See below
Where is your community located? You can define it by cities, neighborhoods, streets, address, a key landmark such as college campus, facility, school, church, or other boundaries.
See below
What is the rationale for your community of interest to be used in this City Council redistricting? Please describe how the issues before the City Council has an impact on your community.
I believe the criteria should be based on three area of commonality: (1) Geographic proximity (2) Dwelling type: house, condo, apartment (3) Traffic & noise: busy roadway, lagoon, bay trail, place of congregation (e.g., school, church, park, shopping, restaurants), auto/aircraft proximity.
Based on this my community of interest consists of houses in neighborhood 7 (& maybe parts of 8), noise and traffic from parks, lagoon, & bay trail, noise from 101 & San Carlos Airport.
The following information is optional. If you provide an email address, we will send you updates on the process.
Name
John Lowrance
Are you a Foster City resident?
yes
What neighborhood to you live in?
Plum Island
Email address
Source URL:https://www.fostercity.org/node/46662/submission/17820 Links
[1] https://www.fostercity.org/cityclerk/webform/tell-us-about-your-community-interest
7.2 Attachment 2 - Community of Interest Forms
241
Published on Foster City California (https://www.fostercity.org) Home Tell Us About Your Community of Interest Webform results Submission #8 Submission information
Form: Tell Us About Your Community of Interest [1]
Submitted by Visitor (not verified)
Sun, 10/13/2024 - 10:32pm
What is the nature of the bond or common interest of your community? You can describe what the common interests of your community are and why or how they are important.
Our development takes great pride in maintaining our urban forest, and maintaining it's original character as designed.
Where is your community located? You can define it by cities, neighborhoods, streets, address, a key landmark such as college campus, facility, school, church, or other boundaries.
Whalers Island HOA
What is the rationale for your community of interest to be used in this City Council redistricting? Please describe how the issues before the City Council has an impact on your community.
Our community is unique. We have set high standards for improvements and expect those to be considered when new policy is enacted. As an HOA we do not benefit from all the benefits other non HOA neighborhoods might receive, yet our taxes don;t reflect that.
The following information is optional. If you provide an email address, we will send you updates on the process.
Name
David Kramar
Are you a Foster City resident?
yes
What neighborhood to you live in?
Whalers Island
Email address
Source URL:https://www.fostercity.org/node/46662/submission/17827 Links
[1] https://www.fostercity.org/cityclerk/webform/tell-us-about-your-community-interest
7.2 Attachment 2 - Community of Interest Forms
242
Published on Foster City California (https://www.fostercity.org) Home Tell Us About Your Community of Interest Webform results Submission #9 Submission information
Form: Tell Us About Your Community of Interest [1]
Submitted by Visitor (not verified)
Mon, 10/14/2024 - 12:41pm
What is the nature of the bond or common interest of your community? You can describe what the common interests of your community are and why or how they are important.
The entire city of foster City is my community. Betterment of the city is our shared value Where is your community located? You can define it by cities, neighborhoods, streets, address, a key landmark such as college campus, facility, school, church, or other boundaries.
The entire city
What is the rationale for your community of interest to be used in this City Council redistricting? Please describe how the issues before the City Council has an impact on your community.
I oppose districting. Small cities should be exempt from districting.
The following information is optional. If you provide an email address, we will send you updates on the process.
Name
Shankar Kenkre
Are you a Foster City resident?
What neighborhood to you live in?
Farragut Park Area
Email address
Source URL:https://www.fostercity.org/node/46662/submission/17828 Links
[1] https://www.fostercity.org/cityclerk/webform/tell-us-about-your-community-interest
7.2 Attachment 2 - Community of Interest Forms
243
Published on Foster City California (https://www.fostercity.org) Home Tell Us About Your Community of Interest Webform results Submission #10 Submission information
Form: Tell Us About Your Community of Interest [1]
Submitted by Visitor (not verified)
Mon, 10/14/2024 - 1:05pm
What is the nature of the bond or common interest of your community? You can describe what the common interests of your community are and why or how they are important.
I do not see any common interest except we live closeby Where is your community located? You can define it by cities, neighborhoods, streets, address, a key landmark such as college campus, facility, school, church, or other boundaries.
Foster city is too small to district
What is the rationale for your community of interest to be used in this City Council redistricting? Please describe how the issues before the City Council has an impact on your community.
We do not need this for Foster City
The following information is optional. If you provide an email address, we will send you updates on the process.
Name
Mukul Mittal
Are you a Foster City resident?
yes
What neighborhood to you live in?
Email address
Source URL:https://www.fostercity.org/node/46662/submission/17829 Links
[1] https://www.fostercity.org/cityclerk/webform/tell-us-about-your-community-interest
7.2 Attachment 2 - Community of Interest Forms
244
Published on Foster City California (https://www.fostercity.org) Home Tell Us About Your Community of Interest Webform results Submission #11 Submission information
Form: Tell Us About Your Community of Interest [1]
Submitted by Visitor (not verified)
Mon, 10/14/2024 - 1:47pm
What is the nature of the bond or common interest of your community? You can describe what the common interests of your community are and why or how they are important.
My bond is with my entire community. It’s a disservice to all of us in Foster City to be forced into districting.
Where is your community located? You can define it by cities, neighborhoods, streets, address, a key landmark such as college campus, facility, school, church, or other boundaries.
The entire city
What is the rationale for your community of interest to be used in this City Council redistricting? Please describe how the issues before the City Council has an impact on your community.
We are one here. We are not broken out by economic class, ethnicity, nor physical boundaries.
Splitting us up and giving us the right to vote for only one Councilmember while all 5 determine policy is a mistake.
The following information is optional. If you provide an email address, we will send you updates on the process.
Name
Sanjay Gehani
Are you a Foster City resident?
yes
What neighborhood to you live in?
Email address
Source URL:https://www.fostercity.org/node/46662/submission/17830 Links
[1] https://www.fostercity.org/cityclerk/webform/tell-us-about-your-community-interest
7.2 Attachment 2 - Community of Interest Forms
245
Published on Foster City California (https://www.fostercity.org) Home Tell Us About Your Community of Interest Webform results Submission #12 Submission information
Form: Tell Us About Your Community of Interest [1]
Submitted by Visitor (not verified)
Mon, 10/14/2024 - 8:17pm
What is the nature of the bond or common interest of your community? You can describe what the common interests of your community are and why or how they are important.
Common interests of togetherness, celebrating the joys and holidays and festivals together. This helps us gain diverse perspective and reach out kids those perspectives. Helps open our minds to wonderful things, foods, traditions and customs from over the world.
Where is your community located? You can define it by cities, neighborhoods, streets, address, a key landmark such as college campus, facility, school, church, or other boundaries.
By foster city elementary school in Foster City
What is the rationale for your community of interest to be used in this City Council redistricting? Please describe how the issues before the City Council has an impact on your community.
None
The following information is optional. If you provide an email address, we will send you updates on the process.
Name
Are you a Foster City resident?
yes
What neighborhood to you live in?
Edgewater townhomes
Email address
Source URL:https://www.fostercity.org/node/46662/submission/17833 Links
[1] https://www.fostercity.org/cityclerk/webform/tell-us-about-your-community-interest
7.2 Attachment 2 - Community of Interest Forms
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1 | Page
Districtr Community of Interest Testimony Submissions
“The Original Isles”
ID 258536
Date of submission: 10/25/2024
Notes: No description included.
“Samcar MLS Market Areas”
ID 260491
Date of submission: 10/30/2024
Blue: Samcar MLS Market Area 399
Yellow: Samcar MLS Market Area 397
Teal: Samcar MLS Market Area 396
Green: Samcar MLS Market Area 398
Magenta: Samcar MLS Market Area
400
Purple: Samcar MLS Market Area 392
Light blue: Samcar MLS Market Area
393
Gray: 395
Corral: 394
Periwinkle blue: 391
Orange: 390
7.2 Attachment 2 - Community of Interest Forms
247
Published on Foster City California (https://www.fostercity.org) Home Tell Us About Your Community of Interest Webform results Submission #14 Submission information
Form: Tell Us About Your Community of Interest [1]
Submitted by Visitor (not verified)
Thu, 11/07/2024 - 4:44pm
What is the nature of the bond or common interest of your community? You can describe what the common interests of your community are and why or how they are important.
The community as a whole is my community of interest.
Where is your community located? You can define it by cities, neighborhoods, streets, address, a key landmark such as college campus, facility, school, church, or other boundaries.
Foster City is my community.
What is the rationale for your community of interest to be used in this City Council redistricting? Please describe how the issues before the City Council has an impact on your community.
I have no rational other than the rules provided.
The following information is optional. If you provide an email address, we will send you updates on the process.
Name
Are you a Foster City resident?
yes
What neighborhood to you live in?
Neighborhood 2
Email address
Source URL:
https://www.fostercity.org/node/46662/submission/18031
Links
[1] https://www.fostercity.org/cityclerk/webform/tell-us-about-your-community-interest 11/12/24, 4:48 PM Submission #14
https://www.fostercity.org/print/46662/submission/18031 1/1
7.2 Attachment 2 - Community of Interest Forms
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1 | P a g e
Public Maps: FAIR MAPS Act Assessment
The following maps were submitted by November 8, 2024 and can be considered during the November 18 public hearing
Under the FAIR MAPS Act, the Foster City is required to follow a ranked list of criteria in their districting process:
• Relatively equal in population size – total deviation is under 10% • Contiguous
• Maintains “communities of interest”
• Easily identifiable and understandable lines, following city, natural, and man-made boundaries
• Compact
As demographers, we can assess all criteria objectively except for “maintaining communities of interest.” This particular criterion is subjective by definition and should be discussed by the public and the City Council to determine how well these maps fulfil this criterion.
Public Map 2
M. Fok
Total Deviation: 27.6%
Date of submission: 11/6/2024
Relatively equal in population size?
Contiguous?
Lines are easy to understand and
identify?
✓
Compact? ✓
Districtr ID: 259876
“Thought Experiment: 2CM all Lagoon Front Property”
Total Deviation: 2.6%
Date of submission: 10/29/2024
Relatively equal in population size? ✓
Contiguous?
Lines are easy to understand and
identify?
Compact?
7.2 Attachment 3 - Redistricting Partners FAIR MAPS Assessment November 8, 2024
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2 | P a g e
Districtr ID: 259252
“1.75”
Total Deviation: 3.4%
Date of submission: 10/28/2024
Relatively equal in population size? ✓
Contiguous? ✓
Lines are easy to understand and
identify?
✓
Compact? ✓
Districtr ID: 259227
“~lives on water/92 everyone has an island”
Total Deviation: 4.1%
Date of submission: 10/28/2024
Relatively equal in population size? ✓
Contiguous? ✓
Lines are easy to understand and
identify?
✓
Compact? ✓
*Water census blocks need to be assigned districts.
7.2 Attachment 3 - Redistricting Partners FAIR MAPS Assessment November 8, 2024
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3 | P a g e
The following maps were submitted by October 28, 2024 and were be considered during the November 4 public hearing.
Districtr ID: 258150
“AJayG”
Total Deviation: 4.8%
Date of submission: 10/24/2024
Relatively equal in population size? ✓
Contiguous? ✓
Lines are easy to understand and
identify?
✓
Compact? ✓
Districtr ID: 258168
“SG_district_fostercity”
Total Deviation: 3.6%
Date of submission: 10/24/2024
Relatively equal in population size? ✓
Contiguous? *
Lines are easy to understand and
identify?
✓
Compact? ✓
Notes: *The map can easily be made contiguous if all populated blocks are drawn it/map remains balanced.
7.2 Attachment 3 - Redistricting Partners FAIR MAPS Assessment November 8, 2024
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4 | P a g e
Districtr ID: 258388
“Balanced Population”
Total Deviation: 6.2%
Date of submission: 10/25/2024
Relatively equal in population size? ✓
Contiguous? ✓
Lines are easy to understand and
identify?
✓
Compact? ✓
Districtr ID: 258391
Total Deviation: 3.6%
Date of submission: 10/25/2024
Relatively equal in population size? ✓
Contiguous? ✓
Lines are easy to understand and
identify?
✓
Compact? ✓
Note: Discussion on travel contiguity is needed.
Districtr ID: 258415
“AL1”
Total Deviation: 14.9%
Date of submission: 10/25/2024
Relatively equal in population size?
Contiguous? ✓
Lines are easy to understand and
identify?
✓
Compact? ✓
Note: Population must be balanced before considering this map.
7.2 Attachment 3 - Redistricting Partners FAIR MAPS Assessment November 8, 2024
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5 | P a g e
Districtr ID: 258421
“KeepCityWholeAgain”
Total Deviation: >100%
Date of submission: 10/25/2024
Relatively equal in population size?
Contiguous?
Lines are easy to understand and
identify?
Compact?
Districtr ID: 258425
“FC Plan”
Total Deviation: 15.7%
Date of submission: 10/25/2024
Relatively equal in population size?
Contiguous?
Lines are easy to understand and
identify?
Compact? ✓
Districtr ID: 258471
Total Deviation: 3.4%
Date of submission: 10/25/2024
Relatively equal in population size? ✓
Contiguous? ✓
Lines are easy to understand and
identify?
✓
Compact? ✓
Notes: This map appears to sacrifice logical boundary dividers and communities of interest to achieve a 0% total deviation.
7.2 Attachment 3 - Redistricting Partners FAIR MAPS Assessment November 8, 2024
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6 | P a g e
Districtr ID: 258474
Total Deviation: 3.9%
Date of submission: 10/25/2024
Relatively equal in population size? ✓
Contiguous? ✓
Lines are easy to understand and
identify?
✓
Compact? ✓
Districtr ID: 258535
“Everyone Owns Lagoon”
Total Deviation: 13.6%
Date of submission: 10/25/2024
Relatively equal in population size?
Contiguous? ✓
Lines are easy to understand and
identify?
✓
Compact? ✓
Notes: Population needs to be balanced before this map can be considered.
Districtr ID: 258538
“Main Arteries & Functions”
Total Deviation: 9.3%
Date of submission: 10/25/2024
Relatively equal in population size? ✓
Contiguous? ✓
Lines are easy to understand and
identify?
✓
Compact? ✓
7.2 Attachment 3 - Redistricting Partners FAIR MAPS Assessment November 8, 2024
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7 | P a g e
Districtr ID: 258569
“Shashank’s Plan”
Total Deviation: 4.5%
Date of submission: 10/26/2024
Relatively equal in population size? ✓
Contiguous?
Lines are easy to understand and
identify?
