VII. Public Services and Infrastructure

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Introduction and Purpose

Infrastructure forms the backbone of a city, supporting growth and providing mobility, connectivity, and essential services to the people and places that make up the community. Without adequate water, power, safety, and services, a community cannot grow and thrive. The availability of these services also directs the shape in which the city grows, what development options are available, and how and why people and goods flow in and out of the area.

While including a Public Services and Infrastructure Element in the General Plan is not required, it provides a means to highlight the existing and future service and infrastructure needs of the community. This element examines the current and desired future characteristics of energy, water, wastewater, solid waste, and sewer infrastructure, as well as public services such as police and fire, libraries, marine safety, and schools.

Scope and Content

The Public Services and Infrastructure Element is an optional General Plan element. Section 65303 of the California Government Code enables a county or city to adopt “any other elements or address any other subjects, which, in the judgment of the legislative body, relate to the physical development of the county or city.” An optional element must be consistent with the seven mandatory elements and, once adopted, carries the same legal weight as any of the mandatory elements.

This element begins with this Introduction and Purpose, which describes the intent of the element and applicable legal requirements. The Public Facilities and Services Plan identifies the services provided by the police and fire departments, the library and school systems, and other community services. In turn, the Infrastructure Plan describes the infrastructure systems supporting water conveyance, wastewater collection and treatment, stormwater management, solid waste collection and disposal, power, communications, and infrastructure finance. Issues, Goals, and Policies then outline community service and infrastructure needs, and identify the desired future conditions for providing services and infrastructure and a strategy to provide them efficiently and affordably.

Public Facilities and Services Plan

The City of Huntington Beach provides a variety of public facilities and services to support residents, businesses, and visitors. The following discussions identify providers and key facilities supporting police services, fire services, marine safety services, emergency medical services, library services, community services, and schools in the planning area. Figure PSI-1 identifies the location of these facilities.

Police

The Huntington Beach Police Department (HBPD) provides law enforcement services for the 27.3-square-mile Huntington Beach area. The HBPD consists of three divisions: the Administrative Operations, Uniform, and Investigation Divisions. The Administrative Operations Division provides oversight, management, and administrative duties. The Uniform Division is responsible for patrol, air support, traffic enforcement, and special enforcement. The Investigation Division is composed of the Detective, Special Investigation, and Jail Bureaus, providing follow-up on crimes, undercover investigations, and detention facilities, respectively. The Huntington Beach police station is located at City Hall. In addition, three police substations are located at Beach Boulevard, Bella Terra, and 5th Street. The HBPD focuses on providing adequate services to the community it serves. Ensuring plentiful staffing, effective response times, and updated technology are ongoing goals for police services in Huntington Beach.

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Public Facility Locations

Figure PSI-1

City of Huntington Beach General Plan

Fire, Marine Safety, and Emergency Medical Services

The Huntington Beach Fire Department (HBFD) provides fire, technical rescue, hazardous materials, and marine safety response and emergency medical services for the city. In addition to emergency response, the HBFD provides prevention services, including construction plan review and inspections, fire safety inspections, and public education. Fire station locations and response vehicle allocation provides effective response to emergency calls in the city a majority of the time.

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The HBFD is dedicated to providing the highest quality fire, marine safety, and emergency medical services to protect its community. The HBFD has standards for both fire and emergency medical services, and strives to adhere to them at all times. Tailoring these standards to the Huntington Beach service area, utilizing modern facilities and advanced technology, and being involved in development and right-of-way projects help to ensure continued fire and emergency medical services.

Libraries

The Huntington Beach Library System comprises five facilities. Program attendance at city libraries is higher than average, indicating strong support for programs and special activities that could benefit from additional space. The library system also has a strong focus on enhancing technology to maximize and supplement the programs and services offered.

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The library has a vision to strengthen public internet access, create and improve early reader programs, and provide resources and aid to help students succeed in school. These goals, as well as the desire to reinforce the library system as a cultural and community center for Huntington Beach and surrounding areas, are reflected in the policies of this plan.

Community Services

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The City operates numerous public recreational facilities that offer a wide range of activities. These activities include, but are not limited to, adult education, fitness classes, and historical preservation.

