Encinitas City Council
September 23, 2026

AGENDA REPORT
City Council

MEETING
DATE:

September 23, 2026

PREPARED
BY:

Crystal Najera,
Sustainability Manager

DEPARTMENT
DIRECTOR:

Scott Drapkin
DEPARTMENT: Development Services CITY
MANAGER:

Jennifer Campbell
SUBJECT:

Presentation of the draft updated Climate Action Plan and Cost Analysis RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:

1. Receive and review the proposed 2026 Climate Action Plan and associated Cost Analysis (Attachments 1 and 2); and

2. Provide input and direction to staff.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS:

In 2018, a Negative Declaration (ND) was prepared for the 2018 Climate Action Plan (2018 CAP), in accordance with California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) guidelines, Sections 15070, 15162, 15163, and 15164, addressing the potential environmental impacts associated with the project.

In 2019, an Environmental Assessment for the City’s 5th Cycle Housing Element was prepared, pursuant to Government Code, Section 65759. The Environmental Assessment concluded that greenhouse gas (GHG) emission impacts due to the 5th Cycle Housing Element were a “Significant and Unavoidable Impact.” Therefore, the Housing Element Environmental Assessment required Mitigation Measure “GHG-2” which directed the City to update its 2018 CAP with goals consistent with current state guidelines on GHG emission reduction, develop a quantified GHG emission inventory, establish GHG emissions reduction targets consistent with the California Air Resources Board’s current Climate Change Scoping Plan, and adopt GHG reduction measures consisting of project-level implementation measures as well as citywide policies, standards, and programs. The adoption of the 2020 Climate Action Plan (2020 CAP), along with an addendum to the ND, satisfied Mitigation Measure GHG-2 and met CEQA guidelines, Sections 15070, 15162, 15163, and 15164, to address the potential environmental impacts associated with minor changes between the 2020 CAP and the 2018 CAP.

The proposed 2026 CAP establishes updated GHG reduction targets for 2030 and 2045 that are consistent with California GHG reduction regulations and guidelines. Furthermore, the proposed 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 1 of 514
2026 CAP includes updated GHG reduction measures that achieve the proposed GHG reduction targets. The revisions to the 2020 CAP, presented in the proposed 2026 CAP, would not result in significant environmental effects and no changes associated with the proposed project or circumstances trigger subsequent or supplemental review. Therefore, City staff anticipates drafting an addendum to the ND that was prepared for the 2018 CAP, in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15164. The addendum would evaluate whether the environmental effects of the proposed 2026 CAP were adequately examined in the previous environmental analysis for the 2018 ND. If the 2026 CAP is adopted by City Council as currently proposed, an addendum to the ND would satisfy CEQA Guidelines Section 15164. Consistent with CEQA Guidelines Section 15183.5, if the 2026 CAP is adopted with an addendum to the ND, development projects subject to environmental review under CEQA may have the option to conduct a streamlined greenhouse gas analysis if the project is in alignment with the City’s 2026 CAP.

This item is related to all aspects of the Climate Action Plan.

GENERAL PLAN/CITY COUNCIL FOCUS AREAS:

This item is related to the “Leadership and stewardship of our environment, shoreline and open space” Focus Area of the City Council’s Fiscal Year 2026-27 Work Plan. This item is also related to the Housing, Safety, and Resource Management Elements of the City’s General Plan.

Specifically, the City’s current Housing Element includes “Policy 2.8: Continue to develop and promote energy efficiency conservation measures consistent with the strategies outlined in the City’s Climate Action Plan” and “Program 1F: Implement Energy Conservation and Energy Efficiency Opportunities.” Program 1F cites that the City is implementing the actions listed in its Climate Action Plan to achieve residential-focused greenhouse gas emission reductions. The Safety Element addresses issues such as sea level rise, wildfire risk and flooding, all of which are also addressed in the proposed 2026 CAP.

FISCAL CONSIDERATIONS:

There is no direct fiscal impact associated with this item because this is a workshop item; no appropriation is requested. The draft 2026 CAP and Cost Analysis were completed by the University of San Diego’s Energy Policy Initiative Center and Ascent Environmental, consistent with the approved professional services agreement and consultant scope of work, for an amount not to exceed of $265,570. The draft updated 2026 CAP contains plans for various initiatives, studies, projects, and programs, some of which would require future fiscal commitments by City Council to implement. Accordingly, future funding needs for CAP implementation will be brought to City Council for consideration as separate action items and incorporated into the City’s regular budgeting process, in accordance with the 2026 CAP implementation timeline.

BACKGROUND:

On March 9, 2011, the City’s first Climate Action Plan (2011 CAP) was adopted in response to community values and Council priorities. The 2011 CAP served as the City’s first comprehensive blueprint for addressing climate change through goals and measures that aimed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while also managing future climate vulnerabilities and adaptation.

On January 17, 2018, the City Council adopted a comprehensive update to the 2011 CAP (2018 CAP). The 2018 CAP outlined a set of numeric targets, goals, and measures by which the City would achieve specific reductions in GHG emissions, while also supporting the community in 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 2 of 514
adapting to a changing climate over the long term. Along with the 2018 CAP, City Council approved a CEQA Negative Declaration determining that the 2018 CAP would not result in significant environmental effects.

On March 13, 2019, the City adopted the 5
th Cycle Housing Element Update. The Housing
Element Update Environmental Assessment committed the City to updating the 2018 CAP to mitigate for the environmental impact of additional projected housing units in accordance with Mitigation Measure GHG-2. Subsequently, on November 18, 2020, in compliance with the Housing Element Update Environmental Assessment, City Council adopted another update to the CAP (2020 CAP) and an addendum to the CEQA Negative Declaration. The 2020 CAP incorporated necessary amendments to address GHG emissions due to anticipated future increases in housing which satisfied Mitigation Measure GHG-2.

As outlined in the 2020 CAP, the City is to update the CAP every five years to account for new legislation, recent market and technology trends, past implementation successes, and ongoing assessment of local GHG emissions. Following a competitive procurement process, on November 30, 2022, the City entered into an agreement with the University of San Diego, Energy Policy Initiatives Center (EPIC) and subconsultant Ascent Environmental for the completion of a comprehensive update to the City’s 2020 CAP. The scope of work included the following:
• Calculate the City’s GHG emissions for the 2016 baseline inventory; • Project business-as-usual and legislative-adjusted emissions (through 2050); • Update the emissions reduction targets in alignment with State law; • Evaluate and select revised GHG reduction measures;
• Analyze implementation costs;
• Assess the CAP’s environmental impact in compliance with CEQA; and • Conduct public outreach throughout all phases of the project.

From the project’s initiation, the 2026 CAP update was shaped with community input. The proposed 2026 CAP update included the following community engagement:
• Three public workshops (Jan. 30, 2024; July 16, 2024; and April 8, 2025; 50 total attendees);
• Stakeholder interviews (24 organizations solicited; 8 organizations participated); • Citywide outreach via the City’s newsletter, direct email notices, online survey, and social media;
• Online survey open August 5, 2024—November 15, 2024 (19 responses); and • Input received from the Planning Commission, Environmental Commission, Public Health and Safety Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, Mobility and Traffic Safety Commission, Youth Commission, and Urban Forest Advisory Committee.

Throughout the CAP outreach process, approximately 206 individual public comments were received. Of these, approximately 65 percent were supportive of the CAP update and offered constructive suggestions to strengthen its effectiveness. Approximately 27 percent of the comments expressed concern or opposition, primarily regarding the cost and mandatory nature of specific measures raised through the online survey. The remainder of the comments, 8 percent, were neutral, procedural, or informational in nature.

On April 9, 2025, City Council adopted the Fiscal Year 2025-26 City Council Work Plan which 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 3 of 514
included Goal 5.3A directing staff to “complete a cost-benefit analysis comparing total cost of implementing each CAP measure to the benefits, including GHG reductions and community cobenefits.” On May 28, 2025, City Council approved a consultant agreement amendment, adding the completion of a Benefit Cost Analysis to the CAP Update scope of work, bringing the project in alignment with the City Council FY 2025-26 Work Plan and extending the project’s timeline by one year.

On May 27, 2026, City Council reviewed the proposed updated 2026 CAP and Cost Analysis (link to staff report.) The staff report and presentation included an overview of:
• the CAP Update process;
• the updated 2016 GHG emissions inventory;
• the proposed emission reduction targets for 2030 and 2045; • the proposed strategies and GHG emission reduction measures, • the climate vulnerability analysis and strategies for adaptation; and • the results of the Cost Analysis.

During deliberation on May 27, 2026, the Councilmembers expressed a desire to continue discussion of the proposed 2026 CAP and Cost Analysis at a second workshop focused on the proposed GHG reduction measures. City Council also requested that the second workshop include a more in-depth overview of the cost and benefit information associated with each measure that was included in the Cost Analysis.

ANALYSIS:

The draft 2026 Climate Action Plan (CAP) is a comprehensive plan that provides the City with a blueprint for reducing the impacts of climate change through a set of actionable measures. The proposed CAP is comprehensive and accounts for state laws, local control, community values, public input, Council priorities, implementation practicality, and fiscal feasibility. The proposed updated 2026 CAP includes the following chapters:

Chapter 1 (Introduction): Describes the planning and regulatory framework and the justification for local climate action.

Chapter 2 (GHG Emissions Inventory, Projections and Targets): Presents the City’s baseline GHG emissions inventory, business-as-usual (BAU) and legislative emissions projections, and GHG emissions reduction targets for the years 2030 and 2045.

Chapter 3 (GHG Reduction Strategies, Goals, and Measures): Proposes a set of strategies, goals, GHG reduction measures, and supporting measures that the City would implement to reduce emissions and achieve the proposed GHG reduction targets.

Chapter 4 (Climate Vulnerability and Adaption): Outlines the City’s climate vulnerabilities and recommends a set of adaptation strategies in alignment with the City’s General Plan.

Chapter 5 (Implementation and Monitoring): Discusses the approach to implementing the proposed GHG reduction measures and establishes a schedule for implementation tracking progress.

In Chapter 3, the draft 2026 CAP proposes 32 greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction measures that are divided into seven categories and cumulatively work to achieve the proposed 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 4 of 514
emission reduction targets of 40 percent below 2016 GHG emissions by 2030 and 85 percent below 2016 GHG emissions by 2045.

Throughout the development of the draft updated 2026 CAP, numerous GHG reduction measures were considered by staff that ultimately were not included in the final draft. These candidate measures were derived from other jurisdictions’ climate action plans, public input, staff knowledge, and consultant expertise. Common reasons for ultimate omission include a lack of direct jurisdictional authority, insufficient data to quantify greenhouse gas reduction potential, or an excessive implementation cost. Additionally, some measures were not selected because they duplicate existing state mandates or conflict with federal law. The remaining list of 32 GHG reduction measures represents the City’s most viable and feasible measures that, when aggregated for the City and implemented successfully, would achieve the proposed GHG reduction targets for the years 2030 and 2045.

In addition to the proposed 32 GHG reduction measures, the CAP includes Supporting Actions which are additional actions the City can take in order to achieve GHG emission reductions. An example of a Supporting Action is: “Educate homeowners and businesses on solar PV, battery energy storage and other renewable energy incentive programs.” Unlike the GHG reduction measures, Supporting Actions are not quantified and do not count towards the emission reduction targets. Another reason a Supporting Action may not be a proposed GHG reduction measure is due to a lack of City authority on the topic. For example, a Supporting Action related to school bussing would need to acknowledge the City’s supporting role in this program area and that school districts have the direct authority to manage student transportation.

Table 1 below illustrates some of the potential measures that were evaluated for inclusion as proposed GHG reduction measures and their reason for exclusion as a measure. The table also identifies that many potential measures were adapted to be Supporting Actions in the proposed 2026 CAP.

Table 1: Potential Measures Not Included in Draft 2026 CAP Potential Measure Reason for Exclusion
Added as a
Supporting Action?
Reduce Embodied Carbon in
Building Construction Material
Not Quantifiable. Embodied carbon not included in
GHG emissions inventory
Yes
Require Residential
Additions/Alterations to Install
Graywater systems
Infeasible. Retrofitting existing plumping is onerous
and cost prohibitive No
Implement Blue Carbon Projects
to Sequester Carbon
City lacks authority. Occurs in lagoons and ocean
in which the City does not have jurisdiction
Yes
Incentivize or Require the
Construction of Hydrogen Fuel
Facilities
Infeasible. Hydrogen fueled vehicles are
technically viable but currently lack economic and
logistical conditions necessary for widespread
adoption in the mass market.

No
Purchase of Agriculture
Conservation Easement to
Preserve Agricultural Land
Infeasible. Not enough potential agriculture land
remaining within the City to realize significant GHG
reductions.

No
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Acquire Open Space for
Preservation
Infeasible. Not enough potential new open space
area in the City to realize significant GHG
reductions.

Yes
Administer School Busing
Program
City lacks authority. School busing is the
responsibility of the local school districts.

Yes
Require All New Development to
be All-Electric
City lacks authority. Preempted by the federal
Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975
(EPCA).

No
Establish a Parking Benefits
District
Infeasible. A parking benefits district, or an area
with metered street parking, should be considered
outside of the CAP.

No
Table 1 is a comprehensive, yet not an exhaustive list of the measures that were not selected for inclusion in the proposed 2026 CAP Update. All comments received can be viewed in Attachment 1, Appendix E of the proposed 2026 CAP, titled Summary of Public Input on CAP Update.

Per City Council direction on May 28, 2025, a Cost Analysis was completed for the draft 2026 CAP to guide the economics and timing of measure implementation. The cost analysis includes both a Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA) evaluating community costs and benefits and an Implementation Cost Analysis (ICA) which evaluated City costs to implement the proposed 2026 CAP. The ICA determined that the existing and newly proposed GHG reduction measures in the draft 2026 CAP, dependent upon the options selected for implementation, would require, on average, an annual allocation of $600,000 from the General Fund, over the next 20 years, in addition to acquisition of grant funding.

The BCA calculated the cost-effectiveness of implementing each of the proposed GHG reduction measures. The BCA determined that cost-effectiveness of implementing the proposed measures ranges from a net benefit of approximately $500 per metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO2e) reduced to a net cost of approximately $22,000 per MTCO2e reduced. In total, the measures have an average net cost of $245 per MTCO2e reduced that is borne, in combination, by multiple participants, including the City, residents, business, taxpayers and utility ratepayers.

At the discretion of the City Council, implementation of CAP measures may be prioritized by cost effectiveness, budget considerations, and alignment with the City’s annual strategic plan. For a more in-depth review of the Cost Analysis, refer to Attachment 2.

At the last workshop, the Council requested the proposed GHG reductions be plotted on a logarithmic graph that displays Cost Effectiveness in $/ MTCO2e reduced on the Y-axis and cumulative GHG emission reductions on the X-axis. This graph can help visualize the relative cost effectiveness and emissions reductions for each measure. Figure 1 below is the resulting graph.
2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 6 of 514
Figure 1: Cost Effectiveness (linear-scale) and Cumulative GHG Reductions (log-scale) of Proposed CAP Measures
The inputs of this graph are from the results presented in the CAP Update Cost Analysis (Attachment 2). The key insights for City Council to consider from this graph are as follows:

1. Most of the measures’ cost effectiveness values are clustered near net-zero, indicating costs are roughly equivalent to benefits.

2. The further to the right a measure is on the graph, the greater its cumulative GHG reductions, exponentially.

3. Measure WE-2 (Single Family Graywater) and MWE-1 (Municipal Native Landscaping) are the two least cost-effective measures and have the lowest GHG reduction potential.

4. Measures MRE-1 (Microgrids at Municipal Facilities), RE-2, (Nonresidential Solar), BD-1 (Residential Energy Efficiency), WE-1 (Water Conservation), and ZE-2 (Electric Landscape Equipment) result in cost savings for participants (i.e., the City, homeowners, developers, renters, etc.)

5. Measures BD-5 (Existing Building Electrification), RE-1 (Participation in San Diego Community Power), and ZW-1 (Zero Waste Program) have minimal cost for participants but very high GHG reduction potential; together they account for 80 percent of total GHG reductions in the proposed 2026 CAP.

6. While some measures may not be cost effective, consider the co-benefits and relative cumulative cost of each measure when prioritizing.

At the first CAP Update Workshop on May 27, 2026, City Council received a high-level overview of all 32 proposed GHG reduction measures. The overview tables shown in the staff presentation 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 7 of 514
included the following details for each measure:

1. Measure title;

2. Descriptions;

3. 2030 and 2045 GHG Reduction Potential (MTCO2e);

4. Revisions since the 2020 CAP (i.e. Existing, New, or Revised); and

5. Cost Effectiveness ($/MTCO2e).

In the draft updated 2026 CAP and the Cost Analysis, staff has included more detailed information associated with each proposed GHG reduction measure that was not included in the summarized presentation to City Council on May 27, 2026. Based on City Council’s feedback, staff developed a “CAP Evaluation Tool” to easily compare and display additional key performance indicators, actions, and information associated with each measure (see Attachment 3). The first sheet of the CAP Evaluation Tool includes the following information as columns:

1. Measure title;

2. Description;

3. Policy driver;

4. Funding source;

5. Funding required;

6. Participant (i.e. homeowner, developer, City of Encinitas);

7. Cost Effectiveness ($/MTCO2e);

8. Co-Benefits;

9. 2030 GHG Reduction Potential (MTCO2e);

10. 2045 GHG Reduction Potential (MTCO2e); and

11. Cumulative GHG Reduction Potential (MTCO2e).

Each row in the CAP Evaluation Tool contains one of the 32 proposed GHG reduction measures.

The CAP Evaluation Tool can sort, filter, and compare all proposed GHG reduction measures to enhance decision making and will be presented to Council as part of the CAP Workshop on September 23, 2026. Using the CAP Evaluation Tool, City Council will be able to dynamically compare the cumulative emissions reductions from the proposed measures. The tool automatically calculates whether greenhouse gas reductions from the included measures meets the proposed aggregated GHG reduction targets of 40 percent reduction GHG emission from 2016 levels by 2030 and an 85 percent reduction in GHG emissions from 2016 levels by 2045.

Toggling any measure as “Yes” (included) or “No” (not included) dynamically shows whether the proposed targets for 2030 and 2045 can still be met.

As demonstrated in Figure 2, with all proposed GHG reduction measures included, the draft 2026 CAP exceeds the 2030 target by 401 MTCO2e and exceeds the 2045 target by 952 MTCO2e.

There is a small margin in which City Council has some flexibility to remove or change some of the proposed GHG reduction measures and still meet the proposed GHG reduction targets for 2030 and 2045.
2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 8 of 514
Figure 2: Encinitas GHG Emissions Forecast after CAP Implementation Attachment 4 provides answers to some of the additional questions City Council and the public asked related to the draft 2026 CAP and Cost Analysis.

ATTACHMENTS:

Attachment 1 Draft 2026 Climate Action Plan
Attachment 2 CAP Update Implementation Cost Analysis - Summary of Findings Attachment 3 Proposed GHG Reductions Measures Evaluation Tool Attachment 4 Common Questions and Answers Regarding the Proposed 2026 CAP 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 9 of 514
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City of Encinitas
Climate Action Plan
PREPARED BY:

The City of Encinitas
IN CONSULTATION WITH:

Ascent Environmental, Inc.

Energy Policy Initiatives Center
1st Version, adopted March 9, 2011, via City Council Resolution No. 2011-11 2nd Version, adopted January 17, 2018, via City Council Resolution No. 2018-02 3rd Version, adopted November 18, 2020, via City Council Resolution No. 2020-98 4th Version, Public Draft, March 2026
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Acknowledgements
City Manager
Jennifer Campbell
City Council
Bruce Ehlers, Mayor
Jim O’Hara, Deputy
Mayor
Marco San Antonio
Joy Lyndes
Luke Shaffer
City Manager
Jennifer Campbell
City Staff
Patty Anders
Abe Bandegan
Nick Buck
Annemarie Clisby
Jered Elmore
Julie Gilliam
Phillip Horn
Anushka Iyer
Evan Jedynak
Derek Kruger
Ryan Lamkin
Paul Maechler
Serena Milne
Todd Mierau
Crystal Najera
David Norgard
Kelly Sanderson
Erik Steenblock
Vivian Torres
Matt Widelski
Environmental Commission, CAP Subcommittee
Katie Cramer, Chair
Mark O’Connor, Vice Chair
Carol Parker
Olivenhain Municipal Water District
Joe Jansen
San Dieguito Water District
Kelly Ogawa
Energy Policy Initiatives Center
Scott Anders
Yichao Gu
Naomi Wentworth
Dr. Xiaodan Chen
Ascent Environmental
Poonam Boparai
Andrew Beecher
Adam Qian
Riley Smith
Gayiety Lane
Luis Montes
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City of Encinitas Climate Action Plan i
Table of Contents
Section Page
TERMS AND DEFINITIONS .............................................................................................III ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS............................................................................. VII EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.................................................................................................... 1 Scientific and Regulatory Context ............................................................................ 1

1. INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................1-1

1.1. Climate Action Plan Overview .....................................................................1-1

1.2. Introduction to Climate Change Science......................................................1-3

1.3. Regulatory Framework................................................................................1-3

1.4. Climate Action Plan Implementation Successes ..........................................1-7

1.5. Community Action and Co-Benefits.............................................................1-8

1.6. Social Equity...............................................................................................1-9

1.7. Climate Action Plan Update ...................................................................... 1-10

2. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSION INVENTORY, EMISSIONS, AND TARGETS......2-1

2.1. Why Prepare a Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory?...............................2-1

2.2. Baseline Inventory ......................................................................................2-1

2.3. Emission Projections ..................................................................................2-4

2.4. Reduction Targets ......................................................................................2-6

3. GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION STRATEGIES, GOALS, AND ACTIONS........3-1

3.1. GHG Reduction Overview...........................................................................3-1

3.2. GHG Reduction Framework ........................................................................3-3

4. CLIMATE VULNERABILITY AND ADAPTATION .................................................4-1

4.1. Phase 1: Explore, Define and Initiate ..........................................................4-3

4.2. Phase 2: Assess Vulnerability .....................................................................4-4

4.3. Phase 3: Define Adaptation Framework and Strategies ............................. 4-14

4.3 Resiliency and Adaptation Actions ............................................................ 4-22

5. IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING ..............................................................5-1

5.1. Administration.............................................................................................5-1

5.2. Financing and Budgeting ............................................................................5-2

5.3. Implementation of GHG Reduction Measures..............................................5-3

5.4. Public Participation and Social Equity .........................................................5-5

5.5. Monitoring and Updates..............................................................................5-6

6. REFERENCES .....................................................................................................6-1

APPENDICES
A Comparison of 2020 and 2026 CAP Measures
B City of Encinitas Climate Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Framework C Equity Gap Analysis
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Table of Contents
ii City of Encinitas Climate Action Plan
D Public Outreach and Engagement Plan
E Summary of Public Input on CAP Update
F Methods for Estimating Greenhouse Gas Emissions
G 2026 CAP Implementation Matrix
H 2025 City of Encinitas Fire Hazard Severity Zones
I Designated Low-Income Community Boundary
TABLES
Table 1-1: Relevant Federal and State Regulations.........................................................1-5 Table 2-2: City of Encinitas Emissions Business-as-Usual and Legislative-Adjusted Projections (MTCO2e/year) .........................................................................2-6 Table 3-1 GHG Reductions summarized by Strategy for 2030 and 2045 (MTCO2e) .........3-2 Table 3-2: Effect of Emissions Reductions on City of Encinitas Emissions and Target (MTCO2e)...................................................................................................3-2 Table 3-3: Strategy 1: Building Decarbonization ..............................................................3-6 Table 3-4: Strategy 2: Renewable Energy .......................................................................3-9 Table 3-5: Strategy 3: Water Efficiency ......................................................................... 3-12 Table 3-6: Strategy 4: Clean and Efficient Transportation .............................................. 3-14 Table 3-7: Strategy 5: Zero Emission Equipment........................................................... 3-20 Table 3-8: Strategy 6: Zero Waste ................................................................................ 3-22 Table 3-9: Strategy 7: Carbon Sequestration................................................................. 3-23 Table 4-1: Change in Annual Average Temperature (Degrees Fahrenheit) ......................4-4 Table 4-2: Change in Annual Average Precipitation (Inches) ...........................................4-5 Table 4-3: Change in Number of Extreme Heat Days ......................................................4-5 Table 4.4: San Diego County KBDI>600 days .................................................................4-8 Table 4-5: Change in Maximum 1-Day Precipitation (Inches)...........................................4-9

FIGURES
Figure ES-1: Key Components of the Climate Action Planning Process .............................. 2 Figure 2-1: Greenhouse Gas Inventory for the City of Encinitas in 2016 by Emission Sector.........................................................................................................2-3 Figure 2-2: BAU and Legislative-Adjusted Projections and GHG Reduction Targets ........2-8 Figure 4-1: The Four Steps in the Adaptation Planning Process ......................................4-2 Figure 4-3: Chronic Inundation Map .............................................................................. 4-11 Figure 4-4: Storm Surge Flooding Map.......................................................................... 4-12 Figure 5-1: Key Components of Implementing the Encinitas Climate Action Plan .............5-1 Figure 5-2: Example of Implementation Actions defined for a GHG Reduction Measure .....................................................................................................5-3 Figure 5.3: CAP Implementation, Monitoring and Update Schedule .................................5-8 DRAFT 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 17 of 514
Terms and Definitions
City of Encinitas Climate Action Plan iii
Terms and Definitions
Some of the terms introduced in the 2026 Climate Action Plan are defined below to provide additional clarification and context. Where terms are not specifically defined herein, Encinitas Municipal Code Chapter 30.04, Definitions, may be referenced.

Adaptative Pathways Flexible strategies and actions designed to address uncertain future conditions, typically in the context of climate change, where responses can be adjusted as
more information becomes available.

Anthropogenic An environmental change that is caused or influenced by human activities, either directly or indirectly. In the context of climate planning, this refers to activities such as fossil fuel combustion, waste disposal and land use change.

Atmospheric Gases The components that make up Earth's atmosphere. The atmosphere is a mixture of different gases that surround our planet, protecting it and supporting life.

Baseline A reference point, typically used to measure progress, that indicates the starting conditions or greenhouse gas emissions levels before implementing any action or
intervention.

California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) A California law that requires state and local agencies to assess and disclose the environmental
impacts of proposed projects or actions before they are approved or carried out.

Carbon Dioxide Equivalent A unit of measurement used to compare the climate impact of different greenhouse gases by converting their emissions into an equivalent amount of carbon dioxide
based on their respective global warming potential
(GWP). This CAP measures greenhouse gas emissions
in metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO2e).

Carbon Footprint The total amount of greenhouse gases emitted by an individual, organization, or product.

Carbon Sequestration The process of capturing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, typically in vegetation, soils, or
underground geological formations, to mitigate climate
change.

Chlorofluorocarbons Synthetic compounds that contain chlorine, fluorine and carbon that act as a greenhouse gas and ozone-depleting substance. They were used in many products, including
refrigerants, solvents and aerosol sprays, but their use has largely been banned through the United Nation’s
1987 Montreal Protocol.

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Terms and Definitions
iv City of Encinitas Climate Action Plan
Clean Air Act A U.S. federal law that regulates air emissions from stationary and mobile sources, with the goal of ensuring air quality and protecting public health.

Climate Change Long-term shifts in global or regional climate patterns, often associated with human activities that increase the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Co-Benefits The complementary, positive side effects that would result from implementation of policies and programs that reduce GHG emissions.

Decarbonization The process of eliminating greenhouse gas emissions from human activity to combat climate change.

Deforestation The intentional clearing of forests to make room for agriculture, logging, mining and development. It can also occur naturally due to wildfires and other disasters.

Electricity A form of energy resulting from the existence and movement of charged particles, such as electrons and
protons. Electric energy is used in buildings and vehicles.

Emissions The release of gases, including greenhouse gases and criteria pollutants, into the atmosphere from human
activity.

Energy Code Regulations or standards that dictate minimum energy performance requirements for buildings, equipment and
systems to promote energy conservation.

Energy Efficiency The process of reducing the amount of energy required to power devices and equipment.

GHG Inventory A comprehensive accounting of all greenhouse gas emissions produced by an entity, over a specified time
period, to track and manage greenhouse gas emissions.

GHG Reduction Target A specific goal or target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by a certain date.

Global Warming Potential A measure of how much heat a greenhouse gas traps in the atmosphere compared to carbon dioxide over a
specific period.

Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Gases that trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere and contribute to global warming. Greenhouse gases are both naturally occurring and generated by human activities.

Hydrofluorocarbons Synthetic compounds that were developed to replace CFCs, acting as a potent, but short-lived greenhouse gas.

They are used in many products, including refrigerants, solvents and aerosol sprays.

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Terms and Definitions
City of Encinitas Climate Action Plan v
Natural Gas A fossil fuel made of a mixture of hydrocarbons, primarily methane. When combusted, natural gas is used as a form of energy used in residential, nonresidential and industrial buildings.

Off-road Transportation The use of air and water vessels, heavy-duty construction equipment (e.g., excavators, cranes, dozers),
landscaping equipment and other off-road equipment. A
portion of these vessels and equipment use two-stroke
and/or diesel engine design, which can generate
significantly more greenhouse gas and air pollutant
emissions than 4-stroke engine design.

On-road Transportation Travel associated with passenger cars; light-, mediumand heavy-duty trucks; buses; motor homes; and motorcycles on roadways.

Perfluorocarbons Synthetic, chemically inert compounds made of carbon and fluorine, that act as a greenhouse gas with
exceptionally long atmospheric lifetimes. They are used in a variety of applications, including oxygen carriers, drug delivery and molecular imaging.

Photovoltaic The conversion of light into electricity using specific semiconducting materials. The application is commonly
used to generate a renewable source of electricity
through solar photovoltaic panels.

Projections Estimates of future greenhouse gas emissions based on expected trends, and existing and proposed policies and/or regulations.

Resiliency The ability of a system, community, or individual to adapt to and recover from climate change impacts and
environmental challenges.

Sea-Level Rise The increase in the average water level of the world's oceans, largely as a result of climate change.

Solid Waste Any discarded material, such as trash or garbage, from homes, businesses and other activities. Includes a mix of organic and inorganic materials.

Vehicle Miles Traveled A calculation of the total distance traveled by vehicle trips within a certain period, often used to assess
transportation-related emissions and congestion.

Vulnerability Assessment An evaluation of a system, community, population, or region's susceptibility to harm from climate change based on their exposure to changes in the environment.

Wastewater Water that has been used in homes, businesses and industrial operations which now requires treatment prior DRAFT 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 20 of 514
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vi City of Encinitas Climate Action Plan
to disposal. The treatment of domestic wastewater
generates fugitive greenhouse gas emissions.

Water A chemical compound essential for life. Used for drinking, cleaning, irrigation and in industrial processes. The
manual transport, treatment and distribution of water
requires the use of energy which can generate
greenhouse gas emissions.

Zero Waste A waste management philosophy that aims to eliminate waste by redesigning systems to prevent waste, reduce
consumption and maximize recycling and reuse.

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Acronyms and Abbreviations
City of Encinitas Climate Action Plan vii
Acronyms and Abbreviations
ºC degrees Celsius
ºF degrees Fahrenheit
AB Assembly Bill
AF acre-feet
APG California Adaptation Planning Guide
ATP Active Transportation Plan
AR5 Fifth Assessment Report
BAU business-as-usual
CAA Clean Air Act
CAFE Corporate Average Fuel Economy
CAL FIRE California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection CALGreen California Green Building Standards Code
CalOES California Office of Emergency Services
CAP Climate Action Plan
CARB California Air Resources Board
CEC California Energy Commission
CEQA California Environmental Quality Act
CFCs chlorofluorocarbons
CH4 methane
CIP Capital Improvement Program
City City of Encinitas
CNRA California Natural Resources Agency
CO2 carbon dioxide
CO2e carbon dioxide equivalent
CoSMoS Coastal Storm Modeling System
DOC Department of Conservation
DOE Department of Energy
DWR Department of Water Resources
EO Executive Order
EPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
EPIC Energy Policy Initiatives Center
EUSD Encinitas Union School District
EV Electric vehicle
FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency
GHG greenhouse gas
GPCD gallons per capita per day
GWP global warming potential
HEU Housing Element Update
HFC hydrofluorocarbon
ICA Implementation Cost Analysis
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Acronyms and Abbreviations
viii City of Encinitas Climate Action Plan
ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability
IPCC Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
kW kilowatt
kWh kilowatt hour
lbs. pounds
LCI Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation LiDAR Light Detection and Ranging
LED light-emitting diode
MAP Modal Alternatives Project
MHMP Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
MPOs Metropolitan Planning Organizations
MTCO2e metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent
MW megawatt
N2O nitrous oxide
NCTD North County Transit District
O3 ozone
OMWD Olivenhain Municipal Water District
OPR Office of Planning and Research
PFC perfluorocarbon
ppm parts per million
PV photovoltaic
RTP Regional Transportation Plan
RPS Renewables Portfolio Standards
SANDAG San Diego Association of Governments
SB Senate Bill
SCS Sustainable Communities Strategy
SDCP San Diego Community Power
SDCWA San Diego County Water Authority
SDG&E San Diego Gas and Electric
SDLC School District Liaison Committee
SDWD San Dieguito Water District
SDUHSD San Dieguito Union High School District
TDM transportation demand management
UHIE Urban Heat Island Effect
USGS U.S. Geological Surveys
UWI urban-wildland interface
VHFHSZ Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones
VMT vehicle miles traveled
ZEV zero-emission vehicle
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Executive Summary
City of Encinitas Climate Action Plan ES-1
Executive Summary
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Executive Summary
City of Encinitas Climate Action Plan ES-1
A Climate Action Plan (CAP) provides a comprehensive roadmap to address the challenges of climate change in the City of Encinitas (City). The CAP is an independent document that works alongside the City’s General Plan, Municipal Code, Specific Plans and Local Coastal Program (LCP) providing measures, strategies and actions for addressing climate change. To combat the effects of climate change, the City will need to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from local sources and facilitate community adaptation and resiliency over the long term. Over the past fifteen years, the City has taken a proactive approach to climate action, having developed its first CAP in 2011, a comprehensive update in 2018, and an interim update in 2020. The 2026 CAP represents the next five-year update, developed to account for new legislation, recent market and technology trends, CAP implementation successes and ongoing assessment of local GHG emissions.

Scientific and Regulatory Context
Scientific consensus identifies human activity as the primary driver of global climate change and emphasizes that significant GHG reductions are needed by the mid-21st century to prevent the catastrophic effects of climate change (IPCC 2023). In response, the State of California (State) enacted legislation to mandate lower emissions. Key legislation includes:
 Senate Bill (SB) 32: Established a mid-term state target of 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030.
 Assembly Bill (AB) 1279: Established a long-term state goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2045, equivalent to an 85 percent reduction in anthropogenic (human-caused) emissions.

In addition to State legislative GHG reduction targets, local policy initiatives drive the City to create, update and implement the CAP. The City’s CAP fulfills requirements established in the City’s 2019 Housing Element Environmental Assessment to mitigate the impact of growth and development. The 2026 CAP represents a comprehensive update to the City’s CAP, aimed at reducing the GHG emissions in alignment with State GHG reduction targets as well as local housing policy.

Housing in Encinitas
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ES-2 City of Encinitas Climate Action Plan
The key components of the City’s climate action planning process are shown in Figure ES-1 and briefly summarized below:

Figure ES-1: Key Components of the Climate Action Planning Process

1. Prepare a Baseline GHG Emissions Inventory
A baseline year of 2016 was established for the 2026 CAP. Approximately 381,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO2e) were emitted by citywide sources in 2016. 2016 Emissions by Sector:

1. On-Road Transportation (58 percent)

2. Electricity (21 percent)

3. Natural Gas (15 percent)

4. Solid Waste (4 percent)

5. Water (1 percent)

6. Off-Road Transportation (1 percent)

7. Wastewater (1 percent)
Note: Values do not add to 100 percent due to rounding
STEP ONE:

Conduct Baseline
GHG Assessment
STEP TWO:

Establish GHG
Reduction
Targets
STEP THREE:

Develop GHG
Reduction
Strategies, Goals,
Measures
STEP FOUR:

Identify Climate
Vulnerabilities
and Adaptation
Strategies
STEP FIVE:

Implement Plan
and Monitor
Progress
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2. Calculate Emissions Projections and Develop Reduction Targets Without local action, GHG emissions are expected to reach 370,000 MTCO2e by 2030 and 385,000 MTCO2e by 2045. To close the gap between these projections and state-aligned goals, the 2026 CAP established the following local targets:
 2030 Target: Reduce emissions 40 percent below 2016 baseline levels.  2024 Target: Reduce emissions 85 percent below 2016 baseline levels.

3. Identify Reduction Strategies and Measures
The 2026 CAP includes 32 measures which aim to reduce GHG emissions and achieve the established GHG reduction targets. The top three measures achieving the highest local GHG reductions include:
 Measure BD-5 (Decarbonize Existing Buildings): Expected to reduce emissions by 7,001 by 2030 and 38,058 MTCO2e by 2045.
 Measure ZW-1 (Implement a Zero Waste Program): Expected to reduce emissions by 10,357 by 2030 and 12,694 MTCO2e by 2045.
 Measure RE-1 (Maintain membership in San Diego Community Power): Expected to reduce emissions by 18,267 MTCO2e by 2030.

Each measure will be achieved through a set of implementation actions. These are programs, policies, or projects the City will implement that will have a direct effect on GHG emissions reductions. The 2026 CAP also includes several supporting measures that are intended to contribute to the success of the GHG reduction strategies, but may not result in direct GHG emissions reductions. While the measures in the 2026 CAP are generally intended to reduce GHG emissions, many will also result in health, environmental or economic “co-benefits.” Each measure also includes social equity opportunities to ensure historically underserved populations are considered.

4. Address Climate Vulnerabilities
The 2026 CAP integrates the climate adaptation policies from the City’s 2023 Safety Element, including key components of the City’s Local Coastal Program and Resource Management Element of the General Plan. This includes a Climate Vulnerability Assessment developed in accordance with Senate Bill 379. . The adaptation strategies focus on adjusting City services and infrastructure to handle natural hazards such as extreme heat and sea-level rise.

5. Implementation and Monitoring
Fulfilling the GHG reduction measures and achieving the 2026 CAP targets requires the implementation of several new or modified policies, programs and projects, as well as the ongoing implementation of current actions. In conjunction with the 2026 CAP, a Cost Analysis was completed to guide the economics and timing of implementation.

Regular monitoring is an important aspect of the 2026 CAP to ensure that the City is on track to achieve its GHG reduction targets. To assess progress, the City will:

Co-benefits are additional
positive outcomes that are
not the primary intent of GHG
reduction measures and
actions identified in this CAP.

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 Track the implementation status of each GHG measure annually.  Update the GHG emissions inventory every two years.
 Conduct a full CAP update every five years.

Successful reduction of GHG emissions will require an ongoing commitment from City Council as well as the formation of partnerships between the City, its residents, businesses, and key regional agencies and organizations. By working together to consume less energy, produce less waste, and utilize cleaner transportation, the community can achieve its GHG reduction targets.

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1. Introduction
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Chapter 1 Introduction
City of Encinitas Climate Action Plan 1-1

1.1. Climate Action Plan Overview
A Climate Action Plan (CAP) serves as a comprehensive roadmap that outlines the specific activities that a community and municipality will take to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the potential impacts of climate change within the borders of a jurisdiction. In developing a CAP, jurisdictions evaluate the volume of GHGs emitted during a baseline year and determine the level of emissions that need to be reduced to achieve statewide GHG reduction targets (discussed in further detail in Section 1.3, “Regulatory Framework”). The City of Encinitas (City) utilizes the CAP to mitigate existing and future GHG emissions from growth induced by the City’s General Plan, while also implementing General Plan goals focused on improved resilience to climate change impacts. As such, the CAP must be regularly updated to reflect the most recent statewide GHG reduction targets, local growth projections and General Plan policies.
2011 CAP
In 2011, the City adopted its first Climate Action Plan (2011 CAP) to provide guidance to the City to achieve statewide reduction targets and to respond and adapt to the impacts of climate change. The development of the 2011 CAP was driven by a partnership between the City, the San Diego Regional Climate Collaborative (formerly San Diego Regional Climate Protection Initiative), other local governments in the County of San Diego and Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI) which discussed how the region was going to monitor and address global climate change. This partnership facilitated the City’s first GHG inventory for the year 2005, which served as the 2011 CAP’s baseline year. The 2005 baseline totaled 548,993 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO2e) emissions per year, or 8.78 MTCO2e per year per capita. Under a business-as-usual (BAU) scenario, which assumes the continuation of conventional behaviors without the inclusion of any additional efforts or legislative actions to reduce GHG emissions, the 2011 CAP projected that the City’s GHG emissions in 2020 would be 646,947 MTCO2e per year or 9.5 MTCO2e per year per capita. To achieve consistency with federal and State GHG reduction goals, the CAP specified that the City would reduce emissions 12 percent below 2005 levels by 2020, equivalent to reducing emissions by 164,159 MTCO2e in 2020.
2018 CAP
In 2018, the City adopted an updated Climate Action Plan (2018 CAP) as a required mitigation measure of the City’s 5th Cycle Housing Element Update (HEU) Environmental Assessment (EA).

The HEU EA contained mitigation measure GHG-2 which committed the City to an update of the 2011 CAP within 20 months of the effective date of the HEU to reflect the impact of anticipated housing units on GHG emissions, completed pursuant to California Government Code § 65759. The 2018 CAP built upon the goals of the 2011 CAP and provided a more recent GHG inventory for the year 2012. The 2012 inventory demonstrated that activities within the City emitted approximately 459,000 MTCO2e. Consistent with recommendations from the Assembly Bill (AB) 32 2008 Scoping Plan, the 2018 CAP established GHG emissions reduction target of 13 percent below 2012 levels by 2020 and a 41 percent below by 2030, in line with then current statewide targets. As calculated in the 2018 CAP, this equated to reducing emissions by 53,232 MTCO2e by 2020 and 197,724 MTCO2e by 2030. The City has successfully implemented many measures of the 2018 CAP, and a preliminary 2020 GHG inventory showed that the 2020 GHG emissions reduction target was likely to have been met.1

1 See the City’s 2023 Climate Action Plan Annual Report for more information on meeting GHG reduction targets and the successes of the 2018 CAP at:
https://www.encinitasca.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/10928/638636526178270000.

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2020 Interim CAP Update
The City completed a 5th Cycle update to its HEU in March 2019. The 2020 interim update of the CAP, adopted by City Council on November 18, 2020, incorporated the final HEU residential units into the business-as-usual projections and legislatively adjusted projections and included associated updates and revisions to the CAP measures. Additionally, when the 2018 CAP was adopted, it included CET-1: Complete and Implement an Active Transportation Plan (ATP), that did not contain performance metrics or numeric values for GHG emissions reduction potential, pending the adoption of the ATP and identification of newly proposed bicycle and pedestrian projects throughout the City.

On August 22, 2018, City Council subsequently adopted the ATP which included plans for future bicycle and pedestrian facilities. Updates to the emissions reduction measures were needed for various reasons including:
 Edits to ensure measures can have cost-effective implementation,  Identification of improved or more effective measures,  Calculation of GHG emissions avoided due to availability of new methods and data sources, and
 Modified calculations to account for new federal or State regulations. 2026 CAP
The current update to the City’s Climate Action Plan, the 2026 CAP, serves as a comprehensive CAP update based on the City’s 5-year update cycle. The 2026 CAP includes a re-evaluation and realignment of the City’s emissions reduction targets with current State guidance, including AB 1279.

This legislation codified the State’s carbon neutrality target into State law, along with a goal of reducing GHG emissions by 85 percent below 1990 levels by 2045.

The 2026 CAP includes an updated baseline GHG emissions inventory for the year 2016, and updated GHG emissions projections. The updated GHG emissions projections consider the most recent City growth projections, and the influence of State legislation and regulations adopted since the 2020 Interim CAP Update. The 2026 CAP GHG reduction measures are organized into strategies, goals, measures and actions based on the sectors evaluated in the 2016 inventory (e.g., on-road transportation, electricity, natural gas, solid waste, water, off-road transportation and wastewater).

GHG reduction measures, and their
implementation actions and supporting
actions are outlined in Chapter 3 along with
their associated reduction potential. The
2026 CAP also includes an updated analysis
of future climate change vulnerabilities and
identifies strategies to build adaptive
capacity as a City, presented in Chapter 4.

The 2026 CAP represents the City’s
commitment to addressing climate change
and achieving long-term, citywide
decarbonization. Chapter 2 includes details
on the City’s baseline emissions inventory
and projections and establishes reduction
targets for 2030 and 2045. Chapters 3, 4
and 5 of the 2026 CAP include strategies,
Cardiff State Beach Lifeguard Tower 17
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GHG reduction measures, supporting measures, implementation and monitoring mechanisms to reduce GHG emissions and plan for climate change impacts. A more detailed comparison of the 2020 and 2026 CAPs is provided in Appendix A.

1.2. Introduction to Climate Change Science
The greenhouse effect results from the concentration of atmospheric gases referred to as GHGs, which insulate the Earth and help regulate its temperature. The most prevalent GHGs in Earth’s atmosphere include water vapor (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), ozone (O3), chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). These gases serve as global insulators, reflecting Earth’s visible light and infrared radiation to keep temperatures on Earth stable. Without the greenhouse effect, Earth would not be able to support life as we know it.

Over the past two decades, human activities (e.g., the burning of fossil fuels for transportation and energy, increasing rates of deforestation and development) have contributed to elevated concentrations of GHGs in the atmosphere. Human-caused (i.e., anthropogenic) emissions of GHGs have resulted in above-normal ambient concentrations of GHGs, intensifying the greenhouse effect and leading to a trend of abnormal warming of the Earth’s climate known as global climate change.

There is a strong scientific consensus that there is substantial evidence to indicate that most of the changes in the Earth’s climate during the last 50 years are a result of anthropogenic GHG emissions (IPCC 2014: 3, 5). Global climate change, in turn, is the driver behind changes in precipitation patterns, rising temperatures, shrinking polar ice caps, sea-level rise and other impacts to biological resources and humans. Chapter 2 of the 2026 CAP summarizes the City’s GHG emissions and local contribution to global climate change.

Climate change is a global problem and can lead to significant fluctuations in regional climates. While there is consensus that global climate change is occurring and that it is exacerbated by human activity, there is less certainty as to the timing, severity and potential consequences of climate change phenomena, particularly at the local level. Chapter 5 of the 2026 CAP discusses the predicted climate change effects in the City and recommends strategies to adapt to climate change.

1.3. Regulatory Framework
In response to the threat of global climate change, the State and City have already taken several steps to both reduce GHG emissions and adapt to climate change. These efforts, and the legislative background summarized in the following sections, provide important policy drivers and context for the 2026 CAP.

1.3.1. California
In 2005, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed Executive Order (EO) S3-05, which directed California to reduce GHG emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 and to 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. A year later, in 2006, the Global Warming Solutions Act, Assembly Bill (AB) 32, was passed, establishing regulatory, reporting and market mechanisms to achieve quantifiable reductions in GHG emissions. AB 32 put a cap on GHG emissions, setting a target of reducing GHG emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. As part of its implementation of AB 32, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) was tasked with developing a Scoping Plan for achieving the maximum technologically feasible and cost-effective reductions in GHG emissions, which was to be updated at least once every five years.

The first Scoping Plan was approved in 2008, demonstrating a pathway towards meeting AB 32 statewide GHG emissions targets.

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On April 20, 2015, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. signed EO B-30-15, establishing a new GHG emissions reduction target of 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030. This target aligns with the 27-nation European Union which adopted the same target in October 2014. EO B-30-15 also directed CARB to update the Scoping Plan to reflect the path to achieving the 2030 target. In September 2016, Governor Brown signed SB 32, which codified into statute the mid-term 2030 target established by EO B-30-

15. The 2030 GHG emissions reduction target places California on a trajectory to meet the goal of reducing statewide emissions to 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. On January 20, 2017, CARB released the 2017 Climate Change Scoping Plan Update, which laid out the framework for achieving the 2030 reductions as established in EO B-30-15 and SB 32. The most recent and significant statewide GHG reduction target was established by AB 1279, the California Climate Crisis Act, in 2022, which codified the State’s long-term target of reaching net-zero emissions by 2045 through an 85 percent reduction in anthropogenic emissions below 1990 levels by 2045. A statewide carbon neutrality goal by 2045 was initially introduced through Executive Order B-55-18. The signing of AB 1279 into law established the requirement of meeting this target for the State, and superseded the long-term target established by EO S-3-05. CARB released a subsequent Scoping Plan update in 2022, the 2022 Scoping Plan for Achieving Carbon Neutrality. This most recent Scoping Plan established the State’s strategy for the deep decarbonization needed to meet net-zero emissions.

In addition to legislation setting statewide GHG reduction targets, SB 375, signed by Governor Schwarzenegger in 2008, better aligned regional transportation planning efforts, regional GHG emissions reduction targets and land use and housing allocations. SB 375 required Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) to adopt a Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS) or Alternative Planning Strategy, showing prescribed land use allocations in each MPO’s Regional Transportation Plan (RTP). CARB, in consultation with the MPOs, provided each affected region with GHG reduction targets for GHGs emitted by passenger cars and light trucks in their respective regions for 2020 and 2035. The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) adopted San Diego Forward: The Regional Plan that integrated the RTP and SCS in October 2015. SANDAG adopted subsequent updates to the plan in December 2021 and 2025 which maintained the SCS and GHG reduction targets for 2035.

To effectively address the challenges that a changing climate will bring, the State also prepared the 2009 California Climate Adaptation Strategy, which highlights climate risks and outlines possible solutions that can be implemented throughout the state. This strategy has since been updated in 2014, 2021 and 2024. The 2024 Strategy integrates key elements of the latest sector-specific plans, such as the Extreme Heat Action Plan, Water Supply Strategy, Climate Smart Lands Strategy, Wildfire and Forest Resilience Action Plan, and Climate Action Plan for Transportation Infrastructure..

It is organized around six outcome-based priorities and integrates key elements from numerous State plans and strategies, including statewide climate action plans, sector-based strategies, regionally focused strategies and State stewardship plans.

Other federal and State regulations relevant to the 2026 CAP are identified in Table 1-1, below.

As directed by SB 32 and AB
1279, the State aims to reduce
annual GHG emissions to:
 40 percent below 1990 levels by
2030; and
 85 percent below 1990 levels by
2045, with net-zero emissions
achieved through carbon
dioxide removal.

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Table 1-1: Relevant Federal and State Regulations
Level Regulation Summary
Federal Federal Clean
Air Act (CAA)
In 2007, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that CO2 is an air pollutant as defined under the CAA, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has the authority to regulate emissions of GHG. In response, the EPA Administrator signed endangerment and cause or contribute findings for GHGs under Section 202(a) of the CAA in December 2009. In February 2026, EPA finalized a rule overturning the endangerment finding that originally concluded that GHG emissions endanger human health and require regulation. The repeal is the subject of several ongoing lawsuits.

Federal Corporate
Average Fuel
Economy
(CAFE)
Standards
The federal CAFE Standards determine the fuel efficiency of certain vehicle classes in the U.S. The CAFE standards were last revised in December 2025.

State SB 97 (2007) SB 97 required the State Office of Planning and Research to prepare, and the Natural Resources Agency to adopt amendments to the State California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines for the feasible mitigation of GHG emissions or the effects of GHG emissions. Effective March 2010, the revisions to the CEQA Environmental Checklist Form (CEQA Guidelines, Appendix G) and the Energy Conservation Appendix (CEQA Guidelines, Appendix F) provide a framework to address global climate change impacts in the CEQA process. State CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.4 was also added to provide an approach to assessing impacts from GHGs.

State Low Carbon Fuel
Standards
Program
The Low Carbon Fuel Standards Program was created by CARB as an outcome of AB 32, which establishes a credit trading program to reduce the life cycle carbon intensity of the statewide fuel supply.

The program established a carbon intensity benchmark that reduces the carbon intensity of transportation fuels used in the state to 20 percent below 2010 levels by 2030. In November 2024, CARB approved updates to the carbon intensity benchmark, setting targets of 30 percent below 2010 levels by 2030 and 90 percent below 2010 levels by 2045.

State California
Building
Efficiency
Standards Title
24 Part 6
The California Code of Regulations Title 24 Part 6: California's Energy Efficiency Standards for Residential and Nonresidential Buildings are updated every three years to allow for consideration and possible incorporation of new energy efficiency technologies and methods.

State California Green
Building
Standards Title
24, Part 11
(CALGreen)
The California Code of Regulations Title 24 Part 11: California's Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) establishes mandatory measures and voluntary tiers for residential and nonresidential buildings, addressing energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor air quality, and material resource conservation to promote sustainable building practices and environmental stewardship. CALGreen is updated every three years to allow for consideration and possible incorporation of new green building technologies and methods.

State AB 1493 (2002) AB 1493 required CARB to develop and adopt regulations that reduce GHGs emitted by passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks.

State AB 197 (2016) AB 197 created a legislative committee to oversee CARB and requires CARB to take specific actions when adopting plans and regulations pursuant to SB 32 related to disadvantaged communities, identification of specific information regarding reduction measures, and information regarding existing GHGs at the local level.

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Level Regulation Summary
State SB 350 (2015),
SB 100 (2018)
and SB 1020
(2022)
SB 350 required the State to set GHG emissions reduction targets for the load serving entities through Integrated Resource Planning. SB 350 required an increase in the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) such that 50 percent of retail electricity sales statewide are GHG-free by 2030 and doubling energy savings in electricity and natural gas end uses. The RPS target of SB 350 was expanded upon with SB 100, which established a 100 percent RPS target by 2045. SB 1020 accelerated the pace of reaching the target set by SB 100, establishing interim RPS targets of 90 percent by 2035 and 95 percent by 2040.

State Advanced Clean
Cars I and
Advanced Clean
Cars II
In January 2012, CARB approved the Advanced Clean Cars I regulation, which combines the control of GHG emissions and criteria air pollutants, as well as requirements for greater numbers of zero-emission vehicles, into a single package of standards for vehicle model years 2017 through 2025. In 2022, the Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) regulation was adopted, which requires that all new passenger cars, trucks and SUVs sold in California be zero emission by 2035. This state regulation was permissible by a federal waiver from the EPA. However, as of June 2025, the EPA revoked California’s federal waiver via the Congressional Review Act (CRA). As a result, the state of California currently lacks the legal authority to enforce ACC II. In 2025, shortly after the waiver was revoked, California filed a lawsuit against the federal government challenging the use of the CRA to revoke the waiver. The lawsuit is still pending. In late 2025, CARB announced that it would update its Emission Factor (EMFAC) model to reflect this change in early 2026. A revised 2025 version of the EMFAC model was released in March 2026.

State SB 379 (2015) Beginning January 1, 2017, SB 379 required California cities and counties, upon the next revision of their local hazard mitigation plan, to include climate adaptation and resiliency strategies in the safety elements of their general plans. The bill requires the safety element update to include a set of goals, policies, and objectives for their communities based on a vulnerability assessment, as well as implementation measures to increase community resilience to climate change. The safety element update can incorporate these components by reference from an adopted local hazard mitigation plan and/or climate adaptation plan.

State SB 1383 (2016) SB 1383 established statewide waste reduction targets to achieve a 50 percent reduction in the disposal of organic waste from 2014 levels by 2020 and a 75 percent reduction by 2025. The law also requires 20 percent of edible food waste to be recovered for human consumption by 2025. CalRecycle was given regulatory authority of SB 1383 and established regulations in 2016 by which local municipalities must comply.

State AB 341 (2011) AB 341 sets forth the requirements of the statewide mandatory commercial recycling program. Municipal jurisdictions must implement a commercial solid waste recycling program that consists of education, outreach and monitoring of businesses, and report the progress achieved.

1.3.2. City of Encinitas
The City’s General Plan drives the need to create, update and implement a CAP. As discussed in Section 1.1, the CAP has been regularly updated to align with the growth projections and policies of the City’s General Plan. Without action, buildout of the General Plan land uses will contribute additional GHG generating activities, including energy use, vehicle travel and waste generation. The CAP is aligned with the land use and growth projections of the General Plan such that the City can mitigate local GHG emissions associated with General Plan buildout to below levels consistent with statewide GHG reduction targets. The most recent updates to the General Plan include the 5th and 6th cycle HEUs, adopted in 2019 and 2021, respectively. The 2026 CAP incorporates these land use and growth projections, such that the 2026 CAP can serve to mitigate GHG emissions associated with the buildout of the General Plan.

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Management Element of the General Plan. In accordance with State law, the Safety Element update included a risk assessment related to various natural hazards and potential disasters, including climate change related hazards. To address climate change in the Safety Element update, a Climate Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Framework was developed and adopted by the Encinitas City Council, in accordance with Senate Bill 379 and the Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI) General Plan Guidelines (See Appendix B). The 2026 CAP incorporates the strategies of the Vulnerability Assessment’s Adaptation Framework by reference and serves to consolidate the City’s climate-related policies.

1.3.3. Relationship to CEQA
The California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) is a statute that requires local agencies
to identify significant environmental impacts of
their actions and avoid or mitigate those impacts,
if feasible. In 2007, California’s lawmakers
enacted SB 97, which expressly recognizes the
need to analyze GHG emissions as part of the
CEQA process. SB 97 required the Governor's
Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation
(formerly Office of Planning and Research) to
develop recommended amendments to address
GHG emissions as an environmental effect.

