Placer County Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
About
The purpose of this project is to update the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) for Placer County and its municipalities. An LHMP demonstrates County and community commitment to reducing risks from all hazards, and serves as a guide for decision makers as they commit resources to minimize the effects of hazards. The LHMP is the blueprint for reducing the county’s vulnerability to disasters and hazards. The plan is intended to integrate with county and municipal planning mechanisms already in place, such as building and zoning regulations, environmental planning, and long-range planning mechanisms. The planning process includes conducting a thorough hazard vulnerability analysis, creating community disaster mitigation priorities, and creating subsequent mitigation actions and projects for the county and participating municipalities.
Placer County Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Presentation
Why Update the LHMP?
- Prepare for and mitigate future hazards
- Eligibility for pre- & post-disaster funding
- Incorporates the latest FEMA guidance
- Supports the Community Rating System (CRS) participation/rating
How Can I Get Involved?
Public involvement is a key part of creating a strong and effective Local Hazard Mitigation Plan. We believe that no one understands the risks and strengths of our communities better than the people who live and work here. Your input helps us identify local hazards, prioritize actions, and build a safer, more resilient county for everyone.
Here are a few ways you can get involved:
- Take Our Surveys
Share your experiences, concerns, and project ideas about local hazards like floods, wildfires, severe storms, or other risks. The survey found here takes just a few minutes and directly informs the plan. - Attend Public Meetings & Workshops
We host open meetings where you can learn about the planning process, ask questions, and provide feedback. These events are a great way to meet the team and contribute your local knowledge. - Review the Draft Plan
Once the draft is complete, it will be available for public review and comment. Your feedback helps ensure the plan reflects the priorities and needs of our communities. - Stay Connected
Sign up for updates by clicking the '+ Follow' button, or check back on this site for news, event announcements, and progress reports.
National Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rating System
The National Flood Insurance Program's (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS) is a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management activities that exceed the minimum NFIP requirements. As a result, flood insurance premium rates are discounted to reflect the reduced flood risk resulting from community actions that meet the goals of the CRS Program. The objective of the CRS is to reward communities for what they are doing, as well as to provide an incentive for implementing additional flood protection activities.
The reduction in flood insurance premium rates is provided according to a community’s CRS classification. Placer County is currently a CRS Class 5, which provides a 25% discount on flood insurance for those located within the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) and a 10% discount for those located in non-SFHA areas. A community is required to hold two public meetings during an MJHMP update to maintain the CRS classification.
Frequently Asked Questions
An LHMP is a strategic document that identifies potential natural and human-made hazards in our county and outlines long-term strategies to reduce risk and protect people, property, and infrastructure.
The plan helps us prepare for and reduce the impacts of disasters. It also makes the county eligible for certain federal funding and disaster assistance programs.
The LHMP covers hazards such as dam failure, drought, extreme temperatures, flood, geological hazards, seiche, hail, wildfire, wind events, and others that pose a risk to the county.
The plan is being developed by a comprehensive list of local government agencies, utility districts, fire districts, school districts, emergency management professionals, planners, and other stakeholders with input from the public at every stage. Please see the full list of participating agencies here.
You can take surveys, attend public meetings and workshops, and review and comment on draft versions of the plan.
Yes! Local knowledge and community feedback are essential to understanding real-world risks and setting priorities that reflect your needs and concerns.
FEMA requires the LHMP to be updated every five years to ensure it stays relevant and effective.
The previously updated LHMP can be found here.
Once finalized and approved by the California Office of Emergency Services, the plan guides local mitigation projects and policies. Implementation is ongoing, with progress tracked and updated regularly.
You can reach out to our project team at fireready@placer.ca.gov or Sasha.Jones1@tetratech.com.
Yes! There are many steps you can take to make your home more resilient to natural hazards such as wildfire, flooding, earthquakes, and severe storms.
A great starting point is the ReadyPlacer website, which provides local resources and guidance for emergency preparedness and home mitigation in Placer County.
Additional resources you may find helpful include:
- FEMA's Homeowner's Guide to Retrofitting – Learn how to protect your home from flood damage: FEMA Retrofitting Guide (PDF)
- Firewise USA® Program – Offers wildfire risk reduction tips and community action planning: NFPA Firewise USA®