Enhancing services and facilities for seniors is a particular concern for the City, as these must keep pace with the aging of the population. Meeting this and other changing needs for the evolving demographics of Huntington Beach are a priority to ensure the mental, physical, and social well being of residents.

Schools

Huntington Beach is served by one high school district, the Huntington Beach Union High School District (HBUHSD), which also serves portions of Fountain Valley, Garden Grove, Seal Beach, Westminster, and parts of unincorporated Orange County. The Huntington Beach City School District (HBCSD), Westminster School District (WSD), Ocean View School District (OVSD), and Fountain Valley School District (FVSD) provide middle and elementary school services in the planning area. The HBCSD is the only school district that provides services solely within the planning area, while all others cover areas within surrounding communities.

School facilities were built during a time of high demand to accommodate the needs of the post-World War II baby boom. As space demands for the school districts decrease in response to demographic shifts in the community, the City has the potential to work with the school districts to promote healthy environments for learning. This includes focusing on improving and supporting existing facilities, and supporting school district efforts to promote programs for all stages of education. Engendering a positive, mutually beneficial relationship between schools and the City can also promote and expand the availability of useable, active parks and open spaces throughout Huntington Beach.

Infrastructure Plan

Although often unseen, the following infrastructure systems that support the Huntington Beach community provide valuable services that enhance the health, safety, welfare, and economic viability of the community. The following discussions highlight key challenges

and opportunities surrounding provision of water conveyance, wastewater collection and treatment, stormwater management, solid waste collection and disposal, and dry utility services in Huntington Beach.

Water Production and Distribution System

The Utilities Division of the City Public Works Department oversees and maintains the water infrastructure owned by the City. City crews perform routine maintenance and repairs necessary to keep the system operating at peak performance levels.

The city's water comes from a combination of groundwater (approximately three-fourths) and imported water resources (approximately one-fourth). The city's main source of water supply is groundwater from the Lower Santa Ana River Groundwater Basin, also known as the Orange County Groundwater Basin. Groundwater is currently pumped from eight active wells operated by the City. Water is stored in four storage and distribution reservoirs, also operated by the City, located throughout Huntington Beach. Providing safe water to meet the needs of residents and businesses is one of the primary infrastructure goals for the City, and maintaining adequate, cost-effective, and well-maintained delivery systems is an important part of reaching that goal.

Additional information on water resources, including supply and water quality, is located in the Environmental Resources and Conservation Element.

Wastewater Collection and Treatment

The Utilities Division of the City Public Works Department oversees and maintains the wastewater infrastructure owned by the City. City crews perform routine maintenance and repairs necessary to keep the wastewater collection system operating at peak performance levels.

The City owns and maintains most sewer collection pipelines, although many of the pipelines in the Sunset Beach area are owned and maintained by the Sunset Beach Sanitary District (SBSD). The SBSD contracts with the City to convey all sewage collected by the SBSD through City pipelines to the OCSD for treatment. All sewage collected by City pipelines is transported to OCSD collection mains and is then transported to OCSC Treatment Plant No. 2 at Brookhurst Street and Pacific Coast Highway.

Funding upgrades and regular maintenance of the wastewater system are challenges faced by many communities, and the City is dedicated to keeping wastewater collection and treatment infrastructure effective and cost-efficient. Policies and actions in this plan recommend diversification of funding through increased use of development fees and other sources to upgrade and maintain wastewater infrastructure and facilities.

Stormwater and Urban Runoff

Huntington Beach lies within the Lower Santa Ana River Basin under the Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) adopted by the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board. Urban runoff in the city drains into streams, lakes, bays, wetlands, estuaries, Huntington Harbour, and the Pacific Ocean. The runoff is directed by a storm drainage system owned and operated by the City, although several major channels transporting runoff from areas upstream of the city are owned and maintained by Orange County. Runoff originating in Huntington Beach and areas located upstream can contain contaminants, and proper drainage is necessary to prevent flooding. To prevent flooding, the drainage system needs to be properly maintained and upgraded when necessary. As with wastewater collection, achieving this is both a primary challenge and an important goal for the City.