CAPs are considered a “project” subject to compliance with CEQA because they are activities undertaken by a public agency that are subject to discretionary approval and may cause direct or indirect effects on the environment. The City performed review under CEQA of the 2018 CAP, in the form of the 2017 Initial Study/Negative Declaration (2017 ND), which determined that implementation of the 2018 CAP would not have a significant impact on the environment. An addendum to the 2017 ND was prepared alongside the 2020 interim CAP Update, which determined that there were no substantial changes to the 2018 CAP that would require revisions to the 2017 ND. The 2026 CAP includes assessment of long-term GHG reduction targets, additional and modified GHG reduction measures and an updated adaptation strategy. These changes have been analyzed based on the same CEQA thresholds as the 2017 ND in an additional addendum to the 2017 ND.

The CEQA Guidelines (specifically Section 15183.5) establish standards for the contents and approval process of plans to reduce GHGs. With associated CEQA coverage, the 2026 CAP has been prepared consistent with those standards. As a CEQA Section 15183.5-qualified plan, the 2026 CAP affords development applicants the opportunity to use CEQA streamlining tools for the analysis of GHG emissions and related impacts for projects that are consistent with the 2026 CAP.

1.4. Climate Action Plan Implementation Successes
The City is actively engaged in addressing climate change, sustainability, and reductions in GHG emissions. From the City’s first CAP in 2011 to the current, substantial progress has been made on implementation of projects, programs and policies to reduce GHG emissions and increase community resilience. Since the adoption of the 2018 CAP, the City has published annual reports on CAP implementation status and accomplishments each year.2
2 Climate Action Plan Annual Reports can be found on the City’s Climate Action webpage at: https://www.encinitasca.gov/climateaction.

Coastal Rail Trail in Cardiff
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One of the most impactful and influential actions the City has taken was leading the establishment of the San Diego Community Power (SDCP) Joint Powers Authority in 2018, in coordination with the cities of La Mesa, Imperial Beach, Chula Vista, and San Diego. The formation of SDCP enabled Encinitas to establish Power100, SDCP’s 100 percent renewable option, as the default power offering for all Encinitas customers. All customers have the option to opt down to the PowerOn, 50 percent renewable, rate, or opt out and have their electricity purchased by SDG&E. In 2023, the City had 26,248 SDCP customers with a community wide participation rate of 91.8 percent with 98.2 percent of those customers subscribed to the Power100 rate option. This action has resulted in the avoidance of substantial amounts of GHG emissions each year.

The City has also significantly reduced GHG emissions from new and existing development through adoption of local building codes that exceed the State minimum code, also known as “reach codes.” These reach codes ensure that all new buildings and substantial additions and alterations are energy efficient and incorporate electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The City’s key reach codes adopted to since 2020 include the following:
 Ordinance No. 2021-13 required all-electric new construction, solar installation for major nonresidential remodels, and residential remodels to install energy efficiency upgrades based on the building’s age.
 Ordinance No. 2022-13 readopted nonresidential solar requirement and expanded eligible energy efficiency equipment for residential remodels.
 Ordinance No. 2022-14 readopted requirements for all-electric new construction, graywater systems for new single-family homes, and electric vehicle charging stations.  Ordinance No. 2024-04 repealed the all-electric new construction requirement and adopted an electric readiness and a high energy performance requirement for residential buildings as well as electric readiness.
 Ordinance No. 2025-11 readopted energy efficiency upgrade requirement for residential remodels, graywater systems for new single-family homes, residential electric readiness, and electric vehicle charging stations.

The ability for residents and visitors of Encinitas to utilize active transportation modes has substantially improved, reducing vehicle travel in the City. Since 2012, the City has installed a total of 19.1 miles of bike lanes and 20.5 miles of pedestrian facilities. Many of the installations were protected bike and separated bike and walking lanes along Coast Highway and major east/west thoroughfares. According to the 2023 Modal Alternatives Plan, which prioritizes the installation of mobility projects that provide maximum multimodal benefits, the City will continue the design and construction of active transportation facilities based on available funding.

1.5. Community Action and Co-Benefits
While global change is happening worldwide, local efforts to reduce human-induced GHG emissions and build resilience in the face of adverse climate change effects can make a difference. Local action on climate change cannot be addressed insularly by one agency or community, but requires active and ongoing partnerships between residents, businesses, the City, and other agencies and organizations in the region. By engaging in more sustainable practices, communities will be better suited to adapt to climate change and be more resilient in the future.

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At the regional and local scale, individuals and businesses can play an important role in mitigating climate change. Individuals and businesses can work towards reducing their carbon footprint by changing habits to consume less energy, generate less waste through recycling and composting, conserve water, and drive less by choosing to carpool, take transit, or walk and bike more frequently.

The combination of these small efforts can lead to better outcomes for the environment and the City.

Effective and long-term climate action and resiliency in the City can only be achieved through efforts that continue to change the way individuals interact with the environment. The 2026 CAP serves as a resource and starting point to support long-term community sustainability efforts. The City is committed to implementing climate action in an equitable manner. For instance, incentive programs to implement CAP measures will be available to all City residents. In addition, the City will promote existing State and local incentive programs specifically targeted towards low-income communities. Impacts of climate change can disproportionately affect disadvantaged communities and the City will work to proactively identify them and implement strategies to reduce impacts. Additional details are provided in Chapter 3 as equity considerations for the 2026 CAP’s GHG emissions reduction measures.

While the GHG reduction measures included in the 2026 CAP are generally geared towards reducing GHG emissions, many will also result in environmental or economic “co-benefits.” Cobenefits to the GHG reduction measures are categorized in four distinct areas: air quality, public health and safety, jobs and economy, and climate resilience. For example, a significant cobenefit of implementing 2026 CAP strategies related to reductions in motor vehicle use and associated fuel combustion will result in fewer toxic air contaminants, resulting in improved air quality and enhanced public health and safety as co-benefits.

Other strategies focus on improving energy and water-use efficiency in new and existing buildings, which can also lower overall housing and building operation costs.

1.6. Social Equity
In the context of climate action and adaptation planning, social equity refers to ensuring that all communities, particularly the most vulnerable and historically marginalized populations, have equal access to the benefits of climate initiatives and are not disproportionately burdened by the impacts of climate change or the policies implemented to address it. By addressing systemic inequities, climate action can create a more just and resilient society where all populations can thrive in the face of climate change.

The City conducted outreach to various community groups during the CAP Update process to better understand equity concerns felt by residents and businesses. Through these outreach activities, the City aimed to understand racial and ethnic barriers in housing and bring underrepresented community organizations into the planning process of the 2026 CAP. The City also carried out research to further understand the community’s socioeconomic characteristics using CalEnviroScreen 4.0, a tool developed by the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA), an office within the California Environmental Protection Agency.

Through the outreach activities and research conducted, the City is aware that there are gaps in equity planning that can be addressed during the implementation of the 2026 CAP. As part of the 2026 CAP development, the City conducted an Equity Gap Analysis to understand areas where equity could be further addressed in the City’s planning processes. To bridge the gaps, the City will encourage and facilitate continuous community involvement from underrepresented groups, bridging language barriers, working to alleviate issues experienced by cost and transportation-burdened Co-benefits are the
complementary, positive side
effects that would result from
strategies, actions, and
measures identified in the CAP.

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households, creating local green jobs and workforce training, and focusing on climate adaptation efforts that prioritize the most vulnerable communities. Equity considerations for the 2026 CAP are discussed in more detail in Chapter 3 and 5, with the Equity Gap Analysis available as Appendix C.

1.7. Climate Action Plan Update
As part of the City’s five-year update cycle established by the 2018 CAP, the City initiated preparation of the 2026 CAP in 2023. A primary driver for this comprehensive update was AB 1279, which was signed into law on September 16, 2022, to update the State’s long-term GHG reduction targets. While the City has successfully implemented many of the GHG emissions reduction measures included in the current CAP, AB 1279 necessitates the need for the City to set and develop a strategy for meeting a long-term GHG reduction target for the year 2045 in alignment with the State. The 2026 CAP evaluates how the City will achieve substantial decarbonization by 2045 and build resilience to the physical impacts of climate change, while recognizing the need for equitable policy implementation.

1.7.1. Climate Action Plan Update Elements
The 2026 CAP outlines a course of action for the City to reduce community-wide GHG emissions, as well as prepare for and adapt to climate change.

The overarching goals of the 2026 CAP are to:
 Reduce GHG emissions from all emissions sectors identified in the City’s GHG emissions inventory while enhancing carbon sequestration opportunities, and  Identify adaptation actions for enhancing citywide resilience to the effects of climate change.

The 2026 CAP GHG reduction targets for the City were developed based on statewide targets established under SB 32 and AB 1279. The 2026 CAP aims to achieve the following local communitywide GHG reduction targets:
 40 percent below 2016 levels by 2030, consistent with SB 32; and  85 percent below 2016 levels by 2045, consistent with AB 1279.

To achieve these objectives, the 2026 CAP identifies the following:
 A baseline level of GHG emissions and the potential growth of these emissions over time,  The climate change effects expected to be experienced in the City,  GHG emissions reduction targets to reduce the community’s contribution to global warming, and
 Identification of strategies, measures, actions, and supporting measures to comply with statewide GHG reduction targets, along with actions to help the community adapt to climate change impacts.

As part of 2026 CAP implementation, GHG reduction measures will be regularly assessed and monitored. Reporting on the implementation progress, periodic updates to the GHG emissions inventory, and other monitoring activities will help to ensure that the 2026 CAP is achieving GHG emissions reductions. See Chapter 5 for more information on administering, implementing, and monitoring the 2026 CAP.

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1.7.2. Climate Action Plan Update Process
As part of the 2026 CAP update process, the City developed and implemented an Outreach and Engagement Plan (included as Appendix D) providing local residents, stakeholders, interested parties, and other agencies and individuals with the opportunity to participate in the climate action planning process.

The goals of outreach and engagement were to: 1)
involve interested and affected parties in identifying
needs, priorities, and values related to the 2026
CAP; 2) create an effective and meaningful outreach
process where all members of the community,
including those that are often underrepresented in
traditional public engagement processes, can
participate; 3) build a shared commitment and buyin across decision makers, the public and stakeholders, and internal City departments; 4)
share the purpose, need, and benefits of updating
the CAP; 5) promote a broad understanding of the
components of the 2026 CAP and expand the
public’s awareness of GHG reduction strategies,
policies, and best practices; 6) highlight the
importance of complying with relevant laws and
regulations and their role in shaping the 2026 CAP;
and 7) provide transparency in the methodologies
and approaches for technical analyses that support
the 2026 CAP. The rationale for each of these goals
includes the following guiding principles, which were
developed to further articulate the purpose of the
Outreach and Engagement Plan:
 Awareness – The public and stakeholders must be aware of the planning process before they are able to participate.
 Education – Informing the public and stakeholders about the 2026 CAP, relevant laws and regulations, and the planning process is important for effective participation.  Input – Individual knowledge and collective perspectives from the public and stakeholders can help the City better understand issues and challenges the community faces.  Equity – Building capacity and empowering the public and stakeholders to be engaged in the process allows for more equitable outcomes and effective implementation.  Open and public process – Having a clear process by which the public and stakeholders can participate, review, and provide feedback during the planning process will result in a CAP that better reflects community priorities. Additionally, as a plan intended to be used for streamlining the analysis of GHG emissions for individual projects under CEQA, the 2026 CAP must be adopted in a public process.

CAP Update Workshop #2
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2026 CAP Workgroup Meetings
Internal feedback and review of the 2026 CAP were facilitated through the CAP Workgroup. The CAP Workgroup is composed of staff members of all City departments including the City Manager’s Office, Development Services, Public Works, Human Resources, Information Technology, Finance, San Dieguito Water District, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts, and Fire and Marine Safety. The CAP Workgroup’s responsibilities include reviewing and providing comments and recommendations for key work products, providing recommendations for the feasibility of proposed GHG reduction measures, and using local expertise to offer recommendations of new and revised GHG reduction measures and goals. The CAP Workgroup met periodically through the CAP update process to serve these functions.

Environmental Commission and City Council Meetings
The City’s leadership and decision makers, including the City’s Environmental Commission and City Council, were involved throughout the CAP development process. At the Environmental Commission’s regular monthly meetings, the commission was briefed on the status and progress of the 2026 CAP update process as part of the Environmental Commission’s work plan review. During the August 8, 2024 meeting, the Environmental Commission reviewed the proposed GHG emissions reduction measures for the 2026 CAP in detail and provided recommendations for the updated measures. Additionally, City staff provided an overview of the update process for the 2026 CAP at the January 17, 2024 City Council meeting. Prior to adoption of the 2026 CAP by City Council, both the Environmental Commission and City Council will have an opportunity to provide final comments and direction on the final proposed 2026 CAP.

Public Workshops
The City hosted three public workshops to share information with the community on the 2026 CAP and to receive public input on specific measures and actions that the City could implement to reduce GHG emissions. The first workshop on January 30, 2024, was intended to provide an overview of the process for updating the CAP and present work completed to date, including the 2016 GHG inventory, GHG emissions projections, 2030 and 2045 GHG emissions reduction targets, as well as to receive recommendations from community members on what they would like to see the 2026 CAP accomplish.

The purpose of the second workshop on July 16, 2024, was to solicit community feedback on the potential measures and actions to be included in the 2026 CAP. In advance of the third workshop on March 11, 2025 a draft of the updated CAP was made public for review and comment. The third public workshop was held on April 8, 2025 and provided an opportunity for the public to provide input on the draft of the CAP, as well as the addendum to the CEQA Negative Declaration. See Appendix E for a summary of public input received.

Stakeholder Interviews
The City reached out to 24 different stakeholders and held interviews with eight stakeholder groups regarding the 2026 CAP. Various questions were discussed during the interviews, including but not limited to, what climate change impacts they were most concerned about, their feedback on the GHG emissions reduction targets being considered for the 2026 CAP, key areas that they believe the City should focus on to reduce GHG emissions, and input on climate equity considerations. The eight stakeholders interviewed included:
 Building Industry Association,
 Community Resource Center,
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 Cottonwood Creek Conservancy,
 Encinitas Bike Walk,
 San Diego Bike Coalition,
 San Luis Rey Band of Mission Indians,
 SanDiego350, and
 Sierra Club.

Notes from the stakeholder interviews listed above are available in Appendix E.

Online Survey
From August to November 2024, an online survey was posted on the City’s website to gather information and feedback from the public on the candidate GHG emissions reduction measures. The survey received 18 responses. The survey results complemented feedback received at public workshops and were used to inform the development of the final list of GHG emissions reduction measures included in the 2026 CAP.

Community Events
City staff sought out and attended a variety of community events as an opportunity to engage the public on the CAP update including EcoFest, Arbor Day, multiple farmer’s market days, Encinitas Spring Street Fair, Cyclovia, and Encinitas Oktoberfest.

Educational outreach being conducted for the CAP update.

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Chapter 2 GHG Emission Inventory, Projections, and Targets City of Encinitas Climate Action Plan 2-1

2. Greenhouse Gas Emission Inventory,
Emissions, and Targets
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Chapter 2 GHG Emission Inventory, Projections, and Targets City of Encinitas Climate Action Plan 2-1
This chapter summarizes the community’s contribution to global climate change by offering a detailed accounting of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions within the City of Encinitas (City). It includes a discussion of the primary sources of GHG emissions from 2016 (i.e., baseline inventory), describes likely trends through 2045 if emissions are not reduced through federal, State or City efforts (i.e., projections), and sets benchmarks for reducing emissions by 2030 and 2045 (i.e., targets). GHG emissions from community activities are discussed in Sections 2.2 through 2.4.

2.1. Why Prepare a Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory?
Recent increases in global temperatures are highly correlated with elevated GHG emissions resulting from human activities. According to global climate science experts, to avoid “dangerous climate change” in the Earth’s climate system, GHG emissions will need to be stabilized so that global temperatures do not increase more than 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit ( º
F) (2 degrees Celsius [
º
C]) above
pre-industrial levels. To achieve this outcome, global carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations must be stabilized at 450 parts per million (ppm) (IPCC 2023).

One of the main objectives of the 2026 Climate Action Plan (2026 CAP) is to identify and reduce local contributions to global GHG emissions. This chapter is intended to serve as a foundation for establishing the GHG reduction measures and actions the City will implement to support global emissions reductions. Measuring GHG emissions is a critical first step in developing the 2026 CAP for several reasons. First, the GHG inventory identifies major sources and quantification of GHG emissions associated with activities and choices made by residents, businesses, and municipal operations.

Second, the inventory provides the baseline that is used to project emissions trends and to develop accurate reduction targets consistent with State objectives. Finally, the inventory sets the baseline for the City to develop, evaluate, and implement strategies and GHG reduction measures to achieve its targets.

The GHG emissions inventory also plays a role in ensuring that the City stays on course to meet the GHG reduction targets. After the 2026 CAP is adopted, the City will continue to prepare updated GHG emissions inventories on a regular basis that will be compared to the baseline inventory. This will track the City’s progress in reducing emissions as measures and actions are implemented.

The GHG inventory presented in this chapter established 2016 as the baseline year from which the City determined GHG reduction targets. The baseline year aligns with the base year for the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) travel demand model. Appendix F provides additional information on baseline year selection and inventory methodologies.

2.2. Baseline Inventory
The first step in the City’s climate action planning process is to understand the sources and amount of GHG emissions generated from activities occurring within the City. A GHG emissions inventory is an estimate of the emissions of a defined set of gases (e.g., carbon dioxide [CO2], methane [CH4], nitrous oxide [N2O]) that contribute to global climate change. The emissions inventory prepared for the 2026 CAP is limited to emissions that are generated from activities within the City from a defined set of sources (e.g., transportation, electricity use, and waste disposal). These include emissions that are within the City’s jurisdictional control and can be readily estimated, monitored, and reduced by City action while also supporting the reduction efforts of residences and businesses.

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The 2016 emissions inventory performed for the 2026 CAP evaluated emissions from the same sectors as the 2012 inventory, which are summarized in Figure 2-1 and discussed below:
 On-road transportation – Emissions associated with passenger cars; light-, medium-, and heavy-duty trucks; buses; motor homes; and motorcycles.  Electricity – Emissions from building energy use associated with electricity in residential, nonresidential and industrial buildings.
 Natural gas – Emissions from building energy use associated with combustion of natural gas in residential, nonresidential and industrial buildings.  Solid waste – Emissions from the disposal of organic materials in landfills and communitygenerated mixed waste from residences and business in the City.  Water – Emissions associated with the energy consumed during treatment, transport, and distribution of water.
 Off-road transportation – Emissions from air and water vessels, recreational vehicles (e.g., golf carts, utility-terrain vehicles), landscaping equipment, and other light commercial offroad equipment.  Wastewater – Fugitive emissions resulting from the treatment process for domestic sewage.

Indirect emissions are not included in the GHG emissions inventory as it is beyond the influence and operational control of the City and the 2026 CAP. Although indirect GHG emissions haven’t been accounted for in the inventory, considering the impact of purchasing and other indirect activities is important for planning a holistic emissions reduction approach.

The City’s previous CAPs, adopted in 2011 and 2018 included baseline GHG emissions inventories for the years 2005 and 2012, respectively using the best available data and methods at the time of completion. However, between the completion of the previous GHG inventories and the 2016 inventory developed for the 2026 CAP, data sources and methods have changed such that direct comparisons of emissions trends between the inventory years cannot be made. Further details regarding sources and methodology for the 2016 inventory can be found in Appendix F.

The 2016 inventory uses the “activity-based” approach to evaluating GHG emissions, by accounting for GHG emission-generating activities that occur within the City’s geographic boundary that the City can influence through local policies and programs. This approach is the standard for developing CAPs within the California regulatory framework. However, activities within Encinitas generate GHG emissions across the globe, including but not limited to energy used to extract, transport and process raw materials and finished products that are consumed by Encinitas businesses, workers, residents, visitors. The consideration of these GHG emissions would require a “consumption-based” approach, which is not directly addressed in the 2026 CAP.

Notably, residents, businesses, and organizations make daily choices that result in GHG emissions beyond the influence of the City or the 2026 CAP. As such, community members are encouraged to engage in climate-friendly actions such as purchasing locally sourced foods and products to reduce transportation emissions or installing efficient or clean-energy appliances and infrastructure to lower energy-related emissions. The City’s contribution to global climate change can be reduced through efforts at the individual level beyond what is described in the 2026 CAP.

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City of Encinitas 2016 Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The 2016 GHG emissions inventory accounts for three
primary GHGs: carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and
nitrous oxide (N2O); however, each GHG has varying
levels of potency in the atmosphere. To simplify discussion and comparison of these emissions collectively, CAPs use a measurement referred to as carbon dioxide equivalent
(CO2e).

CO2e translates each GHG to an equivalent volume of CO2 by weighting it by its relative global warming potential (GWP). For example, per Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change’s (IPCC) Fourth Assessment Report
(AR4), CH4 and N2O are 25 and 298 times more potent, respectively, than CO2 in their ability to trap heat in the atmosphere (IPCC 2007). Converting these gases into CO2e allows consideration of all the gases in comparable terms to make it easier to communicate how various sources and types of GHG emissions contribute to climate change. A metric ton of CO2e (MTCO2e) is the standard measurement of GHG emissions. While updated GWP values are available based on the most recent scientific review, including the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report, the City is continuing to use the AR4 values to align with those used in the State’s GHG emissions inventories and strategies for reducing GHG emissions.

In 2016, community and municipal activities in the City generated 381,000 MTCO2e. The sector with the greatest
contribution to global climate change was on-road
transportation, accounting for 58 percent of the City’s total GHG emissions or 222,000 MTCO2e. The electricity and natural gas sectors contributed 21 and 15 percent of the City’s overall emissions, or 79,000 and 56,000 MTCO2e, respectively.

To put these emissions into perspective, 381,000 MTCO2e is equivalent to combusting 42.9 million gallons of gasoline, combusting 212,000 tons of coal, or a year’s worth of carbon sequestration from 382,000 acres of U.S. forests (EPA 2024).

Figure 2-1: Greenhouse Gas Inventory for the City of Encinitas in 2016 by Emission Sector Breakdown of Emitting Sectors in 2016:

1. On-Road Transportation (58%)

2. Electricity (21%)

3. Natural Gas (15%)

4. Solid Waste (4%)

5. Water (1%)

6. Off-Road Transportation (1%)

7. Wastewater (1%)
Note: Values may not add to 100 percent
due to rounding.

The City’s 2016 emissions are
equivalent to combusting 42.9
million gallons of gasoline,
combusting 212,000 tons of coal,
or losing the carbon sequestration
potential from 382,000 acres of
forest.

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Additional details related to the specific emission sectors, data sources, assumptions, and methods can be found in Appendix F. Figure 2-1 above and Table 2-1 below show the breakdown of the City’s GHG emissions in 2016.

Table 2-1 Greenhouse Gas Inventory for the City of Encinitas in 2016 by Sector Inventory Emissions Sector MTCO2e Percent (%)
On-Road Transportation 222,000 58
Electricity 79,000 21
Natural Gas 56,000 15
Solid Waste 15,000 4
Off-Road Transportation 4,000 1
Water 4,000 1
Wastewater 2,000 1
Total 381,000 100
Notes: Columns may not add to totals due to rounding.

MTCO2e = metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent
Source: Appendix F, EPIC 2026.

2.3. Emission Projections
GHG emissions projections provide an estimate for future levels based on a continuation of current trends in activity, while also accounting for known regulatory actions by federal and State agencies (i.e., “legislative” actions) that can reduce emissions in the future if implemented. Through GHG projections, communities gain insight into the scale of local reductions needed to achieve statewide GHG reduction targets, in addition to legislative actions.

The first step in preparing comprehensive GHG emissions projections is the development of a BAU scenario, which assumes the continuation of conventional behaviors without the inclusion of any additional efforts or legislative actions beyond what has already been adopted at the time of the baseline year (i.e., 2016). Namely, federal, State, and local policies, programs, and regulations designed to take effect by future benchmark years (e.g., 2030, 2045), and the GHG reductions that will occur with their implementation, are not considered. The BAU model also assumes the population, housing, and transportation activity will grow over time, while the number of jobs in the City will decrease. These projections are based on the City’s 2021 Housing Element and the 2024 Draft Mobility Element (Fehr & Peers 2024).

Further, the BAU model does not account for GHG emissions reductions that will occur through the implementation of the 2026 CAP.

Using these parameters, BAU projections were developed for the years 2030 and 2045. GHG estimates were determined to be 370,000 MTCO2e in 2030 and 385,000 in 2045 based on analysis conducted for the 2026 CAP. Details regarding BAU assumptions and methodology can be found in Appendix F.

The business-as-usual
(BAU) GHG emissions
projections in the CAP
assume a continued
increase in population,
housing units, and
vehicle activity, but a
decrease in jobs.

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2.3.1. Demographic Trends
GHG emission projections were estimated for 2030 and 2045 using City-specific demographic and vehicle travel projections based on the City’s 6th Cycle Housing Element Update and the Draft Mobility Element published in September 2024. The City’s population is expected to increase by eight percent from 2016 to 2050. The City’s total number of jobs is expected to decrease by 17 percent from 2016 to 2050. The City’s housing stock is expected to increase by nine percent from 2016 to 2050. Furthermore, the City’s total vehicle miles traveled (VMT) is projected to increase by 22 percent from 2016 to 2050.

Further details on the underlying data used for emissions projections can be found in Appendix F.

The milestone years of 2030 and 2045 were selected for BAU projections to provide a comprehensive picture of the City’s short-term and long-term emissions levels without considering reductions realized through federal and State regulations. Further, 2030 and 2045 represent benchmark years in terms of achieving reduction targets that align with State legislation (i.e., 40 percent below 1990 levels of GHGs by 2030 as mandated by Senate Bill [SB] 32, at least 85 percent below 1990 levels of GHGs by 2045 as mandated by Assembly Bill [AB] 1279). As such, certain legislative-related reductions are anticipated to occur by 2030 and 2045. A BAU scenario for the years 2030 and 2045 will serve as the basis for the remainder of the climate action planning process.

2.3.2. Legislative Reductions
The second step in the climate action planning process is to model future emissions for benchmark years (i.e., 2030 and 2045) including the GHG reduction impact of legislative and local actions that have already been implemented, without consideration of additional local governmental action contained in the 2026 CAP. The legislative and local action GHG reductions accounted for in the legislative-adjusted GHG projections include:
 Federal and California Vehicle Standards
 Renewables Portfolio Standard (RPS)
• 60 percent renewable electricity by 2030 (SB 100)
• 90 percent renewable and zero-carbon electricity by 2035 (interim targets SB 1020) • 95 percent renewable and zero-carbon electricity by 2040 (interim targets SB 1020) • 100 percent renewable and zero-carbon electricity by 2045 (SB 100)  California Solar Policies, Programs, and Mandates
 California Energy Efficiency Programs
A detailed description and analysis of how specific legislative reductions are included in the City’s BAU GHG emissions inventory and projections can be found in Appendix F. Table 2-2 below shows the summary of the City’s projected BAU GHG emissions with and without legislative action for the years 2030 and 2045.

The City’s population is
expected to increase by eight
percent between 2016 and 2050.

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Table 2-2: City of Encinitas Emissions Business-as-Usual and Legislative-Adjusted Projections (MTCO2e/year)
Emissions Sector 2016 Baseline 2030 BAU
Projection
2030
LegislativeAdjusted
Projection
2045 BAU
Projection
2045
LegislativeAdjusted
Projection
On-Road Transportation 222,000 197,000 163,000 213,000 46,000 Electricity 79,000 82,000 26,000 80,000 1,000
Natural Gas 56,000 67,000 65,000 67,000 65,000
Solid Waste 15,000 14,000 14,000 15,000 15,000
Off-Road Transportation 4,000 4,000 4,000 5,000 5,000
Water 4,000 4,000 4,000 4,000 1,000
Wastewater 2,000 2,000 2,000 2,000 2,000
Total 381,000 370,000 278,000 385,000 135,000
Change from 2016 - -11,000 -103,000 4,000 -246,000
Change from 2016 (percent) -3 percent -27 percent 1 percent -65 percent Notes: Columns may not add to totals due to rounding. BAU = business as usual, GHG = greenhouse gas emissions, MTCO2e = metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent.

Source: Appendix F, EPIC 2026.

2.3.3. Business-as-Usual Greenhouse Gas Emissions Projections with Legislative Reductions
Implementation of the legislative actions listed above will contribute to reductions in GHG emissions in the City, as shown in Table 2-2. By 2030, emissions are projected to decline by approximately 27 percent below 2016 levels; by 2045, emissions are projected to decrease by approximately 65 percent as compared to 2016 levels. The overall decrease in emissions is because of current federal, State and local policies existing in 2026, as described in section 2.3.2.

The State’s on-road vehicle emissions standards and zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) sales requirements are expected to be the largest contributors to local GHG emissions reductions. As discussed in Table 1-1, the State’s ability to implement regulations such as Advanced Clean Cars II through waiver to the Clean Air Act is the subject of an ongoing lawsuit. The City will continue to monitor legal and regulatory developments, as well as local ZEV adoption trends, for consistency with the legislative reductions accounted for in the 2026 CAP. Adjustments to the emissions forecast will be considered as the status of ongoing lawsuits and the State’s strategy for reducing transportation emissions evolve.

2.4. Reduction Targets
As directed by SB 32 and AB 1279, the State aims to reduce annual statewide GHG emissions to:
 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 and
 85 percent below 1990 levels by 2045, with net-zero emissions achieved through carbon dioxide removal.

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While State legislative targets are based on 1990 statewide GHG emissions levels, Encinitas, like most jurisdictions in California, does not have an emissions inventory from the year 1990 and must correlate a more recent inventory to 1990 levels using statewide GHG emissions data. In 2016, the State’s GHG emissions inventory showed that total statewide GHG emissions levels were nearly equivalent to 1990 levels (CARB 2019). As such, it is reasonable to assume that local GHG emissions have evolved on a similar trend, and 1990 total GHG emissions levels in Encinitas may be similar to those estimated in the 2016 community GHG inventory.

In alignment with the State targets, and estimating equivalent reductions needed from the 2016 baseline, the City aims to reduce emissions to:
 40 percent below 2016 levels by 2030 (aligned with the 2030 target in SB 32), and  85 percent below 2016 levels by 2045 (aligned with the 2045 target in AB 1279).

To reach the short-term reduction target of 40 percent
below 2016 GHG emissions levels by 2030, the City will
need to reduce annual emissions by 152,000 MTCO2e to
229,000 MTCO2e by 2030. To reach the long-term
reduction target of 85 percent below 2016 levels by 2045, the City will need to reduce annual emissions by 324,000 MTCO2e to 57,000 MTCO2e by 2045.

The City’s approach to GHG reduction targets for the
2026 CAP is focused on a reduction in anthropogenic
emissions within its influence and control. A net-zero
GHG goal for the year 2045 is not feasible for Encinitas based on local conditions and the current state and cost-effectiveness of available technologies. The State’s strategy for meeting the AB 1279 target, as outlined in the 2022 Climate Change Scoping Plan, indicates that net-zero emissions would be achieved through CO2 removal through both carbon sequestration in natural lands and mechanical carbon capture and storage technologies (CARB 2022). Encinitas does not have the ability to substantially increase carbon sequestration on natural lands to the levels required to offset all emissions (due to factors such as topography and lack of remaining open space) and does not have the geologic conditions needed for geologic carbon storage (DOC 2024). Additionally, CO2 removal and carbon capture and storage technologies are being evaluated by the State, and it is not feasible for local jurisdictions, including Encinitas, to scale these mechanical solutions independently to achieve net-zero GHG emissions by 2045. As the 2026 CAP is implemented and more guidance is available from State agencies, the City will reassess the applicability and feasibility of a net-zero goal and update the 2026 CAP as appropriate.

The GHG reductions from federal and State legislation and previously implemented local actions would not be sufficient to achieve the City’s 2030 and 2045 GHG reduction targets. As described in Chapter 3, to meet the City’s 2030 and 2045 targets, the City will need to implement local GHG reduction strategies. A detailed technical analysis of the City’s emissions reduction targets and goals can be found in Appendix F. Figure 2-2 shows the City’s legislative-adjusted BAU projections alongside the City’s GHG reduction targets.

SB 32 and AB 1279 use 1990 levels
as a benchmark to identify statewide
reduction targets. Because the City’s
1990 emissions level could not be
estimated, proportional targets for
the City’s CAP were developed from
the 2016 baseline.

Taking legislative reductions into account,
emissions are projected to decrease in the
BAU projections through 2030 and 2045 to
meet the State goals. Legislative actions
are expected to reduce the BAU emissions
through 2030 and 2045; however,
reductions in emissions through 2030 and
2045 are not, in and of themselves, enough
to meet established targets.

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3. Greenhouse Gas Reduction Strategies, Goals,
and Actions
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This chapter outlines the strategies, goals, measures, and actions that the City of Encinitas (City) will implement to achieve its greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets, as outlined in Chapter 2. The strategies, goals, measures, and actions focus on locally based programs, policies, and projects that will reduce GHG emissions in various categories as a complement to legislative actions taken by the federal and state governments.

3.1. GHG Reduction Overview
Seven GHG emissions reduction strategies were identified for the 2026 CAP, which represent the primary ways to achieve GHG reductions and include:
 Building Decarbonization,
 Clean and Efficient Transportation,
 Renewable Energy,
 Water Efficiency,
 Reduce Off-Road Equipment,
 Zero Waste, and
 Carbon Sequestration.

Within each strategy is a set of goals, measures, primary implementation actions, and supporting actions that define the objectives, programs, policies, and projects the City will implement to reduce GHG emissions. These measures and actions mainly focus on community-scale reductions but also include local government operations. Through partnerships with and among residents, businesses, agencies, and other organizations, these measures and actions will provide net benefits for everyone.

The 2026 CAP encompasses and expands upon the GHG reduction strategies of the previous CAP by updating existing measures to achieve additional GHG reductions and adding new measures to reach the GHG emissions reduction targets established in Chapter 2. For more details on how proposed strategies, measures, and actions differ from the previous CAP, see Appendix F.

As described in Chapter 2, the City has established a 2030 GHG emissions reduction target of 40 percent below 2016 levels and a 2045 target of 85 percent below 2016 levels to reduce annual GHG emissions. Under the projected scenario that accounts for GHG reductions from legislation and past City actions, the City’s GHG emissions trajectory will fall short of meeting these targets. As such, the City will need to implement additional measures to achieve its GHG reduction targets. With the strategies, measures, and actions proposed in the 2026 CAP, the City is anticipated to achieve the 2030 and 2045 targets.

Table 3-1 shows the GHG reductions attributable to the strategies included in the 2026 CAP. Table 3-2 demonstrates how the anticipated reductions will help the City meet its GHG reduction targets.

Detailed calculations and description of the calculation methodologies are provided in Appendix F.

Under a projected scenario that
considers the effects of legislation
and past local actions, the City
would fall short of meeting the 2030
and 2045 targets.

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Table 3-1 GHG Reductions summarized by Strategy for 2030 and 2045 (MTCO2e) Strategy 2030 2045
Building Decarbonization 8,000 42,000
Renewable Energy 19,000 1,000
Water Efficiency 1,000 1,000
Clean and Efficient Transportation 8,000 15,000
Zero Emission Equipment 300 1,000
Zero Waste 10,000 13,000
Carbon Sequestration 4,000 5,000
Total Reductions from Federal and State Regulations 92,000 250,000 Total Reductions (Federal, State, and Local) 142,000 328,000 Notes: Columns may not add to totals due to rounding.

MTCO2e = Metric Tons of Carbon Dioxide Equivalent.

Source: Appendix F, EPIC 2026.

Table 3-2: Effect of Emissions Reductions on City of Encinitas Emissions and Target (MTCO2e)
Emissions 2030 2045
BAU Emissions Projection 370,000 385,000
Legislative Reductions 92,000 250,000
Legislative-Adjusted BAU Emissions Projection (BAU Projection – Legislative Reductions)
278,000 135,000
Baseline Emissions (2016) 381,000 381,000
City of Encinitas GHG Reduction Target (Percent below 2016) 40 percent 85 percent Target Emissions 229,000 57,000
Reductions from 2026 CAP Measures 50,000 77,000
City of Encinitas Emissions with 2026 CAP (Legislative-Adjusted BAU – 2026 CAP Reductions)
228,000 57,000
Target Achieved? YES YES
Notes: Columns may not add to totals due to rounding.

MTCO2e = Metric Tons of Carbon Dioxide Equivalent.

Source: Appendix F, EPIC 2026.

3.1.1. Co-benefits
While the 2026 CAP is primarily geared toward reducing GHG emissions and addressing climate change-related vulnerabilities within the City, it will also result in numerous environmental, economic, and social “co-benefits” for residents, workers and visitors. Co-benefits result from the implementation of GHG emissions reduction measures and actions and are additional positive DRAFT 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 59 of 514
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outcomes that are not the primary intent. For example, in addition to reducing GHG emissions, implementation of a measure to encourage the installation of solar panels on buildings will also provide the co-benefit of financial savings to building owners through reduced energy costs.

Co-benefits identified in the 2026 CAP include:
 Air Quality: Reductions to air
pollutants such as carbon monoxide,
nitrogen oxides, particulate matter,
and volatile organic compounds
leading to cleaner and healthier indoor
and outdoor environments.
 Public Health & Safety: Promotion of
healthier lifestyles and reduced
exposure to environmental pollutants
and other risks to life and property.
 Jobs and Economy: Increased
economic activity in the City, increased job availablillty, especially green jobs, and makes economic activity more environmentally sustainable.
 Climate Resilience: City is better prepared to quickly recover from climate hazards (e.g., extreme heat, flooding, wildfire, and drought).

3.2. GHG Reduction Framework
The 2026 CAP GHG reduction measures and actions were developed based on a combination of factors. These include:
 The feasibility of the measure and action to be implemented by the City,  The need for greater reductions to meet GHG emissions targets, especially in categories with the most emissions (i.e., on-road transportation and natural gas),  Existing programs, policies, or projects that can be expanded or proposed policies yet to be adopted (e.g., nine roundabouts planned for completion before 2030 can be conservatively extrapolated to 17 roundabouts installed by 2045),  Feedback from the community and other stakeholders (e.g., City Council, Planning Commission, Environmental Commission, stakeholder interviews, and public workshops), and  Technological innovations.

To effectively present the measures and actions that the City will undertake to reduce GHG emissions, a tabular framework was developed. The framework is organized by emissions category in the subsequent sections of this chapter. Within each category, corresponding emissions reduction strategies are presented in a table framework. Each strategy contains a broad goal or multiple goals.

Each goal contains one or more measures the City will implement to reduce emissions. The framework consists of a total of 32 measures. Each measure contains a set of primary implementation actions and equity considerations that the City will employ to complete the measure. Within the framework, each measure also contains a quantitative performance metric and GHG reduction Planting City trees during Arbor Day
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potential, measured in MTCO2e. Finally, if relevant, supporting actions are included with each measure which further aid in emissions reductions but are not quantified. Each component of the framework is defined in further detail below:

Emissions Category Source of GHG emissions, as defined by the City’s baseline assessment. Emissions categories include: Electricity and Natural Gas, Water, Wastewater, On-Road Transportation, OffRoad Transportation, Solid Waste, and Carbon Sequestration.

The emissions categories, except for Carbon Sequestration, align with the GHG emissions inventory outlined in Chapter 2.

Carbon Sequestration is additionally included in this reduction strategy framework as a category by which to reduce overall emissions.

Strategy High-level plans the City will implement to achieve GHG reductions in a specific emissions category. Each emissions category may have one or more associated strategies. The framework includes seven overall strategies.

Goal The general objective that the City will strive to achieve within a defined strategy. Each strategy will have at least one or more goals.

Measures Programs, policies, or projects the City will implement that will cause a direct and measurable reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

Measure Description Detailed description of the GHG reduction measure.

Primary Implementation Actions Detailed actions needed to support a specific measure.

Equity Considerations Factors that should be considered for implementation to ensure equitable outcomes and avoid unintended consequences. More information on the identification of equity considerations can be found in Appendix C.

Target Year The year corresponding to the emissions targets set by the City and that are in line with State laws and guidelines. For the 2026 CAP, the City’s target years include 2030 and 2045.

Performance Metric Quantitative metric by which achievement of the specified goal will be measured. Each goal will have two performance metrics, one for each target year, 2030 and 2045.

Estimated reduction in local greenhouse gas emissions if the performance metric is met. The reduction is presented in MTCO2e for 2030 and 2045.

Supporting Actions Supporting actions are additional non-quantifiable actions to help the implementation of a specific strategy.

Co-benefits Co-benefits are considered at the strategy level and discussed in more detail in Section 3.1.1
GHG Reduction Potential
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To help meet designated targets, the 2026 CAP proposes 32 measures organized under seven strategies and six emissions categories. The following sub-sections detail GHG reduction framework according to each emissions category. A description of the emissions category is followed by separate tables describing each strategy, its goal(s), its measures, primary implementation actions, equity considerations, performance metrics, GHG reduction potential for both 2030 and 2045, supporting actions (strategy level), and co-benefits (strategy level). While many of the emissions reductions of the GHG reduction measures and actions can be quantified, others are difficult to quantify and are thus classified as “supporting actions.” Supporting actions cannot be quantified because of data limitations or lack of an available methodology to quantify emissions reductions; however, the combination of all GHG reduction measures, primary implementation actions, and supporting actions contribute towards achieving 2030 and 2045 targets and are important to include.

Of the 32 measures, 20 measures were carried over from the previous CAP and revised as needed and 12 measures were added during the development of the 2026 CAP to help achieve the City’s updated GHG emissions reduction targets for 2030 and 2045.

Additional details and calculations on the GHG reductions measures can be found in Appendix F.

Chapter 5 further describes how the measures will be implemented.

3.2.1. Electricity and Natural Gas
Electricity and natural gas consumption accounted for 36 percent of the City’s total emissions in 2016. Legislative reductions from State actions and
the City’s participation in San Diego Community
Power will reduce electricity and natural gas
emissions below 2016 levels by 33 percent by 2030
and 51 percent by 2045. Emissions reductions from
the Electricity and Natural Gas Category are
divided into two strategies: Building
Decarbonization and Renewable Energy. The
success of these strategies relies on coordination
with local utilities and organizations, participation
from the community, and administration of new or
revised local policies and programs. All Electricity
and Natural Gas strategies also serve as
adaptation strategies by reducing overall energy
demand and increasing the ability of the community
and local economy to weather future change.

Strategy 1: Building Decarbonization
The energy (electricity and natural gas) used in buildings accounts for the majority of GHG emissions in the Electricity and Natural Gas sectors. Although legislative reductions related to State actions will help reduce emissions associated with building energy, the City intends to work towards the decarbonization of nearly all buildings in Encinitas. Under the Building Decarbonization Strategy, emissions are reduced by continuing to develop energy efficiency building codes that exceed the minimum State requirements (“reach codes”) and developing programs and policies to reduce fossil fuel reliance in existing buildings. Implementation of the Building Decarbonization Strategy is projected to reduce the City’s emissions by 7,995 MTCO2e by 2030 and 41,676 MTCO2e by 2045. Table 3-3 outlines the framework for this strategy.

Co-Benefits of Building
Decarbonization include:
 Air Quality
 Public Health & Safety
 Jobs & Economy
 Climate Resilience
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Table 3-3: Strategy 1: Building Decarbonization
Goal 1.1: Decarbonize Homes and Businesses
Measure BD-1: Require Existing Residential Development Energy Efficiency Readopt an existing residential energy efficiency building code requirement (“reach code”) via ordinance for each 3-year State Building Code cycle, if cost effective.

Primary Implementation Actions Equity Considerations
BD-1.1: Develop a reach code for City Council consideration and adoption.

BD-1.2: Conduct training on new code requirements for the public and City staff.

BD-1.3: Implement reach code for all applicable existing residential building permit applications.

Produce associated outreach,
education materials and activities
in multiple languages, as needed.

Performance Metric GHG Reduction Potential Target Year
Energy retrofits completed at 500 homes/housing units. 46 MTCO2e 2030 Energy retrofits completed at 2000 homes/housing units. 183 MTCO2e 2045 Lead Department, Division Supporting Department(s), Division(s) Development Services, Sustainability Development Services, Land Development & Building Measure BD-2: Require New Residential Development Decarbonization Readopt a high-performance building code requirement (“reach code”) that incentivizes all-electric construction via ordnance for each 3-year State Building Code cycle, if cost effective.

Primary Implementation Actions Equity Considerations
BD-2.1: Develop a reach code for City Council consideration and adoption.

BD-2.2: Conduct training on new code requirements for the public and City staff.

BD-2.3: Implement reach code for all applicable new residential building permit applications.

Produce associated outreach,
education materials and activities
in multiple languages, as needed.

Performance Metric GHG Reduction Potential Target Year
500 new homes/housing units incentivized to be all-electric. 1 276 MTCO2e 2030
1,400 new homes/housing units incentivized to be all-electricl. 1 733 MTCO2e 2045
Lead Department, Division Supporting Department(s), Divisions(s) Development Services, Sustainability Development Services, Land Development & Building Notes: 1 Performance metrics for all-electric building only account for buildings that are voluntarily built all-electric.

Measure BD-3: Require Existing Nonresidential Development Energy Efficiency Readopt existing nonresidential energy efficiency building code requirement (“reach code”) via ordinance for each 3-year State Building Code cycle, if cost effective.

Primary Implementation Actions Equity Considerations
BD-3.1: Develop a reach code for City Council consideration and adoption.

BD-3.2: Conduct training on new code requirements for the public and City staff.

BD-3.3: Enforce reach code for all applicable new nonresidential building permit applications.

Support workforce training and
growth of green jobs.

Produce associated outreach,
education materials and activities
in multiple languages, as needed.

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Performance Metric GHG Reduction Potential Target Year
None identified.2 Not quantified2 2030
None identified.2 Not quantified2 2045
Lead Department, Division Supporting Department(s), Division(s) Development Services, Sustainability Development Planning, Land Development & Building Notes: 2 Identification of a performance metric and GHG reduction potential can be completed after the state-wide cost-effectiveness studies for the 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards are published.

Measure BD-4: Require New Nonresidential Development Decarbonization Adopt new nonresidential building code requirement (“reach code”) that incentivizes all-electric construction via ordinance for each 3- year State Building Code cycle, if cost effective.

Primary Implementation Actions Equity Considerations
BD-4.1: Develop a reach code for City Council consideration and adoption.

BD-4.2: Conduct training on new code requirements for the public and City staff.

BD-4.3: Enforce reach code for all applicable new nonresidential building permit applications.

Support workforce training and
growth of green jobs.

Produce associated outreach,
education materials and activities
in multiple languages, as needed.

Performance Metric GHG Reduction Potential Target Year
937,500 square feet of new nonresidential buildings incentivized to be all-electric. 591 MTCO2e 2030
3,750,000 square feet of new nonresidential buildings incentivized to be all-electric. 2,540 MTCO2e 2045
Lead Department, Division Supporting Department(s), Division(s) Development Services, Sustainability Development Services, Land Development & Building Measure BD-5: Decarbonize Existing Buildings
Develop and implement a comprehensive set of studies, programs, regulations, and incentives to work towards decarbonizing the existing building stock.

Primary Implementation Actions Equity Considerations
BD-5.1: Develop and implement a revised Green Building Incentive Program to incentivize all-electric construction and conversion of existing natural gas appliances to electric appliances.

BD-5.2: Conduct building and housing stock analysis and assess funding gaps and timeline for existing building electrification
BD-5.3: Develop a Building Benchmarking Ordinance and/or Building Performance Standard based on building stock analysis.

BD-5.4: Develop a Home Energy Score Program to raise awareness of energy consumption at the point of rental and sale.

BD-5.5: Expand the Energy Efficiency Permit Fee Waiver Program.

Support workforce training and
growth of green jobs.

Develop pilot programs and
incentives that target lowincome residents.

Performance Metric GHG Reduction Potential Target Year
Reduce 13 percent of the 2016 baseline citywide natural gas use through retrofitting existing buildings (equivalent to reducing 1.3 million therms). 7,001 MTCO2e 2030 Reduce 68 percent of the 2016 baseline citywide natural gas use through retrofitting existing buildings (equivalent to reduce 6.8 million therms). 38,085 MTCO2e 2045 DRAFT 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 64 of 514
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Lead Department, Division Supporting Department(s), Division(s) Development Services, Sustainability Development Services, Land Development & Building Goal 1.2: Decarbonize Municipal Buildings and Facilities Measure MBD-1: Implement Energy Efficiency and Decarbonization Projects at Existing Municipal Facilities Install energy efficiency measures and replace all gas appliances and equipment with efficient electric alternatives at all municipal facilities.

Primary Implementation Actions Equity Considerations
MBD-1.1: Complete Facilities Conditions Assessment and Facilities Master Plan to include quantification of energy use and identification of energy efficiency, conservation, and electric conversion opportunities.

MBD-1.2: Identify all lighting facilities that are non-LED and develop a plan to convert all City-owned lighting to LED.

MBD-1.3: Identify grants, rebate and incentive programs, and financing opportunities to install energy efficiency measures, all-electric appliances and equipment, and LED lighting.

Support workforce training and
growth of green jobs.

Performance Metric GHG Reduction Potential Target Year
Achieve 30 percent energy reduction below 2012 level (equivalent to 579,000 kWh electricity savings and 12,000 therms natural gas savings). 81 MTCO2e 2030 Reduce or substitute all-natural gas use at municipal facilities through energy efficiency and conservation, and all-electric appliance installation. 135 MTCO2e 2045 Lead Department, Division Supporting Department(s), Division(s) Public Works, Administration Engineering, Capital Improvement Fire & Marine Safety, Administration
Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts, Administration
Measure MBD-2: Require New Municipal Facilities be All-Electric Adopt a policy requiring the design and construction of new municipal facilities be all-electric.

Primary Implementation Actions Equity Considerations
MBD-2.1: Adopt an administrative policy requiring the design and construction of new municipal facilities to be all-electric.

MBD-2.2: Implement administrative policy as new municipal facilities are planned and constructed.

Support workforce training and
green job growth.

Performance Metric GHG Reduction Potential Target Year
New municipal facilities to be all-electric. Not quantified3 2030 New municipal facilities to be all-electric. Not quantified3 2045 Lead Department, Division Supporting Department(s), Division(s) Development Services, Sustainability Engineering, Capital Improvement Fire & Marine Safety, Administration
Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts, Administration
Notes: 3 Future new City facilities currently anticipated include: Fire Station No. 1 and Fire Station No. 6. After these new buildings are designed, GHG reductions can be calculated.

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Supporting Actions for Strategy 1
 Educate homeowners about the U.S. DOE Home Energy Score Program and streamline the process of identifying energy auditing contractors.
 Support the State's efforts to enact decarbonization legislation.  Educate homeowners and businesses on decarbonization, building electrification and electric appliance options and related incentive programs offered by SDCP, SDG&E and others in the region.  Continue to track State legislation and lobby for change where proposals align with City goals and vision.  Continue to offer the Home Efficiency Assessment Toolkit to residents and businesses at no cost to enable individuals to assess and enhance building energy efficiency.
 Encourage the adoption of all-electric appliances by streamlining permitting for installations that replace gas appliances with electric counterparts.
 Consider adopting building code requirements (“reach codes”) related to building efficiency and decarbonization as cost-effective opportunities are identified.

Notes: LED = light-emitting diode; MTCO2e = metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent; SDCP = San Diego Community Power; SDG&E = San Diego Gas & Electric; U.S. DOE = United States Department of Energy.

Source: Appendix F, EPIC 2026.

Strategy 2: Renewable Energy
The transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy for electricity generation will reduce emissions and provide a more sustainable and resilient source of electricity. Under the Renewable Energy Strategy, emissions are reduced by expanding participation in San Diego Community Power (SDCP) renewable energy service offerings and increasing the amount of onsite renewable energy at existing and new residential and non-residential developments. Implementation of the Renewable Energy Strategy is projected to reduce the City’s emissions by 18,506 MTCO2e by 2030 and 1,006 MTCO2e by 2045. Table 3-4 outlines the framework for this strategy.

Table 3-4: Strategy 2: Renewable Energy
Goal 2.1: Achieve 100 Percent Renewable Electricity Supply in Homes and Businesses Measure RE-1: Maintain Membership in San Diego Community Power Continue to offer Power100 as the primary electricity rate for Encinitas customers and maintain participation rate through incentives, outreach and education.

Primary Implementation Actions Equity Considerations
RE-1.1: Partner with San Diego Community Power on incentive, outreach and education programs to encourage residents and businesses to opt-up or remain enrolled in the Power100 service offering.

Promote low-income rate
programs from SDCP.

Performance Metric GHG Reduction Potential Target Year
Maintain SDCP Power100 as the City's primary electricity option. Maintain primary electricity option participation rate at or above 93 percent. 18,267 MTCO2e 2030 Maintain SDCP Power100 as the City's primary electricity option. Maintain primary electricity option participation rate at or above 93 percent. 0 MTCO2e 2045 Lead Department, Division Supporting Department(s), Division(s) Development Services, Sustainability City Manager's Office Co-Benefits of Renewable
Energy include:
 Air Quality
 Public Health & Safety
 Jobs & Economy
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Measure RE-2: Require Existing Nonresidential Buildings to Install Solar Photovoltaic Systems Readopt existing nonresidential solar photovoltaic (PV) system building code requirement (“reach code”) via ordinance for each 3-year State Building Code cycle.

Primary Implementation Actions Equity Considerations
RE-2.1 Develop a reach code for City Council consideration and adoption.

RE-2.2: Conduct training on new code requirements for the public and City staff.

RE-2.3: Enforce reach code for all applicable nonresidential building permit applications.

Support workforce training
and growth of green jobs.

Produce associated
outreach, education materials
and activities in multiple
languages, as warranted.

Performance Metric GHG Reduction Potential Target Year

0.6 MW of solar PV system capacity added through nonresidential additions or alterations. 239 MTCO2e 2030

1.7 MW of solar PV system capacity added through nonresidential additions or alterations. 665 MTCO2e 2045
Lead Department, Division Supporting Department(s), Division(s) Development Services, Sustainability Development Planning, Land Development & Building Goal 2.2: Increase Renewable Electricity Supply in Municipal Operations Measure MRE-1: Install Microgrids with On-site Renewable Generation and Battery Storage at Existing Municipal Facilities
Complete a feasibility study and install on-site renewable microgrids at suitable municipal facilities.

Primary Implementation Actions Equity Considerations
MRE-1.1: Complete Facilities Master Plan to determine opportunities for energy storage, on-site renewable generation and microgrids at municipal facilities and sites, including parking lots.

MRE-1.2: Identify grants, rebates, incentives and financing opportunities to implement capital improvement project(s) to install microgrids at suitable facilities.

MRE-1.3: Continue utilizing Power100 electricity rate offered by San Diego Community Power for all municipal facilities.

Support workforce training
and growth of green jobs.

Performance Metric GHG Reduction Potential Target Year
Complete Facilities Master Plan. 0 MTCO2e 2030
Install 850 kW of on-site renewable generation with energy storage at municipal facilities. 341 MTCO2e 2045
Lead Department, Division Supporting Department(s), Division(s) Public Works, Administration Engineering, Capital Improvement Fire & Marine Safety, Administration
Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts, Administration
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Measure MRE-2: Require New Municipal Facilities to Install Microgrids with On-Site Solar and Battery Storage Adopt a policy requiring the design and construction of new municipal facilities to include microgrids.

Primary Implementation Actions Equity Considerations
MRE-2.1: Adopt an administrative policy requiring that all new municipal facilities to install microgrids with on-site solar and battery storage.

MRE-2.2: Implement administrative policy as new municipal facilities are planned, designed and constructed.

Support workforce training
and growth of green jobs.

Supports the extended use of
municipal facilities as
emergency shelters during
power outages, where
appropriate.

Performance Metric GHG Reduction Potential Target Year
Adopt an administrative policy requiring that all new municipal facilitiesinstall microgrids. Not quantified1 2030
Install microgrids at all new municipal facilities. Not quantified1 2045 Lead Department, Division Supporting Department(s), Division(s) Development Services, Sustainability
Public Works, Administration
Engineering, Capital Improvement
Fire & Marine Safety, Administration
Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts, Administration
Notes: 1 Future new City facilities currently anticipated include: Fire Station No. 1 and Fire Station No. 6. After these new buildings are designed, GHG reductions can be calculated.

Supporting Actions for Strategy 2
 Continue to track State legislation and lobby for change where proposals align with City goals and vision.  Educate homeowners and businesses on solar PV, battery energy storage, and other renewable energy incentive programs offered by SDCP, SDG&E and others in the region.

Notes: kW = kilowatt; MTCO2e = metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent; MW = megawatt; PV = photovoltaic; SDCP = San Diego Community Power.

Source: Appendix F, EPIC 2026.

3.2.2. Water
GHG emissions are produced through the energy used to
pump, transport, and treat water and wastewater.

Although water and wastewater-related GHG emissions
only accounted for 2 percent of the City’s emissions in 2016, water conservation is needed to address periodic
drought issues that can affect the City and the State. As discussed in Chapter 4, drought conditions could increase in frequency and severity because of climate change over the long-term. All water strategies also serve as
adaptation strategies by preserving water quality and
encouraging water conservation.

A bioinfiltration basin treating runoff from a parking lot south of the Encinitas Transit Station.

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Strategy 3: Water Efficiency
Water and wastewater-related measures under this strategy will reduce both the strain on water supplies and GHG emissions from pumping and treatment activities. Strategy 3 focuses on reducing water consumption citywide through education and outreach, building codes, and converting City-managed landscaping to be drought tolerant. Emission reductions from the Water Efficiency Strategy rely on successful coordination with and participation from San Dieguito Water District, Olivenhain Municipal Water District, City residents, and businesses.

