Land use planning after earthquakes.

The study identifies and analyzes factors in post-earthquake land use planning which can effectively reduce further earthquake risk in urban areas. Case studies are evaluated for earthquakes in San Fernando, Santa Rosa, Laguna Beach, and Alaska. A wide variety of responses to earthquake hazards was observed, ranging from a cavalier disregard for future risk, to a long-term concerted effort to improve seismic safety. Effectiveness of land use planning in post-earthquake reconstruction is influenced by four major factors: (1) cause and extent of damage; (2) hazard and risk evaluation; (3) capabilities of local government to respond to an earthquake; and (4) role of the Federal government in post-earthquake decisions. Recommendations concern changes needed in Federal disaster assistance procedures to resolve some of the identified problems. The Federal role is paramount since allocation of Federal funds is the most important factor governing reconstruction decisions. Formation of two teams is recommended, one for hazard evaluation and the other for reconstruction planning after an area has been declared a major disaster site following an earthquake .550.