✓
Compact? ✓
Notes: Issues with travel and literal contiguity.
Districtr ID: 258659
“perfect balance (just about)”
Total Deviation: 0.2%
Date of submission: 10/26/2024
Relatively equal in population size? ✓
Contiguous? ✓
Lines are easy to understand and
identify?
✓
Compact? ✓
Districtr ID: 258701
“Almost Perfectly Balanced”
Total Deviation: 0.2%
Date of submission: 10/27/2024
Relatively equal in population size? ✓
Contiguous? ✓
Lines are easy to understand and
identify?
✓*
Compact? ✓
Notes: *Recommended line cleanup and possible travel contiguity issues.
7.2 Attachment 3 - Redistricting Partners FAIR MAPS Assessment November 8, 2024
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8 | P a g e
Districtr ID: 258703
Total Deviation: 11.7%
Date of submission: 10/27/2024
Relatively equal in population size?
Contiguous?
Lines are easy to understand and
identify?
✓
Compact? ✓
Districtr ID: 258783
“Cunningham Plan”
Total Deviation: 11.4%
Date of submission: 10/27/2024
Relatively equal in population size?
Contiguous?
Lines are easy to understand and
identify?
✓
Compact? ✓
Public Map 1
Hand-drawn submission
“T. Markiewicz”
Total Deviation: 13.8%
Relatively equal in population size?
Contiguous? ✓
Lines are easy to understand and
identify?
✓
Compact? ✓
Notes: Population must be balanced in order to consider this map.
7.2 Attachment 3 - Redistricting Partners FAIR MAPS Assessment November 8, 2024
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9 | P a g e
Community of Interest Testimony
“The Original Isles”
ID 258536
Date of submission: 10/25/2024
7.2 Attachment 3 - Redistricting Partners FAIR MAPS Assessment November 8, 2024
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4885-4038-6551 v1
ORDINANCE NO.____
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FOSTER CITY AMENDING TITLE 2 “ADMINISTRATION AND PERSONNEL” OF THE FOSTER CITY MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADD SECTION 2.56.025 “DISTRICT ELECTIONS” TO PROVIDE FOR THE ELECTION OF MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL BY FIVE DISTRICTS; ESTABLISH THE DISTRICT BOUNDARIES; AND ELECTION ORDER OF EACH DISTRICT
CITY OF FOSTER CITY
WHEREAS, members of the City Council are currently elected in “at-large” elections, in which each City Councilmember is elected by the registered voters of the entire City; and
WHEREAS, California Government Code section 34886, in certain circumstances, authorizes the legislative body of a city of any population to adopt an ordinance to change its method of election from an “at-large” system to a “district-based” system in which each councilmember is elected only by the voters in the district in which the candidate resides; and
WHEREAS, on July 22, 2024, the City of Foster City (“City”) received a certified letter from a potential plaintiffs’ attorney, alleging a violation of the California Voting Rights Act (the “CVRA”) and threatening litigation if the City declines to voluntarily change to a district-based election system for electing Councilmembers; and WHEREAS, while the City Council denies that its at large election system violates the CVRA or any other provision of law, the City Council determined that the public interest is better served by initiating a process for transition to a district-based election system and thereby avoiding the high costs associated with defending a lawsuit under the CVRA; and
WHEREAS, California Government Code section 34886 permits the City Council of any city to change the City’s method of election by ordinance to a “by-district” system in which each member of the City Council is elected only by the voters in the district in which the candidate resides; and
WHEREAS, Elections Code Section 10010 provides a method whereby a jurisdiction can expeditiously transition to a district-based election system and thereby avoid the high cost of litigation under the CVRA if the jurisdiction complied with the “safe harbor” provisions of Elections Code Section 10010; and WHEREAS, under the provisions of California Elections Code section 10010(a)(1), a city that changes from an at-large city council method of election to a by-district city council method of election is required to hold at least two public hearings over a period of not more than 30 days, at which the public is invited to provide input regarding communities of interest that would help to define the composition of the districts; and
7.2 Attachment 4 - Proposed Ordinance
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4885-4038-6551 v1
2 WHEREAS, under the provisions of California Elections Code section 10010(a)(2), a city that changes from an at-large election system to by district must, after the first and second public hearings hold at least two additional hearings over a period of no more than 45 days, at which the public is invited to provide input regarding the content of the draft maps and the proposed sequence of elections. A fifth public hearing would be held to adopt the selected map; and
WHEREAS, at a regular meeting held on September 3, 2024, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2024-91 to begin the process of transitioning to a district-based election system and adopting the timeline for public hearings to conform to the requirements of California Elections Code section 10010; and WHEREAS, thereafter, at regular meetings held on October 7, 2024 and October 21, 2024, pursuant to California Elections Code section 10010(a)(1), the City Council held public hearings where the public was invited to provide input regarding the number and composition of the City’s voting districts and election sequencing, before any draft maps were drawn, and the City Council considered public input and discussed the same at those meetings; and
WHEREAS, thereafter, at regular meetings on November 4, 2024 and November 18, 2024, pursuant to California Elections Code Section 10010(a)(2), the City Council held public hearings where the public was invited to provide input regarding the content of the draft maps that had been released at least seven (7) days before each meeting, and the proposed sequence of elections, and the City Council received, considered and discussed the same; and
WHEREAS, at the regular meeting on November 18, 2024, at the conclusion of the public hearing, the Council formally selected the voting district and the election sequence, attached to and incorporated herein as Exhibit A to this Ordinance, which was introduced for a first reading at that time with a second reading and adoption scheduled to take place on December 2, 2024; and
WHEREAS, throughout the foregoing process, the City engaged in a significant amount of public outreach and engagement above and beyond the public procedures required by California Elections Code Section 10010 and those portions of the Fair and Inclusive Redistricting for Municipalities and Political Subdivisions (Fair Maps) Act applicable to cities that are transitioning for the first time to district-based elections systems; and
WHEREAS, such outreach included but is not limited to, maintaining a City webpage dedicated to the process of transitioning from at-large elections to by district elections, regularly notifying residents of meetings and other engagements on the City’s social media channels and newsletter, mailing printed promotional outreach to all residential addresses, hosting two community meetings, sharing information on digital posting boards and the City’s marquee, distributing printed informational material at City facilities, posting and publishing notices (including in Mandarin) about the public hearings and attending seventeen (17) community events to discuss the districting process;
7.2 Attachment 4 - Proposed Ordinance
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4885-4038-6551 v1
3 WHEREAS, in selecting the map, the City Council considered the criteria set forth in Elections Code Section 21130 of the Fair Maps Act and is adopting district boundaries in accordance with the provisions stated therein, as well as the federal Voting Rights Act and the California Voting Rights Act; and
WHEREAS, Map ___ meets all the requirements of state and federal law and was posted on November 8, 2024 on the City’s website for public consideration at least seven (7) days before the introduction of this Ordinance; and WHEREAS, the purpose of this Ordinance is to enact, pursuant to California Government Code section 34886, an ordinance providing for the election of members of the City Council of the City of Foster City by district in five single-member districts as reflected in Exhibit A to this Ordinance and to implement the guarantees of the California Constitution.
NOW THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FOSTER CITY DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Recitals. The City Council hereby finds that the foregoing recitals are true and accurate and are incorporated herein by reference.
Section 2. California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Determination.
Adoption of this Ordinance is exempt from environmental review as the adoption of this Ordinance does not qualify as a “project” pursuant to Public Resource Code section 21065 and CEQA Guidelines Sections 15320, 15378 and 15061(b)(3) since it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that adoption of the Ordinance would cause either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.
Section 3. Code Amendment. Title 2 “Administration and Personnel” of the Foster City Municipal Code is hereby amended to add Section 2.56.025, “District Elections,” within Chapter 2.56 to read as follows:
“Section 2.56.025 - District Elections.
A. Declaration of Purpose. The City Council of the City of Foster City hereby declares that the change of method of electing members of this Council, hereby enacted, is being made in furtherance of the California Voting Rights Act.
B. City Council Districts Established. Five City Council districts are hereby established in the City of Foster City. The district boundaries and identifying number of each district shall be as described on the Council District Map__, attached hereto as Exhibit “A” and incorporated hereby by this reference and incorporated below. [SELECTED MAP]
7.2 Attachment 4 - Proposed Ordinance
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4 C. Election of Members of the City Council by District.
1. Following the effective date of this ordinance and upon the commencement of “by district” elections pursuant to section 2.56.025(D), members of the City Council shall be elected “by district,” as defined in California Government Code Section 34871, or any successor statute.
2. Registered voters signing nomination papers or voting for a member of the City Council shall be residents of the geographical area making up the district from which the member is to be elected.
3. No term of any member of the City Council that commenced prior to the effective date of this ordinance shall be affected by the adoption of this ordinance.
D. Commencement of District Elections. Commencing with the general municipal election in November of 2026 and every four years thereafter the voters in districts [ ] and [ ] shall elect members of the City Council by district for full four (4) year terms. At the general municipal election in 2028 and every four years thereafter, the voters in districts [ ], [ ], and [ ] shall elect members of the City Council by district for full four (4) year terms.”
Section 4. Authorization for Technical Adjustments. The City’s demographer, Redistricting Partners, is hereby authorized to make non-substantive technical adjustments to Map ___ to finalize the Map as necessary and to prepare a GIS shapefile which identifies the Council district boundaries, as well as the census blocks and tracts.
The final Map ___, the census blocks and tracts and the GIS shapefile shall be in a form approved by the City Clerk and City Attorney.
Section 5. Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining portions of this Ordinance shall nonetheless remain in full force and effect. The Council of the City of Foster City hereby declares that it would have adopted each section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this Ordinance, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses, phrases, or portions of this Ordinance be declared invalid or unenforceable.
Section 6. Effective Date.
This Ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days after adoption as provided by Government Code section 36937.
Section 7. Publication; Certification.
The City Clerk shall attest to the adoption of this Ordinance and cause the same to be published in accordance with State law. The City Clerk is also authorized and directed to file this Ordinance, Map ___, the census blocks and tracts, the GIS shapefile, and any other documents necessary to effectuate the adoption of Map ___ with the San
7.2 Attachment 4 - Proposed Ordinance
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4885-4038-6551 v1
5 Mateo County Clerk-Recorder-Assessor-Registrar of Voters. In the case of any parcels that are split across Council district boundaries, the County Clerk-Recorder-Assessor- Registrar of Voters shall apply a uniform methodology to adjust the boundary line to a border of the parcel without materially affecting the population within each affected district.
This Ordinance was introduced by the City Council of the City of Foster City on November 18, 2024 and was adopted on _____________ by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
CITY OF FOSTER CITY
_______________________
Patrick Sullivan, Mayor
ATTEST:
Priscilla Schaus, City Clerk
Attachments: Exhibit A District Map [ ]
7.2 Attachment 4 - Proposed Ordinance
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8 0
6 DATE: November 18, 2024
TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council
VIA: Stefan Chatwin, City Manager
Marlene Subhashini, Assistant City Manager
FROM: Sofia Mangalam, Community Development Director
Vanessa Brannon, Senior Management Analyst
DEPARTMENT: Community Development
SUBJECT: ADOPTION OF THE INITIAL STUDY/NEGATIVE DECLARATION PREPARED FOR THE CLIMATE ACTION PLAN (CAP) 2024
UPDATE AND ADOPTION OF THE CAP 2024 UPDATE
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council take the following actions:
1. Approve a Resolution Adopting the Initial Study/Negative Declaration prepared for the Foster City Climate Action Plan 2024 Update (Attachments 1 and 2); and
2.Approve a Resolution Adopting the Foster City Climate Action Plan 2024 Update (Attachments 3 and 4).
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Foster City's Climate Action Plan (CAP) is a comprehensive document that aims to address and mitigate the impacts of climate change locally, reflecting the City's commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
The City's first CAP was adopted in 2016 and needs updating to reflect new state legislation, changing priorities, and updated/new environmental sustainability and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction policies. The CAP 2024 Update serves as an update to the 2016 CAP and provides a set of implementation measures and programs
7.3 7.3 Staff Report
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6 to address climate change by reducing GHG emissions associated with vehicle trips, energy consumption, and solid waste. The 2024 CAP Update also meets requirements for streamlining environmental review of future development projects.
Staff would like to present the Draft CAP 2024 Update (Attachment 4) and recommends that the City Council adopt the CAP 2024 Update and the associated Initial Study/Negative Declaration to meet the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements to become a CEQA-qualified CAP.
Foster City's Draft CAP 2024 Update sets forth an objective of slashing GHG emissions by almost 50% below 2005 levels by 2030, marking a pivotal step toward the overarching aim of an 88% reduction by 2045.
Under CEQA, local government agencies must inform the public and decision-makers about the potential environmental effects of proposed projects. Staff and consultants completed the necessary review under CEQA. An Initial Study/Negative Declaration was developed for the Foster City CAP 2024 Update, as no significant effects on the environment were identified, eliminating the need for further analysis or mitigation measures.
A public review period was open from September 18 through October 18 for both documents, including the Draft CAP 2024 Update and the associated Initial Study/Negative Declaration. Staff received comments on the Draft CAP 2024 Update, which are added as Attachment 5. No public comments were received on the Initial Study/Negative Declaration.
BACKGROUND
The CAP is designed to be a blueprint for the community's response to the challenges presented by climate change, including a plan for the reduction of GHG emissions.
California relies on its counties and cities to strive for emissions reductions where the State has no immediate influence through local land use policies, transportation measures, energy and water conservation programs, and other initiatives.
The City Council adopted Foster City's first CAP in 2016 ( link here), establishing GHG emissions reduction targets and identifying strategies to mitigate climate change caused by GHG emissions. The CAP set reduction targets for GHG emissions of 15% by 2020, 20% by 2025, and 80% by 2050 compared to 2005 levels. The 2016 CAP also identified 42 reduction measures related to energy use, transportation, land use, solid waste, water, and education, which served as a roadmap for reducing GHG emissions.
California State Law does not require local agencies to have climate action plans, but various state laws incentivize their use. Of California's 482 cities, approximately 200 have CAPs, and of the 58 counties, almost two (2) dozen have CAPs.
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6 The CAP also falls under the City's Sustainable Foster City Initiative, first developed in 2008. Sustainable Foster City aims to safeguard and enhance Foster City's economic and natural resources, ensuring a better quality of life for all its residents. It is grounded in sustainability principles and focuses on three main areas: caring for the environment and natural resources (Environmental Sustainability), promoting fairness and well-being among community members (Social Equity and Engagement), and boosting the community's economic health (Economic Development).
