Enduring Land-Use Planning Lessons from the 1971 San Fernando Earthquake

Recommendations contained in the report of the Joint Committee on Seismic Safety of the California Legislature on the 1971 San Fernando Earthquake serve as a basis for reviewing progress in reducing seismic hazards through land use planning in California during the last twenty-five years. Progress since 1971 in the use of normal planning tools to increase seismic safety is summarized. Finally, as a statement of remaining needs, recommendations for improvement of land use planning at state and local levels, as contained in the California Seismic Safety Commission's report on the Northridge Earthquake, are presented.