HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOARD STANDING COMMITTEES - 04252022 - Sustainability Cte Min
CONTRA COST A COUNTY
SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION
An Advisory Body to the Board of Supervisors
April 25, 2022, 5:00 P.M.
**Meeting Remotely Until Further Notice**
To slow the spread of COVID-19, the Health Officer’s Shelter Order of December 16, 2020, prevents
public gatherings (Health Officer Order). In lieu of a public gathering, the Board of Supervisors meeting
will be accessible via television and live-streaming to all members of the public as permitted by the
Governor’s Executive Order N29-20.
Mike Moore, Member, District 3, Chair
Nick Despota, Member, District 1, Vice‐Chair
Shoshana Wechsler, Alternate, District 1
Victoria Smith, Member, District 2
Christopher Easter, Alternate, District 2
Samantha Moy, Alternate, District 3
Wes Sullens, Member, District 4
Brandon Matson, Alternate, District 4
Charles Davidson, Member, District 5
Renee Fernandez‐Lipp, Alternate, District 5
Luz Gomez, At‐Large, Community Group
Howdy Goudey, At‐Large, Community Group
Chuck Leonard, At‐Large, Business
Marisha Farnsworth, At‐Large, Business
Isabella Zizi, At‐Large, Environmental Justice
Sarah Foster, At‐Large, Environmental Justice
Kim Hazard, At‐Large, Education
Agenda
Items:
Items may be taken out of order based on business of the day & preference of the Commission.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://cccounty-us.zoom.us/j/85863103248
Or Telephone, Dial:
USA 214 765 0478 US Toll
USA 888 278 0254 US Toll-free
Conference code: 841892
1. Call to Order and Introductions.
2. Public Comment.
3. APPROVE Record of Action for February 28, 2022, meeting.
4. REVIEW, DISCUSS, and PROVIDE INPUT on Draft Sustainability Goals, Policies and
Actions for General Plan.
5. RECEIVE UPDATE on and DISCUSS Implementation of Climate Emergency Resolution.
6. RECEIVE Reports from Sustainability Commission members and alternates, and PROVIDE
DIRECTION, as needed.
7. RECEIVE Report from Sustainability Coordinator.
8. RECEIVE Report from Sustainability Commission Chair and IDENTIFY TOPICS for next
report to Ad Hoc Committee on Sustainability.
9. The next meeting is currently scheduled for June 27, 2022.
10. Adjourn
The Sustainability Commission will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with
disabilities planning to attend Commission meetings. Contact the staff person listed below at
least 72 hours before the meeting.
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Any disclosable public records related to an open session item on a regular meeting agenda and
distributed by the County to a majority of members of the Commission less than 96 hours prior to
that meeting are available for public inspection at 30 Muir Road, Martinez, CA during normal
business hours. Staff reports related to items on the agenda are also accessible on line at
www.co.contra-costa.ca.us.
Public comment may be submitted via electronic mail on agenda items at least one full work day
prior to the published meeting time.
For Additional Information Contact:
Jody London, Commission Staff
Phone (925) 655-2815 ∙ Fax (925) 655-2750 ∙ jody.london@dcd.cccounty.us
Glossary of Acronyms, Abbreviations, and other Terms (in alphabetical order): Contra Costa County
has a policy of making limited use of acronyms, abbreviations, and industry-specific language in
meetings of its Board of Supervisors and Committees. Following is a list of commonly used
abbreviations that may appear in presentations and written materials at meetings of the Ad Hoc
Sustainability Committee:
AB Assembly Bill
ABAG Association of Bay Area Governments
ACA Assembly Constitutional Amendment
ADA Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
BAAQMD Bay Area Air Quality Management District
BART Bay Area Rapid Transit District
BAYREN Bay Area Regional Energy Network
BGO Better Government Ordinance (Contra Costa County)
BOS Board of Supervisors
CALTRANS California Department of Transportation
AO County Administrative Officer or Office
CAP Climate Action Plan
CARB California Air Resources Board
CCA Community Choice
CCE Community Choice Energy Aggregation
CCWD Contra Costa Water District
CEQA California Environmental Quality Act
CSA County Service Area
CSAC California State Association of Counties
DCC Delta Counties Coalition
DCD Contra Costa County Dept. of Conservation &
Development
DPC Delta Protection Commission
DSC Delta Stewardship Council
DWR California Department of Water Resources
EBEW East Bay Energy Watch
EBMUD East Bay Municipal Utility District
EIR Environmental Impact Report (a state requirement)
EIS Environmental Impact Statement (a federal
requirement)
FTE Full Time Equivalent
FY Fiscal Year
GHG Greenhouse Gas
GGRF Greenhouse Gas Reduction Funds
GIS Geographic Information System
HSD Contra Costa County Health Services Department
IPM Integrated Pest Management
JPA/JEPA Joint (Exercise of) Powers Authority or Agreement
LAMORINDA Area of Lafayette-Moraga-Orinda
MAC Municipal Advisory Council
MBE Minority Business Enterprise
MOA Memorandum of Agreement
MOE Maintenance of Effort
MOU Memorandum of Understanding
MTC Metropolitan Transportation Commission
NACo National Association of Counties
NEPA National Environmental Protection Act
PDA Priority Development Area
PV Photovoltaic
PWD Contra Costa County Public Works Department
RDA Redevelopment Agency or Area
RFI Request For Information
RFP Request For Proposals
RFQ Request For Qualifications
SB Senate Bill
SGC Strategic Growth Council
SR2S Safe Routes to Schools
TWIC Transportation, Water, and Infrastructure Committee
U.S. EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
WBE Women-Owned Business Enterprise
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Contra Costa County
Sustainability Commission
3.
Meeting Date: April 25, 2022
Subject: APPROVE Record of Action for February 28, 2022, Sustainability Commission
Meeting.
Department: Conservation & Development
Presenter: Jody London, DCD Contact: Jody London (925) 674-7871
Referral History:
County Ordinance (Better Government Ordinance 95-6, Article 25-205, [d]) requires that each County
Body keep a record of its meetings. Though the record need not be verbatim, it must accurately reflect
the agenda and the decisions made in the meeting.
Referral Update:
Any handouts or printed copies of testimony distributed at the meeting will be attached to this meeting
record. Links to the agenda and minutes will be available at the Committee web page, to be announced.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
Staff recommends approval of the attached Record of Action for the February 28, 2022, Sustainability
Commission Meeting with any necessary corrections.
Fiscal Impact (if any):
N/A
2-28-22 Record of Action
Attachments
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Present: Wes Sullens
Nick Despota
Mike Moore
Victoria Smith
Brandon Matson
Chuck Leonard
Marisha Farnsworth
Charles Davidson
Renee Fernandez-Lipp
Shoshana Wechsler
Howdy Goudey
Absent: Kim Hazard
Sarah Foster
Isabella Zizi
Luz Gomez
Chris Easter
Samantha Moy
Staff Present: Jody London, Sustainability Coordinator, Department of Conservation and Development
Demian Hardman, Senior Planner, Department of Conservation and Development
Savannah McCarthy, Climate Corps Fellow, Department of Conservation and
Development
Maureen Toms, Department of Conservation and Development
Attendees: Jan Callaghan
Carlyn Obringer
Carol Weed
1. Call to Order and Introductions
Wes Sullens calls meeting to order. No new members to introduce.
2. Public Comment
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION
An Advisory Body to the Board of Supervisors
February 28, 2022, 5:00 P.M.
**Meeting Remotely Until Further Notice**
To slow the spread of COVID-19, in lieu of a public gathering, the Sustainability Commission meeting
will be accessible via live streaming to all members of the public as permitted by Government Code
section 54953(e).
PERSONS WHO WISH TO ADDRESS THE SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION DURING PUBLIC COMMENT
OR WITH RESPECT TO AN ITEM ON THE AGENDA please “raise your hand” in the Zoom app. You may
Mike Moore, Member, District 3, Chair
Nick Despota, Member, District 1, Vice Chair
Shoshana Wechsler, Alternate, District 1
Victoria Smith, Member, District 2,
Chris Easter, Alternate, District 2
Samantha Moy, Alternate, District 3
Wes Sullens, Member, District 4
Brandon Matson, Alternate, District 4
Charles Davidson, Member, District 5
Renee Fernandez‐Lipp, Alternate, District 5
Luz Gomez, At‐Large, Community Group
Howdy Goudey, At‐Large, Community Group
Chuck Leonard, At‐Large, Business
Marisha Farnsworth, At‐Large, Business
Isabella Zizi, At‐Large, Environmental Justice
Sarah Foster, At‐Large, Environmental Justice
Kim Hazard, At‐Large, Education
Agenda
Items:
Items may be taken out of order based on business of the day & preference of the Commission.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://cccounty-us.zoom.us/j/85863103248
Or Telephone, Dial:
USA 214 765 0478 US Toll
USA 888 278 0254 US Toll-free
Conference code: 841892
DRAFT
RECORD OF ACTION
4-25-22 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Pkt
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No public comment on items not on agenda.
3. APPROVE Record of Action for December 13, 2021, meeting
Moved: Smith Second: Moore
Minutes approved unanimously.
No public comment.
4. ELECT OFFICERS for the Sustainability Commission for 2022
Mike Moore for Chair.
Moved: Smith Second: Davidson
Nick Despota for vice chair.
Moves: Davidson Second: Moore
Officers elected unanimously.
No public comment.
5. ADOPT CALENDAR for 2022
Commission reviews calendar for coming year. The 4th meeting in December to be changed to
December 12th.
Smith concerned with CAP fire resilience, add this to the work plan. Fernandez-Lipp, Davidson,
Farnsworth expressed interest in adding this to the work plan. Davidson also interested in air
quality as it pertains to wildfire. County staff to follow up with a meeting to continue this
conversation.
Moved: Despota Second: Sullens
Calendar adopted unanimously.
6. RECEIVE UPDATE and DISCUSS Recommended Definition for “Sustainability”
Ad hoc working group of Matson, Leonard, and Fernandez-Lipp presents proposed definition of
sustainability. The group had two in-person meetings to discuss research on the merits of the term.
See PowerPoint attached to agenda.
Matson presents research on how other organizations define sustainability. With a group this large, a
working definition will help facilitate progress and collaboration.
Fernandez-Lipp presents ad hoc working groups recommended definition of sustainability: “meeting
the environmental health, social equity, and economic needs of the present without compromising the
ability of future generations to meet those same needs.” This proposed definition was derived from
the United Nations (UN’s) traditional definition compromising of three pillars (social,
environmental, and economic). Note that equity was a big part in the formulation of this. Three
recommendations for the Commission: adopt definition, recommend that the Board adopts, then
recommend this definition be used to advise the Climate Action Plan (CAP) strategies. This is how
the definition will be operationalized.
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Leonard then provides clarification on this proposed definition, that it’s purposefully broad, while
also recognizing the goals of the County. It was intentionally created to be interpreted and will serve
as general guidelines for this Commission. Leonard encourages Commission members to agree with
this definition, reminding that UN’s adoption is sound.
Commission discussion:
Commission discusses potential interpretation of definition. Concerns include misinterpretation of
the definition, particularly that the economic category is problematic. Questions arise such as: What
are the economic needs of the present? What is economic growth? Is this unbounded economic
growth, which in that case is not sustainable? What are the needs of the present? It is controversial,
because what is economically advantageous for one group may not be so for another. How will this
change how we work as a Commission? Would this change how we operate and make decisions?
Because it has been brought down from the UN level to that of the County, it may have some nuances
attached. Overall, some Commission members suggest that there be more discussion before adopting
proposed definition.
Others pointed out that this definition did what it was supposed to do: create conversation. With so
many educated opinions, group can revise definition forever and never find one that everyone agrees
on. It’s meant to be vague. The goal was just to put something together. Questioning how it impacts
the economy is the point. Moving forward, this definition provides a constructive framework with
these three pillars and will encourage thinking about how actions affect this generation and future
generations.
One member pointed out that the County has a definition of sustainability included in 2015 CAP:
“Community use of natural resources in a way that doesn’t jeopardize the ability of future
generations to live and prosper.” In comparison, the 2015 definition is too vague; this proposed one
is so much better! In an effort of time, Commission should adopt definition and move on.
There was no public comment.
The Commission asked the ad hoc working group to perform research to further this conversation.
The working group agreed to do additional research around definition of sustainability that other
jurisdictions use.
Moved: Despota Second: Sullens
Motion carries with one objection. Leonard votes nay, with the recommendation that other members
join on the ad hoc working group.
7. RECEIVE UPDATE and DISCUSS Recommendation from Green Building Working Group
Despota and Easter presented a report on low carbon concrete, which is attached to the meeting
agenda. Easter provided an update, beginning by reminding that this is a revisited topic from June
2021, where the Green Buildings working group brought five recommendations to the Commission
regarding embodied carbon in the built environment. The Commission tabled the fifth
recommendation: low carbon concrete.
Building regulations are lagging for this technology. Marin County adopted a low carbon concrete
building code last year. Public agencies buy up to 1/3 of all concrete manufacturing and thus have
pull over this market. Ways to reduce embodied carbon in concrete include manufacturing of
concrete, reduce amount of cement in concrete, substitute synthetic limestone for limestone
aggregate, substitute SCM flyash and slag as a substitute for concrete. There is a health hazard of
replacement concrete for workers and communities (PM 2.5) thus proper handling must be
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followed. However, this potentially monetizes concrete supply/production as a byproduct of the
fossil fuel industry.
Easter states that concerns by Sierra Club are not valid, as no evidence to support these concerns.
Instead, Easter suggests we must not allow perfect to be enemy of good, and to push this low carbon
concrete standard. In terms of regulatory concerns, we need to be flexible and future-proofed by
establishing a maximum level of low carbon building materials. That is, it is not necessary to
recognize all materials, but rather to allow flexibility so innovation can occur. Easter recommends
researching these materials and push to adopt as a reach code for unincorporated County.
Commission comment:
Has this topic been revisited with County staff? Easter clarifies that County is waiting for
direction from CalTrans.
State agencies already buy low carbon materials through Buy Clean. Concrete not on that
list, but there is movement.
Caveat of public health. The safety of green cement. For plant that was close to community,
attorney general shut project down. Threshold of PM2.5 and smaller was not met.
Suggestion that this needs to be brought back to a public health discussion. Can the
facilities be covered? Need to isolate the public from these projects, including trucks
driving to and from them. Consider this caveat without damaging this proposal.
Investigate the potential of recycled materials such as crushed rocks as aggregates rather
than synthetic materials. Policy signals need to direct low carbon concrete in the right
direction.
Public comment: Jan Callaghan, appreciate watching out for health impacts of PM 2.5 because we
have too much of it in County. Thank you for considering these health impacts, especially the
disadvantaged communities!
Motion for the Commission to recommend to the Board of Supervisors that staff be directed to study
the adoption of low-carbon concrete standards, and that those standards be implemented through
reach codes that would apply to all new construction in unincorporated Contra Costa County.
Moved: Sullens Seconds: Farnsworth
The motion was adopted unanimously.
8. RECEIVE UPDATE on Status of In-Person Meetings of Sustainability Commission and DISCUSS
Options
Jody London summarized the current ability of the Board of Supervisors and advisory bodies to
meet remotely. Remote meetings were first allowed under the Governor’s emergency declaration
and continued with Assembly Bill 361. The Board of Supervisors on a monthly basis approves the
conduct of remote meetings for the Board of Supervisors and advisory bodies. This is required
under law to be revisited on a monthly basis.
London reviewed the requirements for remote meetings that will go into effect when the emergency
declaration ends. These are included in the staff report. London noted that the Board of Supervisors
is clear that even when meetings return to in person, the public should be able to continue to
participate remotely.
The Commissioners took a poll on whether members prefer meeting remotely or in person. There
was no consensus. See attachment for poll results (Attachment A).
There was no public comment. 4-25-22 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Pkt
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9. RECEIVE UPDATE on and DISCUSS Implementation of Climate Emergency Resolution
London provided an update on the Interdepartmental Climate Action Task Force. The Green
Government Group (G3) Champion Program is in process of launching. The G3 Champions will help
County departments implement best practices from the County’s Green Business Program. The
California Green Business Program has developed a dashboard specific to Contra Costa County to
track greenhouse gas reductions and other metrics. Other updates include the new energy manager
in the Public Works Department started last week; the Economic Transition earmark request was
approved last week in the Omnibus Appropriations bill; there are staff changes in the County’s
economic development group; and the all-electric ordinance was adopted by the Board of
Supervisors in January and goes next to the California Energy Commission for approval.
Commission comment: What are examples of Green Business Program Best Practices? London said
she would forward information.
There was no public comment.