The CAP 2024 Update resulted from the extensive community engagement following a robust Community Engagement Plan. This plan laid out the goals, target audiences, demographic insights of Foster City, and a strategic approach for effective communication and engagement with the City's diverse communities.
The Community Engagement Plan aimed to achieve several key objectives:
•Ensure the plan reflects Foster City's diverse communities' unique perspectives, priorities, and values.
•Educate, empower, and motivate residents and businesses to foster a collective understanding of climate change and encourage proactive measures. •Establish a clear and actionable framework for community-led initiatives within the CAP Update.
•Enhance collaboration and strengthen partnerships between the City, its residents, and other stakeholders to align on common goals.
To accomplish these goals, the project team comprising of City staff, consultants, and Citizens Sustainability Advisory Committee (CSAC) members planned various community interactions and activities, set timelines, defined key messages, designed a style guide and visuals, updated the project website, and produced additional materials to boost community participation. The engagement process unfolded in three (3) stages:
Phase One—Raising Awareness: Initial efforts aimed at making the community aware of the CAP 2024 Update initiative, inviting input on their visions and concerns, and informing them about ongoing sustainability projects.
Phase Two—Developing Goals and Planning: This stage was crucial for deepening community engagement, establishing or reinforcing stakeholder connections, and discussing the CAP 2024 Update's fundamental components with the community.
Following this, in November 2022, the team drafted the CAP 2024 Update, marking a significant milestone in the project.
Phase Three—Refining and Implementing the Plan: This phase focused on refining the Draft CAP 2024 Update based on City staff and community feedback. This phase also includes beginning the groundwork for implementing the plan's strategies.
Throughout 2023 and part of 2024, the project team engaged in extensive community engagement, interacting with over 2,000 community members in person, via email or phone, or at one of the many workshops, booths, and events. The complete CAP
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6 community engagement process is available in Appendix E of Attachment 4 – Foster City CAP 2024 Update.
ANALYSIS
Draft Framework of the CAP (April 2024)
On April 1, 2024, staff provided an informational report on the "Foster City Draft Climate Action Plan Update" to the City Council. At that meeting, the City Council approved the Draft Framework of the CAP, which provided the Project Team with the guidance to develop further and complete the Draft CAP 2024 Update.
Draft CAP 2024 Update (September 2024 Version)
Several changes were made to the City Council-approved Draft CAP Framework (approved in April 2024) to develop the September 2024 Draft CAP Update. The significant changes are highlighted below. Other changes/edits were made to clean up language for clarity and overall grammar edits. The City's community engagement consultants also created a graphic version of the Draft CAP 2024 Update from the original text-only framework.
•Document Title Change
Framework: City of Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Draft CAP 2024 Update 9/24: City of Foster City Climate Action Plan 2024 Update
•Executive Summary
Framework: CAP goal – 50% GHG Emissions reduction by 2030.
Draft CAP 2024 Update 9/24: CAP Goal – 49% reduction by 2030. This change is reflected in all sections of the CAP and more precisely aligns with the State's goals.
•Section 1: Introduction
Framework: Table 1.1 List of Climate Action Plan Target Measures and GHG Emission Reduction Impact
Draft CAP 2024 Update 9/24: Updated Table 1.1 List of Climate Action Plan Target Measures and GHG Emissions Reduction Impact (see below). The table also indicates if the Measure has been adjusted or is new in the September 2024 Version.
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6 Table 1: List of Climate Action Plan Target Measures Changes from the April 2024 Framework to the September 2024 Version
ID # TARGET MEASURE – SEPTEMBER 2024 VERSION SECTOR
GHG
IMPACT
CHANGE FROM
APRIL 2024
FRAMEWORK
E-W.1.1 Promote and expand participation in residential and commercial energy efficiency programs
Energy &
Water
0 MTCO2e
No
Change
E-W.1.2
Reduce municipal energy consumption through
energy efficiency projects and behavioral and
operational changes
Energy &
Water
0 MTCO2e
No
Change
E-W.2.1 Increase residential and commercial solar
installations
Energy &
Water
0 MTCO2e
No
Change
E-W.2.2
Decarbonize existing commercial and residential
buildings to reduce natural gas consumption from
existing commercial buildings by 19% and natural
gas consumption from existing residential buildings
by 25% by 2030 or reduce greenhouse gas
emissions by 10,896 MTCO2e in existing
commercial and residential buildings by 2030
Energy &
Water
-10,896
MTCO2e
Revised
language and
emissions
E-W.2.3
Support Peninsula Clean Energy in providing 100%
carbon-neutral electricity by 2030 and maintain a
Peninsula Clean Energy opt-out rate of less than
2% for residential customers and less than 3% for
commercial customers by 2030
Energy &
Water
-9,289
MTCO2e
Revised
language and
emissions
E-W.2.4 Reduce GHG Emissions associated with
Residential and Commercial new construction
Energy &
Water
-3,675
MTCO2e
New Measure
(now separate
from E-W.2.2)
E-W.3.1 Reduce water consumption by 5% by 2030 and
15% by 2045
Energy &
Water
0 MTCO2e
No
Change
T-L.1.1 Reduce vehicle miles traveled in the City Transportation & Land Use
0 MTCO2e
Revised
language
T-L.2.1 Increase the passenger ZEV adoption to 31% and
commercial ZEV adoption to 25% by 2030
Transportation
& Land Use
-20,109
MTCO2e
Revised
language and
emissions
T-L.2.2 Decarbonize 18% of gas-powered equipment by
2030
Transportation
& Land Use
-1,935
MTCO2e
New
Measure
T-L.3.1 Increase the community's active transportation
mode share to 4% by 2030
Transportation
& Land Use
-100
MTCO2e
Revised
language
W-C.1.1 Significantly reduce organic waste to landfills Waste & Consumption
0 MTCO2e
No
Change
W-C.1.2 Annually procure and apply 1,581 tons of compost by 2030
Waste &
Consumption
-627
MTCO2e
New
Measure
C-L.1.1
Collaborate with community stakeholders to create
Local Climate Action Programs that empower
individuals to make behavioral changes
Resiliency &
Leadership
0 MTCO2e
No
Change
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6 C-L.1.2 Develop adaptation strategies to assist the Foster City community to the effects of climate change
Resiliency &
Leadership
0 MTCO2e
No
Change
TOTAL CAP GHG EMISSIONS REDUCTION = -46,631 MTCO2e
•Section 5: Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Reduction Target Framework: 2030 reduction target = 34,490 MTCO2e
Draft CAP 2024 Update 9/24: Updated 2030 reduction target to 46,631 MTCO2e to align with updated projections.
The 2030 to 2050 GHG Emissions forecasts were updated with more current housing and population projections for Foster City. The 2019 GHG Inventory did not change.
Draft CAP 2024 Update (November 2024 Version)
Staff further revised the September 2024 version of the Draft CAP 2024 Update, published online for public review from September 18 through October 18. The suggested revisions by the Consultant were made to better align the CAP with state goals, more specific measures and actions with the best available substantial evidence and to increase the defensibility of the CAP 2024 Update. Table 2 below includes the revisions made to the document.
Table 2: Changes From the September 2024 Version to the Current November 2024 Version (Attachment 4)
Topic
Draft CAP Update
(September 2024 Version)
Draft CAP Update
(November 2024 Version)
2005 Inventory 2005 emissions: 265,768 MT
CO2e
2005 emissions: 265,777 MT CO2e
2045 Target An 85% reduction by 2045 below
2005 levels
An 88% reduction by 2045 below
2005 levels This change is reflected in
all sections of the CAP and more
precisely aligns with the State's goals.
Measure E-W.2.2
(Existing Building
Electrification
Measure)
E -W.2.2 Decarbonize existing
commercial and residential
buildings to reduce natural gas
consumption from existing
commercial buildings by 19% and
natural gas consumption from
existing residential buildings by
25% by 2030 or reduce GHG
emissions by 10,896 MTCO2e in
existing commercial and
residential buildings by 2030
E -W.2.2 Decarbonize existing
commercial and residential buildings
to reduce natural gas consumption
from existing commercial buildings
by 19% and natural gas consumption
from existing residential buildings by
25% by 2030 or reduce GHG
emissions by 10,792 MTCO2e in
existing commercial and residential
buildings by 2030
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6 Action E -W.2.2.1
(Existing Building
Electrification
Action)
E -W.2.2.1: Adopt amendments
to the Foster City Building Code
for Green Building, Energy, and
Plumbing during the Foster City
Building Code 2025 cycle
E -W.2.2.1: Adopt amendments to
the Foster City Building Code for
Green Building, Energy, and
Plumbing during the Foster City
Building Code 2025 cycle including a
two-way air conditioning ordinance
Measure E -
W.2.3 (Peninsula
Clean Energy
Measure)
E -W.2.3 Support Peninsula
Clean Energy in providing 100%
carbon-neutral electricity by 2030
and maintain a Peninsula Clean
Energy opt-out rate of less than
2% for residential customers and
less than 3% for commercial
customers by 2030
E -W.2.3 Support Peninsula Clean
Energy in providing 100% carbon-
neutral electricity by 2030 and
maintain a Peninsula Clean Energy
opt-out rate of less than 2% for
residential customers and less than
2% for commercial customers by
2030
Measure E-W.2.4
(New Building
Electrification
Measure)
E-W.2.4 Reduce GHG emissions
associated with residential and
commercial new construction
E-W.2.4 Adopt a single margin
source energy score for new
residential and commercial
construction that exceeds the State's
minimum standards by 2026
Action E-W.2.4.1
(New Building
Electrification
Action)
E-W.2.4.1: Continue and expand
participation in energy efficiency
programs as they become
available
E-W.2.4.1: Adopt a single margin
source energy score that exceeds
state minimums for all applicable
building types during the Foster City
Building Code 2025 cycle
Actions T-L.2.1.5,
T-L.2.1.6, and T-
L.2.1.7 (EV
Charger Actions)
T-L.2.1.5: Encourage the
installation of new electric vehicle
charging stations in commercial
spaces by streamlining the permit
process and reducing financial
barriers, adding 100 new
stations. T-L.2.1.6: Leverage
incentives from PCE and expand
charging infrastructure in existing
multi-unit dwellings, adding 50
new stations. T-L.2.1.7: Expand
EV charging installations at
redeveloped multi-unit dwellings
on the sites included in the
Housing Element, adding 150
new stations.
T-L.2.1.5: Facilitate public-private
partnerships and streamline permits
to install 313 publicly accessible EV
chargers in Foster City by 2030
Measure T-L.2.2
(Off-road
Measure)
Decarbonize 13% of gas-
powered equipment by 2030
Decarbonize 18% of gas-powered
equipment by 2030
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6 Additionally, the GHG emission forecast and reduction targets were updated after the Consultant recalculated for more precise calculations.
Table 3: Updated 2030 Reduction Targets
GHG EMISSION FORECAST OR
REDUCTION TARGET
2030 GHG EMISSIONS
(MTCO2e)
(SEPTEMBER VERSION)
2030 GHG EMISSIONS
(MTCO2e)
(NOVEMBER VERSION)
Business-as-usual Forecast 228,862 228,862
Adjusted Forecast (adjusted for State
Measures)
182,153 182,154
GHG Emissions Target (after Measure
reductions)
135,546 135,546
GHG Emissions Reduction Needed 46,607 46,608
GHG Emissions Reductions
(Implementing Foster City Measures)
(46,631) (46,688)
GHG Emissions Gap (after
Implementing Foster City Measures)
(24) (80)
TARGET ANTICIPATED TO BE MET? YES YES
Staff has published the latest Draft CAP Update 2024 version online, along with a redline version of all the changes made to the September 2024 version.
Measure T-L.3.1
(Active
Transportation
Measure)
T-L.3.1 Encourage active
transportation as an alternative to
vehicular travel.
T-L.3.1 Increase the community's
active transportation mode share to
4% by 2030.
Measure W-C.1.2
(Compost
Procurement
Measure)
Annually procure and apply 1,581
tons of compost by 2030
Annually procure and apply 2,500
tons of compost by 2030
Action W-C.1.2.1
(Compost
Procurement
Action)
W-C.1.2.1: Align with SB 1383
requirements to procure and
apply 1,581 tons of compost
annually by 2030.
W-C.1.2.1: Align with and exceed SB
1383 requirements to procure and
apply 2,500 tons of compost annually
by 2030.
Action W-C.1.2.2
(Compost
Procurement
Action)
W-C.1.2.2: Collaborate with San
Mateo County to identify
locations within the county to
apply compost if locations within
the City cannot be identified
W-C.1.2.2: Collaborate with San
Mateo County to identify locations
within the county to apply compost if
locations within the City cannot be
identified
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6 The Draft CAP 2024 Update (November 2024) Overview
Foster City has made significant progress in its climate goals, reducing GHG emissions by 59,810 metric tons of CO2 equivalents (MTCO2e) from 2005 to 2019, a 22.5% decrease from 2005 levels, meeting the 2016 CAP's emission reduction targets. The Draft CAP 2024 Update details the pathway to achieving 46,688 MTCO 2e emissions reductions by 2030.
The Draft CAP comprises of six (6) sections, including the following:
Section 1: Introduction
Section 2: What is Climate Change?
Section 3: Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions
Section 4: Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reduction Targets
Section 5: Strategies to Reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Section 6: Conclusion
In addition, there are six (6) appendices, including Climate Regulatory Context, Glossary of Abbreviations, Community Engagement, 2019 GHG Inventory, the Implementation Plan, and the Development Checklist.
The Draft CAP 2024 Update includes information about why the City is updating its original plan, climate hazards in Foster City, the methodology used to create the 2019 GHG Inventory, forecasting models for years 2030 to 2045, and strategies to reduce GHG emissions. Some of the strategies in the CAP Update are expansions or updates to existing ones found in the original 2016 CAP.
To create actionable goals and target measures, the City utilized its 2019 GHG Emissions Inventory to understand what sectors contributed the highest GHG emissions in Foster City. The Draft CAP 2024 Update provides a roadmap to reduce GHG emissions and promote climate action and sustainable living in four (4) sectors:
•Energy and Water
•Transportation and Land Use
•Water and Consumption
•Climate Resiliency and Leadership
Based on the 2019 Inventory, the Transportation sector is the highest source of GHG, contributing 57% of overall emissions. The second highest source is non-residential building use (electricity, natural gas, and other fuel sources), with 28% of emissions (see Figure 1, CAP, p.10). However, all energy usage in the City's built environment (residential and commercial electricity and natural gas use) was 42% of overall emissions. An in-depth analysis is included in the Draft CAP 2024 Update.