Implementation of the Water Efficiency Strategy is projected to reduce the City’s emissions by 965 and 906 MTCO2e by 2030 and 2045, respectively. Table 3-5 outlines the framework for this strategy.

Table 3-5: Strategy 3: Water Efficiency
Goal 3.1: Reduce City-wide Potable Water Consumption
Measure WE-1: Support Local Water Districts' Water Conservation Efforts Educate residents on the importance of water conservation and offer incentives to reduce water use.

Primary Implementation Actions Equity Considerations
WE-1.1: Continue to support local water districts’ efforts to incentivize water conservation through rebates and free water audits.

WE-1.2: Collaborate with local water districts to provide education and outreach to property owners on water conservation and drought-tolerant landscaping.

WE-1.3: Educate residents and businesses about water efficiency rebate and incentive programs offered to SDWD and OMWD customers.

WE-1.4: Enforce the Water Supply Shortage Response Program ordinances (administered by SDWD and OMWD) which require citywide water conservation during drought conditions.

Support the creation of lowincome water rate programs for SDWD and OMWD.

Performance Metric GHG Reduction Potential Target Year
Reduce potable water use to 8,700 AF (99 GPCD). 955 MTCO2e 2030 Reduce potable water use to 8,900 AF (97 GPCD). 879 MTCO2e 2045 Lead Department, Division Supporting Department(s), Division(s) San Dieguito Water District, Olivenhain Municipal Water District None Measure WE-2: Require New Single-Family Homes to be Pre-Plumbed for Graywater Systems Continue to implement the existing building code requiring graywater systems at new single-family homes and readopt the code requirement (“reach code”) via ordinance for each 3-year State Building Code cycle.

Primary Implementation Actions Equity Considerations
WE-2.1: Develop a reach code for City Council consideration and adoption.

WE-2.2: Conduct training on code requirements for the public and City staff.

WE-2.3: Enforce reach code for all applicable residential permit applications.

Support workforce training and
growth of green jobs.

Performance Metric GHG Reduction Potential Performance Metric 180 new homes pre-plumbed for graywater systems. 8 MTCO2e 2030 370 new homes pre-plumber for graywater systems. 20 MTCO2e 2045 Co-Benefits of Water
Efficiency include:
 Jobs & Economy
 Climate Resilience
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Lead Department, Division Supporting Department(s), Division(s) Development Services, Sustainability Development Services, Land Development & Building Measure MWE-1: Convert City-Owned Landscape to Drought Tolerant or Native Species Identify locations within parks and the public right-of-way to convert landscaping to drought tolerant or native species.

Primary Implementation Actions Equity Considerations
MWE-1.1: Identify locations within public parks and the public right-of-way to convert landscaping to drought tolerant or native species.

Support workforce training and
growth of green jobs.

Performance Metric GHG Reduction Potential Performance Metric Convert 5 percent of public parks and right-of-way landscaping to drought tolerant or native species 2 MTCO2e 2030
Convert 15 percent of public parks and right-of-way landscaping to drought tolerant or native species 7 MTCO2e 2045
Lead Department, Division Supporting Department(s), Division(s) Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts, Administration Public Works, Street Maintenance Supporting Actions for Strategy 3
 Continue to track State legislation and lobby for change where proposals align with City goals and vision.  Convert all current municipal landscape adjacent to recycled water pipelines to recycled water. Look for opportunities to work with the San Elijo Joint Powers Authority to extend recycled water pipelines to additional municipal facilities, when economically viable.  The City's Clean Water Program will continue to be actively involved in the Carlsbad Watershed Water Quality Improvement Plan development and implementation.
 Specify native plants and stormwater capture as part of Capital Improvement Projects.  Work with developers to implement Low Impact Development and other stormwater features on new and redevelopment projects.  Enforce Water Efficient Landscape requirements at new developments.  Evaluate reducing the landscape area thresholds for projects to meet regulations outlined in the City's existing Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance.
 Continue to offer the Home Efficiency Assessment Toolkit to residents and businesses at no cost to enable individuals to assess and enhance water efficiency.
 Maintain status as a Bee City USA Affiliate.
 Convert city-owned landscape to drought tolerant or native species consistent with the Native Plant Policy and Bee City USA Affiliation.

Notes: AF = acre-feet; GPCD = gallons per capita per day; SDWD = San Dieguito Water District; MTCO2e = metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent; OMWD = Olivenhain Municipal Water District.

Source: Appendix F, EPIC 2026.

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3.2.3. On-Road Transportation
Internal combustion from on-road transportation is the
largest contributor to the City’s GHG emissions,
accounting for 58 percent of the City’s total emissions in 2016. Legislative reductions from
improvements in State and federal vehicle fuel efficiency standards and zero-emission vehicle sales mandates will contribute to reducing transportation emissions. While
these legislative reductions apply to the fuel efficiency of vehicle operations, strategies that affect the frequency or distance of vehicle travel are within local or and regional control and can be addressed in a local CAP.

Strategy 4: Clean and Efficient Transportation
Under this strategy, emissions are reduced by encouraging the use of electric and alternative fuel vehicles and reducing vehicle miles traveled (VMT) through smarter land use planning.

Emissions reductions from this strategy rely on coordination with, and participation from local and regional transportation and planning agencies, residents and businesses. Implementation of the Clean and Efficient Transportation Strategy is projected to reduce the City’s emissions by 7,531 and 15,137 MTCO2e by 2030 and 2045, respectively. Table 3- 6 outlines the framework for this strategy.

Table 3-6: Strategy 4: Clean and Efficient Transportation Goal 4.1: Reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled
Measure CET-1: Implement the Active Transportation Plan Continue to implement the citywide Active Transportation Plan (ATP) based on the Modal Alternatives Project (MAP) and incorporate any future updates to the ATP or MAP that may be adopted by Council.

Primary Implementation Actions Equity Considerations
CET-1.1: Update Circulation Element in accordance with City Council Strategic Plan Objectives.

CET-1.2: Update the ATP for consistency with the updated Circulation Element.

CET-1.3: Identify grants, rebates, incentives and financing opportunities for funding safe bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure projects and programs that are in alignment with the updated Circulation Element and ATP.

CET-1.4: Design and construct capital improvement projects (CIP) to install bike and pedestrian facilities identified in the ATP.

CET-1.5: Continue to utilize the locally adopted National Association of City Transportation Officials Urban Bikeway Design Guide in CIP roadway projects.

CET-1.6: Install traffic infrastructure enhancements that support the safety of all transportation modes.

This could include bike sensors and associated street markings, pedestrian detectors at intersections, crosswalks, traffic calming features, etc.

CET-1.7: Install wayfinding signage and information systems to facilitate walking, biking and efficient driving and parking as part of CIP projects.

Ensure Active Transportation
Plan safely connects lowerincome neighborhoods to
services and activity centers.

Include workforce development
and green jobs in ATP build
out.

Co-Benefits of Clean and Efficient
Transportation include:
 Air Quality
 Public Health & Safety
 Jobs & Economy
Zero-emission fleet vehicles charging at City Hall
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CET-1.8: Monitor usage of roadways and bike and pedestrian facilities before and after mobility improvements are installed to assess project impacts.

Performance Metric GHG Reduction Potential Target Year
Implement 55 percent of projects in the MAP (equivalent to 13 percent of projects in the ATP).
3821
2030
Implement 100 percent of projects in the MAP plus additional projects in the ATP (equivalent to 45 percent of projects in the ATP). 5361
2045
Lead Department, Division Supporting Department(s), Division(s) Engineering, Capital Improvement Engineering, Traffic Engineering Notes: 1 The GHG reductions for this measure are based on the current ATP, adopted in 2018. If the ATP is updated, the GHG reductions should also be updated.

Measure CET-2: Implement a Microtransit Program
Conduct a Microtransit study to determine a recommended flexible fleet option for the City and implement the recommended system.

Primary Implementation Actions Equity Considerations
CET-2.1: Explore sub-regional or local microtransit options with regional transportation agencies (e.g., SANDAG and NCTD), neighboring jurisdictions (Carlsbad, Solana Beach, San Marcos, San Diego County, etc.), and local school districts (SDUHSD and EUSD).

CET-2.2: Complete a study to determine the optimal type of microtransit system (e.g., on-demand or circulator transit system) for the City.

CET-2.3: Seek funding to implement the study’s recommended microtransit system, such as through SANDAG’s Flexible Fleets Pilot Grant Program.

Engage disadvantaged
community members and
organizations in the
Microtransit Study to
understand their transportation
needs and habits.

Ensure connectivity of lowincome neighborhoods is
prioritized in microtransit
program.

Performance Metric GHG Reduction Potential Target Year
Implement a microtransit program as identified in most recent studies. 150 MTCO2e 2030 Implement a microtransit program. 62 MTCO2e 2045
Lead Department, Division Supporting Department(s), Division(s) Development Services, Policy Planning and Sustainability Public Works, Administration Measure CET-3: Require Transportation Demand Management Programs for New Residential, Nonresidential and Major Redevelopment Projects
Require new developments to create and implement transportation demand management (TDM) strategies to mitigate traffic impacts of project and reduce vehicle miles traveled.

Primary Implementation Actions Equity Considerations
CET-3.1: Adopt an ordinance requiring that large new developments create and implement transportation demand management strategies, including infrastructure, rebates, incentives, and education, to mitigate traffic impacts of their project in accordance with the City’s Circulation Element and VMT guidelines.

CET-3.2: Prepare and maintain a list of common TDM activities for businesses to streamline preparation of TDM plans and incentivize alternative modes of transportation.

CET-3.3: Connect businesses with SANDAG's Sustainable Transportation Services programs for its Employer Commuter Program free assistance.

CET-3.4: Implement TDM code for all applicable development permit applications.

Require equity measures in
TDM programs.

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Performance Metric GHG Reduction Potential Target Year
1,400 new Encinitas commuters using alternative modes of transportation. 1,556 MTCO2e 2030
7,500 new Encinitas commuters using alternative modes of transportation. 3,430 MTCO2e 2045
Lead Department, Division Supporting Department(s), Division(s) Development Services, Land Development Engineering Development Services, Policy Planning Measure CET-4: Reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled
Develop and implement a comprehensive set of studies, programs, regulations, and incentives to reduce citywide VMT.

Primary Implementation Actions Equity Considerations
CET-4.1: Update the Circulation Element to identify programs, policies and regulations that reduce citywide VMT.

CET-4.2: Implement programs, policies and regulations aimed at reducing citywide VMT.

Ensure VMT studies, programs
and regulations adequately
consider low-income
populations.

Performance Metric GHG Reduction Potential Target Year
None. Implementation to begin after 2030. 0 MTCO2e 2030 Reduce VMT per capita to 5 percent below 2016 level (reduce 1 miles per capita per day). 3,451 MTCO2e 2045
Lead Department, Division Supporting Department(s), Division(s) Development Services, Policy Planning None
Goal 4.2: Reduce On-road Fuel Use
Measure CET-5: Improve Traffic Flow
Improve traffic flow by retiming traffic signals and installing roundabouts at key intersections in the City.

Primary Implementation Actions Equity Considerations
CET-5.1: Periodically evaluate traffic light timing and adjust timing to improve vehicular flow, as needed.

CET-5.2: Identify grants, rebates, incentive and financing opportunities to install roundabouts.

CET-5.3: Design and construct capital improvement projects to install roundabouts.

Ensure equitable placement of
roundabouts throughout the
City.

Performance Metric GHG Reduction Potential Target Year
Nine roundabouts completed and 60 intersections with traffic signals retimed. 1,902 MTCO2e 2030
17 roundabouts completed and 60 intersections with traffic signals retimed. 1,136 MTCO2e 2045
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Goal 4.3: Increase Electric Vehicle Adoption
Measure CET-6: Require Residential Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Readopt the existing residential electric vehicle charging building code requirement (“reach code”) via ordinance for each 3-year State Building Code cycle, as applicable.

Primary Implementation Actions Equity Considerations
CET-6.1: Develop a reach code for City Council consideration and adoption.

CET-6.2: Conduct training on code requirements for the public and City staff.

CET-6.3: Implement reach code for all applicable residential permit applications.

Ensure affordable housing
units also comply with electric
vehicle charging requirements.

Performance Metric GHG Reduction Potential Target Year
375 residential permits approved with electric vehicle charging station equipment required. 650 2030
Require and approve electric vehicle chargers at applicable residential development projects, in alignment with future Housing Element updates.
1,798 2045
Lead Department, Division Supporting Department(s), Division(s) Development Services, Sustainability Development Services, Land Development & Building Measure CET-7: Require Nonresidential Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Readopt the existing nonresidential electric vehicle charging building code requirement (“reach code”) via ordinance for each 3-year State Building Code cycle, as applicable.

Primary Implementation Actions Equity Considerations
CET-7.1: Develop a reach code for City Council consideration and adoption.

CET-7.2: Conduct training on code requirements for the public and City staff.

CET-7.3: Implement reach code for all applicable nonresidential permit applications.

Promote low-income electric
vehicle incentive programs.

Performance Metric GHG Reduction Potential Target Year
70 nonresidential permits approved with electric vehicle charging station equipment required. 529 2030
Require and approve electric vehicle chargers at applicable nonresidential development projects. 1,983 2045
Lead Department, Division Supporting Department(s), Division(s) Development Services, Sustainability Development Services, Land Development & Building Goal 4.4: Zero-Emission Municipal Fleet
Measure MCET-1: Transition to Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Municipal Fleet Continue to convert City-owned gasoline-fueled cars and light-duty vehicles to zero-emission vehicles and purchase renewable diesel for all diesel-fueled heavy-duty vehicles and equipment.

Primary Implementation Actions Equity Considerations
MCET-1.1: Continue to implement the adopted Zero Emission Vehicle Fleet Conversion Plan.

MCET-1.2: Purchase EV fleet vehicles to replace gas- and diesel-fueled vehicles based on plan.

MCET-1.3: Purchase and install EV charging stations for fleet.

MCET-1.4: Purchase renewable diesel for diesel-fueled heavy-duty vehicles and equipment.

Not applicable.

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Performance Metric GHG Reduction Potential Target Year
50 percent fleet light-duty vehicles to be ZEVs. Maintain 100 percent of fleet heavy-duty vehicles renewable diesel use. 265 MTCO2e 2030 100 percent fleet light-duty vehicles to be ZEVs. Maintain 100 percent of fleet heavy-duty vehicles and equipment renewable diesel use. 288 MTCO2e 2045 Lead Department, Division Supporting Department(s), Division(s) Public Works, Administration Fire & Marine Safety, Administration Goal 4.5: Reduce City Employee Commute Trips
Measure MCET-2: Implement a Municipal Employee Transportation Demand Management Program Continue to implement the teleworking policy for City employees and develop and implement a program to incentivize City employees commuting to work by alternative transportation as a model for other local employers.

Primary Implementation Actions Equity Considerations
MCET-2.1: Consider adopting a teleworking policy for City employees.

MCET-2.2: Expand the City employee transit rebate program to also include incentives to commute by bicycle, walking, carpooling, rideshare, or electric vehicle.

Ensure alternative
transportation incentive is
equitable for employees.

Performance Metric GHG Reduction Potential Target Year
110 City employees teleworking. 62 MTCO2e 2030
110 City employees teleworking and 26 City employees commuting alternatively. 26 MTCO2e 2045
Lead Department, Division Supporting Department(s), Division(s) Development Services, Sustainability Human Resources
Measure MCET-3: Install Public Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Install publicly available electric vehicle charging stations in municipally owned parking lots and encourage nonresidential property owners to install electric vehicle charging stations, in accordance with the EV Charging Station Master Plan.

Primary Implementation Actions Equity Considerations
MCET-3.1: Implement the adopted Electric Vehicle Charging Station Master Plan.

MCET-3.2: Identify grants, rebates, incentives and financing opportunities for installing public EV charging stations at public facilities.

MCET-3.3: Encourage and support nonresidential property owners to install EV charging stations for public use.

MCET-3.4: Design and construct capital improvement project(s) to install public EV charging.

MCET-3.5: Implement educational activities to raise awareness about EVs among residents and businesses.

Promote low-income electric
vehicle incentive programs.

Performance Metric GHG Reduction Potential Target Year
113 publicly available Level 2 electric vehicle chargers and 15 DC fast chargers installed. 2,035 2030
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Lead Department, Division Supporting Department(s), Division(s) Engineering, Capital Improvement
Development Services, Sustainability
Public Works, Administration
Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts, Administration
Supporting Actions for Strategy 4
 Continue to track State legislation and lobby for change where proposals align with City goals and vision.  Continue to implement a Complete Streets Policy.
 Consider bike sharing programs for the community.
 Complete Safe Routes to Schools projects to decrease the need to drive students to school.  Coordinate with regional transit authorities and local school districts to improve student busing and public transit options.  Support and promote SANDAG's Sustainable Transportation Services Program.  Continue to utilize the locally adopted National Association of City Transportation Officials Urban Bikeway Design Guide in CIP roadway projects.
 Implement and enforce the City's Housing Element and existing specific plans to reduce VMT and encourage dense, infill development.
 Install traffic infrastructure enhancements that support safe biking and walking which may include, but is not limited to, bike sensors and associated street markings, pedestrian detectors at intersections, and crosswalks.  Implement a monitoring program for assessing biking, walking, and transit ridership in the City to determine the baseline level of travel and facilitate the development of appropriate mode shift targets for the City.  Develop, adopt, and implement a "no idling" policy.
 Encourage nonresidential property owners to install EV charging stations in accordance with the adopted Electric Vehicle Charging Station Master Plan to increase the use of zero-emission vehicles by the community.  Pursue partnerships with school districts and NCTD to explore the use of electric busing or public transit busing for schools.  Install wayfinding signage and information systems to facilitate walking, biking, and efficient driving and parking as part of CIP projects.
 Implement educational activities to raise awareness about EVs among residents and businesses.  Educate community on alternative commuting resources.  Continue offering the City Employee Bikeshare Program and consider providing e-bikes for the program.

Notes: ATP = Active Transportation Plan; CIP = Capital Improvement Program; EUSD = Encinitas Union School District; EV = electric vehicle; NCTD = North County Transit District; MAP = Modal Alternatives Project; MTCO2e = metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent; SANDAG = San Diego Association of Governments; SDUHSD = San Dieguito Union High School District; TDM = transportation demand management; VMT = vehicle miles traveled; ZEV = zero-emission vehicle.

Source: Appendix F, EPIC 2026.

3.2.4. Off-Road Transportation
In the context of climate action planning, off-road transportation refers to vehicles and machinery designed for use in areas without paved roads, such as forests, deserts, mountains, and construction sites. These include all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), golf carts, dirt bikes, agricultural equipment, landscape equipment and construction equipment. As it relates to climate action, off-road transportation is significant because it often relies on less efficient two-stroke engines fueled by diesel or gasoline, significantly contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. Efforts to address climate change in this context involve promoting the use of more fuel-efficient, hybrid, or electric off-road vehicles or equipment, implementing stricter emissions standards, and developing alternative fuels. In a suburban, predominantly residential city like Encinitas, the most prominent source of emissions from off-road transportation comes from yard maintenance equipment such as lawn mowers, leaf blowers, weed and hedge trimmers, chainsaws and power washers.

Off-road transportation accounted for 1 percent of the City’s total emissions in 2016. Transitioning from fossil –fuel-based to renewable or electric off-road equipment is a key strategy for reducing emissions.

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Strategy 5: Zero Emission Equipment
Under this strategy, emissions are reduced by eliminating the use of two-stroke engine leaf blowers and other landscaping equipment, which are known to emit a number of air pollutants. Emissions reductions from this strategy rely on enforcement of the City’s existing gas-powered leaf blower ordinance and adoption of additional gaspowered landscaping equipment ordinances. The success of the strategy relies on comprehensive public outreach and education on alternatives to gas-powered leafblowing technologies, as well as the availability of rebates and incentives. Implementation of the Zero Emission Equipment Strategy is projected to reduce the City’s emissions by 250 MTCO2e by 2030 and 1,290 MTCO2e by 2045. Table 3-7 outlines the framework for this strategy.

Table 3-7: Strategy 5: Zero Emission Equipment
Goal 5.1: Reduce Equipment Fuel Use
Measure ZE-1: Limit Use of Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers
Enforce existing ordinance restricting the use of gas-powered leaf blowers.

Primary Implementation Actions Equity Considerations
ZE-1.1: Continue to enforce the City’s Leaf Blower Ordinance which bans the use of gas-powered leaf blowers citywide.

ZE-1.2: Continue to educate residents and businesses about the City’s leaf blower regulations.

Promote incentive programs
for trading in gas-powered leaf
blowers.

Performance Metric GHG Reduction Potential Target Year
100 percent reduction in emissions from gas-powered leaf blowers. 250 MTCO2e 2030 100 percent reduction in emissions from gas-powered leaf blowers. 247 MTCO2e 2045 Lead Department, Division Supporting Department(s), Division(s) Development Services, Development Planning & Code Enforcement None Measure ZE-2: Limit Use of Gas-Powered Landscape Equipment Adopt an ordinance restricting the use of gas-powered landscape equipment.

Primary Implementation Actions Equity Considerations
ZE-2.1: Develop an ordinance restricting the use of gas-powered landscape equipment for City Council consideration and adoption.

ZE-2.2: Develop a rebate program to incentivize and accelerate replacement of gas-powered landscape equipment with electric models.

ZE-2.3: Educate residents and businesses about alternatives to gas-powered landscaping equipment.

ZE-2.4: Enforce the adopted ordinance.

Promote incentive program for
trading in gas-powered
equipment.

Performance Metric GHG Reduction Potential Target Year
None. Implementation to begin after 2030. 0 MTCO2e 2030 100 percent reduction in emissions from gas-powered landscape equipment. 1,043 MTCO2e 2045
Lead Department, Division Supporting Department(s)
Development Services, Sustainability Development Services, Development Planning & Code Enforcement
Co-Benefits of Off-Road
Equipment Reduction include:
 Public Health & Safety
 Air Quality
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Supporting Actions for Strategy 4
 Continue to track State legislation and lobby for change where proposals align with City goals and vision.  Consider adopting building code requirements ("reach codes") related to embodied carbon as cost-effective opportunities are identified by the Statewide Reach Codes Program to reduce off-road equipment emissions associated with development.  Implement a portable solar and battery lending program to encourage the use of zero emission electricity generators.  Develop a policy requiring City-permitted events to utilize zero emission electricity generators.

Notes: MTCO2e = metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent Source: Appendix F, EPIC 2026.

3.2.5. Solid Waste
The solid waste category accounted for
approximately 4 percent of the City’s total
emissions in 2016. The Zero Waste Strategy
aims to reduce emissions through diverting
solid waste from landfills. Solid waste disposal
in a landfill generates emissions of GHGs
through the anaerobic decomposition of
organic products. To reduce these emissions,
methane-generating organic material must be
diverted away from landfills to facilities where
they can properly decompose and emissions
can be captured. Solid waste emissions
reductions depend on the expansion of City
programs that promote waste reduction,
recycling, and organics diversion, as well as
participation from City residents and
businesses to reduce waste sent to the landfill, increase recycling, and divert organic waste.

Strategy 6: Zero Waste
The Zero Waste Strategy focuses on diverting a greater percentage of waste from landfills, through programs to enhance education and expand resources that support the diversion of organic waste and recyclables by residents and businesses. Implementation of the Zero Waste Strategy is projected to reduce the City’s emissions by 10,357 MTCO2e by 2030 and 12,694 MTCO2e by 2045. Table 3-8 outlines the framework for this strategy.

Co-Benefits of Zero Waste
include:
 Air Quality
 Public Health & Safety
 Jobs & Economy
Workers sorting recycling at the EDCO Mixed Use
Recycling Facility in Escondido
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Table 3-8: Strategy 6: Zero Waste
Goal 6.1: Divert Solid Waste
CAP Measure ZW-1: Implement a Zero Waste Program
Implement a Zero Waste Program to reduce waste disposal from residents and businesses in the community.

Primary Implementation Actions Equity Considerations
ZW-1.1: Implement an Organic Waste Recycling Program, including adherence to SB 1383 regulations.

ZW-1.2: Continue to provide Zero Waste education and outreach to residents through the City’s social media outlets and website.

ZW-1.3: Continue to support Zero Waste Programs at local schools.

ZW-1.4: Implement audit and inspection program at nonresidential and multifamily facilities to ensure compliance with SB 1383 and local ordinance (E.M.C. 11.23).

ZW-1.5: Establish programs to maximize procurement of recovered organic waste products to comply with SB 1383 regulations.

ZW-1.6: Provide organic waste collection at City facilities and events.

ZW-1.7: Continue to implement an edible food recovery program.

ZW-1.8: Provide tools to inform proper recycling practices for all waste generators.

ZW-1.9: Incorporate inspection component into City’s Construction and Demolition Recycling program to ensure compliance with SB 1383 and local ordinance (E.M.C. 11.22).

ZW-1.10: Support product stewardship and extended producer responsibility initiatives.

ZW-1.11: Continue to utilize online permitting system to eliminate paper waste and seek additional opportunities to reduce paper waste in City processes.

ZW-1.12: Update and implement the City’s Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy.

Promote incentive and rebate
programs for low-income,
multifamily and senior
populations.

Performance Metric GHG Reduction Potential Target Year
80 percent waste diversion (3 lbs/person/day). 10,357 MTCO2e 2030 90 percent waste diversion (1.5 lbs/person/day). 12,694 MTCO2e 2045 Lead Department, Division Supporting Department(s), Division(s) Public Works, Environmental Services None
Supporting Actions for Strategy 6
 Continue to track State legislation and lobby for change where proposals align with City goals and vision.  Continue to implement and consider expanding the City's single-use plastics ordinances.

Notes: lbs = pounds; MTCO2e = metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent Source: Appendix F, EPIC 2026.

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3.2.6. Carbon Sequestration
Carbon sequestration refers to the process of removing
atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) through artificial or natural processes and occurs daily through the natural respiration of vegetation and trees. Carbon sequestration potential is lost when natural carbon sinks (e.g., trees, seaweed, seagrasses) are cut down or removed. Conversely, a community can
enhance or improve its carbon sequestration potential by increasing the volume and rate of planting trees, nurturing an urban canopy, or restoring or protecting aquatic carbon sinks.

Strategy 7: Carbon Sequestration
As part of the natural carbon cycle, plants photosynthesize, taking in CO2 from the atmosphere and converting it into oxygen and carbonbased plant matter, storing the carbon captured from the atmosphere.

Trees are significant sources of carbon sequestration and storage because of their size and longevity. Trees also provide essential habitat for local fauna. The most recent urban tree canopy assessment in the San Diego region was completed in 2014, based on high‐resolution Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR). It showed the City had approximately 22 percent existing urban tree canopy cover.
3 This strategy focuses on the preservation and expansion of tree growth in the City to increase the amount of carbon sequestered in hopes of offsetting CO2 emissions generated by other sources to the extent feasible. The Carbon Sequestration Strategy also includes updated measurements of tree canopy to create more up-to-date tree canopy targets.

Increased carbon sequestration and new tree plantings will improve air quality through the capture of air pollutants, improve water quality through reduced erosion, benefit biological resources by providing additional habitat and improved water quality, and benefit the community and public health through the provision of shade and positive impacts on mental health. Implementation of the Carbon Sequestration Strategy would reduce the City’s emissions by 4,297 MTCO2e by 2030 and 5,273 MTCO2e by 2045.

Table 3-9 outlines the framework for this strategy.

Table 3-9: Strategy 7: Carbon Sequestration
Goal 7.1: Increase Urban Tree Cover
Measure CS-1: Establish a Tree Canopy Goal for the City Evaluate the City’s current urban tree canopy and establish a goal for increasing the City’s urban tree canopy.

Primary Implementation Actions Equity Considerations
CS-1.1: Using the most recent LiDAR and aerial imagery, determine the City’s current urban tree canopy and estimate the City’s urban tree canopy potential.

CS-1.2: Establish a realistic tree canopy goal based on the analysis conducted in CS-1.1, targeting a 5 percent increase in tree canopy, if possible.

Prioritize tree planting in heatvulnerable neighborhoods based on climate impact
assessment.
3 The assessment was done in 2014 for all urban areas in the San Diego County using method developed by University of Vermont and USDA Forest Service. https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/san_diego_tree_canopy_assessment_05oct2016.pdf Co-Benefits of Carbon
Sequestration include:
 Air Quality
 Public Health & Safety
 Jobs & Economy
 Climate Resilience
A group of people planting trees in Encinitas
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Performance Metric GHG Reduction Potential Target Year
Maintain current tree canopy. 4,096 MTCO2e 2030
Increase tree canopy by 5 percent or other percentage as determined by the study. 4,841 MTCO2e 2045
Lead Department, Division Supporting Department(s), Division(s) Development Services, Sustainability Public Works, Administration Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts, Administration
Measure CS-2: Enforce Landscape Tree Requirements at New Developments Continue to implement the City's current tree and landscape requirements.

Primary Implementation Actions Equity Considerations
CS-2.1: Enforce parking area tree planting requirement (E.M.C. 30.54.060): a minimum of one tree for every five parking spaces.

CS-2.2: Monitor and track all new trees planted at private properties and parking lots for enforcement purposes.

Support workforce training and
growth of green jobs.

Performance Metric GHG Reduction Potential Target Year
3,200 new trees planted at private properties and parking lots. 117 MTCO2e 2030 6,800 new trees planted at private properties and parking lots. 242 MTCO2e 2045 Lead Department, Division Supporting Department(s), Division(s) Development Services, Development Planning & Code Enforcement None Measure CS-3: Incentivize Tree Planting on Private Property Incentivize tree planting on private property through a free tree giveaway program.

Primary Implementation Actions Equity Considerations
CS-3.1: Collaborate with regional tree experts to develop a tree give-away program or other incentives to encourage planting of shade trees at existing residential and nonresidential sites.

CS-3.2: Continue to share related informational materials on City's webpage and at other community events on shade tree planting guides, Street Tree Selection Guide and tree giveaways.

CS-3.3: Incentivize tree planting on private property by giving away tree seedlings during Arbor Day events.

Prioritize tree planting
incentives to low-income and
disadvantaged populations and
areas with greater climate
adaptation needs.

Performance Metric GHG Reduction Potential Target Year
Give away 500 total trees for residents and businesses to plant on private property (100 trees per year). 18 MTCO2e 2030
Give away 2,000 total trees for residents and businesses to plant on private property (100 trees per year). 71 MTCO2e 2045
Lead Department, Division Supporting Department(s), Division(s) Development Services, Sustainability None.

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Measure CS-4: Adopt and Implement a Mature Tree Ordinance Adopt and implement a Mature Tree Ordinance with new replacement ratio based on replacement tree locations and species for new multi-family developments, new nonresidential or mixed-use developments and redevelopment of existing nonresidential and multifamily properties.

Primary Implementation Actions Equity Considerations
CS-4.1: Develop requirements aimed at preserving mature trees on development sites or replacing mature trees when removal is unavoidable.

CS-4.2: Implement mature tree guidelines for all applicable building permit applications.

Locations for replacement
trees should be equitably
disbursed citywide.

Performance Metric GHG Reduction Potential Target Year
Adopt a Mature Tree Ordinance. Not quantified1 2030
Implement a Mature Tree Ordinance. Not quantified1 2045 Lead Department, Division Supporting Department(s), Division(s) Development Services, Policy Planning Development Services, Development Planning & Code Enforcement
Notes: 1 GHG reductions are not quantified as they are supportive to Measure CS-1.

Measure MCS-1: Plant and Maintain City Trees
Plant and maintain City trees in accordance with the City's Urban Forest Management Plan.

Primary Implementation Actions Equity Considerations
MCS-1.1: Continue to plant new trees in the City by identifying right of way and park land that have space for additional trees.

MCS-1.2: Replace any trees that are removed due to death or disease.

MCS-1.3: Identify grants, rebates, incentives and financing opportunities to plant additional trees on City property.

MCS-1.4: Specify trees as part of Capital Improvement Projects.

Support workforce training and
growth of green jobs.

Performance Metric GHG Reduction Potential Target Year
1,900 net new trees planted and maintained as part of the City's tree inventory. 66 MTCO2e 2030
3,400 net new trees planted and maintained as part of the City's tree inventory. 119 MTCO2e 2045
Lead Department, Division Supporting Department(s), Division(s) Public Works, Street Maintenance Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts, Parks, Beaches and Trails Supporting Actions for Strategy 7
 Continue to track State legislation and lobby for change where proposals align with City goals and vision.  Continue turf management practices which specify the top-dressing of compost to increase carbon sequestration at City parks.  Partner with schools to develop and implement programs to educate students about planting trees.  Continue to encourage developers to avoid the removal of any mature trees when a property is developed or redeveloped.  Incentivize tree planting on private property by giving away tree seedlings during Arbor Day events.  Expand open space when feasible.
 Encourage and support agencies in exploring enhanced lagoon carbon sequestration in San Elijo and Batiquitos Lagoons.

Notes: LiDAR = Light Detection and Ranging; MTCO2e = metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent Source: Appendix F, EPIC 2026.

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4. Climate Vulnerability and Adaptation
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Climate change is a global phenomenon that, over the long term, will cause a wide variety of impacts on human health and safety, economic vitality, water supply, ecosystem function and the provision of basic services (IPCC 2023). Locally in the San Diego region, as well as throughout California, climate change is already affecting and will continue to affect the physical environment and vulnerable communities. Due to the varying impacts of climate change by location and other social and economic characteristics, it is important to specifically identify the projected severity of these impacts on the City of Encinitas (City) and the surrounding area.

The City has a certified Local Coastal Program (LCP) which is part of the City’s adopted General Plan.

The Elements contained within the General Plan address specific areas of community concern, including public safety. In 2023, the City adopted an updated Safety Element of the Encinitas General Plan which, as of February 2026, is pending certification from the California Coastal Commission. In accordance with State law, the Safety Element update included a risk assessment related to various natural hazards and potential disasters, including climate change. To address climate change in the Safety Element update, a Climate Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Framework (Vulnerability Assessment) was developed and adopted by the Encinitas City Council, in accordance with Senate Bill 379 and the Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI) General Plan Guidelines (See Appendix B). The Vulnerability Assessment evaluated the Encinitas community's potential future exposure to climate hazards and explored actions the City could employ to reduce its risk to climate change effects, increase the City’s capacity to adapt, and build climate resilience. The Vulnerability Assessment expanded upon the City's previous climate planning documents, to provide more detail regarding impacted populations and facilities and lay the groundwork to form policies and programs intended for inclusion in the General Plan Safety Element. Therefore, the Vulnerability Assessment criteria has changed from the last CAP update in 2020, consisting of nine phases of assessment to the current criteria outlined in this CAP update, to be a four phased approach, discussed in greater detail below.

On December 11, 2024, City Council authorized a contract to amend the Resource Management Element of the Encinitas General Plan pursuant to Senate Bill 1425 and Assembly Bill 1889. The Resource Management Element focused amendment will contribute to the resiliency and adaptation strategies of the 2026 Climate Action Plan (2026 CAP), addressing protection and enhancement of natural resources. The update will identify and analyze habitat connectivity areas, rewilding, conserved lands, coastal ecology and conservation areas, within the jurisdiction and existing or planned wildlife passage features, including analyzing the San Diego Multiple Habitat Conservation Plan (MHCP) and the draft Encinitas Sub-Area Plan.

The California Adaptation Planning Guide (APG), developed by California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) and California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA), helps communities throughout California plan for and adapt to the impacts of climate change (CalOES 2020). In 2020, the APG was updated from a nine-step process to a four-step process, after the City’s 2020 Interim CAP Update was completed. While the number of steps was reduced, the robust nature of the planning process remains intact. To maintain consistency with the latest statewide guidance, the four-step APG process, illustrated in Figure 4-1, was utilized to develop the Vulnerability Assessment as well as this chapter of the 2026 CAP.

The APG allows communities to assess their specific climate vulnerabilities and provides strategies for communities to reduce climate-related risks and prepare for current and future impacts of climate change.

Recommendations and findings from the Vulnerability Assessment have been incorporated into this chapter of the 2026 CAP.

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Figure 4-1: The Four Steps in the Adaptation Planning Process Source: California Adaptation Planning Guide, 2020.

The four steps of the Adaptation Planning Process include:
 Phase 1: Explore, Define and Initiate: This phase includes scoping the process and project, such as identifying the potential climate change effects and important physical, social, and natural assets in the community.
 Phase 2: Assess Vulnerability: This phase includes analysis of exposure to, sensitivity of and adaptive capacity to respond to climate effect to determine physical and social vulnerability.
 Phase 3: Define Adaptation Framework and Strategies: This phase focuses on creating an adaptation framework and developing adaptation strategies based on the Vulnerability Assessment results. The adaptation strategies are the community's potential response to the Vulnerability Assessment.
 Phase 4: Implement, Monitor, Evaluate and Adjust: In this phase, the adaptation framework is implemented, consistently monitored and evaluated and adjusted based on continual learning, feedback and/or triggers.

This section summarizes the climate-related impacts that are anticipated to affect the City and evaluates how these impacts will affect the community’s populations, functions and structures, as identified in the Vulnerability Assessment recently conducted as part of the City’s Safety Element Update.

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4.1. Phase 1: Explore, Define and Initiate
The first step in the climate adaptation planning process is to scope the process for identifying the potential climate change effects. Using climate scenario planning tools, the assessment focuses on the climate-related impacts most likely to affect the City. To assess the potential direct and indirect effects of climate change in the City of Encinitas, three specialized modeling tools were used: Cal-Adapt, the Coastal Storm Modeling Systems (CoSMoS) and current Fire Hazard Severity Zone Maps.

APG, Version 2.0
recommends using Cal-Adapt,
because it is a planning tool
that effectively downscales
global climate change
simulation modeling data to
local and regional resolution
under both high and low global
greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions scenarios. CalAdapt addresses uncertainty
surrounding potential GHG
emissions using
Representative Concentration
Pathways (RCPs). The RCPs
in this Vulnerability
Assessment rely upon two
future emissions scenarios: RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5. RCP 4.5 represents a “medium emissions scenario” of GHG emissions and assumes emissions will rise through the middle of the century and decrease to below 1990 levels by the end of the 21st century. RCP 8.5 is a “high emissions scenario” where GHG emissions continue to increase through the end of the 21st century (Bedsworth et al. 2018). Cal-Adapt was developed by the California Energy Commission (CEC) and the University of California, Berkeley Geospatial Innovation Facility.

In addition to Cal-Adapt, the Vulnerability Assessment used data from CoSMoS, a dynamic modeling tool developed by the United States Geological Survey (USGS), used to predict local coastal flooding and identify the City’s future coastal vulnerabilities, including erosion and risk of cliff failure. CoSMoS data was used because it includes both future sea level rise predictions and storm intensity, integrated with long-term coastal evolution. CoSMoS models all the relevant physics of a coastal storm (e.g., tides, waves and storm surge), which are then scaled down to local flood projections for use in community-level coastal planning and decision-making. Rather than relying on historic storm records, CoSMoS uses wind and pressure from global climate models to project coastal storms under changing climatic conditions during the 21st century. Projections of multiple storm scenarios (daily conditions, annual storm, 20-year- and 100-year-return intervals) are provided under a suite of sealevel rise scenarios ranging from 0 to 2 meters (0 to 6.6 feet), along with an extreme 5-meter (16- foot) scenario. This allows users to manage and meet their own planning horizons and specify degrees of risk tolerance (USGS n.d.).

Finally, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection’s (CAL FIRE) Fire and Resource Assessment Program maps of Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) were used to determine future fire risk due to climate change in Encinitas through the end of the century. The FHSZs are mapped using a graduated scale of moderate, high and very high fire risk. FHSZ maps are developed from a geospatial model that is designed to describe relative wildland-urban interface (WUI) fire hazard Sunset at Moonlight Beach
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potential over the long-term for all areas of the state. Different steps were taken for modeling FHSZs in wildland areas, defined as those where a fuel model can be applied, and non-wildland areas. Nonwildland includes urban, agricultural and barren lands and water or wetlands. Wildland areas were scored directly based on data inputs within the wildland, and non-wildland areas were scored using a buffering routine that builds zones based on proximity to wildland as well as factors that reflect how conducive the non-wildland area is to fire spread. FHSZ maps consider the likelihood that an area will be burned over a 30- to 50-year period and do not consider modifications from fuel reduction efforts.

In the Vulnerability Assessment, climate change effects are categorized as direct or indirect. Direct effects are caused by the initial impacts of increased GHG emissions, while indirect effects occur because of the direct effect(s). Direct climate change effects include changes in temperature and precipitation while indirect effects, which can occur because of isolated changes or a combination of changes in the direct effects, include extreme heat events, drought, wildfires, coastal and onshore flooding and landslides. The following sections describe the direct and indirect effects of climate change that are expected to occur in the City of Encinitas in the coming decades.

4.2. Phase 2: Assess Vulnerability

4.2.1. Changes in Temperature
According to Cal-Adapt, Encinitas’s historical (1961-1990) annual average maximum temperature was 74.3 degrees Fahrenheit (°F), and the historic annual minimum temperature was 51.7°F. As shown in Table 4-1, both are projected to increase by mid-century and further increase by the end of the century. As a result of increasing GHG emissions, the annual average maximum temperature in the City is projected to be 77.5°F by mid-century and 78.3°F by the end of the century under the medium emissions scenario. Under the high emissions scenario, the annual average maximum temperature in Encinitas is projected to be 78.6 °F by mid-century and 81.6 °F by the end of the century. This equates to an increase in temperature of 4.3 to 7.3 °F by the end of the 21st century, depending on a medium or high emissions scenario (CEC 2022a).

Table 4-1: Change in Annual Average Temperature (Degrees Fahrenheit) Average Annual
Temperature
Historic Annual
Average Temperature
(1961 – 1990)
Medium Emissions
(RCP 4.5)
Mid-Century
Medium Emissions
(RCP 4.5)
End-Century
High Emissions
(RCP 8.5)
Mid-Century
High Emissions
(RCP 8.5)
End-Century
Maximum 74.3 77.5 78.6 78.3 81.6
Minimum 51.7 54.8 55.8 55.9 59.1
Notes: RCP = Representative Concentration Pathways.

Source: CEC 2022a.

Urban areas are characterized by the predominance of asphalt, paved surfaces and buildings combined with limited vegetation and green space. During periods of high temperatures, asphalt and darker surfaces absorb and retain heat for longer periods of time. These effects can be exacerbated by activities such as operating vehicles, air conditioning units, as well as industrial activities. This phenomenon raises average temperatures in urban areas and is known as the Urban Heat Island Effect (UHIE). In urban areas, increased average temperatures, as well as more frequent and extreme heat events, can exacerbate the effects of urban heat islands. The UHIE can impact a City in several ways, including increased energy demand for cooling, decreased ambient air quality and increased heatrelated public health risks such as heat stroke, dehydration and exposure to degraded air quality.

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4.2.2. Changes in Precipitation Patterns
According to Cal-Adapt, annual projected precipitation levels in the City are expected to experience modest change by the end of the century. Table 4-2 identifies anticipated annual average precipitation levels for the City of Encinitas. These projections suggest that precipitation levels will be similar to conditions currently experienced within the City during average years.

Table 4-2: Change in Annual Average Precipitation (Inches) Average Annual
Precipitation
Historic Annual
Average Precipitation
(1961 – 1990)
Medium Emissions
(RCP 4.5)
Mid-Century
Medium Emissions
(RCP 4.5)
End-Century
High Emissions
(RCP 8.5)
Mid-Century
High Emissions
(RCP 8.5)
End-Century
Average 11.9 11.3 11.5 11.3 10.9
Notes: RCP = Representative Concentration Pathways.

Source: CEC 2022b.

While projections generally show little change in total annual precipitation in California, even modest changes could have a dramatic impact on California’s ecosystems, which are conditioned to historic precipitation levels. Changes in weather patterns resulting from increases in global average temperatures could also result in a decreased proportion of precipitation falling as snow in California and an overall reduction in snowpack in the Sierra Nevada. Increased temperatures, particularly in the Sierra Nevada region, which supports the State Water Project, as well as the Rocky Mountains, headwaters of the Colorado River, will lead to earlier and faster snowmelt and could leave the City vulnerable to water resource fluctuation during historically dry months, July through September (DWR n.d.). Additionally, as temperatures rise and snowpack decreases, the dry season may manifest earlier in the year and extend later, leading to a longer season of water supply insecurity.

4.2.3. Increased Frequency of Extreme Heat Days and Heat Waves Cal-Adapt defines the “extreme heat” day threshold for the City of Encinitas as 94.4 ºF or higher. The Southern California Climate Adaptation Planning Guide, Fourth Assessment indicates that Southern California can expect longer and hotter heat waves, with continued future warming over the region (Southern California Association of Governments 2020). The annual mean maximum temperature could increase by 7.3°F by 2100 (see Table 4-1). As illustrated in Table 4-3, the annual number of extreme heat days (over 94.4°F) in Encinitas could increase up to 28 days by 2100 (CEC 2022c).

Table 4-3: Change in Number of Extreme Heat Days
Number of
Extreme
Heat Days1
Historic Annual
Average Extreme Heat
Days (1961 – 1990)
Medium Emissions
(RCP 4.5)
Mid-Century
Medium Emissions
(RCP 4.5)
End-Century
High Emissions
(RCP 8.5)
Mid-Century
High Emissions
(RCP 8.5)
End-Century
Annual 4 9 12 12 28
Notes: RCP = Representative Concentration Pathways.

Source: CEC 2022c.

Heat waves are defined as five or more consecutive extreme heat days. These events have been historically infrequent in the City, with no more than two heat waves occurring in a typical year.

Climate change will likely cause a considerable rise in the frequency of extreme heat days in the City under both low and high emissions scenarios. Under the Low-Emissions Scenario, projections show an increase of heat wave events, with roughly four per year at the middle of the century and up to seven per year in 2099. The high emissions scenario also shows an increase in annual heat wave events, with up to five heat wave events occurring annually by midcentury and as many as 10 heat DRAFT 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 90 of 514
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wave events occurring annually by 2099. Along with an increased frequency of heat events, heat waves are also projected to occur both earlier and later in the season. In the historic record, heat waves have started in August and ended in October; in the future, they are expected to extend from June through October.

Increases in the severity and length of extreme heat events caused by climate change will affect the City’s assets and population in several ways. Heat waves and extreme heat days, intensified by the UHIE, produce a number of public health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations including children, the elderly and those who work outside (e.g. construction workers, agricultural workers).

Heat waves and extreme heat days can cause a number of heat-related illnesses including heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, leading to increased hospital visits and emergency services (Sarofim et al. 2016).

As heat waves worsen, energy systems
will need to adapt to help communities
and businesses cope with rising
temperatures. Access to air conditioning
will be vital for vulnerable populations,
even lifesaving for the elderly, young
children and those with pre-existing
health conditions. However, increased
cooling needs for both air conditioning
and refrigeration will place significant
stress on the power system during
periods of extreme heat. If that power
comes from fossil-fired power plants,
there may also be an increase in soot,
smog and other forms of air pollution
with the associated public health
consequences (Abel et al. 2018).

Impacts on electricity resources from climate hazards can include stress and physical damage to the electricity generation, transmission and distribution system. Transmission facilities face increasing climate change-related risks because of the increased frequency of wildfires, severe wind and extreme heat. Extreme heat and drought can add stress to transmission systems, sometimes resulting in system failure. Electrical infrastructure may fail due to increased electrical loads and stress from longer periods of increased operation.

4.2.4. Increased Drought Events
Warmer temperatures also contribute to more frequent and intense droughts by causing a decline in and faster melting of winter snowpack, greater rates of evaporation and drier soils. These conditions decrease the amount of spring and early summer snowmelt runoff which the State historically has depended on for its annual water supply. The dry conditions also increase the demand for irrigation water in both agricultural and urban settings. The period of 2012 through 2015 represents the State’s four driest consecutive years on record in terms of statewide precipitation, and 2021 is the third driest single year.

Drought may lead to water-related problems. When rainfall is less than normal for weeks, months, or years, the base flow of streams and rivers declines, water levels in lakes and reservoirs fall and the depth to water in wells increases. If dry weather persists and water-supply problems develop, the dry period can become a drought (USGS 2022).

Aerial view of New Encinitas
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As a result, droughts have widespread impacts across the State, including risk of low water supply, mandatory water use restrictions, reductions in agricultural crop production, over-pumping of groundwater—which damages infrastructure from land sinking and dries up domestic wells in communities—and degraded habitats for fish and wildlife (State of California, Legislative Analyst’s Office 2022).

4.2.5. Increased Wildfire Risk and Smoke
The City’s landscape consists of rugged coastal terrain and includes one low-lying coastal ridge. There are
several open space areas within the City, characterized by native shrubs and trees. During the dry months, the
wildfire risk in these open, vegetated areas can increase when exacerbated by occasional Santa Ana winds. This
extreme weather condition is characterized by high
temperature, low humidity and/or winds of extraordinary force, which may cause an ordinary, localized fire to
expand into a more intense and difficult to control wildfire.

Currently, many homes within Encinitas are located in the WUI, which is characterized by zones of transition
between wildland and developed areas and often include heavy fuel loads that increase wildfire risk. (CAL FIRE 2010).

Not only can high-severity wildfires take lives and destroy homes, businesses and community infrastructure, but they also negatively impact fish and wildlife habitats. Moreover, intense wildfires can also impair air quality throughout the state. In recent years, smoke from wildfires has grown substantially and has been a major contributor to air pollution in the western United States—making up roughly half of small particulate matter, compared to less than 20 percent a decade ago.

CAL FIRE’s Fire and Resource Assessment Program assesses the condition of California’s forests and rangelands and maps fire hazards within State Responsibility Areas based on factors such as vegetative fuels, terrain and weather. California’s seasonally dry Mediterranean Climate lends itself to wildfires, and to better prepare, CAL FIRE is required to classify the severity of fire hazards in areas of California. In 2025, CAL FIRE updated its Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) maps which categorize lands into moderate, high and very high FHSZ. FHSZ maps consider the likelihood that an area will be burned over a 30- to 50-year period and do not consider modifications from fuel reduction effort (California Office of the State Fire Marshall n.d.). The updated 2025 Fire Hazard Severity Zones Map for the City of Encinitas, shown in Appendix H, depicts the following breakdown of Fire Hazard Severity Zones: 18 percent Very High Hazard, 9 percent High Hazard, and 9 percent Moderate Hazard, for a Total Hazard Area of 36 percent.

As the frequency, severity, and impacts of wildfire are sensitive to climate change as well as other factors, including development patterns, temperature increases, wind patterns, precipitation change, and pest infestations, it is difficult to project exactly where and how fires will burn. Instead, climate models estimate an increased risk of wildfires. The Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) represents a simplified proxy for favorability of occurrence and spread of wildfire but is not itself a predictor of fire. As shown in Table 4-4: San Diego County KBDI > 600 (days), San Diego County’s wildfire risk is projected to double by the end of the century compared with the historical baseline. This will lead to an increased risk for areas in Encinitas susceptible to wildfire and corresponding smoke.

Encinitas Fire Department Engine
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Table 4.4: San Diego County KBDI>600 days
KBDI > 600 days Historic KBDI >
600 (days)
Medium Emissions
(RCP 4.5)
Mid-Century
Medium Emissions
(RCP 4.5)
End-Century
High Emissions
(RCP 8.5)
Mid-Century
High Emissions
(RCP 8.5)
End-Century
Days 77 126 136 133 169
Notes: RCP = Representative Concentration Pathways.

Source: CEC 2022d.

Additionally, wildfire can cause direct and indirect damage to electrical infrastructure. Direct exposure to fire can sever transmission lines, and heat and smoke can affect transmission capacity.

Furthermore, because of historical forest management trends over the past century, increased temperatures and more frequent drought, California wildfires are characteristically hotter and more intense as compared to naturally occurring fire regimes. As such, soil structure and moisture retention are damaged leading to increased susceptibility to erosion or landslides.

4.2.6. Increased Likelihood of Flooding
Climate change is predicted to modify the frequency, intensity and duration of extreme storm events, such as sustained periods of heavy precipitation and increased rainfall intensity during precipitation events (IPCC 2023). Climate models predict that California will experience less frequent but more intense storm patterns in the coming decades, including the State’s precipitation more frequently falling as rain rather than snow, compared to historical trends. Additionally, the State’s streams and rivers will swell more in some years from earlier and faster spring snowmelt caused by higher temperatures. Scientists suggest the combination of these factors could lead to a 50 percent increase in runoff in future years, challenging the capacity of the State’s existing reservoirs, canals, levees and other flood control systems and increasing the risk of inland flooding. Floods cause significant risk to human life and damage roads, buildings and other infrastructure (State of California, Legislative Analyst’s Office 2022).Currently, the City experiences localized flooding in several areas during heavy rainfall and extreme weather events. Historically, the City has experienced property-related losses and damage because of localized flooding in Leucadia, particularly along Coast Highway 101 and Vulcan Ave, and coastal flooding in portions of Cardiff at San Elijo State Beach Campgrounds and “Restaurant Row.” Specifically, winter storms in 2024 resulted in the declaration of a Major Disaster by the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) and the distribution of $20 million in disaster recovery assistance throughout the San Diego region (FEMA 2024). During this storm event, all flood prone areas of the City were inundated with substantial volumes of water. The City’s Public Works crews worked around the clock to attenuate flooded areas using deployed pumps and mobile vacuum trucks.

Areas of Encinitas already experiencing flooding during heavy rainfall events could find that flooding increases in the future. However, the forecasted changes in Maximum 1-Day Precipitation are not anticipated to be substantially different from historical records (see Table 4-5 Change in Maximum 1-Day Precipitation) (CEC 2022e). Therefore, impacts from flooding caused by projected climate change should not be dramatically different than what the community currently experiences.

Flooding from a storm ponding at
Leucadia Roadside Park
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Table 4-5: Change in Maximum 1-Day Precipitation (Inches) Maximum 1-Day
Precipitation
Historic Maximum
1-Day Precipitation
(1961 – 1990)
Medium Emissions
(RCP 4.5)
Mid-Century
Medium Emissions
(RCP 4.5)
End-Century
High Emissions
(RCP 8.5)
Mid-Century
High Emissions
(RCP 8.5)
End-Century
Maximum 1.168 1.169 1.189 1.208 1.248
Notes: RCP = Representative Concentration Pathways.

Source: CEC 2022e.

The City’s flooding potential will also be exacerbated when experiencing atmospheric rivers, or narrow streams of warm, concentrated precipitation often resulting in the deposition of considerable rainfall over a short period of time. Under higher emissions scenarios wherein temperatures are expected to increase more when compared to lower emissions scenarios, the intensity and magnitude of atmospheric rivers are expected to become more severe, resulting in increased regional and localized flooding (Payne et al. 2020).

During flooding events, infrastructure (e.g., roadways, power lines) may be damaged, in turn disrupting communications, energy transmission, public services and transportation systems.

Floodwater during storm events can interact with sources of pollution and distribute hazardous pollutants locally and regionally. The resulting water contamination, especially along the adjacent coastline, may lead to human health impacts as well as degradation of ecosystems. Flood events can also cause considerable property damage through flooding damage, as well as structural damage, through erosion and increased risk of mudslides.

4.2.7. Sea-Level Rise and Bluff Erosion
With six miles of coastline critical to the local economy, tourism industry and regional recreation, coastal hazards are a primary climate-related concern for Encinitas. Coastal hazards include coastal flooding and erosion, both of which are expected to be exacerbated by climate change. According to the City’s closest tide gauge in La Jolla, CA, sea levels rose 0.67 feet between 1924 and 2021 (NOAA 2022). The frequency of extreme coastal floods is expected to increase under all projections of sealevel rise. Rising seas boost the occurrence of severe floods (such as the 500-year flood) more than moderate floods (such as the 10-year flood) along the Pacific Coast (Buchanan 2017). By elevating storm tide, the water level due to the combination of storm surge and the astronomical tide, sea-level rise makes it easier for waves to overtop natural barriers, increasing the relative frequency of flooding along the Pacific Coast.

A significant impact of global climate change is sea-level rise. The average global sea level rose approximately seven inches during the last century. According to Ocean Protection Council’s (OPC) State of California Sea-Level Rise Guidance: 2018 Update, there is a 66 percent probability that Encinitas could experience up to 0.6 feet of sea-level rise by 2030, 1.2 feet by 2050, and 3.6 feet by 2100 under the high emissions, RCP 8.5, scenario (OPC 2018).

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The OPC projections were translated to the closest data available from CoSMoS. Based on this data, the following sea-level rise projections were used to estimate the exposure from daily average flooding and storm surge (100-year) flooding: 0.8 feet, or 0.25 meters, of sea-level rise (2030 timeframe), 1.6 feet, or 0.5 meters, (2050 timeframe), and 6.6 feet, or 2.0 meters, of sea-level rise (2100 timeframe). Daily flooding was used to estimate exposure to chronic inundation and represents the extent of flooding that would occur at high tide on average each day, assuming each sea-level rise scenario (Figure 4-3: Chronic Inundation). Storm surge (100-year storm) flooding was used to estimate exposure to more severe but periodic flooding and represents the extent of flooding that would occur during a 100-year (1 percent annual chance) storm, assuming each sea-level rise scenario in Figure 4-4: Storm Surge Flooding. The storm surge flooding scenario is not additive to the daily flooding scenario.