10. RECEIVE Reports from Sustainability Commission members and alternates, and PROVIDE
DIRECTION as needed
Goudey attended an MCE Power Hour last week. Goudey encourages other Commission members
to join this noontime talks that outline a lot of MCE’s programs. Topics include EV charging,
demand response, etc. See following for more information:
o Community Power Coalition (representatives of community groups can join) to join
contact: engagement@mceCleanEnergy.org
o Links to past Community Power Coalition presentation slides
https://www.mcecleanenergy.org/energy-equity/#communitypower
o Powerhour talks get announced on their Facebook page and email list for Community
Power Coalition https://m.facebook.com/mceCleanEnergy/
o Energy 101 informational web pages on various topics
https://www.mcecleanenergy.org/category/energy-101/
Despota announced that a youth march and rally for No-Drilling Contra Costa is happening on
Saturday March 12th from 1-3 in Antioch. This is a chance to support young people who are rallying
to stop extractive industries in the County. Despota encourages group to attend. See Attachment B
for more information.
Davidson provided information during the meeting in the Zoom chat, which is provided in
Attachment B.
Moore followed up on the Bay Conservation and Development Commission and Delta Stewardship
Council presentation from the December meeting. The Board of Supervisors voted to support the
Bay Adapt platform sponsored by BCDC in February. Moore encouraged others to sign up for
stakeholder meetings and encouraged people to reach out to him directly to Moore to coordinate
meeting attendance.
Moore reviewed a written report he included with the agenda that suggests the Sustainability
Commission recommend the Board implement the findings from the 2019 UC Berkeley Goldman
School of Public Policy report to form a working group in Contra Costa County to develop a work
plan for adapting to rising tides. 4-25-22 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Pkt
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Moves: Moore Seconds: Smith
Motion passes unanimously.
Staff will work with the Chair to convey this recommendation to the Board.
There was no public comment.
11. RECEIVE Report from Sustainability Coordinator
In addition to the written report published in the agenda, Jody London, Sustainability Coordinator,
notes that the County is getting attention for the all-electric ordinance. There is exciting work in the
Health Services Department, where the new position of Chief of Climate and Health was recently
created. Health Services is joining Practice Green Health, a network of healthcare organizations
that focuses on reducing medical waste. Other updates include the County has applied for a grant
from the Bay Area Air Quality Air Management District for filters for clean air centers; the
Sustainability Group in the Department of Conservation and Development is bringing on two new
Planners (one of whom was the Climate Corps Fellow last year); and Public Works hired a new
Energy Manager. London also acknowledged a correction on the December 2021 minutes (2021
versus 2022 Electrification Reach Code).
12. RECEIVE Report from Sustainability Commission Chair and IDENTIFY TOPICS for next report to
Sustainability Committee
Despota noted topics include the definition of Sustainability and low carbon concrete. Davidson
recommended the Commission consider the SB9 housing element, and issues with more expensive,
larger houses being in demand, as a topic. Moore recommended Davidson share more on this next
meeting.
13. The next meeting is currently scheduled for April 25, 2022.
14. Adjourn
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Attachment a:
Poll Results: In-person Meetings
37%
27%
36%
Poll 1: In general (i.e., when we are past the
pandemic), if State law is modified to permit
remote meetings, what is your preference for
Sustainability Commission meeting format?
I prefer to attend meetings in
person
I prefer to attend meetings
remotely
I prefer some meetings in person,
some meetings remotely
37%
9%18%
18%
18%
Poll 2: Under what circumstances would you be
comfortable returning to in‐person
Sustainability Commission meetings? Please
check all that apply (multiple choice)
Emergency Declaration has been lifted
Emergency Declaration has been
lifted;Everyone is wearing a mask
Emergency Declaration has been lifted;Social
distancing is maintained where
possible;Others in the room have provided
proof of vaccination
Emergency Declaration has been lifted;Social
distancing is maintained where
possible;Everyone is wearing a mask
Emergency Declaration has been lifted;Social
distancing is maintained where
possible;Everyone is wearing a mask;Others in
the room have provided proof of vaccination
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Attachment B:
Meeting Chat Log
18:48:13 From Nick Despota to Everyone:
NO DRILLING CONTRA COSTA Youth March and Rally
Antioch
Saturday March 12. 1-3 PM
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/no-drilling-contra-costa-youth-march-rally-tickets-264684657937
18:52:55 From Charles Davidson to Everyone:
presentation on groundwater, sea level rise, and toxic contamination:
Who: UC Berkeley Professor Kristina Hill
What: Groundwater, sea level rise, and toxic contamination
When: Tuesday, 3/8, 3:00–4:00 pm PST
Where: On Zoom, register here.
Dr. Hill studies urban ecology and hydrology in relation to physical design and social justice
issues. "There are 19 contaminated sites along the Richmond south shoreline in DTSC’s database alone,"
she says. "The Water Board may have even more in their separate list. These are world-class dangerous
chemicals. Cancer, organ failure, genetic damage, and other risks are very real here." Her research shows
why action is needed immediately.
Please share this invitation with those who may benefit from a deeper understanding of the
science behind this toxic threat and what we can do to confront it.
18:54:19 From Charles Davidson to Everyone:
Richmond Shoreline Alliance: Dr. Kristina Hill.
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0ucOCuqjMjHdHbpvD5YJIz_sja789fcF
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Contra Costa County
Sustainability Commission
4.
Meeting Date: April 25, 2022
Subject: REVIEW, DISCUSS and PROVIDE INPUT on Draft Sustainability Goals, Policies, and
Actions for General Plan
Department: Conservation and Development
Presenter: Will Nelson, DCD; Joanna Jansen, PlaceWorks Contact: Jody London, DCD
Referral History:
“Envision Contra Costa 2040” is the County’s program to update its General Plan, Zoning Code, and
Climate Action Plan. The County adopted these planning documents in 1991, 1947, and 2015,
respectively. Noting many deficiencies in the General Plan and Zoning Code specifically, the Board of
Supervisors in December 2017 directed the Department of Conservation and Development (DCD) to
update these documents to current standards. As part of this directive the Board instructed DCD to
incorporate the themes of environmental justice, economic development, sustainability, and
community health throughout the updated General Plan.
Work on Envision 2040 commenced in September 2018, with public outreach beginning in February
2019. Staff from DCD and the County’s Envision 2040 consultant, PlaceWorks, have since conducted or
participated in over 100 meetings whereat community members, advocates, stakeholders, and public
officials provided comments on the project. These include meetings of the Board of Supervisors,
Planning Commission, Sustainability Commission, Library Commission, Hazardous Materials
Commission, Arts and Culture Commission, Sustainability Committee, Historic Landmarks Advisory
Committee, and all 13 Municipal Advisory Councils; over 40 community meetings, workshops, and
open houses held across the county; focused meetings on environmental justice, community health,
sustainability, and economic development; meetings with a Native American tribe who requested
consultation; and over 20 meetings with various community-based organizations and groups
representing a broad range of interests. The County also has received numerous pieces of
correspondence related to the project.
Referral Update:
Work on the General Plan update currently focuses on developing the policy guidance that is the core
of each chapter, or “element,” of the General Plan. This guidance is comprised of goals, policies, and
actions (aka “GOPAs”), which upon adoption by the Board of Supervisors will guide County decision-
making on land use and related topics through 2040. Attached is a guide, How to Use the New General
Plan, which explains the differences between goals, policies, and actions.
Since February 2022, the County Planning Commission has been conducting study sessions to review
the draft GOPAs, element by element. The Land Use, Public Facilities and Services, Stronger
Communities, and Health and Safety Elements have already been reviewed. Remaining for review are
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the Transportation Element (April 27), Conservation, Open Space, and Working Lands Element (May
11), and Housing Element (Summer 2022). The draft GOPAs for each element are posted online at
www.envisioncontracosta2040.org/documents/ as they are completed.
The Sustainability Commission has conducted several hearings related to Envision 2040 since 2019,
focusing mainly on the Climate Action Plan and environmental justice. The purpose of this hearing is to
provide the Sustainability Commission and public with an opportunity to review and comment on the
draft sustainability GOPAs (attached) for the updated General Plan. The sustainability GOPAs are found
throughout the General Plan elements. To ease review, the GOPAs are aggregated into one document
and organized by topic.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
REVIEW and PROVIDE INPUT on draft sustainability GOPAs for the updated General Plan. The draft
sustainability GOPAs will be revised based on Sustainability Commission and public comments. The full
draft General Plan is scheduled for release in late 2022.
Fiscal Impact (if any):
N/A
ATTACHMENT(S)
Presentation on Draft Sustainability Goals, Policies, and Actions
How to Use the New General Plan Guide
Draft General Plan Sustainability Goals, Policies, and Actions
4-25-22 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Pkt
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General Plan UpdateSustainability Commission | April 25, 20224-25-22 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Pkt Page 14 of 79
General Plan UpdateOur Team»Contra Costa County» Will Nelson | Principal Planner, General Plan Manager» Jody London | Sustainability Coordinator»PlaceWorks» Joanna Jansen | Principal‐in‐Charge4-25-22 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Pkt Page 15 of 79
General Plan UpdateEnvision Contra Costa 2040 General Plan Zoning Code Climate Action PlanEnvironmental Impact Report4-25-22 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Pkt Page 16 of 79
General Plan UpdateWhat is the General Plan?•“Constitution” for development and conservation–Establishes countywide vision and supporting goals, policies, and implementation measures–Provides consistent direction for future development–Balances growth, conservation, and quality of life–Documents baseline environmental conditions4-25-22 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Pkt Page 17 of 79
General Plan UpdateComponents of the General Plan•Required Elements–Land Use–Housing–Transportation–Safety–Noise–Open Space–Conservation–Environmental Justice•Optional Elements in Current General Plan–Growth Management–Public Facilities/Services4-25-22 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Pkt Page 18 of 79
General Plan UpdateRelationship to the Climate Action PlanGeneral Plan Overarching policy guidance implemented by more specific plans, ordinances, and codesClimate Action PlanCounty Ordinance Code Transportation Demand Management Ordinance 4-25-22 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Pkt Page 19 of 79
General Plan UpdatePublic Outreach to Date•Began with Board of Supervisors presentation on February 12, 2019•Since then, staff have conducted over 100 public meetings with community members, stakeholders, and public officials4-25-22 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Pkt Page 20 of 79
General Plan Update•Work on the General Plan Update currently focuses on developing policy guidance, which is comprised of GOals, Policies, and Actions (aka “GOPAs”)•GOPAs were developed from the following sources:–Statutory requirements;–Internal County staff review and comments; –Input received at public meetings;–Best practices in the planning field; and–The existing County General Plan•The General Plan in compliance with many issues that the Sustainability Commission is already consideringCurrent Stage of General Plan Update4-25-22 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Pkt Page 21 of 79
General Plan UpdatePlanning Commission Review of Draft GOPAsElementDateLand Use (LU) Element and the Public Facilities and Services (PFS) ElementFebruary 2023Stronger Communities (SC) ElementMarch 2023Health and Safety (HS) ElementApril 2023Transportation (TR) ElementApril 2023Conservation, Open Space, and Working Lands (COS) ElementMay 2023Housing (H) ElementSummer 2022•Check out all of the draft GOPAs on the Envision 2040 website: http://envisioncontracosta2040.org/documents/4-25-22 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Pkt Page 22 of 79
General Plan UpdateSample Page of GOPAPolicy NumberingTopic IconsAction NumberingSustainability Icon4-25-22 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Pkt Page 23 of 79
General Plan UpdateSustainability Throughout the General PlanTopicGeneral Plan ElementLU PFS SC HS TR COSSustainable Economy✓✓✓✓Sustainable Land Use✓✓✓✓✓✓Sustainable Transportation✓✓✓✓Climate Change and Natural Hazards✓✓✓ ✓Energy Resources✓✓Management of Solid and Hazardous Waste✓✓Water Resources✓✓✓Agriculture✓✓ ✓Open Space and Natural Resources✓✓4-25-22 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Pkt Page 24 of 79
General Plan UpdateExamples of Relevant Subtopics •Transition from petroleum refining to renewable and sustainable industries •Wildfire hazards: mitigation, evacuation, interagency coordination•Hazardous materials: managing use, transport, disposal•Oil and gas wells: mitigation, new permit requirements•Low‐impact development: low‐carbon concrete, reclaimed water, renewable energy4-25-22 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Pkt Page 25 of 79
General Plan UpdateReview and Feedback•Use Jamboard to provide comments on the draft GOPAs that address sustainability •What did we get right? What’s missing? •Provide feedback on the GOPAs with emphasis on:–Comprehensiveness: Are all relevant policy issues related to the topic of sustainability included?–Effectiveness: Do the draft GOPAs effectively address the relevant policy issues?–Readability: Are the GOPAs straightforward and easy to understand?4-25-22 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Pkt Page 26 of 79
General Plan UpdateTonight’s Discussion •Part 1 (15 minutes) Economy–Sustainable Land Use–Sustainable Transportation–Climate Change and Natural Hazards•Open Discussion (10 minutes) •Part 2 (15 minutes)–Management of Solid and Hazardous Waste–Water Resources–Agriculture–Open Space and Natural Resources•Wrap‐up Discussion (10 minutes)4-25-22 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Pkt Page 27 of 79
General Plan UpdateHow to Use JamboardClick here to move between boardsClick here to add a sticky note4-25-22 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Pkt Page 28 of 79
General Plan UpdateHow to Use JamboardClick here to save your note to the boardAdd your text hereThis screen appears when you click to add a sticky note4-25-22 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Pkt Page 29 of 79
General Plan UpdateHow to Use JamboardClick on a note to resize or move it4-25-22 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Pkt Page 30 of 79
General Plan UpdateNext Steps•Revise GOPAs•Prepare draft General Plan and release for public review–Full draft is scheduled for release in late 2022–Opportunities for input on full draft General Plan after publication4-25-22 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Pkt Page 31 of 79
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How to Use the General Plan
Contra Costa County General Plan 2040 – Stronger Communities Element 3 -13
Goal SC-8
Policies
SC-P8.1
Support schools, training programs, the Workforce
Development Board, and other institutions whose mission is to
develop and enhance local workforce skills. (8-dq)
SC-P8.2
Leverage opportunities to pursue workforce development,
job training and re-training programs, and public-private
partnerships that support economic growth. Support career
pathway programs hosted by various County departments
and encourage County staff to participate as mentors.
SC-P8.3
Welcome businesses, especially sustainable/clean/green
businesses, that provide essential goods and services in
Impacted Communities, including food stores with fresh
produce, healthcare, childcare, pharmacies, and other
retailers, while discouraging predatory lenders, liquor stores,
tobacco and cannabis retail stores, dollar stores, and fast-
food restaurants.
SC-P8.4
Promote entrepreneurship, innovation, and locally-owned
businesses and enterprises, especially ethnic, minority, and
immigrant entrepreneurship, for the purpose of improving
economic self-sufficiency and stability, including through
outreach efforts to local small business owners while
minimizing permitting barriers.
SC-P8.5
Encourage more daycares, preschools, and early childhood
development centers to make childcare more viable and
affordable for working families.
Actions
SC-A8.1
Establish a First Source Hiring Program requiring developers,
contractors, and employers to use good-faith efforts toward
employing residents of Impacted Communities, with
emphasis on residents who are economically
disadvantaged. (8-dq)
Goal SC-8
Access to and expansion of job training, job
opportunities, and economic resources so that
residents in Impacted Communities can acquire safe
jobs, earn a living wage to support their families, and
build shared prosperity.
Page Numbering: Shows the
chapter and page number (e.g.,
3-13 = Chapter 3, page 13).
Section Footer: Identifies the element title.
Parenthetical Reference: These refer either to legislation (e.g., Assembly
Bill [AB] 52) or goals, policies, and implementation measures in the existing
General Plan that are somehow being carried forward in the General Plan.
Existing goals are indicated by a number and capital letter (e.g., 3-A),
existing policies are indicated by two numbers (e.g., 3-1), and existing
implementation measures are indicated by a number and lower-case letter
(e.g., 3-a). In most cases it is the concept or subject matter, not the actual
wording, that is carried forward in the updated General Plan.
Goal Numbering: Each goal number starts with the element
acronym and is followed by the number of the goal (e.g.,
SC‐8 = Stronger Communities Element, eighth goal).
Goals: A goal describes the general desired result sought
by the County. Each goal has one or more policies and/or
actions associated with the goal.
Policies: A policy is a specific statement that guides decision-
making as the County works to achieve a specific goal.
Policies represent statements of County regulation and set
the standards used by decision-makers when considering
proposed development and actions. These are on-going and
require no further action.
Actions: An action is a measure, procedure, or technique
that helps the County achieve a specific goal. An action is
something concrete that can and will be completed.
Icons: Policies and actions related to the four themes of the
General Plan – community health, environmental justice,
economic development, and sustainability – are identified
using these icons.
Action Numbering: The action number is shown as the
last number, supporting the goal it follows (e.g., SC-A8.1 =
Stronger Communities Element, eighth goal, first action).
Action numbers are not tied to policy numbers.
Policy Numbering: The policy number is shown as the
last number, supporting the goal it follows (e.g., SC-P8.2 =
Stronger Communities Element, eighth goal, second
policy). Policy numbers are not tied to action numbers.
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Draft General Plan Policies and Actions Relevant to Sustainability
The General Plan will call out policies and actions that address specific topics of concern raised by
the community and the Board of Supervisors.
Policies and actions related to the four themes of the General Plan – community health,
environmental justice, economic development, and sustainability – are identified using icons.
The policies and actions compiled in this attachment are all those currently tagged with the
sustainability icon.