Solid Waste Collection and Disposal

Huntington Beach contracts services for solid waste, recycling, and green waste composting services. Solid waste is taken to a transfer station in Huntington Beach, where it is processed and transported to the Frank Bowerman Landfill in Irvine, which is expected to remain open until 2053. In addition, the City also offers used oil recycling services and household hazardous waste disposal services through the Orange County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center.

California has an adopted policy goal that directs the state to recycle, compost, or source reduce 75 percent of all solid waste generated in California by 2020. Increased composting of organic materials, which make up approximately one-third of all waste disposed of in the state, is one of five key strategies the state has identified to meet this goal. In particular, there is significant potential for improved composting of residential and commercial food waste, which make up approximately 18 percent of all waste generated in California and is the single most common waste material in the state. Beginning in 2016, communities must develop programs for businesses to begin recycling organic waste, including food waste. Multifamily residences with at least five units must also begin recycling organic waste, although food waste does not have to be included in the multifamily program. While organic composting programs have already been successful in several communities throughout California, these requirements in support of the 75 percent goal will implement organic recycling programs statewide.

As state regulations for waste diversion increase, Huntington Beach should continue efforts to maximize recycling, composting, and source reduction to ensure continued compliance. Improving waste collection services to commercial businesses and multi-family housing units and increasing the community’s knowledge of waste diversion practices are the primary ways the City plans to eliminate landfill waste. In addition to reaching diversion goals, maintaining the cleanliness of the beach and other common areas, particularly following large public events, is an important future focus.

Dry Utilities

Dry utilities provided in Huntington Beach include electricity, natural gas, internet and cable communications, and both wired and wireless telephone service. Electricity is provided to residents and businesses in Huntington Beach through Southern California Edison, and natural gas is provided by Southern California Gas Company (SoCal Gas). Southern California Edison provides renewable energy as part of its energy portfolio, with wind and geothermal providing the most energy of the renewable sources. The City has also installed 2.13 megawatts of solar panels at City Hall and the Central Library, helping to reduce City costs and providing the City more control over its energy supplies. Internet, cable, and/or communications services are provided by third-party purveyors. Cellular service is available from all major cellular networks. The City is committed to working with utility providers so that the most advanced and effective services are available to all residents and businesses.

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Infrastructure Finance

Major infrastructure projects, including construction, expansion, renovation, or replacement of infrastructure, facilities, or equipment, are known as “capital projects.” The City funds capital projects using a variety of sources. The largest sources are special revenue funds and enterprise funds.

Special Revenue Funds

Special revenue funds are derived from entitlement funds, such as the gas tax, or developer funds, such as development impact fees. Entitlement funds are distributed based on population, whereas developer funds are used to minimize the impacts a development project will have on infrastructure. Special revenue funds include the Air Quality Fund, Traffic Impact Fund, Gas Tax Fund, Park Acquisition Fund, Measure M Fund, and Traffic Congestion Relief (Proposition 42) Fund.

Enterprise Funds

Enterprise funds are acquired from users paying for the use of a service, such as water and sewer. These funds support the cost of operations, maintenance, and upgrades to the system and service. Enterprise funds include the Water Fund, the Sewer Service Fund, and the General Fund Capital Improvement Reserve.

In addition to these two funding types, a variety of grants aid in the cost of developing and improving infrastructure. Maximizing the use of these types of funding and ensuring that development fees are set appropriately relative to the impact a project causes to infrastructure and services are the primary methods the City uses to ensure adequate funding for future capital programs.

Issues, Goals, and Policies

The public facility and service issues addressed in this element include:

• Providing adequate police staffing and facilities
• Providing adequate fire, marine safety, and emergency medical services
• Transforming libraries into community cultural centers
• Providing social and community services
• Meeting existing and future education needs

The infrastructure issues addressed in this element include:

• Maintaining optimal physical condition of water and sewer infrastructure
• Supporting storm drain system upgrades and maintenance
• Improving, replacing, and funding infrastructure
• Providing solid waste collection and recycling/disposal
• Meeting dry utility needs
• Financing public services and infrastructure

Providing Adequate Police Staffing and Facilities

The safety and well-being of Huntington Beach’s neighborhoods and businesses is a core component of the community’s quality of life. New development and anticipated population growth will change the police response needs of the community, especially given the anticipated decreases in federal, state, and county funding in the future. Huntington Beach will continue to sustain and improve its commitment to safety through a comprehensive approach to police services, which includes providing adequate facilities and personnel, planning for public safety in the built environment, and public information and community partnerships.