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6 Implementing the CAP over the next few years is crucial for the City to achieve its primary goal of a 49% reduction by 2030. To ensure full implementation of the CAP, staff will need to work together with civic and business leaders and community partners to maintain momentum and ensure accountability. Staff will provide annual progress reports, including GHG emissions inventories, and maintain a climate action dashboard on the City's sustainability website (sustainable.fostercity.org). The Implementation Plan, as outlined in Appendix E of the Draft CAP 2024 Update, includes several actions under the four (4) sectors discussed above with associated timeline, partnership opportunities, cost, GHG impact, and success criteria (see pages 89-94 of Draft CAP 2024 Update).
Public Comment
The Draft CAP framework was released to the public from March 13 to April 15, 2024. All public comments came after the April 1, 2024, City Council Meeting, where the Climate Action Plan Framework was approved. Staff also received new comments from the second public comment period from September 18 to October 18, 2024.
We received six public comments, four on the April 2024 Draft and two on the September 2024 Final Draft. Below is a summary of the key points raised:
October 2024 Draft Public Comments and CAP Response
1. Multi-Unit Dwellings (MUDs) EV Charging: One commenter expressed concern that the target of 200 new EV charging stations in MUDs by 2030 is insufficient, given the expected growth in EV ownership. They recommended the City adopt reach codes requiring EV infrastructure installation whenever parking lots are paved or repaved and suggested using cost-effective solutions like conduit and Level 1/Level 2 outlet-based charging systems.
CAP Response: The Draft CAP 2024 Update includes actions to: (1) facilitate public- private partnerships and streamline permits to install 313 publicly accessible EV chargers in Foster City by 2030; (2) leverage incentives from PCE and expand charging infrastructure in existing multi-unit dwellings, adding 50 new stations; and (3) expand EV charging installations at redeveloped multi-unit dwellings on the sites included in the Housing Element, adding 150 new stations. (Action T-L.2.1.5).
2. Transportation and Public Transit Improvements: Another commenter supported the transportation goals but highlighted the need for more efficient public transit to reduce congestion, especially near highways 92 and 101. They proposed a subsidized local electric bus service connecting residents to nearby CalTrain stations and suggested exploring partnerships with companies like Zoox for autonomous electric vehicles (EVs). They also recommended improvements in pedestrian and cyclist safety and better use of parking spaces.
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6 CAP Response: The Draft CAP 2024 Update addresses reducing vehicle miles traveled commuting to work through actions that support current and possible future public transportation (actions T-L.1.1.1, T-L.1.1.3, and T-L.1.1.4). The actions found in Measure T-L.3.1 (Increase the community's active transportation mode share to 4% by 2030) directly address safety and enhance City policies related to increasing bike/scooter use.
3. Flood Risk and Disaster Insurance: The same commenter also raised concerns about the growing difficulty of obtaining insurance in California due to climate risks, such as fire and flooding. They recommended that the City explore a community- based disaster insurance plan to protect residents and businesses from economic losses due to climate-related disasters.
CAP Response: No response, as this is outside the purview of the CAP.
April 2024 Draft Public Comments
1. Sustainable Upgrades Incentives: A commenter highlighted the high costs associated with sustainable infrastructure upgrades, such as energy-efficient windows and EV charging installations for residents. They urged the City to provide financial support and install free public EV chargers. Additionally, they suggested reallocating funds from non-essential projects, such as road resurfacing, to green initiatives.
CAP Response: The CAP 2024 Update includes about a dozen actions that support residential energy efficiency and upgrades, electrification, partnerships with Peninsula Clean Energy, and EV charging infrastructure.
2. Electrification and Grid Reliability: One commenter raised concerns about the reliability of Foster City's electrical grid, citing PG&E's unstable service. They recommended partnering with Peninsula Clean Energy to add utility-scale energy storage. The commenter also emphasized the need to improve MUD EV charging infrastructure to meet the City's 30% EV adoption target by 2030, proposing a mix of incentives and regulations for workplaces and MUDs to install chargers.
CAP Response: The CAP 2024 Update includes about a dozen actions that support residential energy efficiency and upgrades, electrification, partnerships with Peninsula Clean Energy, and EV charging infrastructure. Reach codes and electrification were discussed in depth at the April 1, 2024 Council Meeting.
3. General Feedback and Accessibility: A commenter requested that Foster City's Climate Action Plan (CAP) include comparisons to other cities' CAPs for context.
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6 They also suggested creating a shorter, more accessible version of the CAP, such as a one-page summary or video, to engage more residents.
CAP Response: While there is no city-to-city comparison in the CAP, a summary factsheet can be found here.
4. Sierra Club Recommendations:
The Sierra Club provided detailed feedback, including:
1. Increasing tree canopy and biodiversity to enhance climate resilience and promote walkability and bikeability.
2. Prioritizing nature-based solutions for sea level rise, such as wetlands and living levees, in alignment with SB 272.
3. Estimating resources needed for timely completion of CAP measures, such as funding and staff capacity.
4. Setting specific targets for reducing vehicle miles traveled (VMT), similar to other cities' CAPs.
5. Clarifying the permit and rebate process for residents seeking to electrify their homes.
6. Providing resources, such as Redwood Energy's Watt Diet Calculator, to assist residents in electrifying their homes without costly panel upgrades and including model reach codes for EV and building electrification from BayAreaReachCodes.org.
CAP Response:
1. An action was added to Measure C-L.2.1 (Develop adaptation strategies to assist the Foster City community with the effects of climate change) relating directly to increasing the City's tree canopy.
2. The CAP addresses GHG emission reductions as a response to various environmental hazards affecting Foster City (Section 2: What is Climate Change?).
3. The Implementation Plan expands on all the actions contained in the plan, including a timeline, cost, and partnerships for each.
4. We chose not to include specific targets for Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) by focusing directly on reducing VMT of workday commuters (Measure T- L.1.1: Reduce vehicle miles traveled commuting to work).
5. Measures E-W.2.1 and E-W.2.2 include actions that support and offer education to residents seeking to electrify their homes.
6. Measure E-W.1.1 (Promote and expand participation in residential and commercial energy efficiency programs) includes actions that promote energy efficiency and energy audits.
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6 The public comments reflect strong support for enhancing EV infrastructure, improving transportation options, providing financial incentives for residents, and prioritizing nature- based strategies for climate resilience.
All the comments received to date have been packaged into Attachment 5 – Community Comments Regarding the Foster City Climate Action Plan 2024 Update.
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
CEQA includes requirements for the analysis of potential environmental effects of the CAP. As part of the CAP process, City staff and consultants completed an Initial Study and Negative Declaration for the Foster City CAP 2024 Update, as the plan was shown to not have a significant effect on the environment, further explained below.
The process of developing a CEQA-qualified CAP for streamlining the review of future development projects is also explained below.
CEQA Review of CAP
The CAP 2024 Update was evaluated through an environmental review process (Initial Study) to assess whether it will cause significant environmental effects. If significant environmental impacts are identified, an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) will be prepared. A Negative Declaration may be issued if there are no significant environmental impacts, or a Mitigated Negative Declaration may be issued if the significant effects can be mitigated to less than significant levels.
A Negative Declaration was completed (Attachment 2) for the CAP 2024 Update. As required under the California Code of Regulation (CCR) Section 15072 - Notice of Intent to Adopt a Negative Declaration or Mitigated Negative Declaration, a lead agency shall provide a notice of intent to adopt a negative declaration or mitigated negative declaration to the public, responsible agencies, trustee agencies, and the county clerk of each county within which the proposed project is located, sufficiently prior to adoption by the lead agency of the negative declaration or mitigated negative declaration to allow the public and agencies the review period provided under CCR Section 15105.
Public Review and Input
The CEQA process allows the public and stakeholders to review the Draft Negative Declaration and provide input, particularly on its environmental impacts and proposed mitigation measures. The City issued a Notice of Intent (NOI) to adopt the Negative Declaration, initiating a 30-day public review period from September 18 to October 18, 2024. Additionally, the City submitted the NOI and other relevant documents to the State Clearinghouse (SCH). The public review and state review period for the CEQA document concluded with no public comments.
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6 Following the public review period for the Draft Negative Declaration, additional changes were made to the CAP. These changes are reflected in the updated Draft Negative Declaration (Attachment 2) and were analyzed to determine if any of the changes warranted changes to the conclusions in the Draft Negative Declaration or the changes constituted substantial revisions that would require recirculation of the Draft Negative Declaration. After review it was determined that the changes to the CAP did not result in any new significant environmental impacts or mitigation measures, constitute substantial revisions, or otherwise change the findings of the Draft Negative Declaration. (The redline version of the revised Draft Negative Declaration showing the changes is available on the CAP Update website.
Adoption
After completing the required review, the Negative Declaration is adopted by the lead agency, in this case the Foster City City Council, with the finding that the CAP does not result in any significant environmental impacts. Any other agency taking action on a project is a "responsible agency" under CEQA and must make a finding that it considered the Negative Declaration prior to taking action on the project (CEQA State Guidelines Section 15096).
CEQA-Qualified CAP for Streamlined Review of Development Projects A CEQA-Qualified CAP can streamline the review of future projects under CEQA, provided the projects are consistent with the CAP's goals for reducing GHG emissions and addressing climate challenges. Section 15183.5(b)(1) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines establishes several criteria which a plan must meet to be considered a qualified GHG reduction plan and allow for programmatic CEQA streamlining of project GHG emissions. The CAP 2024 Update contains the plan elements required by Section 15183.5(b)(1) as follows:
A. Quantify greenhouse gas emissions, both existing and projected over a specified time period, resulting from activities within a defined geographic area; B. Establish a level, based on substantial evidence, below which the contribution to greenhouse gas emissions from activities covered by the plan would not be cumulatively considerable;
C. Identify and analyze the greenhouse gas emissions resulting from specific actions or categories of actions anticipated within the geographic area; D. Specify measures or a group of measures, including performance standards, that substantial evidence demonstrates, if implemented on a project-by-project basis, would collectively achieve the specified emissions level; E. Establish a mechanism to monitor the plan’s progress toward achieving the level and to require amendment if the plan is not achieving specified levels; F. Be adopted in a public process following environmental review.
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6 In order to document the substantial evidence on which the calculations of GHG reductions are based, a “Substantial Evidence Memorandum” was prepared ( Attachment 6).
A Development Checklist (Appendix F of the CAP) is provided to streamline the review of future projects. The Development Checklist was developed by Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) to evaluate a project based on its effect on California's efforts to meet the State's long-term climate goals. BAAQMD is a bay area authority on air quality and GHG emissions and therefore utilizing the BAAQMD Development Checklist is appropriate. This approach is based on the California Supreme Court's decision in Center for Biological Diversity v. Department of Fish & Wildlife (2015) (62 Cal.4th 204). (For additional explanation, see BAAQMD's Air Quality Guidelines, Appendix B: CEQA Thresholds for Evaluating the Significance of Climate Impacts From Land Use Projects and Plans, April 2022.)
FISCAL IMPACT
Implementing the various programs outlined in the Implementation Plan of the Draft CAP 2024 Update will have a fiscal impact. However, adopting the Draft CAP 2024 Update does not directly result in financial obligations. The City Council will guide the implementation of these programs through the annual policy calendar, budgeting processes, or other directions given to staff. Some programs are already being carried out as part of ongoing staff work, while others require additional funding.
The Draft CAP 2024 Update requires periodic reviews to assess implementation progress. To facilitate this, the City has created a dashboard that will be available on its sustainability website (sustainable.fostercity.org).
Fiscal Year 2024-2025 funding for Draft CAP 2024 Update programs is available in two (2) separate City accounts:
ACCOUNT AVAILABLE FUNDING
Community Development Budget – Sustainable Foster City
(012-0110-413-42-51) $111,138.00
Construction and Demolition Fund – Climate Mitigation and Adaption Plan and CEQA Compliance (129-0932-431-42-51) $90,000.00 TOTAL FUNDING AVAILABLE $201,138.00
CITY COUNCIL VISION, MISSION, AND VALUE/PRIORITY AREA
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6 Innovation and Sustainability
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1 –Resolution Adopting the Negative Declaration Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act
Attachment 2 – Exhibit A to Resolution Adopting the Negative Declaration Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act: Draft Initial Study/Negative Declaration Attachment 3 –Resolution Adopting the Foster City Climate Action Plan 2024 Update Attachment 4 – Exhibit A to Resolution Adopting the Climate Action Plan 2024 Update:
Climate Action Plan 2024 Update
Attachment 5 – Community Comments Regarding the Foster City Climate Action Plan 2024 Update
Attachment 6 – Foster City Substantial Evidence Memorandum
7.3 7.3 Staff Report
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RESOLUTION NO.____________
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FOSTER CITY ADOPTING
THE INITIAL STUDY/NEGATIVE DECLARATION PURSUANT TO THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT FOR THE FOSTER CITY CLIMATE ACTION PLAN 2024 UPDATE
CITY OF FOSTER CITY
WHEREAS, the City of Foster City has prepared the Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2024 Update to the City's 2016 CAP; and
WHEREAS, the City of Foster City, in accordance with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the State CEQA Guidelines adopted by the State Secretary of Resources, has prepared an Initial Study/Negative Declaration (IS/ND) dated September 13, 2024 including corrections dated November 1, 2024 which analyzes the environmental impacts of the CAP 2024 Update; and WHEREAS, the IS/ND concluded that the Project would not cause any significant environmental impacts; and
WHEREAS, a Notice of Intent to Adopt the Negative Declaration was created on September 13, 2024, published on September 18, 2024, and circulated for the required 30-day public review period beginning on September 18 and ending on October 18, 2024; and
WHEREAS, the City transmitted the IS/ND, in accordance with CEQA and the State SEQA Guidelines, to the State Clearinghouse for review; and WHEREAS, the City provided notice to all interested persons and agencies inviting comments on the Draft IS/ND in accordance with the provisions of CEQA, the State CEQA Guidelines, and the City of Foster City Environmental Review Guidelines; and WHEREAS, the City issued a Notice of Intent (NOI) to adopt the Negative Declaration, initiating a 30-day public review period from September 18 to October 18, 2024. Additionally, the city submitted the NOI and other relevant documents to the State Clearinghouse (SCH). The public review and state review period for the CEQA document concluded with no public comments; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15073.5, (a) a lead agency is required to recirculate a negative declaration when the document must be substantially revised after public notice of its availability has previously been given pursuant to Section 15072, but prior to its adoption; and
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WHEREAS, minor edits to the IS/ND were made on November 1, 2024 to reflect minor edits to the CAP 2024 Update that resulted in no changes to the conclusions in the IS/ND and the City, as the lead agency, determined that the minor edits were not substantial revisions pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15073.5; and WHEREAS, on November 8, 2024, a Notice of Public Hearing was duly posted for consideration of the adoption of the Draft CAP Update 2024 and consideration of the Final Negative Declaration for the City Council public hearing on November 18, 2024; and WHEREAS, copies of the IS/ND and other documents and materials that constitute the record of the proceedings upon which this decision is based are available for public review from the custodian of these records, the Community Development Department, at City Hall, 610 Foster City Boulevard, Foster City; and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council, based on facts and analysis in the IS/ND, all written and oral testimony, evidence submitted in connection with the IS/ND and exhibits, finds:
1. The foregoing recitals are true and correct and material to this Resolution; and
2. The IS/ND, including all documents incorporated by reference, have been independently reviewed and considered by the City Council; and
3. The IS/ND has been prepared, circulated for public review and completed in accordance with CEQA, the State CEQA Guidelines, and the City of Foster City Environmental Review Guidelines; and
4. The IS/ND adequately describes the proposed project's environmental impacts; and
5. The IS/ND reflects the City’s independent judgement and analysis; and
6. Based on the whole record, there is no substantial evidence that the project will have a significant effect on the environment.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Foster City does hereby adopt the IS/ND and all documents incorporated by reference as prepared by Urban Planning Partners dated September 13, 2024 including corrections dated November 1, 2024 and the Substantial Evidence Memo as complete and adequate and hereinafter incorporated by reference as Exhibit A as the valid environmental review for this Project.
