Belmont City Council
April 28, 2026

TEFRA Hearing 678 Ralston Ave - Staff Report

STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: April 28, 2026
Agency: City of Belmont
Staff Contact: Tobi Liebermann, Housing & Economic Development Manager, [email protected]
Agenda Title: TEFRA financing for The Ridge at Ralston (678 Ralston Ave) Apartments Project Agenda Action: Resolution
Recommendation

1. Conduct a public hearing for the issuance of tax exempt revenue bonds under the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act (TEFRA) and the Internal Revenue Code for the benefit of The Ridge at Ralston LP (the “Borrower”), to provide for the financing of an affordable apartment project at 678 Ralston Avenue.

2. Adopt the resolution approving the issuance of the bonds by the California Municipal Finance Authority for the project.

Strategic Focus Area
Economic Development and Housing
Background
The California Municipal Finance Authority (CMFA) was created on January 1, 2004, pursuant to a joint exercise of powers agreement to promote economic, cultural and community development, through the financing of economic development and charitable activities throughout California. To date, over 350 municipalities have become members of CMFA.

The CMFA was formed to assist local governments, non-profit organizations and businesses with the issuance of taxable and tax-exempt bonds aimed at improving the standard of living in California.

CMFA’s representatives and its Board of Directors have considerable experience in bond financing.

The Borrower requested that the CMFA serve as the municipal issuer of the Bonds in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $24,000,000 (the “Bonds”) of tax-exempt revenue bonds. The proceeds of the Bonds will be used to: (1) finance or refinance the acquisition, construction, improvement and equipping of The Ridge at Ralston, an 100% affordable multifamily rental housing project located at 678 Ralston Avenue, Belmont, California (the “City”); and (2) pay certain expenses incurred in connection with the issuance of the Bonds.

In order for the Bonds to qualify as tax-exempt bonds, the City of Belmont must conduct a public hearing (the “TEFRA Hearing”) providing for the members of the community an opportunity to speak in favor of 432

TEFRA Hearing 678 Ralston Ave - Staff Report
or against the use of tax-exempt bonds for the financing of the Project. Prior to such TEFRA Hearing, reasonable notice must be provided to the members of the community. Following the close of the TEFRA Hearing, an “applicable elected representative” of the governmental unit hosting the Project must provide its approval of the issuance of the Bonds for the financing of the Project.

Public Notice of this TEFRA Hearing was published April 15, 2026 in a general circulation newspaper and posted at City Hall.

Analysis
The Bonds to be issued by the CMFA for the Project will be the sole responsibility of the Borrower. The City will have no financial or legal obligation, liability or responsibility for the Project or the repayment of the Bonds. All financing documents related to the issuance will clearly state that the Bonds are not obligations of the City or the State of California and are payable solely from funds provided by the Borrower.

The Board of Directors of the California Foundation for Stronger Communities, a California non-profit public benefit corporation (the “Foundation”), acts as the Board of Directors for the CMFA. Through its conduit issuance activities, the CMFA shares a portion of the issuance fees it receives with its member communities and donates a portion of these issuance fees to the Foundation for the support of local charities. With respect to the City of Belmont, it is anticipated that a portion of the issuance fee attributable to the City will be provided by the CMFA to the City’s General Fund, which may be used for any lawful municipal purpose.

Approval of the Resolution (Attachment A) will facilitate provision of more affordable housing, which is a strategic objective of the City and consistent with the goals and policies of the General Plan Housing Element. Staff recommends that the City conduct the TEFRA Hearing and adopt the resolution for the issuance of the Bonds by the CMFA.

Alternatives

1. Take No Action
Attachments
A. Resolution
Fiscal Impact
☒ No Fiscal Impact
The City of Belmont General Fund will receive a small
allocation of the bond issuance fees to cover minimal
administrative costs associated with this action.
☐ Funding Source Confirmed:

Source: Purpose: Public Outreach:

Other* Statutory/Contractual Requirement Other*
433

TEFRA Hearing 678 Ralston Ave - Staff Report
* A Notice of Public Hearing was published by CMFA on 4/15/2026. 434

RESOLUTION NO. 2026 –

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELMONT

APPROVING THE ISSUANCE OF THE CALIFORNIA MUNICIPAL FINANCE

AUTHORITY EXEMPT FACILITY BONDS IN AN AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $24,000,000 FOR THE PURPOSE OF FINANCING OR

REFINANCING THE ACQUISITION, CONSTRUCTION, IMPROVEMENT AND

EQUIPPING OF THE RIDGE AT RALSTON AND CERTAIN OTHER MATTERS

RELATING THERETO
WHEREAS, The Ridge at Ralston LP (the “Borrower”) a partnership of which CRP Affordable Housing and Community Development LLC (the “Developer”) or a related person to the Developer is the general partner, has requested that the California Municipal Finance Authority (the “Authority”) adopt a plan of financing providing for the issuance of exempt facility bonds for a qualified residential rental project pursuant to Section 142(a)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”) in one or more series issued from time to time, including bonds issued to refund such exempt facility bonds in one or more series from time to time, and at no time to exceed $24,000,000 in aggregate principal amount (the “Bonds”), to finance or refinance the acquisition, construction, improvement and equipping of an 100% affordable multifamily rental housing project located at 678 Ralston Avenue, Belmont, California (the “Project”); and,
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 147(f) of the Code, the issuance of the Bonds by the Authority must be approved by the City of Belmont (the “City”) because the Project is located within the territorial limits of the City; and,
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City (the “City Council”) is the elected legislative body of the City and is one of the “applicable elected representatives” required to approve the issuance of the Bonds under Section 147(f) of the Code; and, WHEREAS, the Authority has requested that the City Council approve the issuance of the Bonds by the Authority in order to satisfy the public approval requirement of Section 147(f) of the Code and the requirements of Section 4 of the Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement Relating to the California Municipal Finance Authority, dated as of January 1, 2004 (the “Agreement”), among certain local agencies, including the City; and, WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 147(f) of the Code, the City Council has, following notice duly given, held a public hearing regarding the issuance of the Bonds, and now desires to approve the issuance of the Bonds by the Authority.

NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Belmont resolves as follows:

SECTION 1. The foregoing resolutions are true and correct SECTION 2. The City Council hereby approves the issuance of the Bonds by the Authority. It is the purpose and intent of the City Council that this resolution constitute approval of the issuance of the Bonds by the Authority, for the purposes of (a) Section 147(f) of the Code 435

by the applicable elected representative of the governmental unit having jurisdiction over the area in which the Project is located, in accordance with said Section 147(f) and (b) Section 4 of the Agreement.

SECTION 3. The issuance of the Bonds shall be subject to the approval of the Authority of all financing documents relating thereto to which the Authority is a party. The City shall have no responsibility or liability whatsoever with respect to the Bonds.

SECTION 4. The adoption of this Resolution shall not obligate the City or any department thereof to (i) provide any financing to acquire or construct the Project or any refinancing of the Project; (ii) approve any application or request for or take any other action in connection with any planning approval, permit or other action necessary for the acquisition, construction, rehabilitation, installation or operation of the Project; (iii) make any contribution or advance any funds whatsoever to the Authority; or (iv) take any further action with respect to the Authority or its membership therein.

SECTION 5. The officers of the City are hereby authorized and directed, jointly and severally, to do any and all things and to execute and deliver any and all documents which they deem necessary or advisable in order to carry out, give effect to and comply with the terms and intent of this resolution and the financing transaction approved hereby.

SECTION 6. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption. * * *
ADOPTED April 28, 2026 by the City of Belmont City Council by the following vote:

Ayes:

Noes:

Absent:

Abstain:

ATTEST:

City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM:

City Attorney
436
Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act (“TEFRA”)
Public Hearing related to 678 Ralston Avenue Affordable Housing April 28, 2026
437
What is TEFRA?
• Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act (1982)
Why a Public Hearing?
• TEFRA hearing is an IRS requirement for any non-profit borrower seeking tax-exempt bonds through a conduit issuer, such as the California Municipal Finance Authority (CMFA).
• The hearing is held to allow members of the public to comment, contest, oppose, or support the use of tax-exempt bonds for a nonprofit borrower that is providing a public benefit. 678 Ralston Ave Affordable Housing TEFRA
438
• Developer: CRP Affordable Housing
• 678 Ralston Ave (.36 acre) property consists of existing commercial/retail • 65 Affordable Residential Apartments, subterranean parking ancillary space (e.g., lobby, bike room, and office.
• Residential unit mix includes:
• 30 One-bedroom units
• 18 Two-bedroom units
• 17 Three-bedroom units
• Development Project Entitlements approved in May 2024; construction permits filed in October 2025; anticipated construction start in Spring 2026. 678 Ralston Ave Affordable Housing TEFRA
The Project-Public Benefit
439
678 Ralston Ave Affordable Housing TEFRA
Roles and Responsibilities
Borrower/Developer:

The Ridge at Ralston LP & CRP
Affordable Housing
Bond Issuer:

California Municipal Finance Authority (CMFA)
• Applied for $24,000,000, of tax-exempt
revenue bonds. Proceeds will be used to
finance or refinance the costs of the
acquisition, development, construction and
development of a multifamily rental
housing project located at 678 Ralston
Avenue, Belmont, California (the "Project")
operated by CRP Affordable.
• Joint Powers Authority
• Sole purpose is to provide
California’s local governments
with an effective tool for the
timely financing of communitybased public benefit projects. 440
678 Ralston Ave Affordable Housing TEFRA
City of Belmont’s Role & Responsibility
• Must hold a Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act (TEFRA) hearing and approve the bonds for state and federal tax law in order for the obligation to qualify as tax-exempt bonds
• Proposed bonds are not an obligation of the City
• City will have no financial, legal, or administrative obligations for the debt 441

1. Conduct the public hearing under the requirements of TEFRA and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).

2. Adopt the resolution approving the issuance of the Bonds by the CMFA for the benefit of The Ridge at Ralston LP (the “Borrower”), to provide for the financing of the Project, such adoption is solely for the purposes of satisfying the requirements of TEFRA, the Code and the California Government Code Section 6500 (and following).

Action Requested of City Council
Staff Recommendation
442
Thank you!
443

Climate Action and Adaptation Plan - Measures and Actions - Staff Report

STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date:

Agency:

Staff Contact:

Agenda Title:

April 28, 2026
City of Belmont
Karen Clark, Management Analyst, [email protected]
Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) Draft Measures and Actions Review Agenda Action: Discussion & Direction
Recommendation
Receive a presentation on the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) update process and provide any feedback on draft measures and actions for inclusion in the final CAAP.

Strategic Focus Area
Quality of Life
Background
State law requires local jurisdictions to incorporate climate adaptation policies into their General Plan Safety Elements. Many jurisdictions also develop CAAPs to serve as a roadmap for meeting local, regional, and state greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets and increasing resilience to climate impacts.

In November 2017, the City of Belmont (City) adopted its first Climate Action Plan. The City is now updating that plan with current data and best practices and expanding it to include climate adaptation measures. The updated CAAP will establish key strategies for reducing GHG emissions to meet State targets while strengthening Belmont's resilience to local climate impacts.

The CAAP update will:
• Analyze and forecast local GHG emissions
• Set emissions reduction targets in alignment with the State • Solicit stakeholder feedback on measures and actions to meet those targets • Integrate the parallel General Plan Safety Element update, building on its climate adaptation recommendations to strengthen Belmont’s climate resilience The CAAP update commenced in March 2025 and is expected to take approximately 18 months to complete. The Planning Commission’s role will be to review the CAAP and make recommendations to the City Council, with final adoption anticipated in fall 2026. 444

Climate Action and Adaptation Plan - Measures and Actions - Staff Report Analysis
GHG Reduction Targets
Rincon Consultants, Inc., the City's technical consultant for the CAAP update, analyzed Belmont's current and projected greenhouse gas emissions and established the following reduction targets consistent with State law:
• Reduce GHG emissions to 40% below 1990 levels by 2030 (SB 32 target year) • Make substantial progress towards carbon neutrality by 2045 (AB 1279 target year) In 2023, Belmont produced 102,656 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MT CO2e). Ninety percent of those emissions came from two sources: on-road transportation and natural gas use in buildings.

Reducing these emissions is a shared responsibility – the State sets targets and State-wide regulations and the City develops supportive polices or promotes programs from partner organizations like Peninsula Clean Energy and PG&E, while community members make many of the daily choices that ultimately drive results.

Draft Measures & Actions
To meet its targets, the City has developed draft measures and actions, included as Attachment A, that address both emissions reduction and climate adaptation, building on the recommendations of the General Plan Safety Element update. These measures reflect the big-picture goals, while specific actions beneath each measure describe concrete steps the City and community can take to achieve them. Together, they form a roadmap for meeting Belmont's emissions reduction goals.

The draft measures and actions are organized into four systems:
• Healthy & Resilient Buildings
• Mobility
• Electric Vehicles
• Urban Ecosystems
The Healthy & Resilient Buildings system targets the second-largest source of local emissions by reducing natural gas use in buildings and supporting the transition to electric systems and appliances. The Mobility and Electric Vehicles systems together address the leading source of local emissions – on-road transportation. Mobility focuses on reducing how much people drive by supporting walking, biking, and transit, while Electric Vehicles encourages replacing gas- and diesel-powered vehicles with zero-emission alternatives when driving is necessary. The Urban Ecosystems system reduces organic waste sent to landfills and increases carbon sequestration by expanding Belmont's urban tree canopy.

The draft measures and actions reflect early input from City staff responsible for implementation, and from the community through pop-up outreach, public emails, presentations to the Planning Commission and City Council, Community Survey #1, and Community Workshop #1. Summaries of both the survey and workshop are available at www.belmont.gov/climateaction. 445

Climate Action and Adaptation Plan - Measures and Actions - Staff Report Measure Quantification
The draft measures include an early estimate of each measure's GHG emissions reduction potential, rated as "low," "medium," or "high." In addition, there are measures included that do not have an emissions reduction impact but still support the City’s climate adaptation goals. The measure quantification estimates will be refined as the full CAAP is developed, providing a clearer picture of how Belmont can expect to measure up against its required reduction targets.

Next Steps
Beginning in early May, the draft measures and actions will be refined and prioritized based on additional stakeholder input, including Community Survey #2, Community Workshop #2, public emails, and feedback from the Planning Commission and City Council. Summaries of Community Survey #2 and Community Workshop #2 are available at www.belmont.gov/climateaction and are attached to this report.

A summary of Planning Commission feedback is below.

During its April 21, 2026 review of the draft measures and actions, the Planning Commission provided the following comments:
• Focus on public education about available resources, including incentives and technical assistance, to encourage electrification of existing buildings • Expand commercial building electrification outreach to a broader range of business types • Ensure the City leads by example through environmentally responsible procurement and by prioritizing electrification of existing municipal buildings • Ensure that well-intentioned initiatives do not inadvertently discourage housing development • Streamline EV charger permitting and reduce associated costs • Offer incentives for transitioning to electric landscaping equipment • Prioritize filling sidewalk gaps to encourage off-street walking options where feasible • Consider a dedicated sustainability staff position and/or establish a sustainability committee The Commission also received public comment supporting transportation mode shift through the creation of safer and better-connected walking and biking routes and more convenient public transit options.

The final measures and actions will be incorporated into the draft CAAP, which is expected to be available to the public in June/July 2026.

Alternatives

1. None
Attachments
A. Draft Measures and Actions
B. Community Workshop #2 Summary
C. Community Survey #2 Summary
446

Climate Action and Adaptation Plan - Measures and Actions - Staff Report Fiscal Impact
☒ No Fiscal Impact
There is no direct fiscal impact relating to this informational report. Any resulting recommendations with operational or capital impacts will be identified with future requests for City Council approval, as necessary.
☐ Funding Source Confirmed:

Source: Purpose: Public Outreach:

Staff Council Vision/Priority Other*
*In addition to posting the meeting agenda, public outreach has occurred through the project website, the City eNews, and notification to an email interest list.
447
City of Belmont Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Draft Measures and Actions 1 City of Belmont Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Draft Measures and Actions
Action ID Action Language Resilience Benefit GHG Reduction Potential Healthy and Resilient Buildings
RB-CI-1 Leverage carbon-free electricity to enhance community resilience and grid reliability. High (2,700 MT CO2e 2030; 0 MT CO2e 2045)
RB-CI-1.1
ComDev
Continue streamlining the permitting process of solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery systems in new and existing buildings, including providing guidance and resources for contractors to support residents in affordable, compliant installations.

Extreme Heat, Wildfire,
Storms
Low
RB-CI-1.2
P&R (Facilities)
Conduct a solar-plus-storage feasibility study and install a solar PV and battery storage system at the new community center to improve operational resilience and enable backup power during outages. Showcase the installation of the solar PV and battery storage system through a mixture of on-site educational signage and site tours to promote visible examples of clean, resilient energy systems for the community.

Extreme Heat, Wildfire,
Storms
Low
RB-CI-1.3
ComDev/CMO
Partner with Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE) and Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) to promote battery storage and bidirectional EV charging programs through joint outreach campaigns highlighting available incentives, including peer-to-peer or neighborhood-based education events.

Extreme Heat, Wildfire,
Storms
Low
RB-CI-1.4
P&R (Facilities)
Identify critical facilities suitable for community microgrids that enhance resilience and engage local stakeholders to co-develop backup power plans. Designate at least one of the facilities as a resilience hub which will be available for the community to access during extreme weather events and offers more resources and services than typical cooling centers. Identify and apply for regional grant funding opportunities to support implementation.

Extreme Heat, Poor Air
Quality, Storms
Low
RB-CI-1.5
ComDev/CMO
Monitor changes to state and federal policies, tax credits, and incentive programs that affect the affordability of distributed energy resources (e.g., solar, storage, bidirectional charging). Communicate these changes to the community and provide guidance on alternative financing or local incentive programs (such as those offered by PCE or PG&E) to help residents and businesses continue accessing distributed energy resource technologies.

Low
RB-CI-1.6
ComDev/CMO
Offer educational materials on technologies and rebates to community members on the benefits of distributed energy resources for resilience.

Low
448
City of Belmont Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Draft Measures and Actions 2 Action ID Action Language Resilience Benefit GHG Reduction Potential RB-C1-1.7
ComDev/CMO
Provide education and outreach or other incentives to facilitate the installation of solar and/or battery storage at homes and businesses (aligned with Belmont’s Safety Element Policy 6.9-4,).

Low
RB-CO-1 Leverage carbon-free electricity to enhance community resilience and grid reliability.

RB-CO-1.1 Install solar and/or battery storage at your home or business to lower energy bills and maintain power during outages using available PCE, federal, and City incentives.

Power outages – Extreme
heat, storms
Medium
RB-CO-1.2 Enroll in energy storage or demand response programs, such as PCE’s FlexMarket program, to earn bill credits for helping balance the grid during peak hours and share experiences with neighbors through conversations, group chats or forums, and HOA meetings to encourage participation.

Grid resilience Low
RB-CO-1.3 When purchasing an electric vehicle, enroll in PG&E’s Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) pilot (or a similar bidirectional-charging program) and install compatible bidirectional charger technology so that you can support your home during power outages or discharge to the grid during peak demand.

Power outages – Extreme
heat, storms
Low
RB-CO-1.4 Stay informed about changing incentives by subscribing to receive notifications through PCE and City sustainability webpages and participate in workshops or neighborhood events to maximize savings and resilience benefits.

Low
RB-CI-2 Continue promoting all-electric new construction to achieve at least 90% all-electric new buildings through 2030 and 100% by 2045.

High (2,264 MT CO2e 2030;
10,482 MT CO2e 2045)
RB-CI-2.1
ComDev
Implement the 2025 Title 24 Building Energy Efficiency Standards and update local codes so an estimated 90% of all new construction and major renovations in Belmont are all-electric starting in 2026. Update the permit system to track building permits to validate the 90% all-electric assumption based on project data and market conditions.

High (2,264 MT CO2e)
RB-CI-2.2
ComDev/CMO
Continue to track future state code updates and reassess opportunities for future reach codes to decarbonize new residential and non-residential construction especially post-AB 306.

Low
RB-CI-2.3
ComDev/CMO
Provide clear resources for developers, builders, and residents at the permit counter and online to help them understand all-electric design requirements, upcoming Air District regulations, and other best practices. Do this by:
• Maintaining and sharing a centralized set of informational materials and links for builders on cost-effective compliance pathways and available rebates developed by PCE and regional partners.
• Use the City’s business license database and other contact lists to share resources and ensure contractors and builders are aware of available resources and trainings for adopting all-electric technologies.

High
449
City of Belmont Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Draft Measures and Actions 3 Action ID Action Language Resilience Benefit GHG Reduction Potential RB-CI-2.4
CMO
Conduct outreach and education campaigns highlighting the health, safety, and cost benefits of all-electric buildings, including reduced indoor air pollutants, lower cost and simplified construction, and long-term energy savings.

Public Health (indoor air) Medium
RB-CI-2.5
ComDev/CMO
Evaluate the feasibility of adopting a non-residential AC to Heat Pump ordinance to increase energy efficiency and lower GHG emissions in new non-residential construction with a focus on rooftop package units up to 20 tons.

High
RB-CO-2 Continue promoting all-electric new construction to achieve at least 90% all-electric new buildings through 2030 and 100% by 2045.

RB-CO-2.1 Choose all-electric appliances and systems in new homes or major renovations to reduce indoor air pollution and take advantage of rebates and incentives available through PCE and BayREN.

Public Health (indoor air) Very High
RB-CO-2.2 Ask builders and contractors about all-electric design options when planning a new home or addition to lower future energy bills and maintenance costs.

Low
RB-CO-2.3 Through City or PCE resources and/or workshops, learn about the benefits of electrification, available resources, and practical installation guidance.

Low
RB-CO-2.4 Share information about the benefits of all-electric buildings with neighbors and community groups to encourage broader adoption across the City.

Medium
RB-CI-3 Decarbonize existing buildings to reduce residential and nonresidential natural gas consumption by 18% by 2030 and 100% by 2045.

High (7,429 MT CO2e 2030;
41,459 MT CO2e 2045)
RB-CI-3.1
ComDev
Evaluate the feasibility of adopting a non-residential AC to Heat Pump ordinance to increase energy efficiency and lower GHG emissions in all replacement non-residential rooftop package units with a focus on units up to 20 tons.

Extreme Heat, Wildfire
Smoke
Medium (73 MT CO2e)
RB-CI-3.2
ComDev/CMO
Work to identify grants or other funding sources to finance the development and implementation of existing building heat pump space heating rebates.

High
RB-CI-3.3
ComDev/CMO
Partner with regional partners like the County of San Mateo to develop and implement an electrification education/marketing campaign to show the benefits of all-electric homes.

Medium
RB-CI-3.4
ComDev
Support implementation and enforcement of Bay Area Air District (BAAD) Rule 9-6 to ensure all new and replacement tanked water heaters up to 75,000 BTUs (about 80 gallons) meet zero-NOx standards by 2027.

High (2,157 MT CO2e)
RB-CI-3.5
ComDev
Support implementation and enforcement of BAAD Rule 9-4 to ensure all new and replacement space heating systems up to 175,000 BTUs meet zero-NOx standards by 2029.

Public Health (indoor air) Medium (789 MT CO2e)
450
City of Belmont Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Draft Measures and Actions 4 Action ID Action Language Resilience Benefit GHG Reduction Potential RB-CI-3.6
ComDev/CMO
Coordinate with PCE, BayREN, and local contractors to provide outreach, training, and technical support to the community on heat pump and water heater installations to streamline compliance and minimize cost barriers.

Public Health (indoor air) High
RB-CI-3.7
ComDev
Coordinate with regional partners on Belmont’s permit simplification and electrification combination permit.

Low
RB-CI-3.8
P&R (Facilities)
Transition municipal buildings to all-electric systems by phasing out natural gas equipment and replacing end-of-life systems with high-efficiency electric technologies, serving as a demonstration of feasibility and cost savings for the broader community.

Public Health Low
RB-CI-3.9 Develop a municipal facilities decarbonization strategy and leverage programs like GK12 to phase out any remaining gas water heaters by 2030.

Low
RB-CO-3 Decarbonize existing buildings to reduce residential and nonresidential natural gas consumption by 18% by 2030 and 100% by 2045.

RB-CO-3.1 Replace aging gas furnaces, water heaters, and air conditioners with high-efficiency heat pump systems to reduce energy use, maintain comfortable indoor temperatures, and lower emissions.

Extreme Heat and Indoor
Air Quality
Very High
RB-CO-3.2 Make an electrification plan leveraging the County of San Mateo’s Let’s Go Electric or PCE’s Residential Home Upgrade Services. https://www.peninsulacleanenergy.com/ Low
RB-CO-3.3 Take advantage of available rebates and incentives through PCE,1 BayREN,2 TECH Clean California3 and The Switch is On4 to offset upfront costs of electric appliances.

Low
RB-CO-3.4 Use the PCE contractor list so a trained and vetted contractor can ensure proper system design and performance as well as connect you to the best rebates when installing a heat pump or completing other electrification projects.

Low
RB-CO-3.5 Schedule an energy assessment through BayREN5 to identify opportunities to electrify appliances and improve efficiency in your home or business.

Medium
1 Peninsula Clean Energy. PCE Residential Rebates & Offers. Available at: https://www.peninsulacleanenergy.com/residential/rebates-offers/#pce-rebates 2 BayREN. Programs & Rebates. Available at: https://www.bayren.org/programs-rebates 3 TECH Clean California. Incentives. Available at: https://techcleanca.com/incentives/ 4 The Switch is On. Incentive Lookup for Customers. Available at: https://incentives.switchison.org/residents/incentives?state=CA 5 BayREN. The Home Energy Score (HES). Available at: https://www.bayren.org/home-energy-score-hes 451
City of Belmont Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Draft Measures and Actions 5 Action ID Action Language Resilience Benefit GHG Reduction Potential RB-CO-3.6 Spread awareness among neighbors, landlords, and property managers about the longterm benefits of transitioning from gas to electric systems, including better air quality, safety, and comfort.

Public Health Medium
RB-CI-4 Make new and existing buildings more resilient to heat, flooding, sea-level rise, and wildfire risks.

RB-CI-4.1
PW (Water)
Prioritize the use of natural infrastructure to reduce the risks of coastal hazards, including the protection, restoration, and expansion of existing coastal habitats, consistent with the Conservation Element habitat conservation policies. Evaluate the use or restoration of natural features and ecosystem processes in shoreline infrastructure projects, –such as salt marshes, –and incorporate these features to the greatest extent feasible to conserve ecosystem values and functions, which benefit people and wildlife. (consistent with Belmont’s Safety Element Policy 6.2-26).

Flood No reductions
RB-CI-4.2
PW (Stormwater)
Increase rating in FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS) through comprehensive floodplain management practices (consistent with Belmont’s Safety Element Policy 6.2-15). Educate residents and property owners on how to reduce risk from flooding and the benefits of flood insurance for households in all areas with increasing flood risk.

Flood No reductions
RB-CI-4.3
P&R (Facilities +
Parks)
PW (Stormwater)
Incorporate nature-based and hybrid green infrastructure solutions such as rain gardens, bioswales, permeable pavements, and vegetated detention areas into all new City-owned buildings where feasible to reduce localized flooding and mitigate the impacts of sea level rise. Feasibility shall be evaluated on a project-by-project basis considering site constraints such as space, design, and long-term maintenance capacity. Prioritize implementation of these approaches in shoreline or low-lying areas identified as vulnerable under California Ocean Protection Council and San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC) sea level rise guidance, particularly where intermediate, intermediate-high, and high scenarios by mid- and end-of-century coincide with 100-year storm flood projections (consistent with Belmont’s Safety Element Policy 6.2-8).

Flood and SLR No reductions
RB-CI-4.4
PW (Stormwater)
Implement flood control and resilience programs that reduce inland flood vulnerabilities for both new and existing buildings. Update City regulations such as the Grading Ordinance and Floodplain Management Ordinance to incorporate design standards, elevation requirements, and site drainage improvements that enhance building resilience to inland flooding (consistent with Belmont’s Safety Element Policy

6.2-1 but more targeted for the CAAP).

Flood No reductions
452
City of Belmont Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Draft Measures and Actions 6 Action ID Action Language Resilience Benefit GHG Reduction Potential RB-CI-4.5
PW (Stormwater)
Coordinate with OneShoreline and other regional partners to apply the latest flood risk assessments and guidance to development review, permitting, and retrofit programs (consistent with Belmont’s Safety Element Policy 6.2-1 but more targeted for the CAAP).

Flood No reductions
RB-CI-4.6
PW (Stormwater)
Partner with OneShoreline and other regional agencies to identify, prioritize, and advance multi-jurisdictional flood management projects that reduce inland flood risk, including creek improvements, flood bypasses, and detention basin projects.

Flood, SLR No reductions
RB-CI-4.7
PW (Stormwater)
Align City climate adaptation, land use planning, and development review processes with OneShoreline’s Planning Policy Guidance to Protect and Enhance Bay Shoreline Areas of San Mateo County to ensure consistent preparation for sea level rise, flooding, and related hazards across jurisdictions.

Sea Level Rise No reductions
RB-CI-4.8
ComDev/Fire
Promote and support the San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department’s Vegetation Management Program to reduce fire hazards, particularly in areas in Moderate to Very High Fire Severity Zones (VHFHSZ) (consistent with Belmont’s Safety Element Policy 6.6-6 but more detailed fire zones).

Wildfire No reductions
RB-CI-4.9
ComDev/Fire
Require existing and planned development located within Moderate to Very High Fire Severity Zones (VHFHSZ) to comply with the updated code requirements in the Wildland Urban Interface Code and require buildings to be constructed of ignitionresistant materials and methods (consistent with Belmont’s Safety Element Policy 6.6- 10 more detailed fire zones).

Wildfire No reductions
RB-CI-4.10
ComDev
Belmont will align with California Senate Bill 655 which proposes establishing maximum indoor temperature requirements for residential buildings. Track the guidance from California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) and Building Standards Commission and update the building code to align local housing and resilience efforts with emerging state standards for indoor temperature thresholds.

Extreme Heat No reductions
RB-CI-4.11
ComDev
Develop a checklist with project design considerations for capital improvements projects to incorporate consideration of climate change impacts as part of the planning and design phase. Checklist will include consideration of future climate projections in project designs.

All climate hazards No reductions
RB-CO-4 Make new and existing buildings more resilient to heat, flooding, and wildfire risks.

RB-CO-4.1 Install small-scale green infrastructure features at your home or business such as rain gardens, permeable paving, and native landscaping, to help absorb stormwater and reduce localized flooding.

Flood No reductions
453
City of Belmont Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Draft Measures and Actions 7 Action ID Action Language Resilience Benefit GHG Reduction Potential RB-CO-4.2 If you live in a sea level rise zone, take action to harden your home by retrofitting and elevating it to reduce flood risk and protect your household. This can include elevating the structure, reinforcing foundations, floodproofing utilities, and using water-resistant materials.

Sea Level Rise No reductions
RB-CO-4.3 Upgrade your gas furnace to a heat pump that provides both heating and cooling as well as air filtration for resilience against extreme heat and wildfire smoke days.

Extreme Heat and
Wildfire
No reductions
RB-CO-4.4 Protect your home from wildfire by maintaining defensible space around your home consistent with CAL FIRE’s Defensible Space Zones 0, 1, and 2 (per PRC §4291).

Wildfire No reductions
RB-CO-4.5 Protect your home from wildfire by hardening your home with ignition-resistant construction and materials. Take CAL FIRE’s Home Hardening Self-Assessment to see how prepared your property is for wildfire.

Wildfire No reductions
Mobility
M-CI-1 Reduce single occupancy vehicle miles traveled through land-use planning.

M-CI-1.1
ComDev
Coordinate implementation of the CAAP with the Belmont General Plan Land Use Element (Goal 2.1 and supporting actions) to ensure that land use types and densities can be supported by and are accessible to the transportation network, including pedestrian and bicycle facilities.

High
M-CI-1.2
PW (Transport)/
ComDev
Coordinate with SamTrans, Caltrans, and other Grand Boulevard Initiative (GBI) stakeholders to support the transformation of El Camino Real into a safe, multimodal, vibrant corridor. This includes integrating transit-oriented and mixed-use development along the corridor, improving pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure along the corridor, and incorporating green infrastructure such as shade trees to improve heat resilience for active transportation.

Public Health High
M-CI-1.3
ComDev
Initiate periodic public information programs that explain the City’s emergency preparedness programs, including the
emergency communications system, evacuation routes, the importance of defensible space, the Community Emergency Response Teams, and shelter locations (consistent with Belmont’s Safety Element Policy 6.9-1.)
Low
M-CO-1 Reduce single occupancy vehicle miles traveled through land-use planning.

M-CO-1.1 Walk or bike for short trips and take public transit or carpool to work. These choices help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save money, and boost your mental and physical health.

Public Health Medium
454
City of Belmont Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Draft Measures and Actions 8 Action ID Action Language Resilience Benefit GHG Reduction Potential M-CO-1.2 Plan errands and appointments in a single outing rather than multiple short trips. For example, stop at the grocery store, post office, and gym on the same route instead of taking separate car trips.

Medium
M-CO-1.3 Use carpool apps or regional programs such as Commute.org or 511 RideShare to find carpool matches.

Medium
M-CO-1.4 Support local businesses that you can walk or bike to rather than travel via car. Medium M-CI-2 Increase active transportation mode share to 1.5% by 2030 and 5% by 2045. Medium (111 MT CO2e 2030; 283 MT CO2e 2045)
M-CI-2.1
PW (Transport)
Improve perceived and actual safety for people walking, biking, and accessing transit by identifying and prioritizing Complete Streets infrastructure improvements along key corridors (e.g., Ralston Avenue, Alameda de las Pulgas, Old County Road, El Camino Real, and other major corridors identified in the 2016 Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan) that reduce conflicts between people walking, bicycling, taking transit, and driving, and, where appropriate, enhance separation between modes.

High
M-CI-2.2
PW (Transport)
P&R (Facilities and
Parks)
Identify and close network gaps by converting high-stress roadways into low-stress bikeways (e.g. redesigning a multi-lane, high-speed street with minimal bicycle accommodations into a corridor with reduced vehicle speeds and buffered or physically protected bike lanes), install bike repair stations, and provide wayfinding signage and lighting.

High
M-CI-2.3
PW (Transport)
Support pedestrian safety by continuing to implement Sidewalks Installation Administrative Policy requiring sidewalk installations by adjacent property owners when engaging in qualifying improvements. Look for grant funding opportunities to evaluate opportunities for continuous sidewalks in certain areas.

Public Health Medium
M-CI-2.4
PW (Transport)
Conduct an analysis, informed by existing and adopted plans, of current and proposed bike lane connections to the Belmont Caltrain Station to identify opportunities for safer and more direct access to regional transit, including improvements identified through feasibility studies (e.g., the O’Neill Avenue study), and leveraging existing BikeLink lockers.

High
M-CI-2.5
PW (Transport)/
CMO
Encourage employers to partner with Commute.org to bring a free bike safety workshop to their workplace. Workshops teach employees how to ride safely, plan routes, and enjoy the benefits of biking to work.

Low
M-CI-2.6
CMO
Partner with Commute.org to offer free bike safety workshops for City employees.

Workshops would educate staff on safe bicycling practices, route planning, and the benefits of biking to work.

Low
455
City of Belmont Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Draft Measures and Actions 9 Action ID Action Language Resilience Benefit GHG Reduction Potential M-CI-2.7
PW (Transport)
Require or incentivize developers to include secure bike parking, showers, lockers, and direct pedestrian/bike connections in new and major renovation projects (consistent with Belmont’s Transportation Demand Management Program TDM Measure Active4).

High
M-CO-2 Increase active transportation mode share to 1.5% by 2030 and 5% by 2045.

M-CO-2.1 Ride your bike to work once a week to save GHG emissions and improve your health. Public Health Medium M-CO-2.2 Report unsafe conditions such as broken streetlights or dangerous intersections to the City via the MyBelmont online portal or app [email protected].

Low
M-CO-2.3 Download the BikeLink app or apply for a BikeLink card to access secure lockers at the Belmont Caltrain station.

Low
M-CI-3 Increase public transit mode share to 7% by 2030 and 15% by 2045. High (3,143 MT CO2e 2030; 15,511 MT CO2e 2045)
M-CI-3.1
PW
(Transport)/Parks
and Rec
Ensure timely coordination with schools to obtain and submit current bell schedules to SamTrans Mid County School Routes on a quarterly basis (February, June, August, and November) to support accurate route planning and schedule adjustments.

Low
M-CI-3.2 Apply for participation in the School Travel Fellowship program in partnership with the local school district to further support school travel coordination efforts.

Low
M-CI-3.3
PW (Transport)
Partner with regional transit agencies (e.g. SamTrans or Caltrain) to improve frequency, reliability, and connectivity of transit services serving Belmont, especially during offpeak hours.

High
M-CI-3.4
Police
Work with public transit, dial-a-ride, and paratransit services to provide transit services to and from resilience centers during emergency events (e.g., wildfire, flooding, earthquake, etc.) (aligned with Belmont’s Safety Element Action 6.7-16a).

Public Health and all
climate hazards
Low
M-CI-3.5
ComDev
Design new development to prioritize and enhance transit access by aligning site and building design with multimodal and transportation demand management (TDM) standards (e.g., direct pedestrian routes to transit, building entrances facing transit stops, appropriate density).

Public Health Medium
M-CI-3.6
PW (Transport)
Collaborate with regional transit agencies to enhance bus stop infrastructure by integrating shade structures, seating, and cooling materials (aligned with Belmont’s Safety Element Policy 6.11-5 with added focus on transit agency collaboration).