Goal PSI-1. Public safety services, education, facilities, and technology protect the community from illicit activities and crime.

Policies

A. Consider the relationship between the location and rate of planned growth and resulting demands on police facilities and personnel.

B. Achieve optimal utilization of allocated public safety resources and provide desired levels of response and protection within the community.

C. Establish proactive time targets and clearance rates that meet or exceed national averages and enhance and maintain police department staffing and facilities to achieve them.

D. Ensure that new development and reuse projects and existing land uses promote community safety.

E. Consider emergency response needs of police when improving streets and critical intersections.

F. Decrease incidents of criminal activity at high or repetitive crime locations and in conjunction with special events.

G. Continue to support community-based crime prevention efforts by neighborhood groups and civic organizations.

H. Continue to provide public information about community, neighborhood, household, school, and business safety.

I. Research, procure, and use innovative technologies to optimize police services and reduce crime.

Providing Adequate Fire, Marine Safety, and Emergency Medical Services

The HBFD provides comprehensive fire prevention and suppression services and emergency medical services (EMS) within the community. The fire department also oversees the City’s Marine Safety Division, which provides public safety services along city beaches. In addition to fighting fires, the fire department works to prevent and minimize death and injury, environmental damage, and property loss by taking steps to prevent fire in the community. The City will need to continue to provide EMS and fire services sufficient to meet anticipated population growth as well as marine safety services to accommodate increased tourism and visitors to the city’s beaches.

Goal PSI-2. Huntington Beach residents and property owners are protected from fire hazards and beach hazards, and adequate marine safety and emergency medical services are provided by modern facilities and advanced technology.

Policies

A. Consider the relationship between the location and rate of planned growth, the placement of critical facilities, and the resulting demands on fire, marine safety, and EMS facilities and personnel.

B. Adopt locally defined performance objectives for emergency response to fire and EMS calls, and periodically evaluate fire service and EMS facilities and personnel relative to community needs.

C. Consider fire-related emergency response needs when improving streets and critical intersections.

D. Research, procure, and use modern equipment, advanced technology, and other innovative techniques to optimize fire, marine safety, and EMS services.

E. Ensure that new development and reuse projects and existing land uses promote fire safety.

F. Continue to provide adequate marine safety services, and consider additional safety measures to address increases in visitors to the city’s beach areas and protect citizens from ocean surf line hazards.

G. Ensure development provides adequate access for public safety responders in the event of an emergency.

Transforming Libraries into Community Cultural Centers

Public libraries are valuable cultural centers that are well used by a variety of community members. Increases in library patronage generated by development may overload the library system's capacity to provide adequate services without appropriate funding increases. The City has an opportunity to transform libraries to offer expanded cultural, artistic, and educational activities.

Goal PSI-3. Libraries are central community facilities and library services respond to changing community needs.

Policies

A. Adapt libraries to become expanded cultural centers providing public space to meet community needs for after-school programs, job training programs, workshops, and other activities while ensuring they maintain the basic service of providing public access to information, reading, and education resources.

B. Consider constructing new libraries and rehabilitating and expanding existing libraries and programs to meet changing community needs.

C. Expand library outreach services to the maximum extent feasible for seniors and others who are physically unable to visit library facilities.

D. Support technology and facility upgrade efforts in libraries to ensure community members have access to state-of-the-art amenities.

Providing Social and Community Services

The expansion of cultural activities and events serves an important role in promoting the efforts of local artists, providing educational opportunities for community youth, and diversifying the activities and amenities available to visitors. With the number of visitors that are drawn to Huntington Beach, the city is poised to be a regional hub for culture and arts.

As the general population ages, demand for senior services will increase. Huntington Beach's senior and elderly population would greatly benefit from easily accessible services to meet their needs. Facilities like senior centers, community rooms, and libraries can provide needed services to the elderly. Many of these facilities also support programs for youths and families within the community.