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Figure 4-3: Chronic Inundation Map
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Figure 4-4: Storm Surge Flooding Map
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King tides in Encinitas already result in flooding along low-lying stretches of shoreline. Storm surge and sea-level rise modeling considers how current conditions will change with sea-level rise in the future and evaluates tidal floodingin terms of total water level above today’s mean higher high water (MHHW) level. MHHW level is the average level of the highest tide for each day computed over a multi-day period. Using total water level recognizes the contribution of both sea-level rise and storm surge to flooding and reflects a range of scenarios.

Additionally, the City has experienced considerable coastal erosion from El Niño storms from the early 1980’s to present time, which eroded sand from local beaches by up to 20 feet in depth and more than 100 feet in width, structurally compromising bluffs and damaging coastal homes in the City. Segments of the shoreline along Moonlight State Beach and Cardiff State Beach are at great risk of coastal inundation from storm wave run-up and hightide surge with future sea-level rise.

Destabilized coastal bluffs throughout Encinitas have the potential to fail, including bluff collapse, landslide and sluffing. Public health and safety are the top priority for the City and reducing the possibility of bluff failure is of the highest importance. Signage has been placed at all beach access points and along the bluffs. Lifeguards, City staff and law enforcement routinely educate beach goers to stay back from the bluff face to avoid injury or death.

The soft sandstone bluffs common along the Encinitas coastline are prone to erosion from waves and stormwater runoff. In addition, sea-level rise together with increased storm frequency may accelerate beach and other shoreline erosion. As the beaches narrow, sensitive sandstone bluffs are exposed to crashing waves, which carve notches into the bluffs at its base or “toe.” Bluffs affected by these notches are then prone to episodic collapse. Consequently, residential properties on the upper bluff are experiencing land loss, requiring property owners to spend significant resources on efforts to protect their property and structures. In 2012, an Army Corps survey of toe notches on the Encinitas coastline showed 190 parcels had toe notches of 8-11 feet deep. The other 188 parcels had toe notches of six feet or less (USACE 2012).

4.2.8. Increased Likelihood of Landslide and Liquefaction In the context of climate change vulnerability, increased liquefaction and the heightened possibility of landslide events are a concern. Both hazards are related to increased precipitation and flooding because soils must be saturated with water for liquefaction or landslides to occur. Liquefaction occurs when seismic energy shakes an area with low-density, fine grain soil, like sand or silt, which is also saturated with water. When the shaking motion occurs in these areas, it can cause loosely packed soils to suddenly compact, making the waterlogged sediment behave more like a liquid than solid ground. Landslides occur when the earth on a slope becomes destabilized, typically after heavy rains, when the precipitation saturates the soil and makes it less stable, or when significant erosion from rainfall destabilizes the ground. Slopes that have recently burned face a greater risk from raininduced landslides; fires burn and eliminate the trees, brush and other vegetation that help stabilize the earth.

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As climate change is anticipated to change the usual precipitation patterns in Southern California, including Encinitas, periods of both rain and drought are anticipated to become more intense and frequent. Therefore, depending on the circumstances, climate change could increase the future risk of liquefaction in Encinitas. Given the topography, it is anticipated that landslide risk will remain high in some areas. However, the City requires development projects to mitigate of these types of conditions, which reduces landslide potential in the urbanized areas of the City.

4.3. Phase 3: Define Adaptation Framework and Strategies The City is addressing many of the challenges associated with climate change impacts through existing local policies, plans, programs, resources and institutions. One of the most important of these plans is the City of Encinitas Annex to the San Deigo County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan (MHMP) (County of San Diego 2023). The MHMP identifies risks from natural and human-caused disasters and outlines strategies to minimize damage and enhance public safety. It serves as a comprehensive resource for decision-making, promoting compliance with State and federal requirements, and fostering interjurisdictional coordination.

As highlighted in the 2023 MHMP, the City has begun to identify existing plans and policies, which can contribute to the City’s climate adaptation efforts. As part of the MHMP, the City has adopted several goals, policies and objectives relevant to climate adaptation. As the City continues to conduct current and future planning efforts, it is critical that climate change and climate-related risks are incorporated into efforts to protect City residents and create a climate resilient community.

Coastal Erosion along the Encinitas shoreline
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The following sections discuss how the City is currently working to address each of the climaterelated impacts.

4.3.1. Efforts Related to Changes in Temperature and Increased Extreme Heat Events The 2023 MHMP included several objectives and actions to decrease the risks associated with increased temperature and extreme heat events. Goal #6 of the 2023 MHMP Chapter on Encinitas intends to “[r]educe the possibility of damage and losses to existing assets, particularly people, critical facilities/infrastructure, and City-owned facilities, because of climate change/severe weather, including heat and drought” (County of San Diego 2023). The goal includes four corresponding objectives and 11 actions to help the City prepare for the impacts of extreme heat events. Objectives and actions focus on reducing urban heat islands, protecting vulnerable populations susceptible to extreme heat, and ensuring emergency services are available.

4.3.2. Efforts Related to Changes in Precipitation Patterns As referenced above, Goal #6 of the MHMP Chapter
on Encinitas is intended to “[r]educe the possibility
of damage and losses to existing assets, particularly
people, critical facilities/infrastructure, and Cityowned facilities, due to climate change/severe weather, including heat and drought.” (County of
San Diego 2023). The goal includes four
corresponding objectives and 11 actions to help the
City prepare for the impacts of drought events.

Objectives and actions focus on protecting assets
that may be damaged by drought (e.g. trees,
landscaping), increasing the use of recycled water
for City landscaping, and educating citizens about
drought preparedness.

The City relies on a combination of water resources
to support the City’s water services. The City is
served by two water districts. San Dieguito Water
District (SDWD) supplies potable water to
approximately 38,000 residents generally within the western half of the City and the remaining residents in the eastern half of the City are served by the Olivenhain Municipal Water District (OMWD). The City receives raw water resources from several sources, including Lake Hodges and the San Diego County Water Authority (SDCWA). Both the SDWD and OMWD implement a water conservation program, which administers outreach, education and incentive programs to help residents and businesses reduce water consumption in their respective districts. The City also uses recycled water from the San Elijo Water Campus to irrigate City-owned facilities, such as the Encinitas Ranch Golf Course and some landscaped traffic medians in the City. For each water district, the proportion of water from each source can vary significantly from year to year.

4.3.3. Efforts Related to Increased Wildfire Risk
Goal #3 of the MHMP Chapter on Encinitas is intended to “[r]educe the possibility of damage and losses to people, existing assets, and critical facilities/infrastructure due to wildfires/structural fires” (County of San Diego 2023). The goal includes four corresponding objectives and 11 actions to help the City prepare for the impacts of wildfire events. Objectives and actions focus on improving North County Water Agencies (NCWA) Annual 4th Grade Water DRAFT
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emergency response efforts related to wildfires, protecting key City assets susceptible to wildfire impacts, and educating residents about wildfire preparedness.

The Encinitas Fire Department has consistently adopted local building code requirements to reduce wildfire risk for development projects in the City. In 2025, the City Council adopted Ordinance Nos. 2025-10 and 2025-21 which enacted numerous wildfire prevention and resilience related local buildings code.

In addition to enhancing building wildfire resiliency, the Encinitas Fire Department administers numerous education and outreach programs to enhance wildfire preparedness. The Encinitas Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program trains residents in all-hazard disaster preparedness and emergency response skills like fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Encinitas Fire Department also offers interactive educational presentations for Senior Communities. The National Fire Protection Administration (NFPA) considers seniors to be most vulnerable to home fires.

Adults aged 75 and older are three times more likely than the general population to die a home fire.

By age 85, the rate is four times greater. Recognizing the need to educate seniors, the Department provides seniors with fire safety tips and educational brochures on smoke detectors, home fire evacuation drills and portable fire extinguisher use. There are also numerous wildfire preparedness and safety resources on the City’s website.

4.3.4. Efforts Related to Increased Likelihood of Flooding Goal #4 of the MHMP Chapter on Encinitas aims to “[r]educe the possibility of damage and losses to existing assets, particularly people, critical facilities/infrastructure, and City-owned facilities, because of flooding/dam failure” (County of San Diego 2023). The goal includes three corresponding objectives and eight actions to help the City prepare for the impacts of flooding events. Objectives and actions focus on improving local and regional emergency response efforts related to flooding, protecting key City assets susceptible to flooding impacts, educating residents about flooding preparedness, and improving building and development standards to prevent flood risk.

4.3.5. Efforts Related to Sea Level Rise
Goal #5 of the MHMP is intended to “reduce the possibility of damage and losses to existing assets, particularly people, critical facilities/infrastructure, and City-owned facilities, because of coastal erosion/coastal bluff failure/storm surge/ tsunami/ sea-level rise” (County of San Diego 2023). The objectives and actions included under this goal will serve to better prepare the City for sea-level rise and its consequences, such as coastal erosion, increased storm-wave run-up, beach loss and slope failure on coastal bluff faces. Objectives and actions under this goal focus on protecting key City assets susceptible to coastal erosion; better plan and prepare for coastal erosion and storm surge events; and educate citizens about the risks of coastal erosion, coastal bluff failure, storm surge, tsunamis and sea-level rise.

In 2020, the San Diego Regional Climate Collaborative published the San Diego Region Coastal Resilience Roadmap. The roadmap fosters multijurisdictional resilience through identification of hazard mitigating solutions for regional partners, such as the City of Encinitas, leading to high-impact initiatives and projects. The roadmap contains 76 specific actions and aims to identify opportunities to implement multi-benefit projects that address our region’s most urgent coastal resilience needs.

Encinitas Fire Department staff conducting
community education
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Cardiff State Beach Living Shoreline Project. Completed in 2019, the Cardiff State Beach Living Shoreline Project (Project) restored a historic dune system on top of buried rock revetment to provide multiple benefits, including attenuation of coastal storm damage which can be exacerbated by sealevel rise.

The Project was installed to address frequent flooding and erosion of South Coast Highway 101 due to inadequate protection, as well as the prominence of cobble beaches that reduced suitable habitat and beach use area, and dangerous beach accessways. The aim was to protect South Coast Highway 101 from flood damage while also creating coastal dune habitat and pedestrian access.

Sand from future San Elijo Lagoon annual dredging operations and other opportunistic beach sand projects will be used to replenish the coastal side of the dune that is subject to erosion.

The Project was grant funded by the California State Coastal Conservancy, Ocean Protection Council, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and San Diego Association of Governments. It is managed by the City of Encinitas and California State Parks, in partnership with Nature Collective, University of California Los Angeles and Scripps Institute of Oceanography. The success of this Project serves as an example for other coastal communities considering such adaptive measures to mitigate impacts due to severe storms and sea level rise.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Coastal Storm Damage Reduction Project. The San Diego County, CA Project (as the project is now referred to) is a Federally approved sand renourishment project that consists of the periodic construction of a protective beach berm along two segments of shoreline, one in Encinitas and one in Solana Beach, using sand from offshore borrow sites over the next fifty years. The goal of the project is to buffer local coastal bluffs from continued erosion due to tidal wave action and coastal storm surge. The first cycle of sand renourishment occurred in the winter and spring of 2024 along the project’s two segments.

Cardiff State Beach Living Shoreline Project
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Segment 1 of the project is located in Encinitas and extends from north of Swami’s Beach to just south of Beacons Beach, a distance of approximately 1.5 miles. Along this stretch of shoreline, according to approved plans, a 50-foot-wide protective beach berm will be constructed every five years. In 2024, approximately 340,000 cubic yards of compatible sediment was used to renourish the beach in its first cycle. Subsequent cycles plan for a renourishment volume of 220,000 cubic yards of sand.

Segment 2 is located in Solana Beach and extends from Fletcher Cove to just north of the City of Del Mar city limits. Segment 2 has a linear distance of approximately 1.5 miles. In 2024, an initial 150- foot-wide beach berm was constructed using approximately 700,000 cubic yards of compatible sediment. Renourishment of Segment 2 is scheduled to occur every 10 years using 290,000 cubic yards of compatible sediment.

In addition to protecting the coastal bluff from further erosion, the project helps to preserve and protect the beach, City and state property and infrastructure and public access to the beach. The project supports low- and no-cost public recreational uses and provides environmental benefits by restoring and protecting coastal habitat.

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Opportunistic Beach Fill Program. Another existing
program which supports the City’s adaptation to future
climate conditions is the Opportunistic Beach Fill
Program. This program identifies development or Citysponsored projects that can export sandy beach material to one of the City’s four recipient sites,
including Moonlight State Beach, Leucadia State
Beach (near Beacon’s), Batiquitos State Beach and
Cardiff State Beach. The City works with developers
to conduct monitoring and permitting to ensure that
the sediment is both clean and of a granule quality that would be found at the recipient beach sites. The
deposited sand from these projects helps further
protect the City’s coastal bluffs from erosion or failure due to tidal and storm wave action.

San Elijo Lagoon Restoration Project. The California Department of Transportation (CAL TRANS), District 11, in coordination with the City, Nature Collective and relevant State and Federal agencies, completed the San Elijo Lagoon Restoration project in 2020. The project consisted of selective dredging and filling of mudflat and salt marsh habitat within the lagoon, intended to improve tidal circulation and restore sensitive habitats currently compromised by surrounding land uses. The project provides continuity of habitats currently threatened by sea-level rise and provides increased adaptive capacity for the surrounding communities during flooding and extreme weather events.

Additionally, this project added 300,000 cubic yards of material to the beach and nearshore environment.

Sediment being placed within the intertidal area, to be naturally transported by tidal flow.

Excavator on beach
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Batiquitos Lagoon Restoration Project. The Batiquitos Lagoon is dredged less frequently than the San Elijo Lagoon. Dredging is typically done every three to five years, depending on California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s schedule. This lagoon supplies sediment to the north end of the City and typically provides 100,000 cubic yards or more to South Ponto/Batiquitos State Beach when dredged.

San Elijo Lagoon after restoration project completion in 2020 Batiquitos Lagoon dredging
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4.3 Resiliency and Adaptation Actions
As demonstrated throughout this chapter, climate change will have substantial and profound impacts on the City of Encinitas. This assessment has shown that increased wildfire risk and sea-level rise will likely be the most severe impacts experienced by the City. Several key areas in the City and surrounding areas, such as the San Elijo Lagoon and San Elijo and Cardiff State Beaches, are projected to experience the highest sea-level rise and flooding impacts. Neighborhoods surrounding the City’s open space areas, such as Saxony Canyon and the Encinitas Ranch Golf Course, are at increased wildfire risk. Considering the City’s coastal geography, sea-level rise and coastal flooding will likely be the most expansive and persistent climate related impact the City will experience over the long term.

Planning for a City that is resilient and adaptive to climate impacts is vital for protecting the health and safety of the public. Adapting to a changing climate requires proactive planning to ensure protection of people, environmental resources, structures and infrastructure. In addition to assessing climate vulnerabilities, the Vulnerability Assessment, referenced throughout this chapter, defined the specific actions the City should take to prepare for the future effects of a changing climate. Chapter 4: Climate Adaptation Framework of the Vulnerability Assessment contained in Appendix B of the 2026 CAP, classified these “Adaptation Actions” into the following seven categories:

1. General Climate Hazard Adaptation

2. Extreme Heat Events

3. Drought and Water Supply

4. Wildfire and Smoke

5. Flooding – Onshore

6. Coastal Flooding and Bluff Erosion

7. Liquefaction
Each category includes programs and policies to support climate resiliency and adaptation, focusing on specific vulnerabilities and impacts that have the potential to impact the community’s populations, functions and structures. Each category is broken down into various actions, including “Interagency Coordination”, “Education and Outreach”, “Planning and Engineering”, “Water Conservation”, “Planning Tools”, “Location-specific Sea Level Rise Adaptation Strategies” and “Building and Environmental Design”. These specific actions are further outlined to build adaptive capacity and increase resilience to climate change-related impacts in Encinitas. The proposed actions also have the potential to provide other important benefits to the community, or co-benefits.

The set of actions presented in the Vulnerability Assessment, contained in Chapter 4: Climate Adaptation Framework, should not be considered in any preferential order, as unique actions are appropriate for various locations and for differing vulnerabilities and resource protection goals.

Additionally, approaches can change over time depending on resources available, as well as community goals and needs. In many instances, a hybrid approach to adaptation that utilizes strategies across multiple categories is necessary to reduce overall climate vulnerability. Therefore, the Climate Adaptation Framework of the Vulnerability Assessment recommends the City take an “Adaptive Pathways” approach Adaptation Action. Adaptive Pathways is a planning framework that considers the uncertainty of climate change and the change in risk conditions and allows for flexibility in implementation to improve effectiveness and economic efficiency. An adaptive pathways approach identifies thresholds or points in time when decisions or action pathways should be revisited, allowing for adjustments in implementation to be made based on changing conditions.

To view the Vulnerability Assessment’s findings and recommendations for resiliency and adaptation actions, please see Appendix B, City of Encinitas Climate Vulnerability Assessment (Chapter 3) and Climate Adaptation Framework (Chapter 4).

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5. Implementation and Monitoring
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This chapter outlines how the City of Encinitas (City) will implement the 2026 Climate Action Plan (2026 CAP) over time to reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs). Successful implementation of the CAP relies on five interconnected key components of implementation, as depicted in Figure 5.1:
 Administration,
 Financing and Budgeting,
 Implementation of GHG Reduction Measures,
 Public Participation and Social Equity, and
 Monitoring and Updates.

Figure 5-1: Key Components of Implementing the Encinitas Climate Action Plan

5.1. Administration
The Sustainability Division, within the City’s Development Services Department, is the primary division responsible for administration of the 2026 CAP. This responsibility includes overseeing interdepartmental implementation, direct implementation of key GHG reduction measures, public outreach and annual monitoring and reporting. Implementation of the 2026 CAP requires participation from all departments within the City (see Appendix G). In particular, the Development Services, Engineering and Public Works departments play a significant role in implementing various GHG reduction measures in the CAP; and all other departments have some level of responsibility for implementation. Each department has appointed a staff lead who participates in an interdepartmental CAP workgroup and coordinates CAP implementation within their respective departments. The Sustainability Manager heads the Sustainability Division and oversees implementation of the CAP by convening and managing regular CAP workgroup meetings to facilitate CAP implementation among the various City departments. The City’s Sustainability Management Analyst also supports CAP implementation, particularly those measures in the Building Decarbonization Strategy. To perform public outreach and complete annual reporting, a CivicSpark Fellow is engaged each year from the CivicSpark AmeriCorps Program using funding allocated in the operations budget of the Sustainability Division. The Coastal Zone Program Administrator, also within the Sustainability Division, manages the City’s coastal resources and implements climate adaptation projects related to sea-level rise and coastal erosion. The Coastal Zone Program Administrator receives support from the Sustainability/Coastal Aide who assists with monitoring and reporting of DRAFT 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 110 of 514
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the City’s coastal resources and related management projects. A sufficient amount of staffing has been historically allocated in the City’s budget for the implementation of the CAP and no additional funding for staff is anticipated to implement the 2026 CAP.

5.2. Financing and Budgeting
The City will incur costs to implement many of the GHG reduction measures and implementation actions proposed in the 2026 CAP. These costs include funding needed for operations, capital improvement, and work projects. Identifying how the GHG reduction measures will be funded is essential to their successful implementation and achievement of long-term targets established in the 2026 CAP. The funding needs for each GHG reduction measure were thoroughly considered when developing each measure’s actions, performance metrics and outcomes. Throughout the development of the 2026 CAP, an emphasis was placed on proposing measures that would not require a substantial need for funding allocated from the City’s general fund. In many cases, it is anticipated that much of the funding to implement GHG reduction measures would be contingent on grant funding or partnerships.

5.2.1. CAP Update Cost Analysis
To thoroughly assess the cost and budget needs of the 2026 CAP, a separate and detailed cost analysis was prepared in conjunction with the final draft of the 2026 CAP, the Climate Action Plan Update Cost Analysis report (CAP Update Cost Analysis). The CAP Update Cost Analysis includes two different cost assessments: a Benefit Cost Analysis (BCA) and an Implementation Cost Analysis (ICA), which each have different objectives and outcomes. The BCA evaluated how cost-effective CAP measures are at reducing GHGs by assessing the financial impacts to those affected by CAP measure implementation, including residents, businesses, and in some cases the City of Encinitas, resulting in a quantified dollars per MTCO2e for every measure included in the analysis. When possible, the BCA considered the costs and financial benefits of CAP measure participation and produced results in Discounted Payback and Benefit-Cost Ratio for certain measures. In contrast, the ICA specifically seeks to understand the ongoing or one-time costs of measures that the City will have to implement.

The CAP Update Cost Analysis evaluated the primary implementation actions of each GHG reduction measure quantitatively to estimate the cost and timeline required for implementation. The costs for measures and actions that impact the City’s budget have been assessed in both the BCA and the ICA. Some measures may also result in external costs for businesses, contractors and residents.

There are multiple perspectives for each CAP measure and primary implementation action that determine the scope of analysis, including the administrator of the program (e.g., the City of Encinitas), participants in the program (e.g., residents and businesses within the jurisdiction), and those who pay the cost to subsidize programs (non-participants (e.g., taxpayers or utility ratepayers). The BCA combined these three main perspectives, allowing for a more comprehensive view and includes costs to administer CAP programs, costs to homes and businesses, and any subsidies provided. The output as a result of combining the three perspectives’ costs and financial benefits is the quantified dollars per MTCO2e.

The ICA estimated non-personnel costs anticipated during a 20-year timeline of CAP Update implementation—FY 2026-27 to FY 2044-45. The costs presented in the ICA are estimates primarily based on input and discussions with City staff that would participate in anticipated implementation tasks included in the 2026 CAP.

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The overall goal of the ICA was to develop a preliminary estimate of the City’s cost to implement the 2026 CAP over the 20-year anticipated implementation timeframe. In the ICA, the cost of each GHG reduction measure is evaluated based on Policy Driver, Funding Source, and whether the measure is currently funded or unfunded. Policy Driver identifies the primary driver of the GHG reduction measure (i.e., the 2018 CAP, the 2026 CAP Update, state mandates, or other City plans or policies).

Categorizing the measures by Policy Driver enables the City to determine the estimated costs associated with measures that would only occur if the 2026 CAP is adopted by Council. The Funding Source identifies where the capital is expected to come from to pay for the implementation of each GHG reduction measure (i.e., funded through the City’s general fund, fee revenue, or contingent on grant funding). Finally, each GHG reduction measure was evaluated for whether it has historically been funded or not allocated funding (i.e., unfunded) in past fiscal years. This evaluation allows the City to determine which activities require additional financial resources to implement and what those potential funding sources may be.

5.3. Implementation of GHG Reduction Measures
Adequate staffing for administration and identification of funding are the primary prerequisites for effective implementation of the GHG reduction measures in the 2026 CAP. Given assumed staffing and funding levels, an implementation timeline was developed for each GHG reduction measure in Appendix G. The GHG reduction targets established in the 2026 CAP in Chapter 3 dictate a 20-year timeline for implementation of all GHG reduction measures by 2045. Each of the 32 GHG reduction measures involve the implementation of various policies, programs and/or projects in order to achieve the associated performance metrics by the target date. In general, implementation would involve City staff executing the implementation actions specified for each measure in Chapter 3 which lays the framework for implementation (see Figure 5-2).

Figure 5-2: Example of Implementation Actions defined for a GHG Reduction Measure DRAFT 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 112 of 514
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Typically, implementation actions involve activities such as:
 Completion of a study,
 Development, adoption, and enforcement of a policy or regulation by City Council,  Design and construction of a capital improvement project,  Development and implementation of a program,
 Coordination with external partners, including other municipalities, utility agencies, planning and transportation agencies, schools, etc.,
 Conducting training or outreach for City staff or the public, and  Identify grants, rebate and incentive programs, or other financing opportunities.

In many cases, implementation of individual GHG reduction measures will require further approval by City Council, either to allocate funding or to approve implementation policies and programs. The City’s Environmental Commission will serve in an advisory capacity, monitoring CAP implementation and making recommendations to City Council.

5.3.1. Demonstrating Project Consistency with the CAP for CEQA One particularly important implementation tool that should be highlighted is the City’s CAP Checklist that is used by development projects that apply for planning or building permits through the City.

Development actions considered to be a “project” subject to the environmental review process under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) are typically required to conduct a GHG emissions analysis. However, since the City’s 2026 CAP qualifies under Section 15183.5 of the CEQA Guidelines as a plan for the reduction of GHG emissions for use in cumulative impact analysis pertaining to development projects, project applicants may opt to streamline this analysis by using the City’s CAP Checklist. The CAP Checklist provides an overview of the CAP measures that apply to certain zoning and building code areas and is used to review projects’ consistency with the CAP.

Demonstrating consistency with the Climate Action Plan Checklist establishes that a project will not result in an “additional environmental effect” in the City’s initial study checklist. Projects that do not demonstrate consistency may, at the City’s discretion, prepare a more comprehensive projectspecific analysis of GHG emissions consistent with CEQA requirements. The CAP Checklist will be updated when zoning and building codes are being updated through implementation of the 2026 CAP. While zoning and building code updates included in the 2026 CAP are in process or not yet completed, projects will need to be reviewed against the 2026 CAP in addition to the DRAFT
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5.4. Public Participation and Social Equity

5.4.1. Public Participation
As the City continues to implement the 2026 CAP,
continued engagement with and participation by the
community is critical. This includes individual
residents and businesses, community
organizations, schools, developers, property
owners, other local and regional government
agencies and others. While the 2026 CAP focuses
on actions and measures in which the City has a
role, many of the GHG reduction measures and
associated implementation actions require
partnerships and collaboration with the public.

As part of CAP implementation, City will conduct
public education to communicate the important role
individuals play in combatting climate change and
its effects. Effective and long-term climate action and resiliency in the city can only be achieved through efforts that continue to change the way individuals interact with the environment. Many of the GHG reduction measures in Chapter 3, as well as the strategies outlined in Chapter 4, are focused on increasing community awareness and participation in existing programs or connecting the community with new information, tools, funding, or resources to act. Thus, the 2026 CAP serves as a resource that supports community-based action.

Education and outreach are especially important for the younger generation, as they will be exposed to the worsening impacts of climate change in future decades. The City Council has a School District Liaison Committee (SDLC) which facilitates collaboration with local school districts. Ongoing engagement for the CAP will include coordination and educational outreach to local schools and school children through the SDLC and other avenues.

5.4.2. Social Equity
Incorporating equity into the implementation of the CAP will be key to successful deployment of climate action. Equity would ensure the just distribution of the benefits of climate action and would help alleviate unequal impacts created by climate change. Social equity is a broad subject that transcends the CAP and intersects with multiple facets of City operations. However, the CAP presents an opportunity to begin addressing climate equity and laying the foundation for further action by the City.

The City currently manages various programs to address equity in planning. The City contracted with Opportunity Consultant in 2023 to conduct an assessment titled Barriers to Racial and Ethnic Equity in Housing within Encinitas. The City incorporated recommendations into planning initiatives including the climate action planning process. As such, the City will incorporate equity considerations into the implementation of the CAP, which were identified for applicable CAP measures as provided in Chapter 3. The City will keep the equity considerations front and center as it plans for implementation of CAP measures and actions. Moreover, the City will also consider low-income areas when locating and installing GHG reduction measures such as electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.

The needs of underserved communities, such as low-income and seniors, should also be considered when siting local transit shuttle routes and stops. Active transportation-related actions should be Bicyclists and pedestrians enjoying Coast Highway 101
during a Cyclovia closed street event
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implemented to provide benefits to low-income populations, students, children and other groups that do not have access to other transportation choices. The California Climate Investments program has identified one census tract in Encinitas as a low-income community under Assembly Bill 1550. To view a map of the community, see Appendix I, Designated Low-Income Community Boundary.

Further, the Energy Policy Initiatives Center at University of San Diego conducted an Equity Gap Analysis (Appendix C) to identify potential equity considerations for the CAP update. The key considerations included in the Equity Gap Analysis are:

1. Ensure Continuous Community Representation,

2. Bridge the Language Barrier,

3. Expand Climate Vulnerability Assessments to View from an Equity Lense,

4. Target Climate Adaptation Investments Equitably,

5. Train Workforce for Increased Green Jobs,

6. Alleviate Issues Experienced by Cost Burdened Households,

7. Alleviate Issues Experienced by Transportation Burdened Households, and

8. Track Equity Indicators.

To view the findings and recommendations in the Equity Gap Analysis in more detail, see Appendix C.

Green Jobs Creation
Implementation of the 2026 CAP will continue to foster green jobs in the local community and around the region. The CAP measures include a variety of policies that will require specialized labor, including but not limited to the expansion of renewable energy resources, energy efficiency services, roadway improvements, vegetation maintenance and waste management. Policies created to advance the deployment of renewable energy generation at residential and nonresidential buildings in Encinitas directly support the creation of green jobs. Every year in Encinitas, hundreds of solar PV systems are installed at homes and businesses, either voluntarily or as a result of Encinitas green building regulations. Of the solar installed, a majority of installers are locally based companies.

According to California Public Utilities Commission data, of the 1,195 solar PV systems installed in Encinitas in 2023, 751 were installed by companies based in San Diego County. Solar PV systems installed by San Diego County-based companies directly support the local green economy and create green jobs.

Furthermore, the City has been a member of Cleantech San Diego for close to 10 years. Cleantech San Diego is a nonprofit business association that works to advance and support the greater San Diego region’s clean energy sector by fostering collaboration across the private-public-academic landscape, leading advocacy efforts to promote cleantech priorities, supporting energy entrepreneurs and encouraging more equitable investment in cleantech. Supporting Cleantech San Diego’s work helps drive innovation that could accelerate CAP implementation and foster a local green job market.

The City will continue to support Cleantech San Diego during 2026 CAP implementation.

5.5. Monitoring and Updates
To achieve the GHG emissions reductions described in Chapter 3, implementation progress must also be regularly assessed and monitored to ensure that the GHG reduction measures are effective, the 2026 CAP is on track to achieve GHG reduction targets, and the desired community outcomes are met. In addition to regular monitoring, the 2026 CAP will need to be updated periodically if it is to DRAFT 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 115 of 514
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remain relevant and effective. Thus, City staff should evaluate and monitor plan performance over time and make recommendations to alter or amend the plan if it is not achieving the proposed reduction targets.

Regular monitoring and performance measuring of activities will allow the City to make timely adjustments to existing measures and actions; replace ineffective or obsolete measures and actions; or add new measures and actions as technology, federal and State programs, and circumstances change. Adjustments will be made to the 2026 CAP if measures and actions fall short of the targets or additional measures and actions become available. As new data and resources, future federal and State legislation and regulations, improvements in energy and efficiency technology, new regional plans, updates to building standards, or new GHG emission calculation standards become available, the City may amend the 2026 CAP to provide additional flexibility or clarity. The City recognizes that flexibility in implementation is necessary to allow the City to evolve its strategies to achieve the most effective CAP.

5.5.1. Monitoring CAP Progress and Annual Reporting
City staff has been implementing the GHG reduction measures and actions in the current Councilapproved CAP since it was adopted in 2018. Implementation and monitoring of the 2026 CAP will begin immediately after its adoption. A monitoring report that summarizes the ongoing implementation will be provided to the Environmental Commission and City Council annually. The annual report will include the City’s overall progress in meeting the GHG reduction targets, the implementation status of each GHG reduction measure, including quantitate and qualitative monitoring metrics.

In 2017, the City developed and implemented a systematic reporting process to inform decision makers and the public about CAP implementation progress through an online “dashboard.” The Climate Dashboard provides an annual report of key CAP activities. The Climate Dashboard is a publicly available, interactive performance monitoring tool which can assist staff and policy makers in making objective decisions regarding CAP implementation. The Climate Dashboard can be viewed here: www.EncinitasEnvironment.org.

5.5.2. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Updates
While based on the best available data and analysis, the City’s GHG inventory represents a snapshot in time. As technologies and markets change, and the City implements the measures in the CAP, updated inventories will be prepared to track progress using current data and assumptions. Regular GHG inventories provide information about emissions reductions over time, in comparison to the 2016 baseline inventory and 2030 and 2045 emission projections. The City will continue to complete an updated GHG inventory every two years.

5.5.3. CAP Updates
Based on the findings from the monitoring reports and inventory updates, the City will continue to prepare updates to the CAP every five years. Future CAP updates will be guided by direction from the City Council, guidance from the Environmental Commission, advancements in climate modeling, and state and federal regulations. The CAP updates will include updated baseline inventories, adjustments to GHG reduction measures and actions, as necessary, and any changes to land use projections to achieve consistency with the City’s General Plan and City Council’s Strategic Plan.

For a complete schedule of CAP implementation, monitoring and updates, see Figure 5.3.

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Figure 5.3: CAP Implementation, Monitoring and Update Schedule Frequency Activity
Ongoing Implementation
Implement the actions established for each GHG reduction measure in the adopted CAP, in accordance with the projected schedule.

Annually Monitoring
Prepare a report describing the implementation activities completed in the previous year and tracking progress towards emissions reduction targets. Present monitoring report to the Environmental Commission and City Council.

Every Two Years GHG Emissions Inventory
Complete a GHG emissions inventory for the most current year based on best available climate modeling and data.

Every Five Years CAP Update
Prepare and adopt an update to the CAP based on findings from the annual monitoring reports and inventory updates.

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Chapter 6 References
City of Encinitas Climate Action Plan 6-1

6. References
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Chapter 6 References
City of Encinitas Climate Action Plan 6-1
Abel, D.W., T. Holloway, M. Harkey, P. Meter, D. Ahl, V.S. Limaye, and J.A. Patz. 2018. Air-quality related health impacts from climate change and from adaptation of cooling demand for buildings in the eastern United States: An interdisciplinary modeling study. PLOS Medicine 15(7):1—27.dot:10.1371/journal.pmed.1002599.

Bedsworth et al. 2018. Statewide Summary Report. California’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment.

Publication number: SUMCCCA4-2018-013. Available:
https://www.energy.ca.gov/sites/default/files/2019-11/Statewide_Reports-SUM-CCCA4- 2018-013_Statewide_Summary_Report_ADA.pdf. Accessed: January 31, 2025.

Buchanan, M. K. 2017. Amplification of flood frequencies with local sea level rise and emerging flood regimes. Environmental Research Letters, 12(6), 064009.

CAL FIRE. See California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

California Air Resources Board. 2017. The 2017 Climate Change Scoping Plan Update. Available:
https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/scopingplan/2030sp_pp_final.pdf. Accessed: May 18, 2017 _____. 2019. California Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trends for 2000 to 2017. Available:
https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/sites/default/files/classic/cc/inventory/pubs/reports/2000_2016/ghg_i nventory_trends_00-16.pdf?_ga=2.82380309.2023796967.1709254496- 1501861779.1691610620. Accessed December 20, 2024.
———. 2022. 2022 Scoping Plan for Achieving Carbon Neutrality. Available:
https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/ab-32-climate-change-scoping-plan/2022- scoping-plan-documents. Accessed February 1, 2025.

California Department of Conservation. 2024. Geologic Carbon Sequestration in California.

Available: https://www.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/gcs. Accessed January 17, 2025.

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. 2010. Fire and Resources Assessment Program, California’s Forest and Rangelands: 2010 Assessment. Available:
https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/dam/sdc/pds/ceqa/JVR/AdminRecord/IBR/317cCalFi re percent202010. percent20California percent20Forests percent20and percent20Rangelands percent202010 percent20Assessment.pdf.

California Department of Water Resources. n.d. Climate Change Basis. Available:
https://water.ca.gov/Water-Basics/Climate-Change-Basics. Accessed January 31, 2025.

California Energy Commission. 2022a. Cal-Adapt Data Download Tool: LOCA Downscaled CMIP5 Climate Projections. Available: https://cal-adapt.org/data/download/. Accessed March 31, 2022. ———. 2022b. Local Climate Change Snapshot for Encinitas: Annual Average Precipitation.

Available: https://cal-adapt.org/tools/local-climate-change-snapshot. Accessed March 28, 2022.
———. 2022c. Local Climate Change Snapshot for Encinitas: Extreme Heat Days. Available:
https://cal-adapt.org/tools/local-climate-change-snapshot. Accessed March 28, 2022. ———. 2022d. Local Climate Change Snapshot for Encinitas: Wildfire KBDI. Available:
https://caladapt.org/tools/local-climate-change-snapshot. Accessed March 28, 2022.

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———. 2022e. Local Climate Change Snapshot for Encinitas: Maximum 1-Day Precipitation. Available:
https://cal-adapt.org/tools/local-climate-change-snapshot. Accessed: March 28, 2022.

California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. 2020. California Adaptation Planning Guide.

Available: https://www.caloes.ca.gov/HazardMitigationSite/Documents/CA-AdaptationPlanning-Guide-FINAL-June-2020-Accessible.pdf. Accessed January 31, 2025.

California Office of the State Fire Marshall. n.d. https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/divisions/community-wildfirepreparedness-and-mitigation/wildfire-preparedness/fire-hazard-severity-zones/. Accessed March 28, 2022.

CalOES. See California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services.

CARB. See California Air Resource Board.

CCC. See California Coastal Commission.

CDHP. See California Department of Public Health.

CEC. See California Energy Commission.

County of San Diego. 2023. Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan: City of Encinitas Annex. Available:
https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/dam/sdc/oes/emergency_management/HazMit/2023/ 2023 percent20MJHMP percent20Encinitas percent20Annex percent20- percent20FINAL.pdf.

Accessed: January 31, 2025.

DOC. See California Department of Conservation.

DWR. See California Department of Water Resources.

EPA. See US Environmental Protection Agency.

Fehr & Peers. 2024. City of Encinitas Transportation Modeling Considerations and Results [Memorandum].

Federal Emergency Management Agency. 2024. “FEMA Assistance Tops $20 Million for San Diego County”. Available: https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20240405/fema-assistance-tops-20- million-san-diego-county. Accessed: January 31, 2025.

FEMA. See Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. 2007. Fourth Synthesis Report. Available:
https://www.ipcc.ch/pdf/assessment-report/ar4/syr/ar4_syr.pdf. Accessed: May 18, 2017. ———. 2014 (November). Climate Change 2014 Synthesis Report: Approved Summary for Policymakers. Available: http://www.ipcc.ch/pdf/assessmentreport/ar5/syr/AR5_SYR_FINAL_SPM.pdf. Accessed: June 12, 2017. ———. 2023. Climate Change 2023 Synthesis Report. Available:
https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/syr/downloads/report/IPCC_AR6_SYR_LongerReport.pdf.

Accessed: February 13, 2025.

IPCC. See Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

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National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 2022. Relative Sea Level Trend 9410230 La Jolla, California. NOAA Tides & Currents: Available:
https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/sltrends/sltrends_station.shtml?id=9410170. Accessed:

April 6, 2022.

NOAA. See National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Ocean Protection Council. 2018. State of California Sea-Level Rise Guidance: 2018 Update. Available:
https://www.slc.ca.gov/sea-level-rise/state-of-california-sea-level-rise-guidance-2018-update/.

Accessed: January 31, 2025.

OPC. See Ocean Protection Council.

Payne, Ashley E., Marie-Estelle Demory, L. Ruby Leung, Alexandre M. Ramos, Christine A. Shields, Jonathan J. Rutz, Nicholas Siler, Gabriele Villarini, Alex Hall, and F. Martin Ralph. 2020. "Responses and impacts of atmospheric rivers to climate change." Nature Reviews Earth & Environment 1, no. 3 (2020): 143-157.

Sarofim, M.C., S. Saha, M.D. Hawkins, D.M. Mills, J. Hess, R. Horton, P. Kinney, J. Schwartz, and A. St. Juliana. 2016. Chapter 2: Temperature-related death and illness. In: The impacts of climate change on human health in the United States: A scientific assessment. U.S. Global Change Research Program.

Southern California Association of Governments. 2020. Southern California Climate Adaptation Planning Guide. Available: https://scag.ca.gov/sites/main/files/fileattachments/socaladaptationplanningguide_oct2020_0.pdf. Accessed: March 1, 2025.

State of California, Legislative Analyst’s Office. 2022. Budget and Policy Post. Climate Change Impacts Across California Crosscutting Issues. April 5, 2022. Available:
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4575. Accessed: April 11, 2022.

US Army Corps of Engineers. 2012. Encinitas-Solana Beach Coastal Storm Damage Reduction Feasibility Study San Diego County, California, Appendix E: Economics. Los Angeles District.

Available: https://usace.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p16021coll7/id/23180. Accessed:

January 31, 2025.

US Environmental Protection Agency. 2024. Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator. Available:
https://www.epa.gov/energy/greenhouse-gas-equivalencies-calculator. Accessed: January 6, 2025.

US Geological Survey. 2022. California Water Sciences Center. California Drought. https://www.usgs.gov/centers/california-water-science-center/science/drought-california.

Accessed: April 12, 2022.
———. n.d. Coastal Storm Modeling System (CoSMoS). Available:
https://www.usgs.gov/centers/pcmsc/science/coastal-storm-modeling-systemcosmos?qtscience_center_objects=0#qt-science_center_objects. Accessed: April 6, 2022.

USACE. See US Army Corps of Engineers.

USGS. See US Geological Survey.

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Appendix A
Comparison of 2020 and
2026 CAP Measures
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Encinitas CAP Comparison
2020 to 2026 Revisions Measure # Measure Description
Existing (BE-1) BD-1 Require Existing Residential Development Energy Efficiency Existing (BE-2) BD-2 Require New Residential Development Decarbonization Existing (BE-3) BD-3 Require Existing Nonresidential Development Energy Efficiency Existing (BE-4) BD-4 Require New Nonresidential Development Decarbonization New BD-5 Decarbonize Existing Buildings
Revised (MBE-1) MBD-1 Implement Energy Efficiency and Decarbonization Projects at Existing Municipal Facilities
New MBD-2 Require New Municipal Facilities be All-Electric Existing (RE-1) RE-1 Maintain Membership in San Diego Community Power Removed (RE-2) N/A Require Existing Residential Buildings to Install Solar Photovoltaic Systems Existing (RE-3) RE-2 Require Existing Nonresidential Buildings to Install Solar Photovoltaic Systems
Revised (MRE-1) MRE-1 Install Microgrids with On-site Renewable Generation and Battery Storage at Existing Municipal Facilities
New MRE-2 Require New Municipal Facilities to Install Microgrids with On-Site Solar and Battery Storage
Existing (WE-1) WE-1 Support Local Water Districts' Water Conservation Efforts New WE-2 Require New Single-Family Homes to be Pre-Plumbed for Graywater Systems
New MWE-1 Convert City-Owned Landscape to Drought Tolerant or Native Species Revised (CET-1) CET-1 Implement the Active Transportation Plan Existing (CET-2) CET-2 Implement a Microtransit Program New CET-3 Require Transportation Demand Management Programs for New Residential, Nonresidential and Major Redevelopment Projects New CET-4 Reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled
Existing (formerly CET-3) CET-5 Improve Traffic Flow
Existing (formerly CET-4) CET-6 Require Residential Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Existing (formerly CET-5) CET-7 Require Nonresidential Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Existing (MCET-1) MCET-1 Transition to Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Municipal Fleet Existing (MCET-2) MCET-2 Implement a Municipal Employee Transportation Demand Management Program
New MCET-3 Install Public Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Existing (OR-1) ZE-1 Limit Use of Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers New ZE-2 Limit Use of Gas-Powered Landscape Equipment
Existing (ZW-1) ZW-1 Implement a Zero Waste Program
New CS-1 Establish a Tree Canopy Goal for the City
New CS-2 Enforce Landscape Tree Requirements at New Developments New CS-3 Incentivize Tree Planting on Private Property
New CS-4 Adopt and Implement a Mature Tree Ordinance
Existing (MCS-1) MCS-1 Plant and Maintain City Trees
Strategy 7: Carbon Sequestration
Strategy 1: Building Decarbonization
Strategy 2: Renewable Energy
Strategy 3: Water Efficiency
Strategy 4: Clean and Efficient Transportation
Strategy 5: Zero Emission Equipment
Strategy 6: Zero Waste
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Appendix B
City of Encinitas Climate
Vulnerability Assessment and
Adaptation Framework
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CITY OF ENCINITAS

CLIMATE VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT &

ADAPTATION FRAMEWORK
November 17, 2022
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2 ORGANIZATION
This document includes the following chapters:

Chapter 1- Introduction
This chapter describes climate adaptation planning and the applicable State requirements as they relate to this Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Framework.

Chapter 2 – Community Profile
This chapter provides a description of the City's general environment and demographics. Special emphasis is made to reveal disadvantaged communities and vulnerable populations.

Chapter 3 – Vulnerability Assessment
This chapter includes forecasts of each of the five climate-related hazards. It also maps where those hazards are most likely to affect Encinitas and which areas are most vulnerable to these changes.

This chapter evaluates the City's current capacity to address the five climate-related hazards. This includes an assessment of the City's current policies and programs and how they address the ability to respond to hazard events.

Chapter 4 – Adaptation Framework: Recommendations to Improve Resilience This chapter includes potential actions and policy recommendations to increase the City's ability to adapt to hazards and meet the needs of its vulnerable communities. 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 129 of 514
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3 CONTENTS
Organization..................................................................................................................................................... 2 Chapter 1. Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 4 Chapter 2. Community Profile ......................................................................................................................... 8

2.1 Vulnerable Populations.................................................................................................................. 10

2.2 Major Community Elements.......................................................................................................... 13 Chapter 3. Vulnerability Assessment............................................................................................................. 18

3.1 Existing Hazards ................................................................................................................................... 18

3.1.1 Economic Impacts of climate change.................................................................................... 18

3.2 Analyzing Climate Change ............................................................................................................. 19

3.2.1 Direct Effects of Climate Change........................................................................................... 20

3.2.2 Indirect Effects of Climate Change........................................................................................ 21

3.2.2.1 Extreme Heat Events......................................................................................................... 21

3.2.2.2 Drought + Water Supply.................................................................................................... 31

3.2.2.3 Wildfire + SMOKE .............................................................................................................. 38

3.3.2.4 Flooding ............................................................................................................................. 47

3.3.2.5 Landslides and Liquefaction .............................................................................................. 69 Chapter 4. Climate Adaptation Framework................................................................................................... 76 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 130 of 514
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4 CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION
According to the State of California's Legislative Analyst's Office:
"Addressing the widespread impacts of climate change represents a significant challenge for the state.

A changing climate presents California with five key climate hazards: (1) higher temperatures and extreme heat events, (2) more severe wildfires, (3) more frequent and intense droughts, (4) flooding due to extreme precipitation events, and (5) coastal flooding and erosion from sea-level rise. These hazards will threaten public health, safety, and well-being—including from life-threatening events, damage to public and private property and infrastructure, and impaired natural resources." 1 To address the potential impacts of these hazardous events on the community, the City of Encinitas is expanding upon its climate action and hazard mitigation planning efforts to focus on climate change adaptation by understanding the community's vulnerabilities to climate hazards and exploring strategies to reduce the vulnerability to projected climate change effects, increase the local capacity to adapt, and build resilience.

This vulnerability assessment and adaptation framework follow goals outlined in the City of Encinitas' Safety Element and San Diego County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP) that correspond with climate adaptation planning, specifically:

Safety Element Goal 2:
"The City of Encinitas will make an effort to minimize potential hazards to public health, safety, and welfare and to prevent the loss of life and damage to health and property resulting from both natural and manmade phenomena." Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (Section 5: Encinitas) "Reduce the possibility of damage and losses to existing assets, particularly people, critical facilities/infrastructure, and City-owned facilities, due to":

Goal 4. Geologic Hazards, including Earthquake, Liquefaction, and Landslides Goal 5. Structural Fires/Wildfires
Goal 6. Flooding/Dam Failure
Goal 7. Coastal Erosion and Bluff Failure/Storm Surge/Tsunami/Sea Level Rise Goal 8. Severe Weather, including Extreme Heat
Goal 9. Drought 2
Encinitas Climate Action Plan
The City's existing climate change adaptation efforts are laid out in the City of Encinitas' Climate Action Plan (CAP), updated on November 18, 2020. Chapter 5, Adaptation, follows the State of California's Adaptation 1 State of California, Legislative Analyst’s Office. 2022. Budget and Policy Post. Climate Change Impacts Across California Crosscutting Issues. April 5, 2022. https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4575. Accessed April 11, 2022. 2 San Diego County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, Section Five, Encinitas. October 2017. 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 131 of 514
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5 Planning Guide's (APG) process focused on preparing a Vulnerability Assessment, which is a method for determining the anticipated impacts of climate change on community assets and populations. The first phase evaluates a community's level of exposure to climate-related impacts and analyzes how these impacts will affect a community's population, functions, and structures. The second phase of the process used the information gathered in the Vulnerability Assessment to develop adaptation strategies and measures to help the community prepare for, respond to, and adapt to local climate change impacts. The CAP's Adaptation chapter serves as an abbreviated version of a full Vulnerability Assessment, identifies key climate-related risks faced by the City, and provides key strategies to increase the City's climate resilience and adaptive capacity. 3 Relevant strategies from the CAP are included within.

This effort aims to expand upon the City's previous work to provide more detail regarding impacted populations and facilities and lays the groundwork to form policies and programs intended for inclusion in the General Plan Safety Element.

Regulatory Drivers and Guidance for Climate Adaptation Planning The report includes a Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Framework, which will be incorporated into the City's General Plan Safety Element, in compliance with SB 379, Government Code section 65302(g)(4) 4 and the Office of Planning & Research's (OPR) General Plan Guidelines.

According to SB 379, general plan safety elements must address climate change vulnerability, adaptation strategies, and emergency response strategies. SB 379 states:
"This bill would, upon the next revision of a local hazard mitigation plan on or after January 1, 2017, or, if the local jurisdiction has not adopted a local hazard mitigation plan, beginning on or before January 1, 2022, require the safety element to be reviewed and updated as necessary to address climate adaptation and resiliency strategies applicable to that city or county. The bill would require the update to include a set of goals, policies, and objectives based on a vulnerability assessment, identifying the risks that climate change poses to the local jurisdiction and the geographic areas at risk from climate change impacts, and specified information from federal, state, regional, and local agencies." As specified in Government Code section 65302(g)(4)(A), vulnerability assessments must identify the risks that climate change poses to the local jurisdiction and the geographic areas at risk from climate change impacts, utilizing federal, state, regional, and local climate vulnerability documentation such as APG 2.0 and the Cal-Adapt climate tool created by the California Energy Commission (CEC) and University of California, Berkeley Geospatial Innovation Facility. Other sources of information include data from local agencies regarding their adaptive capacity and historical data on natural events and hazards. Per Government Code section 65302(g)(4)(B), adaptation policies, goals, and objectives are to be developed based on findings from the vulnerability assessment. Additionally, Government Code section 65302(g)(4)(C) requires jurisdictions to create a set of feasible implementation measures to reduce climate change impacts on new or proposed land uses.

SB 1000, THE PLANNING FOR HEALTHY COMMUNITIES ACT
Codified in 2016, low-income residents, communities of color, tribal nations, and immigrant communities have disproportionately experienced the greatest environmental burdens and related health problems.

This Vulnerability Assessment addresses environmental justice in compliance with SB 1000 as it relates to 3 City of Encinitas Climate Action Plan. November 18, 2020. 4 SB 379 was enacted to integrate climate change adaptation into California’s general plan process. 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 132 of 514
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6 climate adaptation. Of the six topics required by SB1000, this Vulnerability Assessment addresses air pollution exposure in vulnerable communities, as air pollution is one of the climate-related hazards.

Consistent with Government Code 65302(g)(4)(A), the following vulnerability assessment and adaptation framework also take guidance from:

CALIFORNIA'S FOURTH CLIMATE ASSESSMENT (2018)
California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA), OPR, and CEC prepared California's Fourth Climate Assessment (Climate Assessment) in 2018. The Climate Assessment was designed to present findings in the context of existing climate science, including strategies to adapt to climate impacts and key research gaps needed to spur additional progress on safeguarding California from climate change.

SAFEGUARDING CALIFORNIA PLAN (2018)
CNRA released an update to the Safeguarding California Plan in 2018, providing a roadmap for State government action to build climate resiliency. The Safeguarding California Plan presents overarching strategies and outlines ongoing actions and cost-effective and achievable next steps to make California more resilient to climate change.

OCEAN PROTECTION COUNCIL STATE SEA LEVEL RISE GUIDANCE (2018) Between 2017 and 2018, the Ocean Protection Council (OPC) released two reports that updated their understanding of sea-level rise science and best practices for planning and addressing anticipated impacts.

The reports synthesize recent evolving research on sea-level rise science and provide higher-level recommendations for planning for and addressing sea-level rise impacts, notably including a set of projections recommended for use in planning, permitting, investment, and other decisions.

CALIFORNIA COASTAL COMMISSION SEA LEVEL RISE POLICY GUIDANCE (2018) The California Coastal Commission (CCC) adopted the Sea Level Rise Policy Guidance in 2015 and provided a science update in 2018, using information from OPC's State SLR Guidance. The document provides an overview of the best available science on sea-level rise for California and recommended methodology for addressing sea-level rise in Coastal Commission planning and regulatory actions.

CALIFORNIA ADAPTATION PLANNING GUIDE (2020)
The California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) released the second version of the Adaptation Planning Guide in 2020 - APG 2.0 - which includes updated guidance, an increased focus on equity and outreach, and best practices. The APG is designed to help local government, regional entities, and climate organizations incorporate best practices and current science and research into their adaptation plans.

LOCAL AND REGIONAL CLIMATE PLANNING
This vulnerability assessment and adaptation framework also draws upon existing efforts in the region to address climate change. These documents include, but are not limited to:
• City of Encinitas General Plan Safety Element (Amended 1995) • City of Encinitas Climate Action Plan (2020)
• City of Encinitas chapter of San Diego County's Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (2017) • California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment District 11 Technical Report (2019)
• San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) San Diego Forward: The Regional Plan (2021) 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 133 of 514
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7 • San Diego County Water Authority's (SDCWA) Water Shortage Contingency Plan (2020) • San Diego Regional Climate Collaborative (SDRCC) and SANDAG Regional Adaptation Needs Assessment (2020)
Methodology and Planning Process
The APG provides a four-step process that communities can use to plan for climate change. 5 The APG is designed to be flexible and guide communities in adaptation planning.

Source: California Governor's Office of Emergency Services, 2020.

Phases of the Adaptation Planning Process
Phase 1, Explore, Define, and Initiate: This phase includes scoping the process and project, such as identifying the potential climate change effects and important physical, social, and natural assets in the community.

Phase 2, Assess Vulnerability: This phase includes analysis of exposure to, sensitivity of, and adaptive capacity to respond to climate effect to determine physical and social vulnerability.

Phase 3, Define Adaptation Framework and Strategies: This phase focuses on creating an adaptation framework and developing adaptation strategies based on the vulnerability assessment results. The adaptation strategies are the community's potential response to the vulnerability assessment.

Phase 4, Implement, Monitor, Evaluate, and Adjust: In this phase, the adaptation framework is implemented, consistently monitored and evaluated, and adjusted based on continual learning, feedback, and/or triggers.

The purpose of this report is to document Step 1 through Step 3. The vulnerability assessment and development of adaptation measures follow the approach recommended by APG 2.0.

The vulnerability assessment identifies projected climate change exposures for the City at mid- to latecentury timeframes. In addition to identifying the City's exposure to the effects of climate change, the vulnerability assessment evaluates the sensitivity of key population groups and sectors to climate change and associated hazards.
5 California Adaptation Planning Guide. June 2020.
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8 CHAPTER 2. COMMUNITY PROFILE
Located along six miles of Pacific coastline in northern San Diego County, the City of Encinitas offers a unique blend of old-world charm, sophistication, and new-world culture. Incorporated in 1986, the City brought together the communities of New Encinitas, Old Encinitas, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Olivenhain, and Leucadia to create a single City rich in history and steeped in tradition. With its pristine beaches and rolling hills, famous Botanic Garden, and vibrant downtown business district, the City of Encinitas attracts visitors from all over the world. 6

According to the US Census American Community Survey (ACS), in 2020 the City of Encinitas had a population of 62,007. Table 2-1: Demographics displays the demographics in Encinitas and San Diego County using ACS data from 2019. The median income for Encinitas residents is 50 percent greater than that for the region. Consistent with this finding, a larger percentage of residents own their homes, and fewer live below the poverty level. The number of households with a person living with a disability is 19.1 percent for Encinitas and 21.4 percent for San Diego County.

Table 2-1: Demographics Encinitas San Diego
Total Population 62,007 3,323,970
Percent of residents that are children (less than 10 years) 11.0% 12.0% Percent of households that have people 65+ years 34.1% 27.7% Percentage of households with at least one person living with a disability 19.1%1 21.4% Median age 43 36.1
Total households 23,893 1,125,277
Median household income $120,488 $84,988
Percent of rental households 36.2% 45.6%
Percent of household income below the poverty level 7.2% 10.5% Note: Percentage values rounded to nearest tenth decimal.

Source: US Census Bureau, ACS 2020, ESRI 20221
Compared to the region, Encinitas skews older, with 33.3 percent of the population aged 55 and older compared to 25 percent for San Diego County (See Table 2-2: Age Distribution Comparison). San Diego County's age distribution showed a younger population, with the largest population below 35 years of age (49.6 percent) compared to Encinitas (39.5 percent).

Table 2-2: Age Distribution Encinitas San Diego County
Under 5 5.6% 6.2%
5 - 14 11.7% 12.0%
15 - 24 9.5% 13.7%
25 - 34 11.5% 16.5%
35 - 44 14.0% 13.4%
45 - 54 14.4% 12.3%
55 - 64 14.7% 11.8%
Over 65 18.6% 14.1%
Note: Percentage values rounded to nearest tenth decimal.