For the purposes of Sustainability Commission discussion, these policies and actions are organized by
topic rather than by General Plan element. Readers can identify which element a policy or action
belongs to based on the policy or action number. Each policy or action number begins with the
element acronym:
LU = Land Use Element
SC = Stronger Communities Element
PFS = Public Facilities and Services Element
HS = Health and Safety Element
TR = Transportation Element
COS = Conservation, Open Space, and Working Lands Element
This attachment presents a selection of policies and actions, therefore, numbering is not sequential.
Sustainable Economy
Sustainable Industry and Economy
SC-P1.1 - In partnership with residents of Impacted Communities, affected workers, business/industry,
environmental and environmental justice advocates, community colleges, workforce development
and training entities, local government, and other appropriate agencies, support transition from
petroleum refining and other highly polluting industries to renewable and sustainable industries that
provide living-wage jobs.
SC-A1.1 - Partner with the stakeholders identified in Policy SC-P1.1 to develop and implement a plan
to transition from petroleum-refining and other highly polluting industries to renewable, sustainable,
and clean industries that provide living-wage jobs. The plan should address site remediation
responsibilities along with timelines and strategies to improve health, safety, infrastructure, job
opportunities, and revenue opportunities during the transition toward a net-zero-emission economy,
paying special attention to developing new opportunities for Impacted Communities to realize
economic, health, educational, and other benefits.
SC-A8.2 - Partner with school districts, community colleges, community organizations, large
employers, trade associations, unions, and job training centers to support enhanced job-skills training,
recruitment programs and services, and childcare services to support the county workforce,
especially workers in Impacted Communities. Work with experienced groups to ensure that
programs will be properly staffed and funded. Training and intervention strategies should reduce
barriers to employment for youth, formerly incarcerated residents, and residents with limited English
proficiency, and should support a just transition toward a sustainable economy by re-training
displaced workers with skills for well-paying jobs in new industries.
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LU-P3.3 - Achieve a jobs-housing balance by designating adequate acreage of developable land
for employment and housing, encouraging housing that meets the needs of the local workforce and
jobs that are suitable for local residents, and implementing programs that improve opportunities to
live and work in the same community. (3-K)
LU-P3.4 - For any General Plan amendment that converts a commercial, industrial, or office land use
to a residential or non-urban land use, evaluate the project’s effect on the local and countywide
jobs-housing balance. (3-h, 3-i)
LU-P3.8 - Incorporate principles of a circular economy and ecologically sustainable practices and
materials into new development and retrofit projects.
LU-P8.1 - Welcome industries that create living-wage jobs and career advancement opportunities
for county residents without causing severe environmental degradation. (3-44)
Business and Innovation
SC-P8.3 - Welcome businesses, especially sustainable/clean/green businesses, that provide essential
goods and services in Impacted Communities, including food stores with fresh produce, healthcare,
childcare, pharmacies, and other retailers, while discouraging predatory lenders, liquor stores,
tobacco and cannabis retail stores, dollar stores, and fast-food restaurants.
SC-A8.5 - Explore the use of existing federal and State government economic development
programs, such as the “Opportunity Zone” program, “HUB Zone” program, and contracting
designations, as means to generate funding for transit, housing, and capital improvements, while
attracting private investment.
SC-P9.1 - Support business retention, expansion, and attraction efforts that diversify and strengthen
the economy with special emphasis on sustainable/clean/green businesses.
SC-P9.4 - Continue to support local tourism, including State and federal policies that protect the
Delta ecosystem and its recreational opportunities.
SC-P9.6 - Strengthen the viability of the Northern Waterfront as a dynamic economic asset and
destination recreational area. Work with partner agencies to support beneficial, environmentally
sustainable investment in this area.
SC-A9.2 - Implement the Northern Waterfront Economic Development Initiative, including business
attraction efforts aimed at biomedical and life science businesses, food and beverage processing,
advanced materials and diversified manufacturing, advanced transportation technology, and
clean technology.
LU-P3.5 - Sustain the County’s economic vitality by supporting and attracting businesses in a wide
variety of economic sectors, prioritizing clean energy, sustainable and green businesses, and
emerging businesses and industries that are consistent with the County’s environmental and
economic goals and values.
LU-P7.7 - Encourage growth of the county’s hospitality sector, including heritage tourism, waterfront
amenities, farm-to-table restaurants, other dining and entertainment establishments, commercial
recreation, various types of
LU-P7.9 - Support development of co-working facilities and office support services that facilitate
remote work. (3-200)
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LU-A7.1 - Monitor changes in the office and retail markets resulting from changes in workplace
design, online work, and online retailing. As appropriate, consider General Plan, zoning, and other
regulatory changes that facilitate conversion of vacant and/or obsolete space to new uses.
LU-P8.2 - Welcome new businesses that improve supply chains for core local industries, including
agriculture. (3-45)
LU-A8.2 - Evaluate the County’s industrial land supply for opportunity zones or innovation districts that
can accommodate emerging industries, including regenerative industries that support an economic
transition, such as autonomous vehicle manufacturing, prefabricated housing production, logistics
and mobility hubs, and maker spaces.
TR-A1.3 - Conduct a survey of County offices and facilities to identify gaps in the alternative
transportation network and seek grants or other funding sources for projects that will fill those gaps
and improve the availability of alternative transportation for County employees.
COS-A13.3 - Support legislative efforts to establish a green bank capable of equitably financing
sustainability projects, including renewable energy, energy efficiency, and green infrastructure, for
residential and commercial customers.
Sustainable Land Use
Healthy Neighborhoods
SC-P1.3 - Support development of small-scale walkable districts that provide a range of
neighborhood-serving retail and service uses, public amenities, and related infrastructure to residents
of Impacted Communities within walking distance of their homes.
SC-A1.2 - With input from residents of Impacted Communities, amend Title 8 of the County
Ordinance Code to create an Impacted Communities Overlay Zone that applies to areas within
and adjacent to Impacted Communities and establishes requirements for discretionary permits for
non-residential developments of 25,000 square feet or more. The overlay zone will include an
expanded set of required project findings that promote environmental justice and health and
provide guidance for demonstrating consistency with those findings. Projects able to satisfy the
required findings will:
(a) Provide benefits that support the community objectives, such as those identified
in the Community Profile.
(b) Provide economic opportunities for the community.
(c) Avoid unwelcome permanent displacement of existing residents or businesses in
the community.
(d) Support community resiliency to climate change.
(e) Avoid negative impacts on health and the quality of life of residents within the
community to the greatest extent possible.
SC-P3.3 - Support and encourage the provision of paratransit, public transit, and other transportation
services to neighborhood and regional healthcare facilities to meet identified gaps in service.
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SC-P5.2 - Maximize multimodal access to fresh food in Impacted Communities, prioritizing micro-
mobility and pedestrian access, by encouraging grocery stores, healthy corner stores, community
gardens, and outdoor markets at key transit nodes and within transit-oriented developments.
LU-P3.1 - Support construction of housing in or near existing employment centers and development
of additional job-generating uses near areas that are primarily residential. Where large-scale
residential or commercial development is planned, encourage a mix of housing and employment
opportunities unless doing so would exacerbate a severe jobs-housing imbalance in the area.
(3-1, 3-2, 3-3)
LU-P3.6 - Encourage incorporation of childcare, adult daycare, and similar beneficial uses into new
development. To maximize accessibility, encourage childcare facilities in residential neighborhoods,
employment centers, schools, public libraries, hospitals, religious facilities, and parks, as well as near
transit stops. (3-84, 7-147, 7-149, 7-151)
LU-P6.2 - Distribute affordable housing opportunities in communities throughout the county. Do not
concentrate affordable housing in traditionally lower-income areas. Locate affordable housing near
public transit and essential services whenever possible. (3-21)
LU-P6.5 - Require new residential projects to provide convenient access/connections to public
transit, local destinations, and multi-use trails whenever possible. (5-22, 5-at)
LU-P7.1 - Plan for a sufficient quantity and distribution of commercial areas to meet the basic daily
needs of residents in each part of the county. (3-32)
LU-P7.2 - Support neighborhood-serving commercial services in and adjacent to residential areas so
that they can be easily accessed using multiple modes of transportation. (3-34)
PFS-P1.4 - Locate new County facilities in places that are easily accessible by public transit, walking,
and biking to the greatest extent possible.
PFS-P2.3 - Implement and maintain urban greening and green infrastructure, including
sustainable/green street projects, in Impacted Communities that support the community’s
objectives, including those identified in the Community Profiles.
HS-P2.2 - Increase the tree canopy on public property, especially in Impacted Communities and
areas with a high heat index, by prioritizing funding for new street tree planting and maintenance.
HS-A2.4 - Prepare a tree master plan for the county that emphasizes planting of low-maintenance
native tree species and includes quantified goals and tracking methods, including mapping the tree
canopy, and prioritizes planting in Impacted Communities.
HS-P8.1 - Coordinate with public agencies, utilities, and community-based organizations to provide
community resilience hubs in all regions of the county during extreme heat events, severe weather
events, and other highly hazardous conditions. Work to ensure that these facilities are in highly
accessible areas and that information about their availability is widely distributed.
Community Character and Identity
SC-P1.4 - Support cultural and community-driven events, such as art festivals, farmers’ markets, and
community service days, that support social connections, neighborhood identity, and environmental
stewardship.
SC-P2.4 - Leverage community-specific natural features, such as creeks, shorelines, and trails, to
strengthen community identity and connect residents to nature. (3-149)
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SC-P2.5 - Encourage development, preservation, and reinvestment that strengthens the unique
character of each unincorporated community. Ensure that future private and public projects
provide parks and playgrounds, complete streets, trees and landscaping, streetscapes, signage,
and sustainable building design that reflect and improve the character of the community, along
with long-term maintenance mechanisms to ensure continued benefit from the improvements into
the future.
SC-A7.2 - Partner with recycling centers to establish an artist-in-residence program at the centers to
support art education while encouraging residents to conserve and repurpose natural resources and
promoting new ways of thinking about the environment.
PFS-P8.4 - Whenever possible, design parks and recreational facilities to complement the natural
features of the area, including topography and vegetation. (9-39)
Sustainable Development
LU-A3.3 - Amend the County Ordinance Code to include requirements for low-impact
development, the use of low carbon concrete, water and energy conservation, reclaimed water,
renewable energy use, green and LEED-certified building, and other measures that reduce the
environmental impacts of development, based on the best available science.
LU-P5.1 - Ensure that County projects and decisions on private development and land use activities
in the Primary Zone of the Delta are consistent with the Land Use and Resource Management Plan
adopted by the Delta Protection Commission. Coordinate with the Delta Stewardship Council on
actions impacting the Delta area. (3-54)
LU-P6.4 - Ensure that new residential development is planned, designed, and constructed in a way
that promotes health, minimizes known hazard exposure for future residents, and mitigates potential
adverse effects on natural resources and the environment. (3-28)
LU-P7.6 - Encourage adaptive reuse of older commercial buildings, including conversion to new uses
such as housing. (3-40)
LU-P7.10 - Plan land uses and activities in the vicinity of harbors to optimize their use for commerce
and recreation without posing a threat to Bay or Delta resources, including water quality and
shoreline and marshland habitats. (8-102, 8-103)
PFS-P1.5 - Encourage, and whenever possible require, co-location and undergrounding of utility
infrastructure, such as transmission and distribution lines, broadband internet, and pipelines, in existing
rights-of-way to minimize visual, operational, and environmental impacts on the community.
Measures to mitigate the impacts of new utility facilities should benefit the areas that are most
directly affected by their construction. (3-20, 5-35, 9-17)
PFS-P4.7 - When making land use decisions that could impact groundwater resources, consult
applicable Groundwater Sustainability Plans and local Groundwater Sustainability Agencies.
(AB 1739)
PFS-P5.9 - Encourage developers on transit corridors and in commercial zones to combine
stormwater treatment requirements of new or redevelopment projects with green infrastructure on
the adjoining street frontage.
PFS-A5.4 - Establish programs for development projects alongside natural water courses that ensure
regular maintenance of the waterway, including debris removal, erosion control, and conservation
and restoration of native species.
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PFS-P11.1 - Locate library facilities and services in areas with broadband internet access that are
along well-traveled thoroughfares and transit routes accessible to the greatest number of people,
prioritizing expansion of library services in Impacted Communities.
HS-P2.3 - Support protection, restoration, and enhancement of natural landscapes in and near
Impacted Communities for their role in improving air quality and community health.
HS-P3.3 - Facilitate carbon-neutral development projects and communities that support a circular
economy, net-zero-emission modes of transportation, reliable and renewable energy resources,
energy-efficient buildings, zero waste, water efficiency and conservation, green infrastructure, soil
conservation, and a system of natural and working lands that support carbon sequestration and
climate resilience.
HS-P4.1 - Consider the effects of climate change, particularly increased frequency and intensity of
hazards, when reviewing new development applications.
HS-P6.4 - Require new industrial development in areas subject to sea-level rise and tsunami
inundation to provide plans for prevention and remediation of any contaminant releases, along with
bonds that guarantee remediation plans are implemented. Remediation should meet standards
that protect people and the environment in the event of future permanent inundation.
HS-P9.4 - In the order of importance listed, require that new industrial development eliminate the
generation and disposal of hazardous materials to the maximum extent feasible by:
(a) Implementing operational source reduction strategies and replacing hazardous
materials with less hazardous materials.
(b) Reducing generation of those wastes not amenable to source reduction or
recycling.
(c) Recovering and recycling the remaining waste for reuse.
(d) Properly disposing of hazardous wastes and residuals generated from treatment
of hazardous waste. (7-AM, 7-AN, 7-101)
HS-P9.10 - Oppose construction of new large-scale hazardous waste facilities.
HS-A10.3 - Establish a mechanism, possibly similar to the surety bonds required by the US EPA for
underground tanks, to ensure that new or expanded industrial uses involving hazardous materials will
fund any needed clean-up of resulting contamination.
COS-A11.1 - Amend County Ordinance Code Division 814, Slope and Hillside Development, to
convert the requirements from a combining district to design and development standards related to
building envelopes, building massing, colors, materials, grading, draining, and erosion control. (10-o)
COS-P13.3 - Encourage new and existing buildings to include battery storage systems, especially at
buildings with solar energy installations and buildings that provide essential community services.
COS-A13.1 - Adopt reach codes that exceed State building code standards to achieve the highest
feasible level of energy conservation and efficiency. (8-L)
Smart Growth and Conservation
LU-P2.1 - Continue implementing the 65/35 Land Preservation Plan, using the County Urban Limit Line
(ULL) to focus future development in the county’s established urban and suburban communities
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while preserving agricultural land, rangeland, natural habitats, watersheds, and open space.
(3-G, 3-69, 3-180, 8-5, 8-30, 8-31, 8-32, 9-3, 9-9)
LU-P2.2 - Limit development outside the ULL to non-urban uses, such as agriculture, mineral
extraction, wind and solar energy production, carbon sequestration, other resource-based uses, and
essential infrastructure. (3-G, 3-69, 8-5, 8-30, 9-9)
LU-P2.3 - Prohibit major subdivisions outside the ULL as well as successive minor subdivisions of
previously subdivided lots. (3-G, 10-25)
LU-P2.4 - Encourage infill of already developed areas and properties that have been skipped over.
(3-8, 8-113)
LU-P2.5 - Encourage clustering of allowable densities through use of Planned Unit District zoning to
reduce development footprints and protect scenic resources, natural features, floodplains, and
open spaces. (3-18, 9-14, 10-31)
LU-P2.7 - Prohibit extension of water and sewer lines into areas outside the ULL, except to serve public
and semi-public uses that will not induce growth, or when such extension is necessary to address a
declared public health emergency. Lines extending outside the ULL should be sized to serve only the
use requiring service. (3-10, 8-ad, 8-af)
LU-A4.1 - Periodically re-evaluate parking standards, such as to increase or eliminate parking
minimums, or to consider strategies that reduce parking demand, to ensure their applicability to
changing conditions, trends, and technology. (3-84, 5-20)
TR-P1.3 - Ensure new highways and expressways constructed outside the Urban Limit Line are not
growth-inducing through land use controls, access limitations, and other appropriate measures.
(8-af)
PFS-P10.3 - Encourage school districts to locate school sites within the Urban Limit Line and within or
adjacent to existing or planned residential and mixed-use neighborhoods.
Sustainable Transportation
Safe and Sustainable Transportation
TR-P1.5 - Leverage the County’s position as a major employer to demonstrate leadership in
enhancing workforce mobility.
TR-A1.1 - Implement programs to encourage transit use, bicycling, walking, telecommuting, and use
of alternative vehicle fuels by County employees.