Goal PSI-4. A broad range of public and private programs meet diverse community needs, including mental health, arts, educational, and cultural programs.

Policies

A. Ensure that programs and services meet the needs of a diverse group of users (e.g., seniors, youths, and special needs populations), and accommodate a range of ages and abilities.

B. Maintain a rich artistic and cultural dimension within the community's identity that supports cultural tourism initiatives.

C. Support social service programs that meet the changing needs of the Huntington Beach community.

D. Support the provision of educational and other social services in existing public facilities, such as libraries and community centers.

E. Ensure that the senior center is accessible to all residents by supporting a variety of transportation options.

Meeting Existing and Future Education Needs

With declining demand for school facilities, regional school districts have the opportunity and challenge to provide for existing and future demands using the current facilities. The City will continue to support efforts by the districts to provide and expand continuing education, after-school programs, and educational programs for all ages.

Goal PSI-5. A range of educational programs and facilities meets the needs of all ages of the community. Policies

A. Continue to consult with school districts to maximize existing use of school sites while addressing future community and school district needs.

B. Continue to support and expand continuing education, after-school programs, and educational programs for all ages including educational opportunities offered in neighboring universities and colleges.

C. Continue to work with school districts for shared use of school district park spaces for public recreational activities and the use of City parks to support school education purposes.

D. Ensure that developers consult with the appropriate school district with the intent to mitigate a potential impact on school facilities prior to project approval by the City.

Maintaining Optimal Physical Condition of Water and Sewer Infrastructure

Water and sewer infrastructure is managed through the use of separate enterprise funds. As the water and sewer systems continue to age, deterioration will occur. Water system infrastructure is much more costly to construct and maintain than the sewer system. Water Master Plan (WMP) updates are performed typically every five years, with the last update adopted in 2016. The Sewer Master Plan study was last performed in 2003 and will be updated as needed to identify new major improvements to maintain and replace aging sewer infrastructure.

Goal PSI-6. The costs of water and sewer infrastructure improvements are addressed by benefitting development projects.

Policies

A. Provide and maintain wastewater collection facilities which adequately convey wastewater generated by existing land uses and future projects while maximizing cost efficiency.

B. Ensure that the costs of water and wastewater infrastructure improvements are borne by those who benefit, through adequate fees and charges or the construction of improvements.

C. Explore additional funding sources to support necessary maintenance, expansion, and upgrades to the water and sewer systems.

Supporting Storm Drain System Upgrades and Maintenance

With anticipated growth, the City must assess the efficacy of the storm drain system. The existing system relies on pump stations, catch basins, and pipelines, in tandem with flood control channel improvements that should be evaluated and improved. The Storm Drain Master Plan identifies deficiencies within the system. New storm drain infrastructure will be required to reduce flooding and accommodate expected growth. Funding for this infrastructure comes from a variety of sources including impact fees, grants, and the General Fund; however, available funding is not adequate for all anticipated improvements. Additional funding is necessary to construct and maintain adequate drainage facilities.

Goal PSI-7. The flood control system supports permitted land uses while preserving public safety.

Policies

A. Ensure that adequate storm drain and flood control facilities are provided and properly maintained.

B. Maintain, upgrade, and expand flood control facilities and coordinate with the County to improve County storm drain and flood control facilities within the city.

C. Monitor demands and manage future development and reuse projects and existing land uses to mitigate impacts and/or facilitate improvements to the storm drainage system.

D. Ensure that the costs of infrastructure improvements to the storm drain system are borne by those who benefit, through adequate fees.

E. Control surface runoff water discharge into the stormwater conveyance system to comply with the City’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit and other regional permits issued by the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board.

F. Explore additional funding sources to support necessary maintenance, expansion, and upgrades to the storm drain system.

Improving, Replacing, and Funding Infrastructure

As health and safety standards evolve, infrastructure system designs and operations must also remain current and relevant. Much of the sewer, water, and roadway infrastructure in Huntington Beach is aging and will require improvements or replacement over time. As population increases and federal, state, and county funding becomes uncertain, the ability to provide adequate facilities and services may be diminished. Much of the future growth in the community is planned for arterial corridors, including Beach Boulevard, Edinger Avenue, Gothard Street, and portions of Pacific Coast Highway. Future street, sewer, and

water infrastructure will need to accommodate additional residents and businesses along these corridors, as in the northwest industrial area. The City should continue to explore creative and alternative means to fund the repair and expansion of public facilities and services.