Extreme Heat High
456
City of Belmont Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Draft Measures and Actions 10 Action ID Action Language Resilience Benefit GHG Reduction Potential M-CI-3.7
PW
(Transport)/ComDev
Leverage existing shuttle services operated by Commute.org through education and outreach efforts to increase awareness of available transportation options. Coordinate with Commute.org to promote the existing Caltrain-Redwood Shores shuttle through City communications, employer outreach, and transportation demand management programs.

Low
M-CO-3 Increase public transit mode share to 7% by 2030 and 15% by 2045.

M-CO-3.1 Families can help reduce traffic and emissions by choosing SamTrans bus routes for school commutes instead of driving. Riding the bus together also helps students build independence, reduces morning congestion near schools, and supports safer neighborhoods.

High
M-CO-3.2 Try using public transit to complete at least one trip per week. Medium M-CO-3.3 Support businesses along transit routes by planning errands and outings around transit-accessible locations.

Low
Electric Vehicles
EV-CI-1 Transition from internal combustion engine vehicles to achieve 32% zero-emission passenger vehicles and 25% zero-emission commercial vehicles by 2030, reaching 100% zero-emission vehicles by 2045.

High (9,027 MT CO2e 2030;
32,176 MT CO2e 2045)
EV-CI-1.1
ComDev/P&R
(Facilities)
Install and facilitate the installation of 276 new publicly accessible EV chargers by 2030 in partnership with PCE, PG&E, and regional agencies, prioritizing proximity to multifamily housing, workplaces, schools, and other high-need locations.

High (9,027 MT CO2e)
EV-CI-1.2
ComDev
Evaluate the adoption of CALGreen Tier 1 EV charging or similar EV infrastructure requirements for non-residential new construction and retrofits by 2027.

High
EV-CI-1.3
ComDev/CMO
Continue to evaluate the need and feasibility of adopting EV charging reach codes in future code updates.

High
EV-CI-1.4
ComDev/CMO
Launch local incentive programs such as rebates, discounted permits, or utility partnerships to encourage residents and businesses to purchase EVs and install home or workplace chargers.

High
EV-CI-1.5
PW (Transport)
Collaborate with fleet operators and public transit agencies to accelerate the transition to zero-emission commercial, transit, and shuttle fleets operating in Belmont.

High
EV-CI-1.6
CMO
Conduct community education and outreach campaigns to raise awareness about EV affordability, available incentives, and co-benefits such as lower fuel costs, reduced maintenance, and improved local air quality.

Air Quality Low
457
City of Belmont Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Draft Measures and Actions 11 Action ID Action Language Resilience Benefit GHG Reduction Potential EV-CI-1.7
ComDev
In support of AB 970, maintain a simplified, checklist-based permitting process for EV charger installations to ensure timely approvals and consistent compliance with state streamlining requirements.

Medium
EV-CI-1.8
PW
(Transport/Fleet)
& P&R (Facilities)
Transition municipal fleets and facilities to zero-emission vehicles, including electrifying fleet vehicles and service trucks, while installing EV chargers at municipal sites to demonstrate feasibility, reduce operational costs, and promote public adoption.

Low
EV-CI-1.9
PW (Transport)
Partner with schools to promote safe e-bike and micromobility use through the annual Climate/Earth Day event.

Low
EV-CI-1.10
ComDev
Review and update local zoning codes to allow EV charging as a land use type and reduce restrictions on installation of new charging infrastructure.

Medium
EV-CI-1.11
ComDev
Implement streamlined permitting procedures for hydrogen refueling stations in compliance with Senate Bill 1418.

Low
EV-CO-1 Transition from internal combustion engine vehicles to achieve 32% zero-emission passenger vehicles and 25% zero-emission commercial vehicles by 2030, reaching 100% zero-emission vehicles by 2045.

EV-CO-1.1 Purchase or lease an electric vehicle, e-bike, or electric scooter and take advantage of available rebates and incentives from PCE, PG&E, and State programs.

Very High
EV-CO-1.2 Participate in EV ride-and-drives or go to a local EV dealership to learn about clean mobility options and share experiences with neighbors.

Low
EV-CO-1.3 Install a home EV charger or use public charging stations to support convenient, emissions-free travel.

Medium
EV-CO-1.4 Encourage your employer, landlord, and schools to install EV chargers and provide EVfriendly parking options. Medium EV-CI-2 Electrify or otherwise decarbonize 30% of off-road equipment in Belmont by 2030 and 100% by 2045. Medium (896 MT CO2e 2030; 3,268 MT CO2e 2045)
EV-CI-2.1
P&R (Parks)
Replace small off-road engine equipment used at municipal buildings and facilities with zero-emission or renewable-fueled alternatives on a phased schedule beginning 2027.

Medium
EV-CI-2.2
CMO
Develop a phased ordinance to replace small off-road engines (such as landscaping and construction equipment) with zero-emission or renewable-fueled alternatives beginning in 2027. Support adoption through outreach to contractors and landscapers.

Medium (624 MT CO2e)
458
City of Belmont Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Draft Measures and Actions 12 Action ID Action Language Resilience Benefit GHG Reduction Potential EV-CI-2.3
PW
(Transport/Fleet)
& P&R (Facilities)
Transition municipal fleets and facilities to zero-emission equipment, including small off-road equipment, to demonstrate feasibility, reduce operational costs, and promote public adoption.

Low
EV-CI-2.4 Launch an outreach campaign to educate contractors, residents, and fleet operators on the benefits of transitioning to zero-emission off-road equipment. This campaign should provide hands-on demonstrations of electric alternatives, as well as highlight public health benefits, safety improvements, and available incentives like the Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Program (CORE).

Low
EV-CO-2 Electrify or otherwise decarbonize 30% of off-road equipment in Belmont by 2030 and 100% by 2045.

EV-CO-2.1 Replace your gas-powered lawn and garden equipment with electric alternatives to reduce noise and air pollution, or work with landscape companies who have made the switch.

High
Urban Ecosystems
UE-CI-1 Reduce organic waste sent to landfills by 75% below 2014 levels by 2030. High (3,757 MT CO2e 2030; 5,352 MT CO2e 2045)
UE-CI-1.1
PW (Waste)
Review and update (as needed) the City’s waste hauler franchise agreement with Recology to promote alignment with SB 1383 and include a dedicated fee to fund staff oversight of organic waste programs and compliance and support public education on proper sorting and composting practices.

High (3,757 MT CO2e)
UE-CI-1.2
PW
(Waste)/Recology?
Conduct regular contamination checks on collection routes to identify improperly sorted compost and recycling materials, issuing corrective notices and reinvesting any fees into targeted outreach, community education events, and program improvements.

Low
UE-CI-1.3
PW (Waste)
Coordinate with Rethink Waste to review progress, analyze waste data, and identify opportunities to improve organic waste diversion, including strategies to educate residents about bioplastics and confusing waste items. Coordination may include participation by RethinkWaste in City-hosted community events, such as Belmont’s Climate/Earth Day event, to support resident education and outreach.

Low
UE-CI-1.4
P&R (Parks &
Facilities)
Continue offering organics collection services in public areas such as parks, community centers, and special compost hubs, making composting accessible and integrating opportunities for residents to learn about local green spaces.

Public Health Low
459
City of Belmont Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Draft Measures and Actions 13 Action ID Action Language Resilience Benefit GHG Reduction Potential UE-CI-1.5
PW (Waste)/P&R
(Parks)
Promote the use of Recology’s free food scrap collection pails and sorting education materials to single-family and multi-family households to encourage participation and reduce contamination. Support small-scale water reuse practices (e.g., rinsing veggies and using water for plants) at the annual Climate/Earth Day event and share materials through external agencies through the Citywide eNews channels.

Medium
UE-CO-1 Reduce organic waste sent to landfills by 75% below 2014 levels by 2030.

UE-CO-1.1 Separate food scraps, yard trimmings, and other organic waste from trash and recycling and place them in the green compost bin for collection.

High
UE-CO-1.2 Use free food scrap pails and other resources provided by Recology to make composting easy and convenient at home.

Medium
UE-CO-1.3 Avoid contamination of organic waste by keeping plastics, glass, and other noncompostable items out of the green bin.High UE-CO-1.4 Reduce food waste by planning meals carefully, donating edible surplus food, and composting unavoidable scraps. Visit foodpantries.org to locate a food pantries accepting food donations in and around the City.

Medium
UE-CO-1.5 Participate in community composting workshops or events (e.g., through the City or County) to learn how composting benefits the environment and reduces landfill waste.

Low
UE-CI-2 Increase carbon sequestration in the community by achieving and maintaining SB 1383 procurement requirements (0.08 tons recovered organic waste per person) by 2030 and exceeding this target by 2045.

Medium (615 MT CO2e 2030;
676 MT CO2e 2045)
UE-CI-2.1
Finance/P&R (Parks)
Maintain procurement policies that prioritize the purchase and use of recovered organic waste products, including compost, in accordance with SB 1383 standards.

Communicate these policies across all departments regularly to foster compliance.

Medium (615 MT CO2e)
UE-CI-2.2
PW (Waste)/P&R
(Parks)
Continue working with Resource Conservation District (RCD) to facilitate the procurement, distribution, and application of compost, including educational outreach on water reuse and planting best practices.

Medium
UE-CI-2.3
PW (Waste)/P&R
(Parks)
Partner with RethinkWaste to distribute educational materials through Belmont’s channels to encourage residents, schools, and businesses to utilize compost in landscaping, gardening, and public space projects to maximize climate, soil health, and biodiversity benefits.

Low
UE-CI-2.4
P&R (Parks)
Continue to apply compost and mulch in City landscaping, parks, and open spaces to reduce irrigation needs, improve soil quality, and support native plant and tree health (aligned with Belmont’s Safety Element Policy 6.11-2 on tree health).

Extreme Heat Low
460
City of Belmont Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Draft Measures and Actions 14 Action ID Action Language Resilience Benefit GHG Reduction Potential UE-CI-2.5
PW (Waste)
Continue partnering with RCD in regional compost application programs that provide compost to farms in the region to avoid fertilizer application and increase sequestration.

Low
UC-CO-2 Increase carbon sequestration in the community by achieving and maintaining SB 1383 procurement requirements (0.08 tons recovered organic waste per person) by 2030 and exceeding this target by 2045.

UE-CO-2.1 Use compost in home gardens, landscaping, and community spaces to enrich soil, conserve water, and support healthy plant growth.

Medium
UE-CO-2.2 Purchase compost and mulch made from locally recovered organic materials to close the loop on waste diversion.

Medium
UE-CO-2.3 Participate in compost distribution events or workshops offered by the City or local partners to learn about best practices for compost application.

Low
UE-CO-2.4 Encourage schools, neighborhood associations, and businesses to incorporate compost use into landscaping and sustainability programs.

Medium
UE-CO-2.5 Spread awareness of compost’s role in improving soil health, supporting local ecosystems, capturing carbon, and conserving water through techniques like rainwater capture or kitchen water reuse.

Medium
UE-CI-3 Preserve and expand Belmont’s urban tree canopy and plant 125 trees per year beginning in 2027. Low (44 MT CO2e 2030; 841 MT CO2e 2045)
UE-CI-3.1
P&R (Parks)
Continue to enforce Belmont’s Tree Protection Ordinance (Chapter 25, Trees) to safeguard landmark and native trees, require one-for-one replacement of removed trees, and maintain in-lieu fees to fund new tree planting in public spaces and neighborhoods.

Air Quality, Extreme Heat No reductions
UE-CI-3.2
P&R (Parks)
Plant and maintain 125 trees per year through 2030 within Belmont in parks or other City properties. Continue the annual tree giveaway to encourage residential plantings.

Extreme Heat Low (44 MT CO2e)
UE-CI-3.3
P&R (Parks)
Continue to prioritize native, wildfire resistant, and climate-resilient tree species in all City landscaping and replacement efforts to enhance biodiversity, long-term canopy health, and resilience to climate stressors.

Air Quality, Extreme Heat No reductions
UE-CI-3.4
ComDev
Integrate tree canopy goals and shade tree requirements into City planning and development review processes to support cooling, stormwater management, and carbon sequestration, including water-efficient planting practices.

Extreme Heat, Storms No reductions
461
City of Belmont Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Draft Measures and Actions 15 Action ID Action Language Resilience Benefit GHG Reduction Potential UE-CI-3.5
P&R (Parks)
Maintain an ongoing urban forestry program to track tree plantings and survival rates, care for existing trees, and guide long-term canopy growth while exploring opportunities to use reclaimed water for irrigation. Explore opportunities and look for grant funding to complete a tree assessment on select City properties.

Extreme Heat No reductions
UE-CI-3.6
P&R (Parks)
Provide outreach, resources, and incentives for residents, schools, and businesses to participate in community tree and native plant plantings and stewardship programs.

Extreme Heat No reductions
UE-CI-3.7
P&R (Parks)
Maintain hazardous fuel management programs, including vegetation thinning and removal of dead or invasive vegetation, to reduce wildfire risk and protect nearby infrastructure, emergency access, and native plants.

Wildfire No reductions
UE-CO-3 Preserve and expand Belmont’s urban tree canopy and plant 125 trees per year beginning in 2027.

UE-CO-3.1 Plant drought-tolerant and shade-heavy trees on private property and care for existing trees to support Belmont’s canopy and cooling goals.

Extreme Heat Medium
UE-CO-3.2 Volunteer to plant trees through community tree planting opportunities and participate in Belmont’s annual tree giveaway to help expand and maintain the urban forest.

Air Quality, Extreme Heat Low
UE-CO-3.3 Replace removed trees with native species or contribute to the City’s tree fund (via the in lieu of replanting fee) to offset canopy loss.

Extreme Heat Low
UE-CO-3.4 Include drought resistant plantings in property improvements to provide shade, improve air quality, and reduce energy use, incorporating water-efficient practices when possible.

Extreme Heat Low
UE-CO-3.5 Learn about proper tree care and watering practices to ensure new and young trees thrive, especially during hot or dry periods, and engage with neighbors to share resources and stewardship tips.

Extreme Heat Low
Social Systems
S-CI-1 Enhance community cohesion, awareness, and understanding of climate change.

S-CI-1.1
PW (All)
Host an annual Climate/Earth Day to showcase clean technologies, such as induction cooking, electric vehicles, and e-bikes, through live demonstrations, hands-on workshops, and partnerships with local businesses and community organizations to promote awareness and adoption of all-electric solutions.

No reductions
S-CI-1.2
P&R (Facilities)
Work with Peninsula Resilience Planning Project to establish a resilience center by 2030 in a central location that provides refuge for vulnerable populations from poor air quality and extreme heat conditions that serve as year-round community resource center that offers services, information, and programming (aligned with Belmont’s Safety Element Policy 6.7-12).

Air Quality, Extreme
Heat, All climate impacts
No reductions
462
City of Belmont Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Draft Measures and Actions 16 Action ID Action Language Resilience Benefit GHG Reduction Potential S-CI-1.3
P&R (Parks)/Fire
Incorporate wildfire preparedness and defensible space education into Belmont’s annual Climate/Earth Day event in partnership with the San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department (aligned with Belmont’s Safety Element Policy 6.6-8).

Wildfire No reductions
S-CI-1.4
CMO
Integrate the principles of the Cool Block Program into Belmont’s existing National Night Out event to promote neighborhood sustainability, resilience, and community connection. Through National Night Out, the City will reach out to existing neighborhood associations to leverage their local networks and increase participation citywide. The City will also develop a Cool Block-themed toolkit to loan out for National Night Out and other community events. The initiative will utilize games and activities during National Night Out to foster community engagement, through which neighborhoods in Belmont can collectively address issues such as climate hazards and identify methods to improve quality of life.

All climate impacts No reductions
S-CO-1 Enhance community cohesion, awareness, and understanding of climate change.

S-CO-1.1 Attend the annual Climate/Earth Day to learn how climate change affects Belmont and what you can do at home and in your neighborhood to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build resilience.

Wildfire Low
S-CO-1.2 Contact the City to learn about Cool Block Programs and how to run one for your own block or participate during national night out.

All climate hazards Low
463












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1 Belmont Climate Action & Adaptation Plan —
Community Survey #2 Summary
This summary covers findings from the City of Belmont's Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) Community Survey #2, open February 20–March 20, 2026, which drew 63 respondents.

The survey asked community members about climate action strategies across four areas or systems — buildings, transportation, electric vehicles, and urban ecosystems — covering ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build resilience against climate impacts. Respondents primarily shared which actions they'd be willing to take and what support would help make those actions possible.

Key themes and response highlights are outlined below. Since most questions allowed multiple selections, percentages throughout this summary may not add up to 100%.

Healthy and Resilient Buildings
Willingness to Act – Decarbonization
Respondents showed moderately strong willingness to adopt building decarbonization measures, particularly those with clear long-term benefits, including:
• 62% were willing to install solar panels and battery storage • 51% were willing to install heat pumps
• 46% were willing to choose all-electric systems for new construction or major renovations Lower interest was expressed in scheduling home or building energy assessments (38%) and educational and outreach activities, such as sharing information with others (25%) and community workshops (22%).

Open-ended responses indicated many respondents had already completed upgrades, while others expressed concerns about grid capacity, costs, and feasibility – particularly for full electrification.

Renters also noted the limited applicability of these actions.

Barriers and Support Needs – Decarbonization
The most significant barriers were financial and logistical. Respondents indicated:
• 73% would be motivated by rebates or financial incentives to reduce upfront costs • 62% would be motivated by permit streamlining or faster approvals • 60% would be motivated by help finding qualified and trusted contractors • 59% would be motivated by clear information about costs, savings, and available incentives Lower interest levels was expressed in low-interest financing or payment plans (36%); educational workshops or events (30%); hands-on project planning or coordination (29%); and information specific to renters, landlords, or HOAs (16%).

Respondents emphasized the high upfront cost of improvements, with several noting investments may not be financially viable for older populations. Some expressed a need for hands-on project support, including assistance navigating rebates and implementation. 468
Belmont Climate Action & Adaptation Plan — Community Survey #2 Summary 2 Willingness to Act – Resilience
Respondents were generally willing to take resilience actions, especially:
• 54% were willing to install rain gardens, permeable paving, or native landscaping to reduce flooding • 52% were willing to install heat pumps for cooling and air filtration to stay safe during heat waves or wildfire smoke events
Lower interest was expressed in using fire-resistant building materials or completing home hardening upgrades (38%).

In open-ended responses, financial constraints were a major limitation, and some respondents noted that upgrades are more feasible during new construction or major renovations.

Barriers and Support Needs – Resilience
Most respondents would be motivated by clear guidance on the most effective improvements. Top support interests were:
• 75% would be motivated by clear guidance on what improvements are most effective • 54% would be motivated by financial assistance
• 54% would be motivated by help navigating permits
• 41% would be motivated by programs tailored to homeowners, renters, or businesses Lower interest was expressed in technical assistance or support (37%); coordination with regional agencies or utility providers (29%); and community education, demonstrations, or site tours (29%).

Interest in City Actions – Resilience
Approximately half of respondents supported most resilience-focused City actions, including:
• 56% supported requiring defensible space around homes in wildfire risk areas • 54% supported expanding community resilience hubs with backup power during outages • 48% supported an ordinance incentivizing new central air conditioners being two-way heat pumps • 48% supported incorporating green infrastructure (e.g., bioswales or vegetated areas) into City buildings and projects
Lower interest was expressed in policies encouraging retrofits or elevation of homes or buildings in flood-prone or sea level rise areas (32%).

A subset of respondents expressed a lack of awareness about the value of resilience strategies.

Mobility
Willingness to Act
Respondents favored behavioral changes with minimal cost or inconvenience, including:
• 81% were willing to combine errands into one trip
• 52% were willing to choose local businesses they could walk or bike to Lower willingness was reported for weekly biking to work or school (30%), weekly public transit use (25%), and carpooling (11%).

Open-ended responses highlighted safety concerns and limited transit options as major barriers, particularly for biking.
469
3 Barriers and Needed Improvements
Respondents emphasized the need for safe, connected infrastructure, particularly for biking. Top support needs for mode shift included:
• 67% would be motivated by safer sidewalks, crossings, and bike lanes • 49% would be motivated by improved lighting and visibility along walking and biking routes • 48% would be motivated by better transit frequency and reliability • 40% would be motivated by better connections to Caltrain or bus stops Lower interest was expressed in secure bike parking or lockers (30%), employer-supported commute programs (17%), and bike safety education or workshops (14%).

Interest in City Action
Respondents’ top priorities for City action included:
• 54% supported improved communication about evacuation routes and emergency transportation • 43% supported safer walking and biking routes
Lower interest was expressed in multimodal street design that reduces traffic conflicts (38%).

Open-ended responses also indicated an interest in cooling strategies and shade infrastructure.

Barriers and Support Needs
Respondents most wanted infrastructure improvements and information on safe routes, specifically:
• 52% would be motivated by clear information about safe routes • 43% would be motivated by infrastructure improvements near homes and workplaces Lower interest was expressed in coordination with schools, employers, and transit agencies and education on emergency transportation options (32% each).

Electric Vehicles
Willingness to Act
There was relatively strong interest in electric vehicle (EV) adoption, specifically:
• 56% were interested in purchasing or leasing an EV
• 51% were interested in installing a home EV charger
Lower interest was expressed in switching to electric landscaping equipment (35%); using e-bikes or scooters for shorter trips (25%); or encouraging employers, landlords, or schools to install EV chargers (19%).

Some respondents noted they had already switched to EVs or related technologies, while others expressed concerns about electricity costs and grid reliability.

Barriers and Support Needs
Respondents were most interested in financial incentives and ease of permitting, specifically:
• 59% would be motivated by financial incentives
• 43% would be motivated by lower cost charging
• 43% would be motivated by faster permitting
470
Belmont Climate Action & Adaptation Plan — Community Survey #2 Summary 4 Lower interest was expressed in more public charging locations (37%) and information about EV costs, maintenance, and savings (30%). The lowest interest was expressed in education on e-bikes and micromobility safety (19%), charging access for renters or multifamily housing (17%), and EV ride-and-drive events.

In open-ended responses, respondents emphasized the importance of affordable electricity rates and charging access for renters.

Urban Ecosystems and Waste Reduction
Willingness to Act
Respondents had widely accepted waste-related practices to support healthy ecosystems, specifically:
• 84% were willing to separate food scraps and organic waste into the compost bin • 84% were willing to avoid placing non-compostable items in the compost bin • 63% were willing to use compost or mulch in landscaping or gardening • 56% were willing to reduce food waste by meal planning or donating extra food Lower interest was expressed in composting workshops or events (22%).

Barriers and Support Needs
Respondents indicated they would further be motivated by:
• 43% would be motivated by information on where to donate extra food • 41% would be motivated by access to free or low-cost composting tools • 40% would be motivated by clear guidance on waste sorting Lower interest was expressed in community workshops or demonstrations (29%), education on composting benefits (25%), and support for multifamily housing composting (17%).

Climate Adaptation Actions
To prepare for extreme heat, flooding, and wildfire, respondents showed strong support for several nature-based solutions including:
• 78% were willing to use drought-tolerant, water-efficient landscaping at home • 75% supported native tree planting and canopy expansion by the City and at home • 65% supported City wildfire vegetation management programs • 48% were willing to participate in community tree plantings or tree giveaways Barriers and Support Needs
Information and reduced costs were key motivators, including:
• 56% would be motivated by free or low-cost trees and plants • 46% would be motivated by guidance on tree care and wildfire-safe landscaping • 46% would be motivated by information on wildfire-safe landscaping Lower interest was expressed in information on volunteering and community events and financial assistance or incentives (33% each).

Open-ended responses highlighted the importance of maintenance support (e.g., tree trimming) and access to qualified professionals.
471
5 Key Survey Themes
• Cost is the top barrier. Across all sectors, financial constraints were the biggest obstacle — especially for building upgrades and EV adoption.
• People want simple, practical guidance. Respondents wanted clear information on costs, benefits, and next steps.
• Infrastructure gaps are preventing transportation mode shifts. While there was solid interest in EVs, safer, continuous walking and biking infrastructure and convenient public transit remain obstacles to behavior change.
• Hands-on help matters. Many respondents wanted support navigating programs, finding qualified contractors, and coordinating projects.
• Some behaviors are already widespread. Waste reduction practices and certain home upgrades were common, suggesting a foundation to build on.
• Mixed perceptions and skepticism. A subset had concerns about cost, feasibility, and effectiveness of actions. Clear communication and emphasis on everyday benefits will be key to reaching them.

Who We Heard From
Survey respondents were predominantly homeowners (92%), with renters making up just 8% of participants. The respondent pool skewed older, with 56% between the ages of 40–64 and 36% aged 65 or older, with minimal participation from younger community members. Racially and ethnically, respondents were mostly White/Caucasian (74%), with some representation from Asian/Pacific Islander (23%), mixed race (5%), and Hispanic/Latinx (4%) communities.

Geographically, over half of respondents were from Sterling Downs or Homeview neighborhoods (54%), with the remainder distributed across other parts of the city. 472

951 Old County Road (Ridge on Masonic) City Funding Request - Staff Report

STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: April 28, 2026
Agency: City of Belmont
Staff Contact: Tobi Liebermann, Housing and Economic Development Manager, [email protected]
Agenda Title: 951 Old County Road Affordable Housing Loan Agenda Action: Resolution
Recommendation
Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to negotiate and execute a loan funding agreement with CRP Affordable Housing and Community Development, or its affiliated entities or partners, to provide up to $2 million in Belmont affordable housing funds for construction of a 63-unit affordable housing project located at 951 Old County Road.

Strategic Focus Area
Economic Development and Housing
Background
On January 23, 2025, the City of Belmont granted ministerial approval of CRP Affordable Housing and Community Development’s (CRP) application for development of a 63-unit affordable housing project located at 951 Old County Rd. pursuant to Government Code Section 65913.4 (Senate Bill (SB) 35) streamlined processing. CRP formally submitted their entitlement application October 25, 2024, following completion of tribal consultation. The project was determined to meet SB-35 eligibility criteria and was deemed compliant with the City’s objective planning and design review standards. Given the limited timeline allotted to cities to review entitlement applications under SB 35, the application was approved ministerially by city staff in January 2025.

The site is situated on a single parcel approximately 0.35-acres in size, located less than one-half (0.5) mile from the Belmont Caltrain station. The project site is currently developed with a two-story, retail building that houses a UPS Store, commercial uses, and personal services establishments. The project will replace the existing commercial building with an eight-story residential building with seven residential levels over an eight-space, surface-level garage. The ground floor also includes corner retail and community space, a lobby, and a leasing/management office. Given its proximity to the Caltrain station and the fact that it is a 100% affordable project, State law permits the development to exceed the City’s adopted height limits by up to three stories and does not allow the City to require on-site parking. Despite this, the project is providing eight on-site parking spaces.

The affordable housing plan for the project includes a range of unit sizes and affordability levels, as summarized in the following table:
473

951 Old County Road (Ridge on Masonic) City Funding Request - Staff Report Unit Type 30%
AMI
50%
AMI
60%
AMI
70%
AMI
Mgr. Subtotal Percent
One-Bedroom 4 3 3 11 0 21 33.3%
Two-Bedroom 3 2 3 13 0 21 33.3%
Three-Bedroom 3 2 3 12 1 21 33.3%
Total 10 7 9 36 1 63 100%
In addition, 4 units are reserved for permanent supported housing out of the 63 total units.

The project financing plan submitted by the developer includes a combination of local, County, LowIncome Housing Tax Credits, and tax-exempt bond financing. CRP was awarded $1 million in San Mateo County funding for both construction and permanent financing in 2025 and recently received an additional commitment of $2 million for the project in federal HOME funds from the County.

The developer is currently in the process of applying for the tax credit financing necessary to construct the project. CRP believes the project is competitive for tax credits due to the property location in a high resource area, deeper affordability levels, and County funding commitments. CRP is requesting a residual receipts loan of $2 million from the City of Belmont Affordable Housing Fund as outlined in their funding request letter provided as Attachment B. This contribution of local funds is important to show local support for the project and to increase their competitiveness for other financing sources.

Although CRP is the lead and primary affordable housing developer for this project, they have partnered with non-profit Community Revitalization and Development Corporation as the potential managing general partner of the project and LifeSTEPS as residential service provider for the community’s tenants.

Analysis
The 951 Old County Rd. affordable housing project will provide low, very-low, and extremely lowincome units that would contribute towards Belmont’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA). The table below shows how the project would contribute to Belmont’s RHNA compliance for the 2023-2031 planning period:

Income Level RHNA
Requirement
Permitted to
Date (6th
Cycle)*
951 Old
County
Rd.**
Total
Units
(w/
Project)
Very Low 488 102 17 119
Low 281 98 45 143
Moderate 283 36 0 36
Above Mod. 733 32 1 33
Total Units 1,785 268 63 331
* Includes period from 6/30/2022-1/30/2023, remainder of CY 2023 through 2025 ** In the building permit phase. Units are shown to demonstrate the benefits of this project on housing production. 474

951 Old County Road (Ridge on Masonic) City Funding Request - Staff Report Provision of lower-income units is critically important to meet housing needs and to support various special needs housing populations in Belmont that often face challenges such as overcrowding and costburdened households (i.e. paying more than 30-50% of income on housing costs). Development of lowerincome units also typically requires larger public subsidies from a variety of funding sources.

The City has sufficient funding available in its Affordable Housing Fund 275, which is comprised of Housing Successor Agency funds, to fund the request from CRP for a $2 million loan. The loan amount, if approved by City Council, is currently anticipated for disbursement in fiscal year 2027-28, only to be provided to the project if and when it is fully financed, has obtained building permits, and is ready to commence construction. The loan would be repaid using residual receipts, a common financing method used to facilitate low-income housing development. To the extent that sufficient residual cash flows exist in the future, the loan would be repaid over the project affordability term, typically 55-years minimum.

Alignment with Housing Element Priorities
The approval of the funding request is in line with Housing Element Program H1.2: Use Public Funding for Low/Moderate Income Housing. The Housing Element states that the City shall utilize local Affordable Housing Funds (Successor Agency Housing Funds, Inclusionary housing in-lieu funds, Commercial Linkage Fees, and Residential Development Mitigation Fees) to fund affordable housing development, and to leverage other public funding sources for affordable housing projects. Priority shall be given to development of housing at lower-income levels.

Alternatives

1. Take no action, no funding approved.

2. Provide alternative funding proposal.

Attachments
A. Resolution
B. CRP Funding Request Letter
Fiscal Impact
☐ No Fiscal Impact
☒ Funding Source Confirmed:

The funding for the $2 million loan is currently anticipated for disbursement in fiscal year 2027-28 will be included in the proposed fiscal year 2027-28 budget in the Affordable Housing Fund (275-5-902-8589). Funding will be provided to the
project only if and when it is fully financed, has obtained building permits, and is ready to commence construction.

Source: Purpose: Public Outreach:

Staff Council Vision/Priority Posting of Agenda
475

RESOLUTION NO. 2026 –

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELMONT

AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND ENTER INTO A

LOAN FUNDING AGREEMENT WITH CRP AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT LLC OR AFFILIATED ENTITIES OR PARTNERS TO PROVIDE A LOAN OF UP TO $2.0 MILLION FOR CONSTRUCTION OF AN AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECT AT 951 OLD COUNTY ROAD
WHEREAS, on January 23, 2025, the City of Belmont provided ministerial approval of the development of the 951 Old County Road project pursuant to Senate Bill 35 (SB 35) Streamlining provisions for a 63-unit affordable housing development; and, WHEREAS, the Affordable Housing Plan for the project includes a range of unit sizes and affordability levels, with 10 units reserved for households making 30% or less of area median income, 7 units reserved for households making 50% or less of area median income, 9 units reserved for households making 60% or less of area median income, 36 units reserved for households earning 70% or less of area median income, and one unrestricted manager’s unit, helping Belmont meet its Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) for provision of verylow and low-income housing units; and, WHEREAS, the City acknowledges that contribution of local affordable housing funds is an important part of a comprehensive project financing strategy that also includes San Mateo County Affordable Housing Funds and State Low Income Housing Tax credits (LIHTC); and, WHEREAS, the approval of the funding request is consistent with the adopted 2023- 2031 Housing Element Program H1.2: Use Public Funding for Low/Moderate Income Housing; and,
WHEREAS, the project developer, CRP Affordable Housing and Community Development, is an experienced affordable housing development company that has demonstrated the professional capacity to plan, build, and manage large affordable housing projects; and,
WHEREAS, CRP Affordable Housing and Community Development has submitted a request to the City for a loan of $2.0 million that will be repaid during the project affordability term through available residual receipts; and,
WHEREAS, the City has sufficient funds available in its Affordable Housing Fund (Fund 275), which is comprised of Successor Agency Housing revenues, to fund this loan request; and,
WHEREAS, the City Council supports the 63-unit affordable housing project and desires to see construction of more affordable housing units in Belmont.

NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Belmont resolves as follows:

SECTION 1. The City Manager is authorized to negotiate and execute a loan funding 476

agreement with CRP Affordable Housing and Community Development LLC or affiliated entities or other development team partners for an amount not to exceed $2.0 million for construction of a 63-unit affordable housing project at 951 Old County Road. The loan shall be repaid over the affordability term of the project from available project residual receipts.

SECTION 2. The loan will be funded from the Affordable Housing Fund (275-5-902- 8589).
* * *
ADOPTED April 28, 2026 by the City of Belmont City Council by the following vote:

Ayes:

Noes:

Absent:

Abstain:

ATTEST:

City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM:

City Attorney
477
March 9, 2026
City of Belmont
1 Twin Pines Ln
Belmont, CA 94002
Subject: City of Belmont Funds for The Ridge on Masonic – 951 Old County Road Belmont, CA 94002
To the city of Belmont,
We are writing to request city affordable housing funds for our Ridge on Masonic project located at 951 Old County Road. The Ridge on Masonic (“Project”) is a proposed new construction 100% affordable, multifamily that will feature 63 units housed within an eight-story mid-rise building.

Emphasizing affordability, the units will all be set-aside to tenants earning no more than 70% of the Area Median Income. The Project will include 21 one-bedroom, 21 two-bedroom, and 21 threebedroom units. It is important to note that 4 one-bedrooms are reserved for permanent supporting housing. The Project will offer a variety of community amenities including community gathering spaces, central laundry on each floor, children’s play area, and bike storage. Construction is anticipated to begin in Q1 2027 and be completed Q4 2028, assuming a successful May 2026 CDLAC application.

The Project site is located in a High Resource Area as determined by CTCAC/HCD. This means that CTCAC/HCD have determined this area possesses the highest level of opportunity by considering levels of poverty or wealth, degree of segregation, and quality of education.

CTCAC/HCD prioritizes the funding of affordable housing in Highest Resource areas because studies have shown that this results in both racial integration of neighborhoods and offers new economic opportunities to low-income people. In addition to being in a High resource area, the Project will have access to a variety of amenities within ½ mile, including a grocery store, a light rail station, a gas station, and a variety of retail and restaurants.

Financing Plan
The Project anticipates applying for Tax-Exempt Bonds, State Tax Credits, in the second CDLAC round on May 19, 2026. The project has already secured $1,000,000 in San Mateo County funding for both construction and permanent financing. The project is also expected to be in a position to win another $2.0 MM from the county. We expect a competitive CDLAC application for this project based on the project's high resource location, deep levels of affordability, and awarded county funds.

If successful, we expect the project to follow the below anticipated schedule.

Milestone Completed/Anticipated Date
Site Acquisition Completed November 3, 2025
Entitlements Completed January 23, 2025
SMC AHF 13.0 Award Completed October 19, 2025
FY 2026-27 Winter Federa/State Funds SMC NOFA Application Submission Completed January 15, 2026 FY 2026-27 Winter Federa/State Funds SMC NOFA Application Submission Anticipated April 21, 2026 Tax Credit Application Submission Anticipated May 19, 2026 Tax Credit Award Date Anticipated August 18, 2026
Closing/Construction Start Date Anticipated January 30, 2027 Construction Completion Date Anticipated October 30, 2028 100% Occupancy Anticipated January 30, 2029
Stabilization Anticipated April 30, 2029
Receipt of 8609 Anticipated April 30, 2030
Docusign Envelope ID: 14F810A3-ED74-4E3F-976B-1F1CB44C7325 478 602
Funding Request
During this project, we are grateful for both the cooperation and persistence during the entitlement and approval process. We view the city of Belmont as much more than just the jurisdiction of where this project is located, but as a valued partner in the overall development. During these challenging economic times and geopolitical uncertainty, it is more important than ever to deliver desperately needed affordable housing in the present when the opportunity arises. The Ridge on Masonic is that opportunity that could be ready to break ground by February of 2027. As a requirement for our awarded San Mateo County funding, we are requesting $2.00 MM in city funds that will further support the construction of 63 units of affordable housing within the city of Belmont. These funds will be utilized to fund construction costs that are increasing year-over-year. We believe these funds will be the final financing piece for this project.

