The city of Hayward is located in a region that is prone to a variety of natural disasters. The city’s geologic setting was formed by regional and local earthquake faults, many of which are still active and can generate devastating damage to buildings and infrastructure in the event of an earthquake. The city’s climate can also create hazardous conditions. Severe winter and spring storms can cause landslides in hillside areas and flooding along stream corridors and low lying areas near the San Francisco Bay. Dry weather during spring and summer months can create hazardous conditions related to wildland fires, which when combined with strong Diablo winds, pose a significant risk to hillside neighborhoods. Climate change and rising sea levels are anticipated to increase the severity of weather conditions in the future, and will likely increase flood, landslide, and wildfire risks. In addition to natural hazards, Hayward also has a number of transportation facilities and industrial businesses that create risks for man-made hazards, such as aircraft accidents, hazardous material spills, and exposure to excessive noise.
While it is impossible to completely avoid natural and man-made hazards, the Hazards Element establishes goals and policies to protect life and minimize property damage during future disasters and emergencies. The goals and policies address regional hazards mitigation, seismic and geologic hazards, flood hazards, rising sea levels, wildland wildfires, hazardous materials, airport hazards, and noise.
Several other Elements of the General Plan provide supporting goals and policies that will help the Hayward community prepare for and respond to hazards, including the Community Safety Element, the Public Facilities Element, and the Community Health and Quality of Life Element.
Hazards Table and Diagram
The City shall use the following table and figure to determine potential noise exposure impacts, noise compatibility thresholds, and the need for mitigation:
For accessibility assistance with this document, please contact the City of Hayward Planning Division at (510) 583-4005.