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PASSED AND ADOPTED as a resolution of the City Council of the City of Foster City at the regular meeting held on the 18th day of November 2024, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
PATRICK SULLIVAN, MAYOR
ATTEST:
PRISCILLA SCHAUS, CITY CLERK
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CITY OF FOSTER CITY CLIMATE ACTION PLAN 2024 UPDATE
INITIAL STUDY – NEGATIVE DECLARATION
Draft
Prepared for:
City of Foster City
Prepared by:
Urban Planning Partners
September 13, 2024
Including corrections as of November 1, 2024 based on Foster City Draft CAP Update Revisions
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i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING AND PROJECT DESCRIPTION ........................................................ 1 Project Overview ...................................................................................................................... 1 Project Location and Setting .................................................................................................... 1 Description of Project (2024 CAP) ........................................................................................... 3 Existing Setting ....................................................................................................................... 10 Required Approvals ................................................................................................................ 19 II. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED ........................................................... 20 Determination ........................................................................................................................ 20 III. ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST ................................................................................................ 22 I. Aesthetics ..................................................................................................................... 22 II. Agricultural and Forest Resources ............................................................................... 25 III. Air Quality .................................................................................................................... 27 IV. Biological Resources ..................................................................................................... 31 V. Cultural Resources ....................................................................................................... 34 VI. Energy .......................................................................................................................... 36 VII. Geology and Soils ......................................................................................................... 37 VIII. Greenhouse Gas Emissions .......................................................................................... 40 IX. Hazards and Hazardous Materials ............................................................................... 43 X. Hydrology and Water Quality ...................................................................................... 47 XI. Land Use and Planning ................................................................................................. 49 XII. Mineral Resources ....................................................................................................... 50 XIII. Noise ............................................................................................................................ 51 XIV. Population and Housing ............................................................................................... 54 XV. Public Services .............................................................................................................. 55 XVI. Recreation .................................................................................................................... 56 XVII. Transportation ............................................................................................................. 57 XVIII. Tribal Cultural Resources ............................................................................................. 60 XIX. Utilities and Service Systems ....................................................................................... 63 XX. Wildfire ........................................................................................................................ 67 XXI. Mandatory Findings of Significance ............................................................................. 69 IV. LIST OF PREPARERS ................................................................................................................ 71 V. REFERENCES ........................................................................................................................... 72
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FOSTER CITY 2023 CAP INITIAL STUDY – NEGATIVE DECLARATION SEPTEMBER 2024 TABLE OF CONTENTS
ii
List of Tables
Table 1 Foster City 2019 Community and Municipal GHG Emissions by Sector ............................ 5 Table 2 Foster City GHG Emissions Reductions Required to Meet 2030 Goal ............................... 5 Table 3 Foster City 2024 CAP Measures ......................................................................................... 6
List of Figures
Figure 1 Regional and Project Location ........................................................................................... 2 Figure 2 Foster City Business‐as‐Usual (BAU) GHG Emissions Forecasts (MT CO2e) ...................... 8 Figure 3 Foster City Adjusted Business‐as‐Usual (BAU) Forecast GHG Emissions Forecasts (MT CO2e) .......................................................................................................................... 8
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1 I. ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING AND PROJECT
DESCRIPTION
Project Overview
Proposed Plan Title:
City of Foster City Climate Action Plan 2024 Update (2024 CAP) Lead Agency Name and Address:
City of Foster City
610 Foster City Blvd
Foster City, CA 94404
Contact Person and Phone Number:
Sofia Mangalam
Community Development Director
650‐286‐3239
Project Location and Setting
Project Location:
The 2024 CAP applies to all areas, plans, and projects within the City of Foster City. Figure 1 shows the regional location, and Figure 2 shows the plan location. The plan location includes all of Foster City’s incorporated lands.
Foster City is located in San Mateo County, California, on the San Francisco Bay Peninsula and has a population of approximately 32,703 as of January 2023 (see Figure 1). The city encompasses 12,450 acres, of which 9,726 acres are part of San Francisco Bay and Belmont Slough, and 2,619 acres are reclaimed marshland. This equat
es to approximately 4 square miles of land area.
Neighboring jurisdictions include San Mateo to the west and Belmont and Redwood City to the south and southeast. It is midway between San Francisco and San Jose on the western shoreline of the San Francisco Bay, east of U.S. 101, with access to San Francisco and the San Francisco Airport to the north, and Santa Clara County and San Jose Airport to the south. The City is bisected by State Route 92 (the J. Arthur Younger Freeway), which runs between Half Moon Bay to the west and to Hayward and Highway 880 to the east via the San Mateo‐Hayward Bridge. Othe r regional
transportation facilities serving Foster City include regional bus service is provided by the San Mateo County Transit District (SamTrans) and train services provided by CalTrain and Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART).
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FOSTER CITY CAP 2024 UPDATE INITIAL STUDY – NEGATIVE DECLARATION NOVEMBER 2024 I. ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING AND PROJECT DESCRIPTION
2 Figure 1 Regional and Project Location
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NOVEMBER 2024 FOSTER CITY CAP 2024 UPDATE INITIAL STUDY – NEGATIVE DECLARATION I. ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING AND PROJECT DESCRIPTION
3 General Plan Designation:
The CAP would be implemented throughout the City and would occur in all Foster City General Plan designations. The plan would not alter any existing designations.
Zoning:
The CAP would be implemented throughout the City and would occur in all Foster City zoning designations. The plan would not alter any existing designations.
Description of Project (CAP)
The 2024 CAP serves as an update to the initial Climate Action Plan approved in 2016. The Plan incorporates the many climate protection programs that the City of Foster City has in place and will continue facilitating to reduce GHG emissions. Community and municipal emissions from 2019 were used as the baseline for the targets and reduction measures e stablished by the CAP. The total emissions from 2019 were 205,957 MT CO2e from the residential, commercial/industrial, transportation, waste, wastewater, and water sectors (see Table 1 below). Compared to the baseline year 2005, 2019 saw a 22.5 percent decrease in total community emissions. The GHG inventory provides a de
tailed understanding of where the highest emissions come from and, therefore, where the most significant opportunities for emissions reductions lie. It also establishes a baseline emission inventory against which to measure future progress. Burning fossil fuels associated with vehicle use and buildings energy use is the largest contributor to Foster City’s GH G emissions. As shown in Table 1, the largest contributors of GHG emissions come from transportation (57 percent) and energy use (42 percent). The transportation sector includes emissions from local roads and off‐road equipment. The majority of emissions attributable to the energy sector come from natural gas & multi ple fuels, which represents emissions generated from using natural gas in homes and natural gas and multiple fuels in commercial buildings.
Foster City is actively engaged in reducing GHG emissions and is striving for sustainability. The Plan sets goals to cut community‐wide emissions by 50 percent below 2005 levels (estimated to be 40 percent below 1990 levels), surpassing the State's guidance for local areas, and aims for 88 percent by 2045. Through reductions in municipal and community‐wide emissions, the Plan sets the goal of reducing GHG emissions output to 135,546 MT CO2e by 2030.
The City found that the 2019 GH G emissions inventory demonstrated that Foster City produced approximately 205,957 metric tons of CO2 equivalent, representing a 22.5% reduction in total community emissions compared to the baseline year of 2005. The City then analyzed a business‐ as‐usual (BAU) forecast as if 2019 patterns of travel, energy and wate r consumption, and waste generation/disposal were continued without any measures, policies, or actions reducing emissions over time, including state legislation and/or any other policies or procedures accepted after 2019.
In addition to the BAU forecast, the CAP analyzes an Adjusted BAU forecast which accounts for the expected impact of significant federal and state policies and re gulations designed to reduce GHG emissions from the energy and transportation sectors of the economy. The CAP projects the 2030
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FOSTER CITY CAP 2024 UPDATE INITIAL STUDY – NEGATIVE DECLARATION NOVEMBER 2024 I. ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING AND PROJECT DESCRIPTION
4 GHG Emissions target at 135,546 MT CO2e. This target requires a minimum reduction of 46,607 MT CO2e from 2019 levels in addition to the reductions from state and federal actions as projected in the Adjusted BAU forecast. However, by implementing the strategies in this Plan, emissions are projected to decrease by 46,631 MT CO2e by 2030, more than the emissions reductions required to meet the 2030 goal (see
Table 2 below).
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NOVEMBER 2024 FOSTER CITY CAP 2024 UPDATE INITIAL STUDY – NEGATIVE DECLARATION I. ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING AND PROJECT DESCRIPTION
5 TABLE 1 FOSTER CITY 2019 COMMUNITY AND MUNICIPAL GHG EMISSIONS BY SECTOR Sector
2019 GHG Emissions
(MT CO2e)
Percent of Total
Emissions (%)
ENERGY (BUILT ENVIRONMENT) 42%
Electricity 7%
Residential Electricity 4,075 2%
Commercial/Industrial Electricity 10,483 5%
Natural Gas & Multiple Fuels 35%
Residential Natural Gas 24,940 12%
Commercial/Industrial Natural Gas 25,420 12%
Stationary Source (Multiple Fuels) 20,738 10%
TRANSPORTATION 57%
Transportation – Local Roads & State Highways 100,867 49% Off‐road Equipment 16,657 8%
SOLID WASTE 1%
Solid Waste Disposal 2,234 1%
WASTEWATER <1%
Wastewater Treatment 536 <1%
WATER <1%
Water Use 8 <1%
TOTAL 205,957 100%
Source: City of Foster City, 2024 Climate Action Plan Update.
TABLE 2 FOSTER CITY GHG EMISSIONS REDUCTIONS REQUIRED TO MEET 2030 GOAL 2019 Emissions
(MT CO2e)
2030 Target Emissions
by 2030
(MT CO2e)
2030 Adjusted BAU
Emission Reduction Target
(After Reductions from
State Programs)
(MT CO2e)
Foster City Adjusted
Emissions Reductions Target
(Reductions Needed to
Meet 2030 Goal)
205,957 182,153 135,546 46,688
Source: City of Foster City, 2024 Climate Action Plan Update.
The 2024 CAP defines measures to increase energy efficiency, decarbonize, and increase renewable energy usage in residential and commercial buildings. It sets goals to reduce water consumption and waste in landfills, as well as reduce emissions from transportation through reducing vehicle miles traveled (VMT), increasing the number of electric vehicles, and promoting other forms of transportation. Se
e Table 3 below for the full list of target measures included in the 2024 CAP, as well as their impacted sector, associated goal, and quantified GHG impact.
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6 TABLE 3 FOSTER CITY 2024 CAP MEASURES
Measure # Target Measure Sector Goal GHG Impact
E‐W.1.1 Promote and expand participation in
residential and commercial energy
efficiency programs.
Energy and Water Reduce emissions
from the energy
sector
0 MT CO2e
E‐W.1.2 Reduce municipal energy
consumption through energy
efficiency projects and behavioral
and operational changes.
Energy and Water Reduce emissions
from the energy
sector 0 MT CO2e
E‐W.2.1 Increase residential and commercial
solar installations
Energy and Water Decarbonize existing
residential and
commercial buildings
0 MT CO2e
E‐W.2.2 Decarbonize existing commercial and
residential buildings to reduce
natural gas consumption from
existing commercial buildings by 19%
and natural gas consumption from
existing residential buildings by 25%
by 2030 or reduce greenhouse gas
emissions by 10,792 MTCO2e in
existing commercial and residential
buildings by 2030
Energy and Water Decarbonize existing
residential and
commercial buildi
ngs
‐10,792 MT CO2e
E‐W.2.3 Support Peninsula Clean Energy in
providing 100% carbon‐neutral
electricity by 2030 and maintain a
Peninsula Clean Energy opt‐out rate
of less than 2% for residential
customers and less than 2% for
commercial customers by 2030
Energy and Water Decarbonize existing
residential and
commercial buildings
‐9,825 MT CO2e
E‐W.2.4 Adopt a single margin source energy
score for new residential and
commercial construction that
exceeds the State’s minimum
standards by 2026
Energy and Water Decarbonize new and
existing residential
and commercial
buildings
‐2,805
E‐W.3.1 Reduce water consumption by 5% by
2030 and 15% by 2045
Energy and Water Reduce water
consumption
0 MT CO2e
T‐L.1.1 Reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT)
commuting to work
Transportation and
Land Use
Reduce VMT traveled
in the City 0 MT CO2e
T‐L.2.1 Increase the passenger ZEV adoption
to 31% and commercial ZEV adoption
to 25% by 2030.
Transportation and
Land Use Reduce VMT in the
City ‐19,581 MT CO2e
T‐L.2.2 Decarbonize 18% of off‐road
equipment by 2030
Transportation and
Land Use
Decarbonize
Transportation
‐2,594 MT CO2e
T‐L.3.1 Increase the community’s active
transportation mode share to 4% by
2030
Transportation and
Land Use Increase walkability
and bike‐ability ‐100 MT CO2e
W‐C.1.1 Significantly reduce organic waste in
landfills.
