The primary types of capabilities relevant to achieving long-term risk reduction through mitigation planning are the following:
The planning team may identify additional types of capabilities relevant to mitigation planning.
Safe Growth Audit
Planning and Regulatory
Planning and regulatory capabilities are based on the implementation of ordinances, policies, local laws and State statutes, and plans and programs that relate to guiding and managing growth and development. Examples of planning capabilities that can either enable or inhibit mitigation include comprehensive land use plans, capital improvements programs, transportation plans, small area development plans, disaster recovery and reconstruction plans, and emergency preparedness and response plans. Plans describe specific actions or policies that support community goals and drive decisions. Likewise, examples of regulatory capabilities include the enforcement of zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, and building codes that regulate how and where land is developed and structures are built. Planning and regulatory capabilities refer not only to the current plans and regulations, but also to the community’s ability to change and improve those plans and regulations as needed.