TR-A1.3 - Review and update the County’s Transportation Demand Management Guidelines at least
every five years to incorporate current best practices. (5-o)
TR-P4.1 - Plan, design, and maintain improvement projects involving County roadways in
accordance with the County’s adopted Complete Streets Policy, other applicable policies (e.g.,
Vision Zero and other safety initiatives), planning documents such as the County Active
Transportation Plan and CCTA Countywide Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan, and best practices (e.g.,
National Association of City Transportation Officials guidance). (5-16, 5-46, 5-j, 5-ag, 5-am, 5-aq, 5-ar,
5-ay, 5-bd, 5-be, 5-bg)
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TR-P4.4 - Require transportation infrastructure serving new development to be designed using best
practices, contemplating existing and planned land uses, roadways, bicycle and pedestrian
facilities, transit facilities, and pathways of adjoining areas, and use available public and semi-public
rights-of-way where feasible. (5-3, 5-13, 5-k)
TR-A4.1 - Update the County Standard Plans on an as-needed basis to reflect best practices in
context sensitivity, Complete Streets, travel safety, environmental sustainability, and the general state
of the practice. (5-23, 5-31, 5-32, 5-33, 5-m)
TR-P6.6 - Support continued operation, maintenance, and further development of ports and
proprietary wharves consistent with federal, State, and County environmental policies and
economic priorities. (5-T, 5-79, 5-81, 8-Z)
Connected Transit
TR-P1.5 - Collaborate with transit providers, cities, and CCTA to develop a countywide transit stop
program that takes a holistic approach to transit stop planning and construction. Push for the
program to address right-of-way adequacy (i.e., sufficient space for bus pullouts and amenities),
amenities (e.g., shelters, seating), and improvements around stops to improve accessibility (e.g.,
curb ramps, sidewalk widening). (5-I)
TR-P1.7 - Encourage transit use by expanding first-mile/last-mile programs, including micromobility.
(5-I)
TR-P1.8 - Support improving and expanding passenger and commuter rail service. (5-26, 5-89, 5-q,
5-ad)
TR-P1.9 - Enhance access to all transit stops, including local routes as well as passenger and
commuter rail stations. (5-27, 5-p)
TR-A1.6 - Partner with transit agencies and CCTA to develop “Safe Routes to Transit” guidance that
could be applied in new development areas and existing neighborhoods.
TR-A1.7 - Work with transit agencies to provide convenient ways for residents to report transit shelters
and other improvements (e.g., lighting, seating) that are in disrepair. Encourage and promote
reporting countywide, especially in Impacted Communities.
Equitable Transportation
TR-P1.10 - Prioritize investments in existing bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure before focusing on
implementation of new transportation technologies. Ensure new transportation technologies and
travel options support the County’s goals of increasing equitable mobility, reducing emissions,
reducing reliance on automobiles, and improving transportation safety.
TR-A1.5 - Pursue funding and other resources to implement the Accessible Transportation Services
Strategic Plan and similar plans and initiatives that expand the hours of operation, operational
boundaries, convenience, and quality of accessible transit to improve mobility for seniors, people
with disabilities, and other vulnerable populations. (5-u)
TR-A1.8 - Support establishment of a Bay Area-wide transit fare equity program that includes free
and/or means-based transit passes for qualifying residents of Impacted Communities or other
vulnerable communities.
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TR-A1.9 - Create an equitable pricing program for on-street parking in commercial corridors
throughout the county. Such a program would allocate parking revenue to improvement projects in
Impacted Communities.
TR-A2.2 - Identify and address neighborhood issues and needs, prioritizing development and
maintenance of sidewalks, enhanced crosswalks, street lighting, street trees, bicycling infrastructure,
transit stop amenities, traffic calming, and other safety improvements in Impacted Communities,
including in residential areas and near schools, libraries, and recreational facilities. Engage school
districts, neighborhood groups, and the local Safe Routes to School Program in implementing this
action. (5-42)
TR-P5.1 - Plan, design, and construct facilities for walking, biking, and rolling to serve people of all
ages, abilities, and income levels, including children, seniors, families, and people with limited
mobility. (5-ar)
TR-P5.2 - Coordinate with Caltrans to provide safe and comfortable highway interchange crossings
for people of all ages and abilities who walk, bike, or roll.
HS-A8.1 - Coordinate with transit providers to identify and advertise ways for individuals with
restricted mobility to reach resilience hubs and cooling centers. (AB 836)
VMT Reduction
LU-P3.7 - Welcome development that supports the countywide goal of reducing vehicle miles
traveled (VMT), thus reducing greenhouse gas emissions, to meet climate change targets. Require
projects that do not support the County’s VMT-reduction goals to incorporate necessary changes
(e.g., design, land use mix) to ensure they support those goals.
TR-P1.1 - In addition to any required California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review, evaluate
the traffic operations effects of proposed projects in accordance with the County’s Transportation
Analysis Guidelines (and other appropriate policy supplements and best practices). When
operational deficiencies are identified, the treatments to address those deficiencies should first
prioritize reducing the project’s vehicular trips and reducing collision risks, and may secondarily
consider adding vehicular capacity so long as the safety and movement of active modes are not
compromised. Exceptions to the level of service (LOS) thresholds presented in the Transportation
Analysis Guidelines may be granted if the treatments necessary to address operational deficiencies
would conflict with other priorities in this General Plan and if the project is otherwise consistent with
this Plan.
TR-P1.2 - Reduce single-occupant vehicle usage, at a minimum using strategies defined in the
Transportation Demand Management Ordinance. (5-I, 5-J, 5-11, 8-dr)
Green Transportation Infrastructure
TR-P1.11 - Continue to improve electric vehicle charging infrastructure within new development and
public rights-of-way, and incorporate electric vehicle charging infrastructure into appropriate
projects on the County’s Capital Improvement Program.
TR-P1.12 - Require new parking facility designs to incorporate zero-emission vehicle infrastructure and
maximize opportunities for adaptive reuse.
TR-P1.13 - Support transitioning all on-road vehicles, including personal vehicles and business,
government, and public transit fleets, to being powered by electricity from renewable sources or
other zero-emission fuels.
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TR-A1.10 - Update the County Ordinance Code as necessary to support advances in electric vehicle
charging infrastructure.
TR-A1.11 - Coordinate with CCTA and other local and regional agencies to implement the Contra
Costa Electric Vehicle Readiness Blueprint and related policies, and to apply best practices in
electric vehicle infrastructure requirements.
TR-P6.4 - Support development of short-line railroad infrastructure in industrial districts to facilitate rail
access to Class I railroad lines, attract potential businesses seeking rail-served developments, ease
traffic congestion caused by goods movement on regional highways, and reduce greenhouse gas
emissions.
TR-A6.4 - Develop regulations responding to technological advancements in freight movement,
such as autonomous vehicles, robotics, and drone deliveries, while supporting the County’s goals for
reducing emissions, improving public safety, and increasing equitable mobility.
Safe Streets
TR-P2.1 - Pursue the priorities identified in the County’s Vision Zero and other safety programs, through
prioritization of safety projects and incorporation of safety considerations into all transportation
planning efforts. (5-14, 5-18, 5-39, 5-40)
TR-P2.2 - Minimize the potential for conflicts between vehicles and people who walk, bike, or roll
through careful site planning, paying particular attention to driveway locations and internal
pedestrian circulation, and prioritizing safety for active modes of travel. (3-84)
TR-P2.3 - Require or provide energy-efficient street lighting for traveler safety and comfort. Prioritize
installation in Impacted Communities, particularly at parks, transit stops, alleyways, bicycle and
pedestrian paths, and other appropriate areas, consistent with community desires. (5-15)
TR-A2.1 - Maintain a Vision Zero Working Group to regularly review collision data and evaluate the
effectiveness of Vision Zero and other safety strategies. (5-bb)
TR-P4.9 - Manage access points along arterial and collector roadways to minimize the number of
new driveway or street-type intersections. Consolidate existing street and driveway intersections as
opportunities arise. (5-G, 5-7, 5-8)
TR-P4.10 - Require roadway infrastructure within new development areas, including traffic-calming
and Complete Streets features, within new development area to accommodate emergency
response vehicles, while not compromising active mode safety. (5-17, 7-70)
Active Transportation
TR-P4.6 - Make non-residential areas more pedestrian friendly by reducing parking and setback
requirements and augmenting traffic-calming measures.
TR-P4.7 - Encourage walkability by streamlining implementation of traffic-calming measures through
the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program.
TR-P4.8 - Create connections between neighborhoods in unincorporated areas and adjacent
jurisdictions to improve multi-modal access to local destinations, such as schools, parks, shopping,
health services, and workplaces. (5-K, 5-ak)
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TR-A4.3 - Develop guidance for managing curb space in ways that are sensitive to the land use
context, with considerations for freight deliveries, parking, active transportation use, users with limited
mobility, transportation network companies, outdoor dining, and other curb uses. (5-w)
TR-P5.3 - Prioritize construction of capital improvement projects identified in the County’s Active
Transportation Plan.
TR-P5.4 - Encourage walking, bicycling, and rolling as the travel modes of choice for short to
medium-length trips, such as trips to schools, parks, transit stops, and neighborhood services. (5-43,
5-ai)
TR-P5.6 - Support expansion of active shared mobility options such as bike-share, e-bike share, and e-
scooter share.
TR-P5.7 - Support use of temporary, quick-build, demonstration, or pilot pedestrian and bicycle
improvements to test the effectiveness of active transportation strategies.
TR-P5.8 - Require new development to contribute funds and/or provide active transportation
facilities where feasible, and ensure that fee programs include those facility types. (5-21)
TR-P5.9 - Require adequate parking for bicycles and other mobility devices at key destinations, such
as shopping centers, schools, workplaces, transit stations, and multifamily housing. (5-ao)
TR-A5.1 – Partner with CCTA and local jurisdictions to build out the countywide bicycle and
pedestrian network, prioritizing completion of the Low-Stress Countywide Bicycle Network and
pedestrian safety improvement projects in the County’s Pedestrian Priority Areas, as described in the
Countywide Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan (5-B, 5-45, 5-M, 5-36, 5-37, 5-al, 5-an, 5-ap)
TR-A5.2 - Construct innovative bicycle and pedestrian facilities, including Class IV separated
bikeways, bicycle superhighways, and other low-stress facility types, as described in the Countywide
Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan and in contemporary transportation planning and engineering
guidance. Use green infrastructure and street trees to separate vehicular lanes from bicycle and
pedestrian facilities when appropriate. (5-M)
TR-A5.3 - Develop a Local Access Score to identify top priorities for active transportation projects,
including criteria that prioritize projects in Impacted Communities.
TR-A5.4 - Regularly maintain active transportation facilities, including cleanup of bikeways and
shared use pathways, using private and local community resources when feasible. (5-38, 5-av)
TR-A5.5 - Partner with the cities and CCTA to develop uniform guidance to manage active shared
mobility services.
TR-A5.6 - Allow temporary and permanent re-orientation of public space towards increased outdoor
activity, including walking, bicycling, rolling, and other public uses when recommended by public
health or other authorities.
Transit-Oriented Development
SC-P2.1 - Within established communities, complete construction of sidewalks and crosswalks and
encourage neighborhood design and development that supports safe walking, biking, and other
micro-mobility options, convenient access to services and transit, and opportunities for local
shopping.
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SC-P2.2 - Provide functional civic space and well-maintained public amenities near high-volume
transit hubs. Each hub area should project a positive visual image, a strong and unique identity, and
a safe, inviting environment for pedestrians and passengers.
LU-P3.2 - Encourage development that combines employment, housing, and services in close
proximity to transit facilities, such as BART stations and major bus lines. Such development should be
planned and designed to encourage walking, bicycling, and transit use, shorter commutes, and
reduced dependency on single-occupant vehicles, while at the same time mitigates, to the extent
possible, the impacts of placing residents in proximity to mobile sources of air pollution, noise, and
traffic hazards.
LU-P7.3 - Encourage improvements to existing commercial centers, especially those that enhance
pedestrian and bicycle access. (3-39)
TR-P5.5. - Partner with transit agencies, community, and business organizations to plan sustainable
streets in business and commercial zones. Consider forming a community facilities district (CFD) or
business improvement district to help fund and maintain improvements.
Interjurisdictional Coordination
TR-P3.1 - Coordinate construction and maintenance of streets, transit infrastructure, non-motorized
rights-of-way and associated facilities, the countywide bicycle network, and Pedestrian Priority Areas
with neighboring jurisdictions and CCTA. (5-1, 5-p, 5-r, 5-t)
TR-A3.2 - Coordinate with neighboring jurisdictions, CCTA, and the Regional Transportation Planning
Committees to plan, design, and implement Complete Streets concepts on regional routes of
significance. (5-B)
Climate Change and Natural Hazards
Air Quality
HS-P1.7 - Require new or expanded commercial and industrial projects exceeding 75,000 square
feet of gross floor area, such as big-box stores, warehouses, distribution centers, and similar uses, to
be near zero-emissions operations, including the facilities themselves and the associated fleets.
Require all necessary measures, such as the following, to achieve near zero emissions:
(a) Provide adequate on-site electric vehicle (EV)-capable parking for all
anticipated truck traffic to prevent idling and off-site queuing.
(b) Provide electrified loading docks with receptacles allowing plug-in of refrigerated
trailers.
(c) Use heavy-duty trucks that are model year 2014 or later and expedite a transition
to zero-emission trucks as they become commercially available. Ensure contracts
with motor carriers include air quality incentives or requirements, such as
providing incentives to fleets that met United States Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) SmartWay standards or requiring use of zero-emission (ZE) or near
zero-emission (NZE) trucks.
(d) Use a “clean fleet” of delivery vehicles as they become commercially available,
but no later than 2025.
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(e) Use zero-emission forklifts, pallet trucks and jacks, stackers, and other yard
equipment.
(f) Implement practices to control and remove fugitive dust and other contaminants
from paved areas.
(g) Consider exemptions for grocery stores and medical facilities.
HS-A1.1 - Adopt an ordinance that matches or is more stringent than the State’s maximum idling
law, and coordinate with CARB, BAAQMD, and law enforcement to achieve compliance.
HS-A2.1 - Coordinate with community members and appropriate regulatory agencies to prepare
community-scale plans for reducing and mitigating air pollutant emissions and industrial hazards,
such as pipeline risks, accidents, potential water or soil contamination, and impacts to sensitive
ecological resources, for each Impacted Community, or group of Impacted Communities, as
appropriate. Require that future projects demonstrate consistency with those plans.
Greenhouse Gas Reduction
HS-P3.1 - Prioritize implementation of the Contra Costa County Climate Action Plan to reduce GHG
emissions from community-wide sources and adapt to changing climate conditions.
HS-P3.2 - Require new development to demonstrate consistency with the Contra Costa County
Climate Action Plan and incorporate applicable GHG-reduction and adaptation measures.
HS-P3.4 - Require incorporation of measures to reduce or eliminate otherwise preventable GHG
emissions in new commercial and industrial projects exceeding 10,000 square feet of gross floor area.
These measures may include, but are not limited to, reducing on-site energy consumption,
increasing on-site energy generation and energy storage, contributing toward development of
renewable energy projects in the surrounding community, reducing vehicle trip generation, and
reducing waste generation. (8-113)
HS-P3.5 - Support efforts to protect, maintain, and improve soil health as a carbon sequestration tool.
HS-A3.1 - Update the Contra Costa County Climate Action Plan as needed to maintain consistency
with CEQA Guidelines Section 15183.5(b) and best practices. Future updates must include:
(a) Inventories of GHG emissions in the unincorporated county;
(b) GHG reduction targets for 2030, 2040, and 2050 at a minimum;
(c) Forecasts of GHG emissions for the unincorporated county consistent with growth
assumptions of this General Plan;
(d) GHG-reduction measures or strategies with quantifiable outcomes;
(e) Climate adaptation and resilience strategies to ensure the county’s communities
can respond to changing climate conditions;
(f) An implementation and monitoring program to track the County’s progress
toward achievement of the GHG-reduction targets; and
(g) A community and stakeholder engagement program for CAP preparation and
implementation.
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Flooding and Sea-level Rise
PFS-P5.7 - When developing new or revised regional drainage and flood management plans,
including plans to protect against sea-level rise, incorporate adequate setbacks and alternative
drainage system improvements that provide aesthetic, recreational, and environmental benefits.
Improvements should avoid structural modifications to watercourses and preserve riparian habitat
and floodplains, or convert engineered drainage systems to more natural systems, when and where
possible. In areas at risk of temporary or permanent inundation from sea-level rise, ensure that
improvements can continue to provide adequate protection for the projected level of inundation
by 2100 or the expected operational life of the project, whichever is later. (7-Q, 7-40, 7-41, 7-aa, 7-ab,
7-ac, 8-80, 8-89)
HS-A5.1 - Review flooding policies and maps in this General Plan on an annual basis and incorporate
best-available information regarding 100-, 200-, and 500-year floodplains and projected sea-level
rise due to climate change. (10-52, 10-53, 10-ai)
HS-A5.3 - Establish countywide protection priorities for vulnerable communities and their populations
identified to be at high risk of displacement from future flooding and sea-level rise in the Countywide
Climate Vulnerability Assessment or the best-available climate science data and use regional
funding mechanisms to plan and implement protection measures in these locations or for these
populations.
HS-A5.4 - Amend the Floodplain Management Ordinance to address hazardous material storage.
