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GEOLOGIC HAZARDS

GEOLOGIC HAZARDS. What Planners Need to Know. 2011 Spring Conference Meeting in the Middle. LEGITIMATE NEED. There must be a perceived need or problem, which is clearly stated, in order for a solution to be accepted. Potential Methods of Identifying Need.

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GEOLOGIC HAZARDS

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  1. GEOLOGIC HAZARDS What Planners Need to Know 2011 Spring Conference Meeting in the Middle

  2. LEGITIMATE NEED • There must be a perceived need or problem, which is clearly stated, in order for a solution to be accepted.

  3. Potential Methods of Identifying Need • An afterthought of a geologic disaster— “If only…” • “Prevention is the best medicine.”— Use geologic information to proactively identify hazards to life and property.

  4. WHEN PROCEDURES AND/OR REGULATIONS ARE “BROKEN” • Reactionary regulation of geologic hazards does not work well—must be proactive. • The wise man, which built his house upon the rock…The foolish man, which built his house upon the sand… (see Matt. 7:24-27)

  5. YOU ARE THE SOLUTION • Planning ahead, helping legislative bodies see consequences of action/inaction, and developing cooperative relationships to accomplish goals is what we do. • Must be seen as the organization/ department best qualified or situated to address the need or problem.

  6. WHO IS RESPONSIBLE? • Utah Geological Survey/Geologist • Building Official • Builder • Realtor • Homeowner • Insurance Company • ANSWER: PLANNER

  7. DEFINITION OF GEOLOGIC HAZARD • UCA 17.27a-103(17) • "Geologic hazard" means:     (a) a surface fault rupture;     (b) shallow groundwater;     (c) liquefaction;     (d) a landslide;     (e) a debris flow;     (f) unstable soil;     (g) a rock fall; or     (h) any other geologic condition that presents a risk:     (i) to life;     (ii) of substantial loss of real property; or •      (iii) of substantial damage to real property.

  8. AUTHORITY: • UCA17-27a-505 / 10-9a-505.   Zoning districts.… (c) A county may enact an ordinance regulating land use and development in a flood plain or potential geologic hazard area to:     (i) protect life; and     (ii) prevent:     (A) the substantial loss of real property; or     (B) substantial damage to real property.

  9. DEFINITION OF POTENTIAL HAZARD AREA • UCA 17-27a-103(41) "Potential geologic hazard area" means an area that:     (a) is designated by a Utah Geological Survey map, county geologist map, or other relevant map or report as needing further study to determine the area's potential for geologic hazard; or     (b) has not been studied by the Utah Geological Survey or a county geologist but presents the potential of geologic hazard because the area has characteristics similar to those of a designated geologic hazard area.

  10. Additional Purposes of Geologic Investigation Ordinances • Ensure that decisions related to geologic hazards are based on scientific information provided by those with proper licensing and expertise. • Educate development professionals, landowners, and legislative officials of the presence and risks of geologic hazards. • Require mitigation of hazards.

  11. WHERE TO START • Jurisdictions with experience—Salt Lake County, Morgan County, Draper...and now Iron County. • UGS Publications: Guidelines for Preparing Engineering Geologic Reports in Utah Guidelines for Evaluating Surface-fault Rupture Hazards in Utah Guidelines for Evaluating Landslide Hazards in Utah Guidelines for the Geologic Evaluation of Debris-flow Hazards on Alluvial Fans in Utah.

  12. WHERE TO START • General Plan Language—support ordinance. • Contact your UGS office (SLC or Cedar City). • Review geologic maps. • Review the Foundation sections of the IRC, and the IBC. (Warning, see “Complete Package” slide)

  13. BRING IT FORWARD • Determine how to present concept to Planning Commission and Council/Commission. • Involve UGS, applicable professionals (local geologists and geotechnical engineers), and others that can speak to the reality of the hazard(s) and need to be proactive.

  14. CONTENTS OF ORDINANCE • Definitions—Lots of them. • Establish study areas. • Exemptions for minor construction. • Set Professional qualifications.

  15. CONTENTS OF ORDINANCE • Standards of safety. • Procedures for the County and geologic professionals to determine the scope of study, format of report, and conditions of development. • Fee structure.

  16. CONTENTS OF ORDINANCE • Reference documents. • Flowchart—to visually summarize the process. • Pre-exiting lots—Provide a simplified process for single-family residences and related excavation activities.

  17. A COMPLETE PACKAGE

  18. Tips • May find some “if only…” situations. Treat them separately from ordinance. • Regulations must be science based. • Use what is available—which may be limited. • There will be some that will oppose regulation.

  19. Tips • No scientific basis for exempting pre-existing lots. • The “But-I-won’t-affect-anyone-else” argument does not hold water.

  20. THANK YOU • Contact Information: Todd Stowell, AICP Iron County Community Planner tstowell@ironcounty.net 435.865.5373 • Iron County Ordinance: ironcounty.net>Iron County Codes>Ordinance No. 2010-11

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