Goal PSI-8. Coordinated infrastructure improvements are identified and funded.

Policies

A. Prepare and adopt coordinated, citywide infrastructure master plans to establish priority and identify funding options for future capital improvement projects.

B. Ensure that individual infrastructure maintenance and improvement projects are consistent with infrastructure master plans when infrastructure crosses multiple jurisdictions, and are completed in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

C. Assess, and, if necessary, adjust development impact fees to ensure they are coordinated with infrastructure management plans and provide for ongoing and future infrastructure needs in an equitable manner.

Providing Solid Waste Collection and Disposal

Solid waste collection services provide several benefits to residents and businesses, including waste pickup, recycling services, green waste composting, a public dumpsite, and a compressed natural gas fueling station. Although waste generation in Huntington Beach is consistently below per capita standards established by the state, the many regional and national events and activities occurring in the city create a particular waste challenge. Trash is often left behind after these events, degrading visitors’ and residents’ beach experiences.

Goal PSI-9. An adequate and orderly system for solid waste collection and disposal meets the demands of new development and reuse projects, existing land uses, and special events.

Policies

A. Ensure that new development and reuse projects provide adequate space for recycling and organics collection activities to support state waste reduction goals.

B. Continue to exceed state solid waste reduction goals and work toward making Huntington Beach a zero-waste community.

C. Maintain adequate solid waste collection, recycling, and disposal services to reduce traditional commercial, industrial, and residential waste.

D. Improve solid waste collection and recycling services associated with special events and the availability of trash and recycling receptacles in public areas, including but not limited to Downtown, Beach Boulevard, City parks, and along the beach.

E. Continue to expand household recycling services and provide public information regarding how community members can dispose of or recycle materials correctly.

F. Reduce the amount of waste disposed per employee in the business community by improving commercial recycling services and providing information to support waste reduction.

G. Expand the types of waste that can be recycled or otherwise diverted from the community waste stream, including organic materials in compliance with state law.

H. Continue to provide public information regarding residential collection of household hazardous wastes including paint containers, electronics, household chemicals, motor oils, and pesticides, and promote development of facilities that collect these materials.

Meeting Dry Utility Needs

Dry utility services, such as electricity, natural gas, telephone, and data services, both meet basic needs and enhance quality of life for Huntington Beach residents. Supporting or providing enhanced data services in industrial and employment/technology areas is also an important economic development strategy. These services are provided by independent entities that set their own service standards and facility improvement strategies. The City works with service providers to ensure that goals and service expectations are met for both current and future development.

Goal PSI-10. Superior electricity, natural gas, telephone, and data services improve quality of life and support economic development.

Policies

A. Continue to consult with dry utility service providers to ensure that the community’s current and future needs are met.

B. Continue to require utilities to be placed underground as part of new development projects.

C. Support the use of new and emerging communication technologies.

D. Promote provision of high-capacity data systems to support new development and reuse projects, particularly within the Research and Technology land use designation.

E. Encourage integrated and cost-effective design and technology features within new development and reuse projects to minimize demands on dry utility networks.

F. Create and maintain a “dig once” policy.

Financing Public Services and Infrastructure

Given the loss of redevelopment agency powers and the limited financing sources available for public infrastructure, it is important that the City manage and expand existing financial resources and explore the availability of new financing legislation and programs. The fiscal balance of the City is important to continue to maintain a high quality of public services and provide new programs as the need arises.

Goal PSI-11. The City’s financial resources are managed and expanded to support infrastructure maintenance and expansion.

Policies

A. Prepare a capital improvement program that identifies priorities for the expenditure of public capital resources in combination with private financing sources.

B. Ensure that development impact fees keep pace with the cost of new infrastructure, and that new development pays its fair share.

C. Consider a wide range of additional financing approaches, such as assessments, special taxes, and innovative techniques to improve and expand infrastructure systems.

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