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Home My WebLink About2008/06/09 Board of Appeals & Advisors Agenda Packet I declare under penalty of perjury that I am employed by the City of Chula Vista in the Department of Planning and Building and. that I posted a copy of this Meeting Agenda on the City Docket at the Cit Hall Building CITY OF CHULA VISTA BOARD OF APPEALS AND ADVISORS Date: 06/03/08 Signed: REGULAR MEETING AGENDA Monday - 5:15 p m Conference Room # 137 (inside Public Services Bldg) June 9, 2008 276 Fourth Avenue, Chula Vista, CA 91910 CALL MEETING TO ORDER/ROLL CALL West_ Turner_ Buddingh_ Buencamino- Andrews_ Flach_ Lopez_ Sides_ 1.. DECLARATION OF EXCUSED/UNEXCUSED ABSENTEEISM: • Request from Member Buencamino-Andrews for excused absence from April 14, 2008 Regular Meeting (see attached Memorandum) 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: April 14, 2008 Regular Meeting 3.. NEW BUSINESS: ° A Climate Change Working Group- Final Recommendations Report. Presented to Board by Michael Meacham, Director of Conservation & Environmental Servies and Brendan Reed, Environmental Resource Manager ' i 4 CHAIRMAN'S COMMENTS/REPORTS: 5. BUILDING OFFICIAL'S COMMENTS/REPORTS: 6. COMMUNICATIONS (PUBLIC REMARKSIWRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE): 7.. ADJOURNMENT TO REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING ON MONDAY, JUNE 14, 2008 AT 5:15 PM IN CONFERENCE ROOM 137. ~I AD REMP, C.B.O. DATE ASST. DIR. OF PLANNIN & BUILDING/BUILDING OFFICIAL ' SECRETARY TO THE BOARD OF APPEALS AND ADVISORS j COMPLIANCE WITH AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT ' The City of Chula Vista, in complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), request individuals who require special accommodations to access, attend, and/or participate in a City meeting, activity, or service, request such accommodation at least forty-eight hours in advance for meetings and five days for scheduled services and activities. Please contact Eileen Dimagiba Secretary for specifc information at (619) 407-3510 or Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at (619) 585-5647 California Relay Service is also available for the hearing impaired 1:\Bld_HsgUudi Bell\Board of Appeals & Advisors\06.09 2008adoc Item 1 April 15, 2008 MEMORANDUM To: Members, Board of Appeals & Advisors From: Rita Buencamino Andrews Re: Board Meeting of Monday, 4/14/08 I am requesting an Excused Absence from the April 14, 2008 Board of Appeals & Advisors Meeting because of personal matters Your approval will be greatly appreciatedI Thanks, Rita Buencamino Andrews Member it I Item 2 MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF APPEALS AND ADVISORS CITY OF CHULA VISTA, CALIFORNIA April 14, 2008 Conference Room #137 inside Public Services Building 5:15 PM 276 Fourth Ave. Chula Vista, CA 91910 MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman West, Vice-Chairman Turner, Members: Buddingh, Flach, Lopez, Sides MEMBERS ABSENT: Buencamino-Andrews (excused) CITY STAFF PRESENT: Brad Remp, Assistant Director/ Building Official of Planning and Building; Lou EI- Khazen, Deputy Building Official; Justin Gipson, Fire Marshal; Eileen Dimagiba, Senior Office Specialist (Recording Secretary) OTHERS PRESENT: None CALL MEETING TO ORDER: Chairman West called meeting to order at 5:15 PM ROLL CALL: Members present constituted a quorum. 1 DECLARATION OF EXCUSEDIUNEXCUSED ABSENTEEISM: None i i 2 APPROVAL OF MINUTES: MSC (West/Flach) (6-0-1) motion to approve the minutes of March 10, 2008 Regular Meeting, 3 NEW BUSINESS: i A. Ordinance Designating Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones- By Lou EI-Khazen Lou EI-Khazen, Deputy Building Official, presented a Powerpoint presentation on a proposed ordinance to designate, by ordinance, very high fire hazard severity zones in ' Chula Vista's jurisdiction within 120 days of receiving recommendations from the Director of Forestry and Fire Protection A map identifying very high fire hazard severity zones I within Chula Vista was also included as an attachment to Board Members, for this ~ presentation. This ordinance will designate these zones as required by State Law This ordinance is being presented to the Board of Appeals & Advisors for motion to recommend approval to the Chula Vista City Council to designate these very high fire hazard severity zones and would be effective July 1~', 2008. The presentation included II background information on the 1992 "Bates Bill", created after the Oakland Hills fire in 1991 This bill mandated the Director of Cal-Fire to evaluate fire hazard severity zones in local jurisdictions, and recommend to the local jurisdictions to indicate where these zones exist. New requirements for residential homes for reducing wildfire threat were also presented which included providing 100-feet of defensible space, keeping roof free of vegetation growth, trimming tree branches at least 10-feet away from chimneys or stovepipes, and to disclose to buyer or transferee the fact that the residential property is within a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ) Chapter 7A requirements were also presented, which stated the use of approved building products and construction methods that are ignition-resistant. Board of Appeals & Advisors Page 2 April 14, 2008 Meeting Minutes Justin Gipson, Fire Marshal, presented the details of the VHFHSZ Map. He indicated on the map some unincorporated areas, such as Bonita Sunnyside, and also stated that most of the areas on this map is undeveloped area as of right now. But these areas can be future developments Comments on Lou EI-Khazen's presentation: • Member Sides asked why would you not require additions or construction to homes to comply with this ordinance? Lou answered and said that it is not currently required but when ' Chula Vista adopts the Urban Wildlife Interface Code, it will be required • Member Turner asked why the increase in government code requirements? Was it a natural escalation built into the legislation? Brad answered and said we needed to harden the requirements for fire prevention, starting from experience from Oakland Hills fires in 1991 and since then Member Turner asked if there was an estimate of the percent increase in building costs? Lou answered and said that these requirements will add very little increase. • Member Buddingh asked what is the definition of "defensible space"? Justin explained and said that it is any area where you can do active management of the fuels that are there and allow for room for some type of defense. For example, to also allow room for response time for fire fighters to set up, management of vegetation, etc. Also, if you do not have 100-feet of defensible space as required, Lou stated that you would be required to go up to the property line • Member Sides asked why on the VHFHSZ Map are there "cut- out areas" and what about their safety? Brad answered and said that there are areas like that because of the typography, type of vegetation (low fire risk), and parcel lines. But through Chula Vista's Wildland- Urban Interface Code (WUIC), they will also fall under the same requirements of this ordinance MSC (WestlLopez) (6-0-1) motion to recommend approval of this ordinance to City Council 4 MEMBERS COMMENTSICHAIRMAN'S COMMENTS/REPORTS: None 5 BUILDING OFFICIAL'S COMMENTSIREPORTS: A Chula Vista Wildland- Urban Interface Code- presented by Justin Gipson Justin Gipson, Fire Marshal, presented a Powerpoint presentation the Wildland-Urban Interface Code (WUIC) specific to Chula Vista. Many different City departments such as Fire, Public Works, Finance, and GIS have been involved in this, Another Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map, specific to conditions here in Chula Vista was also presented for this code These conditions included having enough water to fght fires, especially in Eastern Chula Vista and the new home developments, access roads for Chula Vista Fire Department, and defensible space requirements Justin stated that this document is very close to being finalized He said that this code is more restrictive than Chapter 7A requirements and addresses fire hazards to homes adjacent to areas designated as "open space" For example, Justin pointed out the Rice Canyon area near Home Depot off of E H Street. This code was also created to help homeowners become educated on what types of "fuel" or vegetation to have on their property, such as drought-tolerant vegetation Referring to the Map, Justin indicated on there that the "river bottom" area is highlighted indicating that it is prone to fire danger (highlighted area heading West towards Ocean) Also, the overlapping areas (Blue and Yellow/Red/Orange areas together) on the Map are areas where you need to meet both the State and Chula Vista's WUIC requirements. Justin stated that the next steps in finalizing this Code will be to finalize the draft, have it be reviewed by the stakeholders and get feedback, approval from the Board of Appeals & Advisors, then approval from City Council for adoption. Comments on Justin Gioson's presentation: • Member Sides asked what was the requirement of space in between residential properties? Lou said 20-feet, 10-feet on both sides of house Board of Appeals & Advisors Page 3 April 14, 2008 Meeting Minutes • Member Turner asked what is a "crossover' area (as indicated on WUIC-VHFHSZ Map) between the State and Chula Vista? Justin answered and said we are using the WUIC requirements as the "minimum requirements, then State comes in and works off of Chula Vista's requirements. • Member Buddingh asked what is the definition of "flammable vegetation"? Justin said that a list of plants will be released to the home owners in the future Member Buddingh commented that the vagueness of this list might cause problems and confusion for homeowners, and might not be enforceable by City • Member Lopez commented that these presentations were good and this is the "sign of the times" and it's good that the City is being proactive on this. B Green Building Standards will be brought to Board of Appeals & Advisors within the next coming months- City Council has decided that they want us to adopt new Green Building Standards, and State anticipates that these new standards will be in affect by July 2009. 6 COMMUNICATIONS (PUBLIC REMARKS/ WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE): None 7 ADJOURNMENT: MSC (West/Flach) (6-0-1) adjournment of meeting at 6:47 p m to the next regular meeting in Planning and Building Conference Room #137 on May 12, 2008. BRAD REMP, C.B O ASST. DIR. OF PLANNING & BUILDING/ BUILDING OFFICIAL SECRETARY TO THE BOARD OF APPEALS & ADVISORS MINUTES TAKEN BY: EILEEN DIMAGIBA, SR. OFFICE SPECIALIST PLANNING & BUILDING DEPARTMENT (RECORDING SECRETARY) I Item 3A, # 1 \`r~i~ ~ cmoF Department of Conservation C:HULAVISIA I & Environmental Services DATE: ,June 3, 2008 TO: Board of Appeals & Advisors FROM: Brendan Reed, Environmental Resource Manager SUBJECT: Acceptance of Climate Change Working Group's Final Recommendations Report In 2007 staff reported to the City Council that Chula Vista's citywide greenhouse gas emissions had increased by .35% from 1990 to 2005, while emissions from municipal operations decreased by 18% As a result, the City Council directed staff to convene a Climate Change Working Group (CCWG) to develop recommendations to reduce the community's greenhouse gas emissions or "carbon footprint" in order to meet the City's 2010 greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets.. Over the last ten months, the CCWG -comprised of residential, business and community-group representatives -reviewed over 90 carbon-reducing measures that were previously implemented by other communities to determine their applicability and potential effectiveness in Chula Vista, The CCWG completed its review of these measures and selected seven measures which it recommended to City Council on April 1, 2008. In response, Council adopted all seven measures and directed staff to return within 90 days with more detailed implementation plans. City staff' is now working to engage multiple community and stakeholder groups in the implementation planning process, the De artment of Conservation & Environmental Services staff is asking the Chula Vista P Board of Appeals & Advisors (BAA) to accept the CCWG's Final Recommendations Report (attached) and provide feedback the Commission's recommendations will help staff finalize the detailed implementation plans over the next few weeks for the seven measures. I Attachments Climate Change Working Group Final Recommendations Repoxt - Apri12008 Council Agenda Statement CCWG Council Presentation Item 3A, # 2 April 1, 2008 Greenhouse Gas Inventory 24:~ v,,j 7000 ' ~ c aaa~ 1990 ~ m City of Chula Vista h = 800 ®2°°5 Climate Change Working Group N 9 600 - Final Recommendations ~ ~ 30 t sa _ a .P ° Municipal Community ~~p Analysis Type Reduction Goals Greenhouse Gas Inventory 70°° F ~ lsso 20% below 1990 y i, levels by 2010 r " = a°° o z°°5 ' _ sa~awisYV[ 'S ~ E F 600 M. E5{ 3t 3 N p ~`u m z 20 _ ~ E ~ 6 70 b~ra++l Municipal Community Analysis Type Mission Statement Working Group Participants • Open, transparent, and inclusive process Lynda Gilgun RCC/Environment • To provide City Council a list of greenhouse gas Alan Ridley Education/Energy reduction solutions Chris Schodowski Business • Focus