Source: US Census Bureau, ACS 2020, ESRI 20221
6 https://encinitasca.gov/Visitors/About-Encinitas
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9 In California, those persons of retirement age (i.e., 65 years and older) are expected to grow more than twice as fast as the total population, and this growth will vary by region. This means that people are living longer, and the number of older persons is increasing. This trend is also evident in Encinitas, where the percentage of the population aged 65 – 74 years doubled from 2010 to 2020.

The racial and ethnic composition of a population may affect housing needs because of cultural preferences associated with different racial/ethnic groups. Cultural influences may reflect a preference for a specific type of housing. Research has shown that particular cultures (e.g., Hispanic and Asian) tend to maintain extended families within a single household.

Table 2-3: Race and Ethnicity shows that, according to the 2020 American Community Survey, the ethnic distribution of the Encinitas population was predominantly White, not Hispanic or Latino (76.4 percent), with about four percent reporting as Asian. Approximately 16 percent of the Encinitas population was of Hispanic origin. San Diego County exhibited more ethnic diversity, with 44.9 percent of the population being White, not Hispanic or Latino, 12 percent Asian, and 34 percent of Hispanic or Latino origin. The race/ethnic composition of City residents has remained stable in Encinitas compared to the 2010 Census, with the proportion of Asian residents remaining stable and the proportion of Hispanic residents increasing from

13.7 to 15.9 percent. Countywide, from 2000 to 2010, the population of Hispanic or Latino origin increased from 27 percent to 33.9 percent. 7

Table 2-3: Race and Ethnicity Encinitas San Diego County White Alone (Not Hispanic or Latino) 76.4% 44.9%
Black Alone (Not Hispanic or Latino) 0.3% 4.9%
American Indian Alone (Not Hispanic or

0.1% 0.7%
Asian Alone (Not Hispanic or Latino) 3.7% 12.0%
Pacific Islander Alone (Not Hispanic or

0.1% 0.4%
Some Other Race Alone (Not Hispanic or

0.1% 0.2%
Two or More Races (Not Hispanic or

3.4% 8.6%
Hispanic Origin (Any Race) 15.9% 33.9%
Note: Percentage values rounded to nearest tenth decimal.

Source: US Census Bureau, ACS 2020, ESRI 20221
Vulnerable Communities
Table 2-4: English Proficiency and
Languages Spoken at Home Among

Number of Speakers Percent Not Fluent in
English1
English Only 49,181 -
Spanish 6,820 13.8%
Indo-European Languages 2,201 4.0%
Asian and Pacific Island Languages 925 14.2%
Other Languages 287 2.5%
Note: Percentage values rounded to nearest tenth decimal.

Source: US Census Bureau, ACS 2020, ESRI 20221
The City is facing challenges in meeting its housing needs. Encinitas's housing costs continue to climb, while the availability and variety of housing are lacking. According to HomeDex, a real estate data source for North San Diego County, in November 2019, the median sales price in Encinitas was 55 percent higher than 7 City of Encinitas. 2021. Encinitas 6th Cycle Housing Element 2021-2029. 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 136 of 514
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10 the median sales price for the North County region. At the same time, the City has a growing population, and its existing residents have changing needs.
• Baby Boomers are aging, and the City's senior citizen population (over 60 years of age) is projected to nearly double by 2035. Many seniors will seek to downsize and move into smaller homes in areas with easy access to services, transportation, and amenities. • Millennials have been slower to buy single-family homes than earlier generations. Rising student debt, the cost of housing, and challenges in securing mortgages have contributed to this, but they often want various kinds of housing and neighborhoods than what is available today. They are looking for pedestrian and bike-friendly communities with services and amenities nearby. • According to SANDAG's regional growth forecast, Encinitas can expect an anticipated 11 percent population growth through 2050. 8

2.1 VULNERABLE POPULATIONS Factors such as age, physical and/or mental condition, socioeconomic status, access to key services, and other factors affect the ability of people to prepare for and protect themselves and their property from a climate-related event. Even though hazard events may impact all parts of the City with equal severity, individuals may experience the effects differently.

Disadvantaged Communities
According to the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA), a community is considered disadvantaged based on its pollution burden and sensitive populations. OEHHA provides the CalEnviroScreen tool to evaluate and map disadvantaged communities. The dataset helps identify California communities that are most affected by specific sources of pollution and where people are often especially vulnerable to pollution's effects. The dataset uses environmental, health, and socioeconomic information to produce scores for every census tract in the state that is mapped using a scale based on the pollution burden of the location. The higher the percentage, the greater the burden and the higher likelihood of environmental justice concerns.

CalEnviroScreen calculates scores for two groups of indicators: Pollution Burden (e.g., PM2.5 concentrations, diesel PM emissions, adjacency to solid waste sites) and Population Characteristics (e.g., asthma emergency department visits, linguistic isolation, low-income households). Figure 2-1:

CalEnviroScreen 4.0 shows the combined Pollution Burden scores, which are made up of indicators from the Exposures and Environmental Effects components of the CalEnviroScreen model. Pollution Burden represents the potential exposures to pollutants and the adverse environmental conditions caused by pollution. Compared to all census tracts in the state, those tracts in Encinitas are all in the bottom third, meaning Encinitas's population has a lower pollution burden than other areas in the state. As a result, OEHHA does not identify any census tract in the City of Encinitas as containing disadvantaged communities.

While Encinitas may not have state-defined disadvantaged communities, the City still has populations vulnerable to climate hazard events. Each section covering a different climate hazard within the Vulnerability Assessment contains an analysis of social sensitivity using the following criteria to assess the potential impact on vulnerable populations:
• Disability status: Persons with disabilities may often have reduced mobility and experience difficulties living independently. As a result, they may have little or no ability to prepare for and 8 City of Encinitas. 2021. Encinitas 6th Cycle Housing Element 2021-2029. 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 137 of 514
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11 mitigate hazard conditions without assistance from others. An estimated 19.1 percent of Encinitas households contain at least one person with a disability. 9 • Income levels: Lower-income households are less likely to have the financial resources to implement mitigation activities on their residences. They may also struggle with having the necessary time to find and access educational resources discussing hazard mitigation strategies.

Furthermore, lower-income households are less likely to be able to afford to move to areas that are safer or less at risk of being impacted by a hazard. The national poverty limit standard for the U.S. for a four-person family is an income of $26,200 or less. In Encinitas, between 2015 and 2019, an estimated 7.1 percent of households had an income that was considered below the poverty level. An estimated 2.3 percent of households received food stamps or qualified for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). 10
• Seniors (individuals at least 65 years of age): Seniors are more likely to have reduced mobility, physical and/or mental disabilities, and lower income levels, all of which may decrease their ability to prepare for and mitigate a hazard event. Senior Residential Facilities are mapped in Figure 2-2:

Critical Facilities and Hazardous Materials Sites.

Homeless Population
In January 2022, the annual Point-in-Time Count found thirty-seven sheltered and seventy-six unsheltered individuals in the City of Encinitas (See Table 2-5: Homeless County – Encinitas (2016-2023)). The homeless are highly susceptible to impacts from direct and indirect climate effects, including extreme heat events, air pollution from wildfires, and precipitation-driven or coastal flooding.

Table 2-5. Homeless Count – Encinitas (2016 – 2023)
Year Total Unsheltered Sheltered
2016 93 54 39
2017 117 84 33
2018 125 86 39
2019* 120 79 41
2020* 80 47 33
2022* 113 76 37
2023* 92 73 19
Note: * Beginning in 2019, San Dieguito, Solana Beach, and Del Mar numbers were included in the Encinitas total.

Source: San Diego Regional Task Force on Homelessness Point in Time Count 9 US Census. American Community Survey. 2015-2019. ESRI 2022. 10 US Census. American Community Survey. 2015-2019. ESRI 2022. 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 138 of 514
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12 Figure 2-1: CalEnviroScreen 4.0
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13 2.2 MAJOR COMMUNITY ELEMENTS The City of Encinitas is bounded by the Pacific Ocean on the west. Coastal bluffs at the City's northern boundary overlook the portion of Batiquitos Lagoon that falls within Encinitas and includes lands south and southeast of the lagoon, including Indian Head Canyon, Magdalena Ecke Park, the slopes above Green Valley, and habitat north of Encinitas Boulevard between El Camino Real and Rancho Santa Fe Road. Slopes and bluffs overlook San Elijo Lagoon at the City's southern perimeter. Escondido Creek, a major east-west waterway, traverses the City's southern boundary and empties into the San Elijo Lagoon.

Portions of Encinitas are exposed to a variety of environmental hazards and resources, which may lead them to be more vulnerable to climate change. These constraints include topography, flooding, landslides and seismic hazards, and areas with natural and cultural resources. For example, areas of Olivenhain and the Sphere of Influence area beyond the City's eastern limits include slope areas greater than 25 percent and are characterized by the presence of biological habitat. Residential properties along the coast in Old Encinitas and Leucadia may be affected by the presence of coastal bluffs and erosion.

Residential Uses
With a population of approximately 63,000 residents, the City has a diverse residential base. Many existing homes are in master-planned communities that have been constructed as far back as the 1970s. New construction occurring in the City should meet the latest standards and requirements; however, neighborhoods with older homes may require retrofit improvements to reduce some of the risks to the structures.

Institutional Uses
MiraCosta College, a community college district known for its successful transfer rates, degrees, career planning, and skill-building, enrolls approximately 15,000 students each semester 11, which can increase the City's daytime population, impact roadways, and community services.

Open Space
The City of Encinitas and its residents value the importance of nature and open space. Encinitas boasts abundant opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy a hike or spend quiet time in nature. The Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts Department is responsible for eighty-five acres of open space and forty miles of trails. City trails provide pedestrian, bicycle and/or equestrian access to undeveloped open spaces such as Indian Head Canyon and Manchester Preserve. The Olivenhain community enjoys an extensive network of trails relative to other parts of the City. The Encinitas Ranch Specific Plan area has a large trail system as well. The San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve includes approximately five miles of trails managed by the County of San Diego, which serve City residents and visitors. The City's Recreational Trails Master Plan includes plans to develop an additional forty miles of trails and pedestrian connections throughout the City.
12 11 MiraCosta College Enrollment. https://www.miracosta.edu/future-students/index.html. Accessed March 31, 2022. 12 City of Encinitas. 2022. Trails & Open Space. https://encinitasca.gov/Trails. Accessed April 6, 2022. 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 140 of 514
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14 INFRASTRUCTURE ASSESSMENT
Infrastructure plays a vital role in mitigating the effects of hazard events. When infrastructure fails, it can exacerbate the extent of certain hazards or create complications for rescue workers trying to reach victims.

For example, because of high winds or seismic activity, fallen utility poles can obstruct roadways and prevent emergency vehicles from reaching affected areas. The following are electrical, fossil fuel, hydrologic, and transportation networks of infrastructure in Encinitas.

Water Supply
The District’s water supply portfolio includes imported water purchased from the SDCWA, local surface water from Lake Hodges, and recycled water purchased from the San Elijo Joint Powers Authority (JPA).

SDCWA purchases water from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD), sourced from both the Colorado River Aqueduct (CRA) and the State Water Project (SWP), treated water from the SDCWA (recycled water source), and local stormwater runoff from the Lake Hodges watershed east of the City.

SDCWA also purchases desalinated seawater, which is treated to drinking water standards at the Claude “Bud” Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant (Carlsbad Desal Plant). 13 The San Dieguito Water District (SDWD) serves the City of Encinitas by providing water to approximately 40,000 residents in the communities of Leucadia, Old Encinitas, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, and New Encinitas. The Olivenhain Municipal Water District (OMWD) provides service to the remainder of the City. The OMWD is an independent public agency addressing the water needs of up to 40 percent of Encinitas residents.

OMWD primarily serves the City's eastern half, including all or a part of the communities of Olivenhain, New Encinitas, Leucadia, and Cardiff-by-the-Sea.

Stormwater Management
The Stormwater Maintenance Division in the Public Works Department is responsible for maintaining the storm drain infrastructure through comprehensive programmatic efforts. The Stormwater Management Division (Clean Water Program) in the Public Works Department is responsible for enforcing regulatory mandates related to surface water.

The Clean Water Program has two goals: to maintain water quality and protect beaches, lagoons, and creeks from illicit discharges, sewage spills, and other pollutants.

Fire and Emergency Services
The Encinitas Fire and Marine Safety Department serves residents of the coastal, rural, and agricultural communities of Encinitas, Olivenhain, Leucadia, and Cardiff-by-the-Sea. San Diego County’s Service Area (CSA) 17 consists of Del Mar, Del Mar Heights, Solana Beach, Encinitas, Rancho Santa Fe, and portions of Elfin Forest. Emergency medical services are provided by the Department and San Diego Medical Services Enterprise (SDMSE) within CSA 17.

There are six strategically located fire stations in the City of Encinitas, allowing firefighters and paramedics to provide timely responses to emergencies and efficiently respond to volume demand. 13 San Dieguito Water District. 2020 Urban Water Management Plan, Final. June 2021. https://encinitasca.gov/Portals/0/City%20Documents/Documents/San%20Dieguito%20Water%20District/Engineerin g/SDWD_2020%20reduced.pdf?ver=2021-06-10-145230-143. Accessed July 12, 2022. 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 141 of 514
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15 Police Services
The City of Encinitas contracts with the County of San Diego Sheriff's Department to provide police/ law enforcement services to the City. In addition to the City of Encinitas, the North Coastal Station, located in the City off of El Camino Real, provides a wide range of municipal law enforcement services to the cities of Del Mar, Solana Beach, and Rancho Santa Fe. Services include the following:
• Helicopters;
• A bomb/ arson squad;
• A Special Enforcement Detail team;
• Canine units;
• Modern crime lab facilities; and
• One of the nation's most modern law enforcement radio communications networks.

There are no current plans for new facilities. 14
Wastewater Capacity
The City's Wastewater Maintenance Division in the Public Works Department is responsible for maintaining the existing sewer infrastructure within the City. The City sewer maintenance includes cleaning sewer lines, clearing blockages, repairing breaks, and responding to emergencies. Sewage is conveyed through pipes to either the Encina Wastewater Authority (EWA) in Carlsbad, north of Encinitas, or the San Elijo Water Reclamation Facility in Cardiff, south of Encinitas.

Transportation
The transportation infrastructure in Encinitas consists of roadways for automobiles, bike facilities for cyclists, and sidewalks, crosswalks and trails for pedestrians. There are also other modes of travel into and out of the City, including freeways, buses/shuttles, regional bike facilities, local commuter trains, and longdistance trains.

Hazardous Waste
Hazardous materials can cause damage to physical assets in Encinitas if they are released into the environment. Corrosive hazardous materials can damage the exteriors of any buildings or structures designated as a critical facility or facility of concern by the City. Flammable hazardous materials can potentially start fires and may cause any nearby critical facilities to flashover. Sites closer to the origin for the release of the hazardous materials are more at threat than those further away. Figure 2-2: Critical Facilities and Hazardous Materials Sitesshows Encinitas's critical facilities in relation to hazardous materials sites identified in the City.

14 City of Encinitas. 2021. Encinitas 6th Cycle Housing Element 2021-2029: Appendix B. 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 142 of 514
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16 Figure 2-2: Critical Facilities and Hazardous Materials Sites 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 143 of 514
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17 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 144 of 514
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18 CHAPTER 3. VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT
This section provides a comprehensive assessment of the City's vulnerabilities to climate change. It identifies and describes the climate hazards and other climate effects that may affect the City in the future.

The Vulnerability Assessment follows the process outlined in Phase 2 of APG 2.0 and is composed of the following three steps:
• Exposure: The purpose of this step is to understand Encinitas' exposure to current and projected climate hazards. Existing hazards that can be worsened by the effects of climate change are identified and described based on historical data, including the City's MJHMP. Climate data are used to develop projections for how existing hazards are expected to change by mid-and late century from future climate change.
• Sensitivity and Potential Impacts: This step will characterize potential future climate impacts on community populations and assets. Using historical data and research from regional and state reports on climate impacts, this step explores how sensitive vulnerable populations and assets may be affected by the projected impacts of climate change hazards. • Adaptive Capacity: The City and its supporting agencies and countywide organizations have already taken steps to build resilience and protect sensitive populations and assets from hazards. Thus, the purpose of this step is to characterize Encinitas's current capability to cope with the projected impacts from climate hazards to vulnerable populations and assets. The adaptive capacity of the City to adapt to each of the identified climate impacts is determined through a review of existing plans and programs.

3.1 EXISTING HAZARDS The City of Encinitas has historically been affected by climate or climate-induced hazards such as drought, extreme heat events, wildfires, landslides, and flooding. Examples of significant events include State-wide droughts from 2007-2011, 2012-2016, and 2021 to now. Additionally, the City was impacted by the Harmony Grove wildfire in 1996 that resulted in the loss of three homes and the evacuation and sheltering of hundreds of Encinitas residents. Bluff failures occurring from coastal erosion has resulted in loss of life and property damage. Projected changes in climatic conditions will increase the frequency, duration, and intensity of these events.

3.1.1 ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE
Encinitas will be increasingly affected by climate change and has begun to prepare on multiple fronts for climate change related impacts on residents, development, infrastructure, and ecosystems. While the potential costs to Encinitas from climate change hazard impacts are not currently known, economic impact studies for San Diego County provide a glimpse of potential impacts on the City. The following are summaries of regional economic studies relevant to Encinitas:

The cost of the 2007 wildfires in San Diego was estimated at nearly $2 billion for losses in residential and commercial properties. In addition to the direct costs, many private firms and public agencies were forced to shut down during the large-scale wildfire event. A complete three-day shutdown is estimated to cost $1.5 billion. Therefore, a large-scale wildfire due to climate change can have a major impact on the economy due to productivity losses. 15
15 California Climate Change Center. n.d. Climate Change Related Impacts in the San Diego Region by 2050. 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 145 of 514
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19 According to the San Diego Foundation’s Economic Resilience: Health and Water studies, the potential productivity and financial losses from climate change hazards include:
• Sixty-five thousand production hours lost in heat-exposed industries. • Seventeen percent increase in commercial sector spending on electricity due to increased A/C usage.
• As much as $9.4 million in additional employee medical costs annually due to extreme heat. 16 • Forty-six percent expected increase in San Diego County’s water demand by 2035 due to increasing population, rising temperatures, less frequent rain, and increased soil and water reservoir evaporation.
• $10-18 million estimated costs to commercial, residential, and government sectors per significant flooding event.
17 One study estimated that approximately $400 million of commercial and industrial property could be lost annually in San Diego County with 6.5 feet of sea-level rise. 18

3.2 ANALYZING CLIMATE CHANGE Climate change effects are categorized as direct or indirect. Direct effects are caused by the initial impacts of increased GHG emissions, while indirect effects occur because of the direct effect(s). The direct climate change effects include changes in temperature and precipitation. The indirect effects, which can occur because of isolated changes or a combination of changes in the direct effects (e.g., temperature or temperature plus precipitation), include extreme heat events, drought, wildfires, onshore flooding associated with large precipitation events, landslides, and coastal flooding and inundation resulting from sea-level rise.

To assess the potential direct and indirect effects of climate change, APG 2.0 recommends using Cal-Adapt, a global climate simulation model data. Cal-Adapt addresses uncertainty surrounding potential greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions using Representative Concentration Pathways. The RCPs in this vulnerability assessment rely upon two future emissions scenarios: RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5. RCP 4.5 represents a medium emissions scenario of GHG emissions and assumes emissions will rise, even out near the middle of the century, and decrease to below 1990 levels by the end of the 21st century. RCP 8.5 is a high emissions scenario where GHG emissions continue to increase through the end of the 21st century. 19 Cal-Adapt also includes ten global climate models, downscaled to local and regional resolution using the Localized Constructed Analogs statistical technique. California’s Climate Action Team Research Working Group selected four of these models as priority models for research contributing to California’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment. The projected future climate from these four models can be described as producing:
16 San Diego Foundation. n.d. Economic Resilience: Health. https://www.sdfoundation.org/wpcontent/uploads/2016/04/economic-resilience-health.pdf. Accessed April 20, 2022. 17 San Diego Foundation. n.d. Economic Resilience: Water. https://www.sdfoundation.org/wpcontent/uploads/2016/04/economic-resilience-water.pdf. Accessed April 20, 2022. 18 Kalansky, Julie, Dan Cayan, Kate Barba, Laura Walsh, Kimberly Brouwer, Dani Boudreau. (University of California, San Diego). 2018. San Diego Summary Report. California’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment. Publication number:

SUM-CCCA4-2018-009.
19 Bedsworth et al. 2018. Statewide Summary Report. California’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment. Publication number: SUMCCCA4-2018-013.
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20 • A warm/dry simulation (HadGEM2-ES),
• A cooler/wetter simulation (CNRM-CM5),
• An average simulation (CanESM2), and
• The model simulation that is most unlike the first three for the best coverage of different possibilities (MIROC5).

3.2.1 DIRECT EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE
There are two primary direct effects of climate change: changes in temperature and changes in precipitation. These changes include increases or decreases in temperature and precipitation. They also include changes in the frequency, duration, and intensity of changes to these patterns.

CHANGES IN TEMPERATURE
According to Cal-Adapt, Encinitas’s historical (1961-1990) annual average maximum temperature was

74.3°F, and the historic annual minimum temperature was 51.7°F. As shown in Table 3-1: Change in Annual Average Temperature, both are projected to increase by mid-century and further increase by the end of the century. The annual average maximum temperature in the City is projected to be 77.5°F by mid-century and 78.3°F by the end of the century under the medium emissions scenario. Under the high emissions scenario, the annual average maximum temperature in the study area is projected to be 78.6 °F by midcentury and 81.6 °F by the end of the century. This equates to an increase in temperatures of 4.3 to 7.3 °F by the end of the 21st century, depending on a medium or high emissions scenario. 20 Table 3-1: Change in Annual Average Temperature
Annual
Average
Temperature
Historic Annual
Average Temperature
(1961 – 1990)
Medium Emissions (RCP 4.5) High Emissions (RCP 8.5)
Mid-Century End-Century Mid-Century End-Century
Maximum 74.3 77.5 78.6 78.3 81.6
Minimum 51.7 54.8 55.8 55.9 59.1
F = degrees Fahrenheit
California Energy Commission. 2022. CalAdapt. Local Climate Change Snapshot for Encinitas: Annual Average Maximum and Minimum Temperature. https://cal-adapt.org/tools/local-climate-change-snapshot. Accessed March 28, 2022.

Annual Average Minimum Temperature
According to Cal-Adapt, the annual average minimum temperature is expected to increase in Encinitas (Table 3-1), consistent with the projected trend of overall warming for the City. Under the RCP 4.5 scenario, average minimum temperatures are projected to increase by approximately 4.1°F by 2100. Under the RCP

8.5 scenario, an increase of approximately 7.4°F for average minimum temperatures by 2100 is projected.

With increasing minimum temperatures, it is anticipated that the City will experience warmer conditions throughout the year; however, this does not preclude severe winter weather events from occurring.

CHANGES IN PRECIPITATION
Annual Average Precipitation Levels
According to Cal-Adapt, annual projected precipitation levels in the City are expected to experience modest change by the end of the century. Table 3-2: Change in Annual Average Precipitation identifies estimated 20 California Energy Commission. 2022. Cal-Adapt Data Download Tool: LOCA Downscaled CMIP5 Climate Projections. https://cal-adapt.org/data/download/. Accessed March 31, 2022. 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 147 of 514
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21 annual average precipitation levels. These projections suggest that precipitation levels will be similar to conditions currently experienced within the City during average years.

Table 3-2: Change in Annual Average Precipitation
Average
Annual
Precipitation
Historic Annual
Average Precipitation
(1961 – 1990)
Medium Emissions (RCP 4.5) High Emissions (RCP 8.5)
Mid-Century End-Century Mid-Century End-Century

11.9 11.3 11.5 11.3 10.9
CalAdapt. Local Climate Change Snapshot for Encinitas: Annual Average Precipitation. https://cal-adapt.org/tools/localclimate-change-snapshot. Accessed March 28, 2022.

3.2.2 INDIRECT EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE
This analysis addresses five indirect effects of the projected changes in temperature and changes in precipitation: Extreme heat events, drought, wildfire and smoke, flooding, and liquefaction.

3.2.2.1 EXTREME HEAT EVENTS
Extreme heat events are a period when temperatures are abnormally high relative to a designated location’s normal temperature range. Extreme heat events are one of the leading weather-related causes of death in the United States—from 1999 through 2009, extreme heat exposure caused more than 7,800 deaths. 21 There are generally three types of extreme heat events:
• Extreme Heat Days: a day during which the maximum temperature surpasses 98 percent of all historic high temperatures for the area, using the time between April and October from 1961 to 1990 as the baseline.
• Warm Nights: a day between April and October when the minimum temperature exceeds 98 percent of all historic minimum daytime temperatures observed between 1961 and 1990. • Extreme Heat Waves: a successive series of extreme heat days and warm nights where extreme temperatures do not abate. While no universally accepted minimum length of time for a heat wave event exists, Cal-Adapt considers four successive extreme heat days and warm nights to be the minimum threshold for an extreme heat wave.

Extreme heat events will feel different from region to region since different areas have different historic high temperatures. For example, an extreme heat day on the coast will feel different from that in the High Desert. The reason for this is how humidity plays a factor in the perceived heat that people feel. Humid conditions will make a day feel hotter than non-humid conditions, even though the temperature may be the same. The difference between the perceived and actual temperatures is known as the “heat index.” To illustrate the effect of the heat index, a 90-degree day with 50 percent humidity feels like 95°F, whereas a 90°F day with 90 percent humidity feels like 122°F. Figure 3-1: National Weather Service Heat Index shows the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) ‘s National Weather Service Heat Index. 22

21 United States Global Change Research Program, 2016: The Impacts of Climate Change on Human Health in the United States: A Scientific Assessment. A. Crimmins, J. Balbus, J. L. Gamble, C. B. Beard, J. E. Bell, D. Dodgen, R. J. Eisen, N. Fann, M. D. Hawkins, S. C. Herring, L. Jantarasami, D. M. Mills, S. Saha, M. C. Sarofim, J. Trtanj, and L. Ziska, Eds. 22 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s National Weather Service Heat Index. https://www.weather.gov/safety/heat-index. Accessed March 31, 2022. 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 148 of 514
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22 Figure 3-1: National Weather Service Heat Index
Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Weather Service Heat Index.

Historical Extreme Heat Events
Local data from within Encinitas is available using the National Weather Service Carlsbad McClellan Palomar Airport station. The data indicates that the average maximum temperature for the area from all years between 1991 and 2020 is 75.8°F, occurring in the month of August. 23Given that the minimum threshold for an extreme heat day is 94.4°F, it is rare that the temperature exceeds this threshold in Encinitas on a regular basis. However, extreme heat events have occurred in the region, which occasionally impact the City. Significant historic extreme heat events include:
• May 2015: Strong high pressure and a strong late-season Santa Ana wind event combined to bring record temperatures exceeding 100° to the lower elevations. All-time high temperature records for the month of May were broken. 24
• September 4-6, 2020. Forecasters issued Excessive Heat Warnings from the coast to the deserts through Labor Day. Beach temperatures were predicted to hit upwards of 95 while coastal areas could reach 105. Carlsbad McClellan Palomar Airport reached 101 degrees on September 6th. 25 • January 15, 2021. Carlsbad McClellan Palomar Airport noted the highest maximum ever for January of 90 degrees. 26
Unusually hot days and multi-day heat waves are a natural part of day-to-day variation in weather. As the Earth’s climate warms, however, hotter-than-usual days and nights are becoming more common, and heat waves are expected to become more frequent and intense. Increases in these extreme heat events can 23 National Weather Service. NOWData Carlsbad McClellan Palomar AP. https://www.weather.gov/wrh/climate?wfo=sgx.

Accessed March 31, 2022.
24 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. May 2017. “A History of Significant Weather Events in Southern California.” https://www.weather.gov/media/sgx/documents/weatherhistory.pdf 25 North Coast Current. 2020. North coastal San Diego faces Labor Day broil as heat wave settles in. https://www.northcoastcurrent.com/encinitas/2020/09/north-coastal-san-diego-faces-labor-day-broil-as-heatwave-settles-in/, September 4. Accessed July 14, 2022. 26 National Weather Service. NOWData Carlsbad McClellan Palomar AP. https://www.weather.gov/wrh/climate?wfo=sgx.

Accessed July 14, 2022.
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23 lead to more heat-related illnesses and deaths, especially if people and communities do not take steps to adapt. 27

VULNERABILITY TO EXTREME HEAT EVENTS
Exposure
The Fourth Assessment indicates that Southern California can expect longer and hotter heat wave, with continued future warming over the region. 28 The annual mean maximum temperature could increase by

7.3°F by 2100 (see Table 3-1). 29 As illustrated in Table 3-3: Change in Number of Extreme Heat Days, the annual number of extreme heat days (over 94.4°F) in Encinitas could increase up to 24 days by 2100. 30 Table 3-3: Change in Number of Extreme Heat Days
Number of
Extreme Heat
Days*
Historic Annual
Average Extreme
Heat Days (1961
– 1990)
Medium Emissions (RCP 4.5) High Emissions (RCP 8.5)
Mid-Century End-Century Mid-Century End-Century
4 9 12 12 28
*Number of days in a year when daily maximum temperature is above a threshold temperature of 94.4 °F
Source: California Energy Commission. CalAdapt. Local Climate Change Snapshot for Encinitas: Extreme Heat Days. https://caladapt.org/tools/local-climate-change-snapshot. Accessed March 28, 2022.

Warm Nights
According to Cal-Adapt, a warm night event in Encinitas is a night when the evening temperature exceeds

67.3°F. Table 3-4: Change in Number of Warm Nights identifies the projected average number of warm nights that would occur each year under the RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 scenarios. By 2100, an estimated 35 to 72 warm nights (RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5, respectively) could be experienced (compared to only four days annually based on observed historical conditions).

Table 3-4: Change in Number of Warm Nights
Number of
Warm Nights*
Historic Annual
Average Warm
Nights (1961 –
1990)
Medium Emissions (RCP 4.5) High Emissions (RCP 8.5)
Mid-Century End-Century Mid-Century End-Century
4 25 35 34 72
*Number of days in a year when daily minimum temperature is above a threshold temperature of 67.3 °F Source: California Energy Commission. CalAdapt. Local Climate Change Snapshot for Encinitas: Warm Nights. https://caladapt.org/tools/local-climate-change-snapshot. Accessed March 28, 2022. 27 Sarofim, M.C., S. Saha, M.D. Hawkins, D.M. Mills, J. Hess, R. Horton, P. Kinney, J. Schwartz, and A. St. Juliana. 2016.

Chapter 2: Temperature-related death and illness. In: The impacts of climate change on human health in the United States: A scientific assessment. U.S. Global Change Research Program. 28 Southern California Association of Governments. Southern California Climate Adaptation Planning Guide. October 2020.
29California Energy Commission. 2022. CalAdapt. Local Climate Change Snapshot for Encinitas: Annual Average Maximum Temperature. https://cal-adapt.org/tools/local-climate-change-snapshot. Accessed March 28, 2022. 30California Energy Commission. 2022. CalAdapt. Local Climate Change Snapshot for Encinitas: Extreme Heat Days. https://cal-adapt.org/tools/local-climate-change-snapshot. Accessed March 28, 2022. 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 150 of 514
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24 Sensitivity: Physical
The impacts of extreme heat events will be most severely felt in highly developed areas of Encinitas that are mostly paved and surrounded by buildings constructed of dark (heat absorbing) materials without the cooling benefits of tree shade. Urbanized areas can experience higher temperatures, greater pollution, and negative health effects, especially during summer months, than rural communities. This phenomenon is known as the Urban Heat Island Effect (UHIE). Urban heat islands are created by a combination of heatabsorptive surfaces (e.g., dark pavement and roofing), heat-generating activities (e.g., automobile engines and industrial generators), and the absence of “green spaces” (vegetative surfaces that provide evaporative cooling). During extreme heat days and heatwaves, asphalt and darker surfaces reduce nighttime cooling (as retained heat is released from these surfaces). The UHIE is known to intensify extreme heat days and heatwaves.

As illustrated in Figure 3-2: Urban Heat Island Index, due to coastal wind patterns, the UHIE is relatively low in Encinitas. The Urban Heat Island Index (UHII) is calculated by atmospheric modeling as a temperature differential over time between an urban census tract and nearby upwind rural reference points at a height of two meters above ground level, where people experience heat. The modeling covered 182 warm season days from 2006 and 2013, with one-hour timesteps, so the UHII is the sum of 24 * 182 = 4,368 hourly temperature differences. Since 2020, the index is also reported in degree-hours per day on a Celsius scale – a measure of heat intensity over time, calculated by dividing the UHII by 182 days. An increase of one degree over an eight-hour period would equal eight degree-hours, as would an increase of two degrees over a four-hour period. 31
As illustrated in Figure 3-2: Urban Heat Island Index, the City is not severely impacted by the UHIE that may intensify extreme heat days and heatwaves. However, even without a large UHIE, the City is still projected to have extreme heat days, and many types of infrastructure are affected by extreme heat, including roads and rails. High temperatures increase the risk of pavement deterioration, depending on the paving materials and the traffic load of a given road. 32, 33 The type of pavement used is typically based on historical climate conditions; the increasing occurrence of frequent and prolonged extreme heat outside of historical norms will present challenges to the roadway system. 34 Extreme heat may also cause pavement heave and damage to transportation infrastructure and functioning. 35 Extreme heat is also problematic for rail systems, as railroad tracks exposed to high temperatures are at risk of warping or buckling. 36 31 California Environmental Protection Agency. 2022. Urban Heat Island Interactive Maps. https://calepa.ca.gov/urbanheat-island-interactive-maps-2. Accessed April 12, 2022. 32 Daniel, J.S., J.M. Jacobs, E. Douglas, R.B. Mallick, and K. Hayhoe. 2014. Impact of climate change on pavement performance: Preliminary lessons learned through the Infrastructure and Climate Network (IC Net). dot:10.1061/9780784413326.001.
33 Rowan, E., C. Evans, M. Riley-Gilbert, R. Hyman, R. Kafalenos, B. Beucler, B. Rodehorst, A. Choate, and P. Schultz. 2013. Assessing the sensitivity of transportation assets to extreme weather events and climate change. Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board 2326(1):16—23. doi:10.3141/2326-03. 34 Holsinger, H. 2017. Preparing for change. FITWA-HRT-17-002. Public Roads 80(4). McLean, VA: Office of Research, Development, and Technology, Federal High Administration. https://highways.dot.gov/public-roads/januaryfebruary2017/preparing-change. Accessed April 11, 2022. 35 Guo Y, Gasparrini A, Li S, Sera F, Vicedo-Cabrera AM, de Sousa Zanotti Stagliorio Coelho M, et al. (2018) Quantifying excess deaths related to heatwaves under climate change scenarios: A multicountry time series modelling study. PLoS Med 15(7): e1002629.
36 Magill, B. 2014. “Sun kinks” in railways join the list of climate change’s toll. Scientific American, June 2. www.scientificamerican.com/article/sun-links-in-railways-Join-the-list-of-climate-change-s-toll. Accessed April 11, 2022.
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25 As heat waves worsen, energy systems will need to adapt to help communities and businesses cope with rising temperatures. Access to air conditioning will be vital for vulnerable populations, even life-saving for the elderly, young children, and those with pre-existing health conditions. However, increased cooling needs for both air conditioning and refrigeration will place significant stress on the power system during periods of extreme heat. And if that power comes from fossil-fired power plants, there may also be an increase in soot, smog, and other forms of air pollution with the associated public health consequences. 37 Impacts on electricity resources from climate hazards can include stress and physical damage to the electricity generation, transmission, and distribution system. Transmission facilities face increasing climate change-related risks because of the increased frequency of wildfires, severe wind, and extreme heat.

Extreme heat and drought can add stress to transmission systems, resulting in system failure. Electrical infrastructure may fail due to increased electrical loads and stress from longer periods of increased operation.

Sensitivity: Social
Temperature-related mortality (including from extreme heat) is projected to be among the most deadly and costly impacts of climate change in certain locations around the globe. Higher temperatures and extreme heat can lead to heatstroke and increase the risk of or exacerbate cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, kidney failure, and preterm births. Significant differences in the projected number of heat-related deaths also exist within a particular region or City. For instance, urban areas with a large area of impervious surfaces and little shade— also known as urban heat islands—tend to be hotter than surrounding areas.

Even though extreme heat will be more frequent and severe in hotter regions of the state, one national study estimates that temperature-related mortality is projected to be higher in cooler regions because they are less prepared for the heat (for example, fewer buildings have air conditioning).

Warm night temperatures affect the ability of a community and its residents to effectively cool down from extreme heat days. If temperatures remain higher than normal during the night, the compounding impacts from high daytime temperatures can be highly detrimental to public health. Based on these projections, the City can anticipate increased demand – towards the end of the century – for cooling centers and calls for service from vulnerable populations, which are expected to be disproportionately impacted by extreme heat conditions.

Figure 3-3: Heat Health Action Index: Encinitas displays the Heat Health Action Index (HHAI) from the California Natural Resources Agency’s California Heat Assessment Tool (CHAT). CHAT uses a dataset designed to investigate how the frequency of heat health events will change throughout the 21st century.

The HHAI is a statistically weighted result of social (e.g., education, income, linguistic isolation), health (e.g., asthma, percent low birth weight), and environmental (e.g., pollution, tree canopy) indicators and is intended to represent overall heat vulnerability. Represented by the US Census Tract, the range is from 0 to 100, with lower scores representing less heat vulnerability. All Encinitas census tracts are projected to have low vulnerability to heat which corresponds to Cal-Adapts projections for the number of Extreme Heat Days through the end of the century (see Table 3-3).
37 Abel, D.W., T. Holloway, M. Harkey, P. Meter, D. Ahl, V.S. Limaye, and J.A. Patz. 2018. Air-quality-related health impacts from climate change and from adaptation of cooling demand for buildings in the eastern United States: An interdisciplinary modeling study. PLOS Medicine 15(7):1—27.dot:10.1371/journal.pmed.1002599. 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 152 of 514
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26 Figure 3-2: Urban Heat Island Index
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27 Figure 3-3: Heat Health Action Index: Encinitas

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28 While the general population of Encinitas may be less vulnerable to extreme heat events, people have unique and individual thresholds. Extreme heat events, including heat waves, can lead to illness and death, particularly among older adults, the very young, and other vulnerable populations.

Adaptive Capacity
Current research indicates that most people can adapt biologically and physically to incremental increases in average normal temperatures. Children, pregnant women, and older adults are more susceptible to adverse effects because they are less able to regulate their body temperatures. Other at-risk groups include individuals working outdoors, outdoor athletes, the socially isolated, those with incomes below the federal poverty level, and communities of color. Continuous exposure to increased heat over time will impact how individuals are able to work and play both now and in the future. 38 Over extended periods of time, individuals and communities can adapt to their local climates. When both warmer and colder temperatures go above or below those norms rapidly, scientific evidence shows that people become vulnerable to associated health effects related to those extremes. Studies suggest that climate change will increase the severity and frequency of extreme temperature conditions, leading to increases in temperature-related illness and death.

Beaches can help the public stay cooler during heat events, as the coastline in Encinitas is cooler than areas further inland and provides access to the ocean. The beach also provides a buffer between the ocean and the City’s built infrastructure, helping to reduce erosion from waves and storm events. If beaches were to be impacted by climate hazards, they could lose the ability to provide these key amenities.

Regulation and Planning
California is dedicated to addressing the climate change impacts on transportation infrastructure, including funding and research initiatives as well as department- and agency-led projects to assess climate-related vulnerabilities and plan for more climate-resilient transportation infrastructure. • Chapter 5 of 2017 (SB 1, Beall) Provided $20 Million for Climate Adaptation Planning Grants to prepare for and reduce damage from climate change impacts on transportation infrastructure. • Chapter 118 of 2016 (AB 2800, Quirk) Established the Climate-Safe Infrastructure Working Group to convene a working group consisting of engineers, scientists, and architects to examine how to incorporate climate change impact data into state infrastructure planning, design, construction, operations, and maintenance.
• Agency (CalSTA) Developed Climate Action Plan for Transportation Infrastructure. Developed in response to Executive Order N-19-19, which called for CalSTA to leverage discretionary state transportation funds to reduce GHG emissions in the transportation sector and adapt to climate change.

Renewable energy and electricity storage technologies can add flexibility to the electricity grid. Together with microgrids, renewables can support increased grid resilience and reliability in the face of extreme 38 National Institute of Heath, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. 2022. Temperature-related Death and Illness. https://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/programs/climatechange/health_impacts/heat/index.cfm#footnote1 Accessed April 7, 2022.
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29 weather. Electricity storage also has the potential to replace fossil-fired “peaking” power plants, which are called upon in times of high demand for electricity, such as during extreme heat events. 39 The City has addressed extreme heat events in planning documents such as the Climate Action Plan, Hazard Mitigation Plan, and the Urban Forest Management Plan. The City also operates programs that respond to extreme heat events for displaced residents. Finally, the City also has regulations in place that are beneficial during extreme heat events by limiting further potential public health impacts. The plans and programs for the City and supporting agencies are described below.

City of Encinitas Climate Action Plan (2020)
The City’s Climate Action Plan contains actions to mitigate temperature-related effects and improve heat resiliency to protect its populations, functions, and structures in the short- and long-term. Strategies to mitigate the impacts of the UHIE, include:
• Incorporation of green infrastructure strategies by reducing the area of heat-absorbing paved surfaces and increasing landscaped area with planted vegetation, including shade trees. • Promoting the use of solar carports on new and existing surface parking lots to mitigate heat absorption.
• Promoting the use of passive cooling design.
• Conduct outreach to educate City residents on the health risks associated with extreme heat events and strategies to prepare for these events.
• Coordinate with relevant agencies to better plan and prepare for extreme heat events and the increased demand for emergency services associated with these events. • Work with local and regional employers to ensure worker protection measures are in place for extreme heat events.
• Work with local businesses and institutions to provide a network of “Cool Zone” areas. • Participate in beach nourishment projects that maintain local wide sandy beaches. Encinitas beaches are considered regional “Cool Zones.”
San Diego County Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (2017) The 2017 MJHMP includes objectives and actions to decrease the risks associated with increased temperature and extreme heat events. Goal 8 of the 2017 MJHMP Chapter on Encinitas intends to “[r]educe the possibility of damage and losses to existing assets, particularly people, critical facilities/infrastructure, and City-owned facilities, due to severe weather, including extreme heat.” The goal includes three corresponding objectives and seven actions to help the City prepare for the impacts of extreme heat events. Objectives and actions focus on planning, protecting vulnerable assets susceptible to extreme heat, and public education. 40
Urban Forest Management Program
Trees are a source of shade, air conditioning, and other environmental benefits and yield both a high quality of life and economic benefits to the community, including enhanced property values. The City recognizes that its urban forest is an integral part of its infrastructure, providing significant ecological, social, and 39 Abel, D.W., T. Holloway, M. Harkey, P. Meter, D. Ahl, V.S. Limaye, and J.A. Patz. 2018. Air-quality-related health impacts from climate change and from adaptation of cooling demand for buildings in the eastern United States: An interdisciplinary modeling study. PLOS Medicine 15(7):1—27. dot:10.1371/journal.pmed.1002599. 40 San Diego County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, Section Five, Encinitas. October 2017. 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 156 of 514
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30 economic benefits, including improved air quality, reduced erosion and stormwater runoff, energy conservation, improved health, and enhanced livability. 41 The City’s Tree Ordinance and Urban Forest Management Policy (2009) are its primary regulatory tools to provide for orderly protection of trees, promote the health, safety, welfare, and quality of life for the residents of the City, to protect property values, and to avoid significant negative impacts on adjacent properties. 42 Leaf Blower Ordinance
Air pollution exposure is one of the primary concerns of SB1000 because of the historically larger detrimental effects on vulnerable communities. On August 21, 2019, the Encinitas City Council voted unanimously in favor of passing a progressive Leaf Blower Ordinance to help the City transition away from fossil-fuel-based off-road equipment. The benefits of prohibiting gas-powered leaf blowers include avoiding greenhouse gas emissions; decreasing noise levels; and reducing suspended dust, allergens, and other harmful particulates. 43

Emergency Shelters
Hazardous climate events, such as extreme heat or flooding, may potentially displace Encinitas residents or the already homeless. Those displaced will require temporary shelter during hazardous conditions and severe weather events with supplies that can increase the adaptive capacity of individuals experiencing homelessness.

In February 2019, the City of Encinitas adopted Ordinance 2019- 01, which permitted emergency shelters within the Light Industrial (LI) and Business Park (BP) zones as required by California Government Code Section 65583(a)(4) (A- D). In selecting an appropriate location for emergency shelters, access to public transit was an important consideration, as individuals and households experiencing homelessness do not have reliable means of transportation. The LI and BP zones are well served by public transportation and regional connections providing access to jobs and services.

Cool Zones
The Cool Zone program is an established network of free, air-conditioned settings (such as libraries or community centers) across San Diego County that allow respite for older adults, persons with disabilities, or anyone looking to escape the extreme heat during the summer. Cool Zones are a way for residents to lower individual utility usage and help conserve energy for the whole community. In partnership with San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), the Cool Zone program is managed by Aging & Independence Services (AIS), a division of the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency.

The Community Resource Center (CRC) is an important local partner to the City in providing housing navigation and supportive services for those experiencing homelessness and other at-risk populations. The facility is a County designated “Cool Zone” making it a local respite from hot weather. 44 The Encinitas Public 41 City of Encinitas. 2009. Urban Forest Management Program Council Policy C027. 42City of Encinitas. 2022. Urban Forest Management Program. https://encinitasca.gov/Government/Departments/PublicWorks/Urban-Forest-Management-Program. Accessed April 11, 2022. 43 City of Encinitas. 2019. Leaf Blower Ordinance. https://encinitasca.gov/leaf-blower-ordinance. Accessed April 11, 2022. 44 City of Encinitas. 2022. Community & Senior Center. https://encinitasca.gov/Residents/SeniorCitizens/Community-Senior-Center. Accessed July 14, 2022. 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 157 of 514
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31 Library, Cardiff-by-the-Sea Library, and the Community Senior Center are also San Diego County designated Cool Zone facilities. 45
The City of Encinitas has partnerships with regional service providers. The City provides Community Development Block Grant program funds to homeless service providers for homeless prevention and regional shelter efforts. Other North County facilities and services for those experiencing homelessness include (with distance from Encinitas in parenthesis):
• Mental Health Systems (Oceanside— 12.2 miles)
• Interfaith Community Services (Vista — 16.4 miles)
• La Posada Shelter (Carlsbad — 7.8 miles)
• Women’s Resource Center (Oceanside — 12.2 miles)
• Operation Hope (Vista — 15.6 miles)
• Haven House (Escondido— 16.4 miles)
• Interfaith Community Services (16.4 miles)
• North County Lifeline (Oceanside 13.1)
• Oceanside Transit Center (Oceanside — 13.1 miles) 46

3.2.2.2 DROUGHT + WATER SUPPLY
Warmer temperatures also contribute to more frequent and intense droughts by leading to a decline in and faster melting of winter snowpack, greater rates of evaporation, and drier soils. These conditions decrease the amount of spring and early summer snowmelt runoff upon which the state historically has depended for its annual water supply, while they increase the demand for irrigation water in both agricultural and urban settings. The period of 2012 through 2015 represents the state’s four driest consecutive years on record in terms of statewide precipitation, and 2021 is the third driest single year.

Moreover, 2022 already experienced the driest consecutive January and February in the Sierra Nevada, based on records dating back over one hundred years.

Drought may lead to water-related problems. When rainfall is less than normal for weeks, months, or years, the flow of streams and rivers declines, water levels in lakes and reservoirs fall, and the depth to water in wells increases. If dry weather persists and water-supply problems develop, the dry period can become a drought. 47
As a result, droughts have widespread impacts across the state, including mandatory water use restrictions, reductions in agricultural crop production, over-pumping of groundwater—which damages infrastructure from land sinking and dries up domestic wells in communities—and degraded habitats for fish and wildlife. 48
Historical Drought Events
The 2007–2011 California drought marked the beginning of increased restrictions on State Water Project (SWP) pumping from the Bay-Delta due to environmental considerations. In April 2007, Metropolitan Water 45 San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency. 2022. Cool Zones. https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/hhsa/programs/ais/cool_zones/. Accessed July 14, 2022. 46 City of Encinitas. 2021. Encinitas 6th Cycle Housing Element 2021-2029. 47 United States Geological Survey. 2022. California Water Sciences Center. California Drought. https://ca.water.usgs.gov/california-drought/what-is-drought.html. Accessed April 12, 2022. 48 State of California, Legislative Analyst’s Office. 2022. Budget and Policy Post. Climate Change Impacts Across California Crosscutting Issues. April 5, 2022. https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4575. Accessed April 11, 2022. 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 158 of 514
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32 District of Southern California (MWD) notified its member agencies that it expected challenges in meeting demands due to insufficient imported water supplies from the SWP and the Colorado River. To meet demands, MWD announced that it would implement shortage-related actions consistent with its Water Surplus and Drought Management Plan (WSDMP).

In January 2014, Governor Brown proclaimed a state of emergency throughout California, calling for increased conservation across the state. In response to the governor’s drought declaration and call for conservation, the Water Authority activated its WSDRP for the second time since its adoption in 2006, declaring in February 2014 a regional drought response Stage I, Voluntary Supply Management. On April 2, 2017, Governor Brown lifted the drought emergency. This five-year drought (2012 – 2016), which is the most recent, has well-documented agricultural (e.g., extremely agricultural surface water allocations), physical (e.g., groundwater depletion-related subsidence) and environmental impacts (e.g., fish mortality).

Surface and groundwater withdrawals were used to mitigate water supply impacts. Water transfers were a primary tool to move water to areas of need, such as permanent crops. 49 On April 21, May 10, and July 8, 2021, Governor Newsom issued proclamations that a state of emergency exists in a total of 50 counties due to severe drought conditions and directed state agencies to take immediate action to preserve critical water supplies and mitigate the effects of drought and ensure the protection of health, safety, and the environment. On October 19, 2021, Governor Newsom signed a proclamation extending the drought emergency statewide and further urging Californians to reduce their water use.

On January 4, 2022, the State Water Resources Board passed Resolution No. 2022-0002 adopting an emergency regulation to supplement voluntary water conservation. 50 As of May 24, 2022, new statewide regulations prohibit watering decorative grass in common areas of subdivisions and homeowners associations, as well as on commercial, industrial, and institutional properties. 51

VULNERABILITY TO DROUGHT
Exposure
Drought conditions in Encinitas are contingent upon precipitation and snowpack conditions in other parts of the state and region in which Encinitas’ potable water is sourced – the Sierra Nevada and Colorado River Basin. The western United States, including California, and by default Encinitas, has been experiencing prolonged periods of drought. Recent research suggests that extended drought occurrence (a “megadrought”) could become more pervasive in future decades. An extended drought scenario is predicted for all of California from 2025 to 2075 under the HadGEM2-ES simulation and high emissions scenario. The extended drought scenario is based on the average annual precipitation between 1961 and 1990 of 10.9 inches. However, as shown in Figure 3-4: Water Resource Portfolio for San Diego County, the San Diego 49 United States Geological Survey. 2022. California Water Sciences Center. California Drought. Comparisons. 2012- 2016 California Drought: Historical Perspectives. https://ca.water.usgs.gov/california-drought/california-droughtcomparisons.html. Accessed July 13, 2022. 50 California Department of Water Resources. 2022. Resolution no. 2022-0002 to adopt an emergency regulation to supplement voluntary water conservation. January 4. 51 San Diego County Water Authority. 2022. Summer of Water Savings, State Mandates. June 21, 2022. 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 159 of 514
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33 County Water Authority has diversified water sources that are projected to supply water to the region for years to come.
52 Figure 3-4: Water Resource Portfolio for San Diego County Source: San Diego County Water Authority. 2022. Water Resource Portfolio. https://www.sdcwa.org/your-water/.

Accessed July 15, 2022.

Sensitivity: Physical and Social
Encinitas’ drought vulnerability is tied to the vulnerability of imported water purchased from the SDCWA, local surface water from Lake Hodges, and recycled water purchased from the San Elijo Joint Powers Authority. 53
Changes in rainfall and snowmelt timing in water supply source areas can affect SDCWA’s ability to provide adequate and safe drinking water on a reliable basis. As temperatures in Encinitas and the surrounding areas increase, there will also be a higher demand for potable water. While SDCWA may be able to rely on groundwater to provide additional supply, drawing from these sources can substantially lower water tables, resulting in land subsidence. Furthermore, drought conditions can increase the concentration of industrial chemicals, heavy metals, and agricultural runoff contaminants in groundwater. 54 Precipitation variability will also affect the local surface and groundwater supply causing the region to rely on other sources such as desalination and potable reuse. It is estimated that by 2040, countywide water demand will increase by 30 percent from 2015 levels due to population and economic growth, further straining the need for a sustainable water supply. 55 Increased episodes of drought and increased water demand could result in water shortages for the region, endangering ecological systems (e.g., flood control or sensitive habitat, recreational areas).

As vegetation changes because of drought conditions, the animal species that depend on certain plant communities for food supply and habitat may be affected. The projected increase in the duration of 52 California Energy Commission. Cal-Adapt. 2022. Extended Drought Scenarios. https://caladapt.org/tools/extended-drought/#lat=33.0450&lng=-117.2539&boundary=place&climvar=Wildfire. Accessed April 12, 2022.
53 San Dieguito Water District. 2020 Urban Water Management Plan, Final. June 2021. https://encinitasca.gov/Portals/0/City%20Documents/Documents/San%20Dieguito%20Water%20District/Engineerin g/SDWD_2020%20reduced.pdf?ver=2021-06-10-145230-143. Accessed July 12, 2022. 54 Rudolph, L., Harrison, C., Buckley, L. & North, S. 2018. Climate Change, Health, and Equity: A Guide for Local Health Departments. Oakland, CA and Washington D.C., Public Health Institute and American Public Health Association. 55 San Diego County Water Authority. 2016. Urban Water Management Plan. 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 160 of 514
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34 droughts through the end of the century may threaten ecosystems as species become weak due to limited access to water and become susceptible to disease, pests, and decay. 56 Adaptive Capacity
The City’s reliance on various regional water resources, including the San Diego Water Authority, will remain a critical issue for the City’s resilience to drought periods. The City will consider how future supply and demand for water resources in the region may change because of climate change. Considering conservation programs, maintenance of current adjudicated surface water rights, recycled water supply, and additional imported water from SDCWA, the City anticipates having sufficient water supply to meet current and future customers’ needs through at least 2035. Therefore, water supply does not place a constraint on near-term development. The Olivenhain Municipal Water District, a member of the SDCWA, has stated their commitment to protecting its water sources, and continually looks for ways to increase its local supply. Programs include groundwater basin studies, recycled water, watershed outreach and education, and joint projects such as the Olivenhain Water Storage Project and the North San Diego County Regional Recycled Water Project. 57
The City has addressed drought in planning documents such as the Climate Action Plan and Hazard Mitigation Plan. Finally, the City and the water districts that supply water to the Encinitas have regulations, plans, and programs in place that are beneficial during periods of drought by limiting water use. The plans and programs for the City and supporting agencies are described below.

City of Encinitas Climate Action Plan (2020)
Considering the potential decrease in regional water resources available to the City due to decreases in annual precipitation, the City will implement the following strategies to increase the community’s resilience with regard to water supplies:
• Coordinate with local and regional partners (SDWD, OMWD, SDCWA) to support and improve water conservation efforts and programs for City residents. • Expand and/or improve the recycled water efforts currently in place at the San Elijo Water Reclamation Facility.
• Work with relevant water agencies, including SDCWA, OMWD, and SDWD, to evaluate current and future water supply systems and vulnerabilities.
• Continue marketing and outreach programs to promote participation in existing water conservation rebate and incentive programs in the region. 58 San Diego County Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (2017) The 2017 MJHMP includes objectives and actions to decrease the risks associated with increased temperature and extreme heat events. Goal 9 of the 2017 MJHMP Chapter on Encinitas intends to “[r]educe the possibility of damage and losses to existing assets, particularly people, critical facilities/infrastructure, and City-owned facilities, due to drought”. The goal includes four corresponding 56 California Natural Resources agency, Governor’s Office of Planning and Research, and California Energy Commission. 2019. California’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment; San Diego Region Report. Available:
https://www.energy.ca.gov/sites/default/files/2019-11/Reg_Report-SUM-CCCA4-2018-009_SanDiego_ADA.pdf.

Accessed April 12, 2022.
57 Olivenhain Municipal Water District. 2022. https://www.olivenhain.com/your-water-supplies/overview/. Accessed July 15, 2022.
58 City of Encinitas, Climate Action Plan. November 2020. 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 161 of 514
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35 objectives and fifteen actions to help the City prepare for the impacts of drought. Objectives and actions focus on planning, protecting vulnerable assets susceptible to wildfire/structural fires, agency coordination, and public education, as follows:

Objective 9.A.1: Develop a comprehensive approach to reducing the possibility of damage and losses due to drought.

Action 9.A.1: Continue to promote water conservation as a means to mitigate future drought conditions (Municipal Code 23.26), including criteria for drought related actions and updating of SDWD Drought Response Plan.

Objective 9.B: Protect existing assets with the highest relative vulnerability to the effects of drought.

Action 9.B.1: Continue the use of reclaimed water for landscaping at city parks and facilities, where available.

Action 9.B.2: Implement water efficiency upgrades at municipal buildings, parks and publicly owned facilities.

