Section 3100 of the California Government CodeAll City employees are designated Disaster Service Workers under Section 3100 of the California Government Code during declared emergencies. They are may be required to remain at work as long as they are needed, and receive specific training in personal and home preparedness, First Aid, CPR, National Incident Management SystemNIMS, and Terrorism Awareness. Volunteer groups also play an important role in the City’s Emergency Operations Plan. The City is part of a countywide volunteer services plan and is working with the Emergency Volunteer Center, Blockleaders, and Neighborhood Watch to develop a plan for coordinating and deploying volunteers. Citizen Corps members (CARES, CERT, and Medical Reserve Corps) continue to receive appropriate training and equipment to rapidly respond throughout the Ccity and augment professional first 197 PC 09-22-2026 197 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 Page 11 responders. Unregistered and untrained volunteers may be utilized and trained, as needed during a disaster. EMERGENCY EVACUATION With advanced warning, evacuation can effectively reduce injury and loss of life during a catastrophic event. Emergency evacuations can be triggered by a number of hazard events, especially wildfire and flooding, with the main goal of providing information to support residents and employees leaving a hazardous area in an orderly fashion. As shown in Figure HS-2, primary emergency access and evacuation routes include Interstate 280, which intersects the city from the northwest to the east along the northern portion of the city, State Route 85, which intersects the city from the north to southeast through the central portion of the city, and other local roadways that connect to these primary evacuation routes. It is important to note that the recommended evacuation routes in any given situation will depend on the specifics of the emergency. The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Department manages evacuation events in Cupertino in coordination with the City’s Emergency Manager and Santa Clara County Fire Department. During an evacuation event the City and County Sheriff ’s Department use the online Genasys Protect platform to identify evacuation zones and send out notifications to residents in those zones with evacuation warnings and/or orders. Evacuation orders and warnings are also sent out through AlertSCC emergency notification platform. There are 34 contiguous evacuation zones in the city. Maps of each zone are available through the City’s website: www.cupertino.gov/evacuation. California Government Code Section 65302(g)(5) requires cities to identify evacuation constrained residential parcels in hazard areas that do not have at least two emergency evacuation routes. Nearly all parcels in the city are in at least one hazard zone. Figure HS-3 shows residential parcels with evacuation constraints. This includes residential parcels located on a single access road and parcels in cul-de-sac neighborhoods with 10 parcels or more. As shown on Figure HS-3, evacuation constrained residential parcels in the western portion of Cupertino are also within Fire Hazard Severity Zones. The lack of multiple emergency access points limits roadway access for these properties, which may create difficulties if there is a need to evacuate. California Government Code Section 65302.15 requires Safety Elements to identify evacuation routes and their capacity, safety, and viability and evacuation locations under a range of emergency scenarios. In coordination with the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office and Santa Clara County Fire Department, the City conducted an Evacuation Route Capacity Assessment in October 2025 in compliance with Government Code Section 65302.15. The assessment evaluates the capacity, safety, and viability of evacuation routes and locations under three wildfire evacuation scenarios, assuming that evacuations would occur in the western portions of Cupertino: ▪ Scenario A: A wildfire evacuation in the Fall at 2:00pm and all roadways would be open. 198 PC 09-22-2026 198 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Page 12 Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 ▪ Scenario B: A wildfire were to occur after an earthquake, and evacuation would occur in the Summer at 6:00pm with road closures. ▪ Scenario C: A wildfire were to occur after an earthquake, and evacuation would occur in the Fall at 2:00pm with road closures. Based on these three scenarios, the assessment defines the evacuation area, evacuation routes, and estimates vehicle trips. The assessment found that each scenario would have varying capacity and viability constraints due to the number of evacuees, type of evacuees, and potential road closures. It is important to note that emergency scenarios are often unpredictable, and it is anticipated that evacuees would vacate at a rate that closely resembles a bell curve from the time an evacuation order is issued. The Evacuation Route Capacity Assessment is available for review on the City’s website: https://cupertino.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=8027889&GUID=ADBDFC27-7C0D-4E49-8A24- 538FC135D655&Options=&Search=#docaccess-43d31256e884721836b2ef28e7cc3786. 199 PC 09-22-2026 199 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 Page 13 FIGURE HS-2 POTENTIAL EVACUATION ROUTES 200 PC 09-22-2026 200 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Page 14 Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 FIGURE HS-3 EVACUATION CONSTRAINED RESIDENTIAL AREAS 201 PC 09-22-2026 201 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 – 2040)) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 Page 15 FIRESAFETY HAZARDS Fire hazards include wildfires and urban fires. The combination of complex terrain, climate, vegetation, and development patterns contribute to an elevated risk of wildfire. Historically, the fire season extended from early summer through late fall of each year during the hotter, drier months, although it is increasingly a hazard that can occur year-round. Fire conditions arise from a combination of high temperatures, low moisture content in the air and plant matter, an accumulation of vegetation, and high winds. Two types of fires are of concern to Cupertino: wildfires and structural fires. WILDFIRES Wildfires occur on mountains, hillsides, and grasslands. Fuel, weather, and topography are primary factors that affect how wildland fires spread. In and around Cupertino, grassland and woodland habitat provide highly flammable fuel that is conducive to wildfires. Due to Cupertino’s geographical location, it is exposed to hazards from both wildland and urban fires. There are approximately 16 square miles of hillsides included in and around the boundary of the city. These areas include State Responsibility Area (SRA) lands west of the city, such as Rancho San Antonio Open Space, Picchetti Ranch Open Space, Saratoga Creek County Park, and Sanborn County Park, as well as Local Responsibility Area (LRA) lands, including McClellan Ranch Preserve, Stevens Creek County Park, Fremont Older Open Space, residential neighborhoods along the western hillsides of the city, and the hillsides of Saratoga. There is limited information on historic fires in the Cupertino area. However, there is no recorded history of wildfires within the city. The closest known wildfire was the Stevens Fire which occurred on August 30, 2007. This wildfire burned 151 acres in the dry brush-covered hills near Stevens Creek Canyon southwest of Cupertino. In 2020, the CZU Lightning Complex fire burned near the western border of Santa Clara County and Cupertino. While this fire was outside of Santa Clara County, it caused severe smoke impacts for Cupertino and surrounding communities. Changing climate conditions are expected to increase the fire risk in and around Cupertino. For instance, warmer temperatures brought on by climate change can exacerbate drought conditions and droughts Fire Hazard Severity Zones and Responsibility Areas CAL FIRE designates Fire Hazard Severity Zones, which may be designated Very High, High, or Moderate. Several factors are considered, including fire history, existing and potential vegetation fuel, flame length, blowing embers, terrain, and weather patterns for the area. CAL FIRE designates Fire Hazard Severity Zones in two types of areas depending on which level of government is financially responsible for fire protection. Local Responsibility Areas: Incorporated communities are financially responsible for wildfire protection. State Responsibility Areas: CAL FIRE and contracted counties are financially responsible for wildfire protection. 202 PC 09-22-2026 202 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Page 16 Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 can kill or dry out plants, creating more fuel for wildfires. Increased winds can result in more erratic fire behavior, making fires harder to contain. Warmer temperatures are also expected to occur later in the year, extending the wildfire season, which is likely to begin earlier in the year and extend later than it has historically. FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONE The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) establishes Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZs) in both state responsibility area (SRA) and local responsibility areas (LRA), designating each as moderate, high, or very high severity. These zones evaluate hazard, instead of risk, and are based on fuel loading, slope, fire weather, and other relevant factors, such as areas where winds have been identified as a major cause of wildfire spread. Hazard is based on the physical conditions that create a likelihood and expected fire behavior over a 30 to 50-year period without considering hazard reduction measures such as home hardening, whether a wildfire has recently occurred, or fuel reduction efforts. The State identifies the Wildland-Urban Interface or WUI as the Moderate, High, and Very High FHSZs in State and Local Responsibility Areas. Development in the Very High FHSZs, and where applicable within Moderate or High FHSZs as determined by local fire code adoption, must comply with additional State and local requirements for building and site design, including the latest provisions of the California Building Code, California Residential Code, California Fire Code, and the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code. Figure HS-4 shows the FHSZs in and around Cupertino. In June 2025, the City adopted the Local Responsibility Area FHSZ map into Cupertino Municipal Code Chapter 16.74, Wildland Urban Interface Fire Area. During the review and adoption process, the City revised the State’s recommended Local Responsibility Area FHSZ to ensure that only one FHSZ applied to each applicable parcel. Where CAL FIRE identified multiple FHSZs on a single parcel, the City upgraded the designation to the higher of the zones, to ensure consistency in implementation of fire hazard reduction measures. In 2009, based on vegetation data, topography and potential fire behavior, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire) identified approximately three acres of the City to be in the High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. The City adopted this area as its Wildand-Urban Interface Fire Area (WUIFA). Properties in the WUIFA are subject to building and property maintenance standards intended to prevent and manage community safety due to brush and forest fires (Figure HS- 1). Planning for such areas also requires attention to the availability of access roads and water for firefighting and evacuation efforts. The City regulates building construction and site planning through the Uniform Fire Code and the California Building Code. The City and the SCCFD inspect commercial and industrial buildings for compliance with the applicable codes. In addition, the County Fire Marshal and the Fire Department regulate activities, including weed abatement and brush clearance, in the Wildland Urban Interface Fire Area (WUFIA). 203 PC 09-22-2026 203 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 – 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 Page SE-17 FIGURE HS-4 FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES 204 PC 09-22-2026 204 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Page 18 Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 Santa Clara County lists the Montebello Road/Stevens Canyon area as the fourth-highest risk area in the county for fire hazards. The road linking Montebello and the Palo Alto Sphere of Influence toon the bottom south end of Stevens Canyon has been improved to acceptable standards for a fire access road. A fire trail extends from Skyline Boulevard on Charcoal Road to Stevens Canyon. The City requires that all emergency roads be constructed in accordance with locally adopted Fire Code and Standards. It also requires a private emergency access connection between public streets within Lindy Canyon and Regnart Canyon areas. Presently, there are no water systems serving the Montebello Road and upper Stevens Canyon area, with the exception ofexcept for Stevens Creek itself. Because there is no water service to these areas, tThe County requires homes to provide individual water tanks and fire sprinkler systemsprivate fire protection water supply tanks and hydrants since there is no water service to these areas. (Figure HS-5 illustrates the water service areas in the city). The urbanized portions of Cupertino are not exposed to a risk of firein designated fire hazard severity zones. The Ccity is served by a well-managed fire protection serviceall hazard emergency response services with a robust as well as a fire prevention program. Buildings in the City are relatively newMoreover, and there is a strong code enforcement program, an adequate water supply, and a well- maintained delivery system. State, regional, and local standards also ensure that new buildings and facilities adequately address issues of fire safety, access, evacuation, and fire-fighting requirements. STRUCTURAL FIRES Cupertino is also at risk from structural fires. Structural fires are often due to hazardous conditions, faulty wiring, mechanical equipment, or combustible construction materials in the built environment. The absence of fire alarms and fire sprinkler systems often exacerbates the damage associated with a structural fire. Structural fires are largely caused by human accidents, although deliberate fires (arson) may cause some events. Older buildings lacking modern fire safety features may face greater risk of fire damage. To minimize fire damage and loss, the City’s Fire Code, based on California Code of Regulation Title 24, sets standards for building and construction. It requires adequate water supply for firefighting, and minimum street widths, among other things. FIRE PROTECTION Santa Clara County Fire Department provides fire protection in Cupertino through three fire stations (Cupertino, Monta Vista, and Seven Springs stations). All parts of Cupertino are in the service area for the Santa Clara County Fire Department, and no parts of Cupertino lack coverage for fire protection services. For existing commercial buildings, the Fire Department conducts periodic inspections to ensure compliance with the general and specific fire safety regulations for each occupancy type as specified in the adopted Fire and Building Codes. The Santa Clara County Fire Department also implements a hazardous brush inspection program for hillside areas within its jurisdictional boundaries, including inspections of hillside properties by fire crews beginning in early April each year. 205 PC 09-22-2026 205 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 – 2040)) Page 19 Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 FIGURE HS-5 WATER SERVICE 206 PC 09-22-2026 206 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 – 2040)) Page 20 Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 HAZARDOUS WASTE AND MATERIALS Hazardous materials are materials that pose a significant risk to public safety, or human and environmental health. Hazardous materials are a part of our everyday life in the form of batteries, light bulbs, and household chemicals such as pesticides, motor oil, cleaners, and paints. They are also used in many commercial and industrial operations. The use, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials, including management of contaminated soils and groundwater, is regulated by fFederal, State, and local laws. A release or spill of bulk hazardous materials could result in fire, explosion, toxic cloud, or direct contamination of water, people, and property. The release or spill could involve a local site or many square miles, depending on its severity. Santa Clara County Fire Department, County of Santa Clara Office of Emergency Management, and County of Santa Clara Hazardous Materials Compliance Division are responsible for hazardous materials accidents at all locations within the city. The City has adopted a Hazardous Materials Storage Ordinance that regulates the storage of these materials in solid, and liquid, and gas forms. The City’s Regulation of Facilities Where Materials Which Are Or May Become Toxic Gases Are Found Ordinance regulates the storage of hazardous materials in gaseous form. Several State agencies, which have jurisdiction over hazardous materials sites, oversee the monitoring of hazardous materials and waste facilities. Potential and known contamination sites are monitored and documented by the California Department of Toxic Substances Control and the Regional Water Quality Control Board. Figure HS-6 identifies potential sites within the city that may contain hazardous materials. The California Department of Toxic Substances Control typically acts as the lead agency for sites involving toxic substances and remediation, while the Regional Water Quality Control Board leads issues concerning water quality. Additionally, the County of Santa Clara Department of Environmental Health serves as the oversight agency for sites within the city. It is important to note that the City is not the lead agency for cleanup or mitigation of these sites under the California Environmental Quality Act. A review of hazardous materials sites in Cupertino,1 produced by the California Department of Toxic Substances Control EnviroStor database indicates two active voluntary cleanup sites, a voluntary cleanup site requiring no further action, one certified school cleanup site, and three closed hazardous waste sites, three inactive sites, and five sites referred to local or regional agencies. The two active cleanup sites are Cupertino Village Cleaners at 10989 North Wolfe Road and Delia's Cleaners at 7335 Bollinger Road. Neither site requires action by the City, as the California Department of Toxic Substances Control oversees hazardous waste cleanup efforts at these locations. A review of leaking underground storage tanks in Cupertino, produced by the State Water Resources Control Board,2 indicates 14 open cleanup program sites in the assessment, remediation, and long-term management phases. These sites can be accessed for further details via the following links: 1 The City conducted a review of hazardous materials sites on December 26, 2025. 2 The City conducted a review of leaking underground storage tank sites on December 26, 2025 207 PC 09-22-2026 207 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 Page 21 ▪ California Department of Toxic Substances Control EnviroStor database: https://www.envirostor.dtsc.ca.gov/public/map/ ▪ State Water Resources Control Board GeoTracker database: https://geotracker.waterboards.ca.gov/map/ Since 1990, State law has required that hazardous waste be properly disposed of in approved hazardous waste treatment or disposal facilities. To accomplish this, new treatment methods and facilities have been developed and approved to pre -treat hazardous waste before its final disposal. Under authority of the 1986 “Tanner” Bill (Assembly Bill 2948), Cupertino, along with 13 other cities in Santa Clara County, joined the County to develop a comprehensive and coordinated planning approach to hazardous waste disposal. In 1990, a countywide Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Program was created to provide residents with accessible options for safely disposing of hazardous materials, such as paints, batteries, and chemicals, thereby reducing environmental and public health risks. In order to supplement the County HHW Program and make the collection of HHW more convenient for residents, the City currently provides a door-to-door hazardous waste retrieval service through its solid waste franchise agreement. Cupertino residents may use the permanent drop-off location for household hazardous waste in San Jose or visit temporary events that occur throughout the year in neighboring jurisdictions. ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS Electromagnetic fields (s) are a physical field produced by electrically charged objects, such has high- transmission power lines. The potential health effects of the very low-frequency electromagnetic fieldsEMFs surrounding power lines and electrical devices are the subject of on-going research and a significant amount of public debate. The U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has issued some cautionary advisories but stresses that the data is currently too limited to draw solid good conclusions. Currently, electromagnetic fields from transmission lines, electrical and wireless facilities, and appliances are heavily regulated through Ffederal and State requirements. 208 PC 09-22-2026 208 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 – 2040)) Page 22 Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 FIGURE HS-6 POTENTIAL HAZARDOUS SITES 209 PC 09-22-2026 209 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 Page 23 GEOLOGIC AND SEISMIC SEISMIC AND GEOLOGIC HAZARDS Seismic and geologic hazards are risks caused by the movement of different parts of the earth’s crust or surface. Seismic hazards include earthquakes and hazardous events caused by them. Geologic hazards are other hazards involving land movements that are not linked to seismic activity and can inflict harm to people or property. SEISMIC HAZARDS Seismic activity occurs along boundaries in the earth’s crust, called faults. Pressure along the faults builds over time and is ultimately released, resulting in ground shaking commonly referred to as an earthquake. Earthquakes can also trigger other hazards, including surface rupture (cracks in the ground surface), liquefaction (causing loose soil to lose its strength), landslides, and subsidence (sinking of the ground surface). Earthquakes While Cupertino is at risk from many natural and human-caused hazards, the event with the greatest potential for loss of life or property and economic damage is an earthquake. This risk is true for most of the San Francisco Bay Area region, which has several active faults. Earthquake risk is very high in Santa Clara County, including the City of Cupertino, due to the presence of three major active faults3 in the region, the Hayward Fault, Calaveras Fault, and San Andreas Fault. All of these faults have the potential for major earthquakes. General Plan Appendix E provides additional detail about seismic hazards, magnitude and occurrence, acceptable exposure rise, and technical investigations required based on acceptable risk. Earthquakes are likely to continue to occur on an occasional basis. Most are expected to cause no substantive damage and may not even be felt by most people. Major earthquakes are rare but have occurred and remain a possibility in the region. The Hayward Fault is emerging as a significant hazard throughout the Bay Area due to its heightened likelihood of activity and its intersection with densely populated areas and critical infrastructure. In a worst-case scenario, a rupture on the Hayward Fault could extend through the Calaveras Fault to its junction with the San Andreas Fault. According to the Uniform California Earthquake Rupture Forecast, there is a 14.3 percent probability of a magnitude 6.7 or greater earthquake occurring along the Hayward Fault by 2044. For the Calaveras Fault, the probability is 7.4 percent, while the San Andreas Fault has a 6.4 percent chance of experiencing a similar event in the same timeframe. Although infrequent, a major earthquake along any of the nearby faults could result in substantial casualties and damage, although the greatest risk in Cupertino is from the San Andreas Fault due to its proximity and high potential to cause a severe earthquake. A major earthquake along any of these faults could damage or destroy transportation infrastructure, such as Interstate 280, State Route 85, or bridges, limiting access in and out of the community. 3 Active faults are defined by their current movement and deformation and their potential to cause earthquakes or other types of ground deformation in the future. 210 PC 09-22-2026 210 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 – 2040)) Page 24 Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 Cupertino is located in the seismically active San Francisco Bay region, which has several active seismic faults. The San Andreas Ffault, one of the longest and most active faults in the world, is located west of Cupertino. Two additional faults closely associated with the San Andreas Ffault include the Sargent- Berrocal and Monta Vista-Shannon Ffault systems that also crossintersect the western portion of the city. There are no Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zones in the city; the nearest Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone is along the San Andreas Fault, west of the city. Figure HS-7 shows the location of regional faults and Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zones, which outlines the areas at risk for potential surface fault rupture. Movement on the San Andreas Ffault is predominantly right-lateral strike-slip, where the earth ruptures in a horizontal fashion, with the opposite sides of the fault moving to the right with respect to each other. Movement on the Sargent-Berrocal and Monta Vista-Shannon Ffaults is more variable in style. Both of theseBoth faults are characterized by “thrust” faulting, where a significant amount of vertical “up-down” (so called dip-slip) displacement occurs on an inclined plane, and one side of the fault is elevated (i.e., thrust over) the other side. Primary geologic hazards in Cupertino are related to landslides and seismic impacts. Seismically induced ground shaking, surface fault rupture, and various forms of earthquake-triggered ground failure are anticipated within the city during large earthquakes. These geologic hazards present potential impacts to property and public safety. Tables HS-1 through HS-4 briefly explain seismic hazards, magnitude and occurrence, acceptable exposure rise, and technical investigations required based on acceptable risk. Figure HS-5 identifies the areas in Cupertino susceptible to the greatest risk. Also see Technical Appendix E for additional information on geologic and seismic hazards and risks. Following the 1983 Coalinga and 1994 Northridge earthquakes, scientists became increasingly aware of earthquakes generated by faults not previously observed at the earth’s surface. These types of faults are called “blind faults,” and represent a type of thrust fault that does not rupture completely to the surface. It is possible that one or more “blind faults” are present in the Monta Vista-Shannon fault system. Other Seismic Hazards In addition to the direct physical damage that can result from the motion of an earthquake, damage can result from liquefaction. Soils susceptible to liquefaction are typically found in low-lying, current or former, floodplains. Portions of the city near the floodplains of Permanente Creek, Stevens Creek, Regnart Creek, and Calabazas Creek are likely to face liquefaction during an earthquake. Figure HS-8 shows the areas facing an elevated liquefaction risk in Cupertino, based on geological, geotechnical, and groundwater conditions. Earthquake-induced landslides pose a significant risk due to the presence of landslide-prone areas in western Cupertino and proximity of earthquake faults. Ground shaking from seismic activity can cause rocks, debris, and hillside soils to loosen and fall downslope, harming facilities and infrastructure in its path. Sinkholes, which are depressions or holes in the ground that form when the surface collapses into 211 PC 09-22-2026 211 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 Page 25 an underground space, are also a hazard in Cupertino. Sinkholes can occur suddenly and can be very dangerous if they form underneath buildings, roads, or other structures. 212 PC 09-22-2026 212 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Page 26 Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 Faults within the Cupertino planning area are characterized by (A) Horizontal and (B) Vertical displace- ments. FIGURE HS-5 GEOLOGIC AND SEISMIC HAZARDS 213 PC 09-22-2026 213 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Page 27 Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 Table HS-1 Explanations of Geologic and Seismic Hazards Zone Description (F) – Fault Rupture 7Regional Fault Lines,Area of potential surface fault rupture hazard within 300 feet east and 600 feet west of the Monta Vista and Berrocal Ffaults, and within 600 feet of the San Andreas Ffault. (S) – Slope Instability As shown on Figure HS-9, Landslide Susceptibility Areas, or the California Geological Survey, aAreas includes all recognized landslide deposits, and steep walls of Stevens Creek canyon, with a moderate to high landslide potential under static or seismic conditions. Area also reflects the mapped zone of potential earthquake-induced landsliding prepared by the California Geological Survey (2002). (H) – Hillside Area contains moderate to steep slope conditions not included in the above categories, with an undetermined potential for slope instability. This area falls under the Residential Hillside Development (RHS) overlay zone, which regulates single-family residential development to preserve the natural hillside setting. Compliance with the RHS ordinance, including required geotechnical and arborist reports, is necessary for development approval. (L) – Liquefaction / Inundation As shown on Figure HS-8, Liquefaction Areas, or the U.S. Geological Survey, Area areas where local geological, geotechnical, and groundwater conditions indicate a potential for liquefaction under seismic conditions. Much of this area also has the potential for periodic flood inundation. The Liquefaction/Inundation Zone is stippled where covered by an overlaying Fault Zone. (V) – Valley Area includes all relatively level valley floor terrain not included in the above categories with relatively low levels of geologic hazard risk. Table HS-2 Maximum Earthquake Magnitudes and Recurrence Intervals Causative Faults Distance from De Anza/SCB Intersection Maximum Historic Moment Magnitude Maximum Probable Moment Magnitude Est. Recurrence Interval of Max. Prob. Earthquake San Andreas System San Andreas 5.5 miles 7.9 7.9 220 years Hayward (South) 10 miles 7.0 7.0 236 years Calveras (Central) 14 miles 6.3 7.0 374 years Sargent-Berrocal System Sargent-Berrocal 3.5 miles 3.7-5.0 6.8 330 years Monta Vista- Shannon 2 miles 2.0-3.0 6.8 2,400 years 214 PC 09-22-2026 214 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 – 2040)) Page 28 Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 Table HS-3 Acceptable Exposure to Risk Related to Various Land Uses Acceptable Exposure to Risk Land Use Group Extra Project Cost to Reduce Risk to Acceptable Level Extremely Low Group 1 Vulnerable structures (nuclear reactors, large dams, plants manufacturing/ storing hazardous materials) As required for maximum attainable safety Group 2 Vital public utilities (electrical transmission interties/substations, regional water pipelines, treatment plants, gas mains) Design as needed to remain functional after max. prob. earthquake on local faults Group 3 Communication/transportation (airports, telephones, bridges, freeways, evac. routes) Small water retention structures Emergency Centers (hospitals, fire/ police stations, post-earthquake aide stations, schools, City Hall and Service Center, De Anza College) 5% to 25% of project cost Design as needed to remain functional after max. prob earthquake on local faults Group 4 Involuntary occupancy facilities (schools, prisons, convalescent and nursing homes) Design as needed to remain functional after max. prob. earthquake on local faults High- occupancy buildings (theaters, hotels, large office/apartment bldgs.) Moderately Low Group 5 Public utilities (electrical feeder routes, water supply turnout lines, sewage lines) 5% to 25% of project cost Facilities important to local economy Design to minimize injury, loss of life during maximum probable earthquake on local faults; need not design to remain functional Ordinary Risk Level Group 6 Minor transportation (arterials and parkways) 2% of project cost; to 10% project cost in extreme cases Low-moderate occupancy buildings (small apartment bldgs., single-fam. resid., motels, small commercial/office bldgs.) Group 7 Very low occupancy buildings Design to resist minor earthquakes (warehouses, farm structures) without damage; resist moderate earthquakes without structural damage, with some nonstructural damage; resist major earthquake (maximum probability on local faults without collapse, allowing some structural and non-structural damage) Open space and recreation (farmland, landfills, wildlife areas) 215 PC 09-22-2026 215 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Page 29 Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 Table HS-4 Technical Investigations Required Bbased on Acceptable Risk Land Use Activity Hazard Map Symbol FSH LV Evaluation Required Evaluation Required Groups 1 to 4 UBC UBC Soils Soils Geology Seismic Hazard Seismic Hazard Groups 5 to 7 UBC UBC Soils Geology FIGURE HS--7 FAULT ZONES 216 PC 09-22-2026 216 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 – 2040)) Page 30 Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 217 PC 09-22-2026 217 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 Page 31 Descriptions of Technical Evaluations: UBC Current, adopted version of the California Building Code Soils Soils and foundation investigation to determine ability of local soil conditions to support structures Geology Determine subsidence potential, faulting hazard, slope stability (sSee Geologic Map for additional detail) Seismic Hazard Detailed Soils/Structural evaluation to certify adequacy of normal UBC earthquake regulations or to recommend more stringent measures FIGURE HS-7 REGIONAL FAULT LINES 218 PC 09-22-2026 218 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 – 2040)) Page 32 Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 FIGURE HS-8 LIQUEFACTION AREAS 219 PC 09-22-2026 219 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 Page 33 GEOLOGIC HAZARDS Geologic hazards in Cupertino include landslides and erosion. Landslides and rock falls may occur in sloped areas, especially areas with steep slopes, and usually in areas of loose and fragmented soil. Landslides, rockfalls, and debris flows occur continuously on all slopes; some processes act very slowly, and others occur very suddenly, often with disastrous results. Landslides are often triggered by other natural hazards, such as earthquakes, heavy rain, floods, or wildfires, so landslide frequencies are often related to the frequency of these other hazards. Landslides have occurred on hillsides throughout the city and generally occur in winter during high rainfall years. Due to the hilly terrain, the southwestern portion of the city is in a very high landslide susceptibility class, as shown on Figure HS-9. Appendix E, Seismic and Geologic Hazards, further describes these landslide susceptibility areas, noting that they include all recognized landslide deposits and steep walls of Stevens Creek canyon, which have a moderate to high landslide potential under static or seismic conditions. Climate change is expected to result in more precipitation extremes, including more frequent periods of heavy rainfall, which could cause an increase in the number of landslides or make landslides larger than normal. Increased wildfire frequency can also destabilize hillsides due to loss of vegetation and changed soil composition, which can contribute to greater runoff and erosion. Climate change will also cause more frequent and extreme droughts, which dries out soil. Accordingly, when precipitation occurs, the soil cannot absorb as much water, which creates higher levels of runoff, potentially leading to landslides and mudflows. The combination of a generally drier climate in the future, which will increase the chance of drought and wildfires, and the occasional extreme downpour, is, therefore, likely to cause more mudslides and landslides. Cupertino is also susceptible to hazards related to erosion, or the geological process in which earthen materials are worn away and transported by natural forces such as water or wind, causing the soil to deteriorate. Eroded topsoil can be transported into streams and other waterways. Water erosion is the removal of soil by water and transportation of the eroded materials away from the point of removal. The impact of soil erosion on water quality becomes significant, particularly as soil surface runoff increases. Highly erosive soil can damage roads, bridges, buildings, and other structures by causing foundational instability, erosion around supports, washouts during heavy rains, and increased maintenance costs. The shifting or loss of soil over time can undermine the structural integrity of these infrastructures, leading to potential failures and safety hazards. 220 PC 09-22-2026 220 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Page 34 Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 FIGURE HS-9 LIQUEFACTION AREASLANDSLIDE SUSCEPTIBILITY AREAS 221 PC 09-22-2026 221 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 Page 35 FLOOD AND INUNDATION HAZARDS Flooding is the rising and overflowing of water onto normally dry land. Floods are one of the most frequent natural hazards impacting Santa Clara County and among the costliest natural disasters in terms of human hardship and economic loss nationwide, causing substantial damage to structures, landscapes, and utilities, as well as life-safety issues. Floods are surface hydrological hazards that can have a significant, and sometimes, long-lasting effect on a community. Floods can originate from various sources, including heavy rainstorms, landslides, and/or dam failure. Sediment deposits also increase flood risks because they clog the drainage system and may induce upstream flooding. Rain-related floods are the most common type of floods in Cupertino, and usually occur during periods of extended heavy rainfall. The watersheds in the Santa Cruz Mountain Range feed into four major streambeds that traverse the Ccity: Permanente Creek, Stevens Creek, Regnart Creek, and Calabazas Creek (Figure HS-7). Stevens Creek and its streamside are among the natural elements that have the most influence on Cupertino’s character. These creeks collect surface runoff and channel it to the Baydrain into channels leading to the San Francisco Bay. During heavy rainfall, these creeks create a potential flooding risk in the city as water levels may exceed the top of the creekbank. Historically, Cupertino has been at risk of flooding primarily during the winter and spring when stream systems swell with heavy rain. Occasionally, flash flooding from short-duration, high-intensity precipitation (often during atmospheric river events) may occur. In urban areas, flash flooding is an increasingly serious problem due to removal of vegetation and replacement of groundcover with impermeable surfaces such as roads, driveways, and parking lots. Other hazards connected with flooding and stormwater runoff include erosion, degradation of water quality, and loss of environmental resources. Areas at an elevated risk of flooding are divided into 100- and 500-year flood zones. A 100-year flood zone has a 1-percent chance of experiencing a major flood in any given year, and a 500-year flood zone has a 0.2-percent chance of flooding in any given year. The 100-year floodplain in Cupertino is primarily along Permanente Creek, Stevens Creek, Regnart Creek, and Calabazas Creek. A majority of the city is within the 500-year floodplain. Figure HS-10 shows the 100- and 500-year flood zones in and around Cupertino. The City participates in the Community Rating System (CRS) program, which is a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management activities that exceed minimum National Flood Insurance ProgramNFIP requirements. Flood insurance premium rates for property owners within the city may be discounted to reflect the reduced flood risk resulting from community actions meeting the three goals of the CCommunity Rating System, which are to: (1) reduce flood damage to insurable property; (2) strengthen and support the insurance aspects of the National Flood Insurance ProgramNFIP; and (3) encourage a comprehensive approach to floodplain management. In 2025, after completion of a five-year review of the City’s floodplain management and flood risk reduction efforts, the Federal Emergency Management Agency improved the City’s CRS rating, from 222 PC 09-22-2026 222 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Page 36 Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 Class 7 to Class 6. Effective October 2025, property owners in Cupertino’s Special Flood Hazard Areas receive a 20 percent discount on flood insurance premiums, and property owners outside the Special Flood Hazard Areas and within the City limits receive a 10 percent discount due to the improved CRS rating. The City and the Santa Clara Valley Water District are actively involved in programs to minimize the risk of flooding. The City developed an approach to land use for the non-urbanized flood plain of Stevens Creek south of Stevens Creek Boulevard in the Land Use Element. This ensures the preservation of the 100-year flood plain and the protection of the riparian corridor along this portion of Stevens Creek. The City and the Water District also developed a flood management program for the flood plain of Stevens Creek between Interstate 280 and Stevens Creek Boulevard while preserving the natural environment of Stevens Creek. Structural improvements, while not preferred, may be necessary, to protect properties from a 100-year flood event. Although heavy precipitation events are a regular feature in California, atmospheric rivers, which are narrow corridors of concentrated moisture in the atmosphere and capable of transporting large amounts of water vapor that condenses and falls as intense precipitation, have caused major flooding in recent years. In winter and spring of 2023, a series of atmospheric rivers impacted the Bay Area, resulting in significant rainfall and widespread flooding across the San Francisco Bay Area. While climate change may not change average precipitation levels significantly, scientists expect that it will cause more years with extreme precipitation events. This means that more years are likely to see intense storm systems that drop substantial volumes of precipitation over a short period and cause flooding. Because of this, floods are expected to happen more often in Cupertino, and climate change may expand the parts of the city that are considered prone to flooding. 