HS-P6.1 - Require new development to locate habitable areas of buildings above the highest water
level expected during the life of the project, based on Figure HS-X (Sea-Level Rise Projection Map),
accounting for sea-level rise or other changes in flood conditions, or to construct a levee
adequately designed to protect the structure for the expected life of the project. (10-G, 10-49, 10-50)
HS-P6.2 - Support tidal wetland restoration projects that will protect and enhance the broad benefits
that wetlands provide, including flood-risk reduction, habitat, biodiversity, and water quality.
HS-P6.3 - Limit development of agricultural lands and open space that can serve as a buffer
between sea-level rise and urbanized land uses.
HS-A6.2 - Coordinate with regional agencies, cities, utilities, property owners, community groups,
residents, and other stakeholders to prepare and adopt a countywide sea-level rise adaptation plan
addressing increased flooding and sea-level rise that provides unique adaptation options for the
entire county shoreline and identifies funding mechanisms for implementation. Use Figure HS-X (Sea-
Level Rise Projection Map) or the best available climate science data to identify where sea-level rise
hazards are likely to occur and lead efforts to:
(a) Maximize public awareness and disclosure to property owners and the public.
(b) Assess and address impacts to future development.
(c) Plan opportunity areas for adaptation.
(d) Inform funding and financing decisions about short-term and long-term
adaptation projects.
(e) Ensure that the disproportionate impacts on vulnerable populations and
Impacted Communities are addressed.
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HS-A6.3 - Partner with the Adapting to Rising Tides Program, Delta Stewardship Council, property
owners, and community-based organizations to conduct a managed retreat feasibility study that
identifies specific assets at risk and the cost of facilitating managed retreat.
HS-A6.5 - Incorporate Figure HS-X (Sea-Level Rise Projection Map) into the County’s geographic
information system for use as a publicly accessible tool for tracking flooding and sea-level rise.
HS-A6.6 - Amend the Floodplain Management Ordinance to apply to areas subject to sea-level rise
under at least a medium-high risk aversion scenario by 2100, in accordance with State and regional
guidance.
HS-A6.7 - Adopt a Sea-Level Rise Overlay Zone with associated land use regulations for site planning
and minimum construction elevations that reflects sea-level rise data under at least a medium-high
risk aversion scenario by 2100.
Wildfires
HS-P7.1 - Prohibit new residential subdivisions in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones and limit
residential subdivisions to four or fewer lots in High Fire Hazard Severity Zones.
HS-P7.8 - Facilitate post-fire recovery by supporting efforts to stabilize slopes, control erosion, and
replant them with native species.
HS-A7.3 - Update countywide fire hazard severity zone and wildland-urban interface mapping as
new data becomes available from the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection.
(SB 1207)
HS-A7.4 - Adopt and have certified by the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection an ordinance that
exceeds the minimum statewide standards in the State Responsibility Area Fire Safe Regulations for
new development in the State Responsibility Area or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. (CAL FIRE)
HS-A7.5 - Following a large fire, evaluate the feasibility and resilience of redevelopment, and
consider changes to building or development standards to improve resilience. (CAL FIRE)
Resilient Homes
SC-A6.1 - Obtain additional funding for and address barriers to participation in the County’s
Weatherization Program and similar programs like the Contra Costa Asthma Initiative and
Neighborhood Preservation Program for extremely low-, very low-, and low-income homeowners,
seniors, landlords, and renters. Focus these efforts on homes in Impacted Communities, particularly
rental housing and multi-family housing.
SC-A6.2 - Create a bulk buying program or a revolving loan fund that allows people to purchase
energy-efficient electric appliances, such as air conditioners, fans, air purifiers, heaters, and others at
wholesale prices or minimal cost, and/or with zero-percent interest financing, to increase energy
efficiency and replace hazardous appliances. Work with volunteer groups to help people install and
dispose of air conditioners and other electrical appliances if they are unable to do so themselves,
focusing on Impacted Communities and other areas with high levels of vulnerable people. Consider
augmenting energy-efficiency programs to reduce electricity use and help offset the cost of
operating electrical appliances.
SC-A6.3 - Partner with local solar providers, MCE, and PG&E to enact a solar group buy program to
purchase solar panels and battery storage in bulk for installation in Impacted Communities, including
establishment and subsidization of community solar programs for joint membership, which
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aggregate multiple consumers' electricity sourced from a single photovoltaic solar location. The
program should include an educational component to teach the community about the benefits
and process of solar installation and give them the opportunity to sign up for the program at a
discounted rate.
HS-P4.2 - Discourage new below market-rate housing in mapped hazard zones, including 100- and
500-year flood plains, High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones or the Wildland-Urban Interface,
and areas at risk of temporary or permanent inundation from sea-level rise by 2100. If below market-
rate housing must be within a mapped hazard zone, require development to be hardened to
remain habitable to the greatest extent possible.
HS-P4.3 - In hazard-prone areas, such as slopes exceeding 15 percent, mapped floodplains, Alquist-
Priolo Earthquake Fault Zones, and Fire Hazard Severity Zones, allow for decreased residential density,
including below the minimum density requirement for the applicable land use designation, as the
severity of risk increases. (3-29)
COS-P13.8 - Work with electricity service providers and the Bay Area Regional Energy Network to
encourage property owners to participate in weatherization, education, rate incentive, and other
programs and measures to improve energy efficiency in existing buildings. (8-54)
Resilient Infrastructure and Development
PFS-P5.8 - Incorporate green infrastructure into new and retrofitted flood-control and streetscaping
projects, including replacing existing asphalt and other hardscapes with green infrastructure, as
feasible.
PFS-A5.2 - Coordinate with responsible parties, public and private, to develop a flood risk
management plan for the levee systems protecting the unincorporated county that:
(a) Identifies the entities responsible for operation and maintenance of the levees.
(b) Determines the anticipated flood levels in the waterways and the level of
protection offered by the existing levees along the waterways.
(c) Establishes a long-term plan to upgrade the system as necessary to provide at
least a 100-year level of flood protection, and 200-year level of flood protection
where feasible or required.
(d) Considers the worst-case situations of high tides coupled with sea-level rise and
storm-driven waves.
(e) Protects beneficial uses of San Francisco Bay and the Delta and their water.
(f) Prioritizes designs that foster riparian habitat while containing floodwaters, such as
by using more natural materials, landforms, and vegetation, rather than concrete
channels and other conventional flood control infrastructure.
(g) Encourages multi-purpose flood-management projects that, where feasible,
incorporate recreation, resource conservation, preservation of natural riparian
habitat, and scenic values of waterways.
(h) Takes a holistic approach to flood-risk management so that new infrastructure
does not simply transfer flooding impacts from one property or location to
another.
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(i) Includes provisions for updates to reflect future State or federally mandated levels
of flood protection. (7-52, 7-53, 7-54, 8-80, 8-86, 10-I, 10-64, 10-65, 10-73, 10-z,
10-ac)
HS-A1.2 - Develop and implement a plan to provide convenient and accessible clean air refuges
during times when outdoor air quality is unhealthy.
HS-P5.8 - Prohibit construction of critical infrastructure in areas subject to flooding or sea-level rise
unless no feasible alternative exists. (10-41, 10-42)
HS-P6.5 - Work with transportation agencies and infrastructure owners, such as railroads, to harden
transportation networks against sea-level rise and increases in flooding intensity.
HS-A6.4 - Adopt standards to conserve and expand natural shorelines, including converting
hardened coastal structures to natural shorelines. These shorelines must protect native biodiversity
while enhancing community resilience to flooding and sea-level rise. Standards must provide criteria
for siting, appropriate vegetation and other materials, construction, maintenance and monitoring
activities, recreational access as appropriate, and other key considerations.
HS-P7.2 - Require any construction of buildings or infrastructure within a Very High Fire Hazard Severity
Zone, wildland-urban interface, or State Responsibility Area, as shown on Figure HS-X, to incorporate
fire-safe design features and complete a site-specific fire protection plan that covers the entire
parcel and includes measures for fire-resistant construction materials and modifying fuel loading, as
well as a plan to maintain that protection over time. The fire protection plan shall include a risk
analysis, fire response capabilities, defensible space requirements, fire safety requirements for
infrastructure, building ignition resistance, mitigation measures and design for non-conforming fuel
modification, wildfire education, and maintenance and limitations. The fire protection plan shall also
include a plan for emergency preparedness, response, and evacuation. (7-AD, 7-71, 7-81, 7-az,
10-bb, 10-bc)
HS-P7.3 - Require that new development is constructed using fire-resistant building materials, is served
by adequate firefighting services, provides safe access for emergency response vehicles, includes
visible street signs and address numbers, and has adequate water supplies for structural fire
protection. (7-au, 10-bd) (SB 1241)
HS-P7.4 - Require new development within mapped Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, wildland-
urban interface areas, or State Responsibility Areas to meet or exceed State Fire Safe Regulations
and Fire Hazard Reduction Around Buildings and Structures Regulations for road ingress and egress,
fire equipment access, and adequate water supply. (California Government Code Section
66474.02)
HS-P7.5 - Work with property owners within mapped Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, wildland-
urban interface areas, and State Responsibility Areas to ensure establishment and continued
maintenance of fire breaks and defensible space, vegetation clearance, emergency access roads,
water supply and fire flow, signage, and firefighting infrastructure that meets current adopted State,
County, or community fire safety standards. (7-au, 10-bd) (SB 1241) (CAL FIRE)
HS-P7.7 - Construct critical facilities, such as Office of Emergency Services facilities and other uses on
the County’s designated critical facilities list, with fire-resistant materials, defensible space, and fire-
resistant landscaping that allows them to maintain structural integrity and ensure functional
operation to the greatest extent feasible. Avoid locating these facilities in high fire risk areas to the
extent possible. (SB 1241)
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HS-P7.9 - Coordinate with electricity service providers to underground power lines, especially in the
wildland-urban interface and fire hazard severity zone areas.
HS-P7.10 - Work with electricity service providers to ensure an adequate power supply to vulnerable
populations during planned power shutoffs.
HS-A7.1 - Support local fire protection agencies with efforts to seek funding for development and
implementation of a continuous vegetation management program in fire-hazard severity zones and
wildland-urban interface areas.
HS-A7.7 - Apply for grants and other funding mechanisms to retrofit ventilation systems at County
buildings to provide refuge for residents during periods of unhealthy air quality caused by excessive
wildfire smoke. (AB 836)
HS-P8.4 - Require new commercial parking lots with 50 or more spaces to mitigate heat gain through
shade trees, solar arrays, and/or other emerging cooling technologies.
HS-P9.8 - Prioritize implementation of safety projects in hazardous material transportation corridors to
address high-risk scenarios, including the effects of sea-level rise on rail transportation.
HS-P11.5 - Discourage development on slopes exceeding 15 percent, and generally prohibit
development on slopes exceeding 25 percent, to avoid slope instability, extensive grading, and
unnecessary land disturbance. (8-cc, 9-11, 10-24, 10-28, 10-29, 10-r)
HS-P12.3 - Locate critical County facilities, such as Office of Emergency Services facilities and other
uses on the County’s designated critical facilities list, outside of identified hazard areas whenever
possible, accounting for how climate change may increase frequency and intensity of hazards. If
critical facilities must be located in hazard areas, ensure these facilities and their access routes are
protected from the hazard risks inherent to each location. (10-41, 10-42) (SB 379)
HS-A12.4 - Identify and map existing community facilities, such as libraries, gymnasiums, community
centers, and auditoriums, that can serve as community resilience hubs and support people with
access and functional needs during hazard events. Work with the appropriate agencies to identify
and implement facility upgrades, prioritizing facilities in Impacted Communities. (10-j)
HS-A12.7 - Install backup power and water resources at critical County facilities, emergency shelters,
community resilience hubs, and cooling centers in case of power and water outages.
HS-A12.8 - Identify and, as feasible, retrofit critical County-owned buildings, roadways, and facilities
in areas prone to flooding, seismic hazards, landslide and debris flows, tsunamis, or wildfire to
maximize defensible space and outdoor fireproofing, improve drainage systems, stabilize nearby
slopes, and take other actions as appropriate to minimize the hazard. (10-e, 10-f, 10-ae)
HS-P13.1 - Require new development of 10 units or more to have access to at least two emergency
evacuation routes.
HS-P13.2 - Encourage existing development of 10 units or more to have access to at least two
emergency evacuation routes.
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Preparedness, Response, and Recovery
HS-A4.2 - Update the capital project planning and budgeting processes to account for anticipated
effects of climate change hazards on County capital investments, including buildings and
infrastructure, either by integrating the Countywide Climate Vulnerability Assessment or the best-
available climate science data related to impacts, risks, sensitivities, adaptive capacities, and
vulnerabilities. (SB 379)
HS-P12.1 - Implement the 2018 Contra Costa County Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, which was
adopted by the Board of Supervisors and certified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency
and is incorporated into this Health and Safety Element of the Contra Costa County General Plan.
(AB 2140)
HS-A12.1 - Update the Contra Costa County Local Hazard Mitigation Plan as necessary to remain
valid, to comply with State and federal laws, and to reflect changing climate conditions. (10-96,
10-ay) (AB 2140)
HS-A12.2 - Upon updates to the Contra Costa County Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, incorporate the
assessment and projection for future emergency service needs from the most recent Municipal
Services Review. (CAL FIRE)
HS-A12.4 - At least every eight years, evaluate the effectiveness of and update public safety,
preparedness, and hazard mitigation policies, including in this Health and Safety Element,
considering changing climate conditions. (SB 379, SB 1035)
HS-A12.5 - Establish standardized temperature or air quality triggers for opening County-operated
community resilience hubs.
HS-A12.6 - Conduct a comprehensive energy resilience needs assessment for critical County facilities
and community resilience hubs and pursue funding opportunities to meet the identified needs.
HS-A12.9 - Partner with community-based organizations, homeowners associations, and
neighborhood groups to make information available to community members about human-caused,
natural, and climate change-induced hazards, how to prepare for them, what to do when a shelter-
in-place order is issued, and resources that can help. Make this information widely available in
various formats and languages to all community members, with special effort aimed at reaching
persons experiencing homelessness and persons with access and functional needs.
HS-A12.10 - Continue to provide alerts about potential, developing, and ongoing emergency
situations in languages and formats appropriate to county residents through the Joint Information
Center.
HS-A12.11 - Continue providing Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training programs.
HS-P13.3 - Coordinate with transit agencies and community service and faith-based organizations to
assist with evacuation efforts and ensure that evacuation services are made available to persons
with limited English proficiency and access to transportation, communication, and other lifeline
resources and services.
HS-A13.2 - At least every five years, update maps identifying neighborhoods with only one
emergency evacuation route.
HS-A13.3 - Develop minimum roadway, ingress, and egress standards for evacuation of residential
areas in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. (CAL FIRE)
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Interagency Coordination
HS-A6.1 - Coordinate with ABAG, Bay Conservation and Development Commission, Delta
Stewardship Council, BayAdapt, cities, utilities, affected agencies, property owners, community
groups, residents, and other entities to create a public-private partnership to develop, fund, and
implement relevant, regionally coordinated sea-level rise adaptation measures through programs
like Resilient by Design that leverage the results of Adapting to Rising Tides and other studies and
programs. (SB 379)
HS-A6.8 - Partner with cities to develop and fund a countywide plan to increase the resiliency of the
shoreline road system that will be impacted by sea-level rise and tsunamis to ensure emergency
responders can get to those in need and that community members, including those that rely on
public transit, can continue to reach services.
HS-P7.11 - Work with water service providers and fire protection agencies to ensure the long-term
integrity of water supplies to meet firefighting needs and ensure that new and existing developments
in high fire risk areas have suitable infrastructure to deliver water supplies.
HS-A7.1 - Collaborate with local fire safe councils, CAL FIRE Santa Clara Unit, and other fire
protection agencies to update and implement the Community Wildfire Protection Plan for Contra
Costa County.
HS-A7.6 - Collaborate with local or regional fire safe councils, CAL FIRE Santa Clara Unit, and other
fire protection agencies to develop a fire safe education program to provide information about
State fuel modification, defensible space, access, water, signage, and other fire safe regulations.
HS-P8.2 - Work with electricity service providers to promote programs encouraging reduced energy
use during extreme heat events.
HS-P8.3 - Support the East Bay Regional Park District, California State Parks, and other recreation
agencies in efforts to ensure recreation facilities, including parks, trailheads, and sports courts/fields,
provide adequate cooling through shading or tree planting, and installation of refillable water
stations.
HS-A8.2 - Encourage the Contra Costa Certified Emergency Response Team (CERT) Coalition to
provide updated training on hazards and related risks identified in the Countywide Climate
Vulnerability Assessment or the best-available climate science data.
HS-P10.1 - Coordinate with local and regional agencies in efforts to remediate or treat
contaminated surface water, groundwater, and soils in or affecting Impacted Communities. (7-116)
HS-P12.4 - Coordinate with cities, school districts, and park and recreation districts to ensure
adequate emergency shelters and alternate care sites are available when natural disasters and
other highly hazardous conditions, such as industrial accidents, occur.