Action 9.B.3: Explore options of public outreach, including providing residents with resources for water efficient plumbing and landscaping.

Objective 9.C: Coordinate with and support existing efforts by federal, state, local governments, utility providers and other organizations to mitigate the effects of drought.

Action 9.C.1: Support groundwater recycling efforts by San Elijo JPA.

Action 9.C.2: Support regional efforts to diversify and improve water supply and delivery systems, including the construction of the Carlsbad desalination plant.

Action 9.C.3: Support OMWD water conservation initiatives, including the use of mandatory water restrictions as part of its drought response plan, when necessary.

Action 9.C.4: Continue to coordinate with other agencies to improve water reuse as part of the North County Water Reuse Coalition.

Action 9.C.5: Continue to work with State Water Resources Control Board, San Diego County Water Authority, Office of Emergency Services, SFID and OMWD to assess vulnerability to drought risk and monitor drought conditions.

Action 9.C.6: Support OMWDs efforts to extend recycled water to Village Park (through the conversion of Wiegand Tank) and possible conversion of Wankett Tank to recycled water tank as a regional project.

Action 9.C.7: Provide support for the implementation of ongoing Lake Hodges Water Quality Improvement Projects (Prop 84), which are important for improving the ability to transport local supplies in regional system.

Action 9.C.8: Remain informed of state legislation regarding drought and water conservation.

Objective 9.D: Educate citizens about drought, its potential impacts and opportunities for mitigation actions.

Action 9.D.1: Continue to provide outreach materials to residences within the city for water conservation, in coordination with SFID and OMWD.
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36 Action 9.D.2: Encourage residents to adopt drought tolerant landscaping or xeriscape practices to reduce dependence on irrigation. 59
City of Encinitas Water Efficient Landscape Regulation
The State Legislature determined in the Water Conservation in Landscaping Act (the “Act”), Government Code Section 65591 et seq., that the state’s water resources are in limited supply. The Legislature also recognized that while landscaping is essential to the quality of life in California, landscape design, installation, maintenance, and management must be water efficient. The City implements this regulation via Chapter 23.26 Water Efficient Landscape Regulations. 60 San Dieguito Water District (2022) Water Master Plan
The Water Master Plan for the San Dieguito Water District provides an assessment of the existing water system conditions and demands. The plans concluded that the overall system is adequately sized to accommodate future 2030 growth demands. In the San Dieguito Water District, the current average daily demand for the district is 6.63 million gallons per day. The Master Plan identifies areas for improvement that were then included in the future planning horizon CIP. These CIP upgrades include pipeline system upgrades, valve replacement, meter replacement, and treatment plant upgrades. 61 Olivenhain Municipal Water District Urban Water Management Plan (2020) Olivenhain Municipal Water District (OMWD) has prepared this 2020 Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP) to guide its conservation and water resource management programs and to comply with state law. The Urban Water Management Planning Act [California Water Code (CWC) §§ 10610 – 10656] (Act) requires urban water suppliers to report, describe, and evaluate various aspects of their water resources and plans for providing water service, such as:
• Water deliveries and uses
• Water supply sources
• Efficient water uses
• Demand Management Measures (DMMs); and
• Water shortage contingency planning
OMWD is a California public water system providing potable water, wastewater services, recycled water, hydroelectricity, and park services and is headquartered in Encinitas, San Diego County, California. In 2020, OMWD served 22,592 accounts and delivered 17,100 acre-feet (AF) of potable water. Under the Act, as amended, OMWD is required to submit an UWMP every five years and this report is the fiscal year (FY) 2020 plan.
62 OMWD Drought Response
The State Water Resources Control Board officially prohibited certain wasteful water practices by introducing the conservation emergency regulation (State Water Resources Control Board Resolution No. 59 San Diego County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, Section Five, Encinitas. October 2017. 60City of Encinitas Water Efficient Landscape Regulation. Chapter 23.26. https://library.qcode.us/lib/encinitas_ca/pub/municipal_code/item/title_23-chapter_23_26-23_26_090. Access April 13, 2022.
61 San Dieguito Water District. October 2021. 2022 Water System Master Plan. 62 Olivenhain Municipal Water District. 2021. 2020 Urban Water Management Plan. June. 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 163 of 514
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37 2022-0002). Under a drought-related State of Emergency, the following wasteful water practices are officially prohibited:
• Outdoor landscape irrigation resulting in visible runoff to adjacent properties • Outdoor landscape irrigation within 48 hours of measurable rainfall • Washing cars using a hose without a shut-off nozzle
• Using potable water to clean hardscapes except in cases where health and safety are at risk • Using potable water in non-recirculating ornamental fountains, ponds or lakes • Using potable water for street cleaning or construction purposes except in cases where health and safety are at risk
• Using potable water for irrigation of non-functional turf Note: There are water use prohibitions for homeowner associations during and after a drought state of emergency.

OMWD encourages the following voluntary conservation practices:
• Restrict outdoor irrigation to no more than three days per week under the following schedule o Odd-numbered houses irrigating on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday o Even-numbered houses irrigating on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday • Restrict outdoor irrigation to no more than 10 minutes per watering station for systems not using water-efficient devices
• Irrigate residential and commercial landscape before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m. This shall not apply to the use of a hand‐held hose equipped with a shut‐off nozzle to water landscaped areas. • Use a bucket, a watering can, a hand‐held hose equipped with a shut‐off nozzle, or low-volume, non-spray irrigation to water landscaped areas, including trees and shrubs, located on residential and commercial properties that are not irrigated by a landscape irrigation system. • Irrigate nursery and commercial grower’s products before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m. Watering is permitted at any time with a hand‐held hose equipped with a shut‐off nozzle, or when a drip/micro‐ irrigation system/equipment is used. Irrigation of nursery propagation beds is permitted at any time. Watering of livestock is permitted at any time.
• Serve and refill water in restaurants, bars, and other food service establishments only upon request.
• Offer guests in hotels, motels, and other commercial lodging establishments the option of not laundering towels and linens daily.
• Repair all water leaks within three (3) days of notification by Olivenhain Municipal Water District unless other arrangements are made with the General Manager. • Use recycled or non-potable water for construction purposes when available and feasible. 63 Carlsbad Desalination Plant
The Claude “Bud” Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant is the nation’s largest, most technologically advanced and energy-efficient seawater desalination plant. Each day, the plant delivers nearly 50 million gallons (56,000 acre-feet per year) of fresh, desalinated water to San Diego County – enough to serve approximately 400,000 people and account for about one-third of all water generated in the County. 64 63 Olivenhain Municipal Water District. 2022. Water Conservation Practices. https://www.olivenhain.com/customerservices/drought/water-use-restrictions/. Accessed July 13, 2022. 64 https://www.carlsbaddesal.com. Accessed April 13, 2022. 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 164 of 514
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38 San Diego County Water Authority 2020 Water Shortage Contingency Plan (2021) In 2017, SDCWA adopted its Water Shortage Contingency Plan to effectively manage water resources when the countywide water supply is under pressure. Though SDCWA has developed a diverse water supply portfolio, supply is still threatened by climate change and drought. The plan provides background on historical drought events and provides lessons learned from those events to maintain a sustainable water supply. The plan contains a series of steps to pursue during a water shortage to minimize impacts on the region’s quality of life and economy. 65 On October 28, 2021, the SDCWA Water activated the Water Shortage Contingency Plan urging regional users to increase voluntary water conservation efforts during the current drought. 66 As of May 24, 2022, new statewide regulations prohibit watering decorative grass in common areas of subdivisions and homeowners associations, as well as on commercial, industrial, and institutional properties. 67
San Diego County Water Authority 2020 Urban Water Management Plan Under the Urban Water Management Planning Act (Water Code Sections 10610 through 10656), SDCWA developed the 2020 Urban Water Management Plan to ensure a reliable water supply for the region. The report includes annual water supply reports, which include documentation of local and imported water supplies. The plan’s overall objective was to develop a mix of drought-resilience water resources available to the region to avoid periods of water shortages. The plan also discusses the agency’s role in reducing GHG emissions and climate change and its research efforts on water systems’ vulnerability to climate change impacts. Under the Urban Water Management Planning Act, an urban water supplier is required to submit an updated plan every five years. 68
Water Smart San Diego (SDCWA)
The WaterSmart Landscape Makeover Program teaches you how to create a WaterSmart landscape. The WaterSmart Contractor Incentive Program targets qualified landscape contractors and large, self-managed landscape sites. The program’s goal is to improve water-use efficiency by incentivizing the upgrade of irrigation devices. 69

3.2.2.3 WILDFIRE + SMOKE
Warmer average temperatures and drier environments create conditions that lead to extreme, highseverity wildfires. These conditions increasingly dry out vegetation and lengthen the wildfire season, which raises wildfire risks. Additionally, more frequent and intense droughts put stress on trees and make them more susceptible to pest infestations. This, in turn, can lead to more diseased, dying, and dead trees, which can exacerbate the severity of wildfires by providing more combustible fuels.

Not only do high-severity wildfires take lives and destroy homes, businesses, and community infrastructure, but they also negatively impact fish and wildlife habitats. Moreover, intense wildfires can also impair air quality throughout the state. In recent years, smoke from wildfires has grown substantially and has been a major contributor to air pollution in the western United States—making up roughly half of small particulate matter, compared to less than 20 percent a decade ago. The degree to which climate change will impact 65 San Diego County Water Authority. 2021. 2020 Water Shortage Contingency Plan. 66 San Diego County Water Authority. https://www.sdcwa.org/water-authority-activates-water-shortagecontingency-plan. Accessed April 13, 2022. 67 San Diego County Water Authority. 2022. Summer of Water Savings, State Mandates. June 21, 2022. 68 San Diego County Water Authority. 2021. 2020 Urban Water Management Plan. 69 San Diego County Water Authority. 2022. WaterSmart. https://www.watersmartsd.org. Accessed April 13, 2022. 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 165 of 514
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39 particulate emissions in the future is subject to uncertainty, but researchers have estimated that particulate matter in fire-prone areas could roughly double by the end of the century.

According to the state’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment, by 2100, the frequency of extreme wildfires burning over 25,000 acres could increase by nearly 50 percent. As with other climate hazards, the state is already beginning to experience an increase in severe wildfires. Most of California’s largest and most destructive wildfires have occurred in recent decades. This pattern has been particularly notable in the last few years, which have seen some of the worst wildfires in the state’s recorded history. Five of the twenty most destructive wildfires in the state’s history occurred in 2020 alone, with an additional two in 2021. 70 The City’s landscape consists of rugged coastal terrain and includes one low-lying coastal ridge. Several open space areas within the City are characterized by shrubs and native trees. During the dry months, the wildfire risk in these open, vegetated areas can increase when exacerbated by occasional Santa Ana winds and elevated temperatures. Additionally, extreme weather conditions, such as high temperature, low humidity, and/or winds of extraordinary force, may cause an ordinary, localized fire to expand into a more intense and difficult to control wildfire. Currently, many homes within Encinitas are in the urban-wildland interface (UWI) 71, which is characterized by zones of transition between wildland and developed areas and often include heavy fuel loads that increase wildfire risk (See Table 3-8: Urban-Wildland Interface Threatened Populations). These areas within Encinitas include neighborhoods near Saxony Canyon, South El Camino Real/Crest Drive, and Olivenhain. 72
Historical Wildfire Events
• 1996 – Harmony Grove wildfire in Encinitas resulted in the loss of three homes and the evacuation and sheltering of hundreds of Encinitas residents.

Note: other fires like the 2007 Witch Fire have come close to the City limits but not entered the City.

VULNERABILITY TO WILDFIRE
Climate change will result in changes in precipitation patterns, increased temperature, and drought conditions. Wetter months may lead to increased vegetative growth, while following periods of drought will allow the vegetative growth to dry up, creating greater fuel for fires. Climate change will also worsen existing severe wind events, which fuel the spread and intensity of wildfires. Santa Ana wind events blow in an offshore direction in parts of Southern California. They are caused by the formation of large highpressure systems over eastern California, Nevada, and Utah, producing strong and extremely dry winds.

Santa Ana winds have caused some of the region’s most damaging wildfires and account for some of the worst extreme heat events. While future wind events are predicted to decrease, the intensity of a severe wind event over a shorter amount of time is predicted to increase. 73 70 State of California, Legislative Analyst’s Office. 2022. Budget and Policy Post. Climate Change Impacts Across California Crosscutting Issues. April 5, 2022. https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4575. Accessed April 11, 2022. 71 Wildland Urban Interface (WUI): The geographical intersection of two disparate systems, wildland and structures.

At this interface, structures and vegetation are close enough that a wildland fire could spread to structures or fire could spread from structures to ignite vegetation. Extracted from the California Department Of Forestry And Fire Protection Fire And Resource Assessment Program, California’s Forest and Rangelands: 2010 Assessment. 72 City of Encinitas, Climate Action Plan. 2020. 73 California Natural Resources agency, Governor’s Office of Planning and Research, and California Energy Commission. 2019. California’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment; San Diego Region Report. Available:
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40 Exposure
The potential for wildland fires represents a hazard where development is adjacent to open space or within proximity to wildland fuels. Steep hillsides and varied topography within portions of the City also contribute to the risk of wildland fires. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) identifies Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ) in the City that are included in the Local Responsibility Area (LRA) (See Figure 3-5: Fire Hazard Severity Zones). The map identifies two key areas in the City included in the VHFHSZ. Due to the topography and vegetation of these locations, surrounding properties are at increased risk of wildfire and associated hazards. Recent wildfire events in Encinitas include the Harmony Grove Fire in 1996, which resulted in the loss of three homes and the evacuation and sheltering of hundreds of residents. 74 The area of the Harmony Grove Fire is illustrated as a part of the Historic Fire Burn Areas.

The geographic extent of this hazard includes the following areas of the City: 1) Saxony Canyon, 2) South El Camino Real/Crest Drive, and 3) Olivenhain. Properties in these and other smaller areas are susceptible to wildfire because they are situated near open spaces and canyons containing heavy fuel loads. Reoccurring periods of low precipitation have increased the risk of wildfires in the region. A greater percentage of the population is potentially exposed to wildfires, and potential losses from this hazard are comparatively larger than those associated with flooding or coastal bluff failures. Recent wildfire events in Encinitas include the Harmony Grove Fire in 1996, which resulted in the loss of three homes and the evacuation and sheltering of hundreds of residents. 75
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection’s (CAL FIRE) Fire and Resource Assessment Program assesses the condition of California’s forests and rangelands and maps fire hazards within State Responsibility Areas based on factors such as vegetative fuels, terrain, and weather. California’s seasonally dry Mediterranean Climate lends itself to wildfires, and to better prepare, CAL FIRE is required to classify the severity of fire hazards in areas of California. The maps categorize lands into moderate, high, and very high Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ). FHSZ maps consider the likelihood that an area will be burned over a 30- to 50-year period and do not consider modifications from fuel reduction efforts. 76 As shown in Figure 3-5: Fire Hazard Severity Zones, 6.7 square miles, or approximately 35 percent, of the City is within a very high FHSZ. Wildfires also result in secondary impacts: a major consequence of wildfires is post-fire flooding and debris flow. The risk of floods and debris flows (or mudslide) after fires increases due to vegetation loss and soil exposure. These flows are a risk to life because they can occur with little warning and exert great force on objects in their path. Health threats from debris flows include:
• Rapidly moving water and debris that can lead to trauma; • Broken electrical, water, gas, and sewage lines that can result in injury or illness; and • Disrupted roadways and railways that can endanger motorists and disrupt transport and access to health care. 77
• Mud is likely contaminated with pollutants. As described in reference to the Santa Barbara County mudslide in January 2018: “That mud could contain everything from sewage, to oil and gas from ruptured lines, as well as pesticides, ash, maybe chemicals from inside houses,” said Chris Bryant, https://www.energy.ca.gov/sites/default/files/2019-11/Reg_Report-SUM-CCCA4-2018-009_SanDiego_ADA.pdf.

Accessed April 12, 2022.
74 City of Encinitas, Climate Action Plan. 2020. 75 San Diego County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, Section Five, Encinitas. October 2017. 76 California Office of the State Fire Marshall. https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/divisions/community-wildfire-preparednessand-mitigation/wildfire-preparedness/fire-hazard-severity-zones/. Accessed March 28, 2022. 77 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2022. Landslides and Mudslides. https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/landslides.html. Accessed July 14, 2022. 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 167 of 514
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41 a regulatory consultant with Bergeson and Campbell. A Jan. 17, 2018 advisory from the Santa Barbara County Department of Public Health said: “Unknown amounts of potentially hazardous chemicals and untreated sewage were swept into the mudslide debris that flowed through impacted areas.” 78
Table 3-5: Critical Facilities and Facilities of Concern (Fire Hazard Severity Zone) Category Number of Facilities
Critical Concern
City Facilities (Fire, Sheriff) 0 -
Community & Senior Center 0 -
Library - 0
Water/Sewer Facilities 1 -
Hospital 0 -
Total 0 0
Source: City of Encinitas 2022
One critical facility was identified by the City resides within the VHFHSZ: The San Elijo Wastewater Treatment Facility at 2695 Manchester Avenue. Four elder care facilities are located in the VHFHSZ:
• Belmont Village Cardiff 3535 Manchester Ave.
• Avocado Greens, 1159 Saxony Road
• Westmont of Encinitas, 3535 Manchester Ave
• Compassionate Elder Care and Encinitas Retirement Gardens II, 803 Hollyridge Drive As the frequency, severity, and impacts of wildfire are sensitive to climate change as well as other factors, including development patterns, temperature increases, wind patterns, precipitation change, and pest infestations, it is difficult to project exactly where and how fires will burn. Instead, climate models estimate an increased risk of wildfires. The Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) represents a simplified proxy for favorability of occurrence and spread of wildfire but is not itself a predictor of fire. As shown in Table 3-6:

San Diego County KBDI > 600 (days), San Diego County’s wildfire risk is projected to double by the end of the century compared with the historical baseline. This will lead to an increased risk for areas in Encinitas susceptible to wildfire and corresponding smoke.

Table 3-6: San Diego County KBDI > 600 (days)
KBDI > 600
(days)
Historic KBDI >
600 (days)
( )
Medium Emissions (RCP 4.5) High Emissions (RCP 8.5)
Mid-Century End-Century Mid-Century End-Century
77 126 136 133 169
Source: California Energy Commission. CalAdapt. Local Climate Change Snapshot for Encinitas: Wildfire KBDI. https://caladapt.org/tools/local-climate-change-snapshot. Accessed March 28, 2022.

Sensitivity: Physical
Beyond direct damage to physical property and harmful effects on public safety, wildfires also result in secondary impacts: a major consequence of wildfires is post-fire flooding and debris flow. After fires, the 78 Allington, Adam. 2018. Toxic Pollutants in California Mudslide Present Cleanup Challenges. Bloomberg Law. https://news.bloomberglaw.com/environment-and-energy/toxic-pollutants-in-california-mudslide-present-cleanupchallenges. January 18. Accessed July 14, 2022. 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 168 of 514
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42 Figure 3-5: Fire Hazard Severity Zones
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43 risk of floods and debris flows increases due to vegetation loss and soil exposure. These flows are a risk to life because they can occur with little warning and exert great force on objects in their path. Additionally, wildfire can cause direct and indirect damage to electrical infrastructure. Direct exposure to fire can sever transmission lines, and heat and smoke can affect transmission capacity. Other impacts of climate change also threaten electricity infrastructure, including wildfires that can destroy poles and towers carrying transmission lines. 79
Furthermore, because of historical forest management trends over the past century, increased temperatures, and more frequent drought, California wildfires are characteristically hotter and more intense as compared to naturally occurring fire regimes. As such, soil structure and moisture retention are damaged, leading to increased susceptibility to erosion or landscapes. If Encinitas’ coastal foothills become covered with dry, overgrown vegetation because of drought conditions, extreme heat events and high winds can increase the threat of wildfires.

Wildfire could damage roads in several ways. Unsafe conditions and damage could lead to road closures.

Typical asphalt mixtures could ignite or melt/excessively soften. Debris from fires and subsequent landslides could block roads. 80, 81 Most major roads have sidewalks that create a small defensible space as well as the development of the surrounding areas.

Wildfires could alter hydrology by changing vegetation, increasing runoff, and resulting in more sediment that could block drainage and damage structures. 82 This impact would be caused by upstream factors; wildfires are unlikely to directly burn and/or damage outfalls themselves due to construction materials and placement near bodies of water.

Conservation areas and open spaces in the City of Encinitas provide crucial ecosystem services such as clean air and water and climate regulation. If conservation areas are damaged, endangered species could be at increased risk of species survival. If habitats of sensitive species are subject to frequent disturbance or destruction, resources may be needed to conserve these species. In addition, there may be more insects, pests, or invasive species in the event of damage.

Community parks are used for recreation, exercise, as gathering spaces, and sites of natural, historical, tribal cultural, and archaeological resources. Loss of or damage to community parks would interfere with their ability to serve these functions.

Sensitivity: Social
Wildfires are a major public health concern as they can cause immediate health impacts through burns, injuries, heat stress, and direct smoke inhalation. However, a wildfire can influence the health outcomes of an area larger than the burn area because the associated smoke can travel long distances and worsen the 79 Davis, M., and S. Clemmer. 2014. Power failure: How climate change puts our electricity at risk—and what we can do. Cambridge, MA: Union of Concerned Scientists. https://www.ucsusa.org/sites/default/files/2019-10/PowerFailure-How-Climate-Change-Puts-Our-Electricity-at-Risk-and-What-We-Can-Do.pdf. Accessed April 11, 2022. 80 Carvel, R., & Torero, J. (2006). The Contribution of Asphalt Road Surfaces to Fire Risk in Tunnel Fires: Preliminary Findings. Proceedings of the International Conference on Risk and Fire Engineering for Tunnels, Stations, and Linked Underground Spaces (pp. 83-87). Hong Kong: Tunnel Management International. 81 Cannon, S., & DeGraff, J. (2009). The Increasing Wildfire and Post-Fire Debris-Flow Threat in Western USA, and Implications for Consequences of Climate Change. In K. Sassa, & P. Canuti, Landslides - Disaster Risk Reduction (pp. 177-190). Verlag Berlin Heidelberg: Springer. 82 U.S. DOT. 2018. Transportation Climate Change Sensitivity Matrix. U.S. Department of Transportation. Retrieved from https://toolkit.climate.gov/tool/transportation-climate-change-sensitivity-matrix 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 170 of 514
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44 air quality for extended periods. Wildfires can be a significant contributor to air pollution in both urban and rural areas and have the potential to significantly impact public health through particulates and volatile organic compounds in smoke plumes. Wildfires are a major source of particulate matter, which is an air pollutant that increases one’s risk for respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular disease, negative birth outcomes, and premature death. 83 Wildfire smoke contains numerous primary and secondary pollutants, including particulates, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, aldehydes, organic compounds, gases, and inorganic materials with toxicological hazard potentials. 84 Wildfire smoke also increases exposure to ground-level ozone and toxic chemicals (e.g., pesticides, plastics, and paints) released from burned buildings and other human-made materials. Individuals sheltering in place are also at risk of exposure to hazardous air quality because wildfire smoke penetrates homes, particularly older homes. 85 Beyond these immediate health impacts, the stress, displacement, and loss of home and community from wildfires can cause significant mental health impacts, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. 86 During hazard events such as wildfires, flooding, or extreme storms, the elderly and other vulnerable populations such as persons with disabilities may require additional assistance to adequately respond.

These are unique challenges for Encinitas as 37.5 percent of households in the Very HIgh Fire Hazard Severity Zone have at least one individual age 65 or older. Additionally, 18.3 percent of households have at least one person living with a disability. Challenges that these populations face include the potential inability to access emergency supplies, evacuate, or receive and understand emergency information. The effects of climate change hazards can result in infrastructure disruptions, including power outages. Such events could result in additional health hazards for the elderly or persons with disabilities who rely on power to sustain medical equipment/assistive technology use.

Table 3-7: Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone Threatened VHFHSZ Encinitas Total Population 10,245 62,007
Percent of residents that are children (less than 10 years) 9.5% 11.0% Percent of households that have people 65+ years 36.2% 34.1% Percentage of households with at least one person living with a disability 18.3% 19.1%1 Median age 43.9 43
Total households 4,055 23,893
Median household income $151,132 $120,488
Percent of rental households 37.5% 36.2%
Source: US Census Bureau, ACS 2020, ESRI 20221
A total of 1,733 Encinitas residents live within the wildland-urban interface (Table 3-8: Wildland-Urban Interface Threatened Populations). The geographic extent of this hazard includes the following areas of the City, for the most part: 1) Saxony Canyon, 2) South El Camino Real/Crest Drive, and 3) Olivenhain. Properties 83 Bell, J.E., S.C. Herring, L. Jantarasami, C. Adrianopoli, K. Benedict, K. Conlon, V. Escobar, J. Hess, J. Luvall, C.P. GarciaPando, D. Quattrochi, J. Runkle, and C.J. Schreck, III, 2016: Ch. 4: Impacts of Extreme Events on Human Health. The Impacts of Climate Change on Human Health in the United States: A Scientific Assessment. U.S. Global Change Research Program, Washington, DC, 99–128. 84 Künzli, N. et al. 2006. Health effects of the 2003 Southern California wildfires on children. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 174:1221-8. 85 Rudolph, L., Harrison, C., Buckley, L. & North, S. (2018). Climate Change, Health, and Equity: A Guide for Local Health Departments. Oakland, CA and Washington D.C., Public Health Institute and American Public Health Association. 86 Hanigan, Ivan C., Colin D. Butler, Philip N. Kokic, and Michael F. Hutchinson. 2012. “Suicide and Drought in New South Wales, Australia, 1970–2007.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 109 (35): 13950–55.
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45 in these and other smaller areas are susceptible to wildfire because they are situated near open spaces and canyons containing heavy fuel loads. Reoccurring periods of low precipitation have increased the risk of wildfires in the region. The WUI zone in the northern portion of the City is fully within a VHFHSZ, whereas the WUI in the southern part of the City is intermixed within the VHFHZ zone. Like the FHSZ, 24.5 percent of households have at least one person living with a disability. However, the areas are more affluent and have one-third of the number of households that have people aged 65 years or more. This should reduce the sensitivity to wildfire (and smoke) and benefit the adaptive capacity of these households. 87 Table 3-8: Wildland-Urban

WUI1 Encinitas
Total Population 1,733 62,007
Percent of residents that are

10.0% 11.0%
Percent of households that have

15.9% 34.1%
Percentage of households with at

24.5% 19.1%1
Median age 47.6 43
Total households 640 23,893
Median household income $153,306 $120,488
Percent of rental households 22.7% 36.2%
Percent of household income

6.2% 7.2%
Source: US Census Bureau, ACS 2020, ESRI 20221
Adaptive Capacity
The City has addressed wildfire in planning documents such as the Climate Action Plan, Hazard Mitigation Plan, and the Urban Forest Management Plan. The City also operates programs that respond to wildfire events for displaced residents. Finally, the City also has regulations in place that are beneficial during wildfires by limiting further potential public health impacts. The plans and programs for the City and supporting agencies are described below.

City of Encinitas Climate Action Plan (2020)
Like many communities in the region, the City will likely experience increased wildfire risk in the future. To prepare for increased wildfire risk, the City has adopted strategies focused on key areas within the City that are most vulnerable to wildfire risk, such as residences and businesses that are in the UWI within the City.

The City will implement the following strategies to address increased wildfire risk. • Coordinate with relevant agencies, including CalOES, CAL FIRE, and the Encinitas Fire and Marine Safety Department, to map and identify current and future land uses, neighborhoods, and infrastructure that are at an elevated risk of experiencing wildfire impacts. • Continue to update the MJHMP every five years.
• Update the Safety Element of the City’s General Plan consistent with the OPR General Plan Guidelines, which requires adopted safety elements to consider climate change and climate adaptation strategies pursuant to SB 379.
• Improve coordination for emergency services related to wildfire and other related events in the City.
• Consider new development standards for City residents and businesses within the WUI. 87 San Diego County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, Section Five, Encinitas. October 2017. 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 172 of 514
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46 San Diego County Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (2017) The 2017 MJHMP included objectives and actions to decrease the risks associated with increased temperature and extreme heat events. Goal 5 of the 2017 MJHMP Chapter on Encinitas intends to “[r]educe the possibility of damage and losses to existing assets, particularly people, critical facilities/infrastructure, and City-owned facilities, due to wildfires/structural fires.” The goal includes four corresponding objectives and 26 actions to help the City prepare for the impacts of wildfires (and structural fires). Objectives and actions focus on planning, protecting vulnerable assets susceptible to wildfire/structural fires, agency coordination, and public education. 88 City of Encinitas Municipal Code
Helping to reduce the spread of wildfire, the City specifies development setback requirements in the Zoning Ordinance (Encinitas Municipal Code Title 30).

Defensible Space (2008)
In 2008, the City of Encinitas Fire Department received a Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) Fire Prevention and Safety Grant to conduct a public education program to educate Encinitas residents on defensible spaces, Firewise gardening techniques, and how best to protect homeowners from wildfires.

CALFIRE (2013)
In 2013, the City worked with CAL FIRE, to develop the City’s Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map. The map identifies the VHFHSZ within the City, locating regions in the City at increased risk of wildfire risk and related hazards.

Emergency Shelters
Hazardous climate events, such as extreme heat events or flooding, may potentially displace Encinitas residents or the already homeless. Those displaced will require temporary shelter during hazardous conditions and severe weather events with supplies that can increase the adaptive capacity of individuals experiencing homelessness.

In February 2019, the City of Encinitas adopted Ordinance 2019-01, which permitted emergency shelters within the Light Industrial (LI) and Business Park (BP) zones as required by California Government Code Section 65583(a)(4) (A- D). In selecting an appropriate location for emergency shelters, access to public transit was an important consideration, as individuals and households experiencing homelessness do not have reliable means of transportation. The LI and BP zones are well served by public transportation and regional connections providing access to jobs and services.

Cool Zones
The Community Resource Center, Encinitas Public Library, Cardiff-by-the-Sea Library, and the Community Senior Center are San Diego County designated Cool Zone facilities intended to provide areas for vulnerable populations to find refuge from hot weather. 89
88 San Diego County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, Section Five, Encinitas. October 2017. 89 San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency. 2022. Cool Zones. https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/hhsa/programs/ais/cool_zones/. Accessed July 14, 2022. 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 173 of 514
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47 The City of Encinitas has partnerships with other service providers. The City provides Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program funds to homeless service providers for homeless prevention and regional shelter efforts. Other North County facilities and services for those experiencing homelessness include:
• Mental Health Systems (Oceanside— 12.2 miles)
• Interfaith Community Services (Vista — 16.4 miles)
• La Posada Shelter (Carlsbad — 7.8 miles)
• Women’s Resource Center (Oceanside — 12.2 miles)
• Operation Hope (Vista — 15.6 miles)
• Haven House (Escondido— 16.4 miles)
• Interfaith Community Services (16.4 miles)
• North County Lifeline (Oceanside 13.1)
• Oceanside Transit Center (Oceanside — 13.1 miles) 90

3.3.2.4 FLOODING
Climate models predict that California will experience less frequent but more intense storm patterns in the coming decades, including the state’s precipitation more frequently falling as rain rather than snow compared to historical trends. Additionally, the state’s streams and rivers will swell more in some years from earlier and faster spring snowmelt caused by higher temperatures. Scientists suggest the combination of these factors could lead to a 50 percent increase in runoff in future years, challenging the capacity of the state’s existing reservoirs, canals, levees, and other flood control systems and increasing the risk of inland flooding. Floods cause significant risk to human life and damage roads, buildings, and other infrastructure. 91

ONSHORE FLOODING
Increases in temperature and precipitation can lead to extreme precipitation events and sea-level rise, leading to flooding in Encinitas. In the context of climate change for Encinitas, this analysis categorizesflood types according to climate effect: Onshore flooding caused by precipitation-driven events and coastal flooding. The following describes the types of floods within each category.

Onshore Flooding from Precipitation-Driven Events
• Inland flooding occurs when moderate precipitation accumulates over several days, intense precipitation falls over a brief period, or a river overflow because of an ice or debris jam or dam or levee failure.
• A flash flood is caused by heavy or excessive rainfall in a brief period, generally less than six hours.

Flash floods are usually characterized by raging torrents after heavy rains that rip through riverbeds, urban streets, or mountain canyons. They can occur within minutes or a few hours of excessive rainfall.

Coastal Flooding
• A coastal flood, or chronic inundation of land areas along the coast, is caused by higher-thanaverage high tide and worsened by heavy rainfall and onshore winds (i.e., wind blowing landward from the ocean).
90 City of Encinitas. 2021. Encinitas 6th Cycle Housing Element 2021-2029. 91 State of California, Legislative Analyst’s Office. 2022. Budget and Policy Post. Climate Change Impacts Across California Crosscutting Issues. April 5, 2022. https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4575. Accessed April 11, 2022. 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 174 of 514
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48 • Storm surge is an abnormal rise in water level in coastal areas, over and above the regular astronomical tide, caused by forces generated by a severe storm’s wind, waves, and low atmospheric pressure. 92
The following analyses describe onshore flooding and coastal flooding vulnerabilities resulting from projected climate change for the City of Encinitas.

Onshore Flooding from Precipitation Events
Variability in the climate is likely to result in changes in the frequency, intensity, and duration of precipitation events causing heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and hail. Like other California regions, the high year-to-year variability of precipitation in Encinitas is severely affected by extreme precipitation events (days having precipitation at or exceeding the 95th percentile), which accounts for 80 percent of the yearto-year variability. 93 Most of the heaviest events occur during winter. While days with measurable precipitation become less frequent in Southern California, extreme precipitation events are anticipated to intensify. It is predicted that the state will experience prolonged periods of drought followed by extreme precipitation (See Section 3.2.2.2: Drought).

For Encinitas, projections show only a slight change in average annual rainfall through the end of the century (Table 3-2: Change in Annual Average Precipitation). Globally, climate change is anticipated to lead to more variability in the intensity of rainfall events from year to year and longer transitions between droughts and deluges. 94, 95 Historically, Encinitas has experienced an average of three extreme precipitation events per year. Under the medium emissions scenario, the City is still expected to experience three extreme precipitation events per year through the end of the century. Under the high emissions scenario, Encinitas is expected to experience three to four extreme precipitation events per year by mid-century and four extreme precipitation events per year by the late century. 96 The primary concern for precipitation-driven hazards is flooding. Areas of Encinitas already experiencing flooding when there are heavy rainfall events could find that flooding increases in the future. However, the forecasted changes in Maximum 1-Day Precipitation are not anticipated to be substantially different from historical records (see Table 3-9. Change in Maximum 1-Day Precipitation). Therefore, impacts from flooding caused by projected climate change should not be dramatically different than what the community currently experiences.

Table 3-9. Change in Maximum 1-Day Precipitation
Maximum 1-Day
Precipitation
(Inches)
Historic Maximum 1-
Day Precipitation
(1961 – 1990)
Medium Emissions (RCP 4.5) High Emissions (RCP 8.5)
Mid-Century End-Century Mid-Century End-Century

1.168 inches 1.169 inches 1.189 inches 1.208 inches 1.248 inches 92 NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory. Severe Weather 101. https://www.nssl.noaa.gov/education/svrwx101/floods/types. Accessed April 6, 2022. 93 Jennings, M.K., D. Cayan, J. Kalansky, A.D. Pairis, D.M. Lawson, A.D. Syphard, U. Abeysekera, R.E.S. Clemesha, A.

Gershunov, K. Guirguis, J.M. Randall, E.D. Stein, S. Vanderplank. (San Diego State University). 2018. San Diego County Ecosystems: Ecological Impacts of Climate Change on A Biodiversity Hotspot. California’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment, California Energy Commission. Publication number: CCCA4- EXT-2018-010. 94 Higbee, M. C. (2014). Report from San Diego County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Training Workshop #1: Climate Change and Hazards in San Diego.
95 Swain, D. L. (2018). Increasing precipitation volatility in twenty-first-century California. Nature Climate Change. 96 California Energy Commission. Cal-Adapt Extreme Precipitation Events Tool. Available: https://caladapt.org/tools/extremeprecipitation/. Accessed April 6, 2022. 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 175 of 514
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49 Source: California Energy Commission. CalAdapt. Local Climate Change Snapshot for Encinitas: Maximum 1-Day Precipitation. https://cal-adapt.org/tools/local-climate-change-snapshot. Accessed March 28, 2022.

Historical Onshore Flooding Events
• November 17-18, 1986. Early season storm brought 1.16” to San Diego and 1.03” in Oceanside, more rain that falls in than a typical November. The storm caused numerous traffic accidents and multiple power outages. Street flooding occurred in Encinitas. • February 18-20, 1993. Heavy rain: 2-5” in coastal areas. Urban and river flooding occurred across the region. Flooding occurred from Oceanside to Encinitas. 97 • 1997. Heavy winter storms forced the closure of Coast Highway 101. • March 1, 2010. Storm resulted in limited access along Coast Highway 101 due to flooding and undermining in one section that prompted emergency repairs to pump concrete slurry beneath the existing roadway and pulling existing riprap toward the road. • 2015-2016. El Nino-related winter storms prompt temporary placement of cobble along Coast Highway 101.
• April 10, 2020. Encinitas recorded nearly 5 inches of rain in 24 hours on Friday, April 10, as a lowpressure system parked over Southern California. The five-day total was 7.39 inches in Encinitas.

The city of Encinitas closed Lone Jack Road, from Crystal Ridge Road through to the east of Stratford Knoll, in Olivenhain on Friday because of heavy flooding. 98 Exposure
Flood zones are geographic areas that the Federal Emergency Management Act (FEMA) has defined according to varying levels of flood risk. These zones are depicted on a community’s Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) or Flood Hazard Boundary Map. Each zone reflects the severity or type of flooding in the area.

Portions of the City are located within a FEMA 100-year zone and floodways (illustrated in Figure 3-6: Flood Hazard Zones). These two designations coincide with the City’s Floodplain Overlay Zone boundary. The lowlying areas along the floodplains of Cottonwood Creek, Encinitas Creek, Escondido Creek, and their tributaries can experience flooding during severe rain seasons. 99 In Encinitas, the geographic extent of flooding hazard is limited to 1) Encinitas coastline, particularly “Restaurant Row” in Cardiff (south of San Elijo State Beach Campgrounds); 2) Escondido, Encinitas, and Cottonwood Creeks; and 3) low-lying areas of Leucadia and Old Encinitas. The City has experienced property-related losses resulting from localized flooding in Leucadia and coastal flooding in Cardiff, but not loss of life. Winter storms in 1997, 2005-2006, and 2010-2011 resulted in significant damages and required emergency protective measures, debris removal, and infrastructure reconstruction.

Dam Failure
Geologists estimate that a magnitude 7.5 earthquake from the Elsinore Fault 11 miles east of Lake Wohlford could result in a failure of its hydraulic fill dam. The geographic extent of this hazard is limited to the persons and properties within the inundation path surrounding Escondido Creek and San Elijo Lagoon. The dam inundation path is larger than the Escondido Creek 100-year floodway, and a greater number of persons and properties are exposed to this hazard compared to coastal bluff failures and flooding. Major arterials within the inundation path include El Camino Del Norte, Rancho Santa Fe Road, Manchester Avenue, and Coast Highway 101. The failure of Wohlford Dam (1895) and Dixon Reservoir Dam (1970) could threaten 97 National Weather Service. 2017. A History of Significant Weather Events in Southern California. 98 North Coast Current. 2020. Encinitas receives nearly 5 inches of rain in 24 hours Friday. April 10. 99 City of Encinitas. 2021. Encinitas 6th Cycle Housing Element 2021-2029: Appendix B. 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 176 of 514
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50 City facilities and infrastructure (including the San Elijo Water Reclamation Facility, Cardiff and Olivenhain sewer pump stations, and the San Dieguito Water District 36” high-pressure supply line) and educational facilities (MiraCosta College) located in and adjacent to the inundation path. Although exposure to loss of property is significant, the potential for loss of life is limited because of the length of time before flood wave arrival (approximately 1 ½ hours), allowing for aggressive warning and evacuation measures to be initiated by the City.

The Olivenhain Dam (2003) is a concrete gravity dam located on a tributary of Escondido Creek, just west of Lake Hodges, holding 24,000 acre-feet. Stanley Mahr Reservoir (1981) is a small, earth-filled embankment dam located on a tributary of Encinitas Creek in San Marcos with a capacity of approximately 200-acre feet. A failure of Mahr Reservoir in Carlsbad would produce flooding along Encinitas Creek (which flows into Batiquitos Lagoon) in the northern portion of the City. Emergency Action Plans have been developed for these dams. The risk of failure of both dams is low due to their age and construction and existing surveillance and inspection measures. Figure 3-6: Flood Hazard Zones shows 100-year floodplains and floodways within the City. 100
Coastal Bluff Failures
The geographic extent of the hazard is limited primarily to the Encinitas coastal sandstone bluffs. After the El Nino storms of 1982-1983, Encinitas beaches were stripped of vertical sand up to twenty feet deep, putting the coastal bluffs and homes in jeopardy of collapsing into the sea. Furthermore, the shoreline segments at Moonlight Beach and Cardiff-by-the-Sea are extremely vulnerable to coastal inundation from potential future sea-level rise. In 2000, unstable cliffs at Beacon’s Beach in Encinitas caused a landslide that killed a woman sitting on the beach. The recreational bicycle path along the seaside of Highway 101 was undermined in 2010. In 2019 a failure near the Grandview Street public access killed three people.

No critical facilities or hazardous materials sites are in the 100-Year Flood Zone or associated Floodways.

Public safety critical asset types have a near-negligible vulnerability to precipitation-driven flooding. Fire stations and police patrol and specialty vehicles have a low vulnerability to precipitation-driven flooding.

These asset types have low exposure, meaning that none of them are located within the 100-year floodplain or floodway. None of the healthcare, elder care, or adult residential facilities are within the 100-year floodplain or floodway.

No Encinitas residents live in a FEMA flood zone. Any potential flood threat will primarily affect those residents living adjacent to a 100-year flood zone. These zones are located along drainages within the City.

Flooding of this type would inundate curb cuts as well as sidewalks.

Sensitivity: Physical
Water pipes, wastewater pipes, and wastewater pump stations show low to medium vulnerability to onshore flooding and high vulnerability to coastal erosion. Flooding would not have a severe impact on underground pipes or pump stations, but erosion could compromise the functionality of the system. Higher intensity storms result in higher levels of erosion and sediment runoff into waterways, which in turn can back up/clog storm drain systems resulting in their failure. Sediment back up caused a drainage failure and subsequent flooding around Ocean Cove Dr. in 2020, so this is a recent and relevant issue. 100 San Diego County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, Section Five, Encinitas. October 2017. 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 177 of 514
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51 Figure 3-6: Flood Hazard Zones

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52 The City has key underpasses beneath major freeways and rail lines that, if flooded, could impact circulation throughout the City. Electronic or mechanical equipment on the ground could become waterlogged and nonfunctional.

Storm events could cause erosion on trails. Periodic flooding may temporarily limit access to parks, but once floodwaters recede, the park should be usable again with limited clean-up. Leucadia Oak Parks and Encinitas Community Parks were designed to be multi-purpose as they incorporate climate adaptation features that retain upstream runoff in detention basins within the park. Under dry, non-precipitation events, these areas are recreational park features such as a volleyball court and a sports field.

Precipitation-driven flooding has the potential to impact habitats. Increased precipitation patterns could encourage the growth of invasive species. In addition, flooding in regional upland watersheds could impact water quality by bringing more nutrients and total dissolved solids into the water supply.

Sensitivity: Social
In a flood event, any people in Encinitas who walk or bike as their main form of transportation may encounter greater difficulties with their mobility if they do not have access to an alternative means of transportation. Seniors, persons with disabilities, and low-income persons are those most likely to be threatened. Flooding is the second most deadly weather-related hazard in the United States, which can be attributed mostly to drowning. Other effects can include building damage, mold, and respiratory damage. 101
Surfing and ocean swimming are very popular activities in the City. Encinitas is an internationally known surfing hotspot and was named one of the top 20 surf towns by National Geographic in 2012. 102 Rainstorms and the subsequent runoff can introduce an influx of freshwater carrying trash, nutrient, and bacteria rich freshwater into the ocean. As stated by the San Diego County Department of Environmental Health and Quality, “Urban runoff may contain large amounts of bacteria from a variety of sources such as animal waste, soil, and decomposing vegetation. Bacteria levels can remain elevated after a rainstorm depending upon the intensity of the storm, volume of runoff and ocean conditions.” Swimmers, surfers and other beach water users are typically warned to avoid going into the water at beaches and bays because recent rainfall could bring urban runoff, which can cause bacteria levels to rise significantly. 103 Additionally, persons experiencing homelessness may be caught outside during flood conditions without any shelter. Possessions such as sleeping bags or electronic devices may be damaged or swept away by the floodwaters. Factors that make people sensitive to flooding are related to their ability to evacuate or escape the flood.

Adaptive Capacity
While there is limited physical or social vulnerability to onshore precipitation-driven flooding, the City is well prepared to adapt to future effects of climate change related to flooding. Encinitas has adopted 101 Hall, A., N. Berg, and K. Reich. 2018. Los Angeles Summary Report. California’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment.

University of California, Los Angeles. Publication number: SUM-CCCA4-2018-007. 102 San Diego Union-Tribune. 2012. Encinitas named one of 20 best surf towns. July 26. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-encinitas-named-one-worlds-best-surf-towns-2012jul26-story.html.

Accessed July 14, 2022.
103 The Times of San Diego. 2022. Swimmers and Surfers Warned of High Ocean Bacteria Levels after Recent Rain.

March 20. https://timesofsandiego.com/health/2022/03/20/swimmers-and-surfers-warned-of-high-ocean-bacterialevels-after-recent-rain/. Accessed July 14, 2022. 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 179 of 514
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53 regulations and implemented programs intended to ensure the health and safety of its residents from flooding events. These include, but are not limited to:

Floodplain Overlay Zones
Floodplain Overlay Zone regulations apply to all areas within the Special Study Overlay Zone, where sitespecific analysis of the land indicates the presence of a flood channel, floodplain, or wetland. The zone also applies to all areas identified as flood channels and floodplains on maps published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency or current City and County maps designating the floodway/ floodplain areas. Any development within this zone is required to incorporate a series of improvements or modifications to ensure the ability of structures to withstand periodic flooding. The additional standards are also in place to guarantee the preservation of sensitive habitat areas.

Construction Codes
The City of Encinitas’ construction codes are based upon the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, which includes the California Administrative Code, Building Code, Residential Code, Electrical Code, Mechanical Code, Plumbing Code, Energy Code, Historical Building Code, Fire Code, Existing Building Code, Green Building Standards Code, and California Referenced Standards Code. They are the minimum necessary to protect the public health, safety, and welfare of the City’s residents.

COASTAL FLOODING AND INUNDATION
With six miles of coastline critical to the local economy, tourism industry, and Encinitas lifestyle, coastal hazards are a primary climate-related concern for Encinitas. Coastal hazards include coastal flooding and erosion, both of which are expected to be exacerbated by climate change. According to the closest tide gauge in La Jolla, sea levels rose 0.67 feet between 1924 and 2021. 104 The frequency of extreme coastal floods is expected to increase under all projections of sea-level rise. Rising seas boost the occurrence of severe floods (such as the 500-year flood) more than moderate floods (such as the ten-year flood) along the Pacific coast of the United States. 105 By elevating storm tide, sea-level rise makes it easier for waves to overtop natural barriers, increasing the relative frequency of flooding along the Pacific coast.

King tides in Encinitas already result in flooding along low-lying stretches of shoreline. The vulnerability considers how these conditions will change with sea-level rise in the future. The assessment evaluates tidal flooding—storm surge and sea-level rise—in terms of total water level above today’s mean higher high water (MHHW) level. Using total water level recognizes the contribution of both sea-level rise and storm surge to flooding and reflects a range of scenarios.

Historical Coastal Events
• December 1-2, 1986. High tides of 7.7’ at San Diego. Minor flooding (4” of seawater) along Pacific Coast Hwy.
• January 30, 1998. Very high surf, up to twenty feet, pounded the beaches of Orange and San Diego Counties. Severe beach erosion was reported, along with damage to the Ocean Beach and Seal Beach piers and thirty-two homes in San Clemente.
104 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (2022). Relative Sea Level Trend 9410230 La Jolla, California.

NOAA Tides & Currents: https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/sltrends/sltrends_station.shtml?id=9410170. Accessed April 6, 2022.
105 Buchanan, M. K. (2017). Amplification of flood frequencies with local sea level rise and emerging flood regimes.

Environmental Research Letters, 12(6), 064009.
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54 • March 1, 2010. Storm resulted in limited access along the South Coast Highway 101, south of restaurant row (south of Chart House) in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, due to flooding and undermining along road. • January 11, 2013. Very high “king” tides around 7.5’ hit the coast. Some beach areas became inundated with seawater in Seal Beach, La Jolla Shores, and Imperial Beach. 106 • December 23, 2015. Storm events and higher than normal tides, caused severe coastal erosion to the shoreline along Cardiff State Beach within the Encinitas City limits. Flooding occurred in both Cardiff State Beach parking lots and into the beach fronting restaurants (Pacific Coast Grill/Chart House). Public access points were closed. Severe wave action events accompanied by high tidal push, exposed portions of South Coast Highway 101.

Coastal Flooding
According to OPC’s State of California Sea-Level Rise Guidance: 2018 Update, there is a 0.5 percent probability that Encinitas could experience between 0.9 feet of sea-level rise by 2030, 2.0 feet by 2050, and

7.1 feet by 2100 under the high emissions, RCP 8.5 scenario. 107 These projections were used to select corresponding localized sea-level rise modeling thresholds produced by the United States Geological Service (USGS) through their Coastal Storm Modeling System version 3.0 (CoSMoS). CoSMoS produces projections of coastal flooding and inundation that could result from sea-level rise and storms while factoring in changes in beaches and the retreat of cliffs and bluffs along the California coast. 108 The sea-level rise mapping consists of a quantitative geospatial assessment of CoSMoS projected SLR and 100-year storm surge impacts on the Encinitas coastline. CoSMoS flood maps illustrate the potential extent of inundation and/or temporary coastal flooding from a 100-year storm event resulting from projected sea-level rise for specific water elevations. As the projected water level is calculated from the mean sea level, the depth of flooding on land may be less than the projected water elevation and may also vary by location based on topography.

The OPC projections were translated to the closest data available from CoSMoS. Based on this data selection process, the following sea-level rise projections were used to estimate the exposure from daily average flooding and storm surge (100-year) flooding: 0.25 meters of sea-level rise (2030 timeframe), 0.5 meters (2050 timeframe), and 2.0 meters of sea-level rise (2100 timeframe). 109 Daily flooding was used to estimate exposure to chronic inundation and represents the extent of flooding that would occur at high tide on average each day, assuming each sea-level rise scenario (Figure 3-7:

Chronic Inundation). Storm surge (100-year storm) flooding was used to estimate exposure to more severe but periodic flooding and represents the extent of flooding that would occur during a 100-year (one percent annual chance) storm assuming each sea-level rise scenario in Figure 3-8: Storm Surge Flooding). The storm surge flooding scenario is not additive to the daily flooding scenario. 106 National Weather Service. 2017. A History of Significant Weather Events in Southern California. 107 Ocean Protection Council. 2018. State of California Sea-Level Rise Guidance: 2018 Update. 108 USGS. (n.d.). Coastal Storm Modeling System (CoSMoS). https://www.usgs.gov/centers/pcmsc/science/coastalstorm-modeling-system-cosmos?qtscience_center_objects=0#qt-science_center_objects. Accessed April 6, 2022. 109 Sea level rise (SLR) projections from the Ocean Protection Council (OPC) were provided in feet. The United States Geological Survey’s CoSMoS 3.0 model used to map the extent of flooding operates using the metric system. The OPC SLR projections (with associated timeframes) were matched to the closest value in CoSMoS for use in the analyses. As a result, the scenario elevations from CoSMoS may differ from the OPC projections. 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 181 of 514
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55 Figure 3-7: Chronic Inundation
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56 Figure 3-8: Storm Surge Flooding
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57 Exposure
Encinitas’ Climate Action Plan contains data from a 2017 assessment of potentially impacted infrastructure along the City’s coastline. The 2017 sea-level rise assessment relied upon 2012 National Research Council projections for sea-level rise in the San Diego region. According to projections, sea-level is expected to rise 4-30 centimeters (2-12 inches) by 2030, 12-61 centimeters (5-24 inches) by 2050, and 42-167 centimeters (17-66 inches) by 2100, relative to the year 2000 levels. Consistent with the 2017 analysis and the 2020 CAP, this assessment utilizes a 0.5-meter increase in sea level by mid-century and a 2-meter rise in sea level by the end of the century. The City of Encinitas selected these higher-end sea-level rise scenarios consistent with a “medium-high risk-averse” approach to planning for sea-level rise resilience. 110 Table 3-10: Encinitas Infrastructure Impacted by Sea Level Rise Buildings Stock

Low-lying areas surrounding San Elijo Lagoon
Erosions impacts to residential areas near Sea Cliff County Park (Swami’s) Storm Water

Stormwater systems north and west of San Elijo Lagoon and outlets on Moonlight Beach will be impacted by 2100.

Cliff retreat has a high potential impact on the stormwater system, including inlets and outlets west of South Coast Highway 101 between San Elijo Lagoon and Sea Cliff County Park (Swami’s).

Wastewater

By 2100, flooding is projected to impact Cardiff Sewer Pump Station, sewer system infrastructure surrounding San Elijo Lagoon, wastewater infrastructure at Moonlight Beach, and two lift stations in Batiquitos Lagoon.

Higher water levels could potentially cause sewer spills into environmentally sensitive areas, such as the mouth of San Elijo Lagoon.

Drinking Water Aboveground water distribution components, such as valves, meters, and service points north and west of San Elijo Lagoon will be exposed to impacts of flooding.

Transportation

Sections of Highway 101 near San Elijo Lagoon will experience flooding impacts by 2050 and 2100.

Erosion is projected to impact Coast Highway 101 south of the Self-Realization Fellowship Temple and local roads along the coastal bluff, including Neptune Ave and 4th Street.

Beach and Public Access

Boneyard Beach and D Street Beach, located south of Moonlight Beach, are also projected to experience shoreline change.

Cardiff State Beach-Seaside and Cardiff State Beach are located along the San Elijo Lagoon, which is projected to be impacted by flooding and shoreline change.

Source: City of Encinitas, ICLEI 2017
Further analysis did not identify any Critical Facilities, Facilities of Concern, or hazardous materials sites located in the chronic inundation or storm surge areas (See Figure 3-7: Chronic Inundation and Figure 3-8:

Storm Surge Flooding). None of the healthcare, elder care, or adult residential facilities are within the chronic inundation or storm surge areas.
110 Ocean Protection Council. 2018. State of California Sea-Level Rise Guidance: 2018 Update. 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 184 of 514
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58 An evaluation of projected sea-level rise impacts revealed only slight differencesin socio-economic impacts through the end of the century. While the effect of storm surge is larger at 2 meters, the effects of chronic inundation up to 2 meters and storm surge flooding up to 0.5 meters are the same under the three scenarios. 111 The primary reason for the similarity in impacts is 1) Encinitas properties and residents are primarily on coastal bluffs and therefore less affected by direct flooding and storm surge (and more affected by bluff erosion), and 2) the lagoons to the north and south of the City are able to accommodate much of the future flooding.

The socio-economic characteristics of the populations threatened by future sea-level rise differ from those of the general population within the City, with fewer children, fewer elderly, younger, a higher percentage of homeownership, and fewer people living below the poverty level. As a result of these characteristics, it is reasonable to assume that the population affected by future sea-level rise would not be considered vulnerable from a climate change perspective.

Table 3-11: Chronic Inundation – Threatened Populations 0.25 Meters 0.5 Meters 2 Meters Encinitas Total Population 448 448 472 62,829
Percent of residents that are children (less than 10 years) 6.8% 6.8% 7.0% 9.7% Percent of households that have people 65+ years 27.1% 27.1% 27.6% 35.0% Percentage of households with at least one person living with a disability

19.2% 19.2% 18.4% 19.1%
Median age 41.5 41.5 41.9 44.1
Total households 177 177 185 24,516
Median household income $108,558 $108,558 $109,505 $120,888 Percent of rental households 54.2% 54.2% 52.5% 37.7%
Percent of household income below poverty level 4.5% 4.5% 4.9% 7.1% Source: US Census Bureau, ACS 2015 – 2019, SANDAG Series 13 Regional Growth Forecast Update, ESRI 20221 Table 3-12: Storm Surge Flooding Threatened Populations 0.25 Meters 0.5 Meters 2 Meters Encinitas Total Population 448 448 553 62,829
Percent of residents that are children (less than 10 years) 7.9% 7.9% 7.9% 9.7% Percent of households that have people 65+ years 27.1% 27.1% 25.2% 35.0% Percentage of households with at least one person living with a disability

19.2% 19.2% 17.3% 19.1%
Median age 41.5 41.5 43.2 44.1
Total households 177 177 326 24,516
Median household income $108,558 $108,558 $109,666 $120,888 Percent of rental households 54.2% 54.2% 54.0% 37.7%
Percent of household income below poverty level 4.5% 4.5% 5.1% 7.1% Source: US Census Bureau, ACS 2015 – 2019, SANDAG Series 13 Regional Growth Forecast Update, ESRI 20221 Sensitivity: Physical
Critical infrastructure such as roads, rail, and the stormwater system are particularly sensitive to potential inundation. A 100-year storm event may obstruct business operations, limit public access, and/or lead to potential public safety reductions, including emergency response recovery. Transportation and stormwater 111 Because of the presence of bluffs, the .25 meter and .5-meter scenarios for Chronic Inundation and Storm Surge impact the same group of people.
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59 systems adjacent to flood-susceptible areas are highly vulnerable to chronic inundation and storm surge with sea-level rise.