Paul Salib
Authorized Signatory
Docusign Envelope ID: 14F810A3-ED74-4E3F-976B-1F1CB44C7325 479 603
951 Old County Road Affordable Housing Funding Request
April 28, 2026
480
• Developer is CRP Affordable Housing
• 63 units of affordable housing with
rents between 30% and 70% AMI
• Located on Old County Road and
Masonic Way
• Less than 0.1 miles from CalTrain
Station
• Replaces existing commercial building
housing UPS store and other uses
• 7 stories of residential over parking
and corner retail and ancillary uses
• Approved entitlements in Jan 2025 via
Senate Bill 35 (SB-35) streamlining
• Developer is preparing building
permit submittal currently
951 Old County Road Affordable Housing
481
Funding Summary
• Project sponsor has secured $3.0 million in
County funding for the development
• Low Income Housing Tax credit application
in process
• Developer requesting $2.0 million in City
contribution
• City funding would come from the
Affordable Housing Fund
• Funding contribution would be structured
as a residual receipts loan with minimum
55-year affordability term and 3% interest
rate
951 Old County Road Affordable Housing
482
• Project provides deep affordability
with 10 units at 30% of Area
Median Income
• Adopted Housing Element calls for
providing financial support to 100%
affordable developments
• Helps City achieve RHNA Goals
under 6th Cycle Housing Element
• Supports high-density transitoriented development
• Includes ground floor retail space to
support neighborhood services and
to meet community demand
951 Old County Road Affordable Housing
• Supports local construction jobs
• City funding leverages County and affordable
housing tax credit funding sources
• Facilitates redevelopment of a Housing
Element Inventory site at higher than
assumed density
Project Benefits Summary
483
Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and enter into a Loan Funding Agreement with CRP Affordable Housing and Community Development LLC or one of their affiliated entities or partners to provide $2.0 million residual receipts loan for 951 Old County Road
Action Requested of City Council
Proposed Resolution
484
Thank you!
Next the developer will
make a brief presentation
related to the project and
their funding request.
485
The Ridge on
Masonic
951 Old
County Road
1 486
2 • Established in 2019 led by executive leadership
with decades of experience in affordable housing
• Current Pipeline
• Nearly 1,300 Units Completed
• Over 560 Units Under Construction, with
760 units starting construction this year
• Municipalities where we are building include
San Diego, San Jose, Sacramento, and
Burlingame.
• Will start construction on the 65-Unit Ridge at
Ralston project this summer. A testament to
what can be achieved through private-public
partnerships
487
Location
• Highest Opportunity Area: Per CTCAC and
HCD Guidelines
• Walkability/Access to Public Transit:

Walking distance to CalTrain and SamTrans
stations
• Community Amenities: Close proximity to
vital community amenities such as grocery
stores, medical/pharmacy facilities, and
public recreational areas
3 488
The Community
4 On-Site Amenities
• Indoor Community Room
• Playground
• Outdoor Recreational Areas
• Residential Services
• Bike Storage
• On-Site Retail
AMI 1BR 2BR 3BR Totals
70% 11 13 12 36
60% 3 3 3 9
50% 3 2 2 7
30% 4 3 3 10
Mgr. 0 0 1 1
Totals 21 21 21 63
Project Unit & AMI Mix
489
Funding
Request
• Funding Request: CRP is graciously requesting $2.0
MM in capital funds for this much needed affordable
housing project
• Project Challenges
• Low Targets of Affordability
• Larger Units to Accommodate Large Families
• Construction Costs and Interest Rate Hikes
• CDLAC Application Competitiveness
5490

Draft Safety Element Study Session SR - Staff Report

STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: April 28, 2026
Agency: City of Belmont
Staff Contact: Adrienne Smith, Principal Planner, (650) 637-4702, [email protected] Agenda Title: Draft General Plan Safety Element Update
Agenda Action: Discussion & Direction
Recommendation
Receive a presentation on the City of Belmont’s Draft Safety Element Update and provide feedback and direction.

Strategic Focus Area
Public Safety
Background
The Safety Element of Belmont’s General Plan is a State-mandated component required under California Government Code Section 65302(g). It identifies potential natural and human-caused hazards that may affect residents, businesses, and public services in the community. The purpose of the Safety Element is to provide a framework for recognizing and anticipating these hazards and guiding policies and actions that reduce risks and protect the community.

The Safety Element identifies the natural and human-caused hazards affecting the City of Belmont, describes existing and anticipated future conditions, and establishes goals and policies to reduce risks to public safety. It addresses efforts to protect community health and safety, minimize damage to buildings and infrastructure, and reduce impacts to local economic, community services, and natural ecosystems.

State Law Requirements for Safety Elements
California Government Code Section 65302(g) establishes the requirements for Safety Elements, including that they must be updated in conjunction with each revision of the Housing Element or Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, but not less than once every eight years. Recent legislative changes have significantly expanded these requirements. Notable updates include the requirement to prepare a vulnerability assessment (SB 379), identify residential developments in hazard areas lacking at least two evacuation routes (SB 99), and identify areas most vulnerable to extreme heat, assess associated health and infrastructure risks, and incorporate goals, policies, and implementation measures to address those risks (AB 2684).

Purpose of the Safety Element Update
Belmont's Safety Element was last comprehensively updated in 2017 along with the broader adoption of the City’s 2035 General Plan. The update described in this staff report is undertaken to bring the Safety Element into full compliance with the State laws described above, to incorporate the results of a new 491

Draft Safety Element Study Session SR - Staff Report
climate Vulnerability Assessment Summary, and to reflect updated hazard information and community priorities. The update includes revised and new goals, policies, and implementation actions organized around the hazard topics addressed in the element.

The PREP Project
The City of Belmont prepared its Safety Element update as part of the Peninsula Resilience Planning (PREP) project, a collaborative multi-jurisdictional effort of San Mateo County, the Town of Atherton, the City of Belmont, the City of Brisbane, the City of Burlingame, the City of East Palo Alto, the City of Half Moon Bay, the City of Pacifica, and the City of San Bruno. The PREP project is managed by the County's Planning and Building Department and supported by a consulting team led by PlaceWorks. The collaborative approach allowed participating jurisdictions to share technical analyses and resources for greater efficiency and consistency across the region.

The PREP project began in 2023. Preparation of the Vulnerability Assessment Summary and community engagement activities were conducted in 2024 and 2025. Draft Safety Elements were released for public review beginning in late 2025 through spring 2026, and adoption hearings are being conducted during 2026.

Interdepartmental Collaboration
The input from various City of Belmont departments has been critical to ensuring a comprehensive and technically sound update to the Safety Element. A Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) was convened to solicit feedback from the following departments: Planning, Public Works, Parks and Recreation, Fire and Police. The TAC participated at several critical stages of the update process including review of the Safety Element Background Report, Vulnerability Assessment Summary and the draft of the Safety Element.

Planning Commission Review
The Planning Commission reviewed the Draft Safety Element in a study session at its April 21, 2026 meeting. The Commission expressed appreciation for the update effort and general support of the contents of the Draft Safety Element. Commissioners noted the detailed analysis of wildfire as a hazard, the fire risks of aboveground electrical utilities, the lack of backup power during power outages and the impacts to residents of smoke and poor air quality. Commissioners also discussed the importance of the multijurisdictional collaboration in both the update process, but also during times of possible future emergency or disaster events.

Commissioners also posed several questions to consultants and staff including what the City does to effectively communicate with non-English-speaking residents. Staff explained that the City contracts with a translation service that offers approximately 30 different languages, though in Belmont, Spanish is the most common spoken language next to English. Another question was asked regarding Policy 6-6.10, which requires existing and planned development located in fire hazard severity zones to meet certain construction standards and the importance of being clear on what is required of existing homeowners.

Staff plans to update the language to increase clarity on this topic. The Commission also asked how we coordinate with agencies who aren't participating in the multijurisdictional Safety Element process. A response was provided with some examples of ongoing coordination with neighboring communities 492

Draft Safety Element Study Session SR - Staff Report
beyond those participating in the Safety Element update effort.

Analysis
Summary of Changes to the Safety Element
The updated Safety Element has been organized to address all hazard topics required by current State law and to reflect local conditions and community priorities identified through the planning process. Key changes include:
• A Safety Element Background Report documenting the current state of all hazards discussed in the element.
• New coverage of climate change vulnerability, including the results of the PREP Vulnerability Assessment Summary, which analyzed current and projected future risks to people, buildings, infrastructure, and key services from a range of climate hazards. All information about existing hazard conditions was reviewed and updated as needed.
• Addition of new hazard categories and new/updated hazard maps including severe weather, extreme heat and human health hazards. The flooding hazards section has also significantly expanded to include discussion of sea level rise and emergent groundwater. • Updated flood and sea level rise policies reflecting current hazard information, including updated FEMA flood maps and projections for sea level rise, emergent groundwater and tsunamis. • New policies addressing topics such as extreme heat, severe weather, drought, emergent groundwater, sea level rise and evacuation planning.
• Updated wildfire policies, including information on new Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) mapping. On June 24, 2025, City Council adopted revised maps released by the State Fire Marshal showing revised FHSZs. Areas in the City’s Western Hills previously classified as a very high hazard severity zone are now classified as either moderate or not classified, and areas in the San Juan Hills previously unclassified are now classified as moderate. • New content on emergency evacuation, including an analysis of residential areas that may lack two or more emergency evacuation routes, consistent with SB 99 requirements.

Update to the Conservation Element
The Conservation Element has been updated to ensure consistency with the Safety Element. The most significant additions include: A new section on drought and the impact on Belmont’s water supply; the impact of sea level rise on Belmont’s sewer system; expansion of the discussion of adaptation and resiliency to climate change and the addition of several new policies and associated actions, the majority of which address drought and water supply and air quality.

Public Outreach
Community engagement is a central component of the PREP project. The engagement process was designed around five core principles: inclusion, equity, transparency, broad participation, and accountability.

Engagement activities were organized into two primary phases. Phase 1 (March–June 2024) focused on the vulnerability assessment, gathering community input on hazard experiences, identifying vulnerable populations and assets, and understanding challenges related to disaster preparation and recovery. Phase 493

Draft Safety Element Study Session SR - Staff Report
2 (November 2024–May 2025) focused on presenting vulnerability assessment results and draft policy concepts to gather community feedback on proposed resilience strategies. The public comment (April 14, 2026 – May 14, 2026) and adoption process, from June 2 - June 9, 2026 (tentative), provides an additional opportunity for public review and input.

Specific engagement activities conducted as part of the PREP project included:
• Project Website (www.prepsmc.com): A comprehensive project website served as the central hub for project information, document libraries, event announcements, and community engagement tools. Workshop recordings were posted in English and Spanish for residents unable to attend live sessions.
• Digital Engagement Tools: An interactive, map-based online survey allowed community members to provide location-specific input on hazard experiences and vulnerabilities in their neighborhoods.

An online map viewer provided public access to the same hazard mapping layers and vulnerability assessment datasets used in the technical work. An interactive story map, combining mapping with background text and graphics, provides additional detail about hazards and climate vulnerabilities with location-specific information and profiles for each community. • Virtual Community Workshops: Project staff held three county-wide virtual workshops, two in spring 2024 (138 registrants; 70 attendees) and one in May 2025 (80 registrants; 28 attendees).

Workshops included presentations, polling, and facilitated small-group breakout discussions. All workshops offered simultaneous Spanish interpretation and Spanish-language materials. • Service Provider Discussions: Project staff held virtual discussions with representatives of 24 community organizations grouped into eight categories (chambers of commerce, community service organizations, energy providers, environmental groups, faith-based organizations, public health organizations, transit providers, and water/wastewater providers). Key themes included infrastructure vulnerability, extreme heat preparedness, funding barriers, and the value of interjurisdictional cooperation.
• Communities of Concern Meetings: Climate Resilient Communities, a local community-based organization and member of the project team, led a series of in-person, small-group meetings focused on reaching residents in historically underrepresented communities. Targeted areas included North Fair Oaks, Pescadero, coastal areas near Half Moon Bay, and East Palo Alto.

Meetings were conducted in culturally appropriate formats, with food, translation services, and participant compensation.
• City Council engagement: At its April 11, 2023, meeting, City Council entered into an MOU with San Mateo County to join the Peninsula Resilience Planning (PREP) project to begin work on the Safety Element Update. On September 26, 2023, Council received a staff presentation on the status of the update plan and process. At its August 26, 2026, meeting, Council received a staff presentation on the City’s long range planning efforts which included a progress review of the Safety Element update process.

Key themes that emerged across engagement activities included: flooding and sea level rise as top community concerns; wildfire risks including challenges with rising insurance costs and evacuation constraints; infrastructure vulnerabilities and emergency communication gaps; and particular concern for 494

Draft Safety Element Study Session SR - Staff Report
the vulnerability of non-English speaking residents, older adults, low-income households, and people with access and functional needs.

A summary of all community engagement activities and how input was incorporated into the Safety Element is documented in the PREP Community Input Report (March 2026).

Review by Other Agencies
As part of the Safety Element update process, the draft Safety Element has been circulated to the following State agencies for review, as required by California Government Code Section 65302.5:
• California Geological Survey (CGS): All Safety Elements must be submitted to CGS for review prior to adoption. CGS reviews the Safety Element for adequacy of coverage of seismic, geologic, and related hazards.
• Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES): Safety Elements must be submitted to Cal OES for review. Cal OES reviews the Safety Element for consistency with the jurisdiction's Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP). Confirmation from Cal OES that the Safety Element appropriately integrates the LHMP ensures the jurisdiction remains eligible for California Disaster Assistance Act funding.

Public Comment
As of the writing of this report, no public comment has been received outside of the community engagement process detailed above, however the public review period will last until May 14, 2026 and any public comments will be compiled during that time.

Environmental Review
An environmental review document has been prepared for the Safety Element update pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The Safety Element update qualifies for a CEQA exemption under the common-sense exemption set forth in CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3). This exemption applies where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility the activity may have a significant effect on the environment. The CEQA Exemption Memorandum and Notice of Exemption form will accompany the Safety Element when it is considered for adoption.

Key findings include:
• The Safety Element update is a program-level policy document establishing a framework for addressing hazards and does not commit the jurisdiction to any specific development action. • The update does not include land use or zoning changes, does not increase development potential, and does not grant entitlements for development projects. • No provisions of the update would result in direct or indirect population growth or place additional demands on natural resources, public services, or infrastructure. • Future implementation actions that could affect the environment, such as code amendments, capital projects, or other physical improvements, would be subject to separate CEQA review at the time they are prepared, as applicable.
495

Draft Safety Element Study Session SR - Staff Report
Following adoption of the Safety Element, staff will file the Notice of Determination and Notice of Exemption with the San Mateo County Clerk and post them with the State Clearinghouse, as required.

Next Steps
Feedback and direction received from this study session will be integrated into the final Safety Element and final Conservation Element. The Planning Commission will consider a recommendation to City Council that it adopt the Safety Element at a meeting scheduled for June 2, 2026 (tentative). City Council will consider adoption at an upcoming meeting.

The Safety Element web page will continue to be updated during the public review period www.belmont.gov/safetyelement
Alternatives

1. None.

Attachments
A. Draft Safety Element
B. Draft Conservation Element
Fiscal Impact
☒ No Fiscal Impact
☐ Funding Source Confirmed:

Consideration of adoption of the Safety Element does not create any direct fiscal impact. The Safety Element includes future actions that would be considered for implementation in future years, contingent upon City Council approval and
appropriation.

Source: Purpose: Public Outreach:

Staff Plan Implementation* Posting of Agenda
496
6 Safety Element
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT APRIL 2026
497
6 -2 SAFETY ELEMENT

6.1 INTRODUCTION AND

PURPOSE
Ensuring the safety of community members,
through protection from hazards, is an essential
service of public agencies and a critical priority
for maintaining community health and welfare.

The purpose of the Safety Element is to
identify the natural and man-madehuman-
caused public health and safety hazards that
exist within the city, and to establish
preventative and responsive policies and
programs to mitigate their potential impacts.

Specifically, this element addresses seismic and
geologic hazards, flooding, fire, and other
hazards, as well as related aspects of law
enforcement, evacuation and emergency
preparedness, and coordinated response
measures. This element also addresses the
threat from increasingly frequent and intense
hazards resulting from climate change, as well
as reduces vulnerability for disproportionately
affected communities, physical assets, key
services, and ecosystems.

RELATIONSHIPTO STATE LAW
Government Code Section 65302(g) requires
each California city to include within its
General Plan a Public Safety Element that
addresses the protection of the community
from any unreasonable risks associated with the
effects of seismic and other geologicallyinduced hazards, flooding, and fires. The Safety Element is required to include mapping
that identifiesof known seismic and other
geological hazards, and it must identify flood
hazards and urban and wildland fire hazards, as well as address climate change and extreme heat. Where applicable, it must also address
evacuation routes, peak load water supply
requirements, minimum road widths, and
clearances around structures. The Safety
Element also includes required information on
fire protection, law enforcement, emergency
preparedness, and the City’s Local Hazard
Mitigation Plan (LHMP). The LHMP, as
certified by the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA), is incorporated
into this Safety Element by reference as
permitted by California Government Code
Section 65302.6. It is available online at
https://www.smcgov.org/dem/multijurisdiction
al-local-hazard-mitigation-plan. The
CityBelmont has also prepared a background
report that provides additional detail about the
hazards and other issues discussed in this Safety
Element, as required by law. The background
report is attached to this Safety Element as
Appendix A.

State law also requires that, as part of the need
to assess and protect against hazards, the Ssafety Eelements must analyze climate vulnerability, which is the degree to which
Belmont is susceptible to harm from climate
change and associated hazards. This includes
physical and mental injuries, property damage
or destruction, environmental harm, economic
damage, and other factors. The results of this
498
BELMONT GENERAL PLAN 6-3
analysis are included in a Vulnerability
Assessment, which identifies the populations,
buildings and infrastructure, services, and
natural ecosystems that are most vulnerable to
the effects of hazards related to climate change
in Belmont. The most vulnerable populations
and community assets in Belmont are often
those who are both severely impacted by
climate change, and have a limited ability to
resist or recover from these impacts (known as
adaptive capacity). The Vulnerability
Assessment helps community members, City
staff, and decision makers understand how
climate change hazards may alter community
conditions and what parts of the community
(people and places) should be prioritized for
adaptation and resilience. The findings of the
Vulnerability Assessment are summarized
below in this document and the assessment is
attached to this Safety Element as Appendix B.

RELATIONSHIP OTHER ELEMENTS
The Safety Element is strongly correlated to
the Land Use, Conservation, and Parks,
Recreation, and Open Space Elements. The
Land Use Element includes consideration of
fire, seismic, flooding and other hazards in land
use designations and their density and intensity
standards. Through restrictions on the
development of hazardous areas, the Land Use
Element supplements the policies of this
Element.

Related to the Conservation and Parks,
Recreation, and Open Space Elements, areas
subject to severe hazards, especially those
related to seismic or flood-prone conditions,
are designated for a reduced level of
development or open space, or development is
required to be set back from areas impacted by
these factors. Additionally, the Safety Element
is related to the Circulation Element in that
good street design and accessibility of the
transportation system is vitally important in
Providing Emergency Services.

RELATIONSHIP TO VISION AND

GUIDING PRINCIPLES
While the Safety Element has connections to
many of the values in the Belmont Community
Vision, it most closely supports:
• Belmont’s small-town ambiance that
sets itself apart as a tranquil, inclusive,
safe and desirable place to live, work
and play.
• Belmont’s is a wonderfully safe,
culturally diverse , and supportive
community that makes it a safe place
to raise a family.

CLIMATE CHANGE IN BELMONT
Climate change is the long-term shift in average
weather patterns, including significant
alterations in temperature, precipitation, and
wind patterns over an extended period—
typically decades or longer. Rising levels of
carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in
the atmosphere are the primary drivers of
climate change, trapping heat and disrupting
global climate systems. Rising global
temperatures are causing more frequent and
intense heatwaves, storms, floods, droughts,
wildfires, and other hazards. These events are
frequently concurrent, resulting in cascading
impacts that are progressively more difficult to
manage, such as droughts amplifying wildfire
risk or extreme heat exacerbating water scarcity.

Climate change is expected to affect everyone
and all locations in Belmont to some degree,
but some groups of people and community
assets are particularly vulnerable to the impacts
of hazards given their inability to prepare or
their increased exposure to potential hazards.

Through the Vulnerability Assessment, the
City has identified the most vulnerable people,
buildings, infrastructure, economic drivers,
ecosystems and natural resources, and key
services in Belmont that should be prioritized
in climate adaptation and resilience planning.

Identifying a population or a community asset
as a priority vulnerability reflects the severity of
climate change impacts and level of harm.,
Other factors considered are the size of the
population, the role that the asset plays in
maintaining community-wide well-being, and
the potential of the population or asset to be
impacted by compounding or cascading effects
of interacting hazards.

Based on the Vulnerability Assessment's
scoring of impact and adaptive capacity,
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6-4 SAFETY ELEMENT
sSevere weather is the hazard responsible for
the most priority vulnerabilities in Belmont,
followed by sea level rise, wildfire, and extreme
heat. In Belmont, the populations facing the
greatest risk from climate change include older
adults, low-resourced households, and people
with chronic illnesses and/or disabilities. The
community assets and services that are
considered priority vulnerabilities are
emergency services, water and wastewater
infrastructure and services, energy and
communications infrastructure and services,
and aquatic ecosystems. Aquatic habitats in the
community include riparian areas such as
Belmont Creek, Waterdog Lake, and the salt
marshes of O’Neill Slough. This Safety
Element describes the hazards that will likely
impact Belmont and provides goals, policies,
and actions to mitigate the associated risks to
community members and assets.

6.2 SEISMIC HAZARDS

SEISMICITY AND GROUND SHAKING
The San Francisco Bay Area is one of the most
seismically active regions of the United States.

There are approximately 30 known faults in the
Bay Area that are considered capable of
generating earthquakes. An earthquake is the
vibration of the earth’s surface following a
release of energy in the earth’s crust. A major
earthquake can cause the most damage of any
hazard to the city. While there are no active
fault lines within the city boundary, the closest
fault zone, the San Andreas Fault Zone, is
approximately one mile to the west from the
city boundary. The San Andreas Fault Zone is
the predominant fault system in California and
has generated some of the largest and most
destructive earthquakes in California. Other
faults in the area include the Hayward Fault
across the bay to the east, and the San Gregorio
Fault to the west (see Figure 6-1, Regional
Faults). The primary seismic hazard for
Belmont is potential ground shaking from these
three large faults, which can damage buildings
and infrastructure, and harm people.

Table X lists recent earthquakes with a
magnitude of 5.0 or greater within 100 miles of
San Mateo County. The last significant (greater
than magnitude 6.0) seismic event in the San
Mateo County vicinity was the 7.1 magnitude
San Andreas Loma Prieta Earthquake in 1989,
which originated 10 miles northeast of Santa
Cruz. Other significant local earthquakes
include the 1906 earthquake in San Francisco
and the 2014 earthquake in Napa. Although
the 1906 earthquake is primarily associated
with the City of San Francisco, Belmont was
also greatly affected.

Table X: Recent Large Regional Earthquakes
Magnitude 5.0 or Larger Within 100-Mile
Radius of San Mateo County
Date Magnit
ude
Epicenter Location
3/22/1
957

5.3 Daly City
3/31/1 5.70 12 miles east986 northeast of Milpitas,
CA
10/17/
1989

7.1 10 miles northeast of
Santa Cruz, CA
9/3/20
00 5.17 8 miles northwest of
Napa, CA
8/10/2
001

5.50 9 miles west of
Portola, CA
10/31/
2007

5.6 10 miles northeast of
San Jose, CA
8/24/2
014

6.0 6 miles southwest of
Napa, CA
Source: San Mateo County, 2021.

Chapter 7, Article IV of the City’s Municipal
Code contains the City’s Residential Code and
Building Code, both of which establish
standards for seismic safety in new construction
and major renovations. Article XII also
contains a seismic hazard identification
program for unreinforced masonry buildings
given the city’s geographic area of high seismic
risk.
, due to its proximity to both the San Andreas
and Hayward Faults.

LIQUEFACTION
Soil liquefaction occurs when water-saturated
sands, silts, or gravelly soils are shaken so
violently that the individual grains lose contact
with one another and float freely in the water,
turning the ground into a pudding-like liquid.

Buildings and foundations lose load-bearing
500
BELMONT GENERAL PLAN 6-5
strength and may sink into what was previously
solid ground. Unless properly secured,
hazardous materials can be released, causing
significant damage to the environment and
people.

The soils underlying parts of Belmont are
particularly susceptible to liquefaction, as
shown in Figure 6-2, Liquefaction
Susceptibility, which has serious implications
for older structures that were built before State
and local building codes were updated (in the
early 1970s) to be more resilient against seismic
and soil-related hazards. Much of the areas east
of El Camino Real, as well as the land near
Belmont Creek, have potential liquefaction
hazards.

TSUNAMI
A tsunami is a series of high-energy waves that
radiate outward like pond ripples from an area
where a generating event occurs, arriving at
shorelines over an extended period.

Earthquakes, landslides, and submarine
volcanic explosions are all capable of causing
tsunamis. Belmont’s position within the San
Francisco Bay limits the potential for tsunami
damage. However, tsunamis may impact areas
of the city directly adjacent to the bay. As
illustrated in Figure 6-3, Tsunami Hazards
Zone, the northeastern area of the city near
Belmont Slough and O’Neil Sough is in a
tsunami hazard area and is therefore vulnerable
to tsunami inundation. Tsunamis may also
have larger regional impacts, such as inundating
parts of Highway 101.
501
6-6 SAFETY ELEMENT
Figure 6-1 Regional Faults
502
BELMONT GENERAL PLAN 6-7
Figure 6-2 Liquefaction Susceptibility3
503
6-8 SAFETY ELEMENT
Figure 6-3 Tsunami Hazard Zone
504
BELMONT GENERAL PLAN 6-9

6.3 GEOLOGIC HAZARDS

LANDSLIDES
A landslide, defined as the movement of rock,
soil, or debris down a slope, is often triggered
by natural events such as heavy rainfall.

Landslides commonly occur during or after
intense rainfall, particularly in areas previously
affected by wildfires where vegetation loss
destabilizes slopes. Landslides can travel
significant distances, accumulating debris and
amplifying their destructive impact as they
move downslope. These hazards can cascade,
with post-wildfire debris flows blocking rivers or
damaging infrastructure, which in turn can
trigger flooding, isolate communities, and
compound disaster recovery challenges.

As shown in Figure-6-4, Landslide
Susceptibility, western Belmont, especially in
the Western Hills neighborhood and specified
locations identified in the San Juan Hills Area
Plan, are in high landslide risk areas and most
susceptible to landslide hazards. Additionally,
there is a large landslide-prone area in the
Sunnyslope neighborhood. These high-risk
areas have a history of landslide movements,
making them susceptible to future events due
to underlying geological conditions such as
weak soil, fractured rock, or steep slopes. Areas
without a history of sliding can also be at risk,
even without the aforementioned triggers.

Moderately susceptible landslide regions
include areas adjacent to the Western Hills
neighborhood and Waterdog Lake. Low-risk
areas are generally east of El Camino Real.

Although infrequent, localized or minorsmall
landslides in Belmont generally occur in the
residential hills. Landslides pose the greatest
geologic hazards to these hillsides. Despite
varying levels of risk, the overall annual
probability of landslides in the city remains high
due to recurring conditions that contribute to
slope instability.

Chapter 9 of the City’s Municipal Code
contains requirements pertaining to excavation,
grading, filling, and clearing. It establishes
requirements for grading permits, procedures
for issuing grading permits, specifies minimum
standards for grading and removal of
vegetation, including protected trees, and
provides for the enforcement of grading
requirements.

EROSION
Belmont is susceptible to hazards related to
erosion, or the geological process in which
earthen materials are worn away and
transported by natural forces, such as water or
wind, causing the soil to deteriorate. Eroded
topsoil can be transported into streams and
other waterways. Water erosion is the removal
of soil by water and transportation of the
eroded materials away from the point of
removal. The severity of water erosion is
influenced by slope, soil type, the soil’s water
storage capacity, nature of the underlying rock,
vegetation cover, and rainfall intensity and
period. The impact of soil erosion on water
quality becomes significant, particularly as soil
surface runoff. Highly erosive soil can damage
roads, bridges, buildings, and other structures.

Erosion changes the geologic integrity of soil,
and may also contribute to increased landslides
and higher risk of post-earthquake damage and
liquefaction.

Belmont Creek and other lowland areas of East Belmont
have potential liquefaction hazards.
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6-10 SAFETY ELEMENT
Figure-6-4 Landslide Susceptibility
506
BELMONT GENERAL PLAN 6-11

6.4 FLOODING HAZARDS

INLAND FLOODING
Flooding occurs when water surpasses the
capacity of local water bodies to contain it,
creeks and rivers to carry it, or soil to absorb it,.

This is a significant concern for Belmont., as
floods are among the costliest natural disasters
in terms of human hardship and economic loss
nationwide, significantly threatening the health
and life of community members and causing
substantial damage to structures, landscapes,
and utilities serving the city. Standing water can
weaken structural foundations, damage
electrical and communication systems, and
create breeding grounds for vector-borne
illnesses. Flooding also accelerates soil erosion,
reduces water quality, and leads to the loss of
important environmental resources, making
ecosystems more vulnerable. It can also lead to
long-term public health problems if mold and
mildew grow in buildings, displace
communities if homes are destroyed or
become uninhabitable, and increase economic
burdens, such as increased home insurance
costs.

Flood hazard areas, also called floodplains, are
the areas that become inundated by a flood.

These areas are usually adjacent to rivers,
creeks, or lakes, or along the Bay. Floodplains
are officially mapped by FEMA, using maps
called Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps. The
two main floodplains of concern are the 100-
and 500-year floodplain. The 100-year
floodplain is the area that has a 1 percent (1 in
100) chance of being flooded in any given year,
based on historic data, and is also known as a
base flood. The 500-year floodplain is the area
that has a 0.2 percent (1 in 500) chance of being
flooded in any given year.

As sea levels rise, groundwater tables rise, and
extreme storms become more frequent and
intense, it will become more important to
consider combined flood impacts of coastal
flooding, stormwater flooding, and riverine
flooding. Compound flooding occurs when two
or more extreme hazards occur simultaneously
or successively, amplifying the flooding and
increasing the geographic area and depth of
flooding (Grade et al., 2023). Compound
flooding can also occur when two or more
hazards co-occur that are not themselves
extreme, but they result in extreme flooding
when combined.

In low-lying coastal areas, compound flood
events are commonly due to the joint
occurrence of heavy precipitation, high river
flows, elevated groundwater levels, soil
saturation, and elevated coastal water levels
(Feng et al., 2022; Magnan et al., 2022; May et
al., 2023; Xu et al., 2023). San Mateo County
includes low-lying coastal areas on both coasts.

The low-lying areas along the Bay shoreline are
highly urbanized, and adaptation planning
should consider both existing and future
compound flooding to avoid inadvertently
making one flood hazard worse while
addressing other flood hazards. Currently,
planning and design practices tend to look at
the vulnerability and risks of one hazard at a
time, failing to account for concurrent or
successive events.

Figure 18 illustrates the conceptual area at
greatest risk of compound flooding comprised
of both coastal and precipitation-based flood
hazards. The flood risks in the “coastal
transition zone” will be underestimated in the
absence of a combined flood analysis.

Although the County has a reasonable
approximation of current and future coastal
flood hazards through the recent Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
FIRM updates (FEMA 2019), the USGS
CoSMoS modeling and mapping (Barnard et
al., 2021), the Adapting to Rising Tides
modeling and mapping (Vandever et al., 2017),
and two future condition shallow groundwater
analysis and mapping efforts (Befus et al., 2020;
May et al., 2022), there is limited modeling and
mapping of riverine and stormwater flood
hazards available.

Several areas in Belmont fall within the current
100-year FEMA floodplain, as shown in Figure
6-5, Flood Hazard Zones. In southwestern
Belmont, a 100-year flood zone is near
Waterdog Lake and generally runs the length
of Belmont Creek down to El Camino Real.

East of US Highway 101, 100-year flood zone
areas include the O’Neill Slough and
marshland and parcels with offices and
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6-12 SAFETY ELEMENT
residential development. The lower sections of
Belmont Creek have experienced multiple
flooding events during extreme winter storms
and high tides. As a result, the City has
partnered with stakeholders and agencies in the
region to develop and implement a long-term
approach to address creek maintenance and
improvements.

On occasion, Belmont has experienced
significant flooding. On December 31, 2021,
an atmospheric river impacted the San
Francisco Bay Area, resulting in significant
rainfall across many Bay Area communities,
including Belmont. Although not technically
part of Belmont but within Belmont’s sphere of
influence, mobile homes in the Harbor
Industrial Area, have experienced extensive
flooding in recent years.

Floods are also among the most damaging
natural hazards in Belmont, and climate change
is expected to makeworsen flood events worse
due to fewer yet more intense precipitation
events, in the form of atmospheric rivers.
i
, as
well as increase the frequency and severity of
droughts that cause soil to dry out and harden.

For example, what is currently a 200-year
storm, or one that has a 1 in 200 chance of
occurring each year, could by 2100 increase in
frequency by 40 to 50 years (to a 1 in 150/160
chance each year).ii This means that the 100-
year and 500-year floodplains may expand, and
the current floodplains mapped under current
(existing conditions) hydrology may function
more like 40- to 50-year floodplains in the near
future. After drought conditions, when rainfall
does return, more water will runs off the surface
of the hardened soil than is absorbed into the
ground, which can increase flooding
downstream.

DAM FAILURE
A dam failure is an uncontrolled release of
reservoir water caused by damage or
destruction to the dam or associated
infrastructure. Water pipeline or aqueduct
failures can create a similar sudden flood.

These events can be the result of heavy rains
that overwhelm the infrastructure, erosion or
landslides, or other structural deficiencies,
usually associated with intense rainfall or
prolonged flooding. Dam and pipeline failures
can range from minor to catastrophic and can
potentially harm human life and property
downstream from the failure. In addition,
ecosystems and habitats can be destroyed by
fast-moving floodwaters, debris, and
sedimentation from inundation. Although dam
and pipeline failures are very rare, these events
are not unprecedented.

The County has identified the Upper Crystal
Springs Reservoir and Notre Dame Dam as
posing a potential dam failure hazard to the
City of Belmont. Figure 6-6, Dam Inundation,
illustrates areas in the city that would be
affected by inundation if these dams failed.

Notre Dame Dam, built on Belmont Creek in
the western hills of Belmont, creates the
reservoir known as Waterdog Lake. While the
land is not owned by the City, the entire
property, including the earthen dam, is leased
and maintained by the City of Belmont under a
99-year lease. The City has been working with
the Division of Safety of Dams to adopt the
Notre Dame Dam Emergency Action Plan to
reduce the risk of loss of human life or injury
and to minimize property damage in the event
of a dam safety emergency or flooding. While
this project does not have a stated deadline for
completion, the City continues to work with the
State to reach an approval of the Plan.

Flooding and Stormwater
Management
In Belmont, the first line of defense against
flooding is the network of local and regional
creeks and stormwater conveyance systems,
shoreline protection, and roads. Storm drains,
culverts, and roadside gutters collect and
convey runoff to creeks, channels, and the San
Francisco Bay, while streets themselves often
serve as secondary flow paths during highintensity storms. Along the bay and ocean coasts, levees, seawalls, revetments, and tide
gates—together with nature-based features such
as wetlands, beaches, and dunes—help buffer
communities from coastal flooding and
erosion. This interconnected infrastructure is
critical for protecting communities but is
increasingly stressed by climate-driven
extremes, including severe storms and
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BELMONT GENERAL PLAN 6-13
cascading hazards such as post-wildfire debris
flows.

OneShoreline plays a crucial role in increasing
the flood resilience of the county and its
residents. OneShoreline works with local
governments, community organizations, and
stakeholders to plan and implement crossjurisdictional flood resilience projects that protect communities from storms and sea level
rise, restore ecosystems, enhance flood alerts,
and improve public access and connectivity
through expanded and accessible Bay Trail
networks. OneShoreline is collaborating with
multiple jurisdictions to advance the planning
and design of resilience projects, acquire grant
funding sources, and coordinate projects across
jurisdictional boundaries.

The City of Belmont implements Municipal
Regional Permit requirements set by the
Regional Water Board and best-practice
stormwater management measures. These
efforts to reduce stormwater runoff and
associated water pollution impacts also help to
reduce the flooding risk in Belmont. Other
agencies also play a role in lowering local flood
risks, including the Federal Insurance
Administration, and the California Department
of Water Resources (DWR).

The In partnership with local governments, and
when federally authorized, the Unites States
Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) identifies
the need for and constructs major flood-control
facilities. It also develops flood- and daminundation maps and reports.

FEMA manages the National Flood Insurance
Program, providing insurance to the public in
communities that participate in the program.

FEMA is the main federal government agency
contact during natural disasters and publishes
the Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps, which
identify the extent of flood potential in floodprone communities based on a 100-year flood (or base flood) event.
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6-14 SAFETY ELEMENT
Chapter 7, Article IX, Floodplain Management
Regulations of the City’s Municipal Code,
establishes regulations applied uniformly
throughout the community to all publicly and
privately owned land within flood-prone,
mudslide (i.e., mudflow), or flood-related
erosion areas. For more information on the
sewage and stormwater system see Chapter 5:

Conservation Element.
510

BELMONT GENERAL PLAN
6-15
Belmont Creek Detention and Creek
Restoration Project
Belmont Creek, which originates in
Belmont before draining into the San
Francisco Bay via the Belmont Slough,
has historically been prone to downstream
flooding during rain events due in part to
high flows and erosion from upstream. In
collaboration with OneShoreline, the
County of San Mateo, and the City of San
Carlos, the Twin Pines Park Belmont
Creek Restoration Project and Belmont
Creek Detention Basin Project were
established to address the degraded creek
and capture stormwater during peak wet-
weather events. The Creek Restoration
Project was completed in Summer 2025,
transforming over 500 feet of the creek
with natural stabilization and restoration
methods while improving safety, creek
access, and the beauty of Twin Pines Park.