223 PC 09-22-2026 223 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 Page 37 FIGURE HS-1210 FLOOD HAZARD ZONES FIGURE HS-10 FLOOD HAZARD ZONES 224 PC 09-22-2026 224 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Page 38 Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 DAM AND PIPELINE FAILURE A dam failure is an uncontrolled release of water from a reservoir through a dam because of structural failures or deficiencies. Pipeline failures are a similar uncontrolled release from a water pipeline or aqueduct. The primary danger from dam or pipeline failure is the high-velocity flooding downstream of the dam and the limited warning times that can be given for evacuation. Dam or pipeline failures can range from minor to catastrophic, potentially harming human life and property downstream from the failure. In addition, ecosystems and habitats can be destroyed by fast- moving floodwaters, debris, and sedimentation from the inundation. Failures are rare but not unprecedented; they can be caused by overtopping, foundation defects, piping and seepage failures, or conduit and valve failures. Many dam or pipeline failures are the secondary result of other natural disasters, such as earthquakes, landslides, and extreme storms. The largest body of water within the area is the Stevens Creek Reservoir. Stevens Creek Reservoir Dam meets current dam safety standards and the probability of its failure is minimal. The Stevens Creek Reservoir, owned by the Santa Clara Valley Water District, is outside of city limits, immediately to the southwest, as shown in Figure HS-11. In the event of a dam failure at the Stevens Creek Reservoir, land surrounding Stevens Creek would flood, including residential areas adjacent to Stevens Creek and a portion of Interstate 280. The Santa Clara Valley Water District has a comprehensive Dam Safety Program, which includes proactive inspection of upgrades and improving its dams and water supply structures as needed and in consultation with regulatory agencies. Engineers monitor dams using instruments, monthly visual inspections, and periodic dam safety reviews to prevent loss of life, personal injury, and property damage from the failure of dams. The safety of each dam is re-evaluated with advances in geotechnical, structural, and earthquake engineering and for evidence of seepage or ongoing ground movement. The potential for a dam failure in Cupertino is likely to remain a risk in future years, although the probability of such events is expected to remain very low. 225 PC 09-22-2026 225 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 Page 39 FIGURE HS-113 DAM INUNDATION AREAS 226 PC 09-22-2026 226 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Page 40 Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 FIGURE HS-6 FACILITY FAILURE 227 PC 09-22-2026 227 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 Page 41 FIGURE HS-7 100-YEAR FLOOD 228 PC 09-22-2026 228 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 Page 42 EXTREME HEAT According to the California Extreme Heat Action Plan, extreme heat days are defined as temperatures exceeding 98 percent of historical highs, and these events are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change. Extended periods of extreme heat, known as heat waves, threaten community safety and raise energy costs. An extreme heat day in Cupertino is one where the maximum temperature rises above 93.2 degrees Fahrenheit. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recognizes extreme heat as a substantial public health concern. Seniors, persons with chronic illnesses and/or disabilities, persons experiencing homelessness, outdoor workers, low-resourced people of color, immigrant/linguistically isolated communities, and households in poverty are the most vulnerable to extreme heat. According to the U.S. Census, approximately 66 percent of all housing in the city was built prior to 1980, some of which are unlikely to have air conditioning and may lack effective insulation to regulate indoor temperatures. During extreme heat days, temperatures in poorly insulated homes may reach unhealthy temperatures. Therefore, people living in these homes, especially vulnerable populations, are at higher risk for heat-related illnesses from extreme heat events. Very high temperatures can also harm plants and animals that are not well adapted to these events, including natural ecosystems. Extreme heat can increase water temperature in lakes, streams, creeks, and other water bodies, especially during drought conditions when water levels are lower. The warmer temperatures brought on by climate change are likely to cause an increase in extreme heat events locally. Depending on the location and emissions levels, the state Cal-Adapt database indicates the number of extreme heat days is expected to rise from a historical annual average of 5 to 14 days by the middle of the century (2035 to 2064), and an average of 24 days by the end of the century (2070 to 2099). CLIMATE CHANGE RESILIENCE Climate change is the long-term shift in average weather patterns globally, characterized by significant alterations in temperature and precipitation patterns over extended periods. As global temperatures continue to rise, communities experience more frequent and intense natural hazards, including heatwaves, storms, floods, droughts, and wildfires. These events often occur simultaneously, creating cascading effects that can amplify impacts to Cupertino. Climate change hazards affecting Cupertino include poor air quality, drought, extreme heat, flooding, landslides, severe weather, and wildfire. When multiple climate hazards occur simultaneously, such as droughts amplifying wildfire risk, or extreme heat exacerbating water shortages, the impacts on the Cupertino community, infrastructure, and natural systems can be particularly severe. These changes will continue to affect the frequency, intensity, and distribution of hazards throughout the city in the coming decades. 229 PC 09-22-2026 229 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 Page 43 AIR QUALITY Air quality refers to the condition of the air within our surroundings, particularly regarding its cleanliness and the presence of pollutants. Air quality is determined by the composition of gases and particles in the atmosphere, and it is a critical aspect of environmental health. Air pollution comes from both mobile sources (e.g., cars, trucks, airplanes) and stationary sources (e.g., agricultural and industrial uses). Cupertino is highly susceptible to poor air quality due to major highways and quarry activity adjacent to the city. Wind patterns and geographical features move air pollution from other areas, such as the San Joaquin Valley, and trap pollution in the Santa Clara Valley. From 2015 to 2019, Cupertino experienced 31 days where ozone or fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels exceeded State standards. Because of Cupertino’s proximity to major highways, quarry activity, and Santa Clara Valley’s geographical features, air quality will continue to be a concern. Increasing statewide fire frequency can create recurring air quality degradation events, leading to respiratory health effects. Wildfire smoke consists of a mix of gases and fine particulate matter from burning vegetation and materials. The pollutant of most concern from wildfire smoke is PM2.5, which is damaging to human health because of its ability to deeply penetrate lung tissue and affect the heart and circulatory system. Although wildfire smoke presents a health risk to everyone, sensitive groups, such as children (particularly younger children), older adults, people with chronic respiratory or cardiovascular disease, and low-resourced persons. may experience more severe acute and chronic symptoms from exposure to wildfire smoke. In many regions of the United States, climate-driven changes in weather conditions, including temperature and precipitation, are expected to increase ground-level ozone and particulate matter, such as windblown dust from droughts or smoke from wildfires. Increased frequency of wildfires will release greater amounts of particulate matter and other pollutants into the air and drier conditions increase airborne dust. Possible changes in wind patterns may also trap a greater amount of air pollutants in the Santa Clara Valley, increasing exposure to air pollution. DROUGHT A drought is an extended period when precipitation levels are well below normal. Drought may affect domestic water supply, energy production, public health, and wildlife, or contribute to wildfire. Like most of California and the western United States, Cupertino chronically experiences drought cycles. The U.S. Drought Monitor recognizes a five-point scale for drought events: ▪ D0 (abnormally dry) ▪ D1 (moderate drought) ▪ D2 (severe drought) ▪ D3 (extreme drought) ▪ D4 (exceptional drought) 230 PC 09-22-2026 230 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Page 44 Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, the most intensive drought in recent years occurred during most of 2014, when all of Santa Clara County was classified as “extreme” drought. More recently, in 2022, from January through the end of the year, the county was also classified as being in “severe” drought. As of July 2024, Santa Clara County, including Cupertino, was not classified as drought. During severe drought conditions, water shortages are common, and water restrictions may be imposed to meet essential community needs. The Santa Clara Valley Water District’s 2020 Water Shortage Contingency Plan contains actions to implement and enforce regulations and restrictions for managing a water shortage when it declares a water shortage emergency under the authority of the California Water Code. Cupertino’s water supply comes from local and imported water. Local rainfall and runoff flow into reservoirs for storage and blend with imported water. Approximately 50 percent of Santa Clara County’s water supply comes from hundreds of miles away – first as snow or rain in the Sierra Nevada range of northern and eastern California, then as water in rivers that flow into the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta or directly to water conveyance systems. Imported water is brought into the county through the complex infrastructure of the State Water Project, the federal Central Valley Project, and San Francisco’s Hetch-Hetchy system. Although droughts are a regular feature of California’s climate, scientists expect climate change will lead to more frequent and intense droughts statewide. Reduced winter precipitation levels and warmer temperatures have greatly decreased the size of the Sierra Nevada snowpack (the volume of accumulated snow), making less fresh water available for communities throughout California, including the imported water supply for Cupertino. A continued decline in the Sierra Nevada snowpack volume is expected, which may lead to lower volumes of available imported water. SEVERE WEATHER Severe weather is generally any destructive weather event, but it usually occurs in Cupertino as localized storms that bring heavy rain, hail, thunderstorms, and strong winds. Severe weather is usually caused by intense storm systems, although types of strong winds can occur without a storm. Severe weather often produces high winds and lightning that can damage structures and cause power outages. Lightning from these storms can ignite wildfires and structure fires that can cause damage to buildings and endanger people. A relatively common weather pattern that brings southwest winds and heavy rain to California is often referred to as an atmospheric river. High winds, often accompanying severe storms, can cause significant property damage, threaten public safety, and have adverse economic impacts, including business closures and widespread power loss. These winds may occur as part of a seasonal climate pattern or in relation to other severe weather events, such as thunderstorms. Electricity utilities throughout California, including PG&E, have begun to occasionally “de-energize,” or turn off the electricity for power lines that run through areas with an elevated fire risk. Public Safety 231 PC 09-22-2026 231 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 Page 45 Power Shutoff (PSPS) events are intended to reduce the risk of power lines sparking or being damaged and starting a wildfire. A PSPS event may occur at any time of the year, particularly during high wind events and dry conditions, and may be limited to specific communities or affect broad swaths of the state. While PSPS events have been smaller and less frequent recently, these events still pose a risk to PG&E customers across Santa Clara County, including Cupertino. Climate change is expected to cause an increase in intense rainfall and strong storm systems, such as atmospheric rivers. This increase means that Cupertino could see more intense weather resulting from these storms in the coming years and decades, although such an increase may not affect all forms of severe weather. Heavy rainfall can increase the frequency and severity of other hazards, including flooding and landslides. HUMAN HEALTH HAZARDS Human health hazards are bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other organisms that can cause diseases and illness in people. Some of these diseases may cause only mild inconvenience, but others are potentially life-threatening. These diseases are often carried by animals, such as mice and rats, ticks, and mosquitoes. Warmer temperatures and high precipitation levels can lead to increased populations of these disease-carrying animals, creating a greater risk of disease and increased rates of infection. Populations most vulnerable to human health hazards are those who spend a disproportionate amount of time outdoors (such as outdoor workers or persons experiencing homelessness), those with fragile immune systems or existing illnesses (which may include persons with chronic illnesses and seniors), and those who may live in sub-standard housing or not have access to health insurance and medical care (households in poverty, low-resourced people of color, immigrant/linguistically isolated communities, and cost-burdened/low-income/overcrowded households). While many vector-carrying organisms thrive in warm and wet environments, regional climate trends toward hotter and drier conditions may reduce some vector populations, such as mosquitoes, in certain areas. However, the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, including periods of heavy rainfall and flooding, can still create episodic conditions conducive to vector breeding, particularly during cooler seasons. As a result, the overall risk of human health hazards may still increase, especially for already vulnerable populations. 232 PC 09-22-2026 232 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Page 46 Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 NOISE The noise environment is an accumulation of many different sources, ranging from human voices to major noise sources, such as freeway traffic. The degree to which noise becomes an annoyance depends on a variety of factors, including noise level, duration, time of day, background sounds, and surrounding land uses, including proximity to more sensitive populations. COMMUNITY NOISE FUNDAMENTALS The three elements of community noise are noise level, noise spectrum, and variation in noise level with time. Noise level is measured in decibels (dB). Noise is composed of various frequencies within a noise spectrum that defines the character of the noise. Since human hearing is more sensitive to the higher speech frequencies, the A-weighted frequency network is applied, in accordance with national and international standards, to adjust the measured noise level to more closely relate to human perception of loudness. Noise environments have different characteristics that vary with duration and time of day; for instance, a freeway may emit a fairly constant noise level for long periods while an airport may emit many short- term high- level noise events punctuated by extended periods of quiet. To provide a standard measure for community noise exposure that takes into account the time-varying characteristics, the State of California adopted the Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL) as the standard metric. The CNEL is a 24-hour energy average metric that penalizes evening and nighttime noise, and provides a uniform measure for time-varying noise environments. NOISE ENVIRONMENT The noise environment can generally be divided into two categories: transportation-related and non- transportation-related noise. Traffic noise is the greatest contributor to noise pollution in Cupertino and one of the most difficult to control through local efforts. Two major freeways (Interstate 280 and Highway State Route 85) and four major corridors (Stevens Creek Boulevard, De Anza Boulevard, Homestead Road, and Foothill Boulevard) cross Cupertino. These roadways are ustilized not only by local residents and employees, but also by commuters to destinations beyond Cupertino. Heavy-duty trucking operations to and from the Hanson PermanenteHeidelberg Cement Plant and Stevens Creek Quarry located in the western foothills near Stevens Creek Boulevard and Foothill Boulevard are also a significant transportation-related noise contributors. Cupertino receives some aircraft noise from facilities within the region, including San Jose International Airport, Moffett Federal Airfield, and Palo Alto Airport; however, the Cupertino city limit does not fall within the identified noise contours of any of these airports. One railroad line passes through the Monta Vista neighborhood and connects with the Hanson PermanenteHeidelberg Cement Plant. This freight railway operates at very low frequencies, with approximately three train trips in each direction per week, usually during the daytime or early evening. 