Waste and
Consumption
Increase diversion of
materials from
landfills
0 MT CO2e
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7 TABLE 3 FOSTER CITY 2024 CAP MEASURES
Measure # Target Measure Sector Goal GHG Impact
W‐C.1.2 Annually procure and apply 2,500
tons of compost by 2030
Waste and
Consumption
Increase diversion of
materials from
landfills
‐991 MT CO2e
C‐L.1.1 Collaborate with community
stakeholders to create Local Climate
Action Programs that empower
individuals to make behavioral
changes
Climate Resiliency
and Leadership
Educate and support
the whole
community to live
sustainably
0 MT CO2e
C‐L.1.2 Develop adaptation strategies to
assist the Foster City community with
the effects of climate change
Climate Resiliency
and Leadership
Prepare for and
adapt to a rising sea
level and climate
change
0 MT CO2e
Total CAP Emissions Reduction ‐ 46,688 MT CO2e
Source: City of Foster City, 2024 Climate Action Plan Update.
Figure 2 displays the projected GHG emissions from Foster City’s projected growth in the BAU forecast. Between 2019 and 2030, emissions are projected to increase by 10 percent, roughly 23,000 MT CO2e. Emissions are projected to rise by nearly 35 percent between 2019 and 2045, an increase of approximately 108,700 MT CO2e.
Figure 3 illustrates the adjusted BAU forecast, showing the large contribution St ate regulations
are expected to have on the City’s future emissions. The City projects that the 2030 Adjusted GHG Emissions will be approximately 135,546 MT CO2e.
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8 Figure 2 Foster City Business‐as‐Usual (BAU) GHG Emissions Forecast (MT CO2e)
Figure 3 Foster City Adjusted Business‐as‐Usual (BAU) GHG Emissions Forecast (MT CO2e)
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NOVEMBER 2024 FOSTER CITY CAP 2024 UPDATE INITIAL STUDY – NEGATIVE DECLARATION I. ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING AND PROJECT DESCRIPTION
9 Implementation of the 2024 CAP measures (listed in Table 3) could result in physical changes to the environment that could potentially have an impact on the environment. While individual projects resulting from these measures have not been identified for the purposes of this document, the types of actions that could result from realization of the CAP measures are tak en into account in considering potential environmental impacts that could occur through implementation of the 2024 CAP. For example, projects or actions requiring ministerial approval, such as installation of electric vehicle charging stations and supporting infrastructure, as well as new bicycle or pedestrian fa cilities, would introduce physical changes related to the temporary presence and operation of construction vehicles and equipment during installation of required facilities and the long‐term presence of new facilities such as bike and pedestrian facilities, solar arrays, and electric vehicle charging stations, which could alter pedestrian and vehicular traffic patterns. Future plans or projects re
quiring discretionary approval would be subject to
environmental review under CEQA, and individual impact analyses will identify required plan‐ or project‐specific mitigation measures where applicable.
Cumulative Projects Scenario:
For purposes of the CEQA cumulative impacts analysis of the Foster City 2024 CAP, the cumulative projects scenario is total projecte
d population growth and anticipated cumulative development for Foster City in 2030. The difference between with cumulative scenario “with CAP measures” is then compared to the cumulative scenario “without CAP measures” to assess the impacts.
The Foster City 2024 CAP uses the projections included in the Regionally Integr ated Climate Action Planning Suite (RICAPS) model. The RICAPS model uses projections for Foster City from Foster City Community Development Department including 32,954 persons in 2015 and 34,072 persons in 2030, an increase of 1,118 persons. The RICAPS model uses jobs projections for Foster City from the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) of 20,315 jobs in 2015 and 25,665 jobs in 2030.
Other Public Agencies Whose Approval is Required:
None.
Have California Native American tribes traditionally and culturally affiliated with the project area requested consultation pursuant to Public Resources Code section 21080.3.1? If so, is there a plan for consultation that includes, for example, th e determination of significance of impacts to tribal cultural resources, procedures regarding confidentiality, etc.? Tribal notification letters were sent on April 9, 2024. No tribal consultation has been requested.
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10 Existing Setting
Foster City Sustainability and GHG Reduction Setting
Foster City has a long history of sustainability and GHG reduction programs. The city developed an Environmental Sustainability Action Plan in 2009 and a Climate Action Plan in 2015. The city was recognized with Beacon Awards from the Institute for Local Government in 2017 and 2019.
Community Climate Protection Programs
Policies and St
rategies:
Adoption of Resolution 2006‐71, supporting efforts of all governments to develop policies and programs to reduce global warming.
Adoption of Resolutions 2007‐57 and 2009‐17 supporting and then adopting development of the San Mateo County Energy Strategy to reduce the impact of global warming and the corresponding climate change.
Appointment of an Ad Hoc Environ
mental Sustainability Task Force which developed an
Environmental Sustainability Action Plan in 2009.
Adoption of the Sustainable Foster City Plan, which is a sustainable economic development strategic plan that incorporates environmental sustainability as a core component of sustainable economic growth.
Transportation:
Provided funding, along with a matching grant from C/CAG, for the Connections Shuttle from 2003‐mid‐2012, a free in‐town shuttle service.
Promotes employer‐operated shuttles to and from the San Mateo Caltrain Station and Millbrae Intermodal Station in coordination with the Traffic Congestion Relief Alliance, now Commute.org.
Operated an on‐deman
d Senior Express Shuttle to transport residents age 55 and older to events and activities in the region.
Reduced speed limits on most city streets to allow use of Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEV) for intra‐city transportation.
Adopted Complete Streets Policies and Program.
Supports Safe Routes to School.
Maintains a website
to promote alternative commuting options available to Foster City commuters.
Offered carpooling subsidy through private‐public partnership. Maintains a bicycle/pedestrian path along the levee.
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11 Energy Efficiency and Conservation:
Worked with Gilead Sciences to incorporate the Gilead Sciences Sustainability Plan. Joined Energy Upgrade California Program to encourage energy efficiency retrofits by Foster City property owners.
Joined CaliforniaFIRST, HERO, and Figtree to enable Foster City property owners to access Property‐Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing.
Consented to inclusion of properties within the city’s jurisdiction in the California Home Finance Authority Program to finance renewable energy generation and other energy infrastructure.
Water and Wastewater Systems Activities:
Developed a Recycled Water Facilities Feasibility Plan. Implemented conservation‐based water rates to encourage water conservation in the community.
Established Water Sustainability Fund to fund a variety of water conservation rebates for residential and commercial Estero Municipal Improvement District (EMID) customers, including but not limited to those for low‐flow toilets , high‐efficiency clothes washers and lawn replacement as incentives for water conservation.
Provides “home water audit” kits and educational assemblies for local schools. Offers free “waterwise” informational resources for water customers. Adopted the Revised Chapter 8.80, Outdoor Water Conservation in Landscaping of Title 8, Water and Sewer Service, of the EMID Code.
Through the San Mateo C
ounty Water Pollution Prevention Program, the city offers residential rebates on rain barrels and other coupons and program information through various media. Declared a Water Shortage Emergency and implemented Drought‐Related Water Conservation Measures.
Green Building Activities:
Added Chapter 15.45, Small Residential Rooftop Solar Systems, to Title 15, Buildings and Construction, to provide an expedited, streamlined permitting process for small residential rooftop solar systems.
Authorized expenditure of funds for Residential Solar Panel Rebate Program.
Waste Reduction and Recycling Activities:
All city facilities participate in compost service.
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12 Administers programs to meet and sustain a minimum 50 percent diversion rate mandated by the state, promoting residential and commercial recycling efforts. Purchases “in‐unit” recycling containers for residents of multi‐family dwellings. Requires a minimum of 65 percent of the debris generated from certain construction and demolition projects to be divert ed from landfills to recycling facilities. Sponsors community electronics recycling, paper shredding, compost give‐away events, and battery and cell phone collection points.
Municipal Operations Programs
Carbon Emissions:
Conducted an inventory of GHG emissions from City operations. This inventory was used to create a prioritized action plan in the 2015 Climate Action Plan. Converted to a system by which water meters could be read remotely, reducing the need to routinely access on‐site meters around the city by automobile. Benchmarked major city facilities,
to track and compare ongoing energy use.
Transportation:
Implemented an alternative schedule for most employees, reducing employee commuter trips compared to a traditional schedule.
Implemented the option of some employees telecommuting from home, keeping cars off the roadways while still maintaining a productive workforce. Increased the percentage of hybrids in the city fleet and reviewed other fuel efficient alternatives as vehicles are replaced.
Replaced trad
itional vehicles with electric options for parks maintenance operations when appropriate.
Maintained the city’s vehicle fleet in peak condition in order to maximize performance and minimize carbon emissions.
Provides electric car charging for city hall employees.
Energy Efficiency and Conservation:
Implemented energy conservation practices in building maintenance supplies, parts and systems in city facilities.
Opted into Peninsula Clean Energy’s 100% Renewable Energy/100% Carbon‐Free Plan for all municipal facilities.
Converted city lighting systems to energy efficient electronic ballasts in city lighting systems.
Installed Light Emitting Diode (LED) streetlights on all public streets.
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13 Implemented energy efficiency upgrades to some city facilities, including $1,422,738 of heating, ventilation and air conditioning improvements identified in the San Mateo County Energy Watch Energy Efficiency Audit.
Converted all traffic and pedestrian signals to LEDs. Installed solar powered speed safety signs and LED Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) near Bowditch Middle School and Edgewate
r Shopping Center.
Water and Wastewater Systems Activities:
Replaced turf grass with synthetic turf at several city parks to conserve water. Installed water fixtures in city buildings that work on a sensor system to conserve water. Planted drought tolerant landscaping at city facilities and parks. The city is working with the City of San Mateo to implement a 20‐year Master Plan to construct improvements at th
e Wastewater Treatment Plant to repair and replace aging infrastructure, address future growth and capacity issues, and address existing and future regulatory requirements.
Waste Reduction and Recycling Activities:
Resurfaced streets using cold‐in‐place recycling of asphalt which reuses materials and reduces truck trips during construction.
Recycles in all city facilities.
Climate‐Friendly Purchasing Activities:
Participates in Regional Renewable Energy Procurement for purchase of solar. Participates in Peninsula SunShares Residential Solar and Electric Vehicle Bulk Procurement Program.
Ensures that janitorial supplies used in city facilities are environmentally friendly (low pH diluted cleaning concentrates and renewable resource paper products). Through Foster City Lagoon Management Plan, the city dire cts the use of environmentally friendly products and processes, rather than chemical treatment to manage lagoon water quality whenever possible.
Climate Action Plans
2022 California Green Building Code (CALGreen)
Title 24 of the California Building Standards Code includes CALGreen as Part 11 of its 13‐part code.
In 2022, Foster City adopted the most current CalGreen update, establishing baseline building construction standards. Since 2016, CalGreen has been applied to all new buildings, as well as changes or additions that expand the size of residential buildings and additions to nonreside ntial buildings. The goal of CalGreen is to reduce environmental impacts by building practices in several
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14 key areas: planning and Design, Energy Efficiency, Water Efficiency and Conservation, Material Conservation and Resource Efficiency, and Environmental Quality.
Regional Sustainability and GHG Reduction Efforts
2019 San Mateo County Climate Emergency
In September 2019, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution declaring a climate emergency in San Mateo County to highlight the increasingly urgent need for action to address the climate crisis. The County of San Mateo joined over 1,000 national, international, and local jurisdictions with similar declarations. The resolution calls for the County to create Climate Action Plans (CAPs) for its government operations and uninc orporated community to achieve
carbon neutrality in advance of the State of California’s 2045 goal and coordinate with the cities and other local partners to address the climate crisis.
San Mateo Countywide Transportation Plan 2040 (SMTCP)
In 2017, the C/CAG Board of Directors adopted the SMCTP 2040 to provide San Mateo County with a long‐range, comprehensive transportation plan for identifying and resolving transportation issues.1 Transportation planning objectives and policies include integration of transportation and land use plans for sustainable commuting with surrounding counties in the Bay Area.
Plan Bay Area 2050
Plan Bay Area 2050 is the Bay Area’s regional long‐range plan adopted by Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG). The plan was developed in collaboration with Bay Area residents, partner agencies, and nonprofit organizations. It lays out a $1.4 trillion vision for a more equitable and resilient fut ure for Bay Area residents. Thirty‐five strategies make up the heart of the plan to improve housing, the economy, transportation, and the environment across the Bay Area’s nine counties — to make the Bay Area more equitable for all residents and more resilient to unexpected challenges. Plan Bay Area 2050 serves as the Bay Area’s Re
gional Transportation Plan (RTP), as required by federal regulations, and the Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS), as required by state statute.
State Sustainability and GHG Reduction Efforts
California remains a global leader in the effort to reduce GHG emissions and combat climate change through its mitigati on and adaptation strategies. With the passage of Assembly Bill (AB) 32 in 2006, California became the first state in the United States to mandate GHG emission reductions across its entire economy. To support AB 32, California has enacted legislation, regulations, and executive orders (EO) that put it on course to achie ve robust emission
1 City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County (C/CAG), 2017. San Mateo Countywide Transportation Plan.
Available at: https://ccag.ca.gov/wp‐content/uploads/2014/05/SMCTP‐2040‐FINAL_.pdf, accessed April 24, 2024.
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15 reductions and address the impacts of a changing climate. The following is a summary of executive and legislative actions most relevant to the CAP. 2002 Senate Bill 1078
In 2002, SB 1078 established the California Renewables Portfolio Standards (RPS) Program, accelerated in 2006 by SB 107, requiring 20 percent of retail electricity sales to be composed of renewable energy sources by 2010. EO S‐14‐08 was signed in 2008 to further streamline California's renewable energy project approval process and increase the St ate's RPS to the most aggressive in the nation at 33 percent renewable power by 2020. 2002 Assembly Bill 1493
In 2002, AB 1493, also known as the Pavley Regulations, directed the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to establish regulations to reduce GHG emissions from passenger vehicles to the maximum and most cost‐effective extent feasible. CARB approved the first set of regulations to reduce GHG emissions from passenger vehicles in 2004, initially taking effect with the 2009 model
year.