on solutions that have been successfully Erin Pitts Youth implemented elsewhere Leo Miras Environment Ii _ p Cesar Rios Energy _ Alma Aguilar Education Hector Reyes CVRC/Land Use Richard Chavez Transportation ~ " Derek Turbide Clean Energy I Working Group Participants Process Brian Holland SANDAL July 2007-March 2008 (12 meetings) Risa Baron SDG&E Andrea Cook Center for Sustainable Energy Reviewed & evaluated 90 solutions Michael Meacham Staff • Prioritized Top 7 Carla Blackmar Staff Brendan Reed Staff Dawn Beintema Staff Evaluation Criteria #1: Adopt Clean Vehicle Policy Require that 100% of replacement vehicles 1 Implemented elsewhere purchased for municipal fleet be high efficiency !ic a (hybrid) or alternative fuel vehicles 2 Financially feasible tg 3 City jurisdiction E - 4, Quantifiable impacts within a short time frame 5 No adverse impacts il:: Council Action: Implement immediately m Emissions Sector: Transportation #2: Encourage Clean Vehicle Policy Encourage fleet operators and companies ~ doing business in Chula Vista to adopt a I ~ 100% clean vehicle replacement purchasing policy. m~• n~ Council Action: Implement immediately nva 2 #3: Additional Energy Assessments Emissions Sector: Energy Require City-licensed businesses to participate in an energy assessment every 3 years or upon change of ownership ,,.gym z jl;''" a i=<.';i Council Action: Direct staff to develop plan n.eu #4: Adopt Green Building Standards #5: Solar Conversion Program Develop a solar conversion program for existing Adopt green building standards for residential and commercial buildings Proactively all new and major renovations of enforce existing codes requiring pre-plumbing for residential and commercial solar hot water. construction II Council Action: Direct staff to develop plan Council Action: Direct staff to develop plan I #6: Smart Growth at Trolley Stations #7: Lawn Turf Conversion Program Facilitate Smart Growth around the H ' " Iii Street, E Street and Palomar Trolley Coordinate with Otay Water Stations. District, San Diego County " r~ ~ Water Authority and the Sweetwater Authority to convert turf lawns to xeriscape landscaping Council Action: Implement immediately Council Action: Direct staff to develop plan 3 #7: Lawn Turt Conversion Program Recommendations ~ ~ • Ala spt all measures, direct staff to create ~ I ~ e F~ p • Assign oversight responsibilities to the ~ ` Resource Conservation Commission or i other group, ' Present recommendations to community i 'j`' t , . groups and business associations I ~ a te~ _ _n a Doing Something About Climate Change Council Action 1 100 % Clean Vehicle Purchasing Policy X Measure SbH Suggestion 2 Encourage others to adopt Clean Vehicle Policy 10g% Clean Vehicle Revise purchasing requirements 3 Business Energy Assessments ' Purchaamg POhcy Aaoptrewmmenaation Flexihility for vehicle types 8 butlget wnstraints 4 Green Building Standards Revise contracting requirements Y Enwumga obeys to etlaDt Ravisemreau're clean vehicle replacements 5 Solar Energy Conversion Program Clean Vahlde Poliq Flexibility br some vehicle Gasses Business Energy Realm wl municipal cotle revisiom 6 Smart GfovRh around Trolley Stations 3 Assessments Exempligns for green huiltlingslCCAR businesses 7 Lawn Turt Conversion Program 4 Green BUiltling StantlaNS Realm w/implementation Dlan For more info: www.chulavistaca.gov/clean/conservation Climate Change Commitment: Council Action reduce 400,000 tons C02 4~a 4~>~M~ a~r~g u Measure sbH Suggestion Increase energy efficiency s Solar Energy Conversion Retum w/implementation plan 64% in all Chula Vista homes Progam 6 SmaM1Growth amuntl Tmlley Na ac4 glretl OR ~~y~ , Sbrans Smartg .mn'nwmaretetl into City plane "`"°N Lavm Turf Conversion Prc bm Retum w/'mplementation plan Replace 66,460 cats With Zero ~ ~ g-~y~ yam{. g Bmatler sVabgy may increase impact emission vehicles For more info: vrWw chulavistaca gov/clean/conservation CR Install 128,000 Solar Panels (3kW Systems - 4,500 kWn/yr) 4 Item 3A, # 3 1, CITY OF CHULA VISTA CLIMATE CHANGE WORKING GROUP Final Recommendations Report Apri12008 __..__v_...___.._.._..___.___..._.a._._._.._.___._..____..-___._-._..__,._._..._._......-.._.~___.-._.___...__...____e.___. Summary the Climate Change Working Group of the City of Chula Vista was tasked with identifying climate protection actions that provide the best opportunity for the City to meet, ox make the most progress towards meeting its ICLEUKyoto commitment of reducing citywide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to 20% below 1990 levels. After reviewing over 90 climate protection actions implemented by other cities, the Climate Change Working Group has selected the following measures that it feels are most likely to reduce Chula Vista's greenhouse gas emissions in the next few years: Require that 100% of the replacement vehicles purchased for 1 the municipal fleet be high-efficiency (hybrid) or alternative fuel vehicles. Encourage City-contracted fleet operators to adopt the use of 2 high-efficiency (hybrid) or alternative fuel vehicles, by stipulating that 100% of replacement vehicle purchases should be alternative fuel or h brid vehicles. Require City of Chula Vista-licensed businesses to participate 3 in an energy assessment of their physical premises every three ears and u on than a of ownershi . Adopt community-wide green building standards that are comprehensive in coverage and mandatory„ New and 4 substantially remodeled structures will be required to be built to LEED silver or to an equivalent 3rd party certification green building program, with the effect of having an energy efficiency im act of at least 20% over Title-24. Facilitate widespread installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on commercial, residential and municipal facilities by 5 developing and implementing a solar energy conversion program. Proactively enforce existing codes requiring pre- Iumbin for solar hot water. 5 Facilitate "Smart Growth" around the Fi Street, E Street and Palomar Street Trolley Stations Coordinate with Otay Water District, San Diego County Water 7 Authority and the Sweetwater Authority to convert turf lawns to xerisca e. I CCWG Final Recommendations Report 1 of 30 April 1, 2008 Background: the Climate Change Working Group was convened in July 200'7 under the direction of the Council's ICLEI representatives, Councilmember Castaneda and Councilmexriber McCann, who serve as the City's Climate Change Subcommittee.. The Subcommittee and their staff took an active role in establishing the sectors to be represented in the Working Group, submitting participant names and reviewing all potential representatives. The Planning Department, General Services, Public Works and Community Development were also invited to participate„ The final ten-member group included seven Chula Vista residents and three members who lived elsewhere, but were involved in the Chula Vista community.. In addition, three ex-officio members with strong interests in Chula Vista's climate reduction actions supported the Working Group (see Appendix A for full participant list). To help direct the Working Group in their task of identifying effective emissions reduction strategies, City staff provided the following five criteria to guide recommendations: 1) the measure had been previously implemented by an ICLEI local government or California Climate Action Registry business, 2) the measure would be fmancially feasible (i.e require little or no additional General Fund support, 3) the measure could be quickly implemented to have immediate impact on the City's efforts to reduce emissions by 2010, 4) the measures' impacts could be quantified using the City's emissions inventory protocol and 5) the measure would not cause a significant adverse community impact„ CCWG meetings were initially moderated by a professional City facilitator (Dawn Beintema), while Conservation and Environmental Services Department staff provided administrative support The Working Group process was divided into three sets of meetings. the first set was spent reviewing the City's 2005 GHG emissions inventory, learning about each of the sectors that generate emissions (energy, land use/transportation, waste and water) and investigating what actions other cities had taken to reduce emissions from each sector. Ihese actions were compiled into a list of 90 measures (see Appendix E) which could then be evaluated by the five criteria listed above. In the second set of meetings the Group reviewed these lists, and selected the measures from each sector that had the most potential to reduce emissions significantly while still meeting the five criteria (the list was narrowed to approximately 2-0 recommendations).. the final set of meetings was spent distilling the list down to seven recommendations, and collaboratively writing and editing the text explaining these recommendations. In writing the recommendation text, the Climate Change Working Group strove to create implementation strategies that were neither overly specific and prescriptive, nor overly general. The Working Group's goal was to create recommendations detailed enough to lay the groundwork for speedy implementation, but also general enough to be adaptable CCWG Final Recommendations Report 2 of 30 April 1, 2008 under changing circumstances. In the end, the Working Group's approach to the recommendation text was guided by its original charter, which was to create recommendations for Council but to leave the implementation details to staff specialists who are more familiar with municipal codes and processes. Many broader climate reduction actions, such as recommendations to re-organize Chula Vista's land use and transportation systems to favor transit, are absent from this list. While large-scale, system-level changes of this nature are likely to be necessary for sustained GHG emissions reductions, the Group felt that these recommendations were often too complex to be implemented and measured in the short term. The Chula Vista Carbon Dioxide (COZ) Reduction Plan (2000) contains an excellent list of broader policies that should guide the City in the 215` century as it seeks to reduce its "carbon footprint" (See Appendix C). the Climate Change Working Group would like to reiterate the importance of these broader policies, while at the same time acknowledging that the implementation of these policies is often outside of the City's purview The Climate Change Working Group's recommendations represent an important strategic opportunity for the City. Council has reiterated its commitments to reducing GHG emissions, yet if the City continues with a "business as usual" approach, emissions axe sure to increase further„ On the other hand, if the City follows the Working Group's recommendations (especially pertaining to Green Building standards and solar energy ( conversion), Chula Vista could begin to slow its community-wide increase in GHG emissions and eventually lead to reduced citywide emissions. Council is strongly encouraged to adopt the Climate Change Working Group's recommendations, and to speed their implementation into municipal code and practice.. CCWG Final Recommendations Report 3 of 30 April 1, 2008 Recommendation 1• Require that 100% of replacement vehicles purchased for municipal fleet be high efficiency (hybrid) or alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs). The City of Chula Vista Climate Change Working Group recommends that City of Chula Vista requite all replacement vehicles purchased for the municipal fleet be either high eff ciency (hybrid) or alternative fuel vehicles (AF Vs) Background: the City of Chula Vista Climate Change Working Group recommends that the City of Chula Vista expand its use of high efficiency fuel vehicles including electric, biodiesel, ethanol, hybrid, hydrogen and natural gas based on appropriateness for vehicle task, fueling infrastructure, petroleum displacement, overall cost and environmental benefit Further; the Group recommends that the City develop policies to efficiently use the i vehicles that it currently has, implementing concepts like "right sizing", "trip chaining" and maintenance in order to derive the most benefit from each "vehicle miles traveled" (vMTs). the City of Chula Vista has long been a pioneer in the use of high effciency/alternative fuels. The City's ttansit fleet and some light-duty vehicles tun on compressed natural gas and the City has its own compressed natural gas fueling station and hydrogen fueling ~ station. Many cities throughout California have also successfully adopted the use of high efficiency/alternative fuel vehicles from passenger cars to heavy-duty trucks. Additionally, the State of California has made the growth of the use of alternative fuels and alternative fuel vehicles a high priority and passed myriad legislation creating funding mechanisms to drive this growth. Alternative fuel vehicle options exist in most every class of vehicle in use by the City of Chula Vista, so it is recommended that the City consider all high-effciency/alternative fuel appropriate options when considering all future vehicle acquisitions. Recommended Performance Metrics for Measure: Performance could be measured by setting aggressive goals for increasing the City's use of alternative fuel vehicles (i e nutnber of AFVs/high eff ciency vehicles) and alternative fuels (i.e. gallons used), as well as