Chronic inundation could limit access to and use of parks and fundamentally change habitat types.

Temporary coastal flooding may temporarily limit access to beaches and parks, but once floodwaters recede, the park and beach areas should be usable again. Narrowing sandy areas could limit a beach’s ability to provide valuable recreational and ecological services. Current beaches may shrink as sea levels rise. Periodic flooding has the potential to limit access to beaches and wash away the sand. Once floods recede, the beach could generally resume functionality—albeit with reduced long-term functionality as sea levels rise.

If exposed to chronic inundation or storm surge-related flooding, sensitive habitats could experience damage or significant alteration. The changes to ecosystems that come with sea-level rise impacts— changes in sediment, nutrient availability, and salinity—could lead to shifts in habitat locations and may cause certain habitats to shrink or disappear.
112 If there is sufficient available space and obstacles do not exist, habitats may be able to migrate inland to reduce exposure to chronic flooding. However, not all habitat types or species would be able to keep pace with sea-level rise, given the bluff conditions in Encinitas.

Sensitivity: Social
Shoreline change from erosion and flooding can cause inconvenience; loss of amenity, and expense to repair and prevent damage. However, it usually poses no direct and immediate threat to human life. 113 Yet, when erosion threatens to damage valuable public infrastructure, or there is not enough beach width to accommodate the recreational needs of the local population and the City’s many visitors, public health and safety can be compromised. 114
Coastal access and recreational opportunities are threatened by rising seas as permanent inundation, episodic flooding, or the erosion of beaches, recreational areas, or trails occurs. In areas where beaches cannot migrate inland due to development or more resistant landforms, beaches will narrow or disappear completely. Access to, and the quality of, water-oriented activities may also be affected. For instance, increased water levels and altered sediment patterns driven by sea level rise could lead to a change in surfing conditions – a primary tourism driver in Encinitas. 115 Shoreline change that affects recreational
opportunities and visitor patterns may have severe implications for businesses, households, and individuals that depend on coastal tourism for their enjoyment or economic livelihood.

BLUFF EROSION
The soft sandstone bluffs common along the Encinitas coastline are prone to erosion from waves and stormwater runoff. In addition, sea-level rise together with increased storm frequency may accelerate beach and other shoreline erosion. As the beaches narrow, sensitive sandstone bluffs are exposed to crashing waves, which carve notches into the bluffs. Bluffs affected by these notches are then prone to episodic collapse. Consequently, residential properties on the upper bluff are experiencing land loss, and 112 ICLEI. (2017). San Diego Regional Coastal Resilience Assessment. ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability USA. 113 Paterson, Shona K., Arleen O’Donnell, David K. Loomis, Ph.D. 2010. The Social and Economic Effects of Shoreline Change: North Atlantic, South Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Great Lakes Regional Overview. July 30. 114 California, State of, Department of Boating and Waterways. 2022. Shoreline Erosion Control & Public Beach Restoration. https://dbw.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=28766. Accessed July 19, 2022. 115 California, State of, Coastal Commission. 2022. Sea Level Rise, Science & Consequences. https://www.coastal.ca.gov/climate/slr/science/. Accessed July 19, 2022. 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 186 of 514
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60 property owners can spend significant resources to try to protect their property; otherwise, the structures will eventually be lost. In 2012, an Army Corps survey of toe notches in Encinitas showed 190 parcels had toe notches of 8-11 feet deep. The other 188 parcels had toe notches of six feet or less. 116 In 2018, the City of Encinitas created a GIS database of bluff failure information. The database was created using the City’s Bluff Explorer application and covers the period from 2000 through 2017. One hundred and forty-four coastal bluff failures were documented in the City of Encinitas during the 18-year period from 2000 through 2017. Eleven of these events were minor failures (approximately two cubic yards or less), and forty-four were major (greater than two cubic yards). The latter presents a threat to public safety and endangers both public and private property and infrastructure. The dimensions of the remaining eightynine bluff failures were not provided. Recorded bluff failures averaged eight events per year. 117 Bluff Failures Documented in Encinitas, 2000-2017118
Source: Coastal Frontiers Organization. 2018.

Areas where bluff failures have been most frequent include, from north to south:
• Grandview Street Public Access: This location accounts for approximately 11 percent of the total number of failures registered in Encinitas (16 events). The site was particularly active in the early 2000s, but failures have occurred at this location as recently as August 2019 when three people were killed when the oceanfront bluff collapsed. 119
• Beacon’s Beach: With 5 percent of all failures (7 events), this location was also the most active in the early 2000s. Beacon Beach: A minor bluff failure forced closures on May 2, 2022, of a parking lot above Beacon’s Beach in Encinitas and a switchback trail that has provided pedestrian access to the popular seafront city park for decades. The overnight cliff collapse sent soil tumbling down toward the beach but caused no reported injuries or structural damage. 120 • Between D Street and F Street: This site, which once again was particularly active in the early 2000s, accounted for 13 percent of all the bluff failures registered in Encinitas (19 events). 116 United States Army Corps of Engineers. 2012. Encinitas-Solana Beach Coastal Storm Damage Reduction Feasibility Study San Diego County, California, Appendix E: Economics. Los Angeles District. 117 Coastal Frontiers Organization. 2018. GIS-Based Bluff Failure Database and Characterization History Cities of Encinitas and Solana Beach. Bluff Failure Characterization, 4.1. City of Encinitas. Page 8. 118 Coastal Frontiers Organization. 2018. GIS-Based Bluff Failure Database and Characterization History Cities of Encinitas and Solana Beach.
119 Riggins, Alex and Gary Worth. 2019. 3 People killed in Encinitas beach cliff collapse. San Diego Union-Tribune.

August 3rd. 120 Ireland, Elizabeth. 2022. Bluff Collapse in Encinitas Forces Parking, Pedestrian-Access Closures ‘Until Further Notice’. Times of San Diego. May 2.
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61 • I Street: In sharp contrast with the three previous areas, the first reported failure at this location occurred in 2006. The site is still active, with three failures occurring in 2017. A total of eight failure events have occurred in the area fronting I Street, 6 percent of the total. • Swami’s Beach: Nine bluff failures have been documented at Swami’s Beach during the monitoring period (6 percent of the total). Five of these events occurred in 2016 and 2017, making Swami’s Beach a particularly active site.

The 2018 Coastal Frontier’s bluff failure report provided two significant conclusions regarding temporal changes and the impact of environmental variables, as follows:

Temporal Changes
The data suggest that bluff failure spatial distribution in Encinitas has changed noticeably over time. While in the early 2000s, bluff failures tended to cluster at specific locations (such as the three first sites listed above). In recent years failures have been more evenly distributed along the coastline.

Environmental Variables
When the entire study period is considered, significant correlations between the environmental variables and bluff failures were conspicuously absent:
• Wave Conditions: The years 2000 through 2005, when bluff failures were particularly frequent (67 events in six years), were characterized by unexceptional oceanographic conditions (storm days and wave energy index). The conditions were more severe from 2006 through 2013, but the number of bluff failures was significantly lower (38 events in eight years). • Precipitation: Similarly, annual precipitation values were not significantly higher in the early 2000s when bluff failure frequency was highest than during the rest of the study period (2005 being the exception). The correlation coefficient between precipitation and bluff failure events was 0.03. • El Niño: While a relativity high number of bluff failures occurred in 2003 and 2016 (“moderate” and “very strong” El Niño years, respectively), the number of failures recorded in 2010 (“strong” El Niño year) was modest. 121
Figure 3-9: Bluff Retreat illustrates cliff retreat based on a USGS dataset containing projections of coastal cliff-retreat rates and positions for future sea-level rise scenarios. As the sea level rises, waves break closer to the sea cliff, more wave energy impacts the cliffs, and cliff erosion rates accelerate. The CoSMoS model also includes wave run-up, wave set-up that raises the water level during big-wave events, and tidal levels.

The various levels of exposure to beach erosion are relatively similar and are difficult to distinguish at a City-wide scale. Four maps at a more detailed extent have been created for Encinitas in Figure 3-9 (through Figure 3-12): Bluff Retreat as the properties and structures appear to be similarly affected for all three SLR scenarios. In this map, “Hold the Line” assumes the current infrastructure will continue in place.

Cliff retreat data was not modeled by the USGS for the area adjacent to San Elijo State Beach parking lot (labeled 8* in Figure 3-9). This specific area is not included in the USGS CoSMoS 3.0 Cliff Retreat data set.

USGS staff believe the area may not have been modeled because of a misinterpretation of the topography as dunes (versus cliffs) next to the inlet. 122
121 Coastal Frontiers Organization. 2018. GIS-Based Bluff Failure Database and Characterization History Cities of Encinitas and Solana Beach.
122 United States Geological Survey. 2022. Per email correspondence with Amy Foxgrover, September 29. 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 188 of 514
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62 Figure 3-9: Bluff Retreat: Section 1
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63 Figure 3-10: Bluff Retreat: Sections 2 and 3

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64 Figure 3-11: Bluff Retreat: Sections 4 and 5

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65 Figure 3-12: Bluff Retreat: Sections 6 and 7

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66 Further analysis did not identify any Critical Facilities, Facilities of Concern, or hazardous materials sites located in the bluff erosion areas. None of the healthcare, elder care, or adult residential facilities are within the bluff retreat areas. The socio-economic impacts on the local community (Table 3-13) mirror those of storm surge and chronic inundation, whereby the impacted populations are not considered highly vulnerable from a climate change perspective.

Table 3-13: Bluff Retreat – Threatened Populations 0.25 – 2 Meters Encinitas Total Population 483 62,007
Percent of residents that are children (less than 10 years) 7.8% 11.0% Percent of households that have people 65+ years 22.4% 34.1% Percentage of households with at least one person living with a disability

18.0% 19.1%1
Median age 42.3 43
Total households 183 23,893
Median household income $108,056 $120,488
Percent of rental households 56.7% 36.2%
Percent of household income below the poverty level 4.4% 7.2% Source: US Census Bureau, ACS 2020, ESRI 20221
Sensitivity: Physical
Bridges, major arterials, and outfalls show vulnerability to coastal erosion. Permanent impacts from erosion pose a more significant challenge for adaptation. However, there is significant redundancy in the roadway network. Rerouting traffic through a detour or temporarily limiting service on affected roads would affect fewer travelers than on state-owned routes (e.g., state highways and freeways). There is low redundancy in the bridge network. Daily flooding could require the creation of alternate routes outside of inundation zones.

It is difficult to adapt outfalls (by increasing elevation and/or adding backflow valves). There are spatial and topographical constraints to elevating outfall pipes, which add to the time and cost of required engineering.

There are also the spatial constraints of other existing structures and easement widths when considering the relocation of an outfall.

Erosion could erase or significantly alter habitable land within conservation areas. The changes to ecosystems that come with sea-level rise impacts—changes in sediment, nutrient availability, and salinity— could lead to shifts in habitat locations and may cause certain habitats to shrink or disappear. Inland migration might be possible, though only likely in the lagoon adjacent areas. 123 Economic Impacts
Among the most significant issues driving coastal management and policy in the face of sea-level rise is the need to protect private property. Sea-level rise and associated flooding will threaten nearly $100 billion worth of property along the California coast by 2100124, and coastal landowners and planners will inevitably act to protect their assets from these losses. Landowners overwhelmingly default to standard riskmitigation techniques to sea-level rise induced problems – specifically, coastal armoring solutions. The results from a 2016 California State Coastal Conservancy study called into question the conventional 123 ICLEI. (2017). San Diego Regional Coastal Resilience Assessment. ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability USA. 124 Heberger, M., H. Cooley, P. Herrera, P.H. Gleick, and E. Moore. 2009. The Impacts of Sea-Level Rise on the California Coast. California Climate Change Center.
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67 wisdom that shoreline armoring is the best response to coastal erosion. In the scenarios analyzed, shoreline armoring yielded significantly lower net present values than other options. While the study notes that Monterey is not representative of all coastal areas, the result could be applicable to other urbanized stretches of the California coastline with similar levels of exposure to coastal hazards. 125 Adaptive Capacity
The City is currently working on a series of area-specific planning efforts to increase community and local ecosystem resiliency to the impacts of sea-level rise, described as follows:

Coastal Storm Damage Reduction
Opportunities exist to reduce bluff failures and/or mitigate the danger from those failures. Encinitas employs lifeguards year-round that encourage recreating away from the base of the bluffs. As beaches are highly impacted by coastal erosion, the City can also increase the size of the beach area to provide reduced scouring and provide significant recreational benefits as well. Two engineering methods may be employed to reduce storm damage: soft-structural and hard-structural. The soft-structural method includes beach fills, sand scraping, or sand bypassing/recycling. Hard structures consist of sand retention (see below for a discussion of Beach Sand Nourishment), features that impede alongshore sand movement (e.g., groins, jetties, artificial reefs, or detached breakwaters), and storm-protective features (See Chapter 4: Climate Adaptation Framework), which directly prevent shoreline or upland erosion (e.g., coastal armoring, seawalls, or revetments). 126
Cardiff Beach Living Shoreline Project
In collaboration with the State Coastal Conservancy and the California State Parks, the City developed the Cardiff Beach Living Shoreline. The project supports efforts for a local dune restoration project to restore heavily impacted coastal habitat and provide natural sea-level rise adaptation by protecting a vulnerable segment of Cardiff Beach. The project provided innovative approaches for climate resiliency and sea-level rise adaptation, buffering the City, specifically HWY 101, from storm surge and flooding during extreme weather events. The dune has been constructed and is currently in year 4 of a 5-year post construction monitoring period. It is currently being monitored by both consultants and academics at UCLA. The dune serves as a buffer against storm surge. In times when it has experienced significant erosion from storm surge, the dune has been replenished to as-built grade by sand from yearly maintenance dredging of the San Elijo Lagoon. As such, the dune has a reliable source of beach quality material to maintain its effectiveness. 127
San Elijo Lagoon Restoration Project
The San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy, in coordination with the City, SANDAG, Caltrans, and supporting engineering and construction firms, completed the San Elijo Lagoon Restoration Project in 2021. The project consisted of selective dredging and filling the mudflats and salt marsh habitat within the lagoon, intended to improve tidal circulation and restore sensitive habitats currently compromised by surrounding land uses. The project provides continuity of habitats currently threatened by sea-level rise and provide increased adaptive capacity for the surrounding communities during flooding and extreme weather events. 125 California State Coastal Conservancy. 2016. Economic Impacts of Climate Adaptation Strategies for Southern Monterey Bay. The Nature Conservancy.
126 United States Army Corps of Engineers. 2012. Encinitas-Solana Beach Coastal Storm Damage Reduction Feasibility Study San Diego County, California, Appendix E: Economics. Los Angeles District. 127 City of Encinitas. 2022. Written comments by Liam Maxwell. June 23, 2022. 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 194 of 514
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68 This project will add 300,000 cubic yards of material to the beach and nearshore environment, improving coastal resiliency for years. The project includes a 50-year Restoration Monitoring Plan that includes monitoring of thirteen key variables within the wetland to ensure there are no adverse impacts and the wetland ecosystem was improved. The monitoring occurs first is the wetland itself, and second is the local coastal marine environment where the project provided beach replenishment sand. 128 Beach Sand Nourishment
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers San Diego County, CA Project (formerly known and referred to as EncinitasSolana Beach Coastal Storm Damage Reduction Project) The City of Encinitas and Solana Beach have partnered to bring a 50-year beach nourishment project with the support of the US Army Corps of Engineers and the State Parks and Recreation Department. This project would provide stability and resiliency to the coastline. Construction of the project is to begin in 2023. This project would increase the existing width of 7,800 feet of coastline an additional 50 feet seaward. The project will place 340,000 cubic yards of sediment on the beaches initially and renourish the beaches with 220,000 -340,000 cubic yards of sediment every 5 years thereafter for the entire 50-year lifespan of the project. It is estimated that in total this project will provide 2.32 million-3.15 million cubic yards 129 of sediment onto the beaches. 130
Opportunistic Beach Fill Program
In 1993, SANDAG adopted a comprehensive plan for erosion mitigation known as the “Shoreline Preservation Strategy for the San Diego Region”. The Strategy proposed an extensive beach building and maintenance program to provide for environmental quality, recreation, and storm protection in the coastal zone. Following a number of modest beach nourishment projects that were undertaken primarily on an opportunistic basis (i.e., when sand became available from other sources), the Regional Beach Sand Project I (RBSP I) was conceived and implemented in 2001 as a more comprehensive approach to restoring the County’s sand-starved beaches. Based on the success of RBSP I, a second Regional Beach Sand Project (the RBSP II) was conducted eleven years later in 2012.

The Opportunistic Beach Fill Program identifies construction projects that export sandy beach material and then haul the material to the beach at Moonlight, Cardiff, Leucadia, or Ponto State Beach. The City collaborates with developers to conduct monitoring and permitting and share the cost for hauling the material to the beach.
2001 Regional Beach Sand Project (RBSP I)
Between April 6 and September 23, 2001, the RBSP I provided 2.1 million cy of beach-quality sand to twelve receiver beaches located between Imperial Beach and Oceanside. The material was excavated from six offshore borrow areas using a trailing suction hopper dredge and pumped onto the subaerial portion of each receiver beach (Noble, 2002). The median grain size (d50) varied considerably among the borrow areas, ranging from 0.14 mm (fine sand) to 0.62 mm (coarse sand). 128 The Nature Collective. 2022. San Elijo Lagoon Restoration. https://thenaturecollective.org/project/san-elijolagoon-restoration/ Accessed July 12, 2022. 129 Renourishment volume ranges were determined based on low and high sea level rise scenarios. Information provided by Liam Maxwell, City of Encinitas. June 23, 2022. 130 City of Encinitas. 2022. Written comments by Liam Maxwell. June 23, 2022. 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 195 of 514
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69 • Beach replenishment at Batiquitos would involve the placement of dredged sediment from a point approximately 850 feet south of the Batiquitos Lagoon into the community of Leucadia and Leucadia State Beach. Batiquitos received 118,000 cubic yards along 1500 feet of beach, while Leucadia received 132,000 cubic yards along 2700 feet of beach. • Beach replenishment from August 10th through August 16th at Moonlight Beach consisted of the placement of 105,000 cubic yards of dredged sediment along 800 feet of beach. • Beach replenishment from August 2nd through August 10th at the Cardiff site consisted of the placement of 101,000 cubic yards of dredged sediment along 900 of Cardiff State Beach south of the San Elijo Lagoon inlet and Restaurant Row. 131
2012 Regional Beach Sand Project (RBSP II)
The RBSP II project was smaller in scope than RBSP I, providing approximately 1.5 million cy of beach quality sand to eight receiver beaches located between Imperial Beach and Oceanside. The material was excavated from three offshore borrow areas, pumped onto the subaerial portion of each receiver beach, and shaped to the design configuration using conventional earth-moving equipment. The receiver sites were nearly identical to eight of the RBSP I sites, but four receiver beaches nourished in RBSP I were not included in the second project (Mission Beach, Torrey Pines, Del Mar, and Leucadia). • Moonlight Beach: Sand replenishment was completed between October 20th and October 25th, 2022. Approximately 92,000 cubic yards of sand was placed on 800 feet of beach just north of the D St. access point at Moonlight Beach.
• Cardiff Beach: Sand replenishment between the Chart House restaurant and just north of South Cardiff State Beach was completed between October 25th and October 28th, 2012. Approximately 89,000 cubic yards was placed on about 1,600 feet of beach. • Batiquitos Beach: Sand replenishment was completed between October 28th and November 4th, 2012. Approximately 106,000 cubic yards of new sand was placed on 1,400 feet of beach between the Batiquitos Lagoon mouth and the bluff-backed area of the beach. 132 A third installment of the Opportunistic Beach Fill Program is currently planned by SANDAG.

3.3.2.5 LANDSLIDES AND LIQUEFACTION
In the context of climate change vulnerability, increased liquefaction and heightened possibility of landslide events are a concern. Both hazards have an indirect effect of increased precipitation and flooding because soils must be saturated with water for liquefaction or landslides to occur. • Liquefaction occurs when seismic energy shakes an area with low-density, fine grain soil, like sand or silt, which is also saturated with water. When the shaking motion reaches these areas, it can cause these loosely packed soils to suddenly compact, making the waterlogged sediment behave more like a liquid than solid ground.
• Landslides occur when the earth on slopes becomes destabilized, typically after heavy rains, when the precipitation saturates the soil and makes it less stable, or when significant erosion from rainfall 131 SANDAG. 2000. The San Diego Regional Beach Sand Project Final Environmental Impact Report/ Review Environmental Assessment.
132 SANDAG. 2012 Regional Beach Sand Project.
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70 destabilizes the ground. Slopes that have recently burned face a greater risk from rain-induced landslides, as the fires burn the trees, brush, and other vegetation that help stabilize the earth.

Earthquakes may also be a source of liquefaction and landslides as the shaking can destabilize already loosened soils. Southern California is considered one of the most seismically active regions in the United States because the faulting is dominated by the compression regime associated with the “big bend” of the San Andreas Fault Zone.

The San Diego region is transected by several sub-parallel, pervasive fault zones and smaller faults. The City of Encinitas is in the southern part of the Peninsular Ranges geologic Province: an area exposed to risk from multiple earthquake fault zones. The San Andreas Fault, which runs from Baja, California to San Francisco, is approximately one hundred miles east of the City and poses a potential risk for the San Diego region.

However, for the City, the highest risks originate from nearby zones such as the Elsinore Fault Zone, the Rose Canyon Fault Zone, and other offshore faults. Each zone has the potential to cause moderate to large earthquakes that would cause ground shaking in Encinitas. 133 Historical Earthquake Events
• November 22, 1800 – A 6.5 magnitude occurred on the Rose Canyon fault offshore from Oceanside.

It cracked adobe walls at the missions of San Diego de Alcala and San Juan Capistrano. • May 27, 1862 – A magnitude 6.0 earthquake centered on the Rose Canyon or Coronado Band faults.
• July 13, 1986 – A magnitude 5.4 earthquake centered off the coast of Oceanside on the Coronado Bank Fault.

VULNERABILITY
Exposure
Figure 3-13: Deep-Seated Landslide Susceptibility shows the relative likelihood of deep-seated land sliding based on regional estimates of rock strength and steepness of slopes. On the most basic level, weak rocks and steep slopes are most likely to generate landslides. The map uses detailed information on the location of past landslides, the location and relative strength of rock units, and the steepness of the slope to estimate susceptibility to deep-seated land sliding. This landslide susceptibility map is intended to provide infrastructure owners, emergency planners, and the public with a general overview of where landslides are more likely to occur. 134 While no definitive scale for measuring landslides exists, landslide events are usually measured using the amount of material displaced (i.e., the cubic feet of earth that moved). In addition, to these landslide hazards, the California Geological Survey has mapped deep-seated landslide hazards, which uses a scale of landslide susceptibility based on slope steepness and the strength of the underlying rock, with zero being no susceptibility and ten being the highest susceptibility.

Only one critical facility, the wastewater treatment facility at 2695 Manchester Avenue, falls within the Deep-Seated Landslide Susceptibility area. There are 36 hazardous materials facilities that fall within the Deep-Seated Landslide Susceptibility area, comprised of medical facilities, fuel stations, and various commercial enterprises with chemicals such as diesel, nitrogen, sulfuric acid, and nitrous oxide. 133 City of Encinitas. 2021. Encinitas 6th Cycle Housing Element 2021-2029: Appendix B. 134 County of San Diego, Planning and Development Services, LUEG-GIS Service and National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program. 2017.
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71 Figure 3-13: Deep-Seated Landslide Susceptibility
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72 Table 3-14: Critical Facilities and Facilities of Concern (Deep-Seated Landslide Susceptibility) Category Number of Facilities
Critical Concern
City Facilities (Fire, Sheriff) 0 -
Community & Senior Center 0 -
Library - 0
Water/Sewer Facilities 1 -
Hospital 0 -
Total 1 0
Source: City of Encinitas 2022
Figure 3-14: Liquefaction Potential highlights areas with potential for liquefaction. In Encinitas, there may be a potential for liquefaction in areas with loose sandy soils combined with a shallow groundwater table, which typically are in alluvial river valleys/basins and floodplains. The underlying dataset combines existing liquefaction areas from local maps, National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program, which rates soils from hard to soft and known hydric soils from the United States Department of Agriculture Soil Survey to identify the potential areas liquefaction may occur.

The liquefaction areas mirror the 100-year FEMA floodplain as illustrated in Figure 3-6: Flood Hazard Zones.

There are no Critical Facilities, Facilities of Concern, or hazardous materials sites located in the potential liquefaction areas. None of the healthcare, elder care, or adult residential facilities are within the potential liquefaction areas.

Sensitivity: Physical
As climate change is anticipated to change the usual precipitation patterns in Southern California, including Encinitas, periods of both rain and drought are anticipated to become more intense and frequent.

Therefore, depending on the circumstances, climate change could increase the future risk of liquefaction in Encinitas. Given the topography, it is anticipated that landslide risk will remain high in those areas identified in darker red in Figure 3-13: Deep-Seated Landslide Susceptibility. However, the City requires mitigation of these types of conditions, which reduces landslide potential in the developed areas of the City (See Adaptive Capacity: Hillside/Inland Bluff Overlay Zone regulations).

During liquefaction events, the liquified soil can lose its stability which can cause damage to buildings and infrastructure built upon it. In severe cases, buildings may completely collapse. Pipelines or other utility lines running through a liquefaction zone can be breached during an event, potentially leading to flooding or the release of hazardous materials. Considering a “major liquefied petroleum transmission line pass(es) through the community,” 135 the City should monitor the potential impacts of a seismic event on this critical infrastructure.

There are multiple bridges located in the potential liquefaction areas, including but not limited to the La Bajada, San Elijo Overcrossing, and the Railway Bridge at San Elijo. The MJHMP identifies the replacement of the Highway 101 Bridge as a Priority Action because a Seismic Vulnerability Study concluded that the bridge (constructed in 1932) is susceptible to failure/collapse during a significant seismic event or tidal influx due to strong storms. With potential changes in precipitation, bridges should be monitored periodically for seismic vulnerability.

135 San Diego County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, Section Five, Encinitas. October 2017. 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 199 of 514
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73 Figure 3-14: Liquefaction Potential
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74 As discussed in the City of Encinitas Housing Element, major onshore and offshore fault zones present a seismic risk to the City, like most Southern California communities. In the early 1990s, the City surveyed unreinforced masonry buildings in Encinitas and identified structures vulnerable to earthquake forces. The survey provides twenty site addresses in the City that are subject to risk and their estimated occupancy information and building condition. None of the sites for lower-income households identified in the site inventory analysis are at risk due to the presence of unreinforced masonry buildings. 136 Considering the future degradation of structures, the City will want to monitor the quality of older housing stock to ensure it is still safe in a liquefaction event. The U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development may consider units substandard if they were built before 1940. Eight hundred sixty-two units in Encinitas were built before 1940, approximately three percent of the total housing in the City. The City has a minimal number of units in need of repair or rehabilitation, especially given the high percentage of newly constructed units. Based upon a combination of previous “windshield surveys,” observations and experiences of the code enforcement and planning staff, and indicators from other surveys, the City has estimated that 50-100 units would fall into this category, although most, if not all, meet minimum housing and building code requirements.

Approximately 25 percent of the housing stock is approaching 50 years of age or older and is more likely to require major rehabilitation. Housing that is not maintained can discourage reinvestment, depress neighboring property values, and negatively impact a neighborhood’s quality of life. Improving housing is an important goal of the City. The age of the City’s housing stock indicates a potential need for continued code enforcement, property maintenance, and housing rehabilitation programs to stem housing deterioration. Overall, however, given residents’ moderate to higher incomes, deferred maintenance is not a prevalent issue in the City. 137
Sensitivity: Social
Approximately 15 percent of the City’s households are potentially exposed to landslide hazards. The demographics of vulnerable populations mirror those of the entire City, except for the percent of households that have people aged 65 or older residing in the home is less than that of the City (approximately 643 homes). Relative to other hazards (e.g., coastal flooding), the potential losses from one large landslide or multiple landslides caused by soil saturation or an earthquake could be comparatively large in most cases.
136 City of Encinitas. 2021. Encinitas 6th Cycle Housing Element 2021-2029: Appendix B. 137 City of Encinitas. 2021. Encinitas 6th Cycle Housing Element 2021-2029: Appendix B. 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 201 of 514
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75 Table 3-15: Deep Seated Landslide – Threatened Populations Landslide1 Encinitas
Total Population 8,875 62,007
Percent of residents that are
children (less than 10 years)

10.2% 11.0%
Percent of households that have
people 65+ years

17.0% 34.1%
Percentage of households with at
least one person living with a
disability

20.3% 19.1%1
Median age 42.3 43
Total households 3,782 23,893
Median household income $116,840 $120,488
Percent of rental households 38.1% 36.2%
Percent of household income
below the poverty level

7.5% 7.2%
Source: US Census Bureau, ACS 2020, ESRI 20221
Adaptive Capacity
The City has addressed seismic hazards in the Hazard Mitigation Plan and enforces regulations intended to protect people and assets from seismic events. The plans and programs for the City and supporting agencies are described below.

San Diego County Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (2017) The 2017 MJHMP includes objectives and actions to decrease the risks associated with increased temperature and extreme heat events. Goal 4 of the 2017 MJHMP Chapter on Encinitas intends to “[r]educe the possibility of damage and losses to existing assets, particularly people, critical facilities/infrastructure, and City-owned facilities, due to geologic hazards, including earthquake, liquefaction, and landslides.” The goal includes four corresponding objectives and twenty-three actions to help the City prepare for the impacts of wildfires (and structural fires). Objectives and actions focus on planning, protecting vulnerable assets susceptible to seismic events, agency coordination, and public education. 138
Hillside/ Inland Bluff Overlay Zone
The Hillside/Inland Bluff Overlay Zone requires that development be restricted in those areas where slopes exceed 25% and encroachments have been minimized to the greatest extent feasible. The Hillside/ Inland Bluff Overlay Zone regulations apply to all areas within the Special Study Overlay Zone, where site-specific analysis indicates that 10 percent or more of the area of a parcel of land exceeds 25 percent slope. 138 San Diego County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, Section Five, Encinitas. October 2017. 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 202 of 514
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76 CHAPTER 4. CLIMATE ADAPTATION

FRAMEWORK
This chapter provides actions to build adaptive capacity and increase resilience to climate change-related impacts in Encinitas. It is organized by climate hazard (extreme heat, drought, wildfire plus smoke, flooding, and liquefaction) consistent with the Vulnerability Assessment.

The City already has robust plans with respect to hazard mitigation and preparedness. The following recommendations are intended to augment mitigation and preparedness policies in the existing General Plan and Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan and address more fully the recovery and response components of disaster planning that are essential for achieving a more resilient community. Actionsin this chapter work to address multiple hazards. For example, the measures to improve air quality correlate closely with those for extreme heat (e.g., planting trees).

As the climate will continue to evolve, it is recommended the City of Encinitas take an “Adaptive Pathways” approach to climate adaptation. Adaptive Pathways is a planning framework that considers the uncertainty of climate change and the change in risk conditions and allows for flexibility in implementation to improve effectiveness and economic efficiency. An adaptive pathways approach identifies thresholds or points in time when decisions or action pathways should be revisited, allowing for adjustments in implementation to be made based on changing conditions. It is recommended the City first identify climate change adaptation policies and programs, then construct an adaptive pathways approach appropriate to prepare and respond to individual or multiple climate hazards.

Then employing the adaptive pathways approach, the following actionsfor resiliency and adaptation should be considered and implemented as appropriate:

1. GENERAL CLIMATE HAZARD ADAPTATION
Interagency Coordination
1-1 Collaborate with local and regional partners to provide robust critical infrastructure and facility planning, monitoring, and maintenance to prevent and respond to damage from climate change effects, including fallen trees, flood waters, wildfires, landslides, and severe storms.

Education and Outreach
1-2 Improve flood and heat warning and information dissemination, focusing on ensuring those who lack internet access and cell phones and for whom English is a second language can receive and understand emergency warnings.

Planning and Engineering
1-3 Continue to integrate findings of climate vulnerability into all phases of emergency planning. 1-4 As necessary, identify additional community safety locations that may serve as temporary shelter or refuge during hazard events.
1-5 Develop and update protocols for routing emergency services (fire, ambulance, police) to ensure all homes and businesses can be accessed in the event of an emergency. 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 203 of 514
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77 1-6 Consider the installation of microgrids at critical emergency response facilities such as fire stations, community centers, and designated emergency evacuation sites. a. Address housing insecurity and reduce the exposure of persons experiencing homelessness to safety and health impacts from climate disasters. 1-7 Include provisions for special needs populations and communities with low rates of car ownership in emergency response procedures.
a. Vulnerable Population Registry. Develop a voluntary vulnerable population registry and subsequent priority list to help first responders better provide services and meet the needs of those most in need.
b. Emergency Shuttle. Explore the possibility of partnerships for providing an emergency evacuation shuttle service.
c. Know Your Neighbor Program. Coordinate a Know Your Neighbor Program where community leaders and neighbors provide resources and check in on vulnerable populations during hazard events where people shelter at home. d. Regular Needs Assessment. Regularly meet with community leaders representing special needs populations, including seniors, to maintain continuous two-way communication.

This should include surveys and other needs assessments to refine notification and response policies.

Building and Environmental Design
1-8 Use nature-based solutions to improve resilience while promoting biodiversity (e.g., green infrastructure projects such as rain gardens or bioswales, habitat corridors, and land conservation).

2. EXTREME HEAT EVENTS
Interagency Coordination
2-1 Coordinate with relevant agencies including, but not limited to, the San Diego County Office of Emergency Services and Encinitas Fire and Marine Safety Department to better plan and prepare for extreme heat events and the increased demand for Emergency services associated with these events. (CAP Strategy 5: Temperature and Extreme Heat) 2-2 Protect the energy grid by working with utility providers in the region to harden existing energy infrastructure systems against damage from climate change-related effects and expand redundancy in the energy network through microgrids and decentralized energy systems. 2-3 Provide working touchless water refill stations at public facilities, parks, and bus shelters. 2-4 Collaborate with regional transit providers to increase shading and heat-mitigating materials on pedestrian walkways and transit stops.

Education and Outreach
2-5 Conduct outreach to educate City residents on the health risks associated with extreme heat events and strategies to prepare for these events. Alongside general outreach, particular focus should be given to educating populations vulnerable to extreme heat, including children and the elderly. (CAP Strategy 4: Temperature and Extreme Heat) 2-6 Work with local and regional employers to ensure worker protection measures are in place for extreme heat events. Measures may include assurance of adequate water, shade, rest breaks, 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 204 of 514
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78 and training on heat risks for all employees working in the City. (CAP Strategy 6: Temperature and Extreme Heat)
2-7 Protect vulnerable populations from high temperatures:
a. Improve access to air conditioning. Improve the availability of air conditioning to those who do not currently have access.
b. Incentivize the use of air conditioning. Work with local governments and utilities to review the adequacy of programs designed to help vulnerable populations stay cool during heat waves, with attention to ways to offset the economic impacts on seniors and low-income groups.

Planning and Engineering
2-8 Expand the number of cooling centers from two (Encinitas Library and the Encinitas Community and Senior Center) to three. Determine location based on accessibility to at-risk populations. 2-9 Collaborate with local businesses and institutions to provide a “Cool Zone” area network (i.e., cooling centers) for vulnerable residents to rest in air-conditioned environments during hightemperature periods and heatwave events. (CAP Strategy 7: Temperature and Extreme Heat) 2-10 Partner with the local school districts to ensure every school has adequate air conditioning. 2-11 Expand hours of operation of cooling centers when the temperature exceeds Cal-Adapt thresholds for extreme heat days and during hazardous air days. 2-12 Supply cooling centers with refrigerators for storing medicine, backup water supplies, and social services information in multiple languages.
2-13 Collaborate with federal, state, regional, and local partners to develop a community-wide outreach program to educate vulnerable populations on how to prepare for and recover from climate change effects.

Building and Environmental Design
2-14 Incorporate green infrastructure strategies into new and existing infrastructure to mitigate the effects of the UHIE by reducing the area of heat-absorbing paved surfaces and increasing landscaped areas, including, but not limited to: (Revised CAP Strategy 1: Temperature and Extreme Heat)
a. Plant City trees. Increase City’s urban tree canopy cover percentage, especially for areas with the highest UHI contribution: large parking lots, arterial roads, and dark roofs on buildings.
b. Use vegetation. For example, green walls and green roofs where trees are not possible. c. Restore urban streams. Where possible, restore natural geomorphic and hydrologic features to failing culverted and channelized streams in urban areas. d. Shade green open space. Use trees to provide shade at outdoor worksites and places where people recreate.
e. Ensure robust maintenance program is in place for City-maintained trees, landscaping and other vegetation.
2-15 Examine and expand the use of porous pavements in parking lots to lower nighttime surface temperatures as compared to other pavements, which also provides water quality benefits. 2-16 Promote the use of solar carports on new and existing surface parking lots to mitigate heat absorption and increase shaded areas for the City’s population. Implementation priority will be given to City-owned parking lots to serve as an example. (CAP Strategy 2: Temperature and Extreme Heat)
2-17 Promote passive cooling design (e.g., appropriate building orientation, shade trees, window shading, cool roofs) and use the California Building Standards Code (CalGreen) voluntary 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 205 of 514
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79 measures for residential and non-residential buildings to improve energy efficiency. (CAP Strategy 3: Temperature and Extreme Heat)
2-18 Participate in beach nourishment projects that maintain local wide sandy beaches. Encinitas beaches are considered regional “Cool Zones.” By maintaining the beach width, the City will be able to handle larger numbers of coastal visitors when needed, keeping the public a safe distance from the bluffs. (CAP Strategy 8: Coastal Erosion and Predicted Sea-Level Rise) 2-19 Promote private property tree planting by bulk purchasing trees for at-and below-cost sales to property owners for planting on private property.

3. DROUGHT + WATER SUPPLY
Interagency Coordination
3-1 Coordinate with local and regional partners (SDWD, OMWD, SDCWA) to support and improve water conservation efforts and programs for City residents. Coordinate with these agencies to provide educational outreach to residents on how best to conserve water and reduce water demand. (CAP Strategy 1: Precipitation Patterns and Water Supply) 3-2 Work with relevant water agencies, including SDCWA, OMWD, and SDWD, to evaluate current and future water supply systems and vulnerabilities and how water resources may be impacted by climate change. (CAP Strategy 3: Precipitation Patterns and Water Supply) Planning and Engineering
3-3 Evaluate and improve the capacity of stormwater infrastructure for high-intensity rainfall events.
3-4 Invest in the use of green infrastructure (e.g. permeable pavements and landscaping) in developed areas and restrict the use of paved surfaces. 3-5 Improve sewage and solid-waste management infrastructure to reduce vulnerabilities to flooding and inundation, especially older infrastructure that is undersized or inadequate.

Education and Outreach
3-6 Expand upon existing water conservation education outreach programs for residents and businesses. Expand upon the City’s existing Water Efficient Landscape Regulation to promote the use of climate-appropriate landscaping (e.g., xeriscaping) to reduce demand for potable water resources among City residents. Promote current funding available through the Save Our Water Turf Replacement Rebate Program sponsored by the CA Department of Water Resources. (CAP Strategy 5: Precipitation Patterns and Water Supply) Water Conservation
3-7 Expand and/or improve the recycled water efforts currently in place at the San Elijo Water Reclamation Facility along with corresponding water conservation efforts to ensure that, when economically viable, all current and future City landscaping can source the majority of landscaping water needs from recycled sources. (CAP Strategy 2: Precipitation Patterns and Water Supply)
3-8 Continue marketing and outreach programs to promote participation in existing water conservation rebates and incentive programs in the region. Current programs for southern California include Water Smart San Diego (SDCWA), SoCal WaterSmart (Metropolitan Water District), and SDWD’s free sprinkler nozzle program. (CAP Strategy 4: Precipitation Patterns and Water Supply)
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80 4. WILDFIRE + SMOKE
Interagency Coordination
4-1 Coordinate with CAL FIRE, Encinitas Fire and Marine Safety Department, private landowners, and other responsible agencies to identify the best methods of fuel modification to reduce the severity of future wildfires, such as: prescribed fire, forest thinning, grazing, mechanical clearing, hand clearing, education, and defensible space. (CAP Strategy 1: Increased Wildfire Risk)
4-2 Work with relevant State agencies, including OES and CAL FIRE, to improve coordination for emergency services related to wildfire and related events in the City. Consider the development of a Community Wildfire Protection Plan to increase community resilience to wildfire events. (CAP Strategy 4: Increased Wildfire Risk) Planning Tools
4-3 Continue to update the MJHMP every five years as required by the state to comprehensively plan for current and future wildfire risks within the City and work to implement all strategies in the City’s current MJHMP. (CAP Strategy 2: Increased Wildfire Risk) 4-4 Adopt thresholds for restricting certain activities (e.g., outdoor sporting events, working outdoors) in accordance with Air Quality Index thresholds set under the California Department of Industrial Relations’ Division of Occupational Health and Safety emergency regulation (July 2019) to protect workers from wildfire smoke.

Education and Outreach
4-5 Implement an alert system to warn residents of smoke hazards and inform them of actions they should take during an event (multiple languages, multiple media outlets). 4-6 Implement wildfire risk communication messaging that:
a. Occurs throughout the high wildfire risk season, so people know in advance how to use masks and air purifiers and where to get them.
b. Reaches non-English speaking individuals and those without cell phones. Educate people on the severity of smoke impacts using easy-to-understand, comparative risk language (e.g., equivalent to smoking a certain number of cigarettes a day) and publicize fresh air centers—both City-designated and informal ones like movie theatres. 4-7 Provide masks and air filters, with instructions on how to use them and information about their limitations, to the City’s vulnerable populations. Develop a program for providing air filters at cost or a reduced cost.

Building and Environmental Design
4-8 Consider new development standards for City residents and businesses within the WUI, such as incorporating defensible space practices into landscape requirements for neighborhoods at increased risk of wildfire. Residential areas that should be considered for new standards include neighborhoods surrounding Lux Canyon, Saxony Canyon, the Manchester Preserve, and Escondido Creek. (CAP Strategy 5: Increased Wildfire Risk) 4-9 Support citywide tree planting efforts, as trees can settle particles in the air during wildfiresmoke episodes.

5. FLOODING – ONSHORE
Interagency Coordination
5-1 Coordinate with relevant agencies such as OES and the Encinitas Public Works Department to map and identify all critical facilities and infrastructure that may be compromised by increased 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 207 of 514
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81 flood risk. The City should plan accordingly for upgrades, relocation of facilities and infrastructure or identify beach nourishment projects to better prepare for increased risk of flooding events. (CAP Strategy 2: Increased Flood Risk) 5-2 Coordinate with relevant agencies such as FEMA, OES, and the Encinitas Fire and Marine Safety Department to better plan and prepare emergency services required for flooding events, including evacuation, flood management, and recovery services. (CAP Strategy 3: Increased Flood Risk.

Planning and Engineering
5-3 Conduct a comprehensive assessment of all stormwater and wastewater infrastructure in the City and analyze how this infrastructure may be affected or compromised by an increased risk of flooding events. (CAP Strategy 1: Increased Flood Risk) 5-4 Continue local and regional ecosystem restoration efforts to increase climate resiliency for flooding events within the City. (CAP Strategy 4: Increased Flood Risk) 5-5 Establish plans to stage equipment (e.g., portable pumps) in strategic areas before a storm event.

Education and Outreach
5-6 Launch a consumer education campaign on flood insurance and flood preparedness. (MHMP Goal 7: Objective 7E)
Building and Environmental Design
5-7 Implement requirements for managing runoff from impervious surfaces using green infrastructure. Consider design modifications for infiltration-based green infrastructure in areas with shallow groundwater.
5-8 Limit or prohibit the use of fill to elevate structures. 5-9 Implement programs to encourage flood-proofing retrofits to existing buildings and redevelopment in flood-prone areas.
5-10 Implement requirements for flood-resistant designs:
a. Design structures with flood-resistant or flood-proof building materials to enable floodable designs (those that allow for a certain level of flooding with no or negligible damage). b. Flood-Resistant Building Materials use flood-resistant or flood-proof building materials in construction or renovation to enable floodable designs. c. Floodable Designs – require building designs (including the use of flood-resistant building materials) that allow for a certain level of flooding with no or negligible damage. 5-11 Continue to manage and implement Urban Greening for Stormwater Management Best Management Practices ad described in the City’s BMP Design Manual – Chapter 7 Engineering Design Manual. As managed by the City’s Stormwater Division and implemented. 139 C

6. COASTAL FLOODING AND BLUFF EROSION
Interagency Coordination
6-1 Coordinate with regional and local transportation agencies to ensure redundancy of high-use transportation corridors to allow for continued access and movement in the event of an emergency.
139 The City’s Stormwater Division manages the program while the City’s Development Services Engineering Division implements to the program.
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82 6-2 Coordinate with regional and local transit providers to ensure that transit services can continue to operate during and after extreme events by coordinating with regional transit providers to identify alternative routes and stops if the primary infrastructure is damaged or closed as a result of extreme events.

Planning and Engineering
6-3 Support and monitor ongoing analysis of sea-level rise data relevant to the City’s planning efforts. Continue to incorporate the most up-to-date information on sea-level rise into relevant planning documents, including the Safety Element of the City’s General Plan. (CAP Strategy 1:

Coastal Erosion and Predicted Sea-Level Rise)
6-4 Continue to implement current efforts focused on beach nourishment, coastal bluff improvements and wetland restoration, prioritizing projects that will mitigate the impacts of sea-level rise, including coastal erosion and saltwater inundation. (CAP Strategy 4: Coastal Erosion and Predicted Sea-Level Rise)
6-5 Coordinate with relevant agencies, including FEMA and OES, to prepare and plan for the impacts of coastal erosion, sea-level rise, and coastal storm surge, continuously updating and utilizing the most relevant strategies and guidance provided by relevant agencies and institutions. (CAP Strategy 5: Coastal Erosion and Predicted Sea-Level Rise) 6-6 Continue to map critical infrastructure in the City that may be impacted by sea-level rise and work with City’s Public Works Department to plan accordingly. (CAP Strategy 6: Coastal Erosion and Predicted Sea-Level Rise)
6-7 Incorporate sea-level rise effects into capital improvement plans. 6-8 Update maintenance protocols to incorporate projected climate change effects and evaluate the potential for increased frequency or need to maintain transportation infrastructure. 6-9 Consider the best available and most recent scientific information with respect to the effects of long-range sea-level rise when establishing sea-level rise maps, scenarios, signals, and decision points. The City shall also support scientific studies that increase and refine the body of knowledge regarding potential sea-level rise in Encinitas and possible responses to it. As necessary, policies related to sea-level rise should be reevaluated and modified. 6-10 Safeguard groundwater supply against contamination, degradation, or loss due to flooding or sea-level rise.
6-11 Revise zoning regulations to include provisions for reasonable interim uses for properties where the highest and best use allowed by zoning is not presently attainable due to natural hazards (including sea-level rise) and other factors. Examples of reasonable interim uses include contractor’s yards, modular offices and storage, and outdoor recreation. 6-12 Consider implementation of additional Overlay Zones that superimpose additional regulations on an existing zone based upon special characteristics of that zone:
a. Sea Level Rise Zone – areas that will be inundated by sea-level rise (based on agreed upon models and scenarios).
b. Protection Zone – areas with critical infrastructure and dense urban development, where the locality will permit coastal armoring; local governments could require soft-armoring techniques to be employed where feasible.
c. Accommodation Zone – areas to allow new development but may limit the intensity and density of new development, limit hard shoreline armoring, and require that structures be designed or retrofitted to be more resilient to flood impacts. d. Retreat Zone – areas prohibiting hard armoring will limit or prohibit rebuilding of damaged structures or require the removal or relocation of structures that become inundated. 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 209 of 514
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83 e. Preserve Zone – areas to preserve and enhance important natural resources, ecosystems, habitats, or flood buffers.
6-13 Consider implementation of additional setbacks based upon special characteristics of the area:
a. Fixed Mandatory Setbacks – require that all structures, including sea walls, be set back a specific distance from a predetermined point.
b. Erosion-Based Setbacks – determined by a projected shoreline position that assumes a specific increase in sea level and erosion rates over a specific period, such as the life of the structure.
c. Tiered Setbacks – require a lesser setback or buffer for smaller structures and a greater setback for larger structures that are more difficult to move if they become damaged and put more people at risk.
d. Buffer Zones for Vulnerable Areas – areas of land separating two distinct land uses that softens or mitigates the effects of one land use on the other.

Building and Environmental Design
6-14 Require applications for hard shoreline protection projects to demonstrate that nature-based alternatives are unavailable or will not provide the desired protection. Applicants should submit engineering reports and analyses of a range of living shoreline protection strategies explaining why a living shoreline approach is infeasible at the project location. 6-15 Encourage natural or nature-based infrastructure using natural ecological systems or processes to reduce vulnerability to climate change-related hazards while increasing the long-term adaptive capacity of coastal areas by perpetuating or restoring ecosystem services. Examples include:
a. Living Shorelines are any shoreline management system that is designed to protect or restore natural shoreline ecosystems through the use of natural elements and, if appropriate, manmade elements.
b. Wetland Restoration that allows[s] tidal wetlands to proliferate in areas that have been diked or otherwise altered from their original conditions. c. Beach Nourishment/Replenishment to replace eroded sand or to protect against future erosion.
d. Dune Management/Restoration using engineered projects to restore eroded dune systems.
e. Sediment Management is a systems approach to deliberately manage sediments in a manner that maximizes natural and economic efficiencies to contribute to sustainable water resource projects, environments, and communities. 6-16 Maintain, repair, and raise shoreline structures.
6-17 Conduct a comprehensive assessment of shoreline structure conditions citywide to prioritize areas with deferred maintenance and other structural issues and identify ownership of each shoreline protection structure.
6-18 Establish and implement a new maintenance and repair plan for shoreline structures to reduce the amount of deferred maintenance. Focus maintenance and repair efforts on segments of the shoreline that could substantially deteriorate over time, exposing that area to overtopping and inundation if the structure fails.
6-19 Establish a strategy for addressing shoreline structures that are not owned by the City and consider adopting a policy that calls for the City to purchase the parcels when they become available.
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84 Location-specific Sea Level Rise Adaptation Strategies Beach Nourishment
Beach nourishment is a form of "soft" armoring that protects shorelines from erosion due to wave action and storm events by placing a replenishment of sand to increase a beach's seaward profile, length, height, and volume.
6-20 Sand supply for replenishment should be sourced by either dredging and pumping from an offshore donor site or by locating similar sediment at an upland site and transporting it to the nourishment location.
6-21 Implement a program where suitable soils excavated during private and public development projects can be used as a supply source. Said program shall also include a suitable location within the City’s limits or in an area adjacent to the City, that has been deemed acceptable for purposes of storing this supply source.
6-22 Distribute the sand onto the beach or inland waterway system in a way that supports native conditions, littoral functions, recreation, and aesthetics.

Raise/Improve Seawalls
Seawalls are a form of "hard" armoring designed to reflect wave energy away from the property behind them. Seawalls are generally constructed of sheet piling (interlocking panels of metal, concrete, or other materials), driven far below grade (30 feet is typical), with a lesser portion extending above grade. Seawalls should be designed with the consideration of maintaining the existing natural coastal bluff aesthetic. 6-23 Seawalls should be used to buttress coastal bluffs with the dual purpose of protecting against wave action and supporting the bluff itself.
6-24 Design seawalls to brace near-vertical slopes and require the addition of embedded horizontal tiebacks with anchors covered with a natural bluff appearance 6-25 To slow damage from “scouring”, a hard reinforcement material such as large cobble or revetment should be placed at the front of the toe to dissipate scouring energy.

Raise/Improve Revetments
Revetments are engineered slopes placed parallel to a waterline to attenuate wave energy and protect a shoreline. Large, angular rocks, concrete rubble, or gabions (large metal mesh containers filled with stone) are common revetment construction materials.
6-26 Raise or improve an existing revetment when it no longer provides sufficient protection against increasing storm surges or wave action. In these cases:
a. Additional rock, cobble, or other materials may be added to the existing revetment to fill voids or increase its volume or length.
6-27 Revetment design must maintain a certain degree of permeability, as they are known to speed erosion by impeding the natural migration of river deposits and other upland sediment sources from reaching the open beach.
6-28 Revetments should be constructed to have a life expectancy of 30-50 years.

Groins
Groins are linear hard structures that extend perpendicular from a beach into the open ocean and form simple, physical barriers that interrupt littoral drift (naturally occurring longshore sediment movement.) Typically made of boulders, groins can also be constructed with manufactured sheet piles, concrete rubble, or large timbers.
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85 6-29 New groin construction should look at offshore geography, tide data, and local wave energy to determine the appropriate height, width, length, and void size to achieve the desired results. 6-30 Permeability should be balanced between too little (unacceptable loss of beach on the downdrift side) and too much (not enough accretion on the updrift side to be effective.) 6-31 Consider implementing groins in conjunction with additional adaptation strategies such as beach nourishment, to mitigate beach erosion.
6-32 Place groins adjacent to estuaries, bays, and navigation channels, groins prevent sediment from accumulating in these waterways.

Raise Structures
The goal of raising a structure is to elevate the lowest living area floor to be above known flood levels, allowing its continued occupation/use, while flood waters flow unimpeded beneath or around it. 6-33 Allow the raising of existing structures as a retrofitting method for flood adaptation.

Remove Structures
Removing a structure from its location is the purposeful vacation from a hazard area and allows erosion to occur without intervention.
6-34 Structures can be removed by demolition, or by relocating them to a new site. b. Removal by demolition requires disposal of all debris, and disconnecting-capping gas, power, and water utilities. Earth-moving equipment is then used to backfill foundation or basement voids and re-grade the parcel.

7. LIQUEFACTION
Planning and Engineering
7-1 Design and implement Geological Hazard Abatement Districts (GHADs) to prevent, mitigate, abate, or control geologic hazards.

Building and Environmental Design
7-2 Promote retrofit efforts to reduce the impact of earthquakes and liquefaction. Explore incorporation of new requirements for new development and redevelopment permits to increase building resilience to liquefaction.

CONCLUSION
Adapting to a changing climate requires proactive planning to ensure protection of people, environmental resources and development. No single category of action(s) is considered “better”, or “best”, as different types of actions are appropriate for different locations and for different vulnerabilities and resource protection goals. Additionally, approaches can change over time depending on resources available as well as community goals and needs. In many instances, a hybrid approach to adaptation that utilizes actions across multiple categories is necessary to reduce vulnerability.

The effectiveness and ease of implementation for many actions are contingent upon decisions made around other actions. So, development and consideration of larger strategies (groups or series of actions) which can get implemented over space and time may be more effective and efficient. These larger strategies are ideally designed to be robust for the most likely future scenarios and/or can be modified or adjusted at key junctures in the future. It is essential to identify in advance how these changes would be implemented and when these changes would need to occur to help the City plan for, prioritize, and stagger investment.
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Appendix C
Equity Gap Analysis
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1 TO: Crystal Najera, Sustainability Manager; City of Encinitas Ryan Lamkin, Sustainability Management Analyst; City of Encinitas FROM: Naomi Wentworth, Policy Analyst; Energy Policy Initiatives Center (EPIC) at University of San Diego Yichao Gu, Senior Policy Analyst; Energy Policy Initiatives Center (EPIC) at University of San Diego DATE: November 21, 2024
RE: Encinitas Climate Action Plan Update – Equity Considerations – Technical Memorandum The purpose of this memorandum is to provide the potential equity considerations associated with the City of Encinitas Climate Action Plan Update (CAP Update). The City of Encinitas has made progress in understanding racial and ethnic barriers in housing, addressing the growing homelessness problem, and bringing underrepresented community organizations into the planning process. However, there are gaps in equity planning that can be addressed during the implementation of the CAP Update. Demographic and socioeconomic factors were reviewed from the CalEnviroScreen tool as well as additional Census data to further inform on the city’s unique community characteristics. The equity consideration proposed include ensuring continuous community involvement from underrepresented groups, bridging language barriers, working to alleviate issues experienced by cost and transportation burdened households, creating local green jobs and workforce training, and creating a climate adaptation implementation plan that prioritizes the most vulnerable communities.

1.0 Equity Work that City of Encinitas has Done to Date Community Outreach:

The City has conducted outreach to various community groups during the CAP Update process to better understand equity concerns felt by the community. One business organization, three environmental organizations, and two underrepresented organizations responded to surveys out of the 24 organizations contacted for input. Primary equity concerns raised by the organizations are summarized in Table 1.