The Detention Basin Project aims to
capture stormwater from Belmont Creek in
Twin Pines Park to reduce downstream
peak flows during rain events. Design of
the project is complete, and staff are
working to identify grant and revenue
sources to help fund the construction of
the project.
511
6-16 SAFETY ELEMENT
Figure 6-5 Flood Hazard Zones
512
BELMONT GENERAL PLAN 6-17
Figure 6-6 Dam Inundation
513
6-18 SAFETY ELEMENT
Belmont Creek Detention and Creek
Restoration ProjectKing Tide
A king tide is an exceptionally high tide,
which usually happens a few times a year.

They occur when the gravity of the Sun
and Moon are both aligned, and at times
when the Sun and Moon are closest to
EarthBelmont Creek, which originates in
Belmont and empties into the San
Francisco Bay, is prone to flooding during
rain events and siltation from upstream
sediment, requiring periodic channel
dredging and maintenance. OneShoreline
established the Belmont Creek
Stormwater Detention and Creek
Restoration Project to address the severe
erosion, bank failure, and incessant
downstream flooding along the reach
within Twin Pines Park. The project will
place a stormwater capture facility, which
is designed to attenuate peak stormwater
flow up to a 10-year storm event, beneath
the parking lot of Twin Pines Park. The
restoration component aims to create a
more natural stream channel, restore and
create natural riparian habitat, remove
invasive plant species, stabilize stream
banks through planting and other slope
Most of the hazardous materials sites in Belmont are
Leaking Underground Storage Tanks (LUSTs).

SEA LEVEL RISE AND&

EMERGENT

GROUNDWATER

SEA LEVEL RISE
Sea level rise is an increase in the ocean’s
surface height relative to the land. As global
temperatures rise, glaciers and other polar ice
melt, causing sea levels to rise. High average
temperatures can also cause ocean water to
expand, causing further rises in sea level.

According to the 2024 California Ocean
Protection Council’s State of California Sea
Level Rise Guidance, sea levels in Belmont are
projected to increase by as much as 0.4 feet (5
inches) by 2030, 1.3 feet (16 inches) by 2050,
and 6.5 feet (78 inches) by 2100. However, sea
levels could also rise faster than these
projections with storm surge, and King Tide
events adding an additional 24 to 36 inches of
temporary flooding that would move farther
inland.iii Buildings and infrastructure in
Belmont that are near the shoreline, are already
vulnerable to damage from shoreline coastal
floodingand compound flooding., which will
increase as the sea levels rise and m ove farther
inland. As sea levels rise, these low-lying areas
will face more frequent and prolonged
inundation, with some eventually becoming
permanently flooded.

As shown in Figure 6-7, Sea Level Rise,
illustrates modeled inundation extents for
Belmont under several sea level rise scenarios
projected through 2100, each shown as a
progressively darker shade of blue. The lightest
shade represents current sea levels with a 100-
year storm surge (0 feet + 100-year storm),
while the darkest shade represents the most
severe scenario of 6.6 feet of sea level rise
combined with a 100-year storm event. Under
the intermediate scenarios (0.8 feet, 3.3 feet,
and 3.3 feet + 100-year storm), inundation is
largely limited to areas immediately adjacent to
the Belmont Channel and the Bay shoreline
east of US Highway 101. Under the highest
scenario, by 2100, permanent sea levels are
projected toby 2100, sea levels will rise to over
six feet and will cause temporary or permanent
inundation risks in all areas of the city east of
Highway 101, as well as some residential areas
west of Highway 101.

EMERGENT GROUNDWATER
Emergent groundwater is a consequence of sea
level rise. It occurs when freshwater in the
ground is pushed upward by denser salt water
that travels farther inland, causing temporary or
permanent inundation.iv Higher groundwater
levels, even if the water does not emerge to the
surface, can infiltrate storm drains, destabilize
pipes, spread soil or groundwater
contamination, undermine building
foundations, corrode infrastructure not
designed for saline groundwater, and increase
liquefaction hazards.v Emergent groundwater is
expected to rise at the same rate as sea levels.vi
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BELMONT GENERAL PLAN 6-19
As shown in Figure -6-87, Sea Level
RiseEmergent Groundwater, by 2100,
emergent groundwater is expected to impact
land east of Highway 101, including Belmont
Sports Park, as well as some residential areas
west of Highway 101. Two potentially
contaminated sites, a groundwater threat site
and a solid waste site, within the existing city
limits would be inundated in this scenario.

As sea levels rise and emergent groundwater
increases, the number of individuals and
properties at risk will increase, which will in
turn lead to a higher likelihood of flood damage
and other adverse consequences for both
coastal and inland areas (see . Figure 6-8,
Emergent Groundwater – 6.6 feet of sea level
rise, maps the extent of groundwater surface
flooding and groundwater depth below surface
under a 6.6-foot sea level rise scenario. Areas
shown with a blue chevron pattern indicate
locations where groundwater is projected to
reach the surface, which largely overlaps with
the area that is expected to be permanently
flooded as a result of sea level rise, as shown in
Figure 6-7. The lighter blue shading in Figure
6-8 indicates areas where groundwater depths
are expected to rise, bringing the water table to
of 3.3 to 6.6 feet below grade, and darker blue
shading indicates where groundwater is
projected to rise to very shallow depths of 0 to

3.3 feet below grade. Rising sea levels and
emergent groundwater, in combination with
stormwater from inland sources, may cause
more severe flooding near creeks and at the
outlets of drainage systems.

SEA LEVEL RISE MANAGEMENT AND

RISK MITIGATION
A number of agencies in San Mateo County
and within the greater Bay Area participate in
the process of planning for and managing sea
level rise, including the Bay Conservation and
Development Commission, the San Mateo
County Sustainability Department,
OneShoreline, and the San Mateo County
Resource Conservation District.

OneShoreline provides expertise in the
complex process of designing and building for
sea level rise, working with cities in San Mateo
County and developers to build resilience
through planning and coordinating multijurisdictional flood mitigation projects.

OneShoreline’s County of San Mateo Sea
Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment provides
an overview of what is at risk from current and
future flooding and erosion in the county.

REQUIREMENTS FOR SHORELINE

RESILIENCE PLANS
In 2023, the California State Legislature passed
Senate Bill 272 (Laird), Sea Level Rise:

Planning and Adaptation, to promote
coordinated, standardized planning for sea
level rise across the state. The bill requires local
governments along the Pacific Coast and San
Francisco Bay shoreline to develop subregional
shoreline resiliency plans by January 1, 2034.

For Bay Area jurisdictions, these plans must be
incorporated into a San Francisco Bay
shoreline resiliency plan approved by the Bay
Conservation and Development Commission.

For Pacific Coast communities, the plans must
be part of a Local Coastal Program approved
by the California Coastal Commission (CCC).

Jurisdictions with approved plans will be
prioritized for state funding to implement
adaptation strategies and projects. SB 272 also
directs Bay Conservation and Development
Commission and the CCC, in coordination
with the Ocean Protection Council and others,
to publish planning guidelines to support local
governments. CCC adopted its guidelines in
November 2024. The Bay Conservation and
Development Commission adopted the
Regional Shoreline Adaptation Plan in
December 2024.

SEA LEVEL RISE PLANNING
To prepare for sea level rise, the City of
Belmont has joined the San Mateo County
Southern Bayside Cities Shoreline Resilience
Plan. This multijurisdictional effort involves the
Cities of Belmont, East Palo Alto, Menlo Park,
Redwood City, and San Carlos, and will be led
by OneShoreline. The plan will align with the
guidelines required by the Bay Conservation
and Development Commission’s Regional
Shoreline Adaptation Plan. The plan will
update existing conditions and vulnerability
analyses, identify priority action areas, and
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6 -20 SAFETY ELEMENT
develop coordinated adaptation strategies.

Core benefits will include regionally aligned
flood risk reduction, funding readiness, equity-
centered planning, and prioritization of nature-
based solutions. The project is expected to
begin in June 2026 and is expected to be
completed in three years.

The City of Belmont has also joined the
Redwood Shores Sea Level Rise Protection
Project, a multi-jurisdictional shoreline
resilience and flood protection effort led by the
City of Redwood City. This is a joint effort
between of the Cities of Belmont, Redwood
City, and San Carlos, along with San Mateo
County and SamTrans. OneShoreline will
provide advisory support. The project is being
developed to address existing and future tidal
flooding risks within Redwood City identified
by FEMA and regional sea level rise guidance
by upgrading and adapting the Redwood
Shores levee system between Belmont Creek
and Pulgas Creek. Belmont’s potential
collaboration in the Redwood Shores Sea Level
Rise Protection Project will be to evaluate the
need and effectiveness of a potential Belmont
Creek Levee, and to evaluate whether levee
protection measures in the Island Park
neighborhood located along the Belmont
Slough and the San Francisco Bay, should be
considered as a potential component of the
broader regional project. As of March 2026,
this project is currently in the preliminary
planning, outreach and alternatives evaluation
stage.
516
BELMONT GENERAL PLAN 6-21
Figure 6-7 Sea Level Rise
517
6-22 SAFETY ELEMENT
Figure 6-8 Emergent Groundwater (6.6 Ffeet of Ssea Llevel Rrise) 518
BELMONT GENERAL PLAN 6-23

6.5 SEVERE WEATHER
Severe weather is generally any destructive
weather event, but it usually occurs in San
Mateo County as localized storms that bring
heavy rain, hail, thunderstorms, and strong
winds. Severe weather is typically caused by
intense storm systems, although some types of
severe weather, especially strong winds and
thick fog, can occur without a storm. The most
common severe weather events that have
historically impacted San Mateo County are
heavy rains (usually a result of atmospheric
rivers), thunderstorms, and windstorms.

Utilities may temporarily turn off power to
specific areas when conditions such as high
winds, dry material, and low humidity can
significantly increase wildlife risk. Turning off
power, known as a public safety power shutoff
event, helps to reduce the risk of fires caused
by electrical infrastructure.

ATMOSPHERIC RIVERS
Most of California, including San Mateo
County, has a Mediterranean climate, with
about 75 percent of its rainfall occurring
between November and March, and virtually
none in the summer. Much of the rain that does
fall in the state is the result of atmospheric
rivers, which are long, narrow regions in the
atmosphere that transport water vapor from the
tropics. When the atmospheric rivers make
landfall, they release this water vapor in the
form of precipitation, often causing heavy rain.

Atmospheric rivers can be particularly
dangerous when they occur at the same time as
other storms known as an extratropical cyclone.

The heavy rainfall that affected Belmont and
much of the rest of California in October 2021
was the result of both events occurring
simultaneously.

Atmospheric rivers and similar heavy rainfall
events can lead to flooding and mudslides.

These in turn can cause significant injuries,
disrupt travel, and damage property, although
they also play a critical role in replenishing
California’s water supply. Most recently, in the
winters of 2021/2022 and 2022/2023, strong
atmospheric rivers passed over the San
Francisco Bay Area and caused significant
flooding throughout San Mateo County.

FOG
Fog forms when air close to the ground can no
longer hold all the moisture it contains, causing
the excess moisture to condense as a low cloud.

This occurs either when air is cooled to its dew
point or the amount of moisture in the air
increases. Heavy fog is particularly hazardous
because it can restrict surface visibility. Severe
fog incidents can close roads, cause vehicle
accidents and airport delays, and impair the
effectiveness of emergency response. Cool
marine air and fog are common in the Bay Area
in the summer.

THUNDERSTORMS
A thunderstorm is a rain event that includes
thunder and lightning. According to the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration’s (NOAA’s) National Severe
Storms Laboratory, a thunderstorm is classified
as “severe” when it contains hail with a diameter
of one inch or greater, wind gusts exceeding

57.5 miles per hour (mph), or tornado(s).

Lightning can cause forest and brush fires and
deaths and injuries to livestock and other
animals. According to the National Lightning
Safety Institute, lightning causes more than
26,000 fires in the United States each year.
“Lightning sieges” are extreme lightning events
in which lightning strikes multiple points at
once. In August 2020, an estimated 12,000
lightning strikes caused a set of fires known as
the CZU Lightning Complex in San Mateo and
Santa Cruz Counties.

WINDSTORMS
Windstorms are generally short-term events
involving winds or gusts of over 50 to 60 miles
per hour (mph) that are strong enough to cause
property damage. Wind speeds can reach up to
100 mph and produce a damage path extending
for hundreds of miles.

Windstorms can cause significant property
damage, threaten public safety, and have
adverse economic impacts from business
closures and power loss. Falling trees and
branches can damage buildings, power lines,
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6-24 SAFETY ELEMENT
and other property and infrastructure. During
wet winters, saturated soil causes trees to
become less stable and more vulnerable to
uprooting from high winds. Utility lines brought
down by summer thunderstorms have also
been known to cause fires, which start in dry
roadside vegetation. Downed trees and power
lines, and damaged property also can be major
hindrances to emergency response and disaster
recovery. Emergency response operations can
be complicated when roads are blocked or
when power supplies are interrupted. Industry
and commerce can suffer losses from
interruptions in electric service and from
extended road closures.

PUBLIC SAFETY POWER SHUTOFFS
Electricity utilities throughout California,
including the Pacific Gas and Electric
Company (PG&E), have begun to occasionally
“de-energize,” or turn off the electricity for
power lines that run through areas where there
is an elevated fire risk. This is intended to
reduce the risk of power lines sparking or being
damaged and starting a wildfire. These events
are known as PSPS events and they may occur
at any time of the year, usually during high wind
events and in dry conditions. PSPS events may
be limited to specific communities, or they may
affect broad swaths of the state. Given the long,
connected nature of power supply systems, a
shutoff event targeted at a small at-risk area can
affect a larger area outside the risk zone. The
duration of a shutoff is related to the severe
weather that triggers it. However, a shutoff
typically ends within 24 hours after the severe
weather has passed. PSPS events can impact
emergency management activities. A loss of
power can make it more difficult for homes or
businesses to receive emergency notifications.

Traffic lights and other traffic-control systems
may not work, which can complicate any
evacuation needs and may hinder emergency
response. Although critical public health and
safety facilities often have backup generators,
the loss of power may also disable other key
infrastructure systems. These outages are
relatively rare in Belmont, happening an
average of once every five years, and lasting an
average of around 35 to 42 hours. vii

6.6 EXTREME HEAT
Extreme heat days are defined as days where
temperatures exceed 98 percent of historical
highs, which in Belmont is a day with high
temperatures above 91.6 degrees Fahrenheit.

Extended periods of extreme heat, known as
heat waves, threaten community safety, drive
up energy costs, and exacerbate the risks of
wildfire and water shortages. Climate change is
expected to increase extreme heat days in the
city from a historic annual average of 4 days per
year to up to 11 days per year by midcentury
(2035 to 2064) and 21 days per year by late
century (2070 to 2099).viii When the daily
minimum temperatures remain significantly
above normal, warm nights can worsen an
extreme heat day because overnight
temperatures don’t get low enough to provide
the community with any relief from high
temperatures. A warm night is when
temperatures remain above 58.5 degrees in
Belmont, and they are projected to increase
from a historic 6 nights per year to as many as
43 nights per year by midcentury and 109
nights per year by late century.ix
The rising frequency and intensity of extreme
heat events pose significant public health
concerns, especially in Belmont, which has
historically experienced milder temperatures
and is home to residents without access to
climate-controlled environments. Older
residents, children, pregnant people, people
with chronic illnesses, outdoor workers,
households without air conditioning, and
people experiencing homelessness are most
vulnerable to the impacts of extreme heat.

Warmer temperatures and the urban heat
island effect can exacerbate extreme heat
impacts in densely populated areas, especially
those that have limited tree canopy. Figure -6-
9, Heat Severity Index, shows the areas of
Belmont that may experience higher
temperatures on extreme heat days due to
limited shade cover and presence of heatabsorbing materials. Areas most at risk include Downtown Belmont and areas along El
Camino Real, neighborhoods along Ralston
Avenue, and Belmont Heights. These zones
are based on relative temperatures in Belmont
as measured by satellite. Areas in white have a
temperature that is at or below the average
520
BELMONT GENERAL PLAN 6-25
temperature in Belmont. Pink areas indicate
areas above the average high temperature,
which corresponds to areas of greater extreme
heat risk. Light pink areas (labeled “mild” in
the map legend) have a temperature slightly
above Belmont’s average, while the dark pink
areas (labeled “severe” in the map legend) have
heat levels significantly above Belmont’s
average.

Even slight increases in temperature can
overwhelm a community's adaptive capacity,
straining public health systems and
infrastructure. This leads to higher risks of
dehydration, heat-related illnesses, and
respiratory issues, disrupting daily life and
economic activity.x Extreme heat stresses
infrastructure, as higher demand for air
conditioning can overload the power grid and
cause outages, and very high heat can degrade
transportation systems, leading to delays and
damage. Rising temperatures also harm local
ecosystems by increasing water temperatures in
local lakes and streams, harming fish and plant
species.

CalHeatScore
In 2024, the California Environmental
Protection Agency released the California
Communities Extreme Heat Scoring
System (CalHeatScore), a public health
tool to help Californians stay informed,
prepared, and safe when temperatures
increase. CalHeatScore is a web mapping
tool that uses a heat-health ranking system
to provide awareness to local and regional
extreme heat events in California.

CalHeatScore translates weather
information into easy-to-understand heat
scores, ranging from 0 to 4 to indicate
increasing levels of human health risk
from extreme heat impacts. Because
California has differing climates across the
state and even within counties, risk from
extreme heat is calculated at each zip code.

The tool also maps cooling centers and
provides demographic information for
each zip code. The tool can be used by
local governments, community groups,
and individuals to know when extreme
heat events are coming and how to
prepare.
521
6-26 SAFETY ELEMENT
Figure 6-9 Heat Severity Index
522
BELMONT GENERAL PLAN 6-27

6.56.7 HUMAN HEALTH

HAZARDS
Human health hazards are bacteria, viruses,
parasites, and other organisms that can cause
diseases and illness in people. These diseases
can be and often are carried by animals such as
mice and rats, ticks, and mosquitoes. Climate
change impacts the habitat of disease-carrying
animals. Warmer, wetter conditions allow for
increased populations of mosquitoes and ticks,
extending their geographic range and spreading
diseases like West Nile virus, dengue fever, and
Lyme disease. As temperatures rise and
extreme weather events, such as heavy rainfall,
become more frequent, these vectors can
spread more broadly, transmitting diseases that
threaten public health. Belmont, like the rest of
the United States, was included in the March
2020 FEMA major disaster declaration for the
COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. San Mateo
County also dealt with effects from the 1918 to
1920 flu pandemic, and had active cases of the
Zika virus between 2015 and 2016.

Heatwaves can also directly impact human
health by causing heat-related illnesses and
deaths, while worsening respiratory conditions
due to increased air pollution. The
combination of these factors suggests that
human health hazards may become more
pervasive and severe as climate change
progresses, making proactive public health
measures even more critical. The implications
of these health hazards extend beyond
individual well-being, placing strain on
healthcare systems, increasing economic
burdens, and affecting mental health.

San Mateo County Health provides health
services, including vaccination clinics, disease
testing, and emergency response support, to
residents of San Mateo County, including
Belmont. The San Mateo County Mosquito
and Vector Control District is San Mateo
County’s community-based mosquito- control
program. This program uses several methods
to help control the risk of disease in San Mateo
County, including surveillance, prevention, and
control of mosquito populations. The Health
Alert Center for San Mateo County allows
community members to view all alerts and
emergencies put out by the County Health
Department.

6.66.8 HAZARDOUS

MATERIALS
Hazardous materials are those that can cause
serious harm to human and environmental
health. A material is considered hazardous if it
appears on a list of hazardous materials
prepared by a federal, State, or local agency,
and/or if it has characteristics defined as
hazardous by such an agency. The
California Code of Regulation defines a
hazardous material as a substance that, because
of physical or chemical properties, quantity,
concentration, or other characteristics, may
either (1) cause an increase in mortality or an
increase in serious, irreversible, or
incapacitating, illness or (2) pose a substantial
present or potential hazard to human health
or environment when improperly treated,
stored, transported or disposed of, or otherwise
managed. Hazardous materials include a wide
variety of substances commonly used in
households and businesses. Motor oil, paint,
solvents, lawn care and gardening products,
household cleaners, gasoline, and refrigerants
are among the diverse range of substances
classified as hazardous materials.

Hazardous waste refers to hazardous materials
that no longer have practical use, such as
substances that have been discarded,
discharged, spilled, contaminated, or are being
stored prior to proper disposal. Nearly all
businesses and residences generate some
amount of hazardous waste. Certain businesses
and industries, including gas stations,
automotive service and repair shops, printers,
dry cleaners, biotechnology companies, and
The California Code of Regulations
defines a hazardous material as a
substance that, because of physical or
chemical properties, quantity,
concentration, or other characteristics,
may either (1) cause an increase in
mortality or an increase in serious,
irreversible, or incapacitating, illness, or
(2) pose a substantial present or potential
hazard to human health or environment
when improperly treated, stored,
transported or disposed of, or otherwise
managed.
523
6-28 SAFETY ELEMENT
photo processors, generate larger amounts of
such substances. Hospitals, clinics, and
laboratories generate medical waste, much of
which is also potentially hazardous.

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SITES
A hazardous materials site is where hazardous
materials or waste are actively used or stored or
a site where hazardous materials were
previously handled and the soil or groundwater
is now contaminated. The former presents a
risk if hazardous materials are mishandled. The
latter presents a risk in the instance of flooding
or emergent groundwater, which can release
hazardous materials stored in the soil making
them airborne or waterborne. A release or spill
of hazardous materials could result in fire,
explosion, toxic clouds, or direct
contamination of water, people, and property.

The effects may involve a local site or many
square miles. The large-scale release of
hazardous materials, in combination with
events such as flooding or severe weather, can
spread contaminants across a wide area and
amplify the potential long-term impacts on
human and ecological health. Health problems
may be immediate, such as corrosive effects on
skin and lungs, or gradual, such as the
development of cancer from a carcinogen.

Damage to property could range from
immediate destruction by explosion to
permanent contamination by a persistent
hazardous material.

Several Sstate agencies monitor hazardous
materials/waste facilities. Potential and known
contamination sites are monitored and
documented by the Regional Water Quality
Control Board (RWQCB) and the California
Department of Toxic Substances Control
(DTSC). A review of the leaking underground
storage tank (LUST) list produced by the
RWQCB and the DTSC EnviroStor database
indicates six toxic substance sites in Belmont,
including one active site where cleanup or
remediation of hazardous substances is
currently underway or planned, but not yet
completed (see Table 6-1, Hazardous Materials
Sites in the Planning Area). Hazardous
materials sites are primarily located in eastern
Belmont, concentrated in the Belmont Village
priority development area and the harbor
industrial area. Most of the sites in Belmont are
LUST sites. Many of these sites are
automobile-related, such as gas stations or auto
repair shops. Belmont also currently has sites
undergoing remediation for contamination
with hazardous materials. Some contaminated
sites are on vacant parcels or properties with the
potential to redevelop. Contamination does not
render these sites unusable, but may require
time and funding for cleanup, and in some
cases, may limit allowable land uses. The one
activeis site in Belmont is a voluntary cleanup
site at 815 Old County Road (see Figure 6-10,
Hazardous Materials Sites). The project
consists of vacant land formerly occupied by
the Belmont Iceland ice rink, which operated
from 1956 to 2016. The site will behas been
redeveloped with a five-story multifamily
residential development, including
approximately 177 units. As of February 2026,
cleanup activities have concluded and state
regulators are expected to certify the cleanup as
complete later in the year. Hazardous materials
sites are primarily located in eastern Belmont,
concentrated in the Belmont Village priority
development area and the harbor industrial
area. Most of the sites in Belmont are LUST
sites. Many of these sites are automobilerelated, such as gas stations or auto repair shops. Belmont also currently has sites
undergoing remediation for contamination
with hazardous materials. Some contaminated
sites are on vacant parcels or properties with the
potential to redevelop. Contamination does not
render these sites unusable, but may require
time and funding for cleanup, and in some
cases, may limit allowable land uses.

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

MANAGEMENT
There are numerous local, Sstate, and federal
agencies that play a role in regulating hazardous
materials. If a hazardous material spill poses an
imminent public health threat, the San Mateo
Consolidated Fire Department (SMC Fire), in
coordination with the Belmont Police
Department, will activate a hazardous materials
response team. Such teams will include
emergency responders and representatives
from a number of local and County agencies,
and may potentially involve Sstate and federal
524
BELMONT GENERAL PLAN 6-29
agencies as well. The Belmont Public Works
Department will also be involved in these cases.

The transport of hazardous materials/wastes
and explosives through the city is regulated by
the California Department of Transportation
(Caltrans). Highway 101 is open to vehicles
carrying hazardous materials/wastes. The SMC
Fire, the San Mateo County Department of
Emergency Management, and the San Mateo
County Environmental Health Services
Division are responsible for hazardous
materials accidents at all locations within the
city.

Autobody shops and gas stations can be potential sources of toxic air contaminants (TACs).

525
6-30 SAFETY ELEMENT
Figure 6-10 Hazardous Materials Sites
526
BELMONT GENERAL PLAN 6-31
TABLE 6-1: Hazardous Materials Sites in the
Planning Area
Site Name1 Address Status2
Cleanup Program Site
Immaculate
Heart Of Mary
1040 Alameda de Las
Pulgas
Completed - Case
Closed
Brusco
Property 248 Harbor Blvd Open - Site Assessment
PKS Cleaners 390 El Camino Real Completed - Case
Closed
Former BaronBlakeslee
(Purex)
511 O’Neill Ave Open -
Remediation
Circraft Inc 519 C Marine View Ave Open - Inactive
New Mode
Cleaners 615 Harbor Blvd Open - Inactive
Quan Property 847 Old County Rd Open - Inactive
Land Disposal Site
Belmont Island
Landfill 700 Island Parkway ClosedOpen -Inactive
Lust Cleanup Site
Wong Family
Trust 1000 El Camino Real Completed - Case Closed
Southern
Pacific 1001 El Camino Real Completed - Case Closed
Chevron 9-
3260 1001 Shoreway Rd Completed - Case Closed
Belmont Car
Wash 1051 El Camino Real Completed - Case Closed
City Of
Belmont-Corp
Yard
110 Sem Ln Completed - Case
Closed
Howard Tire
Company 120 El Camino Real Completed - Case Closed
Texaco 1200 El Camino Real Completed - Case
Closed
TABLE 6-1: Hazardous Materials Sites in the
Planning Area
Site Name1 Address Status2
Acme Movers 1309 Elmer St Completed - Case
Closed
Lo Coco
Liquors 1340 El Camino Real Completed - CaseClosed
Carlmont High
School
1400 Alameda De Las
Pulgas
Completed - Case
Closed
Bogenhuber
Property 1510 Old County Rd Completed - CaseClosed
Story's Brake
Services 1670 Old County Rd Completed - CaseClosed
Shell Oil 2000 Ralston Ave Completed - Case
Closed
Belmont Plaza 2040 Ralston Ave Completed - Case
Closed
Chevron 9-
2712 2045 Ralston Ave Completed - CaseClosed
Brusco
Property 248 Harbor Blvd Completed - CaseClosed
Raker Roofing 333 O’Neill Ave Completed - Case
Closed
Baymont
Properties 425 Harbor Blvd Completed - CaseClosed
Arco #0613 470 Ralston Ave Completed - Case
Closed
Williams &
Burrows Inc 500 Harbor Blvd Completed - CaseClosed
U-Haul #708-78 554 El Camino Real Completed - Case
Closed
Sam Trans 580 Quarry Rd Completed - Case
Closed
Peninsula
Card Lock 610 Harbor Blvd Completed - CaseClosed
Unocal Station
#4519 699 Ralston Ave Completed - CaseClosed
527
6-32 SAFETY ELEMENT
TABLE 6-1: Hazardous Materials Sites in the
Planning Area
Site Name1 Address Status2
Apollo Oil 701 Harbor Blvd Completed - Case
Closed
City Of
Belmont Fire
Dept
875 O’Neill Ave Completed - Case
Closed
Vancea Auto
Services 900 El Camino Real Completed - Case Closed
Post Office
Parlor 935 Old County Completed - Case Closed
Chevron 9-
0578, Former 990 El Camino Real Completed - Case Closed Belmont 76
Service Center 995 Ralston Ave Completed - Case Closed
School Investigation
Carlmont High
School Music
Building
1400 Alameda De Las
Pulgas
Inactive -
WithdrawnAction
Required
Ralston Middle
School 2675 Ralston Ave
Inactive -
WithdrawnNeeds
Evaluation
State Response
Western
Grinding
Services
601 Harbor Blvd Certified
Tiered Permit
Wesgo, Inc. 477 Harbor Blvd Inactive - Needs
Evaluation
Voluntary Cleanup
PG&E San
Mateo Pipeline Canada Rd Certified
Belmont
Iceland
815 Old
County Rd Active
Notes:

Site Definitions:

Cleanup Program Site: regulates and oversees the investigation and cleanup of ‘nonTABLE 6-1: Hazardous Materials Sites in the Planning Area
Site Name1 Address Status2
federally owned’ sites where recent or historical unauthorized releases of pollutants to the environment, including soil, groundwater, surface water, and sediment, have occurred.

Land Disposal Site: Waste management units where waste is discharged on land for treatment, storage, and disposal. These sites include waste piles, surface impoundments, and landfills.

LUST Cleanup Site: The prevention, cleanup, and enforcement of water degradation or pollution associated with underground storage tanks. Underground storage tanks are defined as one or more tanks, including pipes connected thereto, that is used for the storage of hazardous substances and that is substantially or totally beneath the surface of the ground.

School Investigation: Identifies proposed and existing school sites that are being evaluated by DTSC for possible hazardous materials contamination. School sites are further defined as “Cleanup” (remedial actions occurred) or “Evaluation” (no remedial action occurred) based on completed activities. All proposed school sites that will receive State funding for acquisition or construction are required to go through a rigorous environmental review and cleanup process under DTSC’s oversight.

State Response: Identifies confirmed release sites where DTSC is involved in remediation, either in a lead or oversight capacity. These confirmed release sites are generally highpriority and high potential risk.

Tiered Permit: Tiered permitting is a five-level hazardous waste treatment, storage and disposal (TSD) authorization program. The first three tiers are designed to regulate onsite treatment of hazardous waste. The fourth tier, or “Standardized Permit” is for off-site treatment or storage of wastes that would not require a federal permit, such as waste oil storage or precious metal recovery services. The final tier is that of a full treatment, storage or disposal (TSD).

Voluntary Cleanup: A DTSC program that allows motivated parties who are able to fund the evaluation, investigation, cleanup, and DTSC’s oversight to move ahead at their own pace to investigate and remediate their sites.

Status Definitions:

Certified: Identifies completed sites with previously confirmed release that are subsequently certified by DTSC as having been remediated satisfactorily under DTSC oversight.

Completed – Case Closed: A closure letter or other formal closure decision document has been issued for the site.

Inactive – Action Required: Identifies non-active sites where, through a Preliminary Endangerment Assessment (PEA) or other evaluation, DTSC has determined that a removal or remedial action or further extensive investigation is required.

Inactive – Needs Evaluation: Identifies non-active sites where DTSC has determined a PEA or other evaluation is required.

Open – Inactive: No regulatory oversight activities are being conducted by the Lead Agency.

Open – Remediation: An approved remedy or remedies has/have been selected for the impacted media at the site and the responsible party (RP) is implementing one or more remedy under an approved cleanup plan for the site.

Open – Site Assessment: Site characterization, investigation, risk evaluation, and/or site conceptual model development are occurring at the site.

Source: GeoTracker, State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB); Envirostor, Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), 2016.
528
BELMONT GENERAL PLAN 6-33

6.76.9 UTILITIES
Utilities such as electricity; natural gas;
telecommunications, including wireless
communications, telephone, and internet; and
cable television are considered common
elements of contemporary life. It is necessary to
ensure these services are available and
adequate to meet the demands of all Belmont’s
residents and businesses. Water, wastewater,
and stormwater utilities are discussed in the
Conservation Element.

ELECTRICITY AND GAS
Infrastructure
Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) is the
electric distribution utility forof the Peninsula
District, which covers all of San Mateo County
and portions of Santa Clara County. PG&E
owns and maintains the electric distribution
infrastructure—including poles, wires, and
substations—and delivers electricity to all
customers in Belmont, regardless of their
electricity generation provider. Within
Belmont’s city limits, PG&E’s main electric
transmission line runs under Old County
Road. PG&E’s main natural gas transmission
pipelines run under Old County Road, Harbor
Boulevard out to Redwood Shores on the
eastern side of Highway 101, and under
Ralston Avenue west of Alameda de las Pulgas
out to Interstate 280, as shown in Figure 6-11,
Natural Gas Transmission Pipelines4.

Table 6-2 and Table 6-3 show the existing
electric and gas infrastructure in the Peninsula
District, which includes San Mateo County and
portions of Santa Clara County. Data specific
to the city of Belmont is not currently available.

Demand
Tables 6-4 and 6-5 show the electricity and
natural gas consumption in the City of Belmont
for 2005, 2021, and 2023. Electricity supply in
Belmont is provided by two utilities: PG&E,
which distributes electricity to all customers and
continues to serve a portion of customers
through its standard tariff, and Peninsula Clean
Energy (PCE), the community choice
aggregation provider that has served the
majority of Belmont customers since its launch
in 2016. PCE is discussed in greater detail
below.

As shown in Table 6-4, total electricity
consumption in Belmont was approximately
103.8 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) in 2005. By
2023, total consumption across PG&E and
PCE accounts was approximately 88.5 million
kWh, a decline of approximately 15 percent.

The composition of electricity supply also
shifted over this period, as PG&E has
decreased its reliance on electricity from fossil
fuels and PCE has launched with most of their
electricity coming from renewable and carbonfree sources.

As shown in Table 6-5, natural gas
consumption has declined modestly, from
approximately 6.75 million therms in 2005 to
approximately 6.0 million therms in 2023, a
decrease of about 11 percent. This modest
reduction reflects ongoing progress in
electrification and energy efficiencySan Mateo
County from 2009 to 2013 by land use. As
shown in Table 6-4, electricity consumption in
San Mateo County decreased by 10 percent
between 2009 and 2013. Gas consumption,
on the other hand, shows little fluctuation
throughout the five- year period.

Supply
PG&E’s power sources include both utilityowned power plants and external energyproducing facilities. Currently, PG&E owns an extensive hydroelectric system and, one
operating nuclear power plant, one operating
natural gas-fired power plant, and another gasfired plant under construction. PG&E also cooperates with individual renewable energy
producers and promotes the use of clean
energy. In 2023, PG&E delivered electricity to
retail customers that was 100 percent
greenhouse gas-free, with approximately 34
percent from RPS-eligible renewable resources
(solar, wind, small hydroelectric, and
biopower), 53 percent from nuclear power, and
13 percent from large hydroelectric sources.

The precise breakdown of energy supply data
to the Planning Area is unavailable.
529
6-34 SAFETY ELEMENT
In Belmont, PG&E’s major gas transmission
lines run under Old County Road, under
Harbor Boulevard out to Redwood Shores on
the eastern side of US Highway 101, and under
Ralston Avenue west of Alameda de las Pulgas
out to Highway 92 and Interstate -280.

PCE offers its customers two options for energy
use: ECOPlus and ECO100. PCE’s default
ECOplus product is 100 percent renewable or
carbon-free, with approximately 50 percent
from RPS-eligible renewable sources and 50
percent from large hydroelectric generation.

Customers may also opt into PCE’s ECO100
product, which is sourced from 100 percent
solar and wind, and costs slightly more per
month than the ECOPlus option. PG&E
continues to serve customers who have opted
out of PCE, and remains responsible for
electricity distribution for all customers.

Peninsula Clean Energy
In early 2016, the City of Belmont joined a
Joint Powers Agreement to create a
Community Choice Aggregation program in
San Mateo County, known as Peninsula Clean
Energy (PCE). This type of program allows
local governments to procure and supply
electricity to their community members, using
electrical distribution infrastructure owned by
other organizations (in PCE’s case, the
infrastructure is owned by PG&E) to deliver the
electricity to their customers. PCE is a nonprofit organization that is governed by a board of directors comprised made up of city officials.

All cities in San Mateo County have passed
ordinances to join with the county to establish
the program.

Beginning in October 2016, PCE buys or
develops power on behalf of the residents,
businesses, and government electricity users in
San Mateo County. The electricity
continues to be distributed and delivered over
the existing electricity lines by PG&E. This
program allows customers to choose between
electricity providers and between multiple
power options, with a different amount of
renewable energy content in each.

All residential and commercial customers in
Belmont are also now part of the Peninsula
Clean Energy AuthorityPCE’s service territory.

According to State regulations, Peninsula Clean
EnergyPCE is an “opt-out” program, meaning
that all electricity customers within the service
territory are automatically enrolled with the
option to return to PG&E service at any time.

Maintenance and Improvement
PG&E continues to upgrade the electric and
gas infrastructure in the Peninsula District. Key
initiatives for electric utilities include replacing
and upgrading equipment, installing Smart
Grid to increase system reliability and reduce
power outages, and expanding the overall
system capacity. In addition, in 2014, PG&E
proposed a Pipeline Safety Enhancement Plan
(PSEP) to improve the large pipelines that carry
natural gas.

Table 6-2: Electricity
Infrastructure in the
Peninsula District
Infrastructure Lines (Miles)
Overhead 1,500
Underground 800
Transmission 400
Total 2,700
Source: Peninsula Division Book, PG&E, 2014.

Table 6-3: Gas Infrastructure
in the Peninsula
District
Infrastructure Lines (Miles)
Distribution 2,100
Transmission 100
Total 2,200
Source: Peninsula Division Book, PG&E, 2014.