development of associated fueling infrastructure, the I effectiveness of the new measure could also be measured by tracking the average fleet "miles per gallon" (MPG) in gasoline, and setting ambitious goals to lower this MPG. Not only would this measure encourage greater adoption ofAFVs, it would also focus the City on making the existing fleet as efficient as possible, CCWG Final Recommendations Report 4 of'30 April 1, 2008 Fiscally Feasible: the City can purchase high efficiency/alternative fuel vehicles as vehicle replacement funds become available. Substantial grant funding and incentives for light, medium and heavy duty alternative fuel vehicles axe also currently available and expected to increase in years to come. Grant funding for fueling infrastructrue may be available and private industry may also invest in necessary fueling infrastructure with local commitment to use.. Because high-efficiency vehicles use less gasoline and alternative fuels are typically less expensive than conventional fuels, hybrid and AFVs can often recoup any additional upfront costs over their lifetime. Tax rebates on qualifying alternative fuels also exist, bringing their cost below that of petroleum-based feels. Short Timeframe: Hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles can be implemented into the fleet immediately as vehicles are replaced, ox new vehicles are purchased Alternative fuel vehicle fueling infiastructxxre can be accomplished in 2008 and 2009. Quantifiable Results: The use of hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles will permit a reduction in the use of petroleum-based fuels.. All targeted alternative technologies/fuels can have significant greenhouse gas emissions benefits over petroleum-based fuels such as gasoline and diesel Prior Execution: Various cities including Burbank, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Vacaville, CA, as well I as Boulder; CO No Adverse Effects: While some alternative fuel vehicles may cost more than their gasoline and/or diesel counterparts, billions of dollars in current and future State and Federal incentives, grants and tax credits can bring the cost of those alternative fuel vehicles near or below that of a comparable gasoline or diesel-powered vehicle. In some cases, grant applications may need to be written and reports may need to be filed in the process of'securing funding for vehicles and/or infrastructure; however; an increase in City staff would not be anticipated. Additionally, private industry may invest in necessary fueling infiastructure to meet the City's needs. Many alternative fuel vehicles currently offer significant fuel and maintenance cost savings over gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles. CCWG Final Recommendations Report 5 of 30 April 1, 2008 Recommendation 2: Encourage City-contracted fleet operators to adopt the use of high efficiency (hybrid) or alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs), stipulating that 100% of replacement vehicle purchases be alternative fuel or hybrid vehicles. The City of Chula Vista Climate Change Working Group recommends that the City of Chula Vista work with fleets under City authority and influence their expanded use of alternative fuels and alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs), All replacement vehicles purchased by City-contracted fleets should be either AFVs, high efficiency vehicles or vehicles otherwise able to demonstrate significant reductions in carbon emissions„ Background: The City of Chula Vista Climate Change Working Group recommends that the City of Chula Vista work with fleets under City authority to influence their expanded use of alternative fuels and high-efficiency/alternative fuel vehicles including electric, biodiesel, ethanol, hybrid, hydrogen and natural gas based on appropriateness fox vehicle task, fueling irxfrastxuctrue, petroleum displacement, overall cost and enviroxxmental benefit While there are a number of fleets operating in the City of Chula Vista, few are under direct authority of the City with the exception of taxis and refuse trucks.. There are currently over 200 taxis permitted by the Police Department to pick up passengers in the City of Chula Vista and over 50 refuse trucks authorized to collect household discards, There are currently hundreds of alternative fuel taxis and refuse trucks operating throughout California. Helping these fuel-intensive fleets adopt hybrid/alternative fuel vehicles should be the City's near-term priority. Additional fleet operators not directly under the City's authority that the City may be able to influence include United Parcel Services (UPS) (which uses alternative fuel vehicles at various hubs throughout the country), as well as other local manufacturers, distributors and service providers.. Recommended Performance Metrics for Measure: Performance could be measured by setting aggressive goals for increasing fleet operators' use of high-efficiency/alternative fuel vehicles (i e. number of hybrid and AFVs) and alternative fuels (i,e gallons used), as well as associated fueling infrastructrue I Fiscally Feasible: Fleet owners can purchase alternative fuel vehicles with existing vehicle replacement funds, ultimately meeting percentage targets set through contract negotiations CCWG Final Recommendations Report 6 of 30 April 1, 2008 Substantial grant funding and incentives for light, medium and heavy duty alternative fuel vehicles are also currently available and expected to increase in years to come. Giant funding for fueling stations may be available and private industry may also invest in necessary fueling infrastructure with local commitments to use.. High- efficiency/alternative fuel vehicles often recoup thew higher initial costs by life-cycle savings on fuel. Iax credits on qualifying alternative fuels also exist, bringing their cost below that of petroleum-based fuels. Short Timeframe: High-efficiency/alternative fuel vehicles can be implemented into fleets immediately with all scheduled vehicle replacements and/or new vehicle acquisitions.. Alternative fuel vehicle fueling/charging infrastructure expansion can be accomplished in 2008 and 2009 I Quantifiable Results: the conversion to high-efficiency/alternative fuel vehicles will reduce the use of petroleum-based fuels. All targeted alternative fuels have significant greenhouse gas emissions benefits oven petroleum-based fuels such as gasoline and diesel. Pr'ior' Execution: i Various cities and agencies in our neighboring South Coast Air Quality Management District, as well as Smithtown and Brookhaven, NY and San Antonio, TX. No Adverse Effects: I While some high-efficiency/alternative fuel vehicles may cost more than their gasoline and/or diesel counterparts, billions of dollars in current and future State and Federal incentives, giants and tax credits can bring the cost of those alternative fuel vehicles near or below that of a comparable gasoline ox diesel-powered vehicle. In some cases, giant applications may need to be written and reports may need to be filed in the process of securing funding for vehicles and/or infrastructure; however, an increase in staffing would not be anticipated and private industry partnerships are available to incur these costs on behalf of fleet owners. Additionally, private industry may invest in necessary fueling infrastructure to meet fleet owners' needs. Many alternative fuel vehicles cuxxently offer significant fuel and maintenance cost savings over gasoline and diesel- powered vehicles CCWG F final Recommendations Report 7 of 30 April 1, 2008 Recommendation 3: Require City of Chula Vista-licensed businesses to participate in an enemy assessment of their physical premises ever three years and upon change of ownership. The City of Chula Vista Climate Change Working Group recommends that City of Chula Vista-licensed businesses be required to participate in an energy assessment of their physical premises every three years and upon change of ownership„ Background: The City of Chula Vista Climate Change Working Group recommends that City of Chula Vista-licensed businesses be required to participate in an energy assessment of their physical premises every three years as a way of helping businesses take advantage of rapidly evolving energy-efficiency practices and technologies. The City of San Diego has had a similar code in place since the early nineties requiring that all buildings receiving water service from the City of San Diego obtain a Water Conservation Plumbing Certificate upon change of ownership. This requirement has led to widespread installation of water-conserving equipment in the building stock The City of Berkeley has a similar municipal code in place requiring businesses to complete an energy assessment upon change of ownership. This code has been shown to create a heightened awareness of energy conservation among citizens. the proposed recommendation is based on the City of San Diego/ City of Berkeley codes and would require assessments for businesses every three years and upon change of - ownership. The proposed code would integrate the assessments into the existing Business License Renewal Program, with assessments to be conducted by City staff with support from the SDG&E Partnership Program. Energy assessments would vary by business type, but would be designed far flexibility in order to help take advantage of available incentive and rebate opportunities. Because water use and energy consumption axe duectly linked, water-conserving practices and technologies would also be encouraged under this program, Recommended Performance Metrics for Measure: the implementation of this measure requires a change to the City's business licensing code stipulating the energy assessment requirement, Before the code could be written it would be necessary to establish who would perform the assessments (likely City staff supported by SDG&E), what standards were to be met and how the assessments would be integrated into the business licensing process. Once the code was in place, performance could be gauged by measuring the number of assessments completed CCWG Final Recommendations Repot 8 of 30 April 1, 2008 Fiscally Feasible: City staff' currently conduct energy assessments as part of the SDG&E-City of Chula Vista Energy Efficiency Partnership Program. The required business assessments would be an outgrowth of that effort. In the last year; the City has completed approximately 400 business assessments The City currently licenses approximately 3,500 businesses with physical premises, meaning that the assessment efforts would need to be stepped-up to assess an additional 700-800 businesses per year. This is not unmanageable under the existing program format, but would require efforts to be re-focused on business assessments rather than residential lighting exchanges. Short Timeframe: Increased business energy assessments could result almost immediately in energy conservation behaviors and efficiency improvements. Reduction in carbon emissions can reasonably be expected within a 2-3 year time frame. Quantifiable Results: Reductions in energy use are among the easiest measures to quantify in the City's GHG emissions inventory. Effective energy assessments that change business behaviors can be expected to yield quantifiable, albeit modest, GHG reductions., Prior Execution: I Berkeley, CA, San Jose, CA, San Diego, CA (water assessment) No Adverse Effects: While requiring businesses to complete an energy assessment every three years would add an additional complication to the business licensing process, the benefit to businesses in cost savings through energy use reduction can be expected to overwhelm the hassle of completing the assessment It is possible that the assessments would create additional complexity for the City's business licensing staff. Relevant Links: 1) City of San Diego Plumbing Retrofit Ordinance: http:H~~w4v sandiego govtwater%conscc~ation%sellingshtml 2) City of Berkeley Commercial Energy Conservation Ordinance htrp.il~~t-vu ei bcrkele~ ea ns(C'ontentLhspla~ aspx?id='15474 CCWG F final Recommendations Report 9 of 30 April 1, 2008 Recommendation 4• Adopt community-wide green building standards that are comprehensive in coverage and mandatory. New and substantially renovated structures will be required to be built to LEED silver or to an equivalent 3`d party certification green building program, with the effect of having an energy efficiency impact of at least 20% over Title-24. The City of Chula Vista Climate Change Working Group recommends that City of Chula Vista adopt community-wide green building standards that are comprehensive in coverage and mandatory. Permits shall not be given to a building unless it is designed and built as LEED silver; or equivalent from another .3`d party certification green building program, with the effect of having an energy efficiency impact of at least 20% over Title- 2.4 This requirement would then be regularly updated to meet Architecture 2030 goals of energy net zero construction by 202.0 far homes and 2030 for businesses. Background: Energy use by existing building stock accounts for half of Chula Vista's community greenhouse gas emissions, The City's Climate Change Working Group recommends that the City take action to reduce emissions from buildings by changing the municipal code stipulations to require builders to exceed Title-24 standards., Requiring builders and j building managers to meet higher energy efficiency standards would help support the long-term value of the City's building stock by encouraging upkeep and assuring the future reliability and comfort of struchrres Building energy efficiency standards are currently set by California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 24.12. Though Iitle-24 energy standards are among the most rigorous energy codes in the U S, buildings constructed to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards are at least 14% more effcient than buildings simply built to current Iitle-24 standards,. Opportunities fox energy savings are particularly great in the residential sector; where Title-24 requirements are comparatively less stringent. the Climate Change Working Group recommends that the City take advantage of this potentially tremendous energy savings by creating a municipal code requiring buildings to exceed Title-24 standards, A variety of different approaches could be taken to mandate the construction of energy effcient structures within the City of Chula Vista. Requiring that builders construct green buildings, which are designed to maximize energy efficiency and sustainability, can be an effective way to exceed Title-24 requirements. The Working Group's recommendation both encourages the use of green building methods and focuses specifically on energy eff ciency, CCWG Final Recommendations Report 10 of 30 April 1, 2008 Furthermore, the Climate Change Working Group recommends the following guidelines for implementation of these recommendations as to properly capture the letter and spirit of the Working Group's findings: 1, Any energy code/green building measure must be required for both public and private development. 