233 PC 09-22-2026 233 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 Page 47 Non-transportation noise varies from stationary equipment (e.g., air conditioning units) to construction activity. Regulation to minimize excessive noise from non- transportation sources includes compliance with the City’s noise standards that limit certain noise-generating activitiesy during evening and early morning, when ambient noise levels tend to be lower. Advancements in technology to muffle sound also reduce noise from construction equipment and stationary equipment such as compressors and generators. LAND USE COMPATIBILITY The Cupertino Municipal Code, Title 10, outlines the maximum noise levels on receiving properties based upon land use types (Figure HHS-812). Land use decisions and the development review process play a large role in minimizing noise impacts on sensitive land uses. Noise compatibility may be achieved by not avoiding the locationg of conflicting land uses adjacent to one another and incorporating buffers and noise control techniques, including increased building setbacks, installation and maintenance of landscaping, building transitions, site design, and building construction techniques. Selection of the appropriate noise control techniques will variesy depending on the level of noise that needs to be reduced as well as the location of the and intended noise-generating land use and the character of its surrounding uses. 234 PC 09-22-2026 234 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Page 48 Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 FIGURE HHS-8 12 LAND USE COMPATIBILITY FOR COMMUNITY NOISE ENVIRONMENTS 235 PC 09-22-2026 235 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 Page 49 236 PC 09-22-2026 236 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Page 50 Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 LOOKING FORWARD As Cupertino’s resident and employee population grows, the City must identify ways to ensure public safety and support the community’s high quality of life. Innovative site design and construction techniques are needed to reduce noise in developments near major corridors and where uses are mixed to ensure compatibility. Fire protection and public safety should be enhanced in a manner that provides a high quality of service while continuing to be fiscally responsible. The following are ways the City will address key challenges and opportunities facing Cupertino: 1. NOISE As State, regional, and local policies encourage mixed-use development near corridors, the City should look to ways to reduce noise impacts on residences near and in such developments through site design, landscaping, and construction techniques. Additionally, the City should review locations and site design for sensitive uses, including schools, childcare facilities, and hospitals to ensure that they are not negatively impacted by noise. 2. PROJECT DESIGN AND OPERATIONS Measures such as project and building design, emergency access, operations, and maintenance of property, can help developments promote public safety and fire safety. Such measures will also allow the providers to maintain a high service level, while accommodating future growth. 3. COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION The City and service providers should enhance community participation through new and existing programs such as neighborhood watch, emergency preparedness, and school programs. 4. SHARED RESOURCES The City can enhance emergency, fire safety, and public safety services by coordinating programs with service providers and neighboring cities through shared services, mutual aid, and agreements. 5. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS Measures related to emergency access, first responder training and operations, and evacuation and emergency preparedness public education and awareness can help minimize harm and protect community safety. 237 PC 09-22-2026 237 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 Page 51 This page is intentionally blank. 238 PC 09-22-2026 238 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 Page 52 GOALS, POLICIES, AND STRATEGIES GOAL HS-1 Reduce hazard risks through regional coordination and mitigation planning REGIONAL COORDINATION The City seeks to coordinate its local requirements and emergency planning efforts with Ffederal, State, and regional resources to ensure a consistent, integrated, and efficient approach to emergency planning. POLICY HS-1.1: REGIONAL HAZARD RISK REDUCTION PLANNING Coordinate with Santa Clara County and local agencies to implement the Multi- Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan for Santa Clara County. STRATEGIES: HS-1.1.1. Monitoring and Budgeting. Monitor and evaluate the success of the Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, including local strategies provided in the Cupertino Annex (Section 11). Working with Santa Clara County, ensure that strategies are prioritized and implemented through the Capital Improvement Program and provide adequate budget for on-going programs and department operations. HS-1.1.2. Hazard Mitigation Incorporation. Ensure that mitigation actions identified in the Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan are being incorporated into upcoming City-sponsored projects, where appropriate. HS-1.1.3. Hazard Mitigation Plan Amendments and Updates. Support Santa Clara County in its role as the lead agency that prepares and updates the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan. POLICY HS-1.2: HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN INCORPORATION Incorporate the Santa Clara County Multi-Jurisdictional 239 PC 09-22-2026 239 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 Page 53 Hazard Mitigation Plan and the City of Cupertino Annex, as approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, into this Health and Safety Element by reference, as permitted by California Government Code Section 65302.6. POLICY HS-1.3: PUBLIC AGENCY COOPERATION Continue to cooperate with other public agencies to ensure adequate medical and other emergency services, including assessing and projecting future emergency service needs and maintaining clear communication protocols among jurisdictions and regional agencies to support unified decision-making, real-time information sharing, and coordinated emergency response. STRATEGIES: HS-1.3.1: Multiagency Emergency Response. Coordinate with local and State emergency management agencies using the Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS) and National Incident Management System (NIMS) to facilitate multiagency emergency response. HS-1.3.2: Inter-jurisdictional Coordination. Maintain inter-jurisdictional cooperation and coordination, including mutual aid agreements with fire protection and suppression agencies in Santa Clara County. HS-1.3.3: Coordinated Disaster Response. Continue to maintain agreements with other local, State, and federal agencies to ensure coordinated emergency and disaster response. HS-1.3.4: New Facilities. Coordinate with Santa Clara County Fire Department and Santa Clara County Sheriff's Department through capital improvement planning to establish fire and sheriff stations to serve Cupertino. New additions to public safety infrastructure will be determined by evaluating increased localized demand and proposed growth. Evaluate whether a combined facility is possible to reduce infrastructure costs and/or improve operational efficiency, when a need is determined. POLICY HS-1.4: REGIONAL COORDINATION FOR FIRE PREVENTION Coordinate wildland fire prevention efforts with adjacent jurisdictions. Work with the County and the Midpeninsula Open Space District to implement measures to reduce fire hazards, continuing efforts in fuel management, and considering the use of “green” fire break uses for open space lands. POLICY HS-1.5: REGIONAL COORDINATION FOR FLOOD CONTROL Consult with the Santa Clara Valley Water District as well as surrounding jurisdictions 240 PC 09-22-2026 240 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Page 54 Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 regarding regional approaches to the planning, construction, operation, and maintenance of drainage and flood-control facilities. POLICY HS-1.6: COORDINATION FOR ADEQUATE WATER SUPPLY Coordinate with California Water Service and San José Water on effective management of water infrastructure systems. POLICY HS-1.7: COORDINATION FOR ADEQUATE WASTEWATER CAPACITY Coordinate with the Cupertino Sanitary District and San José- Santa Clara Regional Wastewater Facility to ensure wastewater infrastructure is effectively serving existing customers and has adequate capacity to provide for new demands on the infrastructure system. POLICY HS-1.8: SEA LEVEL RISE PROTECTION Ensure all areas in Cupertino are adequately protected for from the anticipated effects of sea level rise. STRATEGIES: HS-1.28.1. Monitor Rising Sea Level. Regularly coordinate with regional, Sstate, and federal agencies on rising sea levels in the San Francisco Bay and major tributaries to determine if additional adaptation strategies should be implemented to address flooding hazards. This includes monitoring for updates to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s FEMA flood map updates to identify areas in the city susceptible to sea level rise, addressing changes to sState and regional sea and bay level rise estimates, and coordinating with adjacent municipalities on flood control improvements as appropriate. HS-1.28.2. Flood Insurance Rate Maps. Provide to the public, as available, up-to-date Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) that identify rising sea levels and changing flood conditions. POLICY HS-1.9: PFAS CONTAMINATION Coordinate with Valley Water and the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board to monitor groundwater contamination, including for PFAS. STRATEGY: HS-1.9.1. PFAS and Environmental Review. Ensure that environmental review analyzes and discloses all groundwater contaminants with established thresholds under federal and state regulations, as required by law. 241 PC 09-22-2026 241 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 Page 55 GOAL HS-2 Ensure a high level of emergency preparedness for natural and human-caused disasters. EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE The City seeks to focus on planning and education to prepare and enlist the community in the management of disasters and emergencies. POLICY HS-2.1: BUILDING AND FIRE CODE COMPLIANCE Ensure that all new development and redevelopment complies with the most current version of the California Building Code, California Fire Code, California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, and applicable local ordinances and standards to ensure improved public safety. POLICY HS-2.2: PROMOTE EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS Distribute multi-hazard emergency preparedness information for all threats identified in the emergency planCity’s Emergency Operations Plan. Information will be provided through Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), First Aid and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training, lectures and seminars on emergency preparedness, publication of monthly safety articles in the Cupertino Scene, posting of information on the City’s Emergency Preparedness website, and coordination of video and printed information at the library. Efforts will be made to provide information in multiple formats to accommodate persons of all abilities. POLICY HS-2.3: EMERGENCY OPERATIONS AND TRAINING Ensure ongoing training of identified City staff are trained on their functions/ responsibilities in the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and in disaster preparedness, first aid, and CPR, as applicable. STRATEGIES: HS-2.3.1: Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Review options to provideComplete functional, resilient, and seismic upgrades to the EOC facility at City Hall and Torre Annex to Essential Facility Standards, or explore alternative 242 PC 09-22-2026 242 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Page 56 Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 locations for the EOC adopt a fully funded Capital Improvement Program and budget, as applicable, as an urgent priority. HS-2.3.2: City Employee Training. Conduct regular emergency training exercises and participate in regional training exercises to ensure that employees are adequately trained in emergency response and recovery operations. POLICY HS-2.4: VOLUNTEER GROUPS Continue to encourage the ongoing use of volunteer groups, such as Cupertino Emergency Response Team (CERT), to augment the City’s emergency services, and clearly define responsibilities during a local emergency. STRATEGIES: HS-2.4.1: Cupertino Citizens Corps. Continue to support the Cupertino Amateur Radio Emergency Services (CARES), Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), and Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) programs to ensure the development of neighborhood-based emergency preparedness throughout the cCity. Encourage ongoing cooperation with CERTs in other cities. HS-2.4.2: Community Groups. Continue pre-disaster agreements with appropriate community groups to provide specified post-disaster assistance, through the Emergency Services Coordinator Manager, and with the advice of the City Attorney. HS-2.4.3: American Red Cross. Continue to implement the American Red Cross agreements under the direction of the Director of Emergency ServicesEmergency Services Division during a disaster. HS-2.4.4: Emergency Shelter Providers. Continue the agreements with designated emergency shelter sites to provide space for emergency supply containers. HS-2.4.5: Community Areas for Refuge and Keep-safes (ARKs). Maintain and expand the availability of City ARKs through Block Leadership and volunteer efforts to adopt an ARK. HS-2.4.6: Amateur Radio Operators. Continue to support training and cooperation between the City and Cupertino Amateur Radio Emergency Service (CARES) to prepare for emergency communications needs. HS-2.4.7: Block Leader Awareness. Expand support for and awareness of the Block Leader program, including ensuring residents are aware of emergency contacts including how to contact their block leader. HS-2.4.8: Block Leader Communication. Conduct annual outreach to Block Leaders regarding evacuation procedures and where to find information in the event of an emergency to communicate to their blocks. POLICY HS-2.5: EMERGENCY PUBLIC INFORMATION Maintain Cupertino’s Alert, Warning, and Notification (AWN) Program an Emergency Public Information program to be used during emergency situations. The City maintains storage containers, called ARKs, strategically located around the City that contain emergency response supplies used by Community Emergency Response Teams, Medical Reserve Corps, and Cupertino Amateur Radio Emergency Service. 243 PC 09-22-2026 243 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 Page 57 STRATEGIES: HS-2.5.1: Communication Methods. Use the local Cupertino TV channel, Cupertino Radio 1670 AM, AlertSCC, the City’s website, CityInternet social media accounts, and other communication methods to transmit information to the public in multiple formats and languages appropriate to the demographics of Cupertinocitizenry. HS-2.5.2: Public Information Office. Activate the Public Joint Information System in coordination with the Sheriff and the Fire Department to provide accurate information to the public as needed. POLICY HS-2.6: FIRE PREVENTION AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS Promote fire prevention and emergency preparedness through Ccity-initiated public education programs, the government television channel, the Internet, and the Cupertino Scene City Channel, the City’s website, the Cupertino Scene, and other social media platforms. POLICY HS-2.7: HAZARD PREPAREDNESS Ensure that members of the community are adequately prepared for potential hazard scenarios, including geologic and seismic hazards, wildfire hazards, flooding hazards, extreme heat, poor air quality, and hazardous materials releases. Leverage the Neighborhood Block Program to advertise and incorporate its members into training efforts to expand outreach and engagement. STRATEGIES: HS-2.7.1: Emergency Preparedness. Publish and promote emergency preparedness tips, activities, and drills for the community. Use the City social media accounts and the website to provide safety tips and actively assist in neighborhood drills and safety exercises to increase participation and build community support. that may include identifying and correcting household hazards, knowing how and when to turn off utilities, helping family members protect themselves during and after an earthquake, recommending neighborhood preparation activities, and advising residents to maintain an emergency supply kit containing first-aid supplies, food, drinking water, and battery operated radios and flashlights. HS-2.7.2: Neighborhood Response Groups. Encourage participation in Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training by neighborhood groups and community-based organizations. Train neighborhood groups to care for themselves during disasters. Activity assist in neighborhood drills and safety exercises to increase participation and build community support. HS-2.7.3: DependentVulnerable Populations. As part of community-wide efforts, actively cooperate with State agencies that oversee facilities for persons with disabilities and those with access and functional needs to ensure that such the facilities conform to all health and 244 PC 09-22-2026 244 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Page 58 Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 safety requirements, including emergency planning, training, response exercises, and employee education. HS-2.7.4: Foreign Language Multilingual Emergency Information. Obtain translated Prepare emergency preparedness materials in English, Spanish, and other languages commonly spoken in the community and make them available distribute to appropriate foreign language populations. HS-2.7.5: Critical Needs for Vulnerable Populations During Emergencies. Coordinate with local service organizations and regional public sector partners on response for food and other critical needs access to vulnerable populations including home-bound seniors and other mobility-limited residents living alone. HS-2.7.6: Overlapping Hazards and Sensitive Populations. Identify areas of overlapping hazards on sensitive populations, as data becomes available, in future Vulnerability Assessments and prioritize capital improvement, development regulations and other city projects to increase resilience such areas. POLICY HS-2.8: EDUCATIONAL AND OUTREACH MATERIALS Support education and expanded awareness by residents and business of hazard preparedness and response activities, such as vegetation management and, defensible space, evacuation routes, home resilience retrofits, and emergency evacuation procedures. STRATEGY: HS-2.8.1: Distribution of Hazard Preparedness Information. Distribute relevant community educational and engagement materials broadly through in-person and virtual means, including the school districts, the Senior Center, City facilities, and the Cupertino Scene. POLICY HS-2.9: POOR AIR QUALITY EVENT ASSISTANCE Work with local agencies and community-based organizations to provide resources to help residents respond to poor air quality events (e.g., transportation to resilience centers and supply free N95 masks). POLICY HS-2.10: DISASTER MEDICAL RESPONSE Continue to coordinate with the appropriate County agencies and local emergency medical clinics to ensure preparedness and provide disaster medical response. Coordinate with the CERT members throughout the City to ensure that they are prepared to provide emergency support and first aid at the neighborhood level. STRATEGY: HS-2.10.1: Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Emergency Medical Clinics. Work with Santa Clara County to develop an MOU with local emergency clinics to provide services in the event of an emergency. The County’s role and involvement in emergencies 245 PC 09-22-2026 245 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 Page 59 should be considered in development of the MOU. POLICY HS-2.6: MILITARY FACILITIES AND READINESS Consider the impact of development on neighboring military facilities and maintain military airspace to ensure military readiness. POLICY HS-2.11: EVACUATION ROUTES Ensure that evacuation routes into and out of the city have adequate capacity, safety, and viability in the event of an emergency. Ensure evacuation route designations are reviewed and updated, as needed. STRATEGIES: HS-2.11.1: Evacuation Route Coordination. Continue to coordinate with emergency responders, the County, and Caltrans to ensure evacuation routes are designed and maintained to remain accessible during emergency evacuations and to ensure changes to roadways continue to maintain adequate emergency ingress and egress. HS-2.11.2: High-Hazard Day Parking Management. In coordination with the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office and Santa Clara County Fire Department, update the Emergency Operations Plan to establish a master list of streets with parking restrictions on designated evacuation corridors during Red Flag Warnings and other high-hazard days to preserve lane width, sight distance, and emergency access. HS-2.11.3: Managed Traffic Control During Evacuations. Coordinate with the Santa Clara County Fire Department, Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office, and Caltrans to implement managed traffic control measures during evacuations, including turn restrictions, signal timing adjustments, lane conversions, and route or ramp closures as needed to maximize outbound flow from evacuation areas. HS-2.11.4: Dynamic Traffic Assignment: Conduct a citywide dynamic traffic assignment evacuation study, with each update of the Health and Safety Element, no less than every 8 years, modeling time-to-safety conditions under multiple evacuation scenarios given current land uses and projected future buildout. The study shall evaluate the benefits of different proposed supply-side and demand- side policies to improve the effectiveness of evacuations. HS-2.11.5: Infrastructure Prioritization. Prioritize infrastructure improvements on roadways that serve as a single point of ingress and egress for residential areas, particularly in a High or Very High fire hazard severity zone or in an area with a slope of at least 30%. POLICY HS-2.12: EVACUATION AWARENESS Ensure the public is aware of evacuation zones, evacuation routes, and how to access emergency alerts and evacuation orders. Annually Red Flag Warnings A red flag warning is issued by the National Weather Service before and during fire weather conditions. These conditions include strong winds, low humidity, and warm temperatures, increasing the risk of wildfires starting and spreading quickly. 