2005 Executive Order S‐3‐05
Executive Order (EO) S‐3‐05 was signed in 2005, establishing State‐wide GHG emissions reduction targets for 2020 and 2050. The EO calls for reducing GHG emissions in California to 2000 levels by 2010, 1990 levels by 2020, and 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. The 2050 emission reduction target would put the St ate’s emissions in line with the worldwide reductions needed to reach long‐term climate stabilization as concluded by the IPCC 2007 Fourth Assessment Report. 2006 Assembly Bill 32
California’s major initiative for reducing GHG emissions is outlined in AB 32, the “California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006,” which was signed into law in 2006. AB 32 codifies the Statewide goal of reducing GHG emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. It requires the California Resource Board (CARB) to prepare a Scoping Plan that outlines the main State strategies for reducing GHG emissions to meet the 2020 deadline. In addition, AB 32 requires CARB to adopt regulations to require reporting and verification of Statewide GHG emissions.
Based on this guidance, CARB approved a 1990 Statewide GHG baseline and 2020 emissions limit of 427 million metric tons of CO2 equiva
lent (MMT CO2e). CARB approved the Scoping Plan on
December 11, 2008. It included measures to address GHG emission reduction strategies related to energy efficiency, water use, and recycling and solid waste, among other measures. Many of the GHG reduction measures included in th e Scoping Plan (e.g., Low Carbon Fuel Standard,
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16 Advanced Clean Car standards2, and Cap‐and‐Trade) have been adopted since approval of the Scoping Plan.
In May 2014, CARB approved the first update to the AB 32 Scoping Plan. The 2014 Scoping Plan update defined CARB’s climate change priorities for the next five years and set the groundwork to reach post‐2020 Statewide goals. The upda te highlighted California’s progress toward meeting the “near‐term” 2020 GHG emission reduction goals defined in the original Scoping Plan. It also evaluated how to align the State’s longer‐term GHG reduction strategies with other State policy priorities, including those for water, waste, natural resources, clean energy, tra nsportation, and land use (CARB 2014).
2007 Executive Order S‐1‐07
Also known as the Low Carbon Fuel Standard, EO S‐1‐07, issued in 2007, established a Statewide goal that requires transportation fuel providers to reduce the carbon intensity of California’s transportation fuels by at least 10 percent by 2020. EO S‐1‐07 was readopted and amended in 2015 to require a 20 percent re duction in carbon intensity by 2030, the most stringent requirement in the nation. The new requirement aligns with California’s overall 2030 target of reducing climate changing emissions 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030, which was set by Senate Bill 32 and signed by the governor in 2016.
2007 Senate Bill 97
Signed in August 2007, SB 97 acknowledges that climate change is an environmental issue that requires analysis in California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) documents. In March 2010,the California Natural Resources Agency adopted amendments to the State CEQA Guidelines for the feasible mitigation of GHG emissions or the effects of GHG emissions. The adopted guidelin es give lead agencies the discretion to set quantitative or qualitative thresholds for assessing and mitigating GHG and climate change impacts.
2008 Senate Bill 375
SB 375, signed in August 2008, enhances the State’s ability to reach AB 32 goals by directing CARB to develop regional GHG emission reduction targets to be achieved from passenger vehicles by 2020 and 2035. In addition, SB 375 directs each of the State’s 18 major Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs), including the MTC, to prepare a “sustainable co mmunities strategy” (SCS) that contains a growth strategy to meet these emission targets for inclusion in the MPO’s Regional Transportation Plan (RTP). On March 22, 2018, CARB adopted updated regional targets for reducing GHG emissions from 2005 levels by 2020 and 2035.
2 On September 19, 2019, the National Highway Traffic Safety Agency (NHTSA) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final action entitled the One National Program on Federal Preemption of State Fuel Economy Standards Rule. This action finalizes Part I of the Safer, Affordable, Fuel‐Efficient (SAFE) Vehicles Rule . This rule states that federal law preempts State and local tailpipe greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards as well as zero emission vehicle (ZEV) mandates. The SAFE Rule withdraws the Clean Air Act waiver it granted to California in January 2013 as it relates to California’s GHG and zero emission vehicle programs.
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17 2009 California Green Building Code
The California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) is Part 11 of the California Building Standards Code or Title 24 and is the first Statewide “green” building code in the nation.
CALGreen aims to improve public health, safety, and general welfare by enhancing the design and construction of buildings. Enhancements include reduced negative imp act designs, positive environmental impact designs, and encouraging sustainable construction practices. The first CALGreen Code was adopted in 2009 and updated in 2013, 2016, and 2019. The CALGreen Code will have subsequent and continually more stringent updates every three years. 2009 Senate Bill X7‐7
In 2009, SB X7‐7, also known as the Water Conservation Act, was signed, requiring all water suppliers to increase water use efficiency. This legislation aims to reduce per capita urban water use by 20 percent by 2020.
2011 Senate Bill 2X
In 2011, SB 2X was signed, requiring California energy providers to buy (or generate) 33 percent of their electricity from renewable energy sources by 2020. 2012 Assembly Bill 341
AB 341 directed the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) to develop and adopt regulations for mandatory commercial recycling. As of July 2012, businesses are required to recycle, and jurisdictions must implement a program that includes education, outreach, and monitoring. AB 341 also set a Statewide goal of 75 percent waste diversion by 2020.
2014 Assembly Bill 32
Scoping Plan Update
In 2014, CARB approved the first update to the Scoping Plan. This update defines CARB’s climate change priorities and sets the groundwork to reach the post‐2020 targets outlined in EO S‐3‐05.
The update highlights California’s progress toward meeting the 2020 GHG emissions reduction target, defined in the original Scopi ng Plan. It also evaluates how to align California’s longer‐term GHG reduction strategies with other Statewide policy priorities, such as water, waste, natural resources, clean energy, transportation, and land use.
2014 Assembly Bill 1826
AB 1826 was signed in 2014 to increase the recycling of organic material. GHG emissions produced by decomposing these materials in landfills were identified as a significant source of emissions contributing to climate change. Therefore, reducing organic waste and increasing composting and mulching are goals set out by the AB 32 Scoping Plan. AB 1826 requires jurisdictions to establish
organic waste recycling programs by 2016 and phases in mandatory commercial organic waste recycling over time.
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18 2015 Senate Bill 350
SB 350, the Clean Energy and Pollution Reduction Act of 2015, has two objectives: to increase the procurement of electricity from renewable sources from 33 percent to 50 percent by 2030 and to double the energy efficiency of electricity and natural gas end users through energy efficiency and conservation. In 2015, EO B‐30‐15 was signed, establishing an interi m GHG emissions reduction target to reduce emissions to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030. The EO also calls for another update to the CARB Scoping Plan.
2016 Senate Bill 32
On September 8, 2016, the governor signed SB 32 into law, extending AB 32 by requiring the State to further reduce GHGs to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 (the other provisions of AB 32 remain unchanged). The bill charges CARB to adopt the regulation so that the maximum technologically feasible emissions reductions are achieved in th e most cost‐effective way. 2016 Senate Bill 1383
Adopted in September 2016, SB 1383 requires CARB to approve and begin implementing a comprehensive strategy to reduce emissions of short‐lived climate pollutants. The bill requires the strategy to achieve the following reduction targets by 2030:
Methane – 40 percent below 2013 levels
Hydrofluorocarbons – 40 percent below 2013 levels
Anthropogenic bla
ck carbon – 50 percent below 2013 levels
SB 1383 also requires the CalRecycle, in consultation with the CARB, to adopt regulations that achieve specified targets for reducing organic waste in landfills. The bill further requires 20 percent of edible food disposed of at the time to be recovered by 2025. 2017 Scoping Plan Update
On December 14, 2017, CARB adopted the 2017 Scoping Plan, which provides a framework for achieving the 2030 goal set by SB 32. The 2017 Scoping Plan relies on continuing and expanding existing policies and regulations, such as the Cap‐and‐Trade Program, and implementing recently adopted policies, such as SB 350 and SB 1383. The 2017 Scoping Plan also em phasizes innovation, adoption of existing technology, and strategic investment to support its strategies. As with the 2014 Scoping Plan Update, the 2017 Scoping Plan does not provide project‐level land‐use development thresholds. Instead, it recommends that local governments adopt policies and locally appropriate
quantitative thresholds consistent with Statewide per capita goals of six metric tons (MT) CO2e by 2030 and two MT CO2e by 2050 (CARB 2017). As stated in the 2017 Scoping Plan, these goals may be appropriate for plan‐level analyses (city, county, subregional, or regional level) but not for specific individual projects becau se they include all emissions sectors in the State.
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19 2018 Senate Bill 100
Adopted on September 10, 2018, SB 100 supports the reduction of GHG emissions from the electricity sector by accelerating the State’s Renewables Portfolio Standard Program, which was last updated by SB 350 in 2015. SB 100 requires electricity providers to increase procurement from eligible renewable energy resources to 33 percent of total retail sales by 2020, 60 perce nt by 2030, and 100 percent by 2045.
Also, on September 10, 2018, the governor issued Executive Order B‐55‐18, establishing a new Statewide goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2045 and maintaining net negative emissions afterward. This goal is in addition to the existing Statewide GH G reduction targets established by SB 375, SB 32, SB 1383, and SB 100.
2022 Assembly Bill 1279
In 2022, California passed AB 1279, which mandates the state to reach "net zero greenhouse gas emissions" at the earliest possible time, with a deadline of no later than 2045. Following this, the state must attain and sustain net negative GHG emissions. It also requires that statewide anthropogenic GHG emissions be reduced to at least 85 perce nt below 1990 levels.
Required Approvals
Required approvals include:
Adoption of the 2024 CAP Initial Study‐Negative Declaration Adoption of the 2024 CAP
Individual programs or projects to implement the CAP will be subject to environmental review under CEQA.
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20 II. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS POTENTIALLY
AFFECTED
The environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected by this project, involving at least one impact that is a “Potentially Significant Impact” as indicated by the checklist on the following pages.
Aesthetics
Agriculture and Forestry Resources
Air Quality
Biological Resources
Cultural Resources
Energy
Geology/Soils
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Hazards and Hazardous Materials
Hydrology/Water Quality
Land Use/Planning
Mineral Resources
Noise
Population/Housing
Public Services
Recreation
Transportation
Tribal Cultural Resources
Utilities/Service Systems
Wildfire
Mandatory Findings of Significance
Determination
On the basis of this initial evaluation:
I find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment, and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.
I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there will not be a significant effect in this case because revisions in the project have been made by or agreed to by the project proponent. A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.
I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required.
I find that the proposed project MAY have a “potentially significant impact” or “potentially significant unless mitigated” impact on the environment, but at least one effect 1) has been adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and 2) has been addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis as describe
d on attached sheets. An ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required, but it must analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed.
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21 I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, because all potentially significant effects (a) have been analyzed adequately in an earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION pursuant to applicable standards, and (b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION, including revisions or mitigation measures that are impose d upon the proposed project,
nothing further is required.
______________________________________________________ _________________ Signature Date
Updated:
______________________________________________________ _________________ Signature Date
9/17/24
11/1/24
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22 III. ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST
I. AESTHETICS
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
With
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Except as provided in Public Resources Code Section 21099, would the project:
a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐ b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic
buildings within a state scenic highway?
☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
c) In non‐urbanized areas, substantially degrade the
existing visual character or quality of public views of the site and its surroundings? (Public views are those that are experienced from publicly accessible vantage point).
If the project is in an urbanized area, would the project conflict with applicable zoning and other regulations
governing sce
nic quality?
☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the
area?
☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? Less than Significant Impact. A scenic vista is defined as the view of an area that is visually or aesthetically pleasing. While the Foster City General Plan does not designate any scenic vistas, there are several areas that can be considered to have scenic public views (e.g., the trail system along the levee or views across the Foster City Lagoon).
The CAP is a policy document that does not propose new development that would result in the construction of site‐specific projects that may impact a scenic vista or the existing visual character and quality of an area. However, implementation of strategies and measures under the CAP could have the potential to impact scenic vistas and visual character or quality of an area if it introduces a new structure or feature that blocks public views or adversely changes the local aesthetics. b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a State Scenic Highway?
No Impact. There are no State Scenic Highways within or adjacent to Foster City.
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23 c) In non‐urbanized areas, substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of public views of the site and its surroundings? (Public views are those that are experienced from publicly accessible vantage point). If the project is in an urbanized area, would the project conflict with applicable zoning and other regulations governin
g scenic quality?
No Impact. The City of Foster City is an urbanized area with the following applicable visual character/quality goals and policies from the City General Plan elements:
Goal 1: NEIGHBORHOOD COMPATIBILITY ‐ Foster City residents enjoy a high quality of life – directly related to the livability and character of the residential neighborhoods. The General Plan encourages new structures, remodels and uses that are contextually appropriate, both in land use as well as in scale and design.
Policy LUC‐A: Preserve the Quality of the City's Residential Neighborhoods ‐ Pres erve and strengthen the identity and qualities of Foster City's residential neighborhoods and assure that: (1) all new development, renovation or remodeling are harmoniously designed and operated to integrate with the existing neighborhood; (2) noise, traffic and other conflicts between residential and non‐residential land uses are e liminated or minimized to the extent possible; (3) each residential neighborhood has access to a developed park or park‐like recreational area within walking distance to most residents, and that park facilities are well maintained, diverse and adequate to meet the needs of residents; and (4) maintain availability of comm ercial and retail services.
Policy LUC‐A‐1: Preservation of Residential Neighborhoods ‐ Preserve existing residential neighborhoods by maintaining their residential design and character and appropriate uses. The City will prohibit the conversion of single‐family residences along major streets to any uses other than residential uses (except that home occupations meeting City requirements shall be allowed) .
Policy LUC‐ A‐2: Preservation of Views ‐ The City will use the design review process to balance the ability of the property owner to improve/expand their property with the desire of the owners of neighboring Bayfront or waterfront houses to continue to enjoy views of the San Francisco Bay or the Foster City Lagoon.
Policy LUC‐B: Promote Pr
oper Site Planning, Architectural Design and Property Maintenance ‐ Ensure high quality site planning and architectural design for all new development, renovation or remodeling and require property maintenance to maintain the long‐ term health, safety, appearance, and welfare of the community.