The City of Belmont is developingcompleted
the Old County Road Utility Undergrounding
District Project, which aims to undergrounded
existing overhead electric facilities lines along
Old County Road. The project involveds
several phases; Phase 1 of the project, which
includeds undergrounding of all overhead
utilities south of Masonic Way to the San
Carlos city limits, is was conducted between
fFall 2017 and sSummer 2018 and fully funded
and scheduled to be complete by mid2018through PG&E’s Rule 20A Program.

PG&E completed the transition from overhead
to underground electrical service in June 2019.

Communication utility providers subsequently
undergrounded their own infrastructure,
530
BELMONT GENERAL PLAN 6-35
allowing for the removal of remaining wooden
poles. Following the completion of this project,
the City completed the Old County Road
Streetlight Project, installing new street light
poles along Old County Road and Masonic
Way to maintain lighting in the corridor.
531
6-36 SAFETY ELEMENT
Figure 6-11 Natural Gas Transmission Pipelines
532
BELMONT GENERAL PLAN 6-37
The General Plan aims to maintain and improve public
utilities to meet the demand of all Belmont’s residents and businesses.

California’s Renewable Portfolio
Standard (RPS)
The California Renewable Portfolio Standard
(RPS), first established in 2002 and modified
most recently by Senate Bill 100 (2018),
requires 60 percent of retail electricity sales
must to come from RPS-eligible renewable
resources by 2030, with a further Sstate policy
goal that 100 percent of retail electricity sales
be served by eligible renewable and zerocarbon resources by 2045. The RPS applies to all retail sellers of electricity, including
investor-owned utilities such as PG&E and
community choice aggregators such as PCE.

Both electricity providers serving Belmont are
making substantial progress toward these
goals. In 2023, PG&E delivered electricity to
retail customers that was 100 percent
renewable or carbon-free, with 34 percent
from specified RPS-eligible renewable
resources. PG&E has a voluntary target of 70
percent renewable energy by 2030. PCE’s default ECOplus product is already 100 percent renewable or carbon free, and PCE has a goal of achieving 100 percent renewable supply by 2030. all energygenerating utilities and energy service providers in California to source 33 percent of the total energy production from renewable energy by 2020. As of 2016, 27 percent of PG&E’s total energy production is from RPS-eligible resources, which PG&E obtained mostly through contracted third parties. More information on energy production and greenhouse gas emissions can be found in the Conservation Element.
533
6-38 SAFETY ELEMENT
Table 6-4: Electricity Consumption in
San Mateo County (millions
of kWh)
Land Use / Provider 20059 202110 202311
PG&E (Residential) 61.01,613 1.21,625 1.21,595
PG&E (Non-Residential) 42.8 N/A 4.1
PCE (Residential &
Nonresidential))NonResidential
N/A3,354 83.73,131 83.22,968
Total 103.84,968 89.84,756 88.54,563
Source: Energy Consumption Data Management System,
State of California, 2014.

Table 6-5: Gas Consumption in
San Mateo County
(millions of Therms)
Land Use 20059 202110 202311
Residential 5.3390 4.7089 4.7792
Non-Residential 1.42132 1.20133 1.22135
Total 6.75222 5.90221 6.00227
Source: Energy Consumption Data Management System, State of California, 2014.
534
BELMONT GENERAL PLAN 6-39
The General Plan aims to maintain and improve
advanced telecommunication infrastructure in Belmont.

Peninsula Clean Energy Authority
In early 2016, the City of
Belmont joined a Joint Powers
Agreement to create a Community
Choice Aggregation program in
San Mateo County, known as the
Peninsula Clean Energy
Authority. A Community Choice
Aggregation is a program that
enables city and county
governments to pool the
electricity demand of their
communities for the purpose of
supplying electricity. The
Peninsula Clean Energy Authority
is a non- profit organization that
is governed by a board of
directors comprised of city
officials. All cities in San Mateo
County have passed ordinances
to join with the county to form
the Peninsula Clean Energy
Authority.

Beginning in October 2016, the
Peninsula Clean Energy Authority
now buys or develops power on
behalf of the residents,
businesses, and government
electricity users in San Mateo
County. The electricity
continues to be distributed and
delivered over the existing
electricity lines by PG&E. This
Community Choice Aggregation
program allows customers to
choose between electricity
providers and between multiple
power options, with a different
amount of renewable energy
content in each.

All residential and commercial
customers in Belmont are also
now part of the Peninsula Clean
Energy Authority’s service
territory. According to State
regulations, Peninsula Clean
Energy is an “opt-out” program,
meaning that all electricity
customers within the service
territory are automatically
enrolled with the option to return
to PG&E service at any time.

TELECOMMUNICATION UTILITIES
Telecommunication utilities, including wireless
facilities like cell towers and antennas, are
becoming increasingly important in Belmont as
demand grows in the region for new and
emerging telecommunication services and
facilities. The City maintains a section of the
Zoning Ordinance that establishes procedures
and regulations regarding telecommunications
facilities, to ensure that adequate facilities are
available for the Belmont community, while
also ensuring that Belmont’s visual qualities,
physical diversity, and small-town
characteristics are not compromised. Noise
from telecommunication utilities is discussed in
the Noise Element and, as an implementation
action of the General Plan, will be addressed in
the updated Noise Ordinance.

SAFETY
535
6-40 SAFETY ELEMENT

6.86.10 FIRE HAZARDS
Fire hazards in Belmont include both urban
and wildland fires. Urban fires involve the
uncontrolled burning of built structures due to
human-made causes; wildland fires affect
grassland, forest, and brush (and the structures
on them), and can result from either human or
natural causes. Belmont has a substantial risk
of wildland fires, with many areas of high and
very high threat within the Planning Area,
particularly in the western areas of the city. The
City’s main challenges regarding these hazards
are:
• Actively Managing the Wildland Urban
Interface. Belmont’s residents enjoy close
contact with hillsides and woodlands. This
natural amenity facilitates the risk of
proximity to wildland fires. Preparedness is
essential, and the Belmont Consolidated
Fire Department’s SMC Fire’s fire
prevention activities, especially its
Vegetation Management Program, are
important.
• Maintaining and Enhancing Evacuation
Routes. It is critical that road capacity exists
for local residents, workers, and visitors to
evacuate in case of an environmental
disaster, including fire.

URBAN FIRES
Urban fires are fires that begin in a building in
urban centers. They are typically localized but
have the potential to spread to an adjoining
building. The risk of urban fires is highest
where single-family homes, multi-family
residences, and business facilities are clustered
close together, increasing the possibility of
rapid spread to an adjoining building. The risk
to life and property can be reduced by adopting
and funding adequate levels of fire protection
and ensuring new buildings are built to include
fire resistive features that conform to modern
fire and building codes. Urban fires, also
known as structure fires, occur in built-up
environments, destroying buildings and other
human-made structures. These disasters are
often due to cooking accidents, faulty wiring or
mechanical equipment, or combustible
construction materials. The risk of urban fires
is highest where single-family homes, multifamily residences, and business facilities are clustered close together, increasing the
possibility of rapid spread to an adjoining
building. The absence of fire alarms and
sprinkler systems can exacerbate the damage
associated with a structural fire. Older buildings
that lack modern fire safety features may face
greater risk of damage from fires. To minimize
fire damage and loss, the local Fire Code, based
on the State Fire Code, sets standards for
building and construction. It requires the
provision of adequate water supply for
firefighting, fire-retardant construction, and
minimum street widths, among other things.

WILDLAND FIRES
Wildland fires are fires that start in a wooded
or undeveloped area. Their potential for
damage is dependent on the extent and type of
vegetation, known as surface fuels, as well as
weather and wind conditions. Wildland fires
occur infrequently but typically cause more
damage than urban fires. A wildland fire is any
uncontrolled fire on undeveloped land that
requires fire suppression. Wildfires can occur
naturally and are important to many ecosystem
processes; however, most are started by people.

Wildland fires occur on mountains, hillsides,
and grasslands. Fuel, weather, and topography
are primary factors that affect how wildland
fires spread. The climate of San Mateo County
and the surrounding area keeps the grass dry
and more readily combustible during fire
season. Belmont has a risk of wildland fires,
particularly in the western areas of the city.

Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) refers to
heavily vegetated open spaces, often on steep
slopes, that are close to human developments.

Areas under WUI designation are at high risk
of wildfire. There are two geographical areas
within Belmont that can be characterized as
WUI; the canyons common to the Western
Hills and the San Juan Canyon. In these
locations, many homes are located immediately
adjacent to open space that includes the
physical features found in WUI areas. The
536
BELMONT GENERAL PLAN 6-41
canyons of the Western Hills have been
designated as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity
Zone (VHFHSZ) by the California
Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
(Cal Fire), while the San Juan Canyon has been
designated as a High Fire Hazard Severity
Zone. Both WUI areas comply with the
relevant fire protection regulation set by
Government Code and California Building
Code, as required by the California
Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
(CAL Fire). Figure 6-5 shows the existing
VHFHSZ within the city boundary, while
Figure 6-6 shows the General Plan land use
designations that fall within the VHFHSZ,
which includes Davis Drive, though does not
encompass additional vacant or underutilized
sites outside of Davis Drive.

Figure -6-12, Fire Hazard Zones, illustrates the
fire hazard severity zones in the city as
designated by the CAL FIRE. There are 971
acres of Belmont designated as a moderate fire
hazard severity zone, which is largely in the
hillside areas west of Alameda de Las Pulgas.

The fire hazard severity zones in the city
include the canyons in the Western Hills
neighborhoods and San Juan Canyon. These
zones include San Juan Canyon Open Space,
Waterdog Lake & Open Space (including
Belmont Reservoir Park), Hallmark Drive
Open Space (including Hallmark Park), and
Belmont Canyon (including Hidden Canyon
Park). Homes, schools, senior living facilities,
and critical infrastructure around these areas
and other wildfire-prone open space face a
higher risk of wildfire.

Historically, the fire season extended from
early summer through late fall of each year
during the hotter, drier months, although it is
increasingly a hazard that can occur year-round
due to higher temperatures, lower moisture
content in the air and plant matter,
accumulation of vegetation, and high winds.

Rising temperatures and prolonged droughts
dry out vegetation, creating abundant fuel for
fires. Wetter years, while seemingly beneficial,
lead to increased vegetation growth, including
pervasive invasive plant species, which
subsequently dries out during drought periods,
adding even more fuel to fire-prone landscapes.

Ecosystem pest outbreaks leave behind
weakened and dead trees that serve as
additional fuel, while extreme heat and erratic
wind conditions make wildfires more
unpredictable and harder to control. Areas in
San Mateo County burned annually by wildfires
are expected to double from historic levels
(averaging about 1,200 acres burned annually
from 1961-1990) by the middle of the century
and almost triple by the end of the century.
xi As
this is an annual average, some years are likely
to see little or no wildfires in the county, while
other years are likely to see much larger fires.

Human activities are the leading cause of
wildfires, and increased development near
these wildland areas has amplified the
likelihood and risk of wildfire events. Wildfires
not only destroy homes and infrastructure but
can also displace entire communities and
degrade critical wildlife habitat. Older adults,
people without access to reliable transportation
or communication channels, people with
disabilities, and those with to chronic illness,
are especially vulnerable to the effects of
wildfire as they may struggle to evacuate a
hazard area. Low-resourced households are
also vulnerable as they may not be able to
harden homes to potential fire. The economic
consequences are significant, including
property damage and fire-suppression costs.

Moreover, the loss of natural spaces impacts
recreation, tourism, and local biodiversity.
537
6-42 SAFETY ELEMENT
Figure 6-12 Fire Hazard Zones

538
BELMONT GENERAL PLAN 6-43
The Belmont Fire Protection District San Mateo
Consolidated Fire Department operates two fire stations in Belmont; Station 14 (pictured abovehere) and Station

15. FIRE PREVENTION
The San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department
(SMC Fire) provides fire protection services to
Belmont. The San Mateo Consolidated Fire
Department (SMC Fire) was formed by the
merger of the fire departments of San Mateo,
Foster City, and Belmont. The department
began operations in 2019 and operates two fire
stations in Belmont: Fire Station 14 at 911
Granada Street and Fire Station 15 at 2701
Cipriani Boulevard. SMC Fire provides fire
response services for Belmont and enforces
local fire regulations.

SMC Fire adopts the 2022 California Fire
Code (Ordinance 2022-001) and amends
sections based on geographic, climactic, and
topographic factors. Included in the
amendments are items dealing specifically with
the wildland fire threat, including the adoption
and amendment of the 2021 International
Wildland Urban Interface Code. The City of
Belmont includes this adoption in their
Municipal Code in Chapter 7, Article IV
(Construction Regulations), and in Division 7
(Fire Code) and delegates enforcement to SMC
Fire. Compliance with these codes ensures new
development meets the latest fire safety
standards, including the use of fire-resistant
materials, maintaining clearances around
structures to prevent ignitions, and designing
sites to facilitate firefighting equipment and
personnel during responses.

SMC Fire conducts spot inspections and
enforcement in the wildland urban interface
areas and oversees vegetation management
programs at the beginning of every fire season
to reduce fuel for potential fires.

6.96.11 PUBLIC SAFETY

AND EMERGENCY

MANAGEMENT
The City’s public safety and emergency
management functions cover several roles that
address the time before, during, and after a
significant event, and are comprised of the four
phases of emergency management: mitigation,
preparedness, response, and recovery.

EMERGENCY PLANNING
The California Emergency Services Act
requires cities to prepare and maintain an
Emergency Plan for natural, manmade, or warcaused emergencies that result in conditions of disaster or extreme peril to life. San Mateo
Consolidated Fire Department’s County’s Area
Office of Emergency Services and the San
Mateo County Emergency Management
provides planning, preparedness, public
information, training, and federal/State
intergovernmental emergency services
coordination for the cities and unincorporated
areas within the county. Belmont is a member
of the San Mateo County Emergency Services
Council whose goal is to provide coordinated
emergency planning and management, support
emergency alert systems, and support the
539
6-44 SAFETY ELEMENT
regional hazardous materials emergency
response program.

The City’s Municipal Code addresses civil
defense and disaster relief in Chapter 8. The
City of Belmont responds to disasters in
accordance with National Incident
Management System (NIMS) at the federal
level and the Standardized Emergency
Management System (SEMS) at the State level.

The City routinely participates in preparedness
exercises utilizing these systems. In a disaster,
an the City activates its Emergency Operations
Center (EOC) on the second floor of City Hall
is activated and the City’sand calls its
emergency organization is called to the EOC
on the second floor of City Hall. The City of
Belmont has a written City Emergency
Operations Plan (EOP), which articulates
policies and procedures during an emergency.

The City also has an Emergency Preparedness
Manual, which was prepared in close
cooperation with other agencies and promotes
best practices for emergency preparedness in
Belmont. Trained citizen volunteers involved
in the CERT (Community Emergency
Response Teams) are also a part of the City’s
response system.

Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
The purpose of aA Local Hazard Mitigation
Plan (LHMP) is a short-term plan to decrease
reduce or eliminate long term risk to human
life and property resulting from natural and
human-caused hazards by helping to make
communities more resilient to these hazardous
events before they occur. Communities must
update these plans every five years to keep
them current. , by identifying risks before they
occur and putting together resources,
information, and strategies for emergency
response. Local governments who adopt a
hazard mitigation plan may be eligible for the
following benefits: a more disaster resistant and
resilient community; access to hazard
mitigation assistance grants and programs;
points under the National Flood Insurance
Program’s Community Rating System (CRS);
and the waiver of the 6.25 percent local match
for Public Assistance money following a
disaster. The City first developed a multijurisdictional LHMP in partnership with the Association of Bay Area Governments
(ABAG) in 2005 in the Multi-Jurisdictional
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJ-LHMP) for
the San Francisco Bay Area. Since then,
Belmont has participated in a multijurisdictional LHMP with other communities in San Mateo County. Belmont’s LHMP was
last updated as an annex to the County of San
Mateo’s Multijurisdictional Hazard Mitigation
Plan, which was updated in 2021 (available for
reference at http://planning.smcgov.org/localhazard- mitigation-plan). Belmont’s LHMP, which is a community-specific annex to the
county-wide LHMP, identifies specific actions
the City is taking to mitigate impacts from
flooding, earthquakes, wildfires, and other
emergency events, as well as climate change
adaptation and resiliency strategies. The
current San Mateo County Multi-jurisdictional
Hazard Mitigation Plan, as certified by FEMA,
is incorporated into this Safety Element by
reference, as permitted by California
Government Code Section 65302.6. The
LHMP is available for reference at
http://planning.smcgov.org/local-hazardmitigation-plan.

Emergency Alert System
San Mateo County Alert (SMC Alert) is the
primary emergency alert system in Belmont.

Messages sent vary from agency to agency.

SMC Alert can be used to issue warnings for
emergencies such as floods, fires, severe
weather, and tsunami. This system can notify
the community about the locations of
emergency shelters, provide information about
available evacuation routes, and activate special
teams within the community such as CERT
volunteers. Communities may use SMC Alert
for large, city-wide emergencies as well as
smaller situations, such as traffic accidents,
fires, street closures, flooding, and related
incidents. Community members opt in to
receive SMC Alert messages and can receive
alerts via email, cell phones, and voice
messages to landline phones. Alerts are
available in a wide variety of languages,
including English, Chinese, Spanish, and
Tagalog, among many others. Spanish,
Chinese, and Japanese are the primary
languages in Belmont among households that
are not fluent in English. Individuals can sign
up for SMC Alert via the County’s website:
540
BELMONT GENERAL PLAN 6-45
https://www.smart911.com/smart911/ref/reg.ac
tion?pa=smcgov.

Another alert system includes Wireless
Emergency Alerts (WEAs), which are short
emergency messages from authorized public
alerting authorities that can be broadcast from
cell towers to any WEA‐enabled mobile device
in a locally targeted area. Wireless providers
primarily use cell broadcast technology for
WEA message delivery. WEA is a partnership
among FEMA, the Federal Communications
Commission, and wireless providers to
enhance public safety.

Additionally, the Genasys EVAC platform is
used to assist with evacuation management and
notification during emergencies. The Police
Department has also equipped all patrol
vehicles with hi-lo warning tones to assist with
evacuations in the event of an emergency.

Social media and community platforms are
typically used for routine and non-emergency
messaging. However, emergency information
is also reposted on these platforms in order to
maximize reach to the public.

Evacuations
In a major disaster, some parts of Belmont may
have to evacuate. The exact routes and
destinations will vary depending on the
emergency, but recommended routes will likely
include Highway 101, Harbor Boulevard, El
Camino Real, Ralston Avenue, and Alameda
de las Pulgas. Some evacuation routes may be
damaged or blocked by emergency conditions,
such as floodwaters or landslides that can block
roads or earthquakes that may collapse bridges
and overpasses. Emergency managers will
direct community members to the safest routes
given emergency conditions, roadway capacity,
evacuation destinations, and other factors. If an
evacuation is needed, the Belmont Police
Department will lead evacuation efforts, in
coordination with the San Mateo Consolidated
Fire Department and neighboring emergency
response staff. Local staff will also coordinate
with San Mateo County Emergency
Management
Not all Belmont residents may be able to
evacuate safely on their own. People who are
unable to drive on their own will need
assistance to evacuate. This includes some
older adults and persons with disabilities. It also
includes households without a functioning
vehicle, or if there is not a vehicle available at
the time an evacuation is called. Friends and
neighbors can assist with evacuation in these
cases, and emergency managers may attempt to
locate additional transportation options which
can support evacuation needs. Residents and
community members are encouraged to plan
ahead for evacuations, including
communicating with family members, friends,
neighbors, and organizations who may be able
to provide timely support in the event of an
emergency evacuation. However, additional
evacuation assistance may be needed,
especially in the case of a large evacuation.

Some locations in Belmont also face evacuation
challenges because there is only a single road in
and out of these areas. If these roads are
blocked by a hazards, such as a fallen tree or
debris from a landslide, the lack of a secondary
evacuation route can delay or prevent safe
evacuations or emergency responses. Section
65302(g)(5) of the California Government
Code requires that the Safety Element identify
the residential parcels in Belmont that lack at
least two points of access. Figure 6-13 shows
these areas, which are located throughout
Belmont.

Countywide Flood Early Warning
System
OneShoreline is managing, upgrading, and
expanding the San Mateo County flood early
warning system to support emergency alerts
and preparedness. The flood early warning
system is an integrated network of stream,
precipitation, and tide stations located to
monitor real-time conditions. This system
provides two major functions: an alert system,
and data collection to proactively plan and
implement stormwater management solutions.

If water levels reach established thresholds,
alerts are released to DEMSan Mateo County
Emergency Management and local jurisdiction
staff to watch conditions more carefully and to
provide warning for when flood impacts may be
expected. If a flood notice is warranted, the
541
6-46 SAFETY ELEMENT
circles on the map will become orange (watch)
or red (warning). Alert thresholds have been
established for creeks throughout the county,
including lower Belmont Creek, based on
historic information and modeling.

OneShoreline continues to explore methods
for data collection, presentation, and decisionmaking. Data collected is made available through a public interface.

POLICE
Facilities and Staffing
Located in Belmont’s City Hall and shown on
Figure 6-1347, Public Safety Facilities, the
Belmont Police Department is a full- service
police agency. Table 6-6 shows the staffing of
the Ppolice Ddepartment by divisions. In
addition to full-time staff shown, the Police
Department also receives support from Reserve
Police Officers, Police Explorers, and Citizen
Volunteers. The Belmont Police Department
participates in the San Mateo County Sheriff’s
Regional SWAT Team and Crisis Negotiation
Unit, by providing both SWAT Operators and
Crisis Negotiators.

The Department has specialized units of K9,
Traffic Officer, Detective, Field Training
Officer, SWAT Operator, Crisis Negotiation,
Drone Pilot, and Crime Scene Investigation,
which are made up of personnel from various
parts of the department. Assignment to these
units is considered a collateral duty.

The police department maintains strong
relationships with surrounding agencies,
including law enforcement, fire service and
emergency management. The relationships
enable effective and efficient use of mutual aid
resources in the planning and response to
emergencies. The police department has also
had a large focus on emergency management
and preparedness both at the local and regional
level,
Response Time and Service
Standards
The Belmont Police Department has an
average response time to Priority 1 calls of four
five minutes and two seconds (5:02) in 2024
and a service ratio of 1.02 sworn officers per
1,000 residents. Currently, the Department
does not have any standards set for its response
time or service ratio.

Table 6-6: Belmont Police
Department Staffing
by Divisions*
Divisions Number of
Employees
Administration 65
Operations Divisions
Patrol 199
Traffic 2
Community Service 32
Code Enforcement 1
Support Professional Services Division
Records 23
Communications 56
Investigations 43
Youth Services/
School Resources
12 Total 3943
Source: City of Belmont, 202614. *Authorized Positions
SAFETY
542
BELMONT GENERAL PLAN 6-47
543
6-48 SAFETY ELEMENT
Figure 6-13 Evacuation-Constrained Residential Parcels
544
BELMONT GENERAL PLAN 6-49
545
6-50 SAFETY ELEMENT
Figure 6-134 Public Safety Facilities

546
BELMONT GENERAL PLAN 6-51
FIRE
The San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department (SMC
Fire) provides fire protection services to Belmont.

SMC Fire was formed by the merger of the fire
departments of San Mateo, Foster City, and Belmont.

The department began operations in 2019 and
operates two fire stations in Belmont: Fire Station 14
at 911 Granada Street and Fire Station 15 at 2701
Cipriani Boulevard. SMC Fire provides fire response
services for Belmont and enforces local fire
regulations, including the California Fire Code.

Compliance with this and similar codes ensures new
development meets the latest fire safety standards,
including the use of fire-resistant materials,
maintaining clearances around structures to prevent
ignitions, and designing sites to facilitate firefighting equipment and personnel during responses.

SMC Fire conducts spot inspections and enforcement
in the WUI areas and oversees vegetation
management programs at the beginning of every fire
season to reduce fuel for potential fires.

Facilities and Staffing
The Belmont Fire Protection District operates two fire
stations (Station 14 and Station 15), as well as a Fire Administration office. Table 6-7 provides a breakdown
of the staffing and facilities of each Belmont station, and the two fire stations are shown on Figure 6-137. As part of a countywide fire service deployment plan, the
City shares fire resources with other cities in San
Mateo County. The jurisdictions altogether utilize 58
engine companies and seven truck companies.

Response Time and Service Area
The Belmont Fire Protection District SMC Fire is one of the designated Paramedic First Response Service Providers of the San Mateo County Pre-Hospital Emergency Medical Services Group. As such, all Belmont engines of the Belmont Fire Protection District (BFPD)SMC Fire are required to maintain a 24/7 advanced life support (ALS) capability, and have a countywide response time standard of six 6 minutes and 59 seconds for medical emergencies. In addition to the City of Belmont, the Belmont Fire Protection DistrictSMC Fire is “first due” to the unincorporated Harbor Industrial Area (HIA) and other nearby unincorporated areas, and portions of the cities of San Mateo and San Carlos because of their proximity to the District’s facilitiesBelmont Fire Stations. The average response time for the Districtepartment was five 5 minutes and 10 30 seconds in 20214.

Table 6-7: Belmont Fire DepartmentSan Mateo Consolidated Fire Department Belmont Fire Station Staffing Staffing by Station
Stations Staffing Fire
Engines Other Key Equipment
Station 14
3 firefighters1 per 24-hr shift
Engine 141
(Type 1
front line)
1 reserve
1 Utility -14 (Utility
Vehicles) 1
HazMmat Van14
(frontline)
HazMat 114 (reserve)
Station 15
3 firefighters1 per 24-hr shift
Engine 151
front line 1
Engine 115
(Type 1
reserve)
Engine
2609 (Type
6)
San Mateo Fire Station
23 3 Firefighters (one per shift)
and one Fire Captain n/a n/a
Fire Administration
Building
1 Administrative Battalion
Chief 1 Management
Analyst
None 1 Staff Car 1 B-4
(Command Vehicles)
Notes:

1. Includes at least one firefighter/paramedic and one fire captain.

SAFETY
547
6-52 SAFETY ELEMENT

2. Part of San Mateo Fire Truck 23 along with Foster City Fire personnel as part of the three cities’ Shared Truck Agreement.A shared Battalion Chief (Battalion 5) is located at Fire Station 23 in San Mateo and is staffed 24/7.

3. Two shared Fire Trucks (Truck 21 and Truck 23) are located at Fire Station 21 and Fire Station 23 and are staffed 24/7.

Source: City of Belmont, 2016.

Insurance Service Organization (ISO)
Rating
Fire departments are rated by ISO’s Public
Protection Classification (PPC) program. The
program uses the Fire Suppression Rating
Schedule (FSRS), which is comprised of a long list
of elements a community may use to fight fires
effectively. Each element is given a point score.

Using the point scores and various formulas, ISO
derives a PPC rating. On a scale of 1 (exemplary
fire protection) to 10 (not meeting minimum
criteria), the District scored a rating of 3.

Belmont Fire Code
The Belmont Fire Code was adopted in 2016 after
the State of California’s adoption of the 2016
California Fire Code (CFC). The current version of
the Belmont Fire Code incorporates the 20222016
CFC and Local Amendments proposed by SMC
Firethe BFPD. The Local Amendments include
modifications that are appropriate to the specific
climatic, geologic, and topographic conditions of
the DistrictDepartment, such as way-finding and
street access improvement, restricted use of
fireworks, and requirements for sprinkler
installations.

GOALS, POLICIES, AND

ACTIONS
This section lists the goals and policies of the Safety Element, as well as specific implementation actions
to enact these policies. Not every policy requires a
separate implementing action, as some policies
reflect ongoing City responsibilities, standard
requirements, or directions that are implemented
through existing regulatory programs or day-to-day
operations.

GOAL 6.1 Minimize risks of property
damage and personal injury posed by
geologic and seismic hazards.

Policy 6.1-1 Continue to maintain and enforce
appropriate standards, including the California
Building Code, to ensure new development is
designed to meet current safety codes and
requirements associated with seismic activity,
including liquefaction. Require public and private
development to be located, designed, and
constructed to minimize the risk of loss of life and
injury in the event of a major earthquake or other
natural disaster
Policy 6.1-1.2 Require public and private
development and infrastructure to be located,
designed, and constructed to minimize the risk of
loss of life and injury in the event of a major
earthquake, landslide, or other natural disaster.

Action 6.1-2a: Design and construct new public
facilities and utility infrastructure (either public
or private) that cross active fault traces to
accommodate horizontal and/or vertical
displacement.

Action 6.1.2b: Review the structural integrity of
all essential service buildings and strengthen,
remove, or replace those that are found unable
to meet current safety standards.

Policy 6.1-32 Continue to regulate
development, including remodeling or structural
rehabilitation, to ensure adequate mitigation of
safety hazards on sites having a history or threat of
seismic dangers, erosion, landslides, or shrink swell.

Policy 6.1-43 Prohibit development in areas at
risk of landslides or high or very high liquefaction
as shown oin Figure 6-2XX, Liquefaction
Susceptibility, or on slopes steeper than 30 percent,
unless detailed site investigations by licensed
engineers ensure that risks do not exist or can be
548
BELMONT GENERAL PLAN 6-53
reduced to acceptable levels and the structure will
be protected for its expected life.

Policy 6.1-54 Continue to require geotechnical
site analysis investigation for proposed
development on sites as specified in the Municipal
Code, prior to allowing site development.

Policy 6.1 -5 Geotechnical studies shall identify
any geologic hazards affecting the proposed project
site, any necessary mitigation measures, and a
statement of the site’s suitability for the proposed
development and whether or not it will be safe from
geologic hazard for its expected life. The study shall
identify net developable areas, if any, based on
landslide or ground shaking potential or erosion
risk. Impacts from the development, such as those
resulting from increased water runoff, shall also be
determined. Such studies must be signed by a
licensed Certified Engineering Geologist or
Geotechnical Engineer and are subject to review
and approval by City staff and/or contracted
employees.

Policy 6.1-6 Require any geotechnical studies
to include the study of expansive and creeping soils,
as well as analysis of erosion, seismic, and other
geotechnical hazards, and make recommendations,
as warranted.

Policy 6.1-7 Prohibit mitigation measures for
potential geotechnical hazards if those measures
could adversely affect surrounding property,
including the use of public rights-of-way, or
adversely affect public health, safety, and welfare.

Policy 6.1-68 Ensure consideration of seismic
and geologic hazards at the earliest possible point
in the development process, preferably before
comprehensive engineering work has commenced.

Policy 6.1-79 Require real estate transactions,
development approval processes, and property
titles to declare known or suspected seismic or
geologic hazards on a property, including areas
suspected of high or very high risk of liquefaction,
shrink swell, or landslide.

Policy 6.1-810 Support efforts to iIdentify and
catalogue structures that may be subject to serious
structural damage in the event of a major
earthquake, such as unreinforced masonry and soft
story buildings, and provide information toconnect
property owners with available information and
resources on ways to pay for seismic rehabilitation
of existing buildingsfinancing options.

Action 6.1-8a: Identify funding opportunities
to assist property owners with seismic retrofit
improvements, prioritizing greater access for
vulnerable populations.

Policy 6.1-12 Update Figure 6-1 as new data
from official, reliable sources is released.

Policy 6.1-9 Evaluate all faults shown on
California Geological Survey Maps and City
Geologic Maps during the development review
process and require adequate setbacks of 50 feet or
more for buildings for human occupancy, where
necessary. Review these maps regularly and update
them as needed.

Policy 6.1-10 Encourage the location of
residential structures and public utilities outside of
landslide prone areas.

Action 6.1-10a: Coordinate with water
providers to ensure adequate emergency water
supplies are available on both sides of active
fault traces in the event of water line failure due
to earthquake.

Policy 6.1-11 Roads and utility lines crossing
fault lines and landslide- prone areas shall include
design and construction techniques to minimize the
risk of failure.

Action 6.1-11a: Develop a Utilities Resilience
Program that examines all existing utility lines
that cross active fault traces to determine their
ability to survive fault movement and the
necessary modifications to withstand
anticipated movement.

Action 6.1-11b: Equip utility lines that cross
active fault traces with shut-off devices and
flexible materials, using the best- available
technology.

Action 6.1-11c: Coordinate with water
providers to ensure adequate emergency water
supplies are available on both sides of active
fault traces in the event of water line failure due
to earthquake or landslide.

Policy 6.1-121 Support erosion prevention of
hillside areas at risk of landslide, as identified in
549
6-54 SAFETY ELEMENT
Figure 6-41, Landslide Susceptibility, by
revegetation or other acceptable through slope
stabilization methods.

Policy 6.1-13 In areas of high potential for
landslides, avoid alteration of the land or hydrology
that is likely to increase the hazard potential,
including:
• Saturation due to drainage or septic
systems;
• Removal of vegetative cover; or
• Steepening of slopes or undercutting the
base of a slope.

GOAL 6.2 Protect the community
from risks to life and property posed by
flooding.

Inland FloodingFlood Hazards and
Watershed Management
Policy 6.2-1 Continue to pursue and
implement flood control programs that reduce
flood vulnerabilities hazards, such as the City’s
Grading Ordinance and, Flood Plain Management
Ordinance, and and guidance from OneShoreline.

Policy 6.2-2 Cooperate Collaborate and
coordinate with federal, State, regional, and local
jurisdictions and agencies involved in the mitigation
of flood hazards from dam inundation, onshore
precipitation, and coastal flooding and inundation,
including consideration of projected sea level
rise.sea level rise, and major flood events.

Policy 6.2-3 Comply with Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) requirements to
regularly update and maintain the Floodplain
Management Regulations outlined in the municipal
code, which identify flood hazard areas and control
development within these areas in order for
residents to qualify for federal flood insurance.

Action 6.2-3a: Review flood hazard policies
and maps in this General Plan and Municipal
Code when updating the Safety Element or as
needed, and incorporate best-available
information regarding 100-, 200-, and 500-year
floodplains and projected sea level rise due to
climate change. Include information from
FEMA, BCDC, OneShoreline, the State
Department of Water Resources, and other
sources as appropriate.

Policy 6.2-4 Increase rating in FEMA's
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
Community Rating System (CRS) by expanding
and revising comprehensive floodplain
management practices.

Policy 6.2-5 Periodically review maps
prepared by FEMA, BCDC, OneShoreline, and
the State Department of Water Resources to
identify changes in mapping of areas subject to
flooding and amend the General Plan andor
Municipal Code as warranted.

Policy 6.2-5 Continue to collaborate with
regional stakeholders and agencies to identify
develop and implement a long-term approach
strategies to that address reduce ongoing flooding
issuesrisks, improve creek function, and ensure
sustainable maintenance, and creek improvements
forof Belmont Creek, particularly in the vulnerable
lower portions of the creek. See also Policy 5.4-1 in the Conservation Element.

Action 6.2-5a: In partnership Partners with
OneShoreline, San Mateo County, and the City
of San Carlos, Caltrans, and Caltrain to
implement the Belmont Creek Watershed
Management Plan, including prioritization of
multi-benefit flood management projects,
habitat restoration opportunities, and long-term
maintenance responsibilities.

Community Preparedness and Equity
Policy 6.2-6 Partner with Community-Based
Organizations and OneShoreline to identify
financial assistance options for low-resourced
households to harden homes against flooding.

Policy 6.2-7 Co-create flooding preparation
and response action plans with community
members to complement technical expertise with
local knowledge.

Action 6.2-7a: Partner with Community-Based
OrganizationsCBOs such as Climate Resilient
Communities to establish a working group and
process to create flooding preparation and
response plans with community members.

Policy 6.2-8 6Educate residents and property
owners on how to reduce risk from flooding and
SAFETY
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BELMONT GENERAL PLAN 6-55
the benefits of flood insurance for households in
areas with increasing flood risk.

Development, Critical Facilities and
Infrastructure, and Dam Safety
Policy 6.2-9 Ensure thatRequire all proposed
drainage facilities to are designed and comply with
the city’s storm drainage facility requirements to
ensure they are properly sized to hfor to
accommodateandle current and future 100-year
flood conditions as climate conditions change over
time.

Action 6.2-9aa: Maintain and regularly update
the Storm Drain Master Plan to incorporate
updated information and verify assumptions
based on changing climatic conditions.

Policy 6.2-10 Support ongoing maintenance and
improvement of the City’s storm drainage system
Seek to reduce flooding vulnerabilities hazards by
continuing to implement improvements and
upgrades toover time the storm drainage system.

See also Goal 5.9 and Policy 5.9-1 in the
Conservation Element.

Policy 6.2-11 Encourage the
incorporationIncrease the amount of landscaped
area and permeable surfaces in the design of public
and private projects to improve stormwater
infiltration and reduce runoffdrainage.

Policy 6.2-12 Explore opportunities to amend
the zoning code to incorporate green infrastructure
into private development standards to promote onsite stormwater management and reduce impervious surface coverage.

Policy 6.2-13 Require hardening against
flooding for new buildings in flood hazard areas
designated a 100-year and 500-year floodplaito
incorporate flood resilient design.

Policy 6.2-14 Require installation of protective
structures or other design measures, prioritizing
nature-based or hybrid solutions combining grey
and green infrastructure elements, to protect
proposed and existing building and development
sites from the effects of flooding in 100-year and
500-year Flood Zones and areas with projected sea
level rise.

Policy 6.2-15 Protect or relocate underground
utility infrastructure that is located in areas prone to flooding.

Action 6.2-15a: Conduct a study of existing
utility infrastructure that is in existing and
projected flood-prone areas to determine and
prioritize which need hardening and which
would benefit from relocation.

Policy 6.2-162 Coordinate with Caltrain to
improve drainage adjacent to and beneath rail
tracks or elevate tracks.

Policy 6.2-17 Comply with all requirements of
the California Department of Water Resources’
Division of Safety ofDamsto ensure adequate flood
control for Notre Dame Dam.

