Because the LHMP is incorporated into the Safety Element, any amendments or revisions to the Safety Element triggered by the Housing Element update may be made directly in the LHMP. Requirements triggered by the Housing Element are unlikely to require a full rewrite of the LHMP, but the process should fully involve the Planning Team and include appropriate community engagement. Adopt the updated LHMP and incorporate it into the Safety Element. If necessary, amend the Safety Element to ensure the two documents are consistent (review the “Incorporate New Requirements Into the Safety Element, and Ensure that the LHMP is Consistent with the Safety Element” subsection above).
THE IRVINE MUNICIPAL CODE
Irvine’s Municipal Code contains a set of standards that guide land uses and development in the community. These standards include where different types of buildings and land use activities may be located, how these structures must be built, and how they must be operated or maintained. The Municipal Code may include requirements that structures (particularly new structures or those undergoing substantial renovations) incorporate hazard-resistant features, be located outside of the most hazard-prone areas or take other steps to reduce hazard vulnerability. All communities in California are required to adopt the minimum state Building Standard Code (BSC), which includes some hazard mitigation requirements for new or significantly renovated structures. The BSC is generally updated every three years, with supplemental code updates halfway into each update cycle. Division 9 of Irvine’s Municipal Code contains building regulations and incorporates the BSC. Other sections of the Code adopt additional standards as desired by the City that adapt the BSC to Irvine’s local context. As a participant in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), Irvine is required to incorporate Floodplain Management Requirements in its Zoning Code, which is located in Division 5 – Overlay Districts, Chapter 5-2, Floodplain Districts. These regulations establish standards for development and operation of facilities within mapped flood-prone areas. Other sections of the Irvine Municipal Code may include additional standards related to hazard mitigation activities. With the exception of the Floodplain Management Regulations and the minimum standards in the BSC, Irvine is not required to incorporate hazard-related requirements in the Municipal Code. However, the Municipal Code is an effective tool for implementing hazard mitigation measures that relate to the siting, construction, and operation of new buildings and other structures. Substantial updates to the Municipal Code, including the Buildings and Construction and Zoning Code sections, should be done in a way that is consistent with the LHMP. INCLUDE HAZARD-RELATED REQUIREMENTS IN APPICABLE SECTIONS OF THE IRVINE CODE OF ORDINANCES If the BSC is being updated, evaluate the hazard-related requirements of all sections in the new BSC. Identify any areas where it may be feasible to add or revise standards to help reduce the threat from hazard events. Ensure that these standards are consistent with the
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