Table 1: Equity Concerns Raised by Community Organizations Organization Type Primary Equity Concerns
Business
[6 organizations
contacted, 1
interviewed]
• Climate change concern: flood and wildfire
• Outsized burden on builders of new development; shift focus to existing building decarbonization
• Increased requirements on new development in turn increase housing cost burden to residents
Environmental
Groups
[8 organizations
contacted, 5
interviewed]
• Climate change concern: risk to biodiversity and beach assets through drought and sea level rise
• Transportation and car dependance are equity issues
• Transportation access and safety is not equitable in the city • Parking requirements reduce ability to develop bike and pedestrian friendly areas
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2 • Housing element sites should be placed in areas with alternative transportation routes and options
• Land use and housing costs are too high and unequitable • Existing transit system is poor
• Market-based, private flex fleet programs likely will not result in equitable access • Work regionally to ensure active transportation network extends beyond city boundaries
• Fleet sharing programs also need truck access
Schools
[2 organizations
contacted, none
interviewed]
No responses
Underrepresented
[8 organizations
contacted, 2
interviewed]
• Climate change concern: climate adaptation for homeless population • Energy transition accessibility to cost burdened individuals (energy, housing, seniors, renters)
• Effect on native plant life
• Need equity metric tracking
• Concerned about senior population, communities in pollution zones, and lowincome communities • Climate adaptation issues for renters (like high heat) • Concerns on language barrier for Spanish speaking population Study of Racial and Ethnic Barriers in Housing:

The City contracted with Opportunity Consultant in 2023 to assess Barriers to Racial and Ethnic Equity in Housing within Encinitas, and incorporated recommendations into city planning initiatives including Climate Action Planning. Findings included:
• Encinitas’ housing market is less racially and economically diverse than that of surrounding communities.
• Low-income and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) residents are clustered in certain areas of the city.
• There are policies in place that create barriers to developing more multifamily units, including Proposition A.
• There is a shortage of affordable housing, and programs designed to promote affordability do not adequately serve community needs.
• There is a limited amount of affordable housing in Encinitas, and the locations of affordable housing exacerbate existing inequities.
• Limited public transit constrains affordable and accessible housing development. • Private sector practices and incentives contribute to displacement.

Addressing Homelessness:

The City began a Homeless Outreach Program in June 2022 to provide support, resources, and services to individuals experiencing homelessness. Additionally, the City houses a Safe Parking Program for those living out of their cars and has staff dedicated to working on solutions to homelessness. 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 215 of 514
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3 2.0 Population Characteristics: Socioeconomic Factor Indicators The following socioeconomic indicator categories were pulled from CalEnviroScreen 4.01 with factors updated using the latest data available, as described in Table 2. CalEnviroscreen is widely used as a tool to understand equity issues in communities across California.

Table 2: CalEnviroScreen Demographic Indicators
Indicator Type Definition Metric Metric Source
Educational Attainment
Socioeconomic Indicators
Percentage of the
population over age 25 with
less than a high school
education (5-year estimate,
2015-2019).

10.2% 2023 ACS: S1501 Educational
Attainment
Housing-Burdened LowIncome Households
Socioeconomic Indicators
Percent of households that
are both low income
(making less than 80% of
the HUD Area Median
Family Income) and severely
burdened by housing costs
(paying greater than 50% of
their income to housing
costs).

13.3%
(15.9% spend over
50% of their
income on
housing, 37.4%
make under 80%
HUD area median
income)
Comprehensive Housing
Affordability Strategy, HUD’s
Office of Policy Development
and Research, ACS 2017 -
2021
Linguistic Isolation
Socioeconomic Indicators
Percentage of limited
English-speaking
households

2.3% 2022 ACS: S1602 Limited
English-Speaking Households
Poverty
Socioeconomic Indicators
Percent of the population
living below two times the
federal poverty level

17.0% 2023 ACS: K201702 Ratio of
Income to Poverty Level in the
Past 12 Months
Unemployment
Socioeconomic Indicators
Percentage of the
population over the age of
16 that is unemployed and
eligible for the labor force

2.9% 2022 ACS: DP03 Selected
Economic Characteristics
The CalEnviroScreen tool primarily focuses on pollution burden and health impacts. While important indicators, for a small coastal community like Encinitas that experiences significantly less pollution and health burdens than other areas in California, we recommend broadening the socioeconomic indicators to include those included in Table 3 and Figure 1. The indicators in Table 3 include vulnerable populations mentioned in the interviews with community organizations (Table 1) with the best available data to contextualize the issue.
1 CalEnviroScreen 4.0 is the latest iteration of the California Communities Environmental Health Screening Tool. The original and subsequent versions were developed by the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, or OEHHA, an office within the California Environmental Protection Agency. Documentation:
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4 Table 3: Additional Recommended Demographic Indicators 2 Live Well San Diego Database, County of San Diego Equity Indicators. https://data.sandiegocounty.gov/browse 3San Diego Regional Leader on Homelessness Annual Point in Time Count. https://www.rtfhsd.org/reports-data/ Vulnerable Populations Metric Metric Source
Population over 65 years old 24% Census ASC 2022
Population with a disability 9% Census ASC 2022
Householders living alone 23% Census ASC 2022
Households with a child under 18 and no spouse 8% Census ASC 2022 Population without health coverage 3.7% Census ASC 2022 Percent of population, over 18 years old, with self care difficulties

1.8% LiveWell San Diego Database,
20222
Percent of population who is primary caregiver 5.4% LiveWell San Diego Database, 20222
Unsheltered Population – 2024 123 San Diego Regional Task Force on Homelessness (RTFH), 2024
Point in Time Count3
Unsheltered Population – 2022 76 San Diego RTFH3
Unsheltered Population – 2020 47 San Diego RTFH3
Experience Communication Isolation
Do not speak English at home 16% Census ASC 2022
Speak limited English at home 2.3% Census ACS 2022
Speak little to no English 1% Census ASC 2022
Without internet or a computer 2% Census ASC 2022
Cost Burdened – Renters
Population that rents their residence 31% Census ASC 2022 Renters who spend over 30% of their household income
on rent
50% Census ASC 2022
Median gross rent $2,861 Census ASC 2022
Cost Burdened – Homeowners
Population that lives in an owner-occupied residence with a mortgage
40% Census ASC 2022
Households that spend over 30% of household income on
housing costs
37% Census ASC 2022
Median housing costs for residences with a mortgage Over $4,000
Census ASC 2022
Transportation Burdened
Percent of households with no vehicle available 3.8% Census ASC 2022 Percent of the Populations with Travel Time to work over 60 mins

4.7% LiveWell San Diego Database,
20222
Percent of the population using public transportation to work.

0.7% LiveWell San Diego Database,
20222
Access to Community Spaces
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5 Figure 1: Racial Diversity of City of Encinitas from 2010 - 2022 Census, American Community Survey 2022

3.0 Considerations for Further Aligning Climate Action and Equity The following items are recommended considerations to integrate equity into the City’s CAP Update:

1. Ensure Continuous Community Representation: Build on the community outreach work done to date by establishing community climate advisory boards or task forces from various community stakeholder groups including vulnerable and underrepresented communities.

2. Bridge the Language Barrier: Develop a policy to ensure all CAP outreach is conducted in Spanish and English.

3. Expand Climate Vulnerability Assessments to View from an Equity Lense: As impacts from climate change start to affect the population, the City should incorporate equity considerations into the current Climate Adaptation chapter of the CAP. To incorporate equity into the existing plan would entail completing a community sensitivity analysis to the impacts of climate change (which populations are most at risk for first and worst impacts of climate change) and creating an equitable plan to adapt to those issues.

4. Target Climate Adaptation Investments Equitably: Direct funding to flood-prone or heatvulnerable neighborhoods and ensure these areas and vulnerable populations within those areas receive priority access.
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Year
Demographics of Encinitas 2010 - 2022
White
Any Race + Hispanic
Asian
Some Other Race
Two or More Races
Vulnerable Populations Metric Metric Source
Percent of households that meet the minimum level of
service (within 0.25 miles and >= 300 sq.ft/du of
community spaces).

49.2% LiveWell San Diego Database,
20222
Percent of the population living within 0.25 miles of a park or community space.

58.6% LiveWell San Diego Database,
20222
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6 5. Train Workforce for Increased Green Jobs: Create or participate in a plan to develop a local workforce for climate transition jobs. As an example, this would include: EV charging installation and maintenance jobs, solar and microgrid installation and maintenance jobs, native plant and tree maintenance, etc.

6. Alleviate Issues Experienced by Cost Burdened Households: Conduct outreach on the City’s plans to increase residential development in an effort to reduce housing costs in Encinitas.

Prioritize funding for programs that improve the energy efficiency of homes in lower-income and cost-burdened neighborhoods through CAP Update measure BD-1: Require Existing Residential Energy Efficiency. Additionally, implement recommendations from Barriers to Racial and Ethnic Equity in Housing study to remove systemic barriers to community diversity.

7. Alleviate Issues Experienced by Transportation Burdened Households: Ensure local flexible fleet program is developed with equitable access to flexible fleet options, with focus on neighborhood access and rate design. Additionally, prioritize Active Transportation Plan implementation to ensure safe bike and pedestrian access to the most underserved areas first.

8. Track Equity Indicators: In addition to tracking the process of each CAP measure, use metrics to measure the impact of climate initiatives on different demographic groups, tracking indicators like economic benefits, health outcomes, and adaptation improvements in vulnerable areas.

Publish these results to the Climate Dashboard.
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Appendix D
Public Outreach and Engagement Plan
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Outreach and Engagement Plan
for the
City of Encinitas
Climate Action Plan Update
Final
December 2023

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City of Encinitas CAP Update i Outreach and Engagement Plan

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................................ 1

1.1 Purpose ................................................................................................................................................................. 2

1.2 Goals and Guiding Principles......................................................................................................................... 2

1.3 Previous Engagement...................................................................................................................................... 3 2 EQUITY FRAMEWORK ................................................................................................................................................. 3

2.1 Vulnerable and Underrepresented Populations..................................................................................... 4

2.2 Recommendations to Consider .................................................................................................................... 5 3 GENERAL OUTREACH INFORMATION ................................................................................................................... 6

3.1 Outreach/Engagement Coordinator........................................................................................................... 6

3.2 Media Strategies ................................................................................................................................................ 6

3.3 Synchronization of outreach with planning milestones........................................................................ 6 4 PHASES AND SCHEDULE FOR PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT AND OUTREACH ................................................... 7 5 OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES ....................................................................................................... 8

5.1 Public Engagement Activities ........................................................................................................................ 9

5.2 Community Events ..........................................................................................................................................10

5.3 Commission and Council Meetings...........................................................................................................10

5.4 Internal Collaboration .....................................................................................................................................11

5.5 Public Outreach Activities ..............................................................................................................................11 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 222 of 514
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Outreach and Engagement Plan 1 City of Encinitas CAP Update 1 INTRODUCTION
In March of 2011, the City of Encinitas (City) adopted its first-ever Climate Action Plan (CAP). A CAP provides a comprehensive roadmap to address the challenges of climate change within a jurisdiction, primarily through reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and supporting the community to adapt and build resilience to the impacts of climate change. In January of 2018, the Encinitas City Council approved a comprehensive update to its CAP, which describes how GHG emissions within the city will be reduced in accordance with statewide targets through the implementation of GHG reduction measures. The CAP was revised again in November of 2020 to address increased growth as a result of the City’s recently approved Housing Element and incorporate anticipated mobility projects identified in the City of Encinitas Active Transportation Plan. The City is now preparing another comprehensive update to its CAP to fulfill its commitment to update the document every five years. This update is intended to build on past successes and provide any necessary revisions, adding or modifying targets, goals, and/or measures to reflect current technologies, policies, and government mandates. Specifically, this CAP update will:
 Evaluate Existing GHG Reduction Targets – Evaluate the City’s existing GHG reduction targets to determine whether it would be necessary to update overall emissions targets and whether additional GHG reduction measures would be needed to reach an updated target.  Identify CAP Measures – Identify candidate measures to reduce or remove emissions based upon early public input and a review of CAPs in the region and around the state. This will include a review of existing CAP measures to determine if any revisions are needed based on the current implementation process and the impact of latest regulations.
 Estimate GHG Impacts of CAP Measures – Estimate the GHG reduction potential of each candidate measure based on previous work in the region and using relevant and appropriate methodologies.  Complete an Implementation Cost Analysis on Draft CAP Measures – Estimate the implementation costs of draft CAP measures.
 Select Final CAP Measures – Evaluate and select candidate measures to be incorporated into the CAP update based on estimated GHG reduction potential, results of the implementation cost analysis, potential co-benefits, implementation feasibility, and stakeholder and community feedback.  Integrate Social Equity Considerations – Support integration of social equity throughout the updated CAP.
 Develop CAP Implementation Monitoring Procedures – Evaluate and ensure that monitoring activities are consistent with relevant and appropriate guidance (e.g., the Regional Climate Action Planning Framework [ReCAP]), which includes determining what aspects of existing monitoring efforts could be refined or expanded upon.

The City recognizes the importance of community outreach and engagement as part of the planning and development process for the CAP update. This Outreach and Engagement Plan (Plan) summarizes the strategies to engage the community and other interested parties in the preparation of a successful CAP update, along with the associated California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) document. The purpose, 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 223 of 514
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Outreach and Engagement Plan 2 City of Encinitas CAP Update goals and guiding principles for public engagement and outreach are described below, followed by a summary of specific outreach methods to be used during the climate action planning process. The outreach and engagement program may evolve and change from that published in the Final Plan at the City’s discretion to meet the CAP program needs and accommodate varying circumstances.

1.1 PURPOSE
The purpose of this Plan is to ensure that the public and stakeholders have meaningful opportunities to provide input throughout the development of the CAP update. The outreach strategies and activities presented in the Plan are intended to provide local community members, stakeholders, interested parties, and other affected agencies and/or individuals with opportunities to become actively involved throughout the planning process. The outreach program in this Plan will assist the City in both providing timely information to and receiving input from interested parties during the development of the CAP update and CEQA document. It should be noted that the Plan is subject to change throughout the process of preparing the CAP update. Changes and modifications may be necessary to reflect project progress, changes in the project schedule, modifications to adapt to public health and safety needs, and to adjust tools and techniques based on their effectiveness as the City conducts public participation activities for the CAP update.

1.2 GOALS AND GUIDING PRINCIPLES
The goals of outreach and engagement are to: (1) involve interested and affected parties in identifying needs, priorities, and values related to the CAP update; (2) create an effective and meaningful outreach process where all members of the community, including those that are often underrepresented in traditional public engagement processes, can participate; (3) build a shared commitment and buy-in across decision makers, the public and stakeholders, and internal City departments; (4) share the purpose, need, and benefits of updating the CAP; (5) promote broad-based understanding of the components of the updated CAP and expand the public’s awareness of GHG reduction strategies, policies, and best practices; (6) highlight the importance of complying with relevant laws and regulations and their role in shaping the updated CAP; and (7) provide transparency in the methodologies and approaches for technical analyses that support the CAP update. The rationale for each of these goals includes the following guiding principles, which have been developed to further articulate the purpose of the Plan:
 Awareness – The public and stakeholders must be aware of the planning process before they are able to participate.
 Education – Informing the public and stakeholders about the CAP update, relevant laws and regulations, and the planning process is important for effective participation.  Input – Individual knowledge and collective perspectives from the public and stakeholders can help the City better understand issues and challenges that face the community.  Equity – Building capacity and empowering the public and stakeholders to be engaged in the process allows for more equitable outcomes and effective implementation. 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 224 of 514
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Outreach and Engagement Plan 3 City of Encinitas CAP Update  Open and public process – Having a clear process by which the public and stakeholders can participate, review, and provide feedback during the planning process will result in a CAP update that better reflects community priorities.

1.3 PREVIOUS ENGAGEMENT
During the process of developing the City’s existing CAP, which was adopted by City Council in January 2018 and revised in November 2020, the City engaged the public and stakeholders through a series of community workshops, public meetings, Environmental Commission and City Council meetings, and through a “CAP Workgroup,” which consisted of City staff representatives from various departments, including the City Manager’s Office, Development Services, Public Works, Human Resources, Information Technology, Finance, and others. Additionally, other information-sharing tools, such as press releases, electronic mail notifications, and a project website, were utilized to keep the public and stakeholders informed. These outreach activities served to educate community members and encouraged their feedback and participation in the public process.
2 EQUITY FRAMEWORK
Equity is a primary focus of this Plan. The ongoing participation from individuals and groups that are often underrepresented in planning processes is critical to the City’s process for updating the CAP. As identified by the California Adaptation Planning Guide, prepared by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services in June 2020, there are three ways to incorporate equity into the planning process: procedural, distributional, and structural.
 Procedural equity focuses on increasing opportunities for engagement and ownership in decisionmaking, in all aspects of climate action planning, by the communities that are disproportionately impacted by and most vulnerable to climate change.
 Distributional equity is about fair distribution of resources, benefits, and burdens that result from climate action planning decisions. Distributional equity means prioritizing the allocation of finite resources and designing planning strategies to benefit communities that experience the greatest climate and environmental inequities and have the most unmet environmental health needs, while also ensuring that these communities do not disproportionately experience economic, social, or environmental burdens because of such planning decisions.
 Structural equity involves making planning decisions that recognize and address the underlying structural and institutional systems that are at the root of economic, social, and racial inequities. It is an approach to decision making that overtly seeks to correct past harms and to anticipate and prevent future unintended consequences for disadvantaged social and racial groups. An approach based on structural equity examines whether planning decisions to achieve climate resilience also eliminate poverty, create workforce development opportunities, address racism, increase civic participation and social cohesion, protect housing availability and affordability, increase educational outcomes, and improve public health outcomes.
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Outreach and Engagement Plan 4 City of Encinitas CAP Update Procedural equity is a focus of this Plan, which is about creating outreach, engagement, and participation processes that are transparent, fair, and inclusive. In addition, the City will provide opportunities for the public and stakeholders to provide input related to distributional and structural equity that can shape GHG emission reduction measures and priorities.

2.1 VULNERABLE AND UNDERREPRESENTED POPULATIONS
Increasing opportunities for participation and ownership in community planning and decision-making for vulnerable communities is essential for creating an outreach and engagement process that is transparent, fair, and inclusive for those who are disproportionately impacted by, and most vulnerable to, climate change.

It is also important to make a deliberate effort to engage individuals and groups that are typically underrepresented in the planning process and to address the many barriers to participation. Strategies to advance equitable participation should occur as part of all outreach and engagement activities conducted as part of the City’s CAP update, and the following subsections provide an overview of the vulnerable communities and underrepresented groups that should be prioritized.

2.1.1 Vulnerable Communities
It is important to consider communities that may be more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change in Encinitas. Some of the vulnerable communities identified in the California Adaptation Planning Guide include:
 Chronically ill persons, including those with compromised immune systems.  Foster children.
 Incarcerated persons.
 Linguistically isolated persons.
 Low-income persons.
 Persons experiencing homelessness.
 Persons with disabilities.
 Persons working outdoors.
 Renters.
 Senior citizens, especially those living alone.

This list is provided as a starting point for different groups to consider, but vulnerable communities may not be limited to these groups. Additional special needs groups that may overlap with vulnerable communities, as identified in Appendix B: Housing Profile Report of Encinitas’ Sixth Cycle Housing Element (2021-2029) include students, migrant day laborers, and large households.

2.1.2 Underrepresented Groups
Underrepresented groups include groups that represent or are connected to communities that are typically underrepresented in the planning process, often due to one or multiple barriers to participation. Targeted 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 226 of 514
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Outreach and Engagement Plan 5 City of Encinitas CAP Update outreach efforts and partnerships with groups such as faith-based organizations, cultural and ethnic organizations, neighborhood action groups, community development organizations, providers of homeless services, and other groups is often necessary to drive participation of underrepresented groups.

Underrepresented groups to consider include:
 Youth.
 Black, indigenous and people of color (BIPOC).
 Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, and more (LGBTQIA+) people.
 Refugees/immigrant communities.
 Tribal/Indigenous groups.
 Low-income households in vulnerable communities.

2.2 RECOMMENDATIONS TO CONSIDER
It should be noted that deliberate efforts to advance equitable participation and engage vulnerable communities and underrepresented populations do not necessarily equate to success. Certain groups are intrinsically more difficult to reach for a variety of factors, and it is not the expectation that the planning process for this CAP update will overcome all barriers to success. However, well-intentioned efforts will be made as steps towards these outcomes. Some recommendations that will be considered to engage and advance equitable participation include:
 Geographic targeting. According to the State’s DAC Mapping Tool1, there are a couple Census Block Groups that are classified as disadvantaged communities in Encinitas. The City has also applied for a grant to conduct a Climate Equity Study. Results from the study, and tools (such as the DAC Mapping Tool) could be used to identify geographic areas in the city that could benefit most from targeted outreach and engagement opportunities.
 Engage other partners. Partnerships with community organizations can help create connections and build essential relationships with underrepresented individuals and groups and reach vulnerable communities. Targeted outreach efforts to specific groups are also necessary to connect with underrepresented individuals and groups.
 Make participation convenient. Offer multiple opportunities for people to participate at different times and locations, using different tools to encourage more participation.  Accessibility. Increase the accessibility of events, workshops, and virtual meetings by offering accommodations such as closed captioning and/or interpretative services for non-English speakers. 1 https://gis.water.ca.gov/app/dacs/
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Outreach and Engagement Plan 6 City of Encinitas CAP Update 3 GENERAL OUTREACH INFORMATION
To ensure broad and comprehensive outreach to the public and interested stakeholders, this Plan includes several components and efforts that will support the overall process, including the designated outreach/engagement coordinator, a summary of the media strategies and the appropriate contact, and how this process will be integrated with the CAP update and other planning processes. Each component or effort is briefly described below.

3.1 OUTREACH/ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR
The role of the Outreach/Engagement Coordinator will be to serve as a central contact for the public and stakeholders for the CAP update and CEQA document. For this project, the Outreach/Engagement Coordinator is also the Sustainability Manager. The Outreach/Engagement Coordinator will participate in and help coordinate all facets of the implementation of this Plan for the CAP update and CEQA document.

Anyone seeking information on the CAP update or CEQA document should contact:

Crystal Najera
Sustainability Manager
City of Encinitas
505 S Vulcan Ave, Encinitas CA 92024
Phone: 760.943.2285
Email: [email protected]

3.2 MEDIA STRATEGIES
The City will actively engage and alert appropriate media outlets with project updates at applicable milestones throughout the CAP update and CEQA process. Press releases will be circulated to announce public workshops and hearings, and the City will work with local media outlets and encourage them to follow the planning process and include features in local publications. Media strategies will be led by the Outreach/Engagement Coordinator (i.e., Sustainability Manager) and supported by the planning team.

Media inquiries should be addressed to the contact listed in Section 3.1.

3.3 SYNCHRONIZATION OF OUTREACH WITH PLANNING

MILESTONES
The City is committed to listening and demonstrating responsiveness to the community’s input at each step in the planning process. As technical information and draft recommendations are available, they will be discussed with the public and other interested parties and presented on the City’s website. Key information will also be discussed at public workshops prior to the release of the draft updated CAP to allow participants to provide input and feedback. This input and feedback will be synthesized and used to guide the final recommendations in the CAP update.
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Outreach and Engagement Plan 7 City of Encinitas CAP Update Outreach for the CAP update and CEQA document will be conducted consistent with the overall goals of the City, via the 2023-24 Strategic Planning Framework2 . This framework includes six elements that represent
the vital areas of focus for the City: (1) Environmental Health and Leadership; (2) Engagement and Education; (3) Mobility and Alternate Modes; (4) Fiscal Stewardship and Effective City Services; (5) Housing and Affordability; and (6) Evolving and Preserving Community Character. Together, these elements and their associated goals are intended to ensure that the City’s five unique communities (i.e., New Encinitas, Old Encinitas, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Olivenhain, and Leucadia) can collectively thrive. 4 PHASES AND SCHEDULE FOR PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

AND OUTREACH
This Plan for the City’s CAP update is structured into six phases. Each phase of the process highlights opportunities to participate at key milestones to maximize the participation of the public and stakeholders.

In addition, the City will actively communicate and conduct outreach to the community throughout the process. The various outreach and engagement activities proposed in relation to each of the six major phases and milestones for the CAP are described below and depicted in Figure 1. It should also be noted that the City is open to receiving public and stakeholder input at any point throughout the entire CAP planning process (which is also visually represented in Figure 1).

1. Project Initiation (Late 2023): The initial phase includes starting the City’s process of updating the CAP, including beginning to develop social equity objectives for the CAP, and developing an outreach and engagement plan to increase awareness and familiarity with the purpose, objectives, and process for preparing the CAP update.

2. Inventory, Projections and Targets (Late 2023–Early 2024): The next phase will evaluate the City’s existing CAP GHG reduction measures to determine whether they are outdated, need to be or can be revised, and get community input that will inform the development of GHG reduction measures. The City will also discuss the latest inventory, share a projection of future GHG emissions, and discuss GHG reduction targets as set by the state (i.e., 2030, 2045). Anticipated major participation opportunities during this phase include Public Workshop #1 and a meeting with the Environmental Commission.

3. Emissions Reduction Measures (Early–Mid 2024): This phase will include preparing a list of additional candidate emission reduction measures for the CAP update, estimating the GHG impacts of the measures, and completing an implementation cost analysis of the list of candidate measures under consideration. Anticipated major participation opportunities during this phase include Public Workshop #2 and an online survey, as well as a public meeting of the Environmental Commission to get early input.

4. Draft CAP and Draft CEQA Document (Mid 2024): A Draft CAP will provide an updated CAP document that builds on work during previous phases and packages it in a single document for public review. As part of this phase, the Draft CEQA document will be prepared. Anticipated major participation opportunities during this phase include Public Workshop #3 and during public hearings of the Environmental Commission and City Council. Public hearings could take the form of a presentation and 2 https://www.encinitasca.gov/government/annual-reports/2023-24-strategic-planning-framework 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 229 of 514
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Outreach and Engagement Plan 8 City of Encinitas CAP Update an informational item, or can be structured workshop discussions; however, no official actions from these bodies are required during this phase.

5. Adoption of Final CAP and CEQA Document (Late 2024): After public review, revisions may be made to the CAP to prepare a Final CAP that will be brought forward for adoption by the City Council along with a Final CEQA document. Anticipated major participation opportunities during this phase include meetings by the Environmental Commission, and a hearing of the City Council to consider the CAP update for adoption.

6. Implementation, Monitoring, and Reporting (Ongoing): Monitoring and reporting are critical components of the climate action planning process. Performing monitoring on a regular basis and reporting the results in a clear manner will allow the City to evaluate progress toward achieving its reduction targets, revise and update reduction measures based on past performance, and regularly reassess emissions projections. Implementation and monitoring procedures will be created during the CAP development process and will measure the effectiveness of different GHG reduction measures. The City already has a Climate Dashboard3 that has been used to monitor progress since the latest version of the CAP, which may be used and built upon for this CAP update.

Figure 1 Tentative Project Schedule
Source: Developed by Ascent in 2023.
5 OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES
The following engagement activities (listed in Section 5.1) will be used by the City at key milestones in the CAP update process. In addition, the City may conduct other ongoing outreach activities throughout the planning process for the CAP update, which are also described (in Section 5.2). 3 https://www.encinitasenvironment.org/dashboard
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Outreach and Engagement Plan 9 City of Encinitas CAP Update

5.1 PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES
Broader engagement activities are intended to maximize participation of the public and stakeholders, while also including traditionally underrepresented groups. The following broader engagement activities will occur during various phases of the project.

5.1.1 Public Workshop #1

PURPOSE
The objectives of Public Workshop #1 are to foster a clear understanding of why the City is preparing a CAP update, present the GHG inventory and forecasts, highlight the gap in emissions reductions needed to achieve targets, and present preliminary GHG reduction measures to meet these targets. Public Workshop #1 will also serve as an opportunity to get feedback on social equity objectives for the CAP.

Feedback and comments received at the workshop will be reviewed and used to refine the preliminary list of GHG reduction measures for the City.

TIMING
Public Workshop #1 is expected to occur on January 30, 2024, as an in-person workshop with Ascent’s attendance.

5.1.2 Public Workshop #2

PURPOSE
The purpose of Public Workshop #2 is to present the list of candidate GHG reduction measures and the results from an implementation cost analysis of measures and receive feedback from the public.

TIMING
Public Workshop #2 is expected to occur in mid-2024.

5.1.3 Public Workshop #3

PURPOSE
Public Workshop #3 will be aligned with the public review period of the Draft CAP. The objectives of this workshop are to share the contents of the Draft CAP and provide the public an opportunity to provide comments before it is presented to the City Council for adoption.

TIMING
Public Workshop #3 is expected to occur in mid-to-late 2024. 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 231 of 514
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5.1.4 Online Survey

PURPOSE
The purpose of the online survey is to gather information and feedback from the public on the candidate GHG emission reduction measures, as well as assess individual understanding about the CAP. The survey results will supplement feedback from Workshop #2 and will be used to inform the development of the final list of GHG emission reduction measures to be included in the Draft CAP.

TIMING
The survey will be developed and issued in mid-2024, as part of a coordinated effort with Public Workshop #2.

5.2 COMMUNITY EVENTS
Adding a table at an existing community event can create an opportunity to engage the general public and reach a broader audience and can help leverage events that are already planned in Encinitas. City staff will seek out a variety of community events that can serve as an opportunity to engage the general public, especially events that have a connection to the CAP update, such as EcoFest, Arbor Day, farmers markets, and other community events.

TIMING
As needed from project initiation until Public Workshop #2, and at strategic events after that.

5.3 COMMISSION AND COUNCIL MEETINGS

5.3.1 Project Updates

PURPOSE
City staff will update, at a minimum, the Environmental Commission, Planning Commission, and City Council throughout the CAP process. Topics could include reporting on the GHG emissions inventory, reduction targets, stakeholder input, and progress on schedule. The update will be an agendized informational item provided during a regularly scheduled public meeting. Attendance at other commissions may also be considered, as warranted.

TIMING
Presentations will occur at the Environmental Commission, Planning Commission, and City Council meetings coincident with the major milestones of the CAP update process. 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 232 of 514
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5.3.2 Adoption Hearings

PURPOSE
At least one public meeting is anticipated to occur with the Environmental Commission to seek a formal recommendation to adopt the CAP update to the City Council. The City Council will hold a public hearing to consider the Final CAP and CEQA document for adoption.

TIMING
Environmental Commission meetings and City Council hearings will be held as part of the adoption of the CAP.

5.4 INTERNAL COLLABORATION
Internal collaboration is also important to gain feedback on current operational procedures influencing the City’s communitywide and municipal GHG emissions, potential reduction strategies, as well as to build a shared commitment and buy-in to emissions reduction measures across City departments. Internal collaboration will allow internal stakeholders to provide feedback on factors influencing the City’s GHG emissions, implementation strategies, suggest additional strategies, and help identify strategies that should be prioritized. Regular internal collaboration will be conducted at key points in the process of updating the CAP through the City’s already established CAP Workgroup which is an interdepartmental team with representation from all City departments that play a role in implementing the City’s CAP. Collaboration will occur both during the City’s internal CAP Workgroup meetings, as a group over email, and directly with individual staff, as needed, as the CAP update is developed.

5.5 PUBLIC OUTREACH ACTIVITIES
The City uses a variety of platforms to share information and can use these to get the word out about the City’s CAP update and to announce opportunities for public engagement. Aside from a dedicated project website, the City may use electronic mail notifications, social media, the City Newsletter, the Environment Newsletter, blog posts, and press releases to share information with the public and stakeholders.

PROJECT WEBSITE
The City maintains a project webpage on the City’s website, which is a highly visible and used as an asset the City has to communicate with its audiences. The project webpage for the CAP will continually be updated to include the latest information, share presentations, technical reports, and announce opportunities to provide public input and project milestones. Project communications and materials should also clearly direct people to the project website.
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ELECTRONIC MAIL NOTIFICATIONS
An electronic mail (email) list will be used to notify interested parties of upcoming events and new materials posted on the project website. Persons will be added to the mailing list throughout the CAP and CEQA process and may sign up by visiting this City webpage: https://www.encinitasca.gov/i-want-to/registerfor/city-updates and signing up for “Climate Action Plan” updates or sending a request to the Sustainability Manager at [email protected].

SOCIAL MEDIA
Using a variety of platforms enables the City to communicate to multiple audiences. The City is active on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, and TikTok, and has built a following on these platforms, which can be leveraged to convey important information related to the CAP update.

CITY NEWSLETTER AND ENVIRONMENT NEWSLETTER
The existing City Newsletter and Encinitas Environment Newsletter will be used by the City to keep stakeholders and the public informed about the CAP update. The City Newsletter is sent out weekly and the Environment Newsletter is sent out periodically, as important sustainably-focused news is available. Each newsletter is sent to anyone who signed up to receive them. Persons can be added to the newsletter mailing list by visiting this City webpage (https://www.encinitasca.gov/i-want-to/register-for/city-updates) and signing up for “Climate Action Plan” or “City Newsletter” updates.

PRESS RELEASES
The City will issue press releases to announce opportunities for public participation and promote key project milestones. Press releases are used to reach local media and can help share information with the public and stakeholders.
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Appendix E
Summary of Public Input
on CAP Update
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Stakeholder Interviews
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City of Encinitas
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Stakeholder Interviews
San Diego 350
Tuesday, June 18th, 2024, 2pm
Virtual Teams Meeting
Attendees
Ryan Lamkin, City of Encinitas Wendy M., San Diego 350
Ann F., San Diego 350 Kelly L., San Diego 350
Anne S., San Diego 350
Questions:

1. Which of the following climate change impacts are you most concerned about? (Extreme Heat Events, Drought Events, Increased Wildfire Risk, Increase Likelihood of Flooding, Sea level rise, Loss of Biodiversity) Is there any resiliency centers included within the CAP?

3. What feedback do you have on the GHG reduction targets being considered for the CAP update?
Will the implementation plan outline milestones to keep the City on track? The City should do more.

4. What are the key areas in which you think the City should focus to reduce greenhouse gas emissions? Are there specific measures you think the City should implement?
Strengthen reach codes with new building code cycle. Require AC/furnace replacements to be heat pumps. Commercial building benchmarking should be lower than 50k sq ft. Building performance standards policy

5. Are there any equity issues you think the City should be aware of when updating the CAP?
The City should leverage the new County CAP equity framework. Metrics should be used to measure the success in addressing climate equity. The County regional decarbonization framework includes equity considerations/implications. The City should consider creating a Climate Equity Index which will define and characterize communities of concern. The index would also help to prioritize CAP projects. Communities of concern include seniors, over polluted communities, low-income communities. Identify and build relationships with CBOs to better connect with communities of concerns.

Community health groups, and churches are other CBOs to consider. Encourage these organizations to apply for community grants instead of waiting for the city. 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 237 of 514
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Encourage/require AC in rentals and consider incentives. Offer stipend for communities of concerns too participate in CAP dialog. Spanish translation should be done for written materials and workshops. How can the City do more outreach to help communities of concern reach state and federal grants? SDCP’s website has many resources for grants, rebates and equitable energy. In the case where Encinitas has funds, set aside incentives for a percent of low-income communities.

6. Any other questions or comments?
SanDiego350 is a grassroots, volunteer-based organization. Encinitas language includes major remodels and renovations. We should have those require solar panels in the new CAP. The building codes requirement for solar is only enough to power about half of a homes energy needs. Explain further flexible fleet. The City should explore a PPA/energy service company (ESCO) to install solar at municipal facilities. The City of San Diego is doing so to install solar and decarbonize buildings. Consider SD Learn which does customizable building decarbonization. Instead of just referring to GHG emissions, use other statistics to communicate reductions. Seek opportunities for regional collaboration. Consider open ending questions vs. Multiple choice for getting information.
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Stakeholder Interviews
Homeowner Requested Interview
Thursday, May 16th, 2024, 2pm
Encinitas City Hall
Attendees
Ryan Lamkin, City of Encinitas Judy B.,
Crystal Najera, City of Encinitas Dadla B.

Questions:

1. Which of the following climate change impacts are you most concerned about? (Extreme Heat Events, Drought Events, Increased Wildfire Risk, Increase Likelihood of Flooding, Sea level rise, Loss of Biodiversity) Pass

3. What feedback do you have on the GHG reduction targets being considered for the CAP update?
No

4. What are the key areas in which you think the City should focus to reduce greenhouse gas emissions? Are there specific measures you think the City should implement?
The largest problem for green building is that the public doesn’t understand what it is, and contractors are confused by changing regulations. How can we get the public to want to upgrade their buildings to be green. Reach people even before they hire an architect. Host events for people to learn about how they can upgrade their homes to be energy efficient and decarbonized. Try to sell home performance through demonstrations, videos, etc. We should name strategy one to ‘Building Efficiency & Decarbonization.’ Efficiency is the first level, because dumping in clean energy is still wasteful. Add energy efficiency to the ‘decarbonizing existing buildings’ measure. Take a holistic approach of lowering the energy consumption. There should be an ordinance about how large HVAC and other energy systems should be to ensure there isn’t energy waste. See how we can tie in energy efficiency into existing remodels and permits.

Create energy efficiency consideration handout that must be signed before moving forward with a permit. Consider battery requirements for residential and commercial solar installation and change from ‘solar’ to ‘microgrid.’ Consider solar installation for remodels. Work with SDCP to lease roof space for solar.

5. Are there any equity issues you think the City should be aware of when updating the CAP?
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6. Any other questions or comments?
Research Green Genie and BayREN. What can we do to advance solar installation on existing homes. Involve other City staff with the climate planning process through training because they are necessary to make sure these measures are being enforced. 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 240 of 514
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Climate Action Plan Update
Stakeholder Interviews
San Diego Bike Coalition
Monday, May 13th, 2024, 3pm
Microsoft Teams Meeting
Attendees
Ryan Lamkin, City of Encinitas Chloe L., San Diego Bike Collation Questions:

1. What does climate action mean to you?
A whole suite of policy and behavioral changes across many sectors, that together combine to us reaching out emissions goals which can be very large. It takes a lot of effort and courage to meet all of our goals and grassroots efforts are key part of this change.

2. Which of the following climate change impacts are you most concerned about? (Extreme Heat Events, Drought Events, Increased Wildfire Risk, Increase Likelihood of Flooding, Sea level rise, Loss of Biodiversity) Likelihood of Flooding, Extreme Heat Events especially because they go hand in hand with mode share shift and so many issues can be solved with one solution. The impacts on vulnerable people are often something that is left out of the conversation when they need to be front and center.

3. What feedback do you have on the GHG reduction targets being considered for the CAP update?
As long as they’re in line with state goals, it’s a good idea and they’re ambitious.

4. What are the key areas in which you think the City should focus to reduce greenhouse gas emissions? Are there specific measures you think the City should implement?
More focus should be put onto public transit rather than ‘flexible fleet’ as they don’t serve those who need transit the most. Adding a baseline for mode share. Identify a mode share baseline as it helps advocates hold cities accountable. Tree planting is a good idea, especially for improving safety for bicyclists and pedestrians. Implementing a complete streets program with road diets, beautiful environments with trees. Consider a de-paving initiative that will remove pavement that will allow for stormwater runoff, beatify streets, and reduce costs. Implement more class 4 bike lanes. 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 241 of 514
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5. Are there any equity issues you think the City should be aware of when updating the CAP?
Flexible fleet programs often do not serve underserved populations. If considering future bikeshare programs, consider working with other cities across region, as those who use may not live in Encinitas. Ensure that bike lane connections are occurring between communities, throughout the city.

6. Any other questions or comments?
A good policy question is to research if micromobility sharing can exist on its own without government funding. A paper to consider for the CAP is a BCC article on depaving. 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 242 of 514
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Stakeholder Interviews
Encinitas Bike Walk
Friday, May 30th, 2024, 2pm
Encinitas City Hall
Attendees
Ryan Lamkin, City of Encinitas Judy B., Encinitas Bike Walk Nicholas Buck, City of Encinitas Kristine S., Encinitas Bike Walk Tom B., Encinitas Bike Walk Travis, Encinitas Bike Walk Aaron H., Encinitas Bike Walk Trey H., Encinitas Bike Walk Questions:

1. Which of the following climate change impacts are you most concerned about? (Extreme Heat Events, Drought Events, Increased Wildfire Risk, Increase Likelihood of Flooding, Sea level rise, Loss of Biodiversity) Pass

3. What feedback do you have on the GHG reduction targets being considered for the CAP update?
Is it realistic? What is the lifestyle look like per capita? Consider what the average person’s emissions will look like and present that at the next workshop. Look into the implementation of the other cities CAP’s. Give the community frames of reference (i.e. amount of miles of driven)

4. What are the key areas in which you think the City should focus to reduce greenhouse gas emissions? Are there specific measures you think the City should implement?
Don’t know if it has teeth. How can we talk to other City departments and how can citizens see how departments interact to better advocate? The current City’s ATP lacks diverters. Diverters make driving take more time which would encourage more biking.

The rebound effect is something that has been studied and will lead to more biking. In 2045, the vision is to encourage biking and walking for short trips. Pedestrian and bicycle access corridors are a large gap in the City’s ATP. A big picture vision is how land is used in Encinitas for more walkable, bikeable homes. The City should look at the zoning codes to ensure that it facilitates mixed used zoning instead of restricting.

Parking requirements should be eliminated from areas that we wanted to keep walkable and bikeable while maximums should be set. Density, proximity, and mixed used are three key elements to build housing. AS the City continues to build housing and select housing element sites, they should be placed in areas that can support walkability rather 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 243 of 514
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than driving such as Quail Gardens. Encinitas is more spread out than some of the communities that already have flexible fleets. Cost is a very important consideration for the flexible fleet. For TDM programs ensure that for small businesses they are not too costly making sure they’re not all or nothing. Can City employees be incentivized to bike or walk to work. Making commuting alternatively fun makes more people want to do it, for example using prizes. Let's look at our largest employers in employers in Encinitas to see if we can get them to implement TDM programs. For the City’s parking study making a map of areas where parking lots are underutilized to inform the micro transit study. The largest challenge is changing behaviors. Improvements to bike and ped infrastructure are perceived negatively by drivers. What could have been done differently for BCycle to succeed? What impact does land use have on the success of a bike share program? Hold more events for bike riding that get people interested in bike riding. We really want to encourage mode shift for the CAP and consider bike riding as transportation. ‘Safe routes’ is something missing from the CAP. ‘Slow streets’ and ‘bike boulevard’ are something missing from the CAP. Both of these would move people toward biking because they feel safe. Biking, walking, and transit has be made easier and driving has to be made more difficult. To meet 2045 goal we have to make tough choices. Many of the bike and walk goals have co-benefits such as more beautiful neighborhoods. Implement a parking benefits district where there is highly impacted parking. Parking meters can be installed, which can use revenue to fund transportation while decreasing idling emissions.

5. Are there any equity issues you think the City should be aware of when updating the CAP?
Land use and the cost of housing are the largest concerns that directly lead to increase GHG emissions. Transportation safety is not equitable throughout the City and for those who bike/walk. The current transit system is really poor. Setting up a car share program in the city would help with low-income residents going further distances throughout the city and these programs should not be at the ‘whim of the market’ with a private program. A truck share program would be good too. 30% of the population in the U.S. cannot drive and many of those have the least political power. A lot of people drive but we have to represent everyone such as those who bike, walk and take transit. Charging for parking is a better equity concern because they won’t end up being fined for parking illegally. Dynamic pricing is another consideration. Allowing for more mixed-use development and better land use. Apply and follow state law for affordable housing.

6. Any other questions or comments?
Can we get the GHG amounts? Encinitas Bike Walk would like to have input on the flexible fleet feasibility study. Hold meetings with the Environmental and Mobility/Traffic Commission. A lot of people just don’t want to see change. 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 244 of 514
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Stakeholder Interviews
Community Resource Center
Thursday, June 20th, 2024, 11am
Virtual Teams Meeting
Attendees
Ryan Lamkin, City of Encinitas Rebecca N., Community Resource Center
Questions:

1. Which of the following climate change impacts are you most concerned about? (Extreme Heat Events, Drought Events, Increased Wildfire Risk, Increase Likelihood of Flooding, Sea level rise, Loss of Biodiversity) Community Resource Center is most concerned about extreme heat events and wildfire risk. For the unhoused populations they serve, these heat events pose a major health risk to them. Wildfires also pose a health risk to unhoused populations.

3. What feedback do you have on the GHG reduction targets being considered for the CAP update?
Does this seem like its feasible? If so it seems great. Can we even go farther.

4. What are the key areas in which you think the City should focus to reduce greenhouse gas emissions? Are there specific measures you think the City should implement?
The landscaping equipment is a great ordinance. All electric buildings are a great idea.

The city doing what they can to be more sustainable is a great idea.

5. Are there any equity issues you think the City should be aware of when updating the CAP?
How can we make some of these transitions accessible for those modest needs. Many of them are renters and are housing burdened. We need to make living a more sustainable life more economically available to them. Low-income individuals are the most at risk in terms of climate equity. Seniors are one of the largest communities of concern that are present in Encinitas. Economically vulnerable seniors are one of the fastest growing groups throughout the state.

6. Any other questions or comments?
Reach out to Nature Collective.
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City of Encinitas
Climate Action Plan Update
Stakeholder Interviews
Cottonwood Creek Conservancy
Thursday, May 16th, 2024, 1pm
Encinitas City Hall
Attendees
Ryan Lamkin, City of Encinitas Brad R., Cottonwood Creek Conservancy Crystal Najera, City of Encinitas Jesse G., Cottonwood Creek Conservancy
Mark W., Cottonwood Creek
Conservancy
Questions:

1. Which of the following climate change impacts are you most concerned about? (Extreme Heat Events, Drought Events, Increased Wildfire Risk, Increase Likelihood of Flooding, Sea level rise, Loss of Biodiversity) Drought events have a significant impact on habitat and loss of Biodiversity. Sea level rise is concerning for the City’s beach assets.

3. What about the adopted Climate Action Plan would you like to see changed in the Climate Action Plan update?
Not the targets but the impact trees can have on them.

4. What are the key areas in which you think the City should focus to reduce greenhouse gas emissions? Are there specific measures you think the City should implement?
Cattails are great carbon sequesters and have number of other environmental benefits.

Follow the City’s own directive as to why a tree should be pruned. The right location and species matters for the City because it relates to the canopy are details that need to be focused upon. Many of the time individuals don’t sort waste correctly because its not clear as to where their waste should go. How can more education be done to reduce waste production. Have more education and outreach by partnering with EDCO to help the community understand what is and is not recyclable. Compostable tree materials and waste should be recycled into mulch, and compost rather than purchasing such products. Urban wood and recycled wood should be used for creating benches or other City assets. Preserving open space should be a priority or measure that’s proposed as a Carbon Sequestration measure. The City seems to lack a comprehensive rule for landscaping.
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Stakeholder Interviews

5. Are there any equity issues you think the City should be aware of when updating the CAP?
Are there going to be incentives for individuals to switch over their landscape equipment to electric? Are the group of individuals who opted out of SDCP opting out due to a lack of income? Low-income individuals are not able to afford or install

6. Any other questions or comments?
Parking lot tree requirements are not sufficient to promote sustainable growth. There are also no requirements that trees grow, are replaced if they die, are maintained, and that they are trees that create a canopy. The city should act as a role model by planting canopy trees, and bioswales in its parking lots. Take a look at the East side of El Camino Real where several trees have died, and this is not uncommon throughout the city. By not properly maintaining trees, they lead to more emissions from the equipment needed to remove them. Following ‘Streetscape’ many of the trees that were planted years ago are being removed. The City is paying to reduce Carbon Sequestering assets. By switching to natural gas, we need to ensure that electricity is produced by renewable energy to truly reduce emissions. Carpooling should be an option for the TDM program.
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City of Encinitas
Climate Action Plan Update
Stakeholder Interviews
San Luis Rey Band of Mission Indians
Monday, June 24, 2024
Virtual Teams Meeting
Attendees
Ryan Lamkin, City of Encinitas PJ Stoneburner
Questions:

1. Which of the following climate change impacts are you most concerned about? (Extreme Heat Events, Drought Events, Increased Wildfire Risk, Increase Likelihood of Flooding, Sea level rise, Loss of Biodiversity) Plants could be affected by too many carbon emissions.

3. What feedback do you have on the GHG reduction targets being considered for the CAP update?
The goal is an ambitious goal and impressive

4. What are the key areas in which you think the City should focus to reduce greenhouse gas emissions? Are there specific measures you think the City should implement?
Trees and other planting should be native species and drought tolerant where applicable. Creek areas and wetlands.

5. Are there any equity issues you think the City should be aware of when updating the CAP?
Native practitioners are such a small minority that they are often not considered.

6. Any other questions or comments?
The CAP has a co-benefit of making healthier plants.
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City of Encinitas
Climate Action Plan Update
Stakeholder Interviews
Building Industry Association (BIA)
Wednesday, May 15th, 2024, 12pm
Virtual Zoom Meeting
Attendees
Ryan Lamkin, City of Encinitas Adrian L., BIA
Crystal Najera, City of Encinitas Arlene T., BIA
Madelyn Wampler, City of Encinitas John P., BIA
Lori P., BIA Paul D., BIA
Scott H., BIA William M., BIA
Patrick Z., BIA
Questions:

1. Which of the following climate change impacts are you most concerned about? (Extreme Heat Events, Drought Events, Increased Wildfire Risk, Increase Likelihood of Flooding, Sea level rise, Loss of Biodiversity) Increased drought, increased wildfire risk.

3. What feedback do you have on the GHG reduction targets being considered for the CAP update?
If we’re already reaching our target, then it would not be best to continue to include requirements that put burden on developers. New reductions for new targets taken on by the City rather than developers would be ideal because developers have already done so much. Putting more constraints on private development should be one of the last things we consider.

4. What are the key areas in which you think the City should focus to reduce greenhouse gas emissions? Are there specific measures you think the City should implement?
Not sure that we can comment on measures if there aren’t GHG emissions reduction associated with each. City should be focusing more on existing buildings rather than new buildings because of how tight the state requirements already are. By making more requirements for homes, they become more expensive, leading to more sprawl and increased VMT. Continuing to update signals is something the City should continue to do.

5. Are there any equity issues you think the City should be aware of when updating the CAP?
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Stakeholder Interviews
Equity is about the ability to a get house or apartment that you can afford. By continuing to make more requirements for buildings, homes get more expensive to build and are passed onto the homebuyer. Considering the burden that the development industry bears.

6. Any other questions or comments?
Consider how all of the efforts from housing to VMT mitigation intertwine and interact with each other.
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Public Workshop 1
January 30, 2024
Encinitas Library
5:30-7:30 PM
Public Workshop 1 aimed to foster a clear understanding of why the City is preparing a CAP update, present the greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory and forecasts, highlight the gap in emissions reductions needed to achieve targets, and present preliminary GHG reduction measures to meet these targets.
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Public Workshop 1: Attendees
Last Name First Name Organization
Giessow Jesse Resident
Parker Carol Resident
Cramer Katie Encinitas Environmental Commission
Hebshi Aaron Resident
Wisniewski Mark Resident
Mariko Dressel Ali Climate Action Campaign
Minster Jean-Bernard Resident
Forsythe Lori Resident
Archambault Worth Resident
O'Connor Mark Resident
Ana Jeny MASHE
Minster C.J. MASHE
Wang Jim Resident
Bruner J.P. Surfrider
Davis Peter Resident
Schneider Linda Resident
Tucker Wehtaknah Resident
Standerfer Harold Sierra Club
Crespo Xiomalys San Diego Community Power
Prendergast Sally Sierra Club
Schindler Kristine Resident
Rodriguez Ashley San Diego Community Power
Lyndes Joy Resident
Dang Anthony Climate Action Campaign
Total attendance 24
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Public Workshop 1: Individual Comments Received
Comments Received
There should be more carbon sequestration goals- what about preservation of natural habitat/open space? And new technologies? Urban tree cover goals should be increased and the city needs to invest in proper tree planting care because I see a lot of city planted trees that die or are stunted (in growth.) I believe we should have a qualified natural resource manager who is also an urban forester. This is such an important element that I think it needs a full-time dedicated person. Given that most of the city is privately owned and that most development is already in existence, we need to get residents to make positive change in all areas- so incentives and education- we need to do so much more in this area. It's great to target new developments and re-models, but the majority of homes already exist. Where the city has met goals ahead of schedule- it seems like then the goal was too easy! There should be requirements to continue working on goals after they are met. Since on road transportation is 58% of our emissions, the city really needs to figure out some sort of city shuttle service. I know it's expensive but it's so important. We need to do this! I would pay an annual fee for this and I bet many citizens would too. Also the micro-transit solution is interesting. Let's do a pilot project.

Require homes sold to have energy scores with goal of having all (existing) homes to have energy score. Focus on education and outreach to ensure greater confidence of goals.

Concentrate on SDCP 100% renewable power.

One other strategy that is missing (is the) implement(ation of) ordinances to reduce single use plastics, and consider the amount of GHG emissions avoided in the production of these materials- include in reduction targets. Can development code be amended to require that native vegetation and large trees be maintained on newly developed property? To present complete razing of land which release GHGs to atmosphere.

Cruising for parking can significantly add to VMT in parking-impacted areas such as downtown Encinitas. Establishing a parking benefits district (PBD) using metering to manage curb occupancy can reduce cruising and idling for parking. The excess cruising and idling detracts from the walkability of an area, and further increases VMT and GHG (emissions.) A PBD can generate revenue to fund benefits such as the proposed shuttle circulator and transit passes for employees. Infill housing and services, particularly on parking lots, reduces sprawl and the need to drive everywhere. Eliminating parking minimums for developments promising to build affordable housing can be a win-win for walkability, providing homes for those who work here, and can also reduce VMT by reducing the distance that people working here have to drive. Providing incentives for e-bikes can reduce VMT. Providing a means for car-sharing via a city-backed insurance system to overcome the lack of insurance available on the private market for those who want to share a car but live in separate households. Yes! implement the active transportation plan!
On the state of the City annual report show the following so that progress can be accurately tracked year by year; number of (publicly maintained) trees, number of vacant sites, number of trees planted, and number of trees removed from parks and right-of-way. Show changes from previous year. Show progress or loss of targets. Cubic yards of wood chip mulches utilized in parks and right-of-way. Cubic yards taken out of Encinitas to landfills. Increase use of urban wood from city tree removals. Use native trees in appropriate locations use best data/research when calculating GHG reduction potential. 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 253 of 514
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Comments Received
When considering the #1 source of emissions is on-road transportation it is only logical to focus the efforts on reduction of on-road transportation. In short, reduced quantity of vehicles that generate emissions but development mandated by the State of California increases quantity of emissions as every new development increases the quantity of vehicles, adding residents also increases the use of water, energy, construction related emissions including disturbance of ground, removal of mature trees, and the additional waste streams generated by all added residents, therefore, measures to reduce emissions is "uphill," yes, the proposed measures are helpful, however the gaps between target goals to outcomes will still widen as population increases. Good luck. You need it. Because unless the State mandates include mandate(d) public transit or travel via bikes and on foot, gaps widen.

It's great to have an ordinance requiring electric leaf blowers, but there are some equity considerations. Are the independent contractors or property owners responsible? Not all independent contractors can afford or have access to all electric equipment (especially if they are low income coming from communities outside of Encinitas.) How can we ensure that the financial burden does not fall on the workers who cannot afford it? There are many workers who commute to Encinitas but cannot afford to live there. How are you collaborating with other cities and agencies to ensure that those workers (whoa re often low-income and people of color) have adequate access to affordable and efficient transportation every step of the way. In other words, how are you collaborating with other agencies/cities on a regional scale to ensure equity for those who are still part of the community even if they cannot afford to live there? Transportation needs to be affordable and accessible across the region in order to ensure that workers can reduce their vehicle miles traveled within Encinitas. How are you ensuring low-income engagement with communities of color who work in Encinitas even if they don't live there?
Good presentation but MTCO2e is megaton of CO2 to any scientist this is a factor of 10^6 off! Use T for tons, MT is not a unit meaning "metric ton."
Incentivize: New homes water capture. WE-1; waterwise does not work with our zip. No incentive to remove grass and plant natives. Less H2O. RE-2; Our city zip code does not work with solar panel incentives. OR-1; no incentive to get rid of blowers. No enforcement.

ZW-1; I didn't want a green waste or kitchen caddie- I compost everything. I still have to pay.

Mature trees need a replacement valve for all development-pay for removal or incentivize to keep them. More open space to plant urban forest for more carbon sequestration.

I would like to see every home in Encinitas to be required to have a Department of Energy Home Energy Score. This is widely practiced in parts of Europe for every home sold. A home energy score provides a baseline for home buyers and owners to evaluate carbon footprint and implement energy efficiency measures. Getting a home energy score is a small cost with valuable benefits. What can be measured can be managed. 2026-09-23 Item #01 Page 254 of 514
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Comments Received
In the inventory, recommended actions are made to improve the health and structure of worthy trees, especially land-mark and other prominent trees. These maintenance recommendations include needed irrigation, fertilizing, pest and disease management, cabling or bracing, and especially pruning. The information gathered in a tree inventory is summarized in a tree report, and tree canopy dimensions and trunk locations are placed on site or grading plans to develop a tree preservation plan. The tree report and tree preservation plan allow information on tree health and structure, as well as on tree size and location, to be considered when designing a development. pg 13 One long-term goal of the City of Encinitas is a sustainably managed urban forest. The maintenance of the social, recreational, ecological, economic, and green infrastructure functions of trees and their benefits over time contribute to this goal. Stewardship of naturally occurring and planted trees is a central element in urban forest sustainability. Tree health, safety, and preservation during development and other construction activities; species and site selection; quality of planting stock; standards of performance; and best management practices are integral to a sustainable urban forest. Tree protection should begin before construction starts. If preservation measures are delayed or ignored until construction begins, the trees may be adversely affected. In many cases, construction impacts to trees cannot be eliminated. Therefore, the City's goal is to allow construction projects to proceed while minimizing injury to trees. Successful tree preservation occurs when City staff, designers, construction personnel, and project managers are committed to tree preservation (see Figure