Action 6.2-17a 6.2-7a: Update Notre Dame
Dam’s emergency action plan and adopt an
evacuation plan for the area below the dam that
could be subject to flooding in the event of dam
failure.

Action 6.2-173b 6.2-7b: Study and implement,
as necessary, improvements that are needed for
Notre Dame Dam that could prevent dam
failure.

Policy 6.2-10 Continue to comply with the
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit
requirements for municipal authorities to address
water quality and flow-related impacts of
stormwater runoff; continue
Policy 6.2-1880 Continue to comply with
the Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit
requirements for municipal authorities to address
water quality and flow-related impacts of
stormwater runoff; and continue to participate in
the San Mateo Countywide Water Pollution
Prevention Program
Policy 6.2-19191 Continue to enforce
NPDES permits in Belmont; and continue to
Green Infrastructure: Green infrastructure is
infrastructure that uses plant or soil systems,
permeable surfaces, landscaping, and similar
systems to store stormwater, allow it to
infiltrate into the ground, and reduce runoff
and flows into storm sewers.
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6-56 SAFETY ELEMENT
participate in the San Mateo Countywide Water
Pollution Prevention Program.

Policy 6.2-11 Comply with Section 402(p) of the
federal Clean Water Act, as amended by the Water
Quality Act of 1987, which requires NPDES
permits for stormwater discharges from municipal
storm sewer systems, stormwater discharges
associated with industrial activity (including
construction activities), and designated stormwater
discharges.

Policy 6.2-190 12 Site critical public
facilities, including hospital and healthcare
facilities; emergency shelters; police and fire
stations; and emergency communications facilities
outside of the 100-year Flood Zones and areas
prone to sea level rise and emergent groundwater
to the extent feasible. In circumstances that
arewhere this is infeasible, require site design and
mitigation measuresefforts that address flood risk.

Policy 6.2-20214 Support and implement
the City’s Lovcal Hazard Mitigation Plan and
Climate Action Plan’s adaptation strategies and
measures that promote resiliency to sea level rise
and increased flooding as a result of climate change.

See also Policy 5.11.-3 in the Conservation Element.

Sea Level Rise
Policy 6.2-5 213 Working with the Office
of Emergency Services and in partnership with San
Mateo County, the Bay Conservation and
Development Commission (BCDC),
OneShoreline, and neighboring jurisdictions,
develop a strategy for addressing sea level rise and
its impacts on affected land within Belmont.

Action 6.2-2413a: In coordination with
OneShoreline, develop a Belmont Sea Level
Rise Adaptation Plan consistent with Senate
Bill 272 requirements to develop a clearly
defined and locally supported suite of
adaptation strategies for projected sea level rise,
compound flooding. emergent groundwater,
and coastal erosion. This pPlan should expand
the understanding of sea level rise risks to
Belmont, communicate these risks to the
public, prioritize vulnerabilities, and develop
implementable adaptation strategies and
pathways that pairs updated land use policies,
zoning and building code revisions, improved
data collection/monitoring, and built and
natural infrastructure project planning. For any
infrastructure project measures, the pPlan
should include specific recommendations to
plan, fund, design, and construct such
measures and discuss opportunities for
regional collaboration and coordination with
OneShoreline and other jurisdictions within
the same Operational Landscape Unit as set
forth by the San Francisco Bay Shoreline
Adaptation Atlas.

Policy 6.2-22 Working with the Office
of Emergency Services and in partnership with
San Mateo CountyOneShoreline, regularly
review and update the City’s sea level rise
mitigation approach to incorporate revised
predictions and best practices. develop a
strategy for addressing sea level rise and its
impacts on affected land within Belmont.

Utilize the San Mateo County Local Hazard
Mitigation Plan update and implementation
efforts to map and assess risk and develop
appropriate mitigation.

Policy 6.2-23 Integrate planning for sea level rise
and resulting emergent groundwater into all
relevant City processes related to development,
including specific plans, zoning ordinance updates,
and City entitlement of new development, and
Capital Improvement Projects.

Action 6.2-23a: Establish an interdepartmental
sea level rise working group to review and
revise as necessary City planning processes and
development standards to incorporate the
latest sea level rise projections.

Action 6.2-23b: Collaborate with OneShoreline to
evaluate, and amend, if necessary, the City’s
building code, zoning ordinance, and other
development standards to ensure that new and/or
substantial construction adequately incorporate
major storms, sea level rise, emergent groundwater,
and other climate impacts into siting and design.

Regularly review (at least every six years, consistent
with every other building code cycle) and update
the building code, zoning ordinance, and
development standards to align with best practices.

Policy 6.2-245 Require planning and design of
new buildings in sea level rise hazard areas to
address projected sea levels for the life of the
project.
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BELMONT GENERAL PLAN 6-57
Action 6.2-2645a: Develop a policy and
process to analyze and plan public capital
projects vulnerable to sea level rise, and
emergent groundwater as shown in Figures 6-7
and 6-8XX, over the life of the project. For
projects proposed in these areas, prepare and
incorporate Evaluate an Adaptation Pathway
for capital projects based on project lifespan,
vulnerability to damage and closure during a
storm event, and risk of costly repairs and
impact of disruption of public services.

Action 6.2-245b: Develop standards or
guidelines for private development projects
proposed within sea level rise and emergent
groundwater hazard areas, as shown in Figures
6-7 and 6-8. These may include potential
amendments to the zoning code or
development standards to evaluate flood
vulnerability over the anticipated life of the
project, such as requirements or incentives for
adaptive design measures.

Policy 6.2-256 Prioritize the use of natural
infrastructure to address reduce the risks of coastal
hazards, including the protection, restoration, and
expansion of existing coastal habitats, consistent
with the Conservation Element habitat
conservation policies. Evaluate the use or
restoration of natural features and ecosystem
processes in shoreline infrastructure projects, –
such as salt marshes, –and incorporate these
features to the greatest extent feasible to conserve
ecosystem values and functions, which benefit
people and wildlife.

Policy 6.2-267Prepare stormwater systems for
projected sea level rise to ensure safe conveyance,
treatment, and management of stormwater as sea
level and groundwaters rise, flooding increases, and
rainfall change over time.

Action 6.2-267a: Amend the Floodplain
Management Regulations of the municipal
code to apply to areas subject to sea level rise
and emergent groundwater under at least a
medium-high risk aversion scenario by 2100.

Policy 6.2-278 Explore requiring new public and
private development in areas prone to sea level rise
or emergent groundwater areas, as shown in Figure
6-7XX and Figure 6-8 XX to:
• Have a minimum lowest floor elevation of
4 feet above the current base flood
elevation and elevate critical equipment.
• Maximize the use of natural infrastructure
for flood resilience (i.e., wetland
restoration, green stormwater
infrastructure, flood plain restoration, and
open space protection) before considering
hardened structures.
• Assess and plan for future flood and
erosion conditions for the life of the
project.
• Contribute to regional shoreline
infrastructure funds.
• Assess how risks of liquefaction, slope
instability, erosion, sea level rise, and
groundwater rise may compound each
other and design accordingly or avoid
development in areas where risk is too
great.
• If located on a contaminated site, account
for impacts of rising shallow groundwater
on contaminant mobilization in project
design and all steps of the site
remediation process, in coordination with
the relevant agencies responsible for the
Adaptation PathwayGreen Infrastructure:

Green infrastructure is infrastructure that
uses plant or soil systems, permeable
surfaces, landscaping, and similar systems to
store stormwater, allow it to infiltrate into
the ground, and reduce runoff and flows
into storm sewersA planning approach that
defines a sequence of adaptation actions that
are triggered by observable events and
impacts over time to achieve defined
objectives under changing conditions, rather
than committing to a single fixed solution
upfront .
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6-58 SAFETY ELEMENT
remediation plan for the site.

Action 6.2-278a: Develop and periodically
adjust development and infrastructure design
standards to address asset-specific
vulnerabilities associated with future flooding,
sea level rise, and shallow groundwater rise.

Policy 6.2-2829Develop a Buffer Zone of at least
100 feet from the San Francisco Bay shoreline to
provide space to accommodate and maintain built
and natural infrastructure for flood protection,
habitat restoration, and public access.

Policy 6.2-290When planning for sea level rise,
coordinate efforts across the various sectors of local
government, community-based organizations, and
private businesses located in areas subject to sea
level rise.

Policy 6.2-301 Consider managed retreat as a tool
to protect communities and infrastructure from
harm due to sea level rise and emergent
groundwater.

Action 6.2-301a: Explore ways to educate
community members about managed retreat in
response to sea level rise and associated
emergent groundwater.

Emergent Groundwater
Policy 6.2-312 Require new buildings in
emergent groundwater areas, as identified on
Figure 6-8, to assess the vulnerability to shallow
groundwater rise through a geotechnical
investigation and incorporate project measures to
monitor and reduce seasonal and permanent
impacts, including buoyancy, seepage, infiltration,
liquefaction, corrosion, and contaminant
mobilization hazards.

Action 6.2-312a: Work with OneShoreline
and adjacent jurisdictions as appropriate to
incorporate regionally coordinated adaptation
strategies for shallow groundwater rise into the
City’s Sea Level Rise Adaptation Plan, General
Plan, Capital Improvement Plan, and
Municipal Code. Adaptation strategies can
include updated land use policies, building
code revisions, infrastructure investments,
better monitoring systems, and nature-based
solutions.

Action 6.2-31ba: Establish a list of facilities that
use, manufacture, store, or transport hazardous
materials that are impacted by projected
emergent groundwater and regularly update
that list to incorporate the latest emergent
groundwater level projections.

Policy 6.2-32 Promote the remediation of
hazardous materials sites in areas identified in
Figures 6-7 and 6-8 as vulnerable to sea level rise
and emergent groundwater. Monitor any
environmental justice issues associated with
remediation.

GOAL 6.3 Protect soils, surface water,
and groundwater from contamination from
hazardous materials.

Policy 6.3-1 Facilitate clean upclean-up
programs at contaminated sites, particularly on
properties with the potential to develop or be
reused for public purposes.

Policy 6.3-2 Require applicants for
development projects in a potentially contaminated
location to perform inspection and cleanup if the
site is found to be contaminated with hazardous
substances.

Policy 6.3-3 Require project applicants of
potentially contaminated sites to have the The site
must be inspected by a registered Environmental
Assessor. Reports detailing the results must be
submitted for City review, and the level of
remediation and cleanup must be in
compliancecomply with federal and State
standards.

GOAL 6.4 Continue to promote the
reduction, recycling, and safe disposal of
household and business hazardous wastes
through public education and awareness.

Policy 6.4-1 Continue to support the
hazardous waste collection, management, and
inspection efforts of San Mateo County, the State,
and the Water Resources Control Board.

Policy 6.4-2 Educate residents and businesses
about household hazardous wastes, less toxic
materials that can be used in place of toxic
materials, and proper household and business
hazardous waste disposal methods.

GOAL 6.5 Ensure that utilities essential
to contemporary life are available and
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BELMONT GENERAL PLAN 6-59
adequate to meet the demands of the
Belmont community while also ensuring the
utilities maintain and enhance Belmont’s
physical diversity, visual qualities, and smalltown characteristics.

Policy 6.5-1 Facilitate the upgrading of Work
with external utility agencies and companies to
upgrade facilities infrastructure and services,
including projects to improve utility safety.

Policy 6.5-1-.2 Support the development of
infrastructure necessary for improved and
emerging technologies that all residents may use
and benefit from in Belmont, including
communication technologies such as fiber optics.

Policy 6.5-32 Require new development to
underground service lines and utilities., and
Policy 6.5-4 Ccontinue to pursue and
implement projects to underground existing
overhead utility lines.

Action 6.5-4a 6.5-2a: Develop a list of projects
to pursue that could qualify for PG&E’s
Electric Undergrounding Program under the
provisions of the company’s Rule 20A.

Action 6.5-4b: Support PG&E in identifying
areas for undergrounding utilities to improve
energy resilience and reduce the risk of wildfire
per Senate Bill 884.

Policy 6.5-53 Facilitate approval of telecommunication utility projects consistent with State and federal law, while ensuring that these projects
have minimal negative impacts on the Belmont
community.

Action 6.5-5a 6.5-3a: Continue to dDetermine
and specify which locations in Belmont are
preferred locations for telecommunications
utilities projections, such as parks or land
already used for public utilities.

Action 6.5-3b: Update the Zoning Ordinance to
include new procedures and regulations
concerning the approval of telecommunication
utilities projects, including wireless
communications, cell phone, telephone,
Internet, satel- lite, and cable television utilities,
to facilitate compliance with State and federal
law.

Action 6.5-3c: The updated procedures and
regulations for telecommunication facili- ties
projects should include: detailed instructions
and clear requirements for what the City
considers a complete application for a project;
a citywide template for conditions of project
approval; definition of ridgelines and vistas that
should be protected; requirements for public
noticing and hearings, including requirements
for the applicant’s participation;administrative
procedures for City Staff across departments to
ensure that applications are processed quickly
and efficiently internally; clear sequencing
when review is required by multiple bodies;
and remedies for ongoing Code violations
Policy 6.5-64 Approve new freestanding
telecommunication towers only when no feasible
alternatives exist.

Policy 6.5-75 Require all new development to be
connected to the City’s sewer system.

Policy 6.5-86 Continue participation in a
Community Choice Aggregation (CCA)
programPeninsula Clean Energy.

GOAL 6.6 Protect Belmont residents and
businesses from potential fire hazards.Do
Policy 6.6-1 Support efforts by the San Mateo
Consolidated Fire Department Belmont Fire
Protection District to meet its response time
standards throughout Belmont, especially in areas
in the Wildland Urban Interfacefire hazard severity
zones.

Policy 6.6-2 Work with the Mid-Peninsula
Water District to maintain adequate water supply
for firefighting, including capacity for peak load
under a reasonable worst case wildland fire
scenario, to be determined by the San Mateo
Consolidated Fire DepartmentBelmont Fire
Protection District. In evaluating sites for new water
storage facilities, place a priority on locations least subject to impacts from seismic activity and
landsliding.

Policy 6.6-3 Continue to review development
proposals to ensure that they incorporate
appropriate fire-mitigation measures, including
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6-60 SAFETY ELEMENT
adequate provisions for evacuation and access by
emergency responders.

Action 6.6-3a: Create a development review
checklist consisting of all fire-mitigation and
evacuation measures applicable to Belmont
properties both in and outside of the fire
hazard severity zones.

Policy 6.6-4 Continue the San Mateo
Consolidated Fire DepartmentBelmont Fire
Protection District’s participation in plan review of
new buildings in hHigh or vVery hHigh fire hazard
severity zones, and Wildland Urban Interface
areaspotentially fire- prone areas.

Policy 6.6-5 Continue to require a fire
prevention inspection of all buildings used as
commercial businesses, places of assembly, multifamily residences, and hotels within the Belmont Fire Protection DistrictSan Mateo Consolidated
Fire Department’s boundaries.

Policy 6.6-6 Promote and support the San
Mateo Consolidated Fire Department’s’
Vegetation Management Program to reduce fire
hazards, particularly in areas in the Wildland
Urban Interfacefire hazard severity zones.

Policy 6.6-7 Continue to participate in State
and regional efforts to develop a clear legislative
and regulatory framework to manage the Wildland
Urban Interfacefire hazard severity zones.

Action 6.6-7a 6.6-7a: Maintain consistency with
the San Mateo and Santa Clara Unit’s Fire
Management Plan to reduce wildland fires in
both counties.

Policy 6.6-8 Continue to fund public
educationing effortsthe public, especially those in
high-risk fire hazard areas, about local fire hazard
prevention programs, including defensible space,
home hardening, landscaping with fire- resistant
plants between residential and open space areas,
weed control, brush control, controlled burns, and
placement of trails and roads to serve as firebreaks.

Policy 6.6-98 Work cooperatively with the
Belmont Fire Protection DistrictSan Mateo
Consolidated Fire Department to promote public
awareness of fire safety and emergency life support.

Policy 6.6-9 Continue to require development
located within the VHFHSZ to maintain 100 feet
of defensible space consistent with California
Government Code section 51182. See also Policy

2.14-3 in the Land Use Element regarding defensible space.

Policy 6.6-10 Continue to require Require
existing and planned development located within
the Wildland Urban Interfacefire hazard severity
zones (WUI) to follow the code requirements in
Chapter 7A of the California Building Code and
require buildings to be constructed of ignitionresistant materials and methods.

Action 6.6-10b: Develop retrofit guidelines for
existing properties to understand what
improvements may be necessary to comply
with the California Fire Code, local ordinances,
and best management practices.

Policy 6.6-11 Lessen the risk of wildfire and
maintain clear and safe access and evacuation
routes in areas of high and very highmoderate fire
hazard severity by continuing to enforce Belmont
Municipal Code section 7-401, which classifies
nuisances as, in part, overgrown vegetation; dead,
decayed, diseased, or hazardous trees, firewood;
weeds and other vegetation that may be a fire
hazard. enforce Belmont Municipal Code Article
XI: Property Maintenance and Abatement of
Property Nuisances to abate a declared nuisance
that may be a fire hazard.

Action 6.6-11a: Design and ensure all private
roads are maintained to permit unrestricted
emergency equipment and personnel access in
compliance with the California Fire Code, and
local ordinances.

Policy 6.6-12 Continue to offer community
programs that bolster home hardening against fire
risk, including the annual chipping program to
establish and maintain defensible space.

Policy 6.6-13 Coordinate with the San Mateo
Consolidated Fire Department on the need for
additional fire safe design regulations for the
developed, populated areas of the cCity.

Policy 6.6-14 Collaborate with the San Mateo
Consolidated Fire Department to ensure fire
service capabilities are maintained and enhanced
through proactive maintenance of fire equipment
and training of fire personnel.
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BELMONT GENERAL PLAN 6-61
Policy 6.6-15 Ensure adequate public resources
are available in all areas of the City to respond to
health, fire, and police emergencies in all areas of
the city.

GOAL 6.7 Foster an efficient and
coordinated response to emergencies and
natural disasters.

Policy 6.7-1 Incorporate the San Mateo Multijurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, as approved by the Federal Emergency Management
Agency, into this Safety Element by reference, as
permitted by California Government Code Section
65302.6.

Policy 6.7-2 Continue to monitor changes in
the Federal Disaster Act and applicable State laws,
keep City officials and residents aware of the
impacts of these changes, and update as necessary
the City’s Emergency Response Plan, which
provides adequate response to disasters, including
emergency ingress and egress, and defines the
expected roles of City, County, and regional
agencies.

Action 6.7-2a: Maintain and regularly update
the City’s Emergency Response Plan.

Policy 6.7-3 Update City codes and ordinances
dealing with public safety and emergency
preparedness and relief to comply with State law
and reflect the latest information on hazards and
mitigation strategies.

Action 6.7-3a: Update the City’s Municipal
Code – Chapter 8, Civil Defense and Disaster
Relief as needed.

Action 6.7-3b: Update the City’s Fire
Ordinance to comply with State law as needed.

Policy 6.7-4 Continue to upgrade
preparedness strategies and techniques in all
departments so as to be prepared when a disaster,
either natural or human-made, occurs.

Policy 6.7-5 Develop effective mecha- nisms
for a coordinated response to natural and manmade emergencies by:

Policy 6.7-5 Conducting regular emergency
planning meetings and disaster preparedness
exercises with City departments, the Fire
DistrictDepartment, the County, medical centers,
and other emergency service providers and relevant
public agencies.;
Policy 6.7-6 Holding emergency drills that
require all City staff to be adequately trained to
handle different kinds of emergency scenarios.;
and,
Policy 6.7-7 Coordinateing with the County on
regional emergency communications.

Policy 6.7-86 Work with the Mid-Peninsula
Water District to ensure that it has a plan and
infrastructure for providing adequate water service
and storage, including peak load water supply
requirements, during and immediately after an
emergency, including a major seismic event.

Policy 6.7-97 Require companies providing
public utilities in Belmont to have plans for
reestablishing service in the event of a major
seismic event or other natural disaster.

Action 6.7-97a: Work with the San Mateo
Consolidated Fire DepartmentBelmont Fire
Protection District to establish a plan for
addressing redevelopment after a large fire.

Policy 6.7-108 Do not lLocate structures
necessary for the protection of the public’s health
and safety, public assembly, or emergency services
outside ofin identified hazardous areas (see Figures
6-1 through 6-8 and Figure 6-12), unless no
reasonable alternative exists.as feasible.

Policy 6.7-119 Ensure critical use facilities that
are important to protect health and safety in the
community remain operational during an
emergency.

Action 6.7-11a: Install emergency power
supplies at City-owned and -operated critical
facilities.

Policy 6.7-12 Coordinate with surrounding
jurisdictions, school districts, recreation and park
districts, and community-based organizations to
ensure adequate and equitably located emergency
shelters, community resilience centers, and
alternate care sites are available when natural
disasters and other highly hazardous conditions
occur.

Policy 6.7-13 Ensure the designs for new and
significantly renovated community-oriented City
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6-62 SAFETY ELEMENT
facilities allow for flexible uses and support
multiple community purposes, including being
used as community resilience centers.

Policy 6.7-14 Increase resilience of City-owned
facilities by designing and renovating City facilities
to incorporate renewable energy generation
systems, battery energy storage systems, energyefficient design and features, and other sustainability features as feasible.

Policy 6.7-15 Explore secondary means of
ingress and egress for existing development via fire
roads, trails, easement, or other infrastructure in
areas with evacuation constraints in hazard- prone
areas, as shown in Figure 6-12X.

Action 6.7-15a: Evaluate and catalogue all
secondary means of ingress and egress for
existing development.

Policy 6.7-16 Coordinate with transit agencies
and other transit fleet providers, school districts,
community service organizations, and faith-based
organizations to assist with evacuation efforts,
ensuring evacuation services are available to
vulnerable populations, including those with
limited English proficiency, limited mobility, or
limited access to transportation, communication,
and other lifeline resources and services.

Action 6.7-16a: Work with transit, dial-a-ride,
and paratransit services to provide transit
services to and from resilience centers for older
adults and people with disabilities in the
community.

Policy 6.7-17 Collaborate with surrounding
jurisdictions and Caltrans to ensure the adequacy
and readiness of potential evacuation routes serving
the city, including identifying and conducting
ongoing maintenance and improvements to
existing roads to support safe evacuations, as
needed.

Action 6.7-17a: Identify opportunities to
preserve and enhance evacuation route
infrastructure preparedness as part of regular
maintenance activities.

Policy 6.7-18 Maintain potential evacuation
routes to ensure adequate capacity, safety, and
viability of those routes in the event of an
emergency.

Action 6.7-18a: Develop or update emergency
evacuation traffic signal timing plans for all
signals on potential evacuation routes,
prioritizing outbound traffic flow while
maintaining access for emergency vehicles
through traffic signal pre-emption.

Action 6.7-18b: Provide back-up power
systems for all City-owned traffic signals on
potential evacuation routes.

Action 6.7-18c: Designate corridors where
temporary evacuation capacity can be created
through manual traffic direction to optimize
traffic flow, including use of available parking
lanes, shoulders, and bikeways for traffic while
ensuring emergency responder access is
maintained.

Policy 6.7-19 Retrofit and maintain City-owned
roadways as needed to meet the current California
Fire Code and encourage private property owners
to do the same, to the extent feasible and given the
absence of other site constraints.

Policy 6.7-20 In coordination with the San
Mateo Consolidated Fire Department, support and
encourage participation in Community Emergency
Response Team (CERT) training available to
residents and members of the business community
to increase disaster awareness and emergency
response capability.

Policy 6.7-21: Establish a post-disaster recovery
strategy that focuses on community resilience,
environmental sustainability, and an evaluation for
redevelopment potential following a major disaster.

GOAL 6.8 Provide a comprehensive
program of safety services including police,
fire, and medical response in Belmont.

Policy 6.8-1 Continue to respond without
delay to all calls for police assistance as soon as
possible consistent with normal safety precautions
and vehicle laws.

Action 6.8-1a:Policy 6.8-1.2 Establish and
periodically review procedures and response
times to ensure equitable service across the
community.

Action 6.8-1ba: Establish and strive to achieve
response time and service ratio standards for
the Police Department.
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BELMONT GENERAL PLAN 6-63
Policy 6.8-2 Continue to respond
without delay to all calls for fire and emergency
medical assistance as soon as possible
consistent with normal safety precautions and
vehicle laws.

Policy 6.8-2 Action 6.8-2a: Periodically review
procedures and response times to ensure
equitable service across the district.

Policy 6.8-3 Periodically evaluate police and
fire services to ensure that the City is providing
adequate protection in an efficient, cost-effective
manner.

Action 6.8-3a: Maintain inter-jurisdictional
cooperation and coordination, including
mutual- aid agreements with fire protection and
suppression agencies in San Mateo County.

Policy 6.8-4 Continue to partner with schools
and youth organizations to conduct outreach and
develop conflict resolution and form proactive and
creative community partnerships to enhance public
safety.

Policy 6.8-5 Continue to coordinate with the
emergency service and medical service providers to
ensure preparedness and provide emergency
response.

Action 6.8-5a: Ensure annual budgeting cycles
account for current and future emergency
service needs.

GOAL 6.9 Support continuing public
awareness of hazards, including avoidance,
disaster preparedness, and emergency
response procedures.

Policy 6.9-1 Initiate periodic public
information programs that explain the City’s
emergency preparedness programs, including the
emergency communications system, evacuation
routes, the importance of defensible space, the
Community Emergency Response Teams, and
shelter locations.

Action 6.9-1a: Publicize areas at risk of local
hazards, emergency preparedness programs,
evacuation planning resources, and other
efforts to promote resident awareness and
caution regarding hazards, including soil
instability, earthquakes, flooding, and fire.

Policy 6.9-2 Promote programs to educate the
public concerning the nature of earthquake, fire,
and flood hazards in Belmont and measures that
individuals can take to reduce risk.

Policy 6.9-3 Encourage school districts,
agencies, and organizations that work with
vulnerable populations, such as seniors, to develop
and carry out education programs on disaster
preparedness and response needs.

Policy 6.9-4 Encourage the installation of
emergency power supplies, including solar panels
and battery energy storage systems, for residential
and nonresidential properties.

Action 6.9-4a: Identify residents whose health
and safety may be most severely impacted by
power outages and provide support and
assistance in obtaining backup power supplies
and other safety resources.

Policy 6.9-5 Ensure emergency alert systems
provide community members with alerts about
upcoming or current emergency events in
languages and formats accessible to the entire
community.

Policy 6.9-6 Establish early warning and
evacuation systems for hillside residents to evacuate
prior to heavy rains that may lead to landslides and
debris flows.

Policy 6.9-7 Ensure that communication,
education, and information materials on short-term
recovery activities are available to all residents with a focus on accessibility for vulnerable populations.

Action 6.9-7a: Conduct educational campaigns
in multiple languages and offer residents
information on ways to protect their property
and preserve personal health and safety from
various hazards, and on available incentives
and other financial resources.

Policy 6.9-8 Explore joining regional efforts
with other jurisdictions and local community-based
organizations to preserve and improve the cost and
quality of property insurance for property owners
and encourage participation in rental insurance for
renters.

GOAL 6.10 Make infrastructure investments,
enforce regulations, and disseminate information
that will improve disaster response and recovery,
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6-64 SAFETY ELEMENT
with the goal of minimizing damage to people and
property.

Policy 6.10-1 Ensure that new roadways are
developed in accordance with standards in the
Municipal Code (Sec. 7-11) requiring all-weather
access prior to the issuance of building permits. In
all new development, require adequate access to be
provided for emergency vehicles, including
adequate widths, turning radii, hard standing areas,
and vertical clearance; also require home addresses
and street signage to be visible.

GOAL 6.11: Enhance community resilience to
extreme heat through environmentally sustainable
practices and equitable cooling strategies.

Policy 6.11-1 Promote the use of drought‐
tolerant green infrastructure, including permeable
surfaces, bioswales, and an increase in trees and
vegetation, as part of cooling strategies in public and private spaces. Prioritize installation of green
infrastructure and planting trees in areas most
vulnerable to heat.

Policy 6.11-2 Preserve the health of the existing
urban tree canopy to reduce the risk of downed
trees during severe weather and to lessen the
impacts of extreme heat.

Policy 6.11-3 Expand the urban tree canopy to
reduce the impacts of extreme heat.

Action 6.11-3a: Develop an urban greening
plan to enhance public places and open spaces
throughout the community.

Policy 6.11-4 Expand tree-planting programs,
prioritizing areas with limited shade coverage, to
increase shade coverage and reduce the urban heat
island effect. Ensure community participation in
the selection of tree species and planting locations
to address local needs.

Policy 6.11-5 Install shade structures, both
green and built infrastructure, at public facilities,
including parks and along public streets and trails,
to reduce ground surface temperatures. Encourage
the installation of shade structures at facilities
managed by other agencies, including schools and
bus stops.

PolicyAction 6.11-5a: Develop and implement
an extreme heat response plan for the city in
collaboration with community partners,
residents, and neighboring jurisdictions. The
plan will include the establishment of
community cooling centers, weatherization of
public buildings to enhance heat resilience,
temperature thresholds for activating cooling
centers, and targeted cooling strategies to
protect outdoor workers and individuals
experiencing homelessness.

Policy 6.11-6 Encourage developers of new
properties and existing property owners to
incorporate energy-efficient and environmentally
regenerative features into their facilities to reduce
energy demands and improve on-site resilience to
extreme heat and severe weather. Support
financing efforts to increase community access to
these features.

Policy 6.11-7 Develop and implement public
outreach campaigns to educate residents about the
risks of extreme heat, effective heat-mitigation
strategies, and available resources during heat
events.

Action 6.11-7a: Perform targeted multi-lingual
outreach regarding heat advisories, techniques
for staying cool on high heat days, and local
programs providing heat assistance.

Action 6.11-7b: Establish a temperature
threshold that triggers citywide notification and
coordination for opening designated cooling
centers, and ensure timely public
communication to inform residents of
activation, locations, and available services.

Policy 6.11-8 Explore opportunities to develop
mobile providers of water, backup power, and
medical supplies that can be deployed to vulnerable
communities during high heat events, power
outages, and other emergencies.

Policy 6.11-9 Pursue partnerships and funding
opportunities with regional, State, and federal
agencies, as well as private and nonprofit sectors, to
implement heat mitigation and resilience strategies
effectively.

Action 6.11-9a: Use heat vulnerability mapping
to identify and prioritize areas and populations
most at risk. Collaborate with public health
agencies, local governments, and community
organizations to update these assessments
periodically.
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BELMONT GENERAL PLAN 6-65

ENDNOTES
i National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 2023. What are atmospheric rivers? https://www.noaa.gov/stories/what-are-atmospheric-rivers. ii Ackerly, David, Andrew Jones, Mark Stacey, Bruce Riordan. (University of California, Berkeley). 2018. San Francisco Bay Area Summary Report. California’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment. Publication number: CCCA4-SUM-2018-005. iii San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission. 2024. Regional Shoreline Adaptation Plan. https://www.bayadapt.org/wpcontent/uploads/2024/09/BCDC_Draft_Regional_Shoreline_Adaptation_Plan_Appendix-A_Spreads.pdf. iv Ocean Protection Council. 2024. State of California Sea Level Rise Guidance. https://opc.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/California-Sea-Level-Rise-Guidance-2024- 508.pdf.
v Ocean Protection Council. 2024. State of California Sea Level Rise Guidance. https://opc.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/California-Sea-Level-Rise-Guidance-2024- 508.pdf.
vi Ocean Protection Council. 2024. State of California Sea Level Rise Guidance. https://opc.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/California-Sea-Level-Rise-Guidance-2024- 508.pdf.
vii PSE Healthy Energy, 2023. California Public Safety Power Shutoff Interactive Map. https://www.psehealthyenergy.org/work/california-public-safety-power-shutoffinteractive-map/. viii Cal-Adapt. 2024, October 15 (accessed). Extreme Heat Days and Warm Nights. https://cal-adapt.org/tools/extreme-heat. ix Cal-Adapt. 2024, October 15 (accessed). Extreme Heat Days and Warm Nights. https://cal-adapt.org/tools/extreme-heat. x U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. N.d. Climate Impacts on Human Health. https://climatechange.chicago.gov/climate-impacts/climate-impacts-human-health#ref1. xi Cal-Adapt. 2024, October 15 (accessed). Wildfire. https://cal-adapt.org/tools/wildfire. 561
5Conservation Element
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT April 2026
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5-2 CONSERVATION ELEMENT
Belmont’s open spaces are part of the larger regional network of open space on the San Francisco Peninsula. Open space in Belmont is protected for the preservation of natural resources and for public health and safety, among other purposes.

5.1 INTRODUCTION
The Conservation Element establishes goals,
policies, and actions for the conservation of
natural resources in Belmont. This element
addresses open space resources, including
hillsides; biological resources; hydrology, water
quality, and water supply and demand;
wastewater, solid waste, and stormwater
management; air quality and climate change; and
cultural and archaeological resources.

RELATIONSHIP TO STATE LAW
A Conservation Element for the conservation,
development, and utilization of natural
resources, including water, forests, soils, rivers,
wildlife, minerals, and other natural resources is
required to be included in a General Plan by
State law (California Government Code Ssection
65302(d)). The Conservation Element must
consider the effect of development within the
jurisdiction, as described in the Land Use
Element, on natural resources located on public
lands.

RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER GENERAL PLAN

ELEMENTS
The Conservation Element includes open space
for preservation of natural resources and open
space for public health and safety, and it bears
a strong relationship to the Parks, Recreation,
and Open Space Element, which addresses open
space for outdoor recreation. The
Conservation Element also relates to the Safety
Element, as many of the open spaces for public
health and ecological benefits incorporate areas
of increased risk from geological, seismic, and
hydrological hazards. Additionally, the
discussion of water, wastewater, and solid waste
facilities is closely related to the buildout
projected through the General Plan planning
horizon in the Land Use Element.

RELATIONSHIP TO COMMUNITY VISION
This Element provides goals and policies that
support the “natural beauty” values in the
Belmont Community Vision:

Natural Beauty
• We choose to make our home among these
beautiful hills, trees, parks, views, and open
spaces.
• Our natural surroundings inspire us to play,
create, and contemplate.
• Our actions today preserve and enhance
Belmont’s beauty to make it even lovelier for
future generations.
• Our wooded residential areas are diverse,
peaceful, and well maintained.

Photo Credit: Flickr: Marc Smith
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BELMONT GENERAL PLAN 5-3

5.2 OPEN SPACE

RESOURCES

NATURAL RESOURCES OPEN SPACE
Belmont’s extensive open spaces are part of the
regional open space network on the San
Francisco Peninsula. Notable landmarks in
the city include San Juan Hills, Western Hills,
Water Dog Lake, and Belmont Creek. The
watershed for the San Francisco Public Utility
District is located to the west of Belmont, and
Sugarloaf Mountain is located to the north.

These connected open spaces are valuable
because they provide travel corridors for wildlife
and increase wildlife population diversity. They
also play important roles in stormwater
management, ecological functions, and other
environmental conservation efforts.

While the extensive natural open space system
provides numerous benefits for the Belmont
community, it also brings challenges. Human
safety and recreation opportunities must be
balanced with maintaining the proper
functioning of natural systems. For instance, the
City has to manage invasive species, reduce fire
hazards, and maintain trails as part of the effort
to preserve and maintain the open spaces. The
habitats of the natural resources open spaces
found in Belmont are briefly described below
and discussed in more detail in the General Plan
Environmental Impact Report (EIR).

Natural Open Space Habitats in
Belmont
Shown in Figure 5-1, the natural open space
habitats in Belmont vary widely, from tree- and
shrub-dominated habitats in the western hills to
herbaceous-dominated habitats and aquatic
habitats in eastern Belmont. The treedominated habitats include Valley Oak Woodland, Valley Foothill Riparian, Coastal
Oak Woodland, Montaine Hardwood, and Blue
Oak Woodland. Shrub-dominated habitats are
found mostly in the southwestern area of
Belmont and include Chamise- Redshank
Chaparral and Coastal Scrub. Herbaceousdominated habitats include Saline Emergent Wetland near the O’Neill Slough and Annual
Grass in the far western hills. The vegetation
classifications for these areas are shown on
Figure 5-2.

Wetland habitats are found in a few areas in
eastern Belmont, as shown in Figure 5-3. The
O’Neill Slough is an estuarine and marine
wetland, and there are also estuarine and marine
deepwater wetlands in various places in eastern
Belmont, including near the US Highway 101
ramps. Hillside drainages also create seasonal
creeks. Wetlands are considered sensitive
natural communities by several resource
agencies and are given special consideration.

The Conservation Element prioritizes preservation of natural beauty and wildlife habitats.

CONSERVATION
564
5 -4 CONSERVATION ELEMENT
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BELMONT GENERAL PLAN 5-5
566
5 -6 CONSERVATION ELEMENT
567
BELMONT GENERAL PLAN 5-7
568
5-8 CONSERVATION ELEMENT
Some of Belmont’s steepest hillsides are preserved as open space.

Critical Habitat Area Near Belmont
Critical habitat areas are for species listed
under the Federal Endangered Species Act.

These areas contain features that are essential for
the conservation of the species and may require
special management and protection. While
Belmont does not have any critical habitat
areas identified at this time, critical habitat for
the California red-legged frog has been
designated to the west of the Planning Area and
is noted here for its proximity to Belmont’s
western border, as shown on Figure 5-4.

PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY OPEN
SPACE
The natural open spaces in Belmont experience
a number of geological, seismic, and
hydrological impacts, which contribute to their
designation as open spaces rather than areas for
development. Due to the numerous
environmental constraints, most of the natural
open spaces are either entirely undeveloped/
unimproved (even as parkland) or protected with
minimal necessary maintenance.

