The Lompoc City Council made significant strides in addressing seismic safety during their recent Planning Commission meeting on July 12, 2025. The council voted to remove two policies, 4.2 and 4.3, from the city’s planning document, which focused on the identification and reinforcement of historic buildings vulnerable to earthquakes.

The decision came after discussions highlighted the overlap between local policies and existing state building codes. Commissioner Bridal expressed concerns that maintaining these policies could hinder local development and create unnecessary complications, as the state already mandates safety measures for such buildings. The council acknowledged that the city’s building department had identified four historic structures that remain unreinforced, but the consensus was that state regulations sufficiently cover the necessary safety protocols.

In place of the removed policies, the council emphasized the importance of public awareness regarding seismic hazards. The city has already implemented signage on the identified buildings to inform the public of potential risks. However, the removal of policies 4.2 and 4.3 raised questions about the city’s ongoing commitment to identifying and addressing seismic vulnerabilities.

The council also discussed the implications of these changes, particularly regarding potential legal liabilities in the event of an earthquake. City Attorney Bethany Burgess reassured the commissioners that compliance with state laws would mitigate risks, although the removal of these policies could lead to community safety concerns if not properly managed.

The meeting concluded with a focus on the need for clear communication and public education about seismic risks, reinforcing the city’s commitment to safety while navigating the complexities of local and state regulations. As Lompoc moves forward, the council aims to balance development needs with the imperative of ensuring community safety in the face of natural disasters.