HS-A13.1 - Cooperate with cities and public protection agencies to delineate evacuation routes,
identifying their capacity, safety, and viability under different hazard scenarios, as well as
emergency vehicle routes for disaster response, and where possible, alternate routes where
congestion or road failure could occur. Update as new information and technologies become
available. (10-68, 10-97, 10-98, 10-ak, 10-ar, 10-ba) (AB 747)
Energy Resources
Energy Use
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COS-P13.1 - Implement Climate Action Plan strategies to improve energy efficiency and
conservation, promote carbon-free energy sources, and reduce energy-related greenhouse gas
emissions. (8-54)
COS-P13.4 - Support development of energy recovery projects (e.g., methane recovery from landfills
and wastewater treatment plants). (8-53)
COS-P13.5 - Minimize conflicts between residential uses and wind farms by prohibiting new residential
subdivisions within the wind resource areas depicted in Figure COS-X. (8-50)
COS-P13.6 - Support distributed electricity generation, including development of microgrids,
renewable energy sources, storage capacity, and associated technologies. Encourage these
throughout urban areas, and in nonurban areas when significant environmental impacts can be
avoided or successfully mitigated.
COS-P13.9 - Partner with regional and State agencies (e.g., California Public Utilities Commission,
California Energy Commission, Association of Bay Area Governments) to support energy efficiency
and renewable energy planning efforts.
COS-A13.2 - Amend County Ordinance Code Chapter 88-3, Wind Energy Conversion Systems, to
require decommissioned wind farms to be returned to a condition consistent with the natural
environment in the area at the time of decommissioning, rather than a return to their pre-project
condition. The following issues must be specifically addressed:
(a) Unnecessary and poorly constructed roads that are sources of erosion.
(b) Remaining turbine foundations / footings and underground conduit.
(c) Abandoned equipment yards.
(d) Leftover turbine components and other debris.
Oil and Natural Gas Resources
HS-A9.2 - Update the Oil Spill Contingency Plan to protect the bay and shoreline areas in the
event of an oil or other hazardous materials spill. (8-n)
COS-P14.1 - Require new or expanded oil or gas wells to mitigate impacts, particularly those related
to public health and safety, surface and groundwater quality, subsidence, noise, aesthetics, air
quality, habitat, and greenhouse gas emissions. (8-72)
COS-P14.2 - Prohibit new and expanded oil and gas wells in the following:
(a) Sensitive ecological areas (e.g., wetlands, and riparian corridors).
(b) Areas subject to 100-year flood hazards or sea-level rise, as shown in Figures HS-X and
HS-X.
(c) Within 3,200 feet of sensitive receptors or urban land use designations unless
project-specific exceptions are granted by the California Department of
Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division. (8-74, 8-cn, 10-80)
COS-A14.1 - Amend County Ordinance Code Chapter 88-14, Oil and Gas Drilling and Production, to
require a land use permit for all new or expanded oil and gas wells and include:
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(a) Performance standards related to water quality, air quality, odors, noise, and
aesthetics.
(b) Requirements for site reclamation, including bonding. (8-cj, 8-cm)
Management of Solid and Hazardous Waste
Solid Waste Management
PFS-P7.2 - Coordinate with other jurisdictions to ensure that solid waste management, including solid
waste resource recovery (e.g., reduce, reuse, recycle, compost, and waste-to-energy), is carried out
in accordance with the Countywide Integrated Waste Management Plan and meets strict
environmental standards. (7-AI, 7-91, 7-92, 7-bd, 7-be)
PFS-P7.3 - Ensure that review and approval of development applications is carried out in
accordance with the Integrated Waste Management Plan. (7-bp)
PFS-P7.4 - Require new residential and commercial uses to provide adequate space for trash,
recycling, and organics collection, as well as edible food recovery when applicable.
PFS-P7.5 - Encourage new technologies for organics processing consistent with Senate Bill 1383,
Short-Lived Climate Pollutants Reduction Strategy of 2016.
PFS-P7.9 - Prohibit new landfills in ecologically sensitive areas, and require that new landfills be
located, designed, and operated to avoid adverse impacts to surrounding land uses, including by
limiting the area of landfill activities; limiting hours of operation; providing safe and appropriate
transportation routes; maintaining site security; identifying associated off-site transfer stations; grading
to blend the landfill disturbance area with surrounding topography; covering refuse daily; and
mitigating noise, odor, litter, and visual impacts. (7-93, 7-94, 7-98, 7-AJ, 7-bk, 7-bq, 7-br, 7-bs, 7-bv)
PFS-P7.10 - Require that new landfills provide the following:
(a) An appropriate leachate collection and recovery system.
(b) An approved erosion-control and drainage plan.
(c) Geotechnical studies, including stability analysis, and grading plans to determine
the final engineering design.
(d) A wetland and/or habitat enhancement plan that provides for at least a 3:1
replacement for lost significant habitat. (7-bi, 7-bm, 7-bn, 7-bu)
PFS-P7.11 - Require new landfills to be designed and operated so that they can later be repurposed
for other uses, including renewable energy facilities, recycling, organics, recovery operations,
outdoor recreation, and open space. (7-95)
PFS-P7.13 - Preserve the longevity of landfills by:
(a) Reducing the amount of solid waste generated.
(b) Reusing and recycling as much solid waste as possible.
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(c) Using the energy and nutrient value of solid waste (i.e., waste to energy and
composting).
(d) Properly disposing of the remaining solid waste (i.e., landfill disposal). (7-AG)
PFS-P7.14 - Ensure transfer stations provide adequate capacity to accommodate recovery of
recyclables and organic materials and encourage organics processing.
Hazardous Materials and Hazardous Waste Management
HS-P9.1 - Provide equitable inspection and enforcement of hazardous material and hazardous
waste regulations throughout the county.
HS-P9.2 - Assist hazardous waste generators in effectively reducing and managing their hazardous
waste. (7-cf)
HS-P9.5 - Actively support development of alternative hazardous waste management technologies
and methodologies that reduce the relative risk to human health and the environment. (7-102)
HS-P9.6 - Require facilities that manage hazardous materials or hazardous waste in stationary or fixed
storage tanks and that are in areas at risk from sea-level rise and flooding to conduct sea-level rise
studies to determine the risk of hazardous materials release from rising water levels. Require these
facilities to incorporate best management practices, to reduce the risk of release
HS-P9.7 - Encourage transport of hazardous materials via the safest available method for each
material, avoiding populated areas and areas subject to sea-level rise whenever possible. (10-82)
HS-P9.11 - Prohibit hazardous waste facilities in the following areas:
(a) Ecologically significant resource areas.
(b) Watersheds of an existing or planned drinking water reservoir.
(c) Within 200 feet of an active or potentially active fault.
(d) Within a 100-year floodplain.
(e) Within 100 feet of a sensitive receptor.
(f) Areas that would result in a concentration of similar facilities. (7-104, 7-106, 7-111,
7-113, 7-123, 7-125, 7-127, 7-128, 7-129, 7-131)
HS-P9.12 - Require design and operation of new or expanded hazardous waste facilities to adhere
to the following criteria:
(a) Minimize risk to the surrounding area in the case of a hazardous waste accident
or spill.
(b) Ensure migration of waste will not occur near rivers, streams, creeks, lakes, or other
bodies of water or environmentally sensitive resources by incorporating buffers as
appropriate and/or using engineered structural design features (e.g., spill
containment and monitoring devices).
(c) Avoid known or suspected groundwater recharge areas or areas where
residential uses rely on wells. If located in such areas, facilities must provide
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properly engineered spill containment features, inspection measures, and other
environmental protection controls.
(d) In areas with unstable soils, such as steep slopes and areas subject to liquefaction
or subsidence, ensure structural stability through engineered design features.
(e) Use access roads leading to major transportation routes that:
Do not traverse residential neighborhoods.
Minimize, buffer, or employ physical barriers to residential frontages.
Demonstrate road network safety through road design, construction,
accident rates, and traffic flow.
(f) Minimize noise impacts on the surrounding area. (7-105, 7-108, 7-109, 7-110, 7-112,
7-113, 7-118, 7-121)
HS-P9.13 - Require hazardous waste facilities to prepare a cumulative risk assessment that analyzes,
characterizes, and quantifies the combined risks to human health and the environment from the
facility, in combination with other off-site hazardous materials risks. The assessment shall consider risks
in the absence of actions to control or mitigate a potential release and determine whether buffers or
other mitigation is necessary to protect residential uses, immobile populations (e.g., schools, hospitals,
behavioral health facilities, convalescent homes, and prisons), other places where people gather,
environmentally sensitive resources, and other sensitive areas from adverse emissions or
contamination. Require that project applicants fund the needed technical review for the
assessment. (7-114, 7-115, 7-117, 7-119, 7-129, 7-134)
HS-P9.15 - Encourage and facilitate establishment of adequate sites for the collection of household
hazardous waste (HHW), unused pharmaceuticals, and universal wastes, including provisions for
residents that don’t own cars or are physically unable to deliver materials to a collection site.
HS-A9.1 - Provide information to county residents about less toxic alternatives to household products
containing universal wastes and the safe handling, storage, and disposal of such products, including
pharmaceuticals.
HS-A10.2 - In collaboration with local environmental justice organizations, update the County’s
Brownfields and Contaminated Sites Cleanup Policy and prioritize implementation of clean-up efforts
in Impacted Communities. (7-116)
Water Resources
Water Conservation
SC-P4.6 - Support programs that increase the availability of recycled water for urban agriculture and
landscaping through self-fill stations or similar facilities.
PFS-P4.2 - Require landscaping for new development to be drought-tolerant, retain runoff, decrease
flooding, and recharge groundwater. (8-dj)
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PFS-P4.6 - Partner with water and sewer service providers, Groundwater Sustainability Agencies,
private well owners, and other entities to increase participation in water conservation programs
countywide.
Water Efficiency
PFS-P4.3 - Promote the use of drought-tolerant green infrastructure, including street trees and
landscaped areas.
PFS-P4.4 - Encourage water service providers to require separate service connections and meters for
recycled water use or where large quantities of water are used for special purposes, such as
landscape irrigation. (7-p)
PFS-P4.5 - Require new development to reduce potable water consumption through use of water-
saving devices, efficient technology, landscaping strategies, and recycled water, where available.
(7-26, 7-37, 10-92)
PFS-A4.2 - Publish information about alternative sources of water for irrigation and other non-potable
needs, such as greywater, rainwater, air conditioning condensation, and foundation drainage.
Water Quality
PFS-P4.9 - Prohibit new development that would create or significantly aggravate groundwater
overdraft conditions, land subsidence, or other “undesirable results,” as defined in the California
Water Code.
COS-P7.2 - Work with appropriate public agencies to control point and non-point sources of water
pollution and maintain water quality standards. (7-23, 10-84, 10-85, 10-86)
COS-A7.1 - Amend the County Ordinance Code to include standards for development in
groundwater basins that maintain and protect the quality and quantity of groundwater supplies and
are consistent with the applicable adopted Groundwater Sustainability Plan. These standards shall:
(a) Provide sustainable thresholds for water-level drawdown and water quality for
impacted, vulnerable, and high-use basins.
(b) Require recharge facilities to sustain and enhance groundwater basins where
appropriate.
(c) Avoid subsidence and impacts to neighboring wells.
(d) Require water quality and water-level monitoring and assessment. (10-R, 8-79)
COS-A7.2 - Actively monitor regional, State, and federal programs that could affect water quality
and water supply safety in the county. (10-93, 10-ax)
COS-P8.6 - Oppose all efforts to construct an isolated conveyance (e.g., peripheral canal, tunnel) or
any other water diversion system that reduces Delta water flows unless and until it can be
conclusively demonstrated that such a system would protect, preserve, and enhance water quality
and fisheries of the San Francisco Bay/Delta estuary system. (8-19)
COS-P8.7 - Advocate for increased freshwater flow into, through, and from the Delta into San
Francisco Bay, and support other efforts to protect and improve Delta water quality.
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Water Management
PFS-P4.1- For projects in areas without a water service provider, require proof of adequate on-site
groundwater. In addition to requiring compliance with the County’s well regulations related to water
quality and flow rate, require documentation that the proposed project will not have a significant
cumulative impact on the aquifer or negatively affect development that already relies on the same
groundwater supply. (8-78, 8-de, 10-89, 10-95)
PFS-P4.11 - Support multi-purpose water storage options that incorporate water supply, flood control,
surface and groundwater storage, groundwater management, and ecosystem components.
PFS-P4.14 - Require new development to demonstrate the availability of a safe, sanitary, and
environmentally sound wastewater system.
PFS-P4.15 - Support wastewater reclamation and reuse programs that maximize the use of recycled
water. (7-M, 7-24, 7-27, 7-35, 7-36, 10-92, 8-df, 8-di)
PFS-A4.1 - Update County Ordinance Code Chapter 414-4, Water Supply, to be consistent with
adopted Groundwater Sustainability Plans.
PFS-A5.3 - Develop watershed management plans incorporating best management practices that
slow, spread, and sink water runoff to flatten the hydrograph (i.e., water flow over time) where
erosion is a concern, while also enhancing wildlife habitat and recreation opportunities where
feasible. (7-38, 8-81, 8-86)
COS-P7.4 - Require groundwater monitoring programs for all large-scale commercial and industrial
facilities using wells and prohibit discharge of hazardous materials through injection wells. (8-dd,
10-88, 10-ap)
Coordinated Facilities and Services
PFS-P4.8 - Prior to approval of projects within the Tracy Groundwater Subbasin, obtain confirmation
from the Groundwater Sustainability Agency that the project is consistent with the applicable
Groundwater Sustainability Plan.
PFS-P4.10 - Support the goal of regional self-sufficiency as part of new water system planning efforts.
COS-P2.8 - Coordinate with local irrigation districts to facilitate water conservation, efficient use of
agricultural irrigation water, and implementation of emerging water reuse technologies and
practices. (8-bf, 8-be)
COS-P7.7 - Support programs and activities conducted by community watershed groups and
volunteers that increase public awareness and encourage stewardship of water resources.
Agriculture
Agricultural Economy
SC-P9.5 - Recognize agriculture as an important part of the County’s economy and maintain
conditions that support its ongoing economic viability.
COS-P3.2 - Support development of public and private infrastructure and services needed to
support agriculture in proximity to agricultural areas. (8-39, 8-44, 8-ay)
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COS-P3.3 - Support efforts to promote and market locally grown and value-added agricultural
products. (8-41, 8-44, 8-ar)
COS-P3.4 - Support the agricultural community through the County's economic development
programs. (8-42)
COS-P3.5 - Support the Contra Costa RCD in carrying out its mission to assist farmers and ranchers
through programs that support sustainable agricultural practices. (8-bm)
COS-P3.10 - Enable farmers to showcase farm products grown on-site or within the county and offer
on-site farm experiences, such as culinary classes, farm-to-table meals, tastings, and special events,
while maintaining the integrity of the agricultural landscape. (Ag Policy Recommendations)
COS-A3.2 - Designate a staff position in the Department of Conservation and Development (DCD)
to serve as a point of contact for the agricultural community, guiding them in understanding the
processes at DCD, helping DCD staff understand the particular needs of the agricultural community,
and coordinating with other agencies, such as the Contra Costa RCD, US Department of
Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS), University of California Cooperative
Extension (UCCE) – Contra Costa County, the County Department of Agriculture, and the County
Environmental Health Division. (Ag Policy Recommendations)
COS-A3.5 - Work with the agricultural community to obtain funding for design, installation, and
ongoing maintenance of proper signage promoting agriculture in the county, including wayfinding
signage for agricultural tourism (U-pick, lodging, food service, winery, etc.) uses. (Ag Policy
Recommendations)
Agricultural Land Preservation
LU-P2.8 - Consistently advise the Contra Costa County Local Agency Formation Commission
(LAFCO) to support the 65/35 Land Preservation Plan and County ULL when considering requests for
annexation to water and sewer districts and extension of services. (3-v)
LU-A9.1 - Maintain agricultural preserves in the Briones Hills and Tassajara Valley areas through
agreements with adjacent cities to retain these areas for agricultural, open space, and other non-
urban uses. (3-132)
LU-A9.2 - Amend zoning regulations for development of homes and associated buildings and
structures on agricultural properties to require clustering to protect agricultural vitality and
sustainability.
COS-P2.1 - Protect and preserve agricultural land, especially land designated as Prime Farmland,
Farmland of Statewide Importance, or Unique Farmland on the Important Farmland Map prepared
by the California Department of Conservation; land containing Class 1 or Class 2 soils; and land
designated Agricultural Core. (8-H, 8-2)
COS-P2.2 - Maintain a 40-acre-minimum parcel size for prime productive agricultural land (i.e., Class
1 and Class 2 soils). (3-14, 8-40, 8-48)
COS-P2.4 - Where unmitigable conflicts arise between agricultural uses and non-agricultural uses,
prioritize maintaining the viability of the agricultural uses. (8-aj)
COS-P2.6 - Encourage owners of qualifying agricultural land to participate in the Williamson Act
(Agricultural Preserve) Program. (8-38, 8-az, 8-ba)
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COS-P2.7- Support public infrastructure projects and programs that will increase, enhance, and
protect agricultural land and its production capabilities. (8-ag)
COS-A2.1 - Review each update of the California Department of Conservation Farmland Mapping
and Monitoring Program data and report to the Board of Supervisors on the quantity of land in the
county converted to and from agricultural use. (8-cb)
COS-A2.4 - Conduct a detailed study of potential Transfer or Purchase of Development Rights
(TDR/PDR) programs to mitigate development pressures and preserve agricultural land. The study
should determine:
(a) Overall feasibility and usefulness in implementing the County’s agricultural
preservation goals.