246 PC 09-22-2026 246 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Page 60 Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 provide information to members of the public about evacuation concerns for all relevant hazards, including designated evacuation routes and evacuation plan details, through multiple formats and in multiple languages, including via the Cupertino Scene and other means of communication. STRATEGIES: HS-2.12.1: Evacuation Mapping Availability. Ensure easy-to-use evacuation maps, with identifiable neighborhood names, major intersections and landmarks, are prepared and made available digitally. HS-2.12.2: Evacuation Planning Coordination. Coordinate with schools, parks and open space areas, golf courses, and other community facilities on evacuation plans, including staging and traffic control protocols. POLICY HS-2.13: INGRESS AND EGRESS STANDARDS FOR NEW DEVELOPMENT Require new subdivisions or multiple unit developments of five or more lots or units to have at least two ingress and egress routes, if they are located in at least one of these areas: • An area with evacuation constraints, as shown in Figure HS- 3, Evacuation-Constrained Residential Areas • A High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, as shown in Figure HS-4, Fire Hazard Severity Zones. • An area with a slope of 30% or more. Encourage new subdivisions or multiple unit developments of five or more lots or units not located in an area identified in this policy to have at least two ingress and egress routes. POLICY HS-2.14: INGRESS AND EGRESS FOR EXISTING DEVELOPMENT Encourage existing developments of five or more units in areas of evacuation constraints, as shown in Figure HS-3, Evacuation-Constrained Residential Areas, to provide secondary means of ingress and egress. POLICY HS-2.15: EMERGENCY ACCESS Ensure compliant adequate emergency access is provided for all new hillside development. STRATEGIES: HS-2.15.1: Roadway Design. Create an all-weather emergency road system to serve rural hillside and wildfire-prone areas. HS-2.15.2: Hillside Access Routes. Require new hillside development to have frequent grade breaks in access routes, which must comply with applicable fire access and egress standards, to ensure a timely response from fire personnel. POLICY HS-2.16: EVACUATION ROUTE ASSESSMENT REQUIREMENT Require new subdivisions or developments of five or more lots or units to prepare, and to submit to the City for review, an evacuation route assessment, if they are located in at least one of these areas: • An area with evacuation constraints, as shown in Figure HS- 3, Evacuation-Constrained Residential Areas 247 PC 09-22-2026 247 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 Page 61 • A High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, as shown in Figure HS-4, Fire Hazard Severity Zones. • An area with a slope of 30% or more. STRATEGY: HS-2.16.1: Mitigate Evacuation Constraints. Projects that conduct an evacuation review assessment which determines that the project would add evacuation demand shall identify feasible measures to avoid, reduce, or offset added evacuation constraints. 248 PC 09-22-2026 248 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Page 62 Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 Goal HS-3 Protect the community from hazards associated with wildland and urban fires FIRE SAFETY The City seeks to provide direction to the Santa Clara County Fire Department (SCCFD) on ways to better protect the community from natural and human-made caused fire disasters, and to implement local policies to improve building and site design. POLICY HS-3.1: REGIONAL COORDINATION Coordinate wildland fire prevention efforts with adjacent jurisdictions. Encourage the County and the Midpeninsula Open Space District to implement measures to reduce fire hazards, including putting into effect the fire reduction policies of the County Public Safety Element, continuing efforts in fuel management, and considering the use of “green” fire break uses for open space lands. POLICY HS-3.1: EARLY PROJECT REVIEW Involve the Santa Clara County Fire Department in the early design stage of all development projects requiring public review to ensure Fire Department input and modifications as needed. POLICY HS-3.2: FIRE RESPONSE TIMES Ensure Santa Clara County Fire Department maintains required response time standards for emergency response in Cupertino. STRATEGIES: HS-3.2.1: Response Time Standards. Work with Santa Clara County Fire Department to establish citywide response time standards, accounting for time for call, turnout time, travel time, and on scene time for both fire and emergency medical response. POLICY HS-3.3: ADEQUATE FIRE PROTECTION In coordination with the Santa Clara County Fire Department, require that new development be located where 249 PC 09-22-2026 249 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 Page 63 fire and emergency services have sufficient capacity to meet project needs and require that the developer provide infrastructure or equipment necessary, proportional to the project's fire service demand, to maintain adequate fire protection to comply with critical response time standards, proportional to the project's fire service demand. Increased population density and new building types will impact fire life safety, capacity of water supply, traffic flow, and will contribute to greater demand on public safety resources. STRATEGIES: HS-3.3.1: Development Review for Adequate Service. Review development projects, in coordination with the Santa Clara County Fire Department, to evaluate fire response times and ensure adequate service to new development. Evaluation should consider both on- site and off-site conditions that may affect emergency response, including roadway width, access to water supply, and visibility of street signage. When development projects do not meet fire response times, require that project applicants provide infrastructure, equipment, or improvements necessary to ensure adequate fire protection and compliance with critical response time standards. HS-3.3.2: City Fire Code. To the extent feasible, conduct periodic fire safety inspections to ensure compliance with adopted codes. POLICY HS-3.4: NEW DEVELOPMENT IN FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES. Ensure new developments in designated Fire Hazard Severity Zones (see Figure HS-4) comply with the City’s Municipal Code and applicable State codes, including the California Building Code, California Fire Code, California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, and California Fire Safe Regulations, or equivalent standards. Applications for proposed development must include a site plan, planting plan, irrigation plan, plan for management and long-term maintenance of defensible space, water supply source and access, as required by State or City codes and regulations. STRATEGYIES: HS-3.4.1: Review in Moderate Fire Severity Hazard Zones. In the event, the California Fire, Wildland Urban Interface, and Building Codes require the implementation of different building standards in the Moderate Fire Severity Hazard Zones, ensure these are included in all permit plans prior to issuance of the first permits whether ministerial and discretionary. POLICY HS-3.5: LAND USE AND ZONING CHANGES, AND DEVELOPMENT IN HIGH AND VERY HIGH FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES Avoid land use and zoning changes which increase residential density or intensity of existing land use, new subdivisions or multiple unit developments of five or more lots or units in the High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, except as required by State law, in order to protect public safety, reduce wildfire 250 PC 09-22-2026 250 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Page 64 Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 risks, and enhance emergency response capabilities. POLICY HS-3.6: LAND USE AND ZONING CHANGES AND DEVELOPMENT IN SPECIFIC VERY HIGH FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES Prohibit new subdivisions, multiple unit developments, or land use and zoning changes that would increase residential density or intensity of the existing land use in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone , as shown in Figure HS-4, if located in at least one of these areas, except as such developments may be required by State law: • Properties with primary access from private roads • An area with a slope of 30% or more. POLICY 3.7: FIRE-RESISTANT MATERIALS. Ensure improvements and new structures within a High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone comply with the California Building Code, California Fire Code, California Wildland Urban Interface Code, and California Fire Safe Regulations, or equivalent standards, to ensure fire-resistant roof coverings and exterior building materials. The Chief Building Official shall enforce these standards in alignment with Health and Safety Code Section 13143.4, making necessary findings as required. STRATEGY: HS-3.7.1: Wildfire Assistance Program. Explore establishing a wildfire financial assistance program to help property owners enact and maintain wildfire home hardening and defensible space features and practices on their properties, prioritizing providing assistance to properties that do not yet conform to current standards. POLICY 3.8: FIRE PROTECTION PLANS. Require fire protection plans for all new development projects in the High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, including plans for long-term, comprehensive, fuel reduction and management. The fire protection plan shall be consistent with California Fire Code, Chapter 49. POLICY HS-3.9: ACCESS FOR FIRE AND EMERGENCY VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT Require proposed new development to provide adequate access for fire and emergency vehicles and equipment that meets or exceeds applicable State and local standards. Developments must also comply with the applicable provisions of the California Fire Code to ensure fire safety measures, including emergency access, fire protection systems, and defensible space requirements, align with statewide fire prevention standards. STRATEGIES: HS-3.9.1: Fire Hazards Response Support Support measures that help firefighting crews and emergency response teams respond to fire hazards or work under low-visibility conditions, such as high-visibility signage for streets and building addresses that meet or exceed the standards in the California Fire Safe Regulations (Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, Division 1.5, 251 PC 09-22-2026 251 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 Page 65 Chapter 7, Articles 2 and 3, Sections 1273 and 1274). HS-3.9.2: New Hillside Roads Ensure new access roads proposed with new development are designed to meet State Minimum Fire Safe Regulations, California Fire Code, and City Municipal Code standards and constructed prior to the issuance of final occupancy for any new development. POLICY HS-3.3: EMERGENCY ACCESS Ensure adequate emergency access is provided for all new hillside development. (Moved) STRATEGIES: HS-3.3.1: Roadway Design. Create an all-weather emergency road system to serve rural areas. (Moved) HS-3.3.2: Dead-End Street Access. Allow public use of private roadways during an emergency for hillside subdivisions that have dead-end public streets longer than 1,000 feet or find a secondary means of access. HS-3.3.3: Hillside Access Routes. Require new hillside development to have frequent grade breaks in access routes to ensure a timely response from fire personnel. (Moved) HS-3.9.3: Hillside Road Upgrades. Require new hillside development to upgrade existing access roads to meet State Minimum Fire Safe Regulations, California Fire Code, and City Municipal Code standards. HS-3.9.4: Hillside Road Maintenance Agreements Required. Require recordation of maintenance agreements which run with the land, prior to final occupancy, stipulating that private hillside road maintenance is the responsibility of the property owner or, in the event of a shared access road, the shared responsibility of the property owners with shared access to the roadway. These standards include road standards for evacuation and emergency vehicle access, vegetation management, and other requirements of the California Fire Safe Regulations. POLICY HS-3.10: PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL ELECTRONIC SECURITY GATES Discourage the use of private residential electronic security gates and selectively permit them only if they do notthat act as a barrier to emergency personnel. STRATEGIES: HS-3.10.1: Location. Strongly discourage electric gates in high fire and very high fire hazard zones. Allow electric gates only in locations permitted by the Municipal Code. Require a fence exception for electric security gates in certain areas areas as outlined in the Municipal Code. HS-3.10.2: Access to Gates. Where electronic security gates are allowed, require the installation of an approved key switch to be accessedenable vehicle access by the Fire DistrictDepartment. POLICY HS-3.5: COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL FIRE PROTECTION GUIDELINES Coordinate with the Fire Department to develop new guidelines for fire 252 PC 09-22-2026 252 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Page 66 Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 protection for commercial and industrial land uses. POLICY HS-3.6: FIRE PREVENTION AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS Promote fire prevention and emergency preparedness through city- initiated public education programs, the government television channel, the InternetCity’s website, and the Cupertino Scene. (Moved) POLICY HS-3.7: MULTI-STORY BUILDINGS Ensure that adequate fire protection is built into the design of multi-story buildings and require on-site fire suppression materials and equipment. POLICY HS-3.11: EXTENSION OF WATER SERVICE Encourage the water companies to extend water service into the hillside and canyon areas and encourage cooperation between water utility companies and the Fire Department in order to keep water systems in pace with growth and firefighting service needs. Require new subdivisions and development within High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones to obtain a water service extension letter, to include fire flow capacity, from water service providers prior to receiving development permit approval to ensure adequate water services for both fire protection and daily use. POLICY HS-3.12: LONG-TERM WATER SUPPLY Ensure long-term water supply for fire suppression and maintaining fire- flows. POLICY HS-3.13: COORDINATION OF LONG-TERM WATER SUPPLY Encourage cooperation between Coordinate with water utility companies providers and the Santa Clara County Fire Department in order to anticipate future locations and keep water supply systems in pace with growth and firefighting service needs. STRATEGIES: HS-3.13.1: Adequate Water Service. Identify and improve areas lacking adequate water service for firefighting, including capacity for peak load under a reasonable worst-case wildland fire scenario determined by the Santa Clara County Fire Department. HS-3.13.2: Sufficient Water Flow. Work with San Jose Water, California Water Service, and Santa Clara County Fire Department to ensure that fire hydrants are adequately distributed throughout Cupertino and have sufficient water flow. POLICY HS-3.14 FIRE SAFE ROADWAYS Require existing non-conforming public and private roadways in Fire Hazard Severity Zones to comply with current fire safety regulations required for new subdivisions and development. STRATEGY: HS-3.14.1: City Roadways Repair and Maintenance. Prepare and implement plans to repair and maintain City-owned roadways as needed to meet current standards. HS-3.14.2: Private Roadways Repair and Maintenance. Require private property owners to prepare and implement plans to update, repair, and maintain their existing privately-owned roadways to meet current local and State standards, given the absence of other site constraints. At time of development review, ensure 253 PC 09-22-2026 253 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 Page 67 maintenance agreements are recorded running with the land to ensure that street maintenance is the responsibility of the private property owner, or in the case of a shared roadway, the shared responsibility of the private property owners with shared access. These standards include road standards for evacuation and emergency vehicle access, vegetation management, and other requirements of the California Fire Safe Regulations, Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, Division 1.5, Chapter 7. POLICY HS-3.15: VEGETATION MANAGEMENT Collaborate with Santa Clara County Fire Department to provide fuel reduction, defensible space, and vegetation management. STRATEGIES: HS-3.15.1: Roadside Vegetation Management. Collaborate with Santa Clara County Fire Department to provide public and private roadside fuel reduction, defensible space, and vegetation management, particularly along evacuation routes. HS-3.15.2: Defensible Space. Require all existing and new properties in the Fire Hazard Severity Zones to establish and maintain defensible space and vegetation management around dwellings and inhabited structures, in accordance with City and State standards. POLICY HS-3.16: FIRE-RESISTANT LANDSCAPING Promote the use of fire-resistant landscaping in public and private developments. In High and Very High Fire Severity Zones, fire- resistant landscaping shall be required. POLICY HS-3.17: FUEL BREAKS AND EMERGENCY ACCESS ROUTES Coordinate with CAL FIRE, Santa Clara County Fire Department, and private property owners to maintain existing fuel breaks and emergency access routes for effective fire suppression. POLICY HS-3.18: RECOVERY AND REDEVELOPMENT AFTER A LARGE FIRE. Develop and update programs as needed that ensure recovery and redevelopment after a large fire and that reduce future vulnerabilities to fire hazard risks through site preparation, redevelopment layout design, fire-resistant landscape planning, and home hardening building design and materials. 254 PC 09-22-2026 254 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Page 68 Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 Goal HS-4 Ensure high levels of community safety with police services that meet the community’s needs PUBLIC SAFETYPOLICE SERVICES The City seeks to support public safety through improved police services and better site design. POLICY HS-4.1: NEIGHBORHOOD AWARENESS PROGRAMS Continue to support the Neighborhood Watch Program, Block Leader Program, and other similar programs intended to help neighborhoods prevent crime through social interaction. POLICY HS-4.2: CRIME PREVENTION THROUGH BUILDING AND SITE DESIGN Consider appropriate design techniques to reduce crime and vandalism when designing public spaces and reviewing development proposals. STRATEGIES: HS-4.2.1: Perimeter Roads for Parks. Encircle neighborhood parks with a public road to provide visual accessibility whenever possible. HS-4.2.2: Development Review. Continue to request County Sheriff review and comment on new development applicationsto ensure new development provides for appropriate security and public safety measures. POLICY HS-4.3: FISCAL IMPACTS Recognize Require that new development accounts for fiscal impacts to the County Sheriff, Santa Clara County Fire, and City of Cupertino when approving various land use mixes. POLICY HS-4.4: LAW ENFORCEMENT RESPONSE TIMES Ensure that law enforcement emergency response times consistently meet the standards of the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Department. STRATEGY: HS-4.4.1: Response Time Review. Include requirements to conduct regular reviews of response time data for police service to identify trends, patterns, and areas for improvement in contracts for Sheriff services. 