2 The requirements must be comprehensive in the size and types of structures covered, 3 The requirements should include participation in an already existing green building 3`d party certification program with an energy efficiency component. If there is a phase-in period, it must be relatively short as to be relevant to the 2010 GHG emission deadline and must be connected to a clear and concise timetable for implementation. Prior Execution: While the Climate Change Working Group strongly recommends that the City enact codes to make both new and remodeled buildings more efficient, the logistics of creating a Green Building Code for Chula Vista require research time and effort beyond the scope of the Working Group., By approving this measure, Council will direct staff to research and develop an implementation plan for this recommendation. Recommended Performance Metrics for Measure: the implementation of this measure requires an addition to the City's municipal code outlining the new green building standard. Pexfarrnance would be gauged by the number of building permits applied for, the number accepted, and the number of compliant buildings built. Fiscally Feasible: the City of Chula Vista currently has building code requirements that must be met before a building can be permitted. This recommendation would require a modest addition to these existing building standards. the new codes should be designed to work within pre- existing implementation and compliance mechanisms to allow for cost-effective enforcement. While additional training for existing staff may be required, it is not likely to impose significant additional costs upon the City. Short Timeframe: The implementation of these standards could occur as soon as municipal codes are amended and adequate notice is given to the public The fact that the implementation and CCWG Final Recommendations Report 11 of.30 April 1, 2008 enforcement process for building new structures is already in place shortens the recommendation's implementation Quantifiable Results: Reductions in energy use by buildings are among the easiest carbon-reducing actions to quantify.. Credible sources ranging from the Department of Energy to the California Attorney General have endorsed green buildings standards as an effective means of reducing carbon emissions.. Prior Execution: Mandatory green building standazds have been adopted in Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Los Angeles, San Diego, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, Boston and Washington D.C. (to name a few). (Please see Appendix B) No Adverse Ef'f'ects: While these standards require project applicants to meet additional requirements before they can be issued a building permit, the azeas to be regulated by these green building codes are no different than other building requirements currently imposed on developers including structural, lighting, earthquake safety and ventilation requirements. Such ~ li standards have proven to have little, if any, adverse effects on the number of permits sought. Studies by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) have shown that building to basic "LEED certification" can be done at virtually no extra cost, The fact that the proposed standards allow developers the flexibility and autonomy to determine how best to meet these requirements will offset the burden associated with meeting an additional procedural requirement., This recommendation is consistent with the CPUC and California Energy Commission's stated goal to make new residential and commercial buildings "carbon-neutral" by 2020 and 2030, respectively, In addition, such a requirement will reduce the future growth in peak demand for electricity thus reducing the future need for the South Bay Power Plant. Relevant Links: 1. Boston Green Building Program: http %/iv«%sv eity~'~fl~ostoii.Qovibra/gbtf7CiBTF.home trsp 2, Santa Monica Municipal Code: http:(;wivwgcade.tits/codes;'santamoniea/indexphp?topic=8-8_1088 I08 0Ci0 3 Los Angeles Bar Association Review of California Municipal Green Building Codes: http %%w~G t~ lacba.orglshowpage.efnr?pageid=8922 CCWG Final Recommendations Report 12 of'30 April 1, 2008 4 Santa Barbara Green Building Code http I,'w°wtir santabarbataca gov/DocumenasiSustaurabic Santa_Barbata/In the Views/O1_ Press I2eleases!'_O(17.10- - - 20 Santa Barbara Luergv~_Ordir»rce Bc,ats California Building_Code,pdf 5 San Francisco Green Building Codes http:%74vu~s~;~ sfencironment argtour~rrog~ams/top,ics rim("ssi=6&ti=19 Please see Appendix B for further links to municipal green building programs.. CCWG Final Recommendations Report 13 of 30 April 1, 2008 Recommendation 5• Facilitate widespread installation of solar photovoltaic (PVl systems on commercial residential and municipal facilities by developing and implementing a solar energy conversion program. Proactively enforce existing codes requiring pre-plumbing for solar hot water. The City of Chula Vista Climate Change Working Group recommends that the City of Chula Vista facilitate widespread installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on commercial, residential and municipal facilities by developing and implementing a solaz energy conversion program, The Group also recommends that the City more proactively enforce existing codes requiring pre-plumbing for solar hot water Background: Developing cleaner energy sources is an essential tool for slowing climate change, Solar energy remains a largely untapped resource for generating clean energy. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): • Each day more solar energy hits the Earth than its inhabitants could consume in 27 years • Solar energy technologies produce minor amounts of greenhouse gases, generated mostly during the manufacturing process. I • A 100-megawatt solar thermal electric power plant, over 20 years, will avoid more than 3 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions when compared to the cleanest ~ conventional fossil fuel-powered electric plants.. Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels convert sunlight directly into electricity. PV panels can be mounted to commercial, residential and municipal buildings and connected directly to the energy grid For residential applications, annual audits by the energy company provide a comparison between the energy contributed from the solar system to the amount of energy used. If there is a shortfall, the user then pays for the difference Energy conservation is also an important part of an effcient solar system Financing Options the primary barrier to the installation of solaz PV systems is cost., the average 2 kilowatt (kW) solar system can cost between $16,000-$26,000 to install,. The payback period for a solaz system can be anywhere from 15-30 yeazs, depending on location, type of panels used, maintenance and weather. Options for overcoming this barrier include: 1) Power Purchase Agreement (PPA): In a PPA, a property owner allows a solar energy contractor to install and operate PV solar panels on their property. Though energy I produced by the panels is used on-site, the property owner continues to pay their electric bills, this time to the solar installer rather than the utility company. Once the cost of the solar installation has been paid back, the property owner generally has the option of CCWG Final Recommendations Report 14 of 30 April 1,, 2008 taking over the ownership/operation of the solar panels.. This type of solar agreement is most often used on large structures such as schools, municipal facilities and retail stores. Application: This type of solar financing would be most practical for City facilities with large roof areas, such as parking garages. Implementation: The City could require a certain percentage of its municipal energy to be generated on-site with solar PV panels.. PPAs are a tool which could be used to help the City reach this solar goal, especially if the City was not able to afford Solar through other means. 2) City Solar Financing/Special Assessment: the City of Berkeley is helping residents afford solar by paying up-front for the cost and installation of residential solar systems, and then recouping the cost by assessing an additional tax on participating properties which would pay back the cost of the system over a 20 year period„ Residents benefit immediately from reductions on their energy bills. The City of Berkeley won a $200,000 solar grant from the EPA to help cover the start-up costs for the program. Application: Ihis type of solar financing would help surmount the costs of solar system installation for individual homeowners., By helping spread the cost of the solar system across a 20 year period, residents axe able to experience the solar system payback more immediately.. Implementation: The City could establish a program like the one in Berkeley, giving Chula Vista property owners the option to install City-financed solar systems on their buildings, These systems would then be paid off over a set timeframe through special property assessments, 3) Community Solar Pr'ogr'am and Trust Fund: The City of Santa Monica's comprehensive solar program helps lower the cost of solar by simplifying the permitting process for solar construction, identifying solar contractors who are willing to do installations at a reduced "Santa Monica" rate, identifying banks/lenders to help residents finance solar installation costs and by providing free energy assessments to residents, Energy assessments help residents reduce their energy consumption through conservation first, thereby reducing the size of the solar system they will eventually install,. For } residents who rent thew homes, oz have a site that is not suitable for the installation of solar panels, the City offers the option of buying shares in a Community Solar System Fund. This fund helps buy down the cost of solar installation for the City ovexalh Application: This tool could be used to create funds for the general establishment of solar programs, to buy down the cost of solar installation in the City and to expedite the processing of solar permits. Implementation: The City could establish a solar program modeled on "Solar Santa Monica," with an option that allows residents to buy into the "Solar Trust Fund." Determining the appropriate combination of financing options and program designs for the City would require research and policymaking beyond the scope of the Climate CCWG Final Recommendations Report 15 of 30 April 1, 2008 Change Working Group. The group does recommend that the City hasten to adopt a solar energy conversion plan that incorporates the strategies listed above At the same time, there are a variety of less elaborate actions that the City can take to ensure the adoption of solar technologies: Pre-Plumb/Pre-Wire for Solar Since 1982 the City has had a code in place requiring pre-plumbing for solar hot water on new homes. Though this code has been in place since the early `80s, it has received little to no enforcement. The Climate Change Working Group recommends that the City enforce this code requirement going forward. Furthermore, the Group recommends that this code be amended to require that new homes are also pre-wired for solar PV Pre- plumbing and pre-wiring for solar reduces barriers to the installation of these technologies, and ensures that conventional homes can be easily converted to alternative energy sources as funds become available., Require Solar Installation as an "Upgrade Option" on New Homes,: Some homebuilders (ex. Pardee Homes) offer solar PV systems as an "upgrade" option on new homes„ However, this