(b) Specific mechanisms that could be used.
(c) Geographic areas where these mechanisms could be used.
(d) Organization and administrative requirements.
(e) Cost to the County and potential revenue sources. (8-bd)
COS-A2.5 - Adopt design guidelines or standards for urban land uses that interface with agricultural
uses addressing, at minimum:
(a) Setbacks on non-agricultural properties that provide a buffer to agricultural uses.
(b) Locations of buildings and structures on non-agricultural properties.
(c) Lighting and fencing. (8-ah, 8-al)
COS-P3.1 - Preserve large, contiguous areas of the county for agricultural production. Deny projects
that would lead to fragmentation of agricultural areas. (8-29)
COS-A3.1 - Establish a mitigation program to offset conversion of working lands (irrigated and
intensively cultivated agricultural lands and rangeland) to nonagricultural uses. The program will
define conversions requiring mitigation, mitigation ratios, allowable conservation instruments, and
use of in-lieu fees. (Ag Policy Recommendations)
Interagency Coordination
COS-A2.3 - Work with the agricultural community, Contra Costa Local Agency Formation
Commission (LAFCO), and cities to establish programs and mechanisms to protect agricultural
resources, such as preservation agreements, conservation easements, an agricultural soils trust fund,
and agricultural mitigation fees. (3-13, 3-s, 3-u, 8-J, 8-40, 8-48, 8-bn)
COS-A3.3 - Work with the agricultural community and UC Cooperative Extension to promote
education, training, and information-sharing programs/networking opportunities for farmers and
ranchers and agricultural agencies to increase agriculture’s resilience to climate change hazards.
COS-A3.4 - Coordinate with the Contra Costa RCD, NRCS, UCCE, Contra Costa Mosquito and
Vector Control District, County Department of Agriculture, and County Environmental Health Division
to support sustainable and resilient agricultural operations through vegetation and pest
management programs, best management practices, technical assistance related to soil health,
funding opportunities for efficient irrigation infrastructure, and information about alternative crop
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types that are drought-, heat-, and severe weather-resistant.
Right-to-Farm
COS-P2.3 - Require new projects adjacent to agriculture to establish effective buffers on their
properties to minimize conflicts and protect agriculture from nuisance complaints. (3-11, 3-12, 8-I, 8-
33, 8-34, 8-36, 8-ai)
COS-P2.5 - Require deed disclosures for new residential development in or adjacent to areas
designated or zoned for agricultural use. The disclosures must explain the potential disturbances
associated with agricultural operations (e.g., dust, noise, odors, and use of pesticides) and reference
the Right-to-Farm Ordinance, which protects agricultural operations from nuisance complaints and
unreasonable restrictions. (8-35, 8-am, 8-ao)
Sustainable Agriculture
LU-A2.1 - Amend the County Ordinance Code to require the following prior to approval of a
tentative map for subdivision in areas designated Agricultural Lands or Agricultural Core:
(a) Evidence of adequate groundwater supply to support intended uses, considering
the cumulative, long-term demand.
(b) Demonstration that each parcel is suitable for a septic system.
(c) Satisfactory road and street access, particularly for emergency vehicles.
(d) Adequate regional drainage capacity, including natural watercourses located
downstream.
(e) Detailed site plans for each lot indicating building locations, driveways, well and
leach field locations, energy-conserving features, location of hazards, necessary
flood and stormwater management improvements, and fencing.
(f) Other information that may be required to confirm the safe use of each lot for its
intended purpose. (8-v)
COS-P2.9 - Support soil conservation and restoration programs and carbon sequestration projects
and encourage agricultural landowners to work with agencies such as the US Department of
Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service and Contra Costa Resource Conservation
District (RCD) to reduce erosion and soil loss. (8-66, 8-ce)
COS-P2.10 - Partner with the agricultural community and University of California Cooperative
Extension to support regenerative agriculture practices that maintain agricultural viability.
COS-P2.11 - Encourage Integrated Pest Management practices that reduce the use of agricultural
pesticides and minimize pesticide drift, and discourage farming practices that may expose residents,
water resources, and the environment to fine particulates and harmful chemicals. (8-22, 8-26, 7-al)
COS-A2.2 - Review the Williamson Act Program to assess viability and identify areas for improvement,
such as expanding the range of allowable uses to include wildlife habitat areas, providing mitigation
options for impacts resulting from public infrastructure projects (prioritizing mitigation within Contra
Costa County), and increasing enforcement of non-compliant properties. (8-q, 8-bb, 8-bc)
Agricultural Housing
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COS-P3.8 - Allow farmworker and farm family housing in agricultural areas to meet the needs of
locally employed seasonal and permanent farmworkers. (8-48, 8-aa)
COS-P3.9 - Enable farmers and ranchers to provide short-term guest accommodations at a scale
and in a manner that is consistent with and enhances the rural setting. (Ag Policy
Recommendations)
Sustainable Open Space and Natural Resources
Interagency Coordination
COS-P1.1 - Support efforts by public agencies and non-profit organizations to acquire and
permanently protect open space areas with ecologically significant or scenic resources and areas
that would connect other protected lands to form a cohesive system of open space, provided such
acquisitions do not interfere with planned infrastructure improvements. (8-9, 9-4)
COS-A1.1 - Convene an annual meeting with appropriate public agencies (e.g., East Contra Costa
County Habitat Conservancy, East Bay Regional Park District), land trusts, and conservation groups to
review current and planned efforts to protect and maintain open space and prioritize acquisitions.
(9-q)
Recreational Amenities
COS-P1.2 - Pursue opportunities for permanent open space dedication for habitat, scenic, or passive
recreation benefits as part of future development approvals and major capital improvement
projects, including those undertaken by the County, other public agencies, and utilities. (9-6)
COS-P8.1 – Expand and enhance public access to the shoreline and Delta in a manner consistent
and compatible with the County’s conservation, safety, economic development, and climate
adaptation goals. (3-46, 9-35, 9-36)
COS-A8.1 - Amend Title 8 of the County Ordinance Code to require new or expanded docks and
marinas to meet the following criteria:
(a) Adequate channel width and depth, as defined by the State Harbors and
Navigation Code.
(b) Served by a public fire protection district.
(d) Adequate public vehicular access.
(e) Adequate supply of potable water.
(f) Adequate on-site facilities for sewage and solid waste disposal.
(g) Compatibility with nearby agricultural uses.
(h) Compatibility with nearby conservation/habitat lands.
(i) Designed to avoid inundation from projected sea-level rise. (3-48, 9-s)
Preservation of Ecological Resources and Natural Systems
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HS-A4.1 - Inventory wetlands, floodplains, marshlands, and adjacent lands that could potentially
support climate adaptation (e.g., through flood management, filtration, or other beneficial
ecosystem services) and mitigation (e.g., carbon sequestration), and collaborate with community
partners to restore and permanently protect these habitats from development. (SB 379)
COS-P1.3 - Discourage conversion of land designated Resource Conservation or Parks and
Recreation to urban uses. If such conversion occurs, require mitigation through permanent
protection of other open space or park lands for habitat, scenic, or recreation benefits at a ratio to
be determined based on the biological, scenic, or recreational value of the land, but not less than
3:1. (9-8)
COS-P1.4 - Require new projects adjacent to protected open space areas to establish effective
buffers on their properties to minimize conflicts and protect the open space use.
COS-P1.5 - Where conflicts arise between open space uses and new urban uses, prioritize
maintaining the viability of the open space uses.
COS-P4.1 - Maintain ecologically significant resource areas in their natural state to the greatest
extent possible. Limit development in and near these areas to compatible low-intensity uses with
adequate provisions to protect sensitive resources, including setbacks around resource areas. (8-7,
8-8, 8-9, 8-10, 8-15)
COS-P4.2 - Require a biological resources assessment prepared according to current State and
federal protocols for projects with the potential to impact rare, threatened, endangered, or special-
status species or their habitat, and implement appropriate mitigation for identified impacts. (8-9, 8-e)
COS-P4.3 - Require well-timed, comprehensive floristic and vegetation surveys prepared according
to State and federal protocols when development is proposed on land with potentially suitable
habitat for special-status plant species, including areas mapped by the California Native Plant
Society as Botanical Priority Protection Areas.
COS-P4.4 - Require avoidance and protection of sensitive on-site ecological resources not approved
for disturbance or removal.
COS-P4.5 - Require majority use of native plant species in new development landscaping and
require that construction practices avoid spread of invasive plant species by minimizing surface
disturbance, seeding and mulching disturbed areas with certified weed-free native mixes,
disinfecting/decontaminating equipment, and using native, noninvasive, drought-resistant species in
erosion-control plantings.
COS-P4.7 - Support preservation of native and sport fisheries and reestablishment of fisheries in
streams wherever possible. (8-16, 8-85)
COS-A4.1 - For the portion of the county not covered by the East Contra Costa County Habitat
Conservation Plan/Natural Communities Conservation Plan (HCP/NCCP), prepare and maintain a
similarly detailed inventory of ecologically-significant resource areas, including unique natural areas,
wetlands, floodplains, riparian resources, and the habitat of rare, threatened, endangered, and
other uncommon and protected species. (8-a, 8-b, 8-d, 8-co)
COS-A4.2 - Adopt design guidelines or standards for urban land uses that interface with ecologically
significant resource areas and other protected conservation lands addressing, at minimum:
(a) Clustering development to maximize ecological and conservation benefits.
(b) Setbacks on properties with urban land uses that provide a buffer to resource areas.
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32
(c) Fencing and lighting that support wildlife migration and other conservation purposes.
COS-P7.3 - Support development and implementation of a long-term, area-wide integrated
vegetation management program to control invasive weeds.
Preservation of Creeks, Wetlands, and Riparian Areas
COS-P5.1 - Require new development to preserve natural watercourses, floodplains, and riparian
habitat. (8-91, 8-92, 8-cy)
COS-P5.2 - Support protection, restoration, and improvement of wetlands, marshes, and tidelands,
and emphasize the role of these features in climate change resilience, air and water quality, and
wildlife health. (8-F, 8-17)
COS-P5.4 – Prohibit direct runoff of pollutants and siltation into marsh and wetland areas from outfalls
serving nearby urban development. (8-23)
COS-P5.5 - Require avoidance, minimization, and/or compensatory mitigation for development that
would impact a wetland, wetland species, or adjacent upland habitat areas. Where feasible,
compensation shall be in-kind (i.e., the same type of habitat), provided on-site, and based on a ratio
that provides a margin of safety reflecting the expected degree of success and accounting for the
relative functions and values of the lost/created wetlands. (8-24, 8-l)
COS-P5.8 - Require increased setbacks for animal-handling uses whenever necessary to protect
natural watercourses, riparian habitat, and erosion-prone soils. Setback increases can be applied to
all aspects of the use, such as manure storage areas, and are not limited to buildings and structures.
(8-t, 8-da)
COS-A5.1 - Amend the County Ordinance Code to include the wetland setback requirement
described in Policy COS-P5.3. (8-j, 8-cp)
COS-A5.2 - Amend the County Ordinance Code to apply the creek setback requirements in the
Subdivision Code to all projects, including those that are not part of a subdivision. (8-V, 8-95, 8-cx)
COS-A5.3 - Acquire deeded development rights to setback areas surrounding wetlands, floodplains,
and natural watercourses to ensure preservation of the resource and protect adjacent
improvements. (8-V, 8-96)
COS-P8.3 - Support continued maintenance and improvement of Delta levees to protect water
quality, ecosystems, agricultural land, and at-risk communities. (8-46)
Preservation of Upland Areas
COS-P6.1 - Encourage revegetation of native species in areas that were previously modified for
agriculture but are no longer in production. (8-r)
COS-P6.2 - Preserve natural woodlands and significant trees, particularly mature native species. (8-6,
8-12, 8-28)
COS-P6.3 - Encourage planting and propagation of native trees throughout the county to enhance
the natural landscape, provide shade, sustain wildlife, reduce energy use, absorb stormwater, and
sequester carbon. (8-21)
COS-P6.4 – Support protection of native oaks in foothill woodlands and agricultural areas by
encouraging voluntary installation of fencing around individuals or clusters of trees to prevent
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33
grazing, and promoting replanting of native oak species. (8-u)
COS-P6.5 - Encourage removal of invasive, non-native tree species, particularly those known to pose
a threat to public safety.
COS-A6.1 - Update County Ordinance Code Chapter 816-6, Tree Protection and Preservation, to
enhance protection of specified native trees and strengthen mitigation requirements for tree
removal. (8-h, 8-i)
COS-A6.2 - Develop an Oak Woodland Conservation Program that establishes special mitigation
ratios for oak trees, along with specific tree replacement and planting standards to ensure long-term
growth and survival. Coordinate with public agencies and land trusts that permanently own and
conserve land for tree mitigation when appropriate. Amend the County Ordinance Code, as
needed, to implement the program and mitigate oak tree removal.
Preservation of Scenic Resources
COS-P11.1 - Prohibit destruction of unique and irreplaceable natural features.
COS-P11.2 - Require restoration of natural contours and vegetation after grading and other land
disturbances. (9-12)
COS-P11.4 - Prohibit extreme topographic modification, such as filling in canyons or removing
prominent hilltops. Exemptions may be considered under exceptional circumstances for landfills,
mining operations, and public or semi-public projects that necessitate such modifications. (9-14)
COS-P11.5 - Preserve the scenic qualities of hillsides by encouraging designs that are sensitive to a
site’s topography and prohibiting unnecessary grading and vegetation removal. (9-19, 9-21, 9-22)
COS-P11.7 - Preserve and enhance features along designated scenic routes, including views,
gateways, and adjacent natural landscapes and scenic corridors. (5-Q, 5-47, 5-49, 5-50, 5-55, 9-27)
Sustainable Mineral Resources
COS-P7.5 - Support ongoing remediation of the Mount Diablo Mercury Mine.
COS-P12.2 - Require applications for new or expanded quarrying operations adjacent to Mount
Diablo State Park to include an analysis of potential impacts to the park’s natural features, including
viewsheds, and operations. (8-63)
COS-P12.3 - Ensure that quarry reclamation plans, including bonding requirements, are maintained
in compliance with the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act. (8-62, 8-bx)
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Contra Costa County
Sustainability Commission
5.
Meeting Date: April 25, 2022
Subject: RECEIVE UPDATE on Implementation of Climate Emergency Resolution
Department: Conservation and Development
Presenter: Jody London, Department of Conservation and Development
Contact: Jody London, Department of Conservation and Development
Referral History:
On September 22, 2020, the Board of Supervisors adopted a Climate Emergency Resolution. The
Sustainability Commission recommended this to the Board last year, and after much work by the Sustainability
Commission and the Sustainability Committee, in consultation with community members, the Resolution was
adopted unanimously. The Sustainability Commission has requested that an update on implementation of the
Climate Emergency Resolution be a standing item on its agenda.
Referral Update:
The Board of Supervisors took several actions with the resolution. Below we list the actions and progress by
staff to implement each. These include:
Action Implementation Status
Declare a climate emergency Completed.
Support the State’s recent climate goals and take action
to achieve them
Ongoing.
Establish an interdepartmental task force of all
Department heads, or their senior deputies, that will
focus on urgently implementing the County’s Climate
Action and identifying additional actions, policies, and
programs the County can undertake to reduce and adapt
to the impacts of a changing climate. The task force will
report to the Board through the Sustainability
Commission and the Sustainability Committee on a
semi-annual basis starting in March 2021.
The Task Force report to the Board of Supervisors
on March 22 was well-received. We are recruiting
volunteers to be G3 Champions (Green
Government Group), staff in every department
who will help their department adopt best practices
from the County’s Green Business Program. The
recruitment effort includes a video message from
the County Administrator, Monica Nino. The
kickoff meeting for the G3 Champions is
scheduled for April 26.
Seek input from the community (with a special focus on
highly impacted Environmental Justice communities),
workers (especially impacted workers), and
business/industry to help the County anticipate and plan
for an economy that is less dependent on fossil fuels,
helps plan for a “Just Transition” away from a fossil-
The Federal Community Improvement Grant of
$750,000 was approved in March with the
omnibus budget bill. We are working with
Congressman DeSaulnier’s office to understand
how and when those funds will be disbursed to
Contra Costa County.
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fuel dependent economy, and considers how the
County’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic can
incorporate the County’s climate goals
Staff continue to monitoring additional grant
opportunities and understand how other
jurisdictions address this same or similar issues.
Develop policies to require all new construction to be
fully electric through the adoption of new building codes
that exceed current State codes
The all-electric ordinance has been submitted to
the California Energy Commission. It is expected
to be approved before June 1, 2022, the effective
date for the ordinance.