Po
licy LUC‐B‐1: City Approach to Design (Architectural) Review ‐ The City will establish a continuing program of civic beautification, tree planting, maintenance of homes and streets, and other measures which will promote an aesthetically desirable environment in order that neighborhood areas appear attractive both within and without. The City will use a design revi
ew process (called Architectural Review) whereby the
design of most public and private development proposals, including those for individual residences, are subject to review and approval by the City. The primary objective of this review is to preserve the character of the neighborhood and community regarding appropriate and acceptable design for property improvements. Design review shall address, among other things, the following issues:
a) Preservation of the architectural character and scale of neighborhoods. b) That the development is well designed, in and of itself, and in relation to surrounding properties. c) Preservation of waterfront views.
d) Minimizing impacts on the privacy and acces
s to sunlight of adjacent properties. e. Minimizing impacts due to excessive noise or undue glare.
e) Screening of unsightly uses including trash, loading docks/areas, roof top equipment, and special ventilating systems.
f) Use of setbacks, open space, and landscaping.
g) Exterior colors and materials.
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24 Goal 2: LAND USE ‐ In a built‐out city like Foster City, the land use patterns are critical for maintaining a mix of uses, traffic flow, and provision of services. Land use patterns represent our experience in the built environment.
The focus of the General Plan must be on managing changes so that it cont inues to achieve the community’s vision. The Goals, Policies and Programs provide direction for decisions related to all land uses, as well as for those related to specific land use designations.
Policy LUC‐C: Maintain a Variety of Land Uses ‐ Maintain land designated for a variety of residential, commercial , light industrial, recreational and public institutional purposes which: (1) provide a mix of housing types, densities and tenure; (2) ensure that a variety of commercial and industrial goods, services and employment opportunities are available in Foster City; (3) offer a range of recreational and public facilities to meet the needs Foster City's residents; and (4)
maintain availability of commercial and retail services.
Policy LUC‐C‐6: Density of Residential Projects ‐ The City will allow for a range of residential densities and housing types. Densities should be calculated based on gross square footage of parcels, unless circumstances require the use of net buildable land instea d. The maximum allowed density may be achieved by use of the "PD" zoning designation or through mixed use residential/ commercial development in appropriate locations.
The maximum residential density for a particular type of housing may be approved if the following are included:
a) Excellence in architecture, site planning and landscape design is ac hieved through creative solutions to building location and/or design, the preservation of views or vistas, the creation of usable open areas for public and/or private enjoyment, the provision of pedestrian/bicycle pathways for links to existing or proposed routes, the preservation of Bay wildlife resources, and the cons ervation of energy resources (through solar siting, clustering, etc.).
b) Recreational facilities are provided on‐site for the enjoyment of project residents. c) Traffic, noise, or visual effects of the higher density development will not significantly affect adjacent or nearby residences, or the overall streetscape.
d) Very‐low‐, low‐ and moderate‐in come units are included in the project.
Policy LUC‐C‐8: City‐Owned and Controlled Lands ‐ City‐owned and controlled lands will be held or “banked” until such time as a beneficial use can be made. Banked City lands should also be used to meet City service needs (on lands adjacent to City Hall) and recreation and open spac e needs (on lands with water access). The
City will not sell or exchange land at less than fair market value, except in exchange for the provision of low or moderate income housing. Development and design standards shall apply as in any private development, including the allowance of higher densities for re
sidential projects which include low or moderate income housing. The City will consider the following criteria in determining the most beneficial use of City lands and will consider the exchange or sale of land for private development if such development can me et City needs based on these criteria:
a) Revenue generating potential of the land use.
b) Extent for which general public access and use is provided. c) Preservation of open spaces or important natural habitats as part of the project design. d) Extent to which the project fulfills important City needs, such as for unmet commercial or public servic
es, low or moderate income housing, recreation, or public facilities. e) Compatibility of proposed land use(s) with existing/proposed adjacent properties use(s). f) Protection of public views of the San Francisco Bay or Foster City Lagoon.
The CAP would not involve land use or zoning changes but would instead facilitate a reduction in emissions in the energy, transportation, solid waste, wastewater, and water sectors.
Implementation of the following CAP measures may promote infrastructure development and redevelopment through strategies that may impact scenic resources, as described below.
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25 CAP measure T‐L.3.1 may expand access to bike and pedestrian infrastructure. Measure T‐L.2.1 aims to build electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in the City. Measure E‐W.2.1 sets a target to increase residential and commercial solar installations. Installation of solar panels and EV charging infrastructure, as well as changes in bike and pedestrian infrastructure, may slightly change the scenic resources in the City. The proposed CAP projects would be located and designed to be complimentary to existing development and land uses. As such, the CAP could result in impacts related to scenic quality in urban areas. However, CAP projects or actions would be
required to adhere to City development zoning and regulations. In addition, CAP projects and actions would be reviewed for consistency with the General Plan and other applicable regulatory land use actions prior to approval, therefore resulting in a less‐than‐significant impact. d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area?
Less than Significant Impact. The CAP is a policy document containing strategies and supporting measures to reduce GHG emissions; it does not propose site‐specific development. However, the implementation of measures initiated under the CAP could result in the development of new sources of light or glare.
As part of Measure E‐W.2.1, the City calls for an increase residential and commercial solar installations. Solar panels are designed to absorb light to generate energy, not reflect light.
Thus, their placement and orientation on structures would not create a new source of substantial light or glare that would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area.
II. AGRICULTURAL AND FOREST RESOURCES
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
In determining whether impacts to agricultural resources are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to the California agricultural land evaluation and site
assessment model (1997) prepared by the California Dept. of conservation as an optional model to use in asse ssing
impacts on agriculture and farmland. In determining
whether impacts to forest resources, including timberland, are significantly environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to information compiled by the California department of forestry and fire protection regarding the state’s inventory of forest land, including the forest and range assessment project and the fores
t legacy assessment project; and forest
carbon measurement methodology provided in forest
protocols adopted by the California air resources board.
Would the project:
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26 Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on the
maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and
Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency,
to a non‐agricultural use?
☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a Williamson Act contract? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
c) Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning of, forest land (as defined in Public Resources Code Section 12220(g)), timberland (as defined by Public Resources
Code Section 4526), or timberland zoned Timberland
Production (as defined by Governmental Code Section
51104(g))?
☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
d) Result in the loss of forest land or conversion of forest land to non‐forest use? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
e) Involve other changes in the existing environment which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of Farmland to non‐agricultural use or conversion of
forest land to non‐forest use?
☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, to a non‐agricultural use?
b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a Williamson Act contract? No Impact. The City of Foster City does not contain farmland or lands used for agricultural purposes.3,4 The CAP does not involve measures that would result in impacts related to conversion or loss of farmland. Therefore, the CAP would not result in the degradation of agricultural resources or conversion of agricultural land to non‐agriculture uses, nor would there be a conflict with existing zoning or general plan land use designations.
3 City of Foster City, 2016. Land Use and Circulation Element. Available at: https://www.fostercity.org/sites/default/files/ fileattachments/community_development/page/3421/luc‐element‐w_low‐res‐maps.pdf, accessed April 9, 2024. 4 City of Foster City Zoning Map, ArcGIS web application. Available at: https://www.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/ index.html?id=e34316ba2a5743d58e16a773be73b07c, accessed April 10, 2024.
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27 c) Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning of, forest land (as defined in Public Resources Code Section 12220(g)), timberland (as defined by Public Resources Code Section 4526), or timberland zoned Timberland Production (as defined by Government Code Section 51104(g))? d) Result in the loss of forest land or conversion of forest land to non‐forest use? e) Involve ot
her changes in the existing environment which, due to their location or mature, could result in conversion of Farmland, to non‐agricultural use or conversion of forest land to non‐forest use? No Impact. The City of Foster City does not contain forest or timberland resources5. Foster City’s urban tree canopy is currently only 7 percent of the total land area. The CAP suggests individuals plant trees appropriate to their situation and discusses tree planting for supporting climate adaptation but does not have any specific strategies that would affect existing trees. The potential impact is an increase in the number of trees in the City. Th e CAP would not result in the degradation of forestry resources or conversion of forest land to non‐forest uses, nor would there be a conflict with existing zoning or general plan land use designations.
Cumulative Impacts
Less than significant cumulative impact. The cumula tive projects scenario is total projected population growth for Foster City (34,072 persons) in 2030. The City does not contain farmland or lands used for agricultural purposes, nor does it contain forest or timberland resources. The CAP would not involve land use or zoning changes that could result in cumulative impacts related to conversion or loss of farmland or forest land. Therefore, imple mentation of the CAP would result
in no cumulative impact related to agricultural and forestry resources.
III. AIR QUALITY
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Where available, the significance criteria established by the applicable air quality management district or air pollution control district may be relied upon to make the following determinations. Would the project:
a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
b) Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is non‐ attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard?
☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
5 California Department of Fish and Wildlife, n.d. California Forests and Timberlands Map. Available at: https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/ FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=109917&inline, accessed April 13, 2024.
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28 Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
c) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations? ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
d) Result in other emissions (such as those leading to odors) adversely affecting a substantial number of people? ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan? No Impact. The City of Foster City is located within the San Francisco Bay Area Air Basin (Air Basin), which includes the nine Bay Area counties (Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, southwestern Solano, and southern Sonoma). The Air Basin is under the jurisdiction of the local air quality management agency, Bay Area Air Quality Managemen
t District (BAAQMD). BAAQMD is required to monitor air pollutant levels to ensure that State and federal air quality standards are met and, if they are not met, to develop strategies to meet the standards. Depending on whether or not the standards are met or exceeded, Sa n Mateo County is classified as being in “attainment” or “nonattainment.” Under State law, air districts are required to prepare a plan for air quality improvement for pollutants for which the district is in non‐attainment. BAAQMD is in non‐attainment for the State and federal ozone standards, the Stat
e and federal PM2.5 (particulate matter up to 2.5 microns in size) standards, and the State PM10 (particulate matter up to 10 microns in size) standards and is required to prepare a plan for improvement.6 The California Air Resources Board (CARB) and United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) focus on the following air pollutants as regional indicators of ambient air quality: ozone, coarse particulate matter (PM10), fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide.
The Bay Area 2017 Clean Air Plan provides a plan to improve Bay Area air quali ty and protect public health as well as the climate. The legal impetus for the Clean Air Plan is to update the most recent ozone plan, the 2010 Clean Air Plan, to comply with State air quality planning requirements as codified in the California Health and Safety Code. Although steady progress has been made toward reducing ozone levels in the Bay Area, the region continues to be designated as non- attainment for both the one-hour and eight-hour State ozone standards as noted previously. In addition, emissions of ozone precursors in the Bay Area contribute to air quality problems in neighboring air basins. Under these circumstances, State law requires the Clean Air Plan to include
6 Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD), n.d. Air Quality Standards and Attainment Status. Available at:
https://www.baaqmd.gov/about‐air‐quality/research‐and‐data/air‐quality‐standards‐and‐attainment‐status, accessed April 10, 2024.
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29 all feasible measures to reduce emissions of ozone precursors and reduce transport of ozone precursors to neighboring air basins.7
The Federal Clean Air Act Amendments (CAAA) mandate that states submit and implement a State Implementation Plan (SIP) for areas not meeting air quality standards. The SIP includes pollution control measures to demonstrate how the standards will be met through those measures. The SIP is established by incorporating measures established during the preparation of Air Qualit y Management Plans (AQMP) and adopted rules and regulations by each local Air Pollution Control District (APCD)8 and AQMD, which are submitted for approval to CARB and the U.S. EPA.20 The goal of an AQMP is to reduce pollutant concentrations below the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) through the implementation of air pollutant emissions controls.
The CAP would not involve land use or zoning changes but would promote infrastructure developmen
t. Implementation of strategies in the CAP would support Foster City in meeting applicable air quality plan goals and overall reducing sensitive receptor exposure to pollutant concentrations. While the purpose and intended effect of the CAP is to reduce GHG emissions generated in the City to help reduce the effects of climate change, many of its act ions would also reduce criteria pollutant (i.e., air quality) emissions. CAP Measures E‐W.1.1 and E‐W.1.2 aim to reduce emissions from the energy sector through energy efficiency programs, Measures E‐W.2.1, E‐W.2.2, and E‐W.2.3 aim to decarbonize existing buildings through increasing renewable energy use, and Measure E.W.2.4. aims to decarbonize new construction by adopting Reach Codes for the Building Code 2025 cycle. Measure T‐L.1.1 strives to reduce emissions from the transportation sector through a reduction in VMT, Measure T‐L.2.1 would decarbonize transportation by increasing the number of passenger EVs and construc ting charging infrastructure, Measure T‐L.2.2 aims to decarbonize off‐road equipment and vehicle operations, and Measure T‐L.3.1 would encourage active transportation by expanding bike/pedestrian infrastructure in the city. These energy‐ and transportation‐related strategies would reduce air quality emissions as well as GHG emissions, thus the CAP is consistent with the 2017 Clean Air Plan. b) Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is non‐attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard? Less than significant impact. The CAP is a policy document that would not involve any land use or zoning changes but would promote infrastructure development and redevelopment. As a policy document, the CAP would not result in impacts related to criteria pollutants. However, implementation of the following CAP measures may promote infrastructure development an d redevelopment. Measure E‐W.2.1 would increase installations of residential and commercial solar photovoltaics (PV). Measure T‐L.2.1 would increase installations of EV charging stations and T‐ L.3.1 would increase construction of bike/pedestrian infrastructure. Construction‐related air
7 Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD), 2017. “Spare the Air: Cool the Climate.” Available at:
https://www.baaqmd.gov/~/media/files/planning‐and‐research/plans/2017‐clean‐air‐plan/attachment‐a_‐proposed‐final‐cap‐vol‐1‐ pdf.pdf?la=en, accessed April 24, 2024.
8 Air Pollution Control District is a county agency with authority to regulate stationary, indirect and area sources of air pollution within a given county and governed by a district air pollution control board composed of the elected county supervisors.
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30 quality impacts are generally associated with fugitive dust (PM10 and PM2.5) and exhaust emissions from heavy construction vehicles and soil hauling trucks, in addition to ROG that would be released during the drying phase upon application of architectural coatings. However, the implementation of proposed strategies would not include large‐scale construction in Foster City.
As such, it would result in low‐level criteria pollutant emissions and negligibl e impacts to air quality. CAP projects or actions would also be reviewed for consistency with BAAQMD air quality regulations and other applicable local, State, and federal regulations once project details and locations are known. Thus, the construction required for implementation of the CAP strategies would result in a less‐than‐significant impact related to net increase of cri teria pollutants. With respect to operational emissions, many CAP measures would have the secondary benefit of reducing criteria pollutant emissions. CAP measures aim to increase building energy efficiency, promote EVs, reduce on‐road gasoline fuel use, and reduce VMT. Implementation of