Two Area Plans – the San Juan Hills Area Plan
(1988) and the Western Hills Area Plan (1990)
- were developed to address the unique
problems and protect the assets of the
individual hillside areas. Both the San Juan Hills
and the Western Hills are beset by a
combination of significant geologic hazards,
hydrological concerns, steep slopes, and
potential wildland fire hazards, which are
discussed in more detail in the Safety Element.

The San Juan Hills Area Plan objectives include
proposed improvements to the wastewater
system, drainage system, and restriction on
roadway expansions. The Western Hills Area
Plan reduces development potential in the area,
increases the provision of open space,
addresses the provision and financing of
infrastructure, mitigates geologic and hydrologic
issues, limits density and intensity of
development, and provides community design
standards.

Some of the natural open spaces that are located
within the San Juan Hills and Western Hills
Area Plans have designated “paper” streets and
lots that have not been developed. Theoretically,
some of these streets and lots could be
developed, consistent with the Area Plans, with
residential or other limited uses; however, the
constraints associated with such development—
not least of which is the difficulty of extending
infrastructure, even if environmental constraints
could be overcome—have left these areas
undeveloped but with an uncertain future.

Updating the Area Plans to maintain consistency
with this General Plan is an important
implementation priority.

Hillside Conservation Zoning
The City addresses hillside conservation through
its Zoning Ordinance. As shown on Figure 5-5,
the Hillside Residential and Open Space (HRO)
zoning districts are located in both the northwest
and southwest portions of Belmont and are
subject to environmental constraints such as
geologic hazards, soil hazards, and inadequate
roadways. The HRO zone regulations restrict
residential developments by FAR, height
limitation, and density reduction on steep slopes.

The Transfer of Development Rights program
applies to subdivided parcels, and incentives to
cluster homes apply to unsubdivided parcels;
these serve to limit development on problematic
sites and minimize new roadway expansion.

Approved by Belmont voters in 2005, Measure F
requires that changes to the existing Hillside
Residential and Open Space Zoning Districts
(HRO-1, HRO-2, and HRO-3) that would
increase the maximum allowed density must be
approved by Belmont voters. Measure F also
requires Belmont voters to approve rezoning
land from a HRO District to another district that
allows increased development density. This is
discussed in more detail in the Land Use
Element.

Photo Credit: Flickr, Robert Gourley

CONSERVATION
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BELMONT GENERAL PLAN 5-9
In 2013, a new zoning district “Open SpacePublic (OS-P)” was approved by the Belmont City Council to preserve significant open space
portion of San Juan Hills, which was previously
zoned under the HRO district. Also shown on
Figure 5-5, the OS-P district currently contains
87 former HRO parcels, including 84
subdivided parcels along Bartlett
Way and three unsubdivided parcels. Under the
OS-P zone regulation, only limited public
facilities are permitted. Expansion of the OS-P
to cover additional areas that are currently zoned
HRO, Agricultural, and other designations as
appropriate should be considered during
implementation of the General Plan. This
action would allow consistent zoning and
subsequent management of the public open
space in Belmont.

The HRO zoning districts restrict residential development on steep slopes
570
5 -10 CONSERVATION ELEMENT
571
BELMONT GENERAL PLAN 5-11

5.3 BIOLOGICAL

RESOURCES
Belmont is generally a developed area with
some large areas of natural open space, and it
is neighbored by other cities to the north, south,
and east, and the Crystal Springs watershed lands
for the San Francisco Public Utilities District to
the west. Certain special- status species have
been known to occur in the Planning Area.

Special-status species are those plants and
animals that, because of their acknowledged
rarity or vulnerability to various causes of habitat
loss or population decline, are recognized in
some fashion by federal, State, or other agencies
as deserving special consideration. The
California Natural Diversity Database
(CNDDB) lists a number of such species that
have been known to occur within and around
the Planning Area, and areas where known
occurrences of these species have been found
are shown in Figure 5-4. The General Plan
EIR includes a more detailed description of each
of these communities and habitats.

FLORA
The white-rayed pentachaeta (Pentachaeta
bellidiflora) and Crystal Springs Fountain Thistle
(Cirsium fontinale) are listed by the State of
California and by the federal government as
Endangered Species and have been recorded to
the west of the Planning Area. The Marin
western flax (Hesperolinon congestum) is a
Threatened Species that has been located west of
Belmont.

Recorded in the western hills of Belmont, the
Franciscan onion (Allium peninsulare var.
franciscanum), arcuate bush-mallow (Malacothamnus
arcuatus), western leatherwood (Dirca occidentalis),
and woodland woolythreads (Monolopia gracilens)
are all species that are not federally- or Statelisted, but have a California Native Plant Society (CNPS) ranking of 1B.2, meaning that they are
rare, threatened, or endangered in California
and elsewhere. The coastal marsh milk-vetch
(Astragalus pycnostachyus var. lanosissimus) and saline clover (Trifolium hydrophilum) are also ranked 1B.2
by CNPS and have been recorded near eastern
Belmont.

FAUNA
The California clapper rail (Rallus longirostris
obsoletus) and salt-marsh harvest mouse
(Reithrodontomys raviventris) are two federally- listed Endangered Species that have been recorded in
the eastern area of Belmont, near the O’Neill
Listed by the California Native Plant Society as rare, threatened, or endangered, the Western Leatherwood is found in the western hills of Belmont.

Other special- status species in Belmont include the Western Pond Turtle.

The Pallid Bat is a special status species that has been recorded in Belmont.

The Salt Marsh Harvest Mouse is an Endangered Species that has been found in the eastern area of Belmont.

Photo Credit: Flickr, California Department of Fish andWildlife Service Photo Credit: Flickr, Jerry Kirkhart Photo Credit: Flickr, Bjorn Erickson/US Fish and Wildlife Service

CONSERVATION
Photo Credit: Flickr, Miguel Vieira
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5-12 CONSERVATION ELEMENT
Slough and beyond. The San Francisco garter
snake (Thamnophis sirtalis tetrataenia) is another
federally- listed Endangered Species that may
exist in the Planning Area and in surrounding
communities. Listed as a Threatened Species by
the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the western
snowy plover (Charadrius nivosus nivosus) has been
recorded in the very eastern portion of the
Planning Area and beyond. The California redlegged frog (Rana draytonii) is another Threatened Species with a critical habitat area located to the
west of the Planning Area, as discussed above in
Section 5.1.

Other special status species in or near the
Planning Area include the San Francisco duskyfooted woodrat (Neotoma fuscipes annectens), western pond turtle (actinemys marmorata), Santa
Cruz kangaroo rat (Dipodomys venustus venustus),
Alameda song sparrow (Melospiza melodia
pusillula), pallid bat (Antrozous pallidus), and
California black rail (Laterallus jamaicensis
coturniculus).

Recorded in the very eastern portion of Belmont, the Western Snowy Plover is a Threatened Species.

5.4 HYDROLOGY, WATER

QUALITY, AND WATER

SUPPLY AND DEMAND
Water resources are important not only for
residents and businesses but also for
sustainability of the natural environment.

Belmont’s natural waterways also contribute to
the character of the community. Careful
stewardship is critical to conserve and protect
water resources, ensure water quality, manage
stormwater, and create a more livable city. Water
quality standards are established and enforced by
the State and the San Francisco Bay Regional
Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB). The
RWQCB also issues general and individual
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System permits for certain activities, per the
federal Water Pollution Control Act.

California Clapper Rail is an Endangered Species that has been recorded in the eastern area of Belmont near the O’Neill Slough and beyond.

This section discusses water resources and
policies that seek to ensure that future
development does not negatively impact water
quality. Water supply, use, and conservation
measures are also addressed. Flooding and
drainage is discussed in the Safety Element.

SURFACE WATER
Surface Water Resources
Shown in Figure 5-3, there are a number of
surface water resources in the city. North of
Ralston Avenue, the eastern branch of Laurel
Creek flows through the San Juan Hills area
down into the City of San Mateo. There are a
number of smaller tributaries in Belmont’s
northwest neighborhoods that contribute to the
creek.

South of Ralston Avenue, Belmont Creek
originates in the hills above Hallmark Drive and
flows from the western hills towards the San
Francisco Bay. It flows through Water Dog
Lake, a man-made reservoir located in the
Western Hills, in the upper portion of the
Belmont Creek drainage area. Below Water
Dog Lake, Belmont Creek runs from west to
east, roughly parallel to Ralston Avenue. The
creek exits the City of Belmont upstream of
Old County Road at Harbor Boulevard, and
then forms the boundary between the Harbor
Industrial Area and the City of San Carlos. It
reenters the City of Belmont east of US Highway
101, and then flows through O’Neill and
Belmont sloughs before discharging to San
Francisco Bay. Additionally, there are several
AnimalPhoto Credit: Flickr, U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Health Inspection Service Wildlife Services
Photo Credit: Flickr, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Pacific Southwest Region 573
BELMONT GENERAL PLAN 5-13
tributaries to Belmont Creek along Carlmont
Drive, Alameda de las Pulgas, and Notre Dame de
Namur University.

East of US Highway 101, O’Neill Slough is
connected to the San Francisco Bay via Belmont
Slough to the east. O’Neill Slough is a brackish mix
of freshwater from the creeks and salt water from
the Bay.

Surface Water Quality
Impacts to water quality result from runoff during
dry and wet weather events, direct discharge
associated with industrial/ commercial activities,
automobiles, and herbicides. Pollutant sources
may be generated from past waste disposal
practices and chemicals and fertilizers applied to
landscaping. Contaminants may include sediment,
PCBs/mercury, hydrocarbons and metals,
pesticides, nutrients, bacteria, and trash.

Treated sewage generated in the Planning Area is
eventually discharged to the San Francisco Bay via
the Silicon Valley Clean Water wastewater
treatment facility, which is located in Redwood
Shores. A small amount of wastewater from
Belmont flows to the San Mateo Wastewater
Treatment Plant.

GROUNDWATER
The Planning Area’s water is supplied by the MidPeninsula Water District, as discussed below, which does not draw relies on surface water sources
rather than groundwater from wells to provide
water service the populations. However, some
private residences in Belmont may have private
wells, which are addressed in Section 26 of the
Belmont Municipal Code.

A valued resource by the Belmont community, Water Dog Lake is a manmade reservoir in the Western Hills area.

Belmont Creek runs from west to east through much of the city, roughly parallel to Ralston Avenue, and serves as a wildlife corridor.

WATER SUPPLY AND DEMAND
State law requires that the Conservation Element
of General Plans be developed in coordination
with water, flood management, water conservation,
and groundwater agencies (Section 65302.2) and
include a discussion and evaluation of water supply
and demand (Section 65352.5). The MidPeninsula Water District (MPWD) provides water for the City of Belmont, and it prepared an Urban
Water Management Plan (UWMP) in 202115,
which is the source for the information presented
in this section. MPWD is a member of the Bay
Area Water Supply and Conservation Agency
(BAWSCA), which represents cities, water
districts, and a water company across San Mateo,
Santa Clara, and Alameda counties that purchase
water from the San Francisco Public Utilities
Commission (SFPUC). MPWD participates in a
number of the regional water conservation
initiatives coordinated by BAWSCA. In addition,
MPWD also coordinates with the City of Belmont,
City of San Carlos, San Mateo County, Silicon
Valley Clean Water, and Belmont-San Carlosthe
San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department in the
preparation of the Urban Water Management
Plan.

Photo Credit: Flickr, Christopher Carfi
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5 -14 CONSERVATION ELEMENT
Potable Water Supply and Demand
MPWD provides potable water to the Planning
Area, and potable water facilities are shown
on Figure5-6. The District’s service area
covers the City of Belmont, small portions
of the City of San Carlos, Redwood City, and
parts of unincorporated San Mateo County.

Currently, the District purchases all of its water
from the SFPUC. Most of the water supply is
drawn from the Sierra Nevada Mountains
through the Hetch Hetchy Regional System,
and the rest is produced by the SFPUC from
its local watersheds and facilities in Alameda
and San Mateo counties. None of the
alternative water sources within Belmont,
including surface water, groundwater, and
recycled water, are currently viable or
financially feasible to be developed.

Water demand fluctuates in relation to the
local development. Due to trends in
development and the changing economy,
demand from commercial and industrial
sectors is expected to rise over the planning
horizon of the General Plan, as discussed in the
Land Use Element. In addition, proposed new
housing and employment growth indicate more
water use in the future. However, water use is
gradually expected to trend downward because
of conservation efforts. Water use for single-
family homes is projected to decrease while use
for multi-family housing is projected to increase
between 2025 and 2045., as shown in multi-
family residential water demand, which is
anticipated to decline from 2020 to 2035. Table
5-1 shows the projected water demand in the
MPWD service area, as presented in the
202015 Urban Water Management Plan,
between 20215 and 20435. Water supplies for
20215-20435 are provided in Table 5-2.

According to the 2015 UWMP, MPWD’s
maximum guaranteed supply, known as its
maximum wholesale allocation, is 1,420 million
gallons (MG) per year, or 3.891 million gallons
per day (mgd), in accordance with its contract
with SFPUC. An Interim SupplyAllocation was
imposed by the SFPUC that reduces the supply
to 3.71 mgd (1,354 MG per year) through 2018.

A comparison of water supply and demand is
provided in Tables5-3 and 5-4XX. According
to the 202015 UWMP, MPWD’s water supply
is sufficient to meet current and projected
demands in normal year conditions through
2045.

Belmont’s natural waterways and creeks contribute to the character of the community while performing ecological functions.
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BELMONT GENERAL PLAN 5-15
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5-16 CONSERVATION ELEMENT
Drought
Drought conditions can affect the reliability of
Belmont’s water supply. A drought is where
conditions are drier than normal for an
extended period, making less water available for
people and ecosystems. Drought is part of a
normal climate cycle in California, but
prolonged drought conditions can harm
ecosystems and the regional economy. Though
droughts do not typically cause direct loss of life
or structural damage, they can lead to critical
environmental and economic harm, including
higher water costs, habitat degradation, and
heightened wildfire risks. Increases in water
demand exacerbate these impacts, complicating
water allocation and potentially leading to
restrictions and water quality issues. Decreased
groundwater negatively impacts stream flows,
particularly in summer. Prolonged drought
conditions also increase wildfire susceptibility
due to drier vegetation, particularly in the
western portion of the city.

Climate change is likely to result in more
frequent and severe droughts across the state.

Overall, precipitation levels are expected to
increase slightly in Belmont, from a historical
annual average (as measured between 1961 and
1990) of 22.5 to 25.1 inches by midcentury
(2035 to 2064) and 27.6 inches by late century
(2070 to 2099). However, more years with
extreme levels of precipitation, both high and
low, are likely due to climate change. Reduced
winter precipitation levels and warmer
temperatures have already decreased the size of
the Sierra Nevada snowpack (the volume of
accumulated snow), which in turn makes less
fresh water available for communities
throughout California.i More intense droughts
are expected to harden soil and cause aquifer
levels to drop due to reduced groundwater
recharge. When rains returns, more water may
run off rather than infiltrate into soils,
potentially causing downstream flooding.

Higher temperatures are expected to further
increase evaporation, worsening drought
conditions. Table 5-4XX shows the supply and
demand totals for a single- dry year as provided
by MPWD. In drought conditions, MPWD is
unable to meet demand if demand is not
reduced in drought years.

TABLE 5-1: Potable and Raw Water Demand 202515-20435 (in AFMG1) Sector 202520152 203020203 202532035 203032040 203532045 Single- Family Residential 8,146429 6128,094 6138,108 6107,997 6137,948 Multif-Family Residential 1402,204 1872,370 1862,499 1832,2720 1832,464 Commercial 1462,345 2102,301 2232,368 2372,409 2482,464 Industrial 3121 5431 5031 4731 4331
Public Authority 49718 63722 64755 66787 67924
Demand 785 1,126 1,136 1,143 1,154
Losses 85355 89170 73904 75912 77920
Production
RequirementTotal
84014,418 1,19614,530 1,20914, 786 1,21814,977 1,23115,279 Notes:

1. AFMG=Acre FeetMillion Gallons
MPWD actual 2015 metered data. MPWD consumption data from MPWD’s Continental Utility Solutions, Inc., (CUSI) billing system.

2. Future projections source: BAWSCA Regional Water Demand and Conservation Projections Report (MWM, September 2014).

Projected water use includes plumbing code savings2020 Urban Water Management Plan Mid- Peninsula Water District.

Source: MPWD Urban Water Management Plan 20152020.
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BELMONT GENERAL PLAN 5-17
Baseline Water Conservation
In 2009, the California Water Code
incorporated the Water Conservation Act (SBx7-
7), which proposed a 20 percent reduction in
statewide urban water use by 2020. Table 5-54
shows a summary of water use targets and current
use, as presented in the 202015 Urban Water
Management Plan. MPWD will have to reduce 5
percent of its total water use from the applicable
baseline to meet the water reduction goal by
2020MPWD achieved the 2020 target of 124
gallons per capita per day (GPCD) with an actual
GPCD of 95 in 2020. MPWD, as a member of
the California Urban Water Conservation
Council (CUWCC), may also choose another
water reduction target – an 18 percent reduction
in potable water demand from an applicable
baseline by 2018, to demonstrate compliance
with the programmatic Best Management
Practices (BMPs). In 2015, the District’s
consumption was 85 gallons per capita daily
(GPCD), indicating that the applicable BMP goal
for 2018 of 106.3 GPCDis within reach if it
continues to implement the BMPs.

Existing Conservation Programs
In compliance with the California Water Code,
MPWD prepares an Urban Water Management
Plan (UWMP) that includes the Water
Conservation Programs. The UWMP is updated
every five years and includes implementation
goals for a number of programs, which
encompass system maintenance, public
outreach, and water conservation for all sectors.

The UWMP also includes an analysis of short
and long-term water shortage contingencies in
MPWD.

TABLE 5-2: Water Supply 20215-20435 (in AFMG1) Normal Year Sector 202520152 20203230 202532305 203032040 203532045 Supply 1,35414,418 1,42014,530 1,42014,786 1,42014,977 1,42015,279 Notes:

1. AFMG=Acre- FeetMillion Gallons

2. An Interim Supply Allocation was imposed by the SFPUC that reduces the supply to 3.71 mgd (1,354 MG per year) through 2018.

3. MPWD’s supply assurance from SFPUC is 3.891 mgd (1,420 MG per year) under the terms of the Water Supply Contract with the SFPUC. The MPWD’s supply assurance continues indefinitely.

TABLE 5-3: Water Supply vs Demand 20215-20435 (in AFMG1) Normal Year
Sector 20215 20320 20325 20430 20435
Supply2 14,4181,354 14,5301,420 14,7861,420 14,9771,420 15,2791,420 Demand3 14,418840 14,5301,196 14,7861,209 14,9771,218 15,2791,231 Difference 5140 2240 2110 2020 1890
Notes:

1. AFMG=Acre- FeetMillion Gallons

2. MPWD actual 2015 metered data. MPWD consumption data from MPWD’s Continental Utility Solutions, Inc., (CUSI) billing system.

3. MPWD’s supply assurance from SFPUC is 3.891 mgd (1,420 MG per year) under the terms of the Water Supply Contract with the SFPUC. The MPWD’s supply assurance continues indefinitely.

Source: MPWD Urban Water Management Plan 202015.

TABLE 5-43: Water Supply vs Demand 2025-2045 (in AF1) Dry Year Sector 2025 2030 2035 2040 2035
Supply 9,470 9,541 9,708 9,676 8,458
Demand 14,797 14,908 15,168 15,359 15,662
Difference (5,327) (5,357) (5,460) (5,683) (7,204)
Notes:

1. AF=Acre- Feet
Source: MPWD Urban Water Management Plan 2020.
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TABLE 5-54: Summary of Water
Use Targets and Current Use
SBx7-7 Targets
2015 SBx7-7 Interim Target 126 GPCD1
2020 SBx7-7 Target 1241 GPCD
California Urban Water Conservation
Council Targets
2018 BMP Compliance Target 106.3
GPCD
Current Water Use
a) Average 5 Year Baseline
GPCD
13227
GPCD
b) 202015 actual (1 year) 985 GPCD
Notes:

GPCD = Gallons per Capita Daily
Source: MPWD Mid-Peninsula Water District Urban Water
Management Plan 2010, 2011, 20152020.

TABLE 5-65: Wastewater Flows in
the City of Belmont
Time
Average
Dry
Weather
Flow
Peak
Dry
Weather
Flow
Peak Wet
Weather
Flow
Existing 1.8 MGD1 2.26 MGD 11.8 MGD
Future
(204030)

12.6.8 MGD 3.6 MGD 16.3 MGD2
Notes:

1. Millions of Gallons per Day.

2. Will be revised in the near future and is projected to be significantly reduced based on the City’s capital improvement and I/I reduction initiatives.

Source: City of Belmont, 202145; SVCW Conveyance system master Plan, 2011.Sanitary Sewer Master Plan Update, 2024

5.5 WASTEWATER, SOLID

WASTE, AND&

STORMWATER FACILITIES

WASTEWATER
Infrastructure
The existing wastewater system in the City of
Belmont consists of approximately 85 miles of
gravity sewer pipelines ranging in size from six to
27 inches in diameter, and five miles of force
mains. Over 80 percent of the City’s wastewater
system is composed of 6-inch diameter vitrified
clay pipe. In addition, the sewer collection
system consists of 11 wastewater pump stations.

Figure 5-7 shows the City’s existing wastewater
system. New development in Belmont must be
connected to the City’s wastewater system per
State law.

Most of the wastewater generated in the City is
conveyed to the Silicon Valley Clean Water
(SVCW) treatment plant, which discharges the
effluent to the San Francisco Bay. The SVCW
treatment plant is located at Redwood Shores,
and serves all its member agencies, including the
West Bay Sanitary District (WBSD), City of
Redwood City, City of San Carlos, and City of
Belmont.

Belmont's sewer system is vulnerable to flooding,
sea level rise, and emergent groundwater in areas
east of Highway 101 and some residential areas
to the west. The SVCW treatment plant is
vulnerable to inundation with as little as 1.6 feet
of sea level rise (which may occur by 2050) and
is also in an existing 100-year floodplain.

Additionally, three pump stations are at risk from

3.3 feet of sea level rise combined with a 100-year
storm event (which may occur by 2100). Damage
to wastewater systems could have widespread
public health impacts if untreated wastewater
contaminates the water and soil. Inf the event of
a malfunction or disruption at the treatment
plant, sewage backups could occur, potentially
contaminating streams and water systems. Pump
stations, which collect sewage, are vulnerable to
saltwater intrusion during storm events and sea
level rise, potentially causing wastewater to
overflow into the environment. Buried water
pipelines could be exposed to saltwater, which
can damage the pipes, often with damage going
unnoticed until major failures occur.

System Capacity
According to the City’s 201025 Sanitary Sewer
System Capacity Analysis, the wastewater system
has constraints in meeting wet water hydraulic
capacity design criteria for both existing and
future flow conditions in certain pipeline
segments. Though they are constrained in
meeting current design standards, these segments
can still convey wastewater without causing a
sewage spill. The Analysis concluded that,
considering all ongoing and planned
improvements, the existing wastewater system is
adequate in accommodating the anticipated flow
in average and peak dry weather flow conditions
by 20340, which are detailed in Table 5-65.

However, the anticipated wet weather inflow and
579
BELMONT GENERAL PLAN 5-19
infiltration during wet weather events is expected
to exceed the existing system capacity by 2030. In
2014, the City Council approved a 15-year capital
improvement plan to address the City’s deferred
sewer capital needs. As the City undertakes these
improvements among other initiatives, theThe
City’s systemcontinues to improve its sanitary
sewer system through proactive operations and
maintenance efforts and implementation of short
and long-term Capital Improvement Program.
will improve its capacity constraints and aging
infrastructure.
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5 -20 CONSERVATION ELEMENT
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BELMONT GENERAL PLAN 5-21
Recology of San Mateo County provides waste collection, waste reduction, recycling, and composting services in Belmont.

SOLID WASTE
The City of Belmont is a member of the South
Bay Waste Management Authority (SBWMA),
also known as Rethink Waste. In 2010, the City
signed a franchise agreement with Recology of
San Mateo County (Recology), which provides
exclusive waste collection, waste reduction,
recycling, and composting services. Residential
and commercial solid waste collected by
Recology, including recyclable and organic
materials, is sent to Shoreway Environmental
Center for processing and shipment. Shoreway
Environmental Center is a regional recycling and
transfer station owned by Rethink Waste and
accepts waste from its member agencies. Table
5-76 shows a breakdown of the amount and type
of solid waste by land use in the City of Belmont.

RethinkWaste provides door-to-door household
hazardous waste pickup service for the Belmont
residents. San Mateo County also provides a
Very Small Quantity Generator Program
(VSQG) to dispose of a small amount of
hazardous waste from businesses (maximum 100
kilograms per month). The City currently does
not set specific goals for hazardous waste
reduction or diversion. Hazardous materials and
waste are also discussed in the Safety Element.

STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
Stormwater Infrastructure
The City’s storm drainage infrastructure consists
of 28 miles of storm drainpipes and two storm
pump stations. Four main drainage areas –
Belmont Creek, Laurel Creek, O’Neill Slough
and Island Park Belmont Creek – together
collect about 80 percent of the storm runoff in
the city, while the rest flows to the City of San
Mateo and the City of San Carlos. Belmont
Creek is the primary storm drainage conveyance
of the city, conveying approximately 60 percent
of the city’s storm runoff. In addition, Belmont’s
significant amount of open space, particularly
near Water Dog Lake, assists in absorption of
rainwater that would otherwise drain through
Belmont Creek.

Figure 5-8 shows the existing storm drain system
in the city.

Stormwater Management
The City complies with the Municipal Regional
Stormwater Permit (MRP), issued by the San
Francisco Regional Water Quality Control
Board, for its stormwater pollution control
measures. The MRP was initially adopted in
2009, and reissued as MRP 2.0 with revisions in
November 2015 as MRP 2.0, and again reissued
as MRP 3.0 in July 2022. Revisions to MRP 3.0
were adopted in October 2023., The City
complies to this permitfor its storm water
pollution control measures. The MRP requires
local agencies in San Mateo County to
incorporate reduction in surface water drainage
pollution runoff and establish control measures
in development projects, which provide specific
guidelines on design measures for runoff of
pollutants of concern, source controls,
stormwater treatment measures,
hydromodification management, and
construction site controls. To address water
quality and flow-related impacts of stormwater
runoff, the City also enforces NPDES permits
that are issued to entities in Belmont that have
stormwater discharges, such as industrial
activities and construction activities.

TABLE 5-76: Solid Waste by Land Use in 2014
Land Use
Solid Waste
(tons per year)
Recycling
(tons per year)
Compost
(tons per year)
Residential 3,253 2,836 3,878
Commercial 5,036 1,264 672
Total 8,288 4,100 4,550
Source: City of Belmont, 2014; SVCW Conveyance System Master Plan, 2011. 582
5 -22 CONSERVATION ELEMENT
583
BELMONT GENERAL PLAN 5-23
Proposed Improvements
The 202509 Storm Drain Master Plan identified
a number of needed improvements within the
City’s storm drain system, including
undersized and failing drainage lines, absence of
drainage systems in certain areas, and flood
control measures for higher rain intensity design
standards. Implementation of these
improvements will better serve the City’s
drainage system in reducing possible flooding,
roadway deterioration, and infiltration to the
wastewater system. The Master Plan prioritizes
deficient drainage replacement and system
improvement of frequently flooded areas.

Rehabilitation and improvement projects, based
on the Master Plan priorities, are gradually being
implemented as funding is identified to
provide sufficient storm drain facilities and
provide streetscape improvements for flood
protection and water pollution prevention to
improve water quality.

Funding for Stormwater Infrastructure
Historically, the City has not had a dedicated
funding source for its drainage Capital
Improvement Projects. Past and ongoing
projects have been funded by the NPDES
storm drainage fees and Measure I fundingand
sewer fees. A stormwater fee or other source of
revenue may be needed over the planning
horizon of the General Plan to ensure sufficient
funding for system improvementsis needed to
bring funding for stormwater related Capital
Improvement Projects, operations and
maintenance.

5.6 AIR QUALITY AND&

GREENHOUSE GASES

LOCAL AIR QUALITY
Protecting and improving air quality is
important to Belmont and communities across
California, as certain kinds of air pollutants are
directly harmful to human health and the health
of the natural environment, including water
quality and plant and animal life.

Climatic Conditions
Climate and local meteorology, especially wind
speed and direction and temperature, along with
topography, can affect air quality by limiting or
facilitating the dispersal of air pollutants. In
summer, the northwest winds over the Pacific are
drawn into the interior of the Bay Area through
the Golden Gate and over the lower portions of
the San Francisco Peninsula. In winter, the Bay
Area experiences periods of storminess and
moderate-to-strong winds and periods of
stagnation with very
Belmont’s extensive open spaces and wooded hills assist in the absorption of rainwater.

Rainwater drains to Water Dog Lake in the Western Hills. light winds. The terrain of the San Francisco Bay
Area is complex, consisting of coastal mountain
ranges, inland valleys and bays. Because of the
blocking and channeling effects of mountains,
winds in valleys can be quite different from the
regional wind flow over the area.

The peninsula region of the Bay Area extends
from the area northwest of San Jose to the
Golden Gate. The Santa Cruz Mountains extend
up the center of the peninsula. Areas on the west
side of the mountains, due to ocean
temperatures and northwest winds, experience
frequent cool, foggy weather in the summer. On
the east side of the mountain range, cities in the
southeastern peninsula, such as Belmont,
experience warmer temperatures and few foggy
days because the coastal air flow is blocked by
the ridge to the west. In the Belmont area (as
measured in Redwood City), the summer
maximum temperatures are typically in the low
80s. Daily maximum temperatures during the
winter months are in the high 50s. Average

CONSERVATION
Photo Credit: Flickr, Marc Smith
584
5-24 CONSERVATION ELEMENT
winter minimum temperatures at Redwood City
are about 40 degrees, and summer minimum
temperatures are 52-54 degrees. Annual average
wind speeds range from 5 to 10 miles per hour
throughout the peninsula.

The San Francisco Bay Area climate is
characterized by moderately wet winters and
dry summers. About 90 percent of the annual
total rainfall occurs in the November to- April
period; between mid-June and mid- September,
normal rainfall is typically less than 1/10 inch.

Rainfall amounts on the east side of the
peninsula are somewhat lower than on the west
side with Redwood City reporting an average of

19.5 inches per year.

Bay Area Air Quality Management
District
The California Legislature created the Bay Area
Air Quality Management District
(BAAQMDAir District, formerly known as
BAAQMD) in 1955 as the first regional air
pollution control agency in the country. The Air
DistrictBAAQMD regulates stationary sources
of air pollution in the nine counties that
surround San Francisco Bay: Alameda, Contra
Costa Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo,
Santa Clara, southwestern Solano, and southern
Sonoma counties. The Air DistrictBAAQMD is
responsible for assuring that air quality in the
district meets national and California ambient air
quality standards (AAQS).

Notes:

1. Lead, coarse particulate matter (PM10) and sulfur dioxide are not measured at the Redwood City monitor.

2. ppm = parts per million, ppb = parts per billion, µg/m3 = micrograms per cubic meter

3. On October 1, 2015, USEPA issued a proposed rule to reduce the federal 8-hour ozone standard to 0.070 ppm. Until this rule is finalized the current standard of 0.075 ppm remains in effect.

Source: Air DistrictBAAQMD, Annual Bay Area Air Quality Summaries, 2015; US Environmental Protection Agency, AirData, 2015 TABLE 5-87: Measured Air Pollutant Concentrations At Redwood City California
Standard
Federal
Standard
Measured Concentrations
by Year
Pollutant1 2012 2013 2014
Carbon Monoxide (ppm2)
Maximum 1-hour average 20 35 4.0 3.6 3.2
Maximum 8-hour average 9.0 9.0 1.8 1.6 1.6
Nitrogen Dioxide (ppb)
Maximum 1-hour average 180 100 55.2 53.8 60.4
Annual average 30 53 11.4 12.6 10.8
Ozone (ppm)
Maximum 1-hour average 0.090 – 0.063 0.083 0.086
4th maximum 8-hour average 0.070 0.0753 0.050 0.056 0.064 Particulate Matter (PM2.5) (µg/m3)
98th percentile 24-hour average – 35 22.4 28.5 22.4
Annual average 12 12 8.5 10.7 7.1
585
BELMONT GENERAL PLAN 5-25
Air Quality Measurements
The Bay Area meets the national and California
AAQS for carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen
dioxide, and sulfur dioxide, but has not met the
national and California AAQS for ozone, the
national AAQS for fine (PM2.5) particulate matter,
and the California AAQS for coarse (PM10) and
fine (PM2.5) particulate matter. The Air
DistrictBAAQMD operates a regional network of
air quality monitoring stations that measure
ambient air pollutant concentrations.

The nearest monitoring station to Belmont is in
Redwood City. Table 5-87 presents measurement
data from the Redwood City monitor for carbon
monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and PM2.5, for
the most recent three full years of data available
(2012-2014). Table 5-87 shows that ambient
concentrations of these pollutants did not exceed
the AAQS at the Redwood City monitoring station
in 2012-2014.

Located on the eastern side of the San Francisco Peninsula, Belmont has a mild climate, with maximum summer temperatures typically in the low 80s and maximum winter temperatures in the high 50s.

Motor vehicles are primary contributors to ozone and carbon monoxide in the atmosphere.

SENSITIVE RECEPTORS
Some land uses are considered more sensitive to
changes in air quality than others, depending on
the population groups and the activities
involved. People most likely to be affected by air
pollution, as identified by the California Air
Resources Board, include children, the elderly,
athletes, and people with cardiovascular and
chronic respiratory diseases. Sensitive receptors
include residences, schools, daycare centers,
playgrounds, parks and other recreational
facilities, athletic facilities, hospitals and other
medical care facilities, long-term health care
facilities, rehabilitation centers, convalescent
centers, and retirement homes.

CLIMATE CHANGE AND GREENHOUSE
GASES
Global Climate Change
Earth absorbs heat energy from the sun and
returns most of this heat to space as terrestrial
infrared radiation. Greenhouse gases (GHGs) trap
heat in the lower atmosphere (the atmosphere
extending from Earth’s surface to approximately
4 to 12 miles above the surface) by absorbing heat
energy emitted by Earth’s surface and lower
atmosphere, and reradiating much of it back to
Earth’s surface, thereby causing warming. This
process, known as the greenhouse effect, is
responsible for maintaining surface temperatures
that are warm enough to sustain life. Most GHGs
occur naturally. Human activities, particularly
fossil-fuel combustion, as well as the use of several
industrial gases that are GHGs, lead to increased
concentrations of GHGs in the atmosphere,
thereby intensifying the warming associated with
the Earth’s greenhouse effect.

Since the industrial revolution, when fossil fuels
began to be burned in increasing quantities,
concentrations of GHGs in the atmosphere
have increased. Although GHG levels have varied
for millennia (along with corresponding variations
in climatic conditions), industrialization and the
burning of fossil carbon fuel sources have caused
carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations to increase.

This buildup of GHGs in the atmosphere is
changing the Earth’s energy balance and causing
the planet to warm, which in turn affects sea levels,
precipitation patterns, cloud cover, ocean
temperatures and currents, ocean acidification,
polar snow and ice accumulation, and other

CONSERVATION
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5-26 CONSERVATION ELEMENT
climatic conditions. Scientists refer to this
phenomenon as “global climate change.”
Potential Effects of Climate
Change in the Belmont Area
Even with the efforts of the municipalities
throughout the greater San Francisco Bay Area
and California, a certain amount of climate change
is unavoidable due to existing and future predicted
GHG emissions. The San Francisco Bay Area,
including San Mateo County and the Belmont
area, may be subject to the following climatic
changes: hotter and drier climate; decreases in
chaparral/coast scrub and blue oak
woodland/foothill pine; increases in grassland;
increased salinity in the San Francisco Bay;
increased estuarine flows into the San Francisco
Bay estuary; increased potential for extreme
heat events and decreased air quality, changes in
annual precipitation; increased public and private
water demand; and rising sea level of up to 24
inches by 2050 and 66 inches by 2100 (compared
to 2000 conditions).

Greenhouse Gases
Greenhouse gases play a critical role in
determining the Earth’s surface temperature.

Some GHGs, including carbon dioxide, methane,
nitrous oxide, water vapor, and ozone, occur
naturally and are emitted to the atmosphere
through natural processes and human activities,
while others are created and emitted solely
through human activities. The six primary GHGs
associated with human activities are:
• Carbon dioxide (CO2), emitted as a result of
fossil fuel combustion, with contributions from
cement manufacture;
• Methane (CH4), produced through the
anaerobic decomposition of waste in landfills,
animal digestion, decomposition of animal
wastes, production and distribution of natural
gas and petroleum, coal production, and
incomplete fossil fuel combustion;
• Nitrous oxide (N2O), typically generated as a
result of soil cultivation practices, particularly
the use of commercial and organic fertilizers,
fossil fuel combustion, nitric acid production,
and biomass burning;
• Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), primarily used as
refrigerants;
• Perfluorocarbons (PFCs), originally introduced
as alternatives to ozone-depleting substances
and typically emitted as by-products of
industrial and manufacturing processes; and,
• Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), primarily used in
electrical transmission and distribution
systems.

Greenhouse gas emissions contributing to global
climate change are attributable in large part to
human activities associated with the
industrial/manufacturing, transportation, utilities,
residential, and agricultural sectors. According to
the California Air Quality Board, the sectors with
the greatest contributions in California include
fossil fuel consumption from transportation (38
percent), industry (23 percent), and electricity
production (20 percent), followed by agriculture
and forestry (8 percent), residential (7 percent),
and commercial (less than 5 percent).