option is not offered by any developers in the City of Chula Vista at this time,. The Climate Change Working Group recommends that the City require new home developers in Chula Vista to offer solar PV systems as an "upgrade" option.. i I Provide Residents Free Home Energy Assessments,: Home energy efficiency can reduce the cost to make homes "net zero energy" by reducing the size of the solar system needed to offset energy use., Any solar PV program should be complemented by energy conservation programming. The City's Conservation and Environmental Services Department currently offers home energy assessments as part of the City's partnership with SDG&E. The Group recommends that the City continue to provide these assessments going forward. Recommended Performance Metrics for Measure: Performance can be measured by the number of commercial, residential and municipal facilities installing solar PV systems each year. Performance can also be measured by the number of megawatts produced by program-installed PV systems: Citywide clean energy generation goals could be established (ex: 100 megawatts of solar generation by 2012) Fiscally Feasible: In addition to the financing mechanisms mentioned above, a variety of federal, state and non-profit funds for solar programs are available. In addition to receiving a $160,000 "Solar America" grant from the EPA for the administrative costs of establishing a solar CCWG Final Recommendations Report 16 of'30 April 1, 2008 program, Berkeley also received a $'75,000 grant from its regional Air Quality Management District, the Berkeley Program also benefits from the California Solar Initiative rebate, which is applied to the total cost Berkeley pays for the solar systems. Solar systems installed on municipal facilities can take advantage of a similar State and Federal incentives. Because the amount of these incentives and rebates is designed to decrease over time, the Climate Change Working Group recommends that the City wank to take advantage of these financing opportunities while they are still significant. Short Timeframe: If aggressively pursued, a basic program could be put in place in 12 to 18 months Developing a more elaborate program with financing for residential solar installation would be more within the 2 to 4 yeas timeframe. Quantifiable Results: Widespread solar energy conversion in the City of Chula Vista would help shift energy production away from greenhouse gas producing power plants, (See the discussion of performance metrics above). Prior Execution: City of Santa Monica "Solar Santa Monica" program, City of San Francisco "Climate Action Plan" No Adverse Effects: Facilitating solar energy conversions would not cause adverse economic or social impacts ox shift negative environmental impacts to another sector., Creating a robust solar energy conversion program would encourage economic development and create opportunities for the struggling housing construction industry. Relevant Links: 1. U.S. EPA Fact Sheet: Climate Change Iechnologies, Solar Energy ]rttp.itiosemire epa.go~,%oar/~lobal~~>arining nsf('niqueI{eiI_ookup%51:SI;SBVR3A:'$File% solarenergy pdf' 2 Solar Santa Monica http ~%wti~~tir solarsrurtamonica corninrain/indexlrtrnl 3 The GfK Roper Yale Survey on Environmental Issues hrip %`e-nvix~onmcnt.~ale eduidoarments!do4.~nloads/h-ulLocalActiouReport pdf 4. San Francisco Solar Plan Press Release CCWG Final Recommendations Report 17 of 30 April 1, 2008 http~%~l~v~v'stgov org.srte%assessar_pagE asp?id=72332 5. Ciry of Berkeley Solar Plan Press Release http ~/~~~~rti~~- ci berkel~,y.causl[v£ayor/PR'plassrelcase2Q07-~~1023 htinl CCWG Final Recommendations Report 18 of 30 April 1,2008 Recommendation 6: Facilitate "Smart Growth" around the H Street, E Street and Palomar Street Trolley Stations. The City of Chula Vista Climate Change Working Group recommends that City of Chula Vista facilitate smart growth around the H Street, E Street and Palomar Street Trolley Stations, Background: Chula Vista's trolley stations offer a unique smazt growth opportunity. Smart growth is a compact, efficient and environmentally sensitive pattern of development that provides people with additional travel, housing and employment choices by focusing futrue growth away from rural areas and closer to existing and planned,job centers and public facilities„ Smart growth seduces dependence on the automobile for travel needs Automobile travel seductions prevent the burning of fossil fuels that contribute to greenhouse gases and climate change.. The E Street and H Street trolley stations are defined as "Primary Gateways" within the Promenade Vision Area in the City of Chula Vista Urban Core Specific Plan. the vision description is as follows "A dynamic mix of regional transit centers, visitor serving uses and a retail complex surrounds an enhanced, medium-rise residential quarter Circulation is improved by re-establishing the traditional street grid, Atree-lined, extended lineaz pack offers both neighborhood and community serving amenities supported by mid-block paseos the park transitions from an active community venue with a more formal landscape to recreational I f8atuxes such as tennis and basketball courts to passive greens. Anchoring the park, the retail plaza links the Bayfront to the regional mall.. Ample public spaces provide for open air markets, mercados, cultural festivals, art exhibits and other community events." the Palomar Station is aheady zoned as a "Gateway Transit District" under the current zoning plan, with densities up to 40 dwelling units per acre permissible by code.. Recommended Performance Metrics for Measure: Performance could be measured by the number of building permits issued within one- quarter mile of the trolley stations. CCWG F final Recommendations Report 19 of 30 April 1, 2008 Fiscally Feasible: Yes Short Timeframe: If aggressively pursued, new building permits could be issued in 18 to 24 months., Quantifiable Results: Possible., Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions could be quantified by developing an estimated emission value per square foot of smart growth residential space and an estimated emission value per square foot of more traditional suburban residential space. The difference between the two could be used to calculate the emissions reduction due to new residential smart growth around the trolley stations, Prior Execution: "New Places, New Choices: Transit-Oriented Development in the San Francisco Bay Area, November 2006" www mtc.ca gov/library/TOD/index,htm, transitvillages org, t, transitorienteddevelopoment.org No Adverse Effects: A difficult topic to address with any smart growth project is traffic impact. Ihis issue would be easier to address if a trolley station were made an integral part of the smart growth project, Interstate 5 and a robust grid network of local streets axe also in close proximity to the E Street, H Street and Palomar Street Irolley Stations. Implementing smart growth around trolley stations would potentially cause adverse economic or social impacts and potentially shift negative environmental impacts to another sector., CCWG Final Recommendations Report 20 of 30 April 1, 2008 Recommendation 7: Coordinate with Otay Water District, San Diego County Water Authority and the Sweetwater Authority to convert turf lawns to xeriscape. - The City of Chula Vista Climate Change Working Group recommends that City of Chula Vista coordinate with Otay Water District, San Diego County Water Authority and the Sweetwater Authority on turf lawn conversions for commercial and residential properties. Pumping water is a significant contributor to GHG emissions in California.. Converting lawns to water-wise gardens and/or artificial turf has been shown to reduce outdoor residential water use by 40%, thereby reducing emissions from this sector Background: the pumping of water and wastewater in California is estimated to take up at least seven percent of the State's total energy usage, making water use a significant contributor to the State's overall COZ emissions. (2007 PIER Report). According to the San Diego County Water Authority, up to fifty percent of household water use goes to thirsty turf grass ~ lawns. the Climate Change Working Group recommends that the City support and coordinate with existing programs aimed at reducing the amount of water used in landscaping. ~ the Otay Water District's "Cash for Plants" program pays residents and businesses up to $2,200 to convert turf lawns or other high water-use plants to drought-tolerant plants. Ihis type of landscaping is often called "xeriscaping" and utilizes San Diego native and I California-friendly plants,. However, the program is restricted to turf grass lawns larger than 750 square feet.. This restriction prevents many smaller residential and commercial properties from participating in the program, Otay Water District has recently begun a second program that pays single-family homeowners to replace their lawns with artificial turf; with a $1/sf incentive. This program only applies to lawns smaller than 1,000 SF, though it supplements programs that pay schools to convert their fields to aztificial truf I Ideally, the Climate Change Working Group would like to see the City develop its own program to supplement the rebates offered by the local water districts, and to extend the programs to parts of the City under the ,jurisdiction of the Sweetwater Authority which currently doesn't offer the pr'ogr'ams. i If developing an independent incentive program is not fiscally possible, the Climate Change Working Group encourages the City to work with Otay Water District to help promote its program to all residents and businesses.. The City could help by integrating the information into existing community outreach activities, thereby increasing the numbers of Chula Vista lawns converted to xeriscapes The City could also help residents overcome Home Owner Association rules and other logistical barriers to CCWG Final Recommendations Report 21 of 30 - April 1, 2008 xeriscape conversion Additionally, the City might act as a facilitator helping to aggregate participating homes to buy-down the cost of contractor efforts, Recommended Performance Metrics fox' Measure: Effective implementation of this measure could be gauged by comparing current numbers of existing hxrf-to-xeriscape incentive applications with the numbers of applications 2 ar 3 years into the fixture, with the expectation that the City's efforts would result in an increase in applications, Fiscally Feasible: The recommendation's fiscal impact would vary depending on the degree (and type) of support the City provided.. At present, the City has anature-friendly gardening program (Naturescape) that encourages residents to adopt water-saving gardening practices. This program could be easily adapted to put an even greater focus on turf=to-xeriscape conversion programs. The Naturescape program is expected to end in Tune 2008, however; primazily due to lack of funding. the City could re-instate this program with I potential firiancial support from the local water districts. Short Timeframe: i Because the City has funding in place for the Naturescape program until June 2008, support and promotion of Otay Water District's "Cash For Plants" program could begin at once. It is expected that increased promotion would lead to an accelerated pace of landscape conversion in the next 2-3 years. Quantifiable Results: A study from the Southern Nevada Water Authority shows a net average residential water use savings of 30% fbr homes that have converted turf to xeriscape, Large scale implementation of the Water Authority "Cash For Plants" Program would likely have an impact on GHG emissions from water use, though the overall effect on the City's GHG emissions would be relatively small.. I Prior Execution: Similar programs have been implemented with success in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Mesa, Arizona and Cathedral City, California. No Adverse Effects: CCWG Final Recommendations Report 22 of.30 April 1, 2008 While some studies show that well-watered turf lawns function as a carbon sink in some areas, we can reasonably assume that the COZ cost of importing water, maintaining the lawns (requiring gas-powered mowers and travel by landscaping crews) and then managing runoff outweigh any carbon sequestration benefits the turf might have in Chula Vista. Relevant Links L. Otay Water District Flyer promoting Xeriscape Conversion Incentives: http://www, otaywatex gov/owd/pages/waterconsexvation/Cash%20for%20plants pdf 2. Southern Nevada Water Authority Study on residential water savings from xeriscape conversion htfp:i!s;~w7~~ sntiva cons/assets%pdf/xexi sC'udy~_tablc pdf CCWG Final Recommendations Report 23 of 30 April 1, 2008 Appendix A• Climate Change Working Group Members List NAME ORGANIZATION SECIOR ALIERNAIE Lynda Gilgun Resouroe Conservation Commission ResidenURCC Alan Ridley Cuyamaca College Resident/Energy Chris Schodowski Leviton Manufacturing Inc.. ResidentBusiness Erin Pitts South Bay YMCA/Earth Service Corps Youth Leo Miras Environmental Health Coalition Environmental Laura Hunter Cesar Rios ECM Networks Energy Alma Aguilar Southwestern College Youth/Bnvironmental ' Hector Reyes Reyes Architects ResidentrArohitect Richard Chavez SANDAG Resident/Iransportation Derek Iwbide Clean Energy ResidenU'Iransportation Brian Holland SANDAG Ex Officio RisaBaron SDG&E Ex Officio Julie Ricks Andrea Cook CA Center for Sustainable Energy Ex Officio Michael Meacham CV Conservation& Environmental Serv, Staff ' Brendan Reed CV Conservation& Environmental Serv, Staff Carla Blackmar CV Conservation& Environmental Serv. Staff Richazd Hopkins CV Public Works Operations Staff Marisa Lundstedt CV Planning & Building Staff Josie McNeeley Lynn France CV General Services Staff Manuel Medrano ' Denny Stone CV -National Energy Center for Sustainable Staff Communities CCWG Final Recommendations Report 24 of'30 April 1, 2008 I Appendix B: Municipal Green Building Standards Summary MANDATORY RESH)ENTIAL STANDARDS AND ORDINANCES Boulder, CO- created their own point-based system for ALL residential development within the city the bigger the project, the more points they must acquire. the system is essentially based on LEED criteria. It should be noted that one of the largest categories in which to get possible points is focused completely around solar- solar energy, passive solar, solar hot water; etc. hula,'rti~iv~~ bouldercoloradagov/index php'?option-•cotn..-conCent~~'task=view&id-208&rteniid 4891 West HollyFVOOd, CA- also created acustom-made point-based system, Requires new residential development with three or mare units to submit a green building plan and meet a minimum number of points, All covered projects must be solar-ready. http '%wwev ~s~eho org;'index.cfin'ftiseaction,/C7e2~tailGroup/navid/53~cid-4~?93,' Santa Cruz, CA- all new residential development are required to obtain a certain number of points from GreenPoint. http:!iix~evw ci Santa-~ iuz ca us/plibuilding/green html Marin County, CA- all new residential development in unincorporated sections of the county are required to achieve a certain number of GreenPoint points. All single family dwellings larger than 3,500 sq. ft, are subject to the energy efficiency budget of a .3,500 sq. ft, building, j http ';'wwsv co menu <.a t~sidepts/t;,D/mainlcomdevladt-ancelSttstainabilit}.cfin Santa Barbara, CA- the ordinance mandates building regulations, based on Architecture 20.30 principles, which exceed Iitle 24 requirements by 20 percent for low-rise residential buildings, 15 percent for high-rise residential buildings and 10 percent for nonresidential buildings, among other measures. http:I'sbdailysoundblogspot.e~rni20t)710%santa-irarbara-boosts-green building,htm] Chicago, IL- requires all residential development to meet energy requu~ements more stringent than the IL state standard. t Palm Desert, CA-requires all new residential development less than 4000 sq.. ft, to meet energy I! requirements 10% beyond Iitle 24, and residential development greater than 4000 sq ft. to meet energy requirement 15% beyond Title 24, Santa Monica, CA- requires all new multi-family homes to meet a series of energy efficiency requirements that are 15% above Iitle 24. htep ?tiv~i~tiv gieenbuilthngssanta-mrntiea.or~%c~°hatsne~'~een-building-a3rdinancz%gree~n- build~ine~-Grd-1-~ 20t}2 pdf` Austin, TX- recently began adopting a series of building code requirements designed to create net zero energy homes. These are related to duct system leakage, HVAC sizing calculations, new lighting requirements, and building thermal envelope testing.. http:!iaction mvf orglct/CI_aQtiv5lIaZd/ CCWG Final Recommendations Report 25 of.30 ' April 1, 2008 MANDATORY COMMERCIAL STANDARDS AND ORDINANCES West Hollywood, CA- requires all new commercial development to meet a certain number of points within their custom-made point system. Chicago, IL- requires all commercial development to meet energy code requirements that are more stringent than the IL energy conservation code. Santa Monica, CA- requires all new commercial development to meet energy code requirements that are 15% above Iitle 24 requirements. Washington, DC- requires LEF;D certification or LEED silver (depending on the project type) i for commercial development above 50,000 sq ft.. ht~t //action.nw£or° ct/Clc~_a w511aZc/ Boston, MA- requires LEED certification for commercial development above 50,000 sq ft. http:;lrvww boston~eeribuilding org! Seattle, WA-required all commeroial development to meet energy code requirements that are 20% above American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) standards lrttp•Nwww Seattlegovll?PDis[ellent~grotgr5lpanl~ryparv c~codi?s r~.e~nergyeodeldocum:rrtsiweb_i nfbrmational%`2006SECst~mnrary:pdf Santa Barbara, CA- the ordinance mandates building regulations, based on Architecture 2030 principles, which exceed Title 24 requirements by 20 percent for low-rise residential buildings, 15 percent for high-rise residential buildings and 10 percent for nonresidential buildings, among other measures. ht1p lsbdai'lysound blogspot com12007(1Qlsanta-barbara~-boasts-greerr- building'h ml CCWG Final Recommendations Report 26 of 30 April 1, 2008 Appendix C: Recommendations from 2000 CO2 Reduction Plan Tablia 63 ' ACS'#C~1~I 1vfiE1~SUR~ s r~ivnie}nat cfcr;~rrfiFet vehicta parchasas, 2. Green t>ou~ct' [r'7eptaed "Artvate Fteei~~taart FuetVafrFcte Aflratr~tsos" S,~S8} 3. aNittzicipzt Etcan i=uet f)extPans#relftaR F'rajecF 4:, 7et¢cammutirrg Ind Tetecent~rs 5. t~luaizipviB[titding Uggrades and ?rifr sZaductixn fi Eiaharrced Feddstxian Ca~inec#r'ans td Trafrst T. trrazeasedk~.nstngDcnsif,~NearTrafrsfS 8. Site Res{gn t!~Ith Transii Orientation 3, Increased t_and Usc Mex t0 ~ireett Rower Pu6ftc Educ~1#itx» f?rogranr (Re;~tacerl "Recftreed Coanna ercrat Park?ng Regtlit'ettt6nfs' Bf98] f~I, SifaLlasicdnwttrX'gdestriaNz3ieys!¢Z?rienfa€an - 42. Srcycia tnfagratlom with 'f'rarisrf acrd EmpJoytrzerti F3. 8isycle Lanes, Pears a7rd f4outes ia. Energy Efficient t andsaaping t3 Sotar,r vat Heating I. #f. TraftlcSignal ata€I System upgrades i 17.: Student 7ransii Sufrsidy iB Energy EltseiisnY ~uitdiagRecagnifiotf Pro3rarn I 19: tNhrntcipat Ct1a•Cye#e Ftrrc°basing Standards 20 tncreasod:EmptoymentDensityNear7ransif CCWG Final Recommendations Report 27 of'30 April 1, 2008 Appendix D• Refuting the Deniaiists from the San Diego Union-Tribune CLIMATE CHANGE Refuting denialists: an inconvenient truth By Richard C. J.. Somervi11e0July 12, 2006 As a climate scientist, I am often asked, "Do you believe in global warming?" Climate change, however, is not a matter of personal belief, Instead, among experts, it's just settled science that people are changing the climate. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, or IPCC, reported in 2oor that, "There is new and stronger evidence that most of the warming observed over the last 5o years is attributable to human activities.." Every reputable scientific organization that has studied the IPCC conclusion has endorsed it. Recent research (http://rcalc}imate.org) reinforces this assessment, The next major IPCC report, due in 200, is likely to cite more supporting evidence.. Al Gore's film and book, "An Inconvenient Truth," do a fine job of summarizing the science. You may agree or disagree with Gore politically, but nobody can deny that he has maintained a serious interest in climate change for some two decades and has become quite knowledgeable about it.. For San Diegans, it's a fascinating bit of history that Gore first learned about this issue ~ as a Harvard student in the r96os. His teacher was our own Roger Revelle„ Before moving to Harvard, Revelle had been director of Scripps Institution of Oceanography and a founder of the University of California San Diego.. The Earth as a whole is always in approximate energy balance, absorbing energy from sunlight and emitting an equivalent amount of energy to space as infrared radiation„ Some infiared energy is emitted directly from the surface of the Earth. The rest is emitted fr om the atmosphere, by clouds and particles and the gases (chiefly water vapor and carbon dioxide) that contribute to the greenhouse effect.. Incidentally, we know that the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphex e has increased substantially in r ecent decades, because this increase has been measured very accurately. The measurements were initiated by Charles David Keeling (x928-zoos) whom Revelle brought to Scripps Institution of Oceanography in the r95os. Keeling, who spent his entir e career at Scripps, discovered that human activities are changing the chemical composition of the global atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is produced by burning fossil fuels. Adding carbon dioxide to the atmosphere means that mor e of the energy emitted to space must come from higher (hence colder) levels of the atmosphere. The Earth will respond to this new situation by warming up, thus emitting more infrared energy, until the equilibrium is restored„ CCWG Final Recommendations Report 28 of 30 April 1, 2008 That's our fundamental scientific understanding. It comes from rock-solid, well- understood physics. Everything else, from heat waves to hurricanes, is fascinating and important, but that is r Bally just the details, scientifically speaking. Working out all the details will take a long time.. But a promising start has been made, and climate science can already usefully inform policy.. In a similar way, you might say that an ultimate goal of medical science is to eliminate all disease. That this task is incomplete is no reason to treat your physician with disdain.. A group of people dispute the scientific consensus„ They like to call themselves skeptics,. A healthy skepticism, however, is part of being a good scientist, so I am unwilling to surrender this label to them.. Instead, I call them denialists„ You don't get anything like a balanced view from climate denialists.. Their only goal is finding ways why the climate might be resistant to human activities.. By and large, these denialists have convinced very few knowledgeable scientists to agree with them. Experience shows that in science, it tends to be the exception rather than the rule when a lone genius eventually prevails oven conventional wisdom.. An occasional Galileo does I come along, but not often, and nearly all the people who think they are a Galileo are actually just wrong. Science is very much a cooperative process and is largely self-correcting. We publish our research methods and our findings in detail and invite other scientists to confirm or disprove them. Incorrect science ultimately gets rooted out and rejected,. What of the future? I can imagine both an optimistic and a pessimistic scenario. In my optimistic scenario, climate science informs the making of wise public policy.. Technological creativity then leads to rapid development of practical energy alternatives to fossil fuels, We stabilize the Earth's greenhouse effect before it gets too sttong, My pessimistic scenario is a different planet, with sea level much higher and dangerously altered weather patterns. You cannot fool nature. Climate science warns us that strengthening the greenhouse effect must eventually produce serious consequences. That's not radical environmental alarmism.. It's physics.. For me, the issue then becomes one of guessing whether we get wise before that day, or whether we must wait for some shocking and unpleasant climate surprise that wakes us all up.. For my children's sake, I hope that the optimistic scenario is the one that develops. The choice is ours to make. Somerville is distinguished professor at Scripps Institution of Oceanography CCWG Final Recommendations Report 29 of 30 April 1, 2008 Appendix E• Full List of Climate Protection Actions Reviewed by the Climate Change Working Group CCWG Final Recommendations Report 30 of'30 April 1, 2008 Item 3A, # 4 M~ M~y~t ~ CITY CQUNCIL. AGENDA STATEMENT _ ; ; CITY OF - '~'^`CNULAVt~TA APRIL 1, 2008, Item ITEM TITLE: RESOLUTION OF THE CIIY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA ACCEPTING THE CHULA VISTA CLIMATE CHANGE WORKING GROUP'S FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS REPORI, ADOPTING RECOMMENDATIONS #1 AND #2 AS AMENDED BY STAFF AND DIRECTING STAFF TO REIURN IO COUNCIL WITHIN 90 DAYS WIIH MORE DEIAILED RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING HEMS #3-5 AND #7. SUBMITTED BY: DIR. OF CONSERVATION & ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE MANAGER REVIEWED BY: CIIY MANAGER ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER 4/STHS VOTE: YES ? NO SUMMARY In May 2007 staff reported to City Council that Chula Vista's citywide greenhouse gas emissions had increased by 35% (mainly due to residential growth) from 1990 to 2005, while emissions from municipal operations decreased by 18%, As a result, the City Council directed staff to convene a Climate Change Working Group to develop recommendations to reduce the community's greenhouse gas emissions or "carbon footprint" in order to meet the City's 2010 greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets.. Over the last ten months, the Working Group -comprised of residential, business and community-group representatives - reviewed over 90 carbon-reducing measures that were previously implemented by other communities to determine their applicability and potential effectiveness in Chula Vista, The Climate Change Working Group has completed its review of these measures and has selected seven measures which it recommends for implementation to further lower the community's carbon emissions by the City's 2010 Kyoto commitment ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW APRIL 1, 2008, Item Page 2 of 9 the Environmental Review Coordinator has reviewed the proposed project for compliance with the Califomia Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that the project qualifies for a Class 8 categorical exemption pursuant to Section 15308 [Actions by Regulatory Agencies for Protection of the Environment] of the State CEQA Guidelines. Thus, no further environmental review is necessary RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that City Council (1) accept the Climate Change Working Group's final recommendations repart, (2) adopt recommendations #1 and #2 as amended by staff and (3) direct staff to further evaluate recommendations #3-5 and #7 for future Council consideration. Recommendation #6 does not require further action because mixed-use, transit-oriented zoning has already been incorporated into City planning documents BOARDS/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION In February 2008 City oflicials requested that the CCWG's recommendation be presented to City Council immediately, As a result, the CCWG has not had an opportunity to present its report tp the Resource Conservation Commission yet, but is currently scheduled for the Commission's April 2151 meeting. City staff did present the 2-0OS Greenhouse Gas I Emissions Inventory to the Commission as an Information Item at their April 16, 2007 meeting. DISCUSSION i Since the early 1990s, Chula Vista has been engaged in multiple climate change forums including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto 1 Protocol Conference. As a result of this initial involvement, the City was the first local ? government with fewer than 1 million residents to become a founding member of ICLEI - 1 the International CouncIl for Local Environmental Initiatives -and its Cities far Climate Protection campaign. In 2-000 Council voted to adopt the City's Carbon Dioxide Reduction i Plan establishing the goal of reducing the City's greenhouse gas (GHG) or "carbon" emissions 20% below 1990 levels by 2010. The City reinforced this reduction commitment through support of the California Global Warming Solutions Act (AB32) and the U.S I Conference of Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement, which once again pledged that Chula Vista would reduce its carbon emissions to pre-1990 levels. I'he 2005 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Inventory was the first formal evaluation of the City's progress in reaching its emissions goals, The 2005 inventory indicated that Chula ' Vista's annual citywide GHG levels had increased by 35% since 1990 due primarily to residential growth. During the same period, the City did make significant progress in reducing annual per capita emissions by 17% and avoiding nearly 200,000 tons of GHG emissions annually. In addition, GHG emissions from municipal sources decreased by 18% mainly due to energy-efficient traffic signal retrofits. As a result of its 2005 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Report, the City Council directed staff to convene a Climate Change Working Group (CCWG) to develop recommendations to reduce the community's greenhouse gas emissions or "carbon footprint" in order to meet the City's 2010 greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets. APRIL 1, 2008, Item Page 3 of 9 the Group was convened under the direction of the Council's ICLEI representatives, Councilmember Castaneda and Councilmember McCann, who serve as the City's Climate Change Subcommittee. The Subcommittee and their staff took an active role in establishing the private sector categories on the Working Group, submitting participant names and reviewing all potential representatives. the Planning Department, General Services, Public I Works and Community Development were also invited to participate. the final ten-member group included seven Chula Vista residents and three participants who lived elsewhere but i were involved in the Chula Vista community, the Working Group was also supported by three ex-officio members with strong interests in Chula Vista's climate reduction actions (see Appendix A for full participant list). Io help direct the Group in their task of identifying effective emissions reduction strategies, City staff' provided them with the following five primary principles in developing their recommendations: 1) the measure had been previously implemented successfully by an ICLEI local government or California Climate Action Registry business, 2) the measure would be financially feasible (is. require little or no additional General Fund support, 3) the measure could be quickly implemented to have immediate impact on the City's efforts to reduce emissions by 2010, 4) the measures' impacts could be quantified using the City's emissions inventory protocol and 5) the measure would not cause a significant adverse j community impact. the CCWG's meetings were initially moderated by a trained and ~ independent City facilitator (Dawn Beintema), while Conservation and Environmental Services Department staff provided administrative support, the Climate Change Working Group's final recommendations are outlined in their attached it final report and analyzed by City staff below. the CCWG's final recommendations were written collaboratively by Working Group members and incorporate responses to questions and comments raised by the public and City staff during their meetings, The recommendations represent a powerful strategy that, if' followed, could slow the rate at which the City's GHG emissions increase. in the future and may ultimately contribute to lowering emissions to below 1990 levels. the CCWG's recommendations vary in their level of required City commitment (i e. staff time, funding, new programs/policies) and their impact on GHG emissions (i.e, reduction magnitude and timeframe) Io assist the City Council in evaluating the recommendations, City staff' has analyzed the recommendations' potential effectiveness to reduce emissions and the required next steps for implementation, Unfortunately, the CCWG and City staff did not have the resources to quantify exact emissions reductions created by each recommendation, rather the Group relied on the information provided by other cities that have successfully implemented these measures. Staff' is able to provide a relative comparison between recommendations on their potential to reduce citywide emissions. More detailed emissions analyses would require the use of an outside consultant with more advanced modeling capabilities, Each CCWG recommendation is reviewed below by City staff for its fiscal impact, relative emissions impact and the necessary "next steps" to implement the measure. In addition, City staff' included their own recommendations on how APRIL 1, 2008, Item Page 4 of 9 certain measures could be amended to improve their effectiveness. It should be noted that there are a number of current and future statewide regulations that will complement the CCWG's recommendations below and assist Chula Vista in reducing its "carbon footprint " I) Require that 100% of the replacement vehicles purchased for the municipal fleet be high efficiency (hybrid) or alternative fuel vehicles (AFYs) Fiscal Impact: New higher efficiency/alternative fuel vehicles could be purchased using the City's Equipment Replacement Funds when vehicles are replaced. Although the initial costs for each replacement vehicle could be higher than a conventional replacement, fuel savings may offset this initial price difference (ranging between $5,000 for small sedans to $70,000 for heavy-duty trucks) over the vehicle's lifetime. For example, some hybrid models recover their price premium in fuel savings within five years.t Some alternative fuels may also be less expensive than conventional fuels on a price per gallon and price per gasoline-gallon equivalent.z It is estimated that the City's total annual vehicle replacement ids and/or alternative fuel vehicle costs would increase by at least $140,000 if' hybr replacemehts were required for light duty vehicles such as cazs and small trucks. Large equipment replacement with hybrids or AFVs would further increase the annual impact on the Equipment Replacement Fund. As a result, there would need to be incremental increases in vehicle replacement fees paid by each City department which could indirectly affect future municipal budgets., Transitioning to some alternative fuels may also require municipal infrastructure improvements. For example, the City has been ready to integrate biodiesel into its large equipment and truck fleet, but is waiting for the capital funds i (approximately $440,000) to complete the installation of diesel and gasoline storage tanks at the Public Works Corp Yard before implementing the program., Grant funds may be available to offset a portion of the necessazy infrastructure improvement costs for some alternative fuels in the future.. Emissions Impact: City fleet vehicle emissions account for 54% of the emissions from municipal operations but make up less than 1% of the citywide emissions A "green" City fleet has a greater impact on the community as a demonstration of leadership and as a catalyst for alternative transportation infr'astructur'e than on reducing community-wide emissions. To its credit, the City has added compressed natural gas buses and cars, electric vehicles and forklifts and a fuel cell vehicle to its fleet over the years.. the City began purchasing hybrid replacement vehicles two years ago before the vehicle replacement fund was altered to accommodate budget challenges. Ihis measure is easily quantifiable and will reduce municipal transportation emissions incrementally over the estimated 10-15 years that it will take to replace the fleet and/or convert to alternative fuels. City leadership in j AFV/hybrid and alternative fuel purchasing has the potential to increase local mazkets and infrastructure that could advance community-wide adoption and increase emissions reductions. The measure could also provide a catalyst for local private investments in AFV and infrastructure that would further expand the recommendation's emissions reductions.. Implementation Steps: Ihis measure would require an amendment to the City's purchasing/bid requirements stipulating that all new vehicle purchases should be either high Consumer Reports, August 2006 s Clean Cities Alternative Fue] Price Report, October 2007 APRIL 1, 2008, Item Page 5 of 9 i efficiency (hybrid) or alternative fuel vehicles,. This measure has the added benefit of improving local air quality by reducing the local generation of particulates and other air emissions that contribute to asthma and lung disease. Staff' Suggestions: Staff recommends that this measure be implemented; however, the i measure may not be immediately applicable to public safety and large equipment classes.. Staff recommends that it be provided with the flexibility to test and phase in alternative fuels, hybrid and/or electric vehicles into public safety vehicles and large equipment classes to ensure that they are operationally-practical and technically-feasible.. Depending on the rate of vehicle replacement, there may need to be budget adjustments to cover increased replacement fees paid by each City department 2) Encourage City-contracted, fleet operators to adopt the use of high efficiency (hybrid) or alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) by stipulating that 100% of'replacement vehicle purchases should be alternative, fuel or hybrid vehicles Fiscal Impact: The measure's implementation costs would be fully borne by contractors and absorbed into their municipal contracts. the hybrid and/or alternative fuel vehicles' increased initial costs may be offset by their future fuel cost savings resulting in long-term savings for the contractor. There is a possibility that increased contractar costs from measure implementation could be passed onto City ratepayers through higher fees. Emissions Impact: Because the City's current emissions inventory protocol does not directly quantify emissions from City-contracted fleet vehicles (ex. street sweepers and solid waste trucks), estimating the measure's impact is problematic. However, the measure would help increase local demand for alternative fueling and electric chazging stations which may help catalyze private investments in local AFV infrastructure and expand the measure's I, emissions impact (similar to measure #1). Additionally, contractors' alternative fuel choices ~ could be coordinated with City practices to complement one another and potentially reduce infrastructure costs. This measure also has the added benefit of improving local air quality by reducing the local generation of patticulates and other air emissions that contribute to asthma and lung disease. Implementation Steps: This measure would require an aznendment to the City's contracting bid requirements encouraging all contracted fleet operators to incorporate high efficiency (hybrid) and AF V as their fleet vehicles are replaced. Ihis requirement would not pertain to vehicle classes in which there is not an operationally-practical, technically- feasible hybrid or alternative fuel option, Staff' Suggestions: City staff' recommends amending -this measure to require City- ~ contracted fleet operators to fully incorporate hybrid and AFV as their fleet vehicles are replaced when new contracts ate negotiated or existing contracts are extended. the requirement would only pertain to vehicle classes in which there is an operationally- , practical, technically-feasible hybrid or alternative fuel option. 3) Require Chula Vista-licensed businesses to participate in an energy assessment of their physical premises every .3 years or upon change of ownership Fiscal Impact: As part of its 2009-2011 SDG&E Partnership proposal, Chula Vista has APRIL 1, 2008, Item Page 6 of 9 requested funding for City staff to provide businesses with flee facility energy assessments These assessments allow business owners and managers to learn about opportunities (technological and behavioral) to reduce energy consumption and costs. If' the City is awarded the Partnership in July 2008, there would be no costs associated with this measure for the City or businesses through December 2011 or as long as external SDG&E funding !i continues. Ifthere is no external funding, the measure's implementation is estimated to cost the City $250,000 annually. Emissions Impact: While the measure does not require businesses to adopt energy- efficiency improvements, it does help them to understand and apply for SDG&E rebate and incentive programs that would lead to energy conservation. Over the last two years, City staff has visited over 2,000 businesses and identified over 800,000 kWh in potential energy savings (equivalent to 640,000 lbs C02) Requiring an energy assessment as part of the business license renewal process will greatly expand the potential for immediate emissions reductions. Implementation Steps: Implementation of this measure would necessitate an addition to Chula Vista's municipal code requiring businesses to have a free energy assessment of their premises every 3 years or when ownership changes in order to be issued a business license Staff would need to develop the code's specific-language and return to City Council within 90 days for their review and consideration. This requirement would not pertain to mobile- type businesses such as plumbers and electricians,_ Staff' Suggestions: Staff' would provide up to a 3-year exemption to businesses occupying newly-constructed and remodeled facilities that meet Recommendation 4's green building , j standards, Staff would also provide an annual exemption to businesses that pazticipate in the ~ California Climate Action Registry's GHG emissions reporting process 4) Adopt community-wide green building standards that are comprehensive in coverage and mandatory New and substantially remodeled structures will be required to be built to LEED Silver (or to an equivalent 3rd party certification green building program standard), with the effect of having are energy efficiency impact of at least 20% over Title-24 Fiscal Impact: The measure's cost would be fully borne by residential, commercial and industrial developers., Building construction costs can increase between 1-11% when meeting green building criteria and vazy based on location, project type and green building standard (ex. Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) "Certified" vs. "Platinum") according to numerous published studies.34 However, the additional construction costs associated with green buildings in California average 2% and frequently result in operational cost savings of more than 10 times the initial investment over the building's lifetime according to a recent study commissioned by the California Integrated Waste Management Board s Emissions Impact: Emissions from building energy use represent 52% of the community's "carbon footprint" and have increased dramatically since 1990. In order to produce a citywide net reduction in building-related emission levels, additional new buildings would 3 LEED Cost Study, US General Services Administration, October 2004 a Analyzing the Cost of Obtaining LEED Certification, American Chemisny Council, April 2003 5 Cost & Financial Benefits ofGreen Buildings -California's Sustainable Building Task Force, Oct. 2003 APRIL 1, 2008, Item Page 7 of 9 need to be zero energy structures and/or their energy consumption would need to be more than offset by increased energy efficiency in remodeled existing buildings, The CCWG's recommendation, applying to new construction and major remodels, would minimize future emissions increases from new "Greenfield" development and lower emissions from redevelopment projects.. Because the City has direct authority over community-wide building standards, this CCWG recommendation represents the ¢reatest potential to immediately avoid increased citywide greenhouse gas emissions and could si¢nificantly reduce emission levels over time. Implementation Steps: Implementation of this measure would require an addition to Chula Vista's municipal code requiring all new buildings to meet specified green building standards. Staff' would need to develop the code's specific-language and return to City Council within 90 days to present a detailed plan for their review and consideration, Staff' Suggestions: Io minimize any potential or perceived burden on consumers and developers with higher conshuction costs, staff recommends that a tiered and phased approach to the program be applied. Another option would be to require new construction to exceed Iitle-24 by 20% and meet a green building standazd which has no third party verification costs. This may help lower developer costs associated with hiring green building consultants and certifying projects through a :3`d party green building program (such li as the US Green Building Council - LEED) Additionally, staff would like the opportunity to continue to incorporate incentives which encourage builders to exceed any green building _ standazd adopted by City Council. 5) Facilitate widespread installation of solar photovoltaic (PTA systems on commercial, residential and municipal facilities by developing and implementing a solar energy conversion program, Proactively enforce existing codes requiring pre plumbing for solar hot water Fiscal Impact: The exact fiscal impact of developing and implementing a solar energy conversion program is unknown until the program's detailed work plan can be developed. In addition to federal and state incentives, there are numerous external financing mechanisms that could reduce costs to consumers and limit the City's cost for implementing a solar conversion program (such as the creation of voluntary assessment dishicts), Emissions Impact: Because solar energy programs replace grid-source energy with renewable energy, they can lead to quantifiable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Building energy use accounts for 52% of citywide carbon emissions If there is a high level of program participation, this measure could lead to very significant decreases in Chula Vista's community GHG emission levels. Implementation Steps: In order to develop and implement a comprehensive solar energy conversion program, staff would need to return to City Council within 90 days with a work plan detailing staffing needs, funding mechanisms and ordinance revisions (if necessary) for their review and consideration. The measure's second component -actively enforcing existing codes which require pre-plumbing for solar hot water -can be immediately implemented with minimal additional staff training and expenses. Staff' Suggestions: Staff' strongly believes that a solar energy conversion program will provide ratepayers with the best return on investment if' it includes an energy conservation APRIL 1, 2008, Item Page 8 of 9 component.. 6) Facilitate "Smart Growth" around the HSt, E St and Palomar St. Zrolley Stations Fiscal Impact: Because mixed-use and high-density redevelopment around transit centers is already required under the Council-approved General Plan and Urban Core Specific Plan, the measure does not increase City funding commitments. Emissions Impact: Transportation emissions represent 48% of Chula Vista's "cazbon footprint," the City inventory protocol quantifies community transportation emissions by using traffic congestion values, specifically Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Smart Growth around transit facilities will help reduce dependency on personal automobiles by creating pedestrian and transit-friendly communities and lowering VMI values, thus creating I emissions reductions. Although full reductions would not be apparent until redevelopment is completed (approximately 15-20 years), transportation behavioral changes could begin to occur as redevelopment is initiated resulting in incremental emissions reductions„ Implementation Steps: the H St. and E St. trolley station areas have already been designated for mixed-use, high-density redevelopment under the approved Urban Core Specific Plan requiring no further Council action. Likewise, the General Plan envisions the Palomaz station as a "transit-focus azea" surrounded by mixed-use, high-density residential development.. the area's specific land uses, densities and development standards will be further refined through the Southwest Specific Plan process. Therefore, no Council action is required at this time., However, the Group wanted to highlight that these development project types aze critical for reducing VMT and decreasing community emissions from ~ transportation sources, Staff Suggestions: Staff' strongly reiterates the Working Group's recommendation for the City to continue to encourage transit-focused redevelopment wound its trolley stations. Because it is under direct municipal authority, community and land use planning is the City's strongest tool to reduce transportation emissions which comprise 48% of Chula Vista total GHG emissions Land use planning along with renewable energy and energy- efficiency codes/regulations are the top areas identified by State agencies as the keys for local government leadership I~' 7) Coordinate with Otay Water District, San Diego County Water Authority and the Sweetwater Authority to convert turf lawns to xeriscape. Converting lawns to water-wise landscaping has been shown to reduce outdoor residential water use by 40% Fiscal Impact: the exact fiscal impact of developing and implementing a turf' lawn conversion program is unknown until the program's detailed work plan can be developed. Providing the public education and promotion for a water agency-based incentive program could be of little or no cost to the City. If the program incorporates aCity-funded incentive to supplement existing water district incentives, the measure's implementation costs would be increased. Emissions Impact: The California Energy Commission has stated that 19% of all energy in the state is consumed by the transfer or treatment of water and are developing a conversion factor for kilowatts (kW) saved per gallon.. the San Diego Water Authority has also APRIL 1, 2008, Item Page 9 of 9 identified outdoor irrigation as a primary target for water conservation.. the City inventory protocol does not directly quantify emissions from water use (i e energy used to import, treat and dispose of water), rather it only includes energy associated with locally pumping and treating water within municipal boundaries, Iherefore, water conservation may only lead to minimal locally quantifiable emissions reductions in the short term, Once the Energy Commission completes its kW per gallon conversion, water conservation's contribution to GHG reduction will be quantifiable and may be significant.. Implementation Steps: In order to develop and implement a comprehensive turf conversion program, staff would need to rehrrn to City Council within 90 days with a work plan detailing staffing and funding needs for their review and consideration,. Staff' Suggestions: Staff' suggests that the measure's effectiveness could be increased if included as part of a broader community water conservation strategy which could also include mandatory toilet retrofits, commercial garbage disposal prohibitions and additional new construction and landscape requirements. , DECISION MAKER CONFLICT ' Staff has determined that the recommendations requiring Council action are not site specific and consequently the 500 foot rule found in California Code of Regulations section 18'704.2(a)(1) is not applicable to this decision. FISCAL IMPACT I ( the fiscal impact of implementing each recommendation varies. Recommendations #2 (City-contracted Fleets), .3 (Business License Energy Assessments), 4 (Green Buildings) and 6 (Smart Growth) would not directly affect the City's General Fund through new appropriations, while recommendation #1 (City-fleet AFV Requirement) would cause higher replacement costs for City fleet vehicles., Because Equipment Replacement Funds would be spent more quickly, it is expected that there would need to be incremental increases in vehicle replacement fees paid by each City department which could indirectly affect future municipal budgets., the potential fiscal impact of recommendations #5 and 7 will not be known until more detailed work plans ate developed and presented to City Council for review and appiovah ATTACHMENTS Climate Change Working Group Final Recommendations Report -April 2008 2005 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Prepared by Carla Blackmar, S'~. Office Specialist, Conservation & Environmental Services Brendan Reed, Environmental Resource Manager: Conservation & Envir anmental S'ervicet