Staff is focused on implementation of policies
related to SB 1383:
Ordinance No. 2021-38, Organic Waste Disposal
Reduction and Recovered Organic Waste Product
and Recycled Paper Procurement Policy.
Prioritize implementation of the Climate Action Plan as
soon as possible and consider equity and social justice
issues in the implementation of the Plan
Ongoing.
Include health, socio-economic, and racial equity
considerations in policymaking and climate solutions at
all levels and across all sectors
The environmental justice policies for the General
Plan were developed in 2021 and are being
incorporated into the General Plan and Climate
Action Plan. Planning staff work closely with staff
from Health Services and other departments.
Include land use policies and actions that will facilitate
greater availability of fresh food to County residents by
creating more opportunities for community gardens,
urban gardens, farmers markets, and related policies and
programs.
The Healthy Lands, Healthy People carbon
sequestration feasibility is in progress. Key work
by Rincon Consultants is foundational work to
evaluate data and classify land cover types. This
will inform the evaluation of sequestration options.
The project team expects to hold focus groups in
May and June. A survey will be circulated in May.
The team is developing a video in English and
Spanish that provides an overview of carbon
sequestration.
Call for all Contra Costa cities and agencies, as well as
regional agencies, to also approve a Climate Emergency
Declaration
The Climate Emergency Resolution was sent to
City Councils and City Managers in Contra Costa
County in October, as well as leadership of the
East Bay Municipal Utility District, Contra Costa
Water District, and Central Sanitary District.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
RECEIVE UPDATE on and DISCUSS Implementation of Climate Emergency Resolution
Fiscal Impact (if any):
N/A.
ATTACHMENT(S)
None.
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Contra Costa County
Sustainability Commission
6.
Meeting Date: April 25, 2022
Subject: RECEIVE reports from Sustainability Commission members and alternates, and
PROVIDE DIRECTION as needed
Department: Conservation & Development
Presenter: Jody London, DCD Contact: Jody London (925)674-7871
Referral History:
This is a standing item of the Commission.
Referral Update:
Commission members and alternates will provide updates to the full Commission.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
RECEIVE reports from Sustainability Commission members and alternates, and PROVIDE DIRECTION as
needed.
Fiscal Impact (if any):
None.
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Contra Costa County
Sustainability Commission
7.
Meeting Date: April 25, 2022
Subject: RECEIVE Report from Sustainability Coordinator
Department: Conservation & Development
Presenter: Jody London, Sustainability Coordinator Contact: Jody London, DCD
Referral History:
This is a standing item of the Commission.
Referral Update:
Key activities since the Sustainability Commission’s last meeting on February 28, 2022, are listed below.
On January 18, 2022, the Board of Supervisors adopted the all-electric ordinance for all new
construction of residential and some new non-residential construction, such as retail, office, and hotels.
The new requirements will go into effect June 1, 2022. Staff has submitted the documentation to the
California Energy Commission (CEC), which must approve the ordinance because it is stricter than
State building code. CEC staff has communicated to County staff that our application is currently
being reviewed and that they currently do not see any issues with our application.
The Interdepartmental Climate Action Task Force is working to successfully launch and support the G3
Champions (Green Government Group), volunteer County staff who will help their County
departments adopt best practices from the County's Green Business Program and identify opportunities
for further action. Recruitment for the G3 Champions began in March and group will have its first
meeting on April 26.
• The Health Services Department is leading an application from the County to the Bay Area Air Quality
Management District for an AB 836 Clean Air Center Grant. The purpose of this non-competitive grant
is to enhance protection from wildfire smoke exposure for vulnerable populations. It will help fund air
filters for community centers, libraries, and other buildings where people gather during smoke events.
Sustainability staff organized and hosted the first 2022 meeting of the Sustainability Exchange, a
quarterly gathering for local government staff in Contra Costa County who work on sustainability
issues to network and learn from one another. The topic was environmental justice. The meeting
featured a presentation on the County’s work on environmental justice for the General Plan update.
Through grants from the State and Bay Area Air Quality Management District, Contra Costa Health
Services and Department of Conservation and Development staff continue to implement the Contra
Costa Asthma Initiative. The program provides in-home asthma trigger mitigations and energy
efficiency measures to Contra Costa Health Plan Medical members with moderate to severe asthma.
Healthy Lands, Healthy People, the carbon sequestration feasibility study funded through a grant from
the California Department of Conservation, is underway. The team is developing a video and survey
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about carbon sequestration in natural and working lands and will host a series of focus groups later this
year. The team is also analyzing land uses to identify options for carbon sequestration appropriate for
each,.
The Sustainability group in the Department of Conservation and Development (DCD) welcomed a new
planner, Adam Scarbrough, on April 1. Adam is our second new planner in the Sustainability group
since Nicole Shimizu started with us on February 15.
Public Works is working to launch the Sustainability Fund for investments in County facilities that
support Climate Action Plan goals. The Measure X funds will be released to departments in April.
Administrative Bulletins 507 and 508 have been updated to require purchase of Zero Emission
Vehicles (battery electric, hydrogen, plug-in hybrid with battery range of at least 30 miles) unless
justification based on operational need is approved by the County Administrator’s Office.
Public Works is exploring opportunities for County facilities to participate in MCE’s Strategic Energy
Management Program.
Public Works continues developing the Vision Zero Action Plan and the Active Transportation Plan.
o The Vision Zero Action Plan is designed to be an equitable, sustainable, multimodal
transportation system where users of all ages and abilities can travel conveniently, reliably, and
free from harm. The Vision Zero Action Plan was approved by the Board of Supervisors on
March 1, 2022.
o The Active Transportation Plan will focus on improving walking, biking, and rolling
(i.e., wheeled mobility devices used by people with disabilities, strollers, scooters, skateboards,
etc.) in the unincorporated areas of the County. The draft report is available for public review
now.
The Federal government authorized funding to begin planning work for economic transition. The
federal omnibus appropriations package (H.R. 2471) includes $750,000 for this purpose.
Staff transmitted two items from the Sustainability Commission to the Board of Supervisors. On
March 29, 2022, the Board received a letter from the Commission recommending formation of a
working group on sea level raise. On April 26 the Board is expected to receive a report from the
Commission recommending the County consider establishing standards for low-carbon concrete and
refer the topic to the Board’s Sustainability Committee.
Staff participated in professional learning opportunities regarding environmental justice, carbon
sequestration, communication and facilitation strategies, race and equity, and related.
Sustainability staff collaborated with County staff working on topics including land use and
transportation, hazardous materials, green business program, the County’s state and federal legislative
platforms, economic development, health, codes, solid waste, energy, and related.
Staff participated in regional activities.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
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RECEIVE report from Sustainability Coordinator.
Fiscal Impact (if any):
None.
ATTACHMENT(S)
March 29, 2022 Board of Supervisors, Item C.71 – Letter received from Sustainability Commission
recommending formation of working group on sea leve rise
April 26, 2022 Draft Board Order, Item C.73 – To refer Topic of Low-Concreate Standards to the
Sustainability Committee
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RECOMMENDATION(S):
RECEIVE letter from the Sustainability Commission recommending formation of a working group on sea level rise.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Formation of a working group would require a commitment of County staff and resources at a cost that has not yet
been estimated.
BACKGROUND:
For several years, the Sustainability Commission has been reviewing the current status of studies of rising water
levels in Contra Costa County and options for County action to address this. At its December 2021 meeting, the
Sustainability Commission received presentations from the Bay Conservation and Development Commission and the
Delta Stewardship Council.
The Sustainability Commission recommends that the Board of Supervisors form a cross-sector working group to
review vulnerabilities from rising tides, share information, coordinate policies, and develop a long-term vision
regarding adapting to rising tides. This was recommended in a report from the UC Berkeley Goldman School of
Public Policy in 2019.
APPROVE OTHER
RECOMMENDATION OF CNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE
Action of Board On: 03/29/2022 APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED OTHER
Clerks Notes:
VOTE OF SUPERVISORS
AYE:John Gioia, District I Supervisor
Candace Andersen, District II
Supervisor
Diane Burgis, District III
Supervisor
Karen Mitchoff, District IV
Supervisor
Federal D. Glover, District V
Supervisor
Contact: Jody London,
925-655-2815
I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of an action taken and entered on the minutes of the Board
of Supervisors on the date shown.
ATTESTED: March 29, 2022
Monica Nino, County Administrator and Clerk of the Board of Supervisors
By: Stacey M. Boyd, Deputy
cc:
C. 71
To:Board of Supervisors
From:John Kopchik, Director, Conservation & Development Department
Date:March 29, 2022
Contra
Costa
County
Subject:ACCEPT Letter from Sustainability Commission Recommending Formation of a Working Group on Sea Level Rise
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ATTACHMENTS
Letter from Sustainability Commission Recommending Formation of a Working Group on Sea Level Rise
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Contra Costa County
Sustainability Commission
March 14, 2022
Contra Costa Board of Supervisors
1025 Escobar St.
Martinez, CA 94553
RE: Rising Water Levels in Contra Costa County
Dear Members of the Board,
In its role to advise the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors (Board) and staff on successful
implementation of the County’s Climate Action Plan, the Sustainability Commission recommends the
Board form a cross-sector working group to review vulnerabilities from rising tides, share information,
coordinate policies, and develop a long-term vision regarding adapting to rising tides.
The Sustainability Commission has periodically reviewed the current status of studies of rising water
levels in Contra Costa County, most recently receiving reports at its December 13, 2021, meeting from
the Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC) and the Delta Stewardship Council (DSC).
At its February 28, 2022, meeting the Sustainability Commission unanimously supported a
recommendation from a member who reviewed the current data and recommended that the County
implement the May 2019 UC Berkeley Goldman School of Public Policy Report entitled “Implementing
the ART Study”.1 The Report reviewed various governance structures and funding options to implement
the Adapting to Rising Tides (ART) assessments being made by BCDC.
BCDC has made two assessment studies on the potentiality of floods within Contra Costa County due to
Sea Level Rise (SLR) caused by climate change. The West County assessment was completed in March
20172 and covered the shoreline from the Alameda County line to Bay Point. The East County
assessment was completed in April 2020 and covered the area from Pittsburg to the Contra Costa-
Alameda County border at Clifton Court.3 The East County Study was also partially funded by the DSC.
Both reports look at impacts in a range of sectors and impacts from various flooding scenarios.
In October 2021, BCDC published the Bay Adapt Joint Platform (Bay Adapt).4 It included 9 Actions and 21
Tasks that the 9 County Bay Area should focus on to combat Sea Level Rise. On February 8, 2022, the
Board of Supervisors passed Resolution No. 2022/52 RESOLUTION OF THE CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS TO SUPPORT A REGIONAL STRATEGY FOR A RISING BAY, KNOWN AS “BAY
1. The Goldman School Report can be found at Climate-Resilience-in-Contra-Costa-County---Implementing-the-
ART-Study-PDF (ca.gov)
2. The West County ART study can be found at http://www.adaptingtorisingtides.org/project/contra-costa-
county-adapting-to-risingtides-
project/
3. The East County ART study can be found at http://www.adaptingtorisingtides.org/project/eastern-contra-
costa-county/
4. The Bay Adapt Joint Platform can be found at https://www.bayadapt.org/jointplatform/
4-25-22 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Pkt
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ADAPT”.5 In it, The Board of Supervisors supported the Bay Adapt Joint Platform, a regional strategy for
a rising Bay, including the guiding principles, actions, and tasks contained within.
Although the Goldman School Report was published prior to Bay Adapt and the BOS Resolution in
support of it, it contains recommendations for governance and funding strategies in Contra Costa
County that are necessary to support Bay Adapt. On September 10, 2019, the Board of Supervisors
accepted the Goldman School Report and referred it to the Sustainability Committee.6 The Sustainability
Committee at its September 23, 2019, meeting decided to consider implementing the Goldman School
Report once the East County Study had been completed.7 7 There has been no action on the Goldman
Report since that time. With the passage of the BOS Resolution 2022/52, it is now time to fully
implement the recommendations of the Goldman Report.
Climate change is a current and on-going challenge to Contra Costa County. With warmer temperatures
and more extreme weather, we can also expect that the County’s seashore to be subject to more
flooding. Those floods will be higher and more frequent than we have previously experienced. Due to
increased scientific knowledge, we have better knowledge where the flooding will occur and how often
we can expect it to happen.
It is important that we plan for those eventualities now in the form of a cross-sector working group as
recommended by the Goldman School Report. Reducing the risks of flooding due to rising tides caused
by climate change is a matter that cannot wait.
Respectfully,
/s/
Mike Moore
Chair, Sustainability Commission
5. Board of Supervisors February 8, 2022 Resolution 2022/52 can be found at
http://64.166.146.245/agenda_publish.cfm?id=&mt=ALL&get_month=2&get_year=2022&dsp=min&seq=1932
6. Board of Supervisors action on September 10, 2019 can be found at
http://64.166.146.245/agenda_publish.cfm?id=&mt=ALL&get_month=9&get_year=2019&dsp=min&seq=1333
7. Sustainability Committee September 23, 2019 action can be found at
http://64.166.146.245/agenda_publish.cfm?id=&mt=SUSTAIN&get_month=9&get_year=2019&dsp=min&seq=
1416
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RECOMMENDATION(S):
1. RECEIVE the attached report from Sustainability Commission recommending the County consider establishing standards for low-carbon
concrete;
2. REFER the topic of low-carbon concrete standards to the Sustainability Committee.
FISCAL IMPACT:
At this time, the fiscal impact would be costs associated with staff time required to conduct a study on the adoption of low-carbon concrete
standards. Such staff costs are already budgeted.
BACKGROUND:
The responsibilities of the Contra Costa County Sustainability Commission include: (1) Provide advice to staff and the Board on successful
implementation of the Climate Action Plan, including suggestions on how that work can be performed more efficiently and effectively; (2)
Advise the Board on opportunities to realize equity and fairness across the diverse communities of Contra Costa County in sustainability
programs that support the Climate Action Plan; and (3) Provide suggestions to staff and the Board on how to better engage Contra Costa County
residents and businesses on sustainability issues and implementation of the Climate Action Plan.
The Sustainability Commission at its April 26, 2021 meeting received a report from Wes Sullens in his role as Director, Leadership in Energy
and Environmental Design (LEED), at the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The report focused on USGBC’s green building rating
system and opportunities to integrate LEED principles into the County’s Climate Action Plan.
The Commission formed a working group to explore ideas and develop recommendations. At the June 28, 2021 meeting of the Sustainability
Commission, the Commission unanimously adopted four of the five recommendations brought forward by the working group. Those
recommendations were provided to the Board on August 3, 2021, and referred to and considered by the Sustainability Committee at its
November 2021 meeting.
APPROVE OTHER
RECOMMENDATION OF CNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE
Action of Board On: 04/26/2022 APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED OTHER
Clerks Notes:
VOTE OF SUPERVISORS
Contact: Jody London (925) 655-2815
I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of an action taken and entered on the minutes of the Board of Supervisors on the date shown.
ATTESTED: April 26, 2022
Monica Nino, County Administrator and Clerk of the Board of Supervisors
By: , Deputy
cc:
C. 73
To:Board of Supervisors
From:John Kopchik, Director, Conservation & Development Department
Date:April 26, 2022
Contra
Costa
County
Subject:Refer Topic of Low-Carbon Concrete Standards to the Sustainability Committee
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BACKGROUND: (CONT'D)
At its February 28, 2022, meeting, the Sustainability Commission received a report from the working group on its final recommendation
regarding the use of low-carbon concrete in County construction projects, as well as in projects approved by the County. The attached
report describes that concrete accounts for approximately 8% of the world's manmade carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, and that the
concrete industry has available low-carbon concrete mixes. The report states that Marin County and several Bay Area cities have adopted
building codes that require the use of low-carbon concrete mixes. It describes different strategies that could be used to reduce the amount of
carbon embodied, or captured, in concrete.
The Sustainability Commission recommends that the Board of Supervisors direct staff to study adoption of low-carbon concrete standards.
It further recommends that low-carbon concrete standards be implemented through reach codes that would apply to all new construction in
unincorporated Contra Costa County. Staff recommends this proposal be more thoroughly examined by the Sustainability Committee.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
Failure to take action on the recommendations in the letter means the Board would be disregarding the advice of the Sustainability
Commission.
ATTACHMENTS
Sustainability Commission Report and Recommendation on Low-Carbon Concrete Standards
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Contra Costa County
Sustainability Commission
8.
Meeting Date: April 25, 2022
Subject: RECEIVE Report from Sustainability Commission Chair and IDENTIFY TOPICS for
next report to Ad Hoc Committee on Sustainability
Department: Conservation & Development
Presenter: Mike Moore, Chair Contact: Jody London, DCD
Referral History:
This is a standing item of the Commission.
Referral Update:
The Sustainability Commission Chair provides an update at each meeting to Commission members on the
administration of the Commission, meetings of the Board of Supervisors Ad Hoc Committee on Sustainability, and other issues of interest to the Commission.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
RECEIVE Report from Sustainability Commission Chair and IDENTIFY TOPICS for next report to Ad Hoc
Committee on Sustainability
Fiscal Impact (if any):
None.
ATTACHMENT(S)
None.
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