Energy Resources
Our modern economy depends on access to
energy resources. Because a large proportion of
our energy use is based on fossil fuels that
contribute to GHG emissions, it is important to
reduce fossil fuel usage where possible.

Energy Efficiency and
Sustainability
Improving energy efficiency – reducing the
amount of energy consumed for a given
amount of work or economic output – is key to
managing GHG emissions. Replacing fossil
fuels with renewable sources of energy also
reduces GHG emissions. Communities can
encourage energy efficiency and use of
renewable energy in a number of ways. Building
design standards that specify improved materials
and insulation, plus solar-oriented site design,
reduce demand for natural gas and electricity for
heating and air conditioning. Transportation and
land use measures that support transit and
facilitate walking and bicycling reduce
dependence on fossil fuels. Developed areas
often have warmer temperatures than
undeveloped areas, a phenomenon known as the
urban heat island effect, which contributes to
increased energy consumption in urban areas;
however, low impact development and
landscaping can reduce the urban heat island
effect.

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587
BELMONT GENERAL PLAN 5-27
Counteracting Climate Change:

The City’s Role
The greatest ability to reduce GHG emissions
from energy use lies with the federal government
and the states. Nevertheless, the City of Belmont
can contribute by improving energy efficiency in
municipal operations and by shifting to renewable
energy use where possible. The City can also
promote energy choices that increase efficiency
and use of renewables for residents and
businesses, and encourage land use planning that
allows for residents to meet more of their daily
needs (commute trips, shopping, etc.) without
requiring long automobile trips. The City can
also educate residents and businesses about the
economic benefits, as well as the environmental
benefits, of making these changes.

Belmont’s Climate Action Plan
Concurrent with this General Plan, the City has
prepared a Climate Action Plan (CAP) to achieve
compliance with State mandates and focus on
feasible actions the City can take to minimize the
adverse impacts of growth and development on
global climate change. While the General Plan
sets the GHG emissions reduction targets and
provides general policy support for efforts to
reduce emissions, the Climate Action Plan serves
as a blueprint for the City’s climate change
strategy; it contains the detailed strategies and
measures that will be implemented in Belmont to
reduce GHG emissions.

Planning for Management of
Greenhouse Gases
GHG Emissions Inventories
The first step in managing GHG emissions is
to understand the sources and amounts of those
emissions. This is achieved by establishing an
inventory of GHG emissions in Belmont. Table
5-98 shows global GHG emissions in metric tons
of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO2e)
generated worldwide, within the United States,
within California, and within Belmont, with
Belmont data coming from the City’s CAP.

The CAP includes an inventory of community (i.e.
citywide, from all uses and sectors; versus
municipal, which is attributable only to
municipal operations) GHG emissions in 2013.

The inventory reports that emissions are
distributed by sector as shown in Table 5-109.

In 2005, of the 38 percent of Belmont’s GHGs
generated by buildings in the commercial,
industrial, and residential sectors combined, 40
percent (27,102 MTCO2e) was the result of
electricity consumption, and 60 percent (40,236
MTCO2e) was the result of natural gas
consumption.

The City’s CAP shows a “business-as-usual”
(BAU) forecast of community emissions based on
the annual average population growth rate from
2013 to 2035. The BAU forecast shows 196,422
MTCO2e in 2035, a 23.5 percent increase from
2013 levels. The City’s CAP sets a 2035 emissions
reduction target equivalent to 50 percent below
2005 levels (or a reduction of 112,598 MTCO2e
from the 2035 BAU forecast).

Transportation accounts for 60 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions in Belmont.

The California AB 32 Scoping Plan seeks to
bring California to a low carbon future, reaching
1990 emissions levels by 2020. As part of that
reduction, the plan asks municipal governments
to reduce their emissions by at least 15 percent
by 2020 compared with current levels (current
levels are defined as 2008 levels or earlier). The
AB 32 Scoping Plan also directs local
governments to assist the state in meeting
California’s emissions goals. Many cities
consequently have adopted community-wide
emissions reduction targets at least 15 percent
below 2005 levels by 2020. The City’s CAP
currently proposes a 2020 emissions reduction
target equivalent to 15 percent below 2005 levels
(or a reduction of 22,512 MTCO2e from the
2020 BAU forecast).

CONSERVATION
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5-28 CONSERVATION ELEMENT
TABLE 5-98: Comparison of GHG Emissions Inventories
Location
Emissions
(MTCO2e/year)1
Population
(millions)
Average per capita
Emissions
(MTCO2e/year)
World (2012) 46,049,400,000 7,098 6.5
United States (2013) 6,673,000,000 309 21.6
California (2013) 459,270,000 37.3 12.3
Belmont2(2013) 159,051 0.0264 6.0
Notes:

1. MTCO2e = Metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent.

2. Entire community; includes municipal (Ccity government) emissions.

Source: World Resources Institute, Climate Analysis Indicators Tool, 2015; US Environmental Protection Agency, Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2013, 2015; California Air Resources Board, California Greenhouse Gas Emission Inventory, 2015; City of Belmont Draft Climate Action Plan, 2017; United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, 2015; and US Census, 2010.

TABLE 5-109: City of Belmont GHG Emissions Inventory
Sector1
2005 GHG
Emissions
(MTCO2e/year)2
2013 GHG
Emissions
(MTCO2e/year)2
2013 Percentage
of GHG
Emissions
Transportation 100,554 97,490 60%
Commercial and industrial uses 21,052 19,730 13%
Residential uses 42,134 38,778 25%
Generated waste and wastewater 3,908 2,742 2%
Water 0 311 0.2%
Total 167,648 159,051 100%
Notes:

1. Entire community; includes municipal (Ccity government) emissions.

2. MTCO2e = Metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent
Source: City of Belmont Draft Climate Action Plan, 2017 Regulations aimed at reducing GHG emissions
at the state and regional levels will also
contribute to emissions reductions in Belmont.

For example, the California Renewable Portfolio
Standard (RPS) mandates that 33 percent of
electricity sold by the State’s investor-owned
utilities must be generated from renewable
resources by 2020. The Draft CAP accounts for
emissions reductions that can be expected from
existing statewide initiatives, such as the RPS,
vehicle fuel efficiency requirements, low carbon
fuel standard, and other new legislation. As
shown in Table 5-110, after accounting for these
initiatives, no additional emission reductions
would be required to meet the City’s reduction
target.

Belmont’s Climate Change
Initiatives
To date, the City of Belmont has undertaken
with the Association of Bay Area the following
sustainability efforts (as reported in the CAP):
• The City adopted the 2013 CALGreen
Building Code with no local amendments.

This code is more restrictive than the Green
Building Ordinance the City had in place.

This ordinance expired on January 1, 2014,
when the new codes went into place.
• Implemented a program to reduce solar
project permit fees if the contractor follows a
set application checklist.
• Adopted procedures in accordance with
Assembly Bill AB 2188, which streamlines
permits for solar residential projects.
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BELMONT GENERAL PLAN 5-29
TABLE 5-110: Belmont GHG Emissions – 2005 Baseline; 2020 and 2035 Forecasts and Recommended Reduction Targets
Description
GHG Emissions
(MTCO2e/year)1
2005 Baseline Inventory 167,648
2020 Target Emissions at 15% below 20052 142,501
2020 Year Emissions under Business-As-Usual 165,013
2020 Emissions Reduction Requirement2,3 22,512
2035 Target Emissions at 50% below 20052 83,824
2035 Year Emissions under Business-As-Usual 196,422
2035 Emissions Reduction Requirement2,3 112,598
Reduction Attributable to State and San Mateo County Measures 95,351 Reduction Attributable to Draft CAP Measures 19,290
Total Reduction Attributable to State, County, and Draft CAP Measures 114,641 Remaining Reduction Needed None
Notes:

1. MTCO2e = Metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent.

2. This suggested reduction target has not yet been approved or adopted by the City.

3. Business-As-Usual minus recommended target.

Source: City of Belmont Draft Climate Action Plan, 2017. • Adopted a Housing Element consistent
Governments’ Regional Housing Need
Allocation for the 2015-2023 and the 2023-
2031 planning timeframes.
• Implemented a City shuttle program, which
includes a senior shuttle service. The Twin
Pines Senior and Community Center offers a
van shuttle service for seniors wishing to visit
the Center.
• Implemented and continues to install and
support bike lanes and bicycling
infrastructure.
• Acquired significant open space areas through
a policy initiative aimed at reducing
development. (One-third of the City is
currently open space.)
• Passed Measure F to reduce density and
increase minimum lot size in the hillside areas
of Belmont. (Measure F requires voter
approval of any future amendments to the
zoning ordinances governing the Hillside
Residential districts.)
• Contracted with Recology of San Mateo
County to provide composting services for
organics along with solid waste services.
• Completed three rounds of audits and
upgrades to City facilities through the San
Mateo Energy Watch Program. In 2009, City
Hall, Barrett Community Center,
Corporation Yard and Conference Center
received lighting retrofits.

CONSERVATION
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5-30 CONSERVATION ELEMENT
•
• Completed a municipal facilities lighting and
energy efficiency retrofit. The lLibrary was
completed in June 2015 with the LED lighting
and a recommissioned heating and cooling
system. City Hall work was completed in 2016
and also includes new controllers for the
heating and cooling system and LED lighting.

Both of these projects are part of the Pacific
Gas and Electric Company rebate program and
are resulting in significant energy savings.
• Adopted a single-use bag ordinance.
• Currently including LED street lights in City
Complete Streets implementation.
• Completed 2013 Municipal and
Communitywide GHG Emissions Inventories.

The CAP sets the three goals below that seek to
reduce GHG emissions from Belmont. Each goal
includes a number of specific measures that are
described in the CAP. Some measures aim to
reduce emissions from the community at large,
while other measures may specifically focus on the
operations of the City of Belmont.
• Energy: Increase municipal, residential, and
commercial energy efficiency; renewable
energy; efficient water use; and green building
practices (CAP contains 14 specific measures to
address this goal).
• Transportation and Land Use: Reduce
emissions from transportation through efficient
land use, alternate modes of transportation,
and operational innovations (CAP contains 6
specific measures to address this goal).
• Waste Generation: Reduce solid waste
generated and sent to landfills (CAP contains 3
specific measures to address this goal).

Adaptation and Resiliency to
Climate Change
Although reducing GHGs to mitigate the effects of
climate change is necessary to avoid the most
catastrophic consequences of climate change, a
certain amount of climate change is unavoidable.

Therefore, effort must be made to adapt to the
effects of climate change and build resiliency to its
effects. Public health and safety, as well as
infrastructure and property, are at risk, and wellinformed planning can help reduce the threat. As explained above, some of the impacts on
Belmont include sea level rise, increased wildfire
risk, and increased potential for extreme heat
events. A detailed explanation of the hazards that
pose a risk to Belmont is included in the Safety
Element.

As part of the recent 2025 update to the Safety
Element, the City of Belmont completed a
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment to
analyze the degree to which people, nature, the
built environment, and other systems are
susceptible to harm from climate change and
associated hazards. This includes physical and
mental injuries, property damage or destruction,
environmental harm, economic damage, and
other factors. The Vulnerability Assessment
identifies priority vulnerabilities, which are the
people, buildings, infrastructure, economic
drivers, ecosystems and natural resources, and key
services that should be considered the City’s
priorities in adaptation and resilience planning. In
Belmont, the populations facing the greatest risk
from climate change include older adults, lowresourced households, and persons with chronic illnesses and/or disabilities. The community assets
and services that are considered priority
vulnerabilities are emergency services, water and
wastewater infrastructure and services, energy and
communications infrastructure and services, and
aquatic ecosystems. Aquatic habitats in the
community include riparian areas such as
Belmont Creek, Waterdog Lake, and the salt
marshes of O’Neill Slough. Severe weather is
responsible for the most priority vulnerabilities in
Belmont, followed by sea level rise, wildfire, and
extreme heat.

San Mateo County’s Local Hazard Mitigation
Plan (LHMP) also evaluates the impacts of
climate change on the natural hazards facing the
San Mateo County. For example, flooding will be
impacted by climate change due to sea level rise
and increased intensity of storms. In terms of
sea level rise, there is evidence that the global sea
level is rising at an increased rate and will continue
to over the next century. According to a joint
effort of the San Francisco Bay Conservation and
Development Commission (BCDC) and National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA) Office of Coastal Management, sea
level rise in the Bay Area is expected to increase
by approximately 16 inches by 2050 and 7855
inches by 2100 over 2000 baseline levels. The
LHMP includeshows an analysis of a similar high591
BELMONT GENERAL PLAN 5-31
end scenario of the potential impacts from a 72-
inch increase in sea level, in which both important
public infrastructure such as US Highway 101
and a significant amount of private property,
including the homes of approximately 1,900
residents of Belmont, would be inundated.

Increasing use of alternative modes of transportation, such as public transit and bicycling, is an important component to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Belmont.

The Safety Element and the City of Belmont’s
Annex to the County’s LHMP includes actions
to reduce the risks of natural hazards that are
exacerbated by climate change. These include
developing an inventory of vulnerable populations
within Belmont and providing incentives for
eligible entities, including homeowners, to adapt
to risks through structural and nonstructural
retrofitting. The City is committed to continuing
to adapt to and build resiliency to the effects of
climate change.

5.7 ARCHAEOLOGICAL
AND&

PALEONTOLOGICAL

RESOURCES
In addition to a desire by the local community to
protect historic and prehistoric resources, State
laws, most notably CEQA, protect archaeological
and other cultural resources. Cultural resources
are defined as buildings, sites, structures, or
objects that may have historical, architectural,
archaeological, paleontological, cultural, or
scientific importance. Information on Belmont’s
cultural resources was obtained through a
comprehensive record search by the Northwest
Information Center of the California Historic
Resources Information System, which is one of
ten information centers affiliated with the
California State Office of Historic Preservation.

At this time, many of Belmont’s resources that
were revealed in the records search are historic
resources, which are discussed in detail in the
Historic Preservation section of the Land Use
Element. Two additional resources were
identified as prehistoric archaeological sites, but
the Information Center does not provide their
specific locations in order to protect sites from
looting. One multicomponent resource was
identified that contains a prehistoric habitation
site and the historic Ross House, at the Davey
Glen Site. Potential unrecorded archaeological
sites may exist in Belmont, particularly along
Belmont and Laurel creeks, near wetlands areas,
and in the foothill to valley ecotones (ecological
transition areas). Any resources discovered must
be evaluated, following CEQA requirements.

There are no archaeological sites currently listed
on the National Register of Historic Places in
Belmont.

By adopting the CAP, the City commitsted to take
action to reduce GHG emissions. The CAP
provides a prioritized list of actions, each of which
would be further developed, studied, and vetted
independently before being implemented. The
CAP states that its programs and policies would
give Belmont a viable path towards reducing
emissions that, combined with emissions
reductions resulting from State and regional
policies, would meet the emissions reduction
goals established in AB 32.

CONSERVATION
592
5-32 CONSERVATION ELEMENT

GOALS, POLICIES, AND

ACTIONS
GOAL 5.1 Protect and maintain
open space for the preservation of
natural resources.

Policy 5.1-1 Ensure that any improvements
recommended for open space areas are
appropriate for the type of open space and the
use proposed.

Policy 5.1-2 In portions of Belmont that
include significant open space resources, use area
plans to address the balance and interface between
natural and developed areas.

Action 5.1-2a: Update the San Juan Hills
and Western Hills area plans to accurately
represent current conditions and protect
open spaces for natural resource conservation,
recreation, and for public health and safety.

Remove references to action items that are
complete; update vacant parcel surveys;
update policies to reflect areas in permanent
open space, areas designated for
development, and land use policies; update
geotechnical issues, topographic constraints,
and safety issues; update habitat preservation;
and reflect current law.

Action 5.1-2b: Promote site design
techniques such as cluster-type housing to
preserve sensitive environmental resources.

Policy 5.1-3 Reduce risk of wildland fire,
ecological succession, and pathogen threats (such
as Sudden Oak Death) through active
maintenance of public spaces and education and
enforcement of development standards on private
property.

Action 5.1-3a: Develop consistent design
standards for the interface between open
space and the adjoining neighborhoods, and
neighborhoods and the Urban/Wildland
Interface Zone. Identify standards for the
margin of space needed to allow wildlife,
recreation, and aesthetic values to flourish
while also reducing the threats of fire and
invasive plants.

Action 5.1-3b: Establish standards for
development projects, where appropriate and
warranted, to incorporate natural features
(such as hedgerows and wooded strips) to
serve as buffers for adjacent natural areas with
high ecological value. Include standards for
fencing, brush clearing for fire prevention, and
trails.

Action 5.1-3c: Establish clear boundaries
between public open space and private
property through the use of boundary
markers, buffer zones, or other appropriate
methods.

Policy 5.1-4: Implement land use planning
and resource management practices that
anticipate and accommodate ecosystem changes
caused by climate change, ensuring long-term
ecological health, community safety, and climate
resilience. See also discussion and policies in the
Safety Element.

Policy 5.1-54 Ensure that future acquisitions of
open space land are compatible with the City’s
open space strategy and long-term interests. See also
Policy 4.5-1.

Action 5.1-54a: Develop and adopt criteria
and standards for the acquisition of open
space by the City of Belmont. Criteria to
determine the value of future open space
acquisitions for the City could include
connections to existing open space, natural
resource values, or recreational opportunities.

Various acquisition methods should also be
considered, including donation and
conservation easements. Care should be taken
to weigh the positive effects of acquisition with
the potential cost and liability of land
management.

GOAL 5.2 Protect and preserve
open space for public health, safety
and recreation in areas that require
special management for regulation.

Policy 5.2-1 Encourage the retention of areas
that are hazardous to public safety and welfare as
undeveloped open space, including steep hillsides
unsuitable for development as identified in area
plans and other detailed geotechnical studies;
hydrological areas of concern; areas of geological
instability; and appropriate setback areas on either
side of known active fault traces. See also discussion
and policies in the Safety Element.

CONSERVATION
5 593
BELMONT GENERAL PLAN 5-33
Policy 5.2-2 Involve the public in stewardship
of Belmont’s open space resources.

Action 5.2-2a: Develop an active public
engagement program for education and
involvement in Belmont’s open space.

Encourage volunteers to maintain the trails,
replant damaged areas, and remove invasive
species.

Action 5.2-2b: Develop interpretive
programs to enhance the community’s
understanding and engagement in the open
space areas.

GOAL 5.3 Protect and restore
biological and ecological resources
in Belmont, including sensitive wildlife
species and their habitats.

Policy 5.3-1 Support the protection,
preservation, restoration, and enhancement of
habitats of State or federally listed rare,
threatened, endangered and/or other sensitive and
special status species, and favor enhancement of
contiguous areas oversmall, segmented remainder
parcels.

Policy 5.3-2 Continue to maintain, protect,
restore, and enhance Belmont’s ecologically
important areas and seek to reduce impacts on
them, including the creek corridors, the open
space, and the wetlands around O’Neill Slough.

Policy 5.3-3 To the greatest extent feasible,
ensure that development does not disturb sensitive
habitat and special status species by requiring
appropriate and feasible mitigation measures.

Action 5.3-3a: Establish guidelines for
habitat conservation and mitigation programs
when sensitive habitat or special status species
would be disturbed by development. These
could include, but are not limited to:
• Protocols for the evaluation of a site’s
environmental setting and proposed
design and operating parameters of
proposed mitigation measures.
• Methodology for the analysis of land to
be acquired or set aside for mitigation
activities.
• Parameters for specification of the
types and sources of plant material
used for any revegetation, irrigation
requirements, and post-planting
maintenance and other operational
measures to ensure successful
mitigation by the project proponent.
• Monitoring at an appropriate
frequency by qualified personnel and
reporting of data collected to
permitting agencies, if necessary.

Action 5.3-3b: If Endangered or
Threatened Species are discovered prior to or
during construction of a development project,
require project proponents to consult a
qualified biologist for recommended proper
action, and incorporate appropriate mitigation
measures.

Policy 5.3-4 Maintain functional wildlife
corridors and habitat linkage in order to
contribute to regional biodiversity and the viability
of rare, unique or sensitive biological resources
throughout the city and region.

Policy 5.3-5 In design and construction,
require use of best practices that preserve natural
resources, such as soil, trees, native plants, and
permeable surfaces.

Policy 5.3-6 Avoid light pollution and
unnecessary glare by requiring development
projects to use design features and shielding
methods that cast outdoor light downward and
minimize glare and to install the minimum
amount of outdoor lighting necessary for safety
and security.

Action 5.3-6a: Update the Zoning Ordinance
to include outdoor lighting standards
consistent with best practices for safety and
lighting to reduce high intensity outdoor
lighting and glare.

Policy 5.3-7 Encourage the planting of native
trees, shrubs, and grasslands in order to preserve
the visual integrity of the landscape, provide
habitat conditions suitable for native vegetation,
and ensure the maximum number and variety of
well-adapted plants are maintained.

Policy 5.3-8 Use native or drought-resistant
vegetation in landscaping on City-owned property,
and encourage private property owners to use
native or drought-resistant vegetation in
landscaping on private property.

Policy 5.3-9: Engage and collaborate with local
tribes to incorporate traditional ecological
knowledge and cultural heritage into the selection
of native plant species for public and private
594
5-34 CONSERVATION ELEMENT
landscaping, habitat restoration, and infrastructure
projects.

Policy 5.3-10: Engage and collaborate with
local tribes to incorporate traditional ecological
knowledge and cultural heritage into the selection
of native plant species for public and private
landscaping, habitat restoration, and infrastructure
projects.

Policy 5.3-119 Promote the healthy growth of
trees and control the removal of trees within the
city.

Action 5.3-119a: Maintain and enforce the
City’s Tree Ordinance to provide adequate
and reasonable tree protection and removal
standards and best management practices.

Policy 5.3-120 Allow neighborhood
community gardens as a permitted use in all
residential zoning districts.

Action 5.3-120a: Update the Zoning
Ordinance to include neighborhood
community gardens as a permitted use in all
residential zoning districts.

Policy 5.3-13: Collaborate with Sstate agencies,
regional land managers like Midpeninsula Regional
Open Space District, Golden Gate National Recreation
Area, and neighboring local agencies to align invasive
species monitoring and management efforts across
jurisdictions.

Policy 5.3-14: Prioritize the use of California
native and noninvasive plant species that are adapted to future climate conditions in public habitat restoration projects.

Policy 5.3-15: Implement and support programs
for the strategic removal of invasive plant species and restoration of native habitats.

GOAL 5.4 Preserve and restore
Belmont’s waterways and adjacent
corridors as valuable community
resources that serve as plant and
wildlife habitats, groundwater
recharge facilities, flood control and
irrigation components, and
connections between open space
areas.

Policy 5.4-1 Restore Belmont Creek to
enhance ecological functions, biological resources,
hydrology function, and flood control.

Action 5.4-1a: Continue to work in
collaboration with the Department of Fish and
Wildlife, US Army Corp of Engineers, the
San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality
Control Board, the cities of San Carlos and
Redwood City, San Mateo County, Caltrans,
and other entities as needed, to identify and
implement a long-term approach to address
ongoing maintenance and creek
improvements.

Action 5.4-1b: Consider implementing
potential improvements to Belmont Creek as
is feasible and appropriate, including but not
limited to projects such as enlarging the bypass
culvert on Harbor Boulevard; restoring the
floodplain at Twin Pines Park without
reducing existing park uses; constructing an
off-line basin; building flood walls through
lower Belmont Creek; daylighting sections of
the eastern portion of the creek; improving the
operations and design of Water Dog Lake; or
installing tide gates at Marine Parkway.

Policy 5.4-2 Preserve, where possible, natural
watercourses or provide naturalized drainage
channels within the city. Where necessary and
feasible, implement restoration and rehabilitation
measures.

Policy 5.4-3 Protect, restore, and enhance a
continuous corridor of native riparian vegetation
and wildlife habitat along Belmont’s waterways,
water bodies, and wetlands.

Policy 5.4-4 Preserve and enhance the natural
riparian environment along waterway corridors,
including Belmont Creek, by minimizing
environmental and visual impacts. See also Policy

4.5-2 in the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Element.

Action 5.4-4a: Establish design and
development standards for new development
near waterway corridors to preserve and
enhance the natural riparian environment
along these corridors and ensure that building
and vehicle service areas, loading docks, trash
enclosures, and storage areas are set back
from waterways and/or screened from view
from the Belmont Creek corridor to minimize
environmental and visual impacts.
595
BELMONT GENERAL PLAN 5-35
GOAL 5.5 Preserve water quality by
promoting the protection of
Belmont’s creeks and other natural
water bodies from pollution.

Policy 5.5-1 Continue to participate in the
San Mateo Countywide Water Pollution
Prevention Program.

Policy 5.5-2 Encourage residents and
businesses to use best management practices
(BMPs) to reduce water pollutant loads that result
from daily activities, such as using landscaping
chemicals and fertilizers and repairing and
washing cars outdoors.

Policy 5.5-3 Require development projects to
incorporate structural and non-structural best
management practices (BMPs) to mitigate or
reduce the projected increases in pollutant loads,
in accordance with the NPDES permit guidelines.

Policy 5.5-4 Ensure that the design and
construction of new infrastructure elements does
not contribute to stream bank or hillside erosion
or creek or wetland siltation, and incorporates site
design and source control BMPs, construction
phase BMPs, and treatment control BMPs to
minimize impacts to water quality.

Policy 5.5-5 Implement water pollution
prevention methods to the maximum extent
practicable, supplemented by pollutant source
controls and treatment.

GOAL 5.6 Preserve water
resources and provide for longrange community water needs by adopting best management
practices for water use and
conservation.

Policy 5.6-1 Work with the Mid-Peninsula
Water District to meet State targets for reducing
per capita urban water use.

Policy 5.6-2 Support the Mid-Peninsula
Water District in advocating for reliable and fairly
priced water from the San Francisco regional
water system.

Policy 5.6-3 Encourage the Mid-Peninsula
Water District to continue and expand its water
conservation programs.

Policy 5.6-4 Set appropriate conditions of
approval for each new development proposal to
ensure that the necessary water supply facilities
and water resources are in place prior to
occupancy.

Policy 5.6-5 Continue the City’s Water
Conservation Strategy to reduce water use, control
water cost, and promote environmental
sustainability in municipal buildings, parks,
landscaped areas, and athletic fields, as feasible
and appropriate.

Policy 5.6-6: Work with Mid-Peninsula Water
District to prepare for a reduced long-term water
supply resulting from more frequent and severe
drought events to implement extensive water
conservation measures and ensure sustainable
water supplies, including fire suppression needs.

Policy 5.6-7: Work with Cal Water, MidPeninsula Water District, and Bay Area Water Supply & Conservation Agency to promote rebate
offerings for high- efficiency toilets, washing
machines, rain barrels, and other water-conserving
appliances for private property owners.

Policy 5.6-8: Continue to invest in programs
that help residential and non-residential
customers saveconserve water and save money by
using the most efficient appliances and fixtures,
fixing leaks, and practicing water-wise landscaping
and indoor water consumption.

Action 5.6-8a: Provide information about
native and drought-resistant species to
community members and applicants who
seek to install new or replacement
landscaping.

Action 5.6-8b: Develop educational
programs to encourage indoor water
conservation and inform residents about the
benefits of green infrastructure and naturebased solutions for drought resilience.

Policy 5.6-9: Require drought-tolerant
landscaping in new private and municipal
development, in accordance with applicable Sstate
and local legislationaws. Ensure that new
landscaping does not exacerbate wildfire or flood
risks, and aligns with vegetation and stormwater
management standards.

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5-36 CONSERVATION ELEMENT
GOAL 5.7 Provide adequate
wastewater collection, treatment,
recycling and disposal facilities in a
timely fashion to serve existing and
future needs.

Policy 5.7-1 Continue to make improvements
and upgrades to the wastewater system, consistent
with the City’s Sanitary Sewer System Capacity
Analysis and the Silicon Valley Clean Water
Conveyance System Master Plan.

Action 5.7-1a: Identify the improvements
and upgrades that are necessary to improve
and maintain the sewer infrastructure to serve
the City’s long-term needs and prioritize
funding to complete the improvement
projects.

Policy 5.7-2 Periodically review and update
development impact fees, wastewater connection
charges, and monthly service charges to ensure
that adequate funds are collected to operate and
maintain existing facilities and to construct new
facilities.

Policy 5.7-3 Partner with Silicon Valley Clean
Water to develop and implement a local
purified/recycled water (treated wastewater)
program for Belmont, as technology and
infrastructure allow.

Action 5.7-3a: Establish a program to
reduce water use in municipal buildings and
allow use of recycled water in buildings and
irrigation, as feasible and appropriate.

Action 5.7-3b: As it becomes available and
cost-effective, encourage and consider
providing incentives for, as appropriate,
potential future customers to retrofit their
water systems to utilize recycled water as part
of Belmont’s treated wastewater program.

GOAL 5.8 Provide adequate solid
waste facilities and services for the
collection, transfer, recycling, and
disposal of refuse.

Policy 5.8-1 Promote solid waste reduction,
recycling, and composting to Belmont residents
and businesses as an important way to conserve
limited natural resources and reduce greenhouse
gas emissions.

Policy 5.8-2 Solicit the use of recycled
products in City procurement documents.

GOAL 5.9 Maintain and improve
the reliability of the City’s storm
drainage system, and promote best
management practices to protect
this system from flooding, enhance
water quality, and prevent
infrastructure deterioration.

Policy 5.9-1 Continue to make improvements
and upgrades to the drainage system. Priorities
should be to provide curbs and gutters to
underserved areas (as feasible), improve facilities in
areas that are subject to seasonal flooding, increase
capacity of the system, and replace damaged lines
in the storm drain system.

Action 5.9-1a: Identify the improvements
and upgrades that are necessary to improve
and maintain the storm drainage system to
serve the City’s long-term needs and prioritize
funding to complete the improvement
projects.

Action 5.9-1b: Pursue additional funding
sources, including a potential impact fee, to
complete projects to maintain and improve
the reliability of the City’s storm drainage
system.

Action 5.9-1c: Study and consider adopting
a program to mandate that the City annually
complete maintenance and improvements on
a portion of the storm drainage system, to
ensure that the City prioritizes and completes
maintenance projects.

Policy 5.9-2: Encourage development projects
of all sizes to incorporate site design measures that
facilitate groundwater recharge and natural
hydrological processes, allowing stormwater to
infiltrate the ground on-site and/or be collected for
reuse in landscaping and designated to on-site
stormwater detention facilities. Such measures
may include:
• Canopy trees or shrubs to absorb rainwater;
• Grading that lengthens flow paths over
permeable surfaces and increases runoff
travel time to reduce the peak hour flow
rate;
• Partially removing curbs and gutters from
parking areas where appropriate to allow
stormwater sheet flow into vegetated areas;
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BELMONT GENERAL PLAN 5-37
• Installation of green roofs on buildings;
• Use of permeable paving in parking lots
and other areas characterized by significant
impervious surfaces;
• On-site stormwater detention, use of
bioswales and bioretention basins to
facilitate infiltration; and
• Integrated or subsurface water retention
facilities to capture rainwater for use in
landscape irrigation and other non-potable
uses.

GOAL 5.10 Reduce emissions of
ozone-producing pollutants and
particulate matter to improve
regional air quality and protect the
health of Belmont and Bay Area
residents.

Policy 5.10-1 Coordinate air quality planning
efforts with other local, regional, and State
agencies.

Action 5.10-1a: Support the Bay Area Air
Quality Management District’s efforts to
reduce pollution and improve air quality
through the Spare the Air program, which
includes restrictions on wood smoke pollution
and transportation-related air pollution
emissions.

PolicyAction 5.10-1b: Expand
participation in BAAQMD'sthe Air District’s
Clean Air Filtration Program by supporting
residential filter installation and maintenance.

Partner with community-based organizations
for program implementation, prioritizing
vulnerable populations.

Policy 5.10-2 Require that new developments
with sensitive uses that areis located adjacent to
sources of toxic air contaminants (TAC) be
designed to minimize any potential health risks.

Action: Require new developments to
incorporate air quality mitigation measures
proportional to their projected impact, such
as including installation of EV charging
infrastructure, indoor air filtration systems,
and vegetative barriers.

Policy: Site new sensitive receptors, including
schools, medical facilities, and senior housing, at
least 1,000 feet away from major sources of air
pollution when feasible.

Policy 5.10-3 Ensure that construction and
grading activities minimize short-term impacts to
air quality by employing appropriate mitigation
measures and best practices.

Action 5.10-3a: Require applicants
proposing new development projects within
the Planning Area to require their contractors,
as a condition of contract, to reduce
construction-related GHG emissions by
implementing BAAQMD’s the Air District’s
recommended best management practices,
including (but not limited to) the following
measures (based on BAAQMD’s the Air
District’s (2011) CEQA Guidelines):
• Use local building materials of at least
10 percent (sourced from within 100
miles of the planning area).
• Recycle and reuse at least 50 percent
of construction waste or demolition
materials.

Policy 5.10-4 Support land use, transportation
management, infrastructure, and environmental
planning programs that reduce vehicle emissions
and improve air quality.

Action 5.10-4a: Implement the
recommendations in the City’s transportation
studies, such as those in the Ralston Avenue
Corridor Study, to ease congestion, improve
multimodal mobility, and reduce trafficgenerated exhaust. See Policy 3.1-3 in the Circulation Element.

Action 5.10-4b: Consistent with the goals
and policies in the Land Use Element and
development patterns shown on the Land Use
Diagram, promote mixed use development in
Belmont Village and along the El Camino
Real Corridor that is supportive of alternative
modes of transportation (public transit,
walking, bicycling, etc.) and lessens the need
for and length of vehicle trips.

Policy 5.10-5 Provide information about nontoxic alternatives to construction, interior and exterior finishes and furnishings, and planting and
landscaping maintenance to contractors, business
owners and homeowners to enhance indoor and
outdoor air quality and reduce exposure to toxins.

Policy 5.10-6 Ensure compliance with the most
current Bay Area Clean Air Plan by implementing
the Plan’s recommended Transportation Control
Measures (TCMs). See policies under Goal 3.2.

CONSERVATION
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5-38 CONSERVATION ELEMENT
Note: The 2017 Clean Air Plan identifies
numerous TCMs aimed at reducing vehicle trips
and vehicle miles traveled; increasing access to and
support of alternative modes of transportation;
promoting compact, walkable land use patterns; and
increasing public education and awareness.

Policy 5.10-7: Integrate air quality
considerations into the planning of Capital
Improvement Projects, with emphasis on
reducing exposure for environmental justice
communities and other vulnerable populations.

Action 5.10-7a: Establish a program to
retrofit existing public buildings with highefficiency air filtration systems, prioritizing facilities serving vulnerable populations.

Policy 5.10-8: Prioritize the protection of
vulnerable populations from adverse air quality
impacts through appropriate land use decisions
and development standards.

Action 5.10-8a: Develop an Air Quality
Communication Program that provides realtime air quality information and health guidance to residents during poor air quality
events, with targeted outreach in multiple
languages to vulnerable populations.

Policy 5.10-9: Support and secure funding for
clean air facilities that provide refuge during poor
air quality events. This includes maintaining the
existing permanent clean air facility, incorporating
air filtration systems in new and renovated
resilience centers, supporting comparable private
facilities, and prioritizing locations accessible to
transit-dependent and vulnerable populations.

Policy 5.10-10: Encourage and
coordinate with regional transit agencies to
provide free or reduced-cost public transportation
during Spare the Air days to reduce vehicle
emissions.

GOAL 5.11 Reduce emissions of
greenhouse gases to 15 percent
below the 2005 baseline levels by
2020 and to 50 percent below the
2005 baseline levels by 2035.

Policy 5.11-1 Adopt a Climate Action Plan
that incorporates a Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Reduction Plan, which quantifies current and
anticipated future emissions and focuses on
feasible actions the City can take to minimize the
adverse impacts of General Plan implementation
on climate change and air quality.

Action 5.11-1a: Maintain an inventory of
greenhouse gas emissions from City
operations and track related solid waste,
energy, economic, and environmental data.

Update the inventory periodically as
additional data and methodologies become
available.

Policy 5.11-2 Support the Climate Action
Plan’s (CAP’s) goals and implement the CAP’s
reduction measures and strategies to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions.

Action 5.11-2a: Support local actions that
will reduce motor vehicle use, support
alternative forms of transportation, improve
energy efficiency, require energy conservation
in new construction, and manage energy in
public buildings, in accordance with State law.

Action 5.11-2b: Periodically monitor and
report the City’s progress in reducing
greenhouse gas emissions and meeting State
targets.

Policy 5.11-3 Support and implement the
Climate Action Plan’s adaptation strategies and
measures that promote resiliency to climate
change impacts, such as sea level rise, extreme
heat events, regional drought, and increased
flooding.

Policy 5.11-4 Support and participate in
regional efforts to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions and implement adaptation strategies.

GOAL 5.12 Preserve and protect areas
and sites of prehistoric, cultural, and
archaeological significance.

Policy 5.12-1 Ensure that development avoids
potential impacts to sites suspected of being
archeologically, paleontologically, or culturally
significant, tribal or otherwise, or of concern by
requiring appropriate and feasible mitigation.

Action 5.12-1a: Establish guidelines and
mitigation programs when sites of
archaeological, paleontological, and/or
cultural concern, tribal or otherwise, would be
disturbed by development, including:
• Requiring a records review for
development proposed in areas that
are considered archaeologically or
paleontologically sensitive;
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