255 PC 09-22-2026 255 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 Page 69 GOAL HS-5 Reduce risks associated with geologic and seismic hazards SEISMIC AND GEOLOGICGEOLOGIC AND SEISMIC HAZARDS The City seeks to ensure community safety in areas with potential seismic and geologic hazards by implementing best construction and engineering practices and education. POLICY HS-5.1: SEISMIC AND GEOLOGIC REVIEW PROCESS Evaluate new development proposals and subdivisions within mapped potential seismic and geologic hazard zones using a formal seismic/geologic review process. Use Table HS-3General Plan Appendix E of this Element to determine the level of review required. STRATEGIES: HS-5.1.1: Geotechnical and Structural Analysis. Require any site with a slope exceeding 10 percent to reference the Landslide Hazard Potential Zone maps of the State of California for all required geotechnical and structural analysis. HS-5.1.2: Residential Upgrades. Require that any residential facility, that is being increased more than 50 percent assessed value or physical size, conform to all provisions of the current building and residential codes throughout the entire structure. Owners of residential buildings with known structural defects, such as un- reinforced garage openings, “soft first story” construction, unbolted foundations, or inadequate sheer walls are encouraged to take steps to remedy the problem and bring their buildings up to the current building and residential codes. HS-5.1.3: Geologic Review. Continue to implement and update geologic review procedures for gGeologic rReports required by the Municipal CodeGeneral Plan Appendix 256 PC 09-22-2026 256 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Page 70 Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 E through the development review process. POLICY HS-5.2: PUBLIC EDUCATION ON SEISMIC SAFETY Reinforce the existing public education programs to help residents minimize hazards resulting from earthquakes. STRATEGIES: HS-5.2.1: Covenant on Seismic Risk. Require developers to record a covenant to disclose risks to tell future residents in high-riskall fault zones areas about the risk and inform them that more information is in City Hall records. This requirement is in addition to the State requirement that information on the geological report is recorded on the face of subdivision maps. HS-5.2.2: Emergency Preparedness. Publish and promote emergency preparedness activities and drills. Use the City social media, and the website to provide safety tips that may include identifying and correcting household hazards, knowing how and when to turn off utilities, helping family members protect themselves during and after an earthquake, recommending neighborhood preparation activities, and advising residents to maintain an emergency supply kit containing first- aid supplies, food, drinking water and battery operated radios and flashlights. (Moved) HS-5.2.3: Neighborhood Response Groups. Encourage participation in Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training. Train neighborhood groups to care for themselves during disasters. Actively assist in neighborhood drills and safety exercises to increase participation and build community support. (Moved) HS-5.2.4: Dependent Populations. As part of community-wide efforts, actively cooperate with State agencies that oversee facilities for persons with disabilities and those with access and functional needs, to ensure that such facilities conform to all health and safety requirements, including emergency planning, training, exercises and employee education. (Moved) HS-5.2.5: Foreign Language Emergency Information. Obtain translated emergency preparedness materials and make them available to appropriate foreign language populations. (Moved) POLICY HS-5.3: HILLSIDE GRADING Establish standards and procedures to limit grading on hillside properties, particularly those that change natural flows or flatten existing slopes. Restrict the extent and timing of hillside grading operations to April through October, except as otherwise allowed by the City. Require performance bonds during the remaining time to guarantee the repair of any erosion damage. Require planting of graded slopes as soon as practical after grading is complete. 257 PC 09-22-2026 257 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 Page 71 GOAL HS-6 Protect people and property from the risks associated with hazardous materials and exposure to electromagnetic fields HAZARDOUS MATERIALS The City is committed to protecting its citizens from hazardous materials through improved disposal practices, better site design, and more public education. POLICY HS-6.1: HAZARDOUS MATERIALS STORAGE AND DISPOSAL Require the proper storage and disposal of hazardous materials to prevent leakage, potential explosions, fire, or the release of harmful fumes as required by the Santa Clara County Fire Department and/or the Santa Clary County Department of Environmental Health. Maintain information channels to the residential and business communities about the illegality and danger of dumping hazardous material and waste in the storm drain system or in creeks. POLICY HS-6.2: PROXIMITY OF RESIDENTS TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS Assess future residents’ exposure to hazardous materials when new residential development or sensitive populations are proposed in existing industrial and manufacturing areas. Do not allow residential development or sensitive populations (such as childcare uses or elder care) or sensitive populations if such hazardous conditions cannot be mitigated to an acceptable level of risk. STRATEGIES: HS-6.2.1: Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) required. Establish and maintain requirements for environmental site assessment report review in conjunction with development. Continue to implement requirements in the Municipal Code to ensure environmental site assessment is completed prior to project approval, including, but not limited to, projects proposed on former industrial sites or others where there is a possibility of contamination. HS-6.2.2: Soil Remediation required. Ensure that conditions of approval are incorporated to require soil 258 PC 09-22-2026 258 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Page 72 Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 remediation with the appropriate regulatory agency with any ministerial or discretionary project approvals. Continue to implement the requirement that soil remediation be conducted prior to issuance of any permits involving ground/soil disturbing activity. HS-6.2.3: Other Hazardous Materials Review required. If there is sufficient evidence about the presence or storage of hazardous materials in properties within 500 feet of property on which new residential or uses for sensitive populations are proposed, review by the authority controlling the presence of the hazardous materials is required to ensure that any requirements from that authority are included in any approvals, whether ministerial or discretionary. HS-6.2.4: Hazardous Materials Storage. Continue to enforce current federal, State, County, and local standards and regulations related to hazardous materials storage. POLICY HS-6.3: ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS (EMF)RADIOFREQUENCY STUDIES Continue to require radiofrequency studies for wireless developments during Ensure that projects meet Federal and State standards for EMF emissions through the development review process to confirm that projects meet federal and State standards. POLICY HS-6.4: EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS Continue to encourage residents and businesses to use non- and less- hazardous products, especially less toxic pest control products, to slow the generation of new and reduce hazardous waste requiring disposal through the county-wide program. POLICY HS-6.5: HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSALS Continue to support and facilitate , for residences and businesses, a convenient opportunity to properly dispose of hazardous waste for residences and businesses. STRATEGIES: HS-6.5.1: Partner on Hazardous Waste Collection and Disposal. Continue to explore efficient, economical, and convenient ways to offer Household Hazardous Waste and electronic waste collection for residents in partnership with the sSolid wWaste contractor or the County. HS-6.5.2: Educational Materials. Publish educational materials about the Household Hazardous Waste program in the Cupertino Scene, City website, and brochures that are distributed throughout the community. POLICY HS-6.6: RADIOFREQUENCY AWARENESS AND TRANSPARENCY Continue to address public concerns about radiofrequency exposure and promote science-based awareness by educating residents, ensuring regulatory compliance, and fostering transparency through effective community outreach and communication led by the Technology, Information, and Communications Commission (TICC) as needed. 259 PC 09-22-2026 259 of 290 CHAPTER 7 c: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 Page 73 GOAL HS-7 Protect people and property from risks associated with floods FLOODING The City seeks to ensure community protection from floods through the design of projects, municipal operations, and public education. POLICY HS-7.1: EVACUATION MAP Prepare and update periodicallyMaintain an evacuation map for the flood hazard areas in Cupertino on and distribute it to the general publicthe City’s website. POLICY HS-7.2: EMERGENCY RESPONSE TO DAM FAILURE Ensure that Cupertino is prepared to respond to a potential dam failure. STRATEGIES: HS-7.2.1: Emergency and Evacuation Plan. Coordinate with the Santa Clara Valley Water District to mMaintain and update the Stevens Creek Dam Failure Plana Stevens Creek Dam Failure Plan, including an alert, warning, and notification systems and appropriate signage. HS-7.2.2: Inter-agency Cooperation. Continue to coordinate dam-related evacuation plans and alert/notification systems with the City of Sunnyvale, the Santa Clara Valley Water District, and Santa Clara County to ensure that traffic management between the agencies facilitates life safety. Also Wwork with other neighboring cities to enhance communication and coordination during a dam-related emergency. POLICY HS-7.3: EXISTING NON- RESIDENTIAL USES IN THE FLOOD PLAIN Allow commercial and recreational uses that are now exclusively within the flood plain to remain in their present use or to be used for agriculture or open space, provided the use it does no’t conflict with Ffederal, State, and or regional requirements. POLICY HS-7.4: CONSTRUCTION IN FLOODPLAINS Continue to implement land use, zoning, and building and residential code regulations limiting new construction in the already urbanized 260 PC 09-22-2026 260 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Page 74 Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 flood hazard areas recognized by the Federal Flood Insurance Administrator. STRATEGIES: HS-7.4.1: Dwellings in Flood Plains. Discourage Prohibit new residential development or subdivisions in regulated flood plainsthe 100-year floodplain or regulatory floodway which increases the density or intensity of the existing land use. Regulate all types of redevelopment in natural flood plains to prevent increased density. This includes discouraging fill materials and obstructions that may increase flood potential or modify the natural riparian corridors. HS-7.4.2: Description of Flood Zone Regulation. Continue to maintain and update a map of potential flood hazard areas and a description of flood zone regulations on the City’s website. HS-7.4.3: National Flood Insurance Program Community Rating System. Continue to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS). HS-7.4.4 Land Uses in Flood Plains. Encourage the development of compatible open space/recreational uses in regulatory floodways and the 100-year floodplain that are consistent with the provisions of the Federal Emergency Management Agency for floodway uses. HS-7.4.5 Update Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. Review and update Municipal Code Section 16.52, Prevention of Flood Damage, to maintain compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program and ensure development standards consider changes to the flood plain due to climate change. POLICY HS-7.5: HILLSIDE GRADINGRestrict the extent and timing of hillside grading operations to April through October except as otherwise allowed by the City. Require performance bonds during the remaining time to guarantee the repair of any erosion damage. Require planting of graded slopes as soon as practical after grading is complete. (Moved) POLICY HS-7.5: STABILITY OF EXISTING WATER STORAGE FACILITIES Assure Ensure the structural integrity of water storage facilities. STRATEGY: HS-7.5.1: Coordination with Other Agencies. Work closely with the San Jose Water Company and owners of other water storage facilities to develop and implement a program to monitor the stability of all existing water storage facilities and related improvements, such as distribution lines, connections, and other system- components. POLICY HS-7.6: REDUCE FLOOD RISK Reduce flood risk by maintaining effective stormwater drainage systems, regulating construction, and updating stormwater infrastructure design requirements, and retrofitting storm drainage systems as needed. 261 PC 09-22-2026 261 of 290 CHAPTER 7 c: HEALT H AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Page 75 Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 GOAL HS-8 Increase resilience of the community to extreme heat EXTREME HEAT The City seeks to maintain community health and well-being in the face of increased extreme heat events and higher average temperatures. POLICY HS-8.1: EXTREME HEAT Recognize extreme heat as a significant hazard in Cupertino, integrating extreme heat into emergency preparedness and response procedures. STRATEGIES: HS-8.1.1: Heat Action Plan. Develop a citywide Heat Action Plan, as an annex to the Emergency Operations Plan, which would include the identification of cooling centers to provide sufficient coverage for the entire community, in coordination with emergency service and utility providers, the minimum hours and thresholds for cooling center operations, and transportation options to cooling centers. HS-8.1.2: Extreme Heat Vulnerable Neighborhoods. Identify neighborhoods most at risk from extreme heat and prioritize extreme heat support and resources for these locations and for communities recognized as uniquely vulnerable to extreme heat in the Vulnerability Assessment. HS-8.1.3: Extreme Heat Protection for Outdoor Workers. Continue to work with labor and business groups to ensure education and enforcement of State and federal standards for extreme heat. Support industry partnerships to strengthen extreme heat resilience. POLICY HS-8.2: EXTREME HEAT MITIGATION. Review public projects and new nonresidential and multi-family 262 PC 09-22-2026 262 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Page 76 Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 projects for opportunities to reduce their contribution to the urban heat island effect through site design, building materials, landscaping, or other project features that provide shading and cooling onsite, and continue to support City led and community-based efforts to increase shade and provide cooling city-wide. STRATEGIES: HS-8.3.1: Shading and Heat- Mitigating Materials. Coordinate with the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority to increase shading and heat-mitigating materials on pedestrian walkways and at transit stops, including the planting and maintenance of trees for shade. HS-8.3.2: Enhanced Shading for New Nonresidential and Multifamily Development. Require new developments to enhance shading on properties by planting trees and installing shade structures and other cooling/shading features, including active cooling in high-use public hubs and corridors. HS-8.3.3: Enhanced Shading for Existing Nonresidential and Multifamily Development. Require the inclusion of vegetation and shade trees and/or shade structures in existing non-residential and multi-family residential parking lots, to reduce the urban heat island effect, where one or more of the following occur: ▪ A change of use is proposed, or ▪ More than 25% of the site is being modified, or ▪ A new parking lot is proposed, or ▪ An existing parking lot is substantially retrofitted in compliance with the Municipal Code. HS-8.3.4: Enhanced Shading for Existing Parking Lots. Encourage the inclusion of vegetation and trees and/or shade structures in existing parking lots. HS-8.3.5: Artificial Turf. Assess public and environmental health impacts and environmental resource use associated with the installation and use of synthetic or artificial turf on City owned or managed property. POLICY HS-8.4: RESILIENT URBAN FOREST Increase carbon sequestration by expanding and enhancing the urban tree canopy and green space, prioritizing equitable distribution, climate-resilient design, and long- term ecosystem health. STRATEGIES: HS-8.4.1 Urban Forest Management Plan. Develop an Urban Forest Management Plan (UFMP) that identifies the framework and strategy for expanding the tree canopy in Cupertino. Ensure the sustainability of the urban forest (including all existing and new trees) by including tree maintenance and protection, attention to safety, resident engagement, and the planting of native and climate- appropriate trees. HS-8.4.2: Tree Replacement Adopt and maintain regulations to protect trees, including but not limited to public trees. Ensure trees protected are climate appropriate. Ensure any trees that may be removed to accommodate new 263 PC 09-22-2026 263 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 Page 77 houses are replaced at a minimum ratio of 2:1. Consider amending the Protected Tree Ordinance of the Municipal Code to require a minimum of two replacement trees for any tree removal. Refer to the Climate Action Plan and General Plan Environmental Resources Element for additional strategies in support of the urban forest and tree planting, including Strategies ES-2.1.5, ES-5.1.1, and ES- 5.1.2 264 PC 09-22-2026 264 of 290 CHAPTER 7 c: HEALT H AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Page 78 Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 GOAL HS-9 Increase community resilience to climate change hazards CLIMATE CHANGE RESILIENCE The City seeks to ensure that the community adapts to the impacts of climate change through sustainable practices, innovative design techniques, public outreach and education, and agency collaboration. POLICY HS-9.1: EQUITABLY LOCATED RESILIENCE CENTERS Establish one or more community resilience centers in Cupertino. Ensure that resilience centers are not in areas at risk from hazard impacts to the extent possible, are equitably located, offer refuge from extreme heat and extreme weather events as well as poor air quality and disasters, and are equipped with renewable energy generation and backup power supplies. Such facilities should be in easily accessible locations and available to all community members. STRATEGY: HS-9.1.1: Evacuation Shelter Planning and Siting. Update the Emergency Operations Plan to identify and maintain a network of temporary evacuation shelters and community refuge sites outside the Fire Hazard Severity Zones to reduce travel demand on primary evacuation corridors. POLICY HS-9.2: RESILIENCE CENTER TRANSIT SERVICES Work with transit, dial-a-ride, and paratransit service providers to provide transit services to and from community resilience centers for seniors, people with disabilities, and residents with access and functional needs. POLICY HS-9.3: SUSTAINABLE WATER SUPPLIES Maintain a sustainable, long-term water supply to meet community needs with consideration of the effects of more frequent and severe drought events. Work with water providers to implement extensive water conservation measures and ensure 265 PC 09-22-2026 265 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 Page 79 sustainable water supplies, including for fire suppression needs. STRATEGY: HS-9.3.1: Water Conservation. Promote water conservation measures in all public and private development, in landscaping and potable water use. HS-9.3.2: Dual-plumbing Water Systems. Adopt an ordinance for installation of dual-plumbing water systems that utilize greywater for irrigation at new residential construction. HS-9.3.3: Water Conservation Outreach and Education. Continue to work with water providers to support their water conservation and water efficiency rebate programs as directed by Environmental Resources Policy ES-7.9. Additionally, ensure that information about water conservation and rebate programs is targeted to households with low- or fixed incomes, older adults, persons with disabilities who have access needs, historically underserved communities, and to youth via schools. POLICY HS-9.4: SUSTAINABLE, ENERGY- EFFICIENT, AND ENVIRONMENTALLY REGENERATIVE FEATURES Encourage new developments and existing property owners to incorporate sustainable, energy- efficient, and environmentally regenerative features into their facilities, landscapes, and structures to reduce energy demands and improve on-site resilience. Support financing efforts to increase community access to these features. STRATEGIES: HS-9.4.1: Decarbonization. Continue to encourage carbon free appliances in new and existing buildings to the extent allowed by State and federal law. This could include adopting amendments to the Building Code to increase energy efficiency standards beyond the State’s requirements to the extent feasible by the law and educating residents and businesses about health and air quality benefits of carbon free appliances. HS-9.4.2: Permeable Pavement. Require permeable pavement (not installed on any impervious materials) in areas used for surface parking and/or driveways, such as driveways in single family homes and in at least 25% of open parking spaces in other types of projects. POLICY HS-9.5: DROUGHT-TOLERANT GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE Promote the use of drought‐tolerant green infrastructure, including landscaped areas, as part of cooling strategies in public and private spaces. STRATEGIES: HS-9.5.1: Drought-tolerant Green Infrastructure in Public Projects. Identify opportunities for and install green infrastructure in conjunction with street improvement projects and other capital improvement projects. HS-9.5.2: Drought-tolerant Green Infrastructure in Private projects. Identify opportunities for and encourage the installation of green infrastructure in conjunction with private development. 266 PC 09-22-2026 266 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Page 80 Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 POLICY HS-9.6: NATURAL RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE Encourage public and private projects to use natural resources and nature- based solutions to absorb the impacts of climate-related hazards and associated natural hazards, as feasible. POLICY HS-9.6: SEVERE WEATHER RESILIENCY Increase the resiliency of City-owned structures to severe weather events, including high wind events, and support homeowners and business owners to increase the resilience of their buildings and properties through retrofits, weatherization, and other improvements. POLICY HS 9.6: NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS. Where feasible, encourage the use of nature-based solutions, existing natural features, and/or ecosystem processes, or the restoration thereof, when considering alternatives for the conservation, preservation, or sustainable management of open space. This may include, but is not limited to, aquatic or terrestrial vegetated open space, systems and practices that use or mimic natural processes, and other engineered systems, to provide clean water, conserve ecosystem values and functions, and provide a wide array of benefits to people and wildlife. Environmentally regenerative features refer to design or operational features of buildings, infrastructure, and systems that help to restore, renew, or regenerate the natural environment. Examples include green roofs and living walls, permeable pavement, on-site renewable energy generation, rainwater harvesting and reuse, or use of low-impact materials and construction techniques. 267 PC 09-22-2026 267 of 290 CHAPTER 7 c: HEALT H AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 Page 81 GOAL HS-10 Minimize noise impacts on the community and maintain a compatible noise environment for existing and future land use NOISEOISE The City seeks to ensure that the community continues to enjoy a high quality of life through reduced noise pollution, effective project design, and noise management operations. POLICY HS-108.1: LAND USE DECISION EVALUATION Use the Land Use Compatibility for Community Noise Environments chart, the Future Noise Contour Map (see Figure D-1 in Appendix D), and the City Municipal Code to evaluate land use decisions. POLICY HS-108.2: BUILDING AND SITE DESIGN Minimize noise impacts through appropriate building and site design. STRATEGIES: HS-10.2.1: CommercialHS-8.2.1: Commercial Delivery Areas. Locate delivery areas for new commercial and industrial developments away from existing or planned homes. HS-10.2.2: Noise ControlHS-8.2.2: Noise Control Techniques. Require analysis and implementation of techniques to control the effects of noise from industrial equipment and processes for projects near low- intensity residential uses. Ensure that new development, including multifamily residential and non- residential development, complies with the applicable interior noise standards established in the Building Code, to the satisfaction of the Building Official. Prior to issuance of any certificates of occupancy, require post-construction monitoring or reporting by an acoustical engineer 268 PC 09-22-2026 268 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Page 82 Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 certifying that the project meets the applicable interior noise standards. HS-10.2.3: Sound WallHS-8.2.3: Sound Wall Requirements. Exercise discretion in requiring sound walls to be sure that all other measures of noise control have been explored before permitting or installation of a sound wall, and, if the installation is permitted, ensurethat the sound wall blends with the neighborhoodis architecturally enhanced with veneer or other decorative cladding, maintained at the expense of the sponsors of the sound wall or, if a landscape screen is permitted, that the landscaping is continuously maintained and replaced as necessary to ensure a green screen, maintained at the expense of the sponsors of the sound wall. Sound walls should be designed and landscaped to fit into the environment. POLICY HS-108.3: CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE ACTIVITIES Regulate construction and maintenance activities. Establish and enforce reasonable allowable periods of the day, during weekdays, weekends, and holidays for construction activities. Require construction contractors to use the best available technology to minimize excessive noise and vibration from construction equipment such as pile drivers, jack hammers, and vibratory rollers. Implement the noise requirements of the Municipal Code in Titles 10 and 17. POLICY HS-108.4: FREEWAY DESIGN AND NEIGHBORHOOD NOISE Ensure that roads and development along Highway State Route 85 and Interstate 280 are designed and improved in a way that minimizes neighborhood noise, including the installation of rubberized asphalt paving. Support the use of rubberized asphalt on freeways and streets that are not in the City’s jurisdiction but are within the City’s Sphere of Influence. Coordinate with appropriate agencies on projects to implement this requirement. STRATEGIES: HS-10.4.1: Freeway Soundwalls. Support the evaluation and installation of freeway soundwalls where needed to reduce noise impacts on adjacent neighborhoods. This includes considering support for: (1) new soundwalls along freeway segments where none currently exist; and (2) evaluating whether existing soundwalls provide adequate noise attenuation for nearby residents. HS-10.4.2: Freeway Soundwall Sponsorship. Establish a process for neighborhoods affected by freeway noise to request City sponsorship of an application to the appropriate agency for further analysis, study, and potential installation of a soundwall. If studies by the appropriate agency determine that freeway soundwall installation is geometrically infeasible, the agency should consider alternative noise buffers, including sound fences, 269 PC 09-22-2026 269 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 Page 83 acoustic panels, vegetation, or other feasible treatments. HS-10.4.3: Noise Impact Analysis. Continue to coordinate with Caltrans and VTA on freeway projects within or adjacent to Cupertino, including interchange projects, to ensure that required environmental review evaluates potential noise impacts and identifies feasible mitigation measures, as applicable. POLICY HS-108.5: NEIGHBORHOODS Review residents’ needs for convenience and safety and prioritize them over the convenient movement of commute or through traffic, where practical. POLICY HS-108.6: TRAFFIC-CALMING SOLUTIONS TO STREET NOISE Evaluate solutions to discourage through traffic in neighborhoods through enhanced paving and modified street design. STRATEGY: HS-10.6.1: Local Improvement. Modify street design to minimize noise impact to neighbors. POLICY HS-108.7: REDUCTION OF NOISE FROM TRUCKING OPERATIONS Conduct interagency coordination with Santa Clara CountyWork to carry out noise mitigation measures to diminish noise along Foothill and Stevens Creek Boulevards from the quarry and cement plant trucking operations. These measures include regulation of truck speed, the volume of truck activity, and trucking activity hours to avoid late evening and early morning. Alternatives to truck transport, specifically rail, are strongly encouraged when feasible. STRATEGIES: HS-10.7.1: Restrictions in the County’s Use Permit. Coordinate with the County to restrict the number of trucks, their speed, and noise levels along Foothill and Stevens Creek Boulevards, to the extent allowed in the Use Permit. Ensure that restrictions are monitored and enforced by the County. HS-10.7.2: Road Improvements to Reduce Truck Impacts. Consider road improvements such as medians, landscaping, noise attenuating asphalt, and other methods to reduce quarry truck impacts. HS-10.7.3: Street Signage. Consider whether restrictions on the movement of quarry related trucks between certain quiet hours on thoroughfares, such as Stevens Creek Boulevard and Foothill Boulevard can be implemented and install signage to help enforce adopted regulations. POLICY HS-10.8: NOISE GENERATING USES Prior to approving noise generating uses, including public or private recreational uses, within or adjacent to established residential areas, ensure the proposed noise generating use includes adequate noise mitigation measures, including, but not limited to, posted rules and regulations which limit 270 PC 09-22-2026 270 of 290 CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Page 84 Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | September 2026 hours of operation, to meet the City’s adopted noise standards. POLICY HS-10.9: NOISE GENERATING GARDEN EQUIPMENT Continue to implement and maintain Municipal Code standards regulating noise-generating garden equipment, including lawn mowers, leaf blowers, and similar equipment. 271 PC 09-22-2026 271 of 290 CONTENTS: E-2 Fault Rupture E-3 Ground Shaking E-5 Seismic Ground Deformation E-5 Liquification E-6 Seismically Induces Landslide E-6 Landslide Hazard E-7 Development Review Appendix E: Geologic and Seismic Hazards E 272 PC 09-22-2026 272 of 290 APPENDIX E: GEOLOGIC AND SEISMIC HAZARDS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) E-2 The following definitions provide a more comprehensive discussion of the hazards that are described in the main body of the text of Chapter 7: Health and Safety Element. FAULT RUPTURE Surface fault rupture is the breaking of the ground along a fault trace usually during a large magnitude earthquake. Although the risk of damage associated with surface fault rupture is high, it can be avoided by not placing structures across active fault traces. Thus, an important element in community planning involves knowing the locations of active fault traces. The State of California has produced maps depicting the general locations of known active fault traces. These maps, referred to in the past as the Alquist -Priolo Special Studies Zones Maps and more recently as Earthquake Fault Maps, provide location information about the most widely known active faults. Such as the San Andreas fault. However, the scale and resolution of these maps are not sufficient to accurately identify the location of faults with respect to individual properties and building sites. In addition, other significant local faults, such as the Monta Vista-Shannon and Sargent-Berrocal faults, are not covered by the State maps. The City has updated its Geologic and Seismic Hazards map (Figure E-1) Geology Map and Geologic Hazards Map to reflect the most recent data concerning local fault trace alignments. Within the City Fault RuptureRegional Fault Zones “Zone F”, as illustrated on Figure HS-5E-1: Geologic and Seismic Hazards, property owners must retain professional geologic consultants to determine whether or not specific fault traces impact proposed building sites for habitable or critical structures. 273 PC 09-22-2026 273 of 290 APPENDIX E: GEOLOGIC AND SEISMIC HAZARDS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) E-3 GROUND SHAKING Buildings and other structures located in seismically active regions such as the San Francisco Bay area are exposed to the hazard of severe ground shaking during earthquakes. Ground shaking is the vibration caused by rupture of a fault segment during an earthquake, and it can be felt over a wide area when the magnitude of the earthquake is very strong. The shaking intensity also isis also stronger in the area close to the earthquake epicenter and weaker in areas further away from the earthquake. In addition, the level of ground shaking is influenced by underlying rock formations, soil conditions and the depth to groundwater. A widely used shaking intensity scale is the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale (Table E-1), which describes the amount of damage occurring at any geographical location in response to seismic shaking. The intensity of an earthquake ground shaking is related to the size or magnitude of the earthquake. Each magnitude represents 10 times the amount of ground motion and approximately 31 times the amount of energy as the next lower numeral. Thus, an earthquake of magnitude 8 releases about 1,000 times more energy (31 x 31) than a magnitude 6 earthquake. A large-magnitude earthquake on nearby faults could cause considerable local damage, depending on the distance from the epicenter and characteristics of the ground. In general, structures on less well-consolidated bedrock and soil will experience greater shaking intensities than structures situated on hard rock. The City of Cupertino adopted the current California Code of Regulations, Title 24, or Buildings and Standards Code, with certain amendments, which applies to new and existing buildings and structures in the city. The 1997 Title 16 Buildings and Construction of the City’s Municipal Code includes Chapter 16.04 Building Code, which incorporates the current California Building Code, Volumes 1 and 2 and specified appendices, and Chapter 16.06 Residential Code, which incorporates the California Residential Code with specified appendices. The City’s Building Code and Residential CodeUniform Building Code (UBC) incorporates new seismic design parameters that take into accountconsider various types of faults, soil profile types and near-source acceleration factors. The majority of the Ccity located west of Highway 85 is located within 2 kilometers of known seismic sources (per California Division of Mines and Geology Near -Source Zones Map E-19). Proposed new development located within two kilometers of a known seismic source receives the most stringent near-source design factor, which is required 274 PC 09-22-2026 274 of 290 APPENDIX E: GEOLOGIC AND SEISMIC HAZARDS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) E-4 for use with 1997 UBCcurrent Cupertino Building Code (CBC) and Cupertino Residential Code (CRC) structural design calculations. Figure E-21 generally depicts the location of the various faults and hazard zones within the Cupertino planning area. 275 PC 09-22-2026 275 of 290 APPENDIX E: GEOLOGIC AND SEISMIC HAZARDS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) E-5 Table E-1 General Comparison Between Earthquake Magnitude and the Earthquake Effects Due to Ground Shaking Earthquake Category Richter Magnitude Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale (After Huser, 1970) Damage to Structure Minor 2.00 I Detected only by sensitive instruments No Damage II Felt by few persons at rest, esp. on upper floors; delicate suspended 3.00 III Felt noticeably indoors, but not always recognized as an earthquake; standing cars rock slightly, vibration like passing trucks IV Felt indoors by many, outdoors by a few; at night some awaken; dishes, windows, doors disturbed; 4.00 V Felt by most people; some breakage of dishes, windows and plaster; disturbance to tall objects Architectural Damage VI Felt by all; many are frightened and run outdoors; Falling plaster and chimneys; damage small 5.00 5.3 VII Everybody runs outdoors. Damage to buildings varies depending on quality of construction; noticed by driver of cars Moderate 6.00 VIII Chimneys fall; sand and mud ejected; drivers of cars disturbed Structural Damage 6.9 IX Building shifted off foundations, cracked, thrown out plumb; ground cracked, underground pipes broken; serious damage to reservoirs/embankments Major 7.00 X Most masonry and frame structures destroyed; ground cracked; rails bent slightly; landslides 7.7 XI Few structures remain standing; bridges destroyed; fissures in ground; pipes broken; land slides; rails bent Great 8.00 XII Damage total; waves seen on ground surface; lines of sight and level distorted; objects thrown into the air; large rock masses displaced Total Destruction 276 PC 09-22-2026 276 of 290 APPENDIX E: GEOLOGIC AND SEISMIC HAZARDS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) E-6 SEISMIC GROUND DEFORMATION Ground located in relatively close proximity to active fault traces may experience some level of ground deformation beyond the primary surface fault rupture zones. The distribution of this anticipated deformation is illustrated on Figure E- 1: Geologic and Seismic Hazards, “Zone F”.by the updated City Geologic Hazard Map – “Zone D”. Ground deformation away from the primary rupture zones may include broad bowing or warping of the surface, ground cracking and secondary ground fissuring. The general magnitudes of such deformation could be up to several inches, whereas ground impacted by primary surface fault rupture could experience offsets of several feet. Adjacent to local thrust faults (Berrocal and Monta Vista faults), relatively broad zones of ground deformation should be anticipated immediately west of the mapped fault trace alignments. These zones of deformation are anticipated to result from seismic displacement at depth along inclined fault planes descending to the west. The potential for such ground deformation should be considered during the design of new structures near active fault traces, as shown by Regional Fault Zones on Figure E-1: Geologic and Seismic Hazards. LIQUEFACTION Soil liquefaction is the phenomenon in which certain water -saturated soils lose their strength and flow as a fluid when subjected to intense shaking. With loss of soil strength, lateral spreading or sliding of soil toward a stream embankment can occur. Liquefaction can also result in the formation of sand boils, which represent conduits of pressure release from within the liquefied layer (at depth) to the ground surface. Liquefaction can also lead to local settlement of the ground surface and a reduction of bearing support for building foundations. The potential exists for tilting or collapse of structures due to liquefaction of underlying earth materials. Currently identified lands subject to a moderate or higher level of risk for liquefaction are essentially coincident with areas of potential flood inundation adjacent to local creek channels. Relatively deep, unconsolidated granular soil materials potentially prone to liquefaction may occur in these areas. The combined liquefaction and flood inundation hazard high liquefaction susceptibility areas and flood hazard zones areis depicted by Hazard “Zone I” on Figure E-1: Geologic and Seismic Hazardsthe City Geotechnical Hazards Map. 277 PC 09-22-2026 277 of 290 APPENDIX E: GEOLOGIC AND SEISMIC HAZARDS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) E-7 SEISMICALLY INDUCED LANDSLIDING Reactivation of existing landslides or generation of new slope failures (as discussed in the following section on landslides) may be initiated under intense seismic ground shaking conditions. As a result of the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, many large pre-existing landslides demonstrated lurching or other signs of movement and partial reactivation within the local Santa Cruz Mountains to the southwest of the City. Intense seismic ground shaking from a nearby earthquake could trigger new slope failures or movement of pre- existing landslides. Steep to precipitous banks adjacent to the flood plain plane of Stevens Creek may be particularly susceptible to seismically induced land sliding. These areas, and other mapped landslideshigh landslide susceptibility areas within the City, are included within “Zone L” on Figure E-1: Geologic and Seismic Hazardsthe City Geotechnical Hazard Map. LANDSLIDE HAZARDS Landslides present the greatest geologic hazards to the foothills and low mountains in the planning area. The sliding of a slope is the normal geologic process that widens valleys and flattens slopes. The rate ranges from rapid rock fails to very slow soil and bedrock creep. Landslides are caused by inter-related natural factors, such as weak soil and rock over hillsides made steeper by rapid stream erosion, adverse geologic structure, groundwater levels and high rainfall rates. Landslides can be caused by improper grading, excessive irrigation, removal of natural vegetation and altering surface and subsurface drainage. Figure E-21 on page 5 shows mapped landslide deposits within Cupertino. Geologic mapping in the hillsides shows that landslide deposits cover as much as 20 to 30 percent of the hillsides in the planning area. Landslides range from small, shallow deposits made up of soil and weak bedrock materials to large, deep landslides involving a large amount of bedrock. Extensive geologic characterization and engineering analyses are necessary to determine the long-term stability of a landslide deposit. Old deposits are the most difficult to judge. Experience shows that old landslide deposits are far more likely to move again than areas that have not had landslides before. 278 PC 09-22-2026 278 of 290 APPENDIX E: GEOLOGIC AND SEISMIC HAZARDS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) E-8 Areas in these old landslides that are next to steep, new stream channels are more likely to have new landslides than areas further from the new channels. This would be especially true with severe shaking during a major earthquake on any of the three faults in Cupertino. The historic account of the 1906 earthquake shows many landslides occurred throughout the Santa Cruz Mountains. Some of these were catastrophic, causing loss of life, personal injury, and severe damage to buildings. Landslides are expected along the high, steep embankments that bound the Stevens Creek floodplain plane, confined to local sites along the stream channel alignment extending from the front the hillsides across the valley floor. This hazard can be reduced significantly by restrictive building at the base and top of the embankments. DEVELOPMENT REVIEW These geologic and seismic hazards present risks to property and public safety. Tables E-2 through E-5 briefly explain geologic and seismic hazards in Cupertino, magnitude and occurrence, acceptable exposure rise, and technical investigations required based on acceptable risk. Figure E-1 identifies the areas in Cupertino susceptible to the greatest risk. During the development review process, Figure E-1 identifies which seismic or geologic hazard zone a proposed project is in, and Table E-3 defines the acceptable exposure level based on the development type. These two factors should then be used to determine the required geologic and seismic technical investigations in Table E-5 for a proposed development project. Tables E-2 and E-3 provide supporting information and definitions for this process. 279 PC 09-22-2026 279 of 290 APPENDIX E: GEOLOGIC AND SEISMIC HAZARDS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) E-9 Table HS-1E-2 Explanations of Geologic and Seismic Hazards Hazard Zone Description (F)– Fault Rupture Area of potential surface fault rupture hazard within 300 feet east and 600 feet west of the Monta Vista and Berrocal faults, and within 600 feet of the San Andreas fault. (S)– Slope Instability Area includes all recognized landslide deposits, and steep walls of Stevens Creek canyon, with a moderate to high landslide potential under static or seismic conditions. Area also reflects the mapped zone of potential earthquake-induced landsliding prepared by the California Geological Survey (2002). (H)– Hillside Area contains moderate to steep slope conditions not included in the above categories, with an unde- undetermined potential for slope instability. (L)– Liquefaction / Inundation Area where local geological, geotechnical and groundwater conditions indicate a potential for lique- liquefaction under seismic conditions. Much of this area also has the potential for periodic flood inundation. The Liquefaction/Inundation Zone is stippled where covered by an overlaying Fault Zone. (V)– Valley Area includes all relatively level valley floor terrain not included in the above categories with relatively low levels of geologic hazard risk. Table HS-2E-3 Maximum Earthquake Magnitudes and Recurrence Intervals Causative Faults Distance from De Anza/SCB Intersection Maximum Historic Moment Magnitude Maximum Probable Moment Magnitude Est. Recurrence Interval of Max. Prob. Earthquake San Andreas System San Andreas 5.5 miles 7.9 7.9 220 years Hayward (South) 10 miles 7.0 7.0 236 years Calveras (Central) 14 miles 6.3 7.0 374 years Sargent-Berrocal System Sargent-Berrocal 3.5 miles 3.7-5.0 6.8 330 years Monta Vista- Shannon 2 miles 2.0-3.0 6.8 2400 years 280 PC 09-22-2026 280 of 290 APPENDIX E: GEOLOGIC AND SEISMIC HAZARDS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) E-10 Table HS-3E-4 Acceptable Exposure to Risk Related to Various Land Uses Acceptable Exposure to Risk Land Use Group Extra Project Cost to Reduce Risk to Acceptable Level Extremely Low Group 1 Vulnerable structures (nuclear reactors, large dams, plants manufacturing/ storing hazardous materials) As required for maximum attainable safety Group 2 Vital public utilities (electrical transmission interties/substations, regional water pipelines, treatment plants, gas mains) Design as needed to remain functional after max. prob. earthquake on local faults Group 3 Communication/transportation (airports, telephones, bridges, freeways, evacuation. routes) 5% to 25% of project cost Small water retention structures Emergency Centers (hospitals, fire/ police stations, post-earthquake aideaid stations, schools, City Hall and Service Center, De Anza College) Design as needed to remain functional after max. prob earthquake on local faults Group 4 Involuntary occupancy facilities (schools, prisons, convalescent and nursing homes) Design as needed to remain functional after max. prob. earthquake on local faults High occupancy buildings (theaters, hotels, large office/apartment bldgs.buildings) Moderately Low Group 5 Public utilities (electrical feeder routes, water supply turnout lines, sewage lines) 5% to 25% of project cost Facilities important to local economy Design to minimize injury, loss of life during maximum probable earthquake on local faults; need not design to remain functional Ordinary Risk Level Group 6 Minor transportation (arterials and parkways) 2% of project cost; to 10% project cost in extreme cases Low-moderate occupancy buildings (small apartment bldgsbuildings., single- family. resid.residential, motels, small commercial/office buildinldgs.) Group 7 Very low occupancy buildings Design to resist minor earthquakes (ware- houses, farm structures) without/o damage; resist mod. Earthquakes w/owithout structural. damage,withdamage, with some nonstructstructural. damage; resist major earth- quake (max. prob. on local faults w/o collapse, allowing some structural. & non- structural. damage Open space and recreation (farm land, landfills, wildlife areas) 281 PC 09-22-2026 281 of 290 APPENDIX E: GEOLOGIC AND SEISMIC HAZARDS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) E-11 Table HS-4E-5 Technical Investigations Required based on Acceptable Risk Land Use Activity Hazard Map Symbol Hazard Zone F, S, H Hazard Zone L, V Evaluation Required Evaluation Required Groups 1 to 4 UBCCBC/CRC UBCCBC/CRC Soils Soils Geology Seismic Hazard Seismic Hazard Groups 5 to 7 UBCCBC/CRC UBCCBC/CRC Soils Geology Descriptions of Technical Evaluations: CUBC/CRC: Current, adopted version of the current Cupertino Building Code (CBC) and Cupertino Residential Code (CRC), as applicableCalifornia Building Code. Soils: Soils and foundation investigation to determine abilitythe ability of local soil conditions to support structures . Geology: Determine subsidence potential, faulting hazard, slope stability (See Geologic and Seismic Hazard Map for additional detail). Seismic Hazard: Detailed Soils/Structural evaluation to certify adequacy of normal CBC/CRCUBC earthquake regulations or to recommend more stringent measures . 282 PC 09-22-2026 282 of 290 APPENDIX E: GEOLOGIC AND SEISMIC HAZARDS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) E-12 FIGURE E-1 F F H/S H/S H/S L L L L L 283 PC 09-22-2026 283 of 290 APPENDIX E: GEOLOGIC AND SEISMIC HAZARDS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) E-13 FIGURE E-21 Los Altos Sunnyvale Santa Clar San Jose Saratoga Legend Qal – Valley Floor Alluvium QTsc – Santa Clara Formation Tus, Tm,vq – Tertiary Sedimentary Rocks KJr – Franciscan Assemblage Landslides (Schematic) Fault Urban Service Area Boundary Sphere of Influence Boundary Agreement Line Qal QTsc Qal KJr Qal QTsc Tus, Tm QTsc KJr Qal QTsc Tvq KJr Tvq BU B B RO A D ST E L L I N G RD De AN Z A BL V D BL A N E Y AV E WO L F E RD AV E 284 PC 09-22-2026 284 of 290 DATE September 15, 2026 TO Luke Connolly, Assistant Director of Community Development Piu Ghosh, Planning Manager, Community Development Department Introduction PURPOSE This Exemption Memorandum shall serve as an evaluation of California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) compliance for the City of Cupertino (City) General Plan Health and Safety Element Update (proposed project). This Exemption Memorandum was prepared to present the findings resulting from the CEQA compliance review. STATUTORY AUTHORITY AND REQUIREMENTS Once a lead agency determines that an activity is a project subject to CEQA, the lead agency must determine whether the project is exempt from CEQA. State CEQA Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 15061(b)1 outlines the ways in which a project may be exempt. A project is exempt from CEQA if at least one of five criteria is met: 1) The project is exempt by statute (see, e.g., Article 18 of the State CEQA Guidelines, commencing with Section 15260). 2) The project is exempt pursuant to a categorical exemption (see Article 19, commencing with Section 15300) and the application of that categorical exemption is not barred by one of the exceptions set forth in Section 15300.2. The activity is covered by the common-sense exemption that CEQA applies only to projects that have the potential to cause a significant effect on the environment. Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA. 1 California Association of Environmental Professionals (AEP), 2026, 2026 California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Statute and Guidelines, https://www.califaep.org/docs/CEQA_Handbook_2026_rev031926_Updated.pdf. 285 PC 09-22-2026 285 of 290 4) The project will be rejected or disapproved by a public agency (see Section 15270(b)). 5) The project is exempt pursuant to the provisions of Article 12.5 of Chapter 3. The proposed project would be exempt per the common-sense exemption under CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) because implementation of the proposed project would not have the potential to cause a significant effect on the environment (criterion 3), as further discussed in the section Findings Concerning CEQA Exemption. Project Description REGIONAL LOCATION Cupertino is a suburban city of 10.9 square miles on the southern portion of the San Francisco Peninsula, in Santa Clara County. The city is approximately 36 miles southeast of downtown San Francisco and 8 miles west of downtown San José. The cities of Los Altos and Sunnyvale are adjacent to the northern city limit, while the cities of Santa Clara and San José lie to the east, and Saratoga lies to the south of Cupertino. Unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County form portions of the western and southern limit of the city. The city is accessed by Interstate 280 (I-280), which functions as a major east to west regional connector and State Route 85 (SR-85), which functions as the main north to south regional connector. The natural environment in the city includes hillsides, grassland and woodland habitats, and streams. Approximately 11 square miles of hillsides are located throughout the city and the southwestern portion of the city is in a very high landslide susceptibility class. Additionally, in and around Cupertino are grassland and woodland habitats that provide highly flammable fuel that is conducive to wildfires. The watersheds in the Santa Cruz Mountain Range feed into four major streambeds that traverse the city: Permanente Creek, Stevens Creek, Regnart Creek, and Calabazas Creek. During heavy rainfall, these creeks create a potential flooding risk in the city as water levels may exceed the top of the creekbank. PROPOSED PROJECT Project Background The Safety Element is a policy document mandated by California Government Code Section 65302(g) that is a component of the General Plan. The Safety Element identifies potential hazards, emergency services, and evacuation constraints that could affect community welfare, public health, and overall safety. The purpose of the Safety Element is to provide a framework for the community to minimize risks from hazards and increase community resilience. The Cupertino General Plan (Community Vision 2015-2040), Chapter 7, Health and Safety Element, was adopted in 2015. Health and Safety Element Update The Health and Safety Element includes the City’s goals, policies, and strategies to minimize hazards and increase resilience in Cupertino. Section 65302(g) of the California Government Code requires that the Health and Safety Element contain background information and policies to address multiple natural hazards, an analysis of vulnerabilities from climate change, policies to improve climate change resilience, and an assessment of residential areas with evacuation constraints. Section 65302.15 also requires a 286 PC 09-22-2026 286 of 290 Safety Element be reviewed and updated to identify evacuation routes and their capacity, safety, and viability and evacuation locations under a range of emergency scenarios. The proposed project is an update of goals, policies, strategies, maps, and technical information that identify and address the potential risks associated with natural and human-caused hazards to meet the requirements of California Government Code Section 65302(g). These include actions the City can take to reduce these risks and prevent or minimize injuries to life and damages to property. The proposed project provides a policy framework for addressing hazards, which includes regional coordination, emergency preparedness and response, fire safety, public safety, geologic and seismic hazards, hazardous materials, flooding, extreme heat, climate change resilience, and noise. A Health and Safety Element Background Report, which discusses emergency preparedness and response, climate change vulnerabilities, evacuation constraints, and natural and human-caused hazards that can affect the city, was prepared as an appendix to the existing Community Vision 2015-2040 General Plan to meet California Government Code Section 65302(g) requirement. An Evacuation Route Capacity Assessment was prepared pursuant to California Government Code Section 65302.15, identifying evacuation routes and their capacity, safety, and viability, and evacuation locations under wildfire and earthquake scenarios. Updates to the Safety Element were made so all safety-related topics are up to date and consistent with the California Government Code Section. Additionally, General Plan Appendix E, Geologic and Seismic Hazards, has been updated to be consistent with the updated Safety Element, including new mapping and building code requirements. This includes minor text revisions, figure updates, and a new development review section. General Plan Appendix D, Community Noise Fundamentals, has also been updated with a revised Figure D-2, Future Noise Contours, showing noise contours along the city roadway network based on the buildout of the General Plan Land Use map updated in May 2024. Findings Concerning CEQA Exemption SECTION 15061(B)(3): COMMON-SENSE EXEMPTION The proposed project is exempt as a common-sense exemption under State CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3). This exemption applies because the proposed project does not have the potential to cause a significant effect on the environment. ANALYSIS IN SUPPORT OF FINDINGS The proposed project is a program-level policy document that includes goals, policies, and strategies intended to minimize health and safety hazards and increase resilience in Cupertino. The proposed project establishes a framework for how to achieve its goals through policies and strategies to improve public health and safety by complying with new State laws, incorporating policies from other local and regional plans, and responding to community goals and priorities. The proposed project does not include land use or zoning changes that would result in direct or indirect growth or changes in building density and intensity. The proposed project would not implement provisions that would result in direct or indirect population growth and thus would not place additional demands on natural resources, public services, or infrastructure. In addition, the proposed project does not include any site-specific designs or proposals to develop specific projects, nor does it grant any entitlements for development projects. 287 PC 09-22-2026 287 of 290 There is precedent for Health and Safety Elements to be exempt pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3). Recent filings with the Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation for such exemptions include, but are not limited to: » City of Poway, City of Poway General Plan Public Safety Element, Notice of Exemption under CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3); filed May 20, 2026.2 » City of Etna, General Plan Introduction, Land Use Element, and Safety Element Updates, Notice of Exemption under CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3); filed November 25, 2025.3 » City of Dorris, General Plan Safety Element Update, Notice of Exemption under CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3); filed October 7, 2025.4 » Solano County, Solano County Public Health and Safety Element Update, Notice of Exemption under CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3); filed December 12, 2024.5 Given the similarity between the legal background, scope, and nature of the Health and Safety Element update to be adopted by the City of Cupertino and those adopted by jurisdictions statewide, PlaceWorks concludes adoption of the Health and Safety Element by the City is exempted from environmental review and does not warrant further environmental review. Therefore, it can be seen with certainty that the proposed project would not have a significant effect on the environment and is exempt from CEQA review. 2 City of Poway, 2026, May, City of Poway General Plan Public Safety Element, https://ceqanet.lci.ca.gov/2026050810. 3 City of Etna, 2025, November, General Plan Introduction, Land Use Element, and Safety Element Updates. https://ceqanet.lci.ca.gov/2025111063. 4 City of Dorris, 2025, October, General Plan Safety Element Update, https://ceqanet.lci.ca.gov/2025100331. 5 Solano County, 2024, December, Solano County Public Health and Safety Element Update, https://ceqanet.lci.ca.gov/2024120507. 288 PC 09-22-2026 288 of 290 CITY OF CUPERTINO Agenda Item Subject: Upcoming Draft Agenda Items CITY OF CUPERTINO Printed on 9/16/2026Page 1 of 1 289 PC 09-22-2026 289 of 290 PLANNING COMMISSION UPCOMING DRAFT AGENDA ITEMS October 13, 2026 ‐ Municipal Code Amendments Ch. 19.12 – Noticing and Clean up ‐ Wolfe Rd/Teacher Housing (tentative) October 27, 2026 ‐ Cyber Security Training ‐ Dividend III/19925 Stevens Creek Blvd. (tentative) Subject to Change. Chair and Staff Liaison coordinate on Commission agendas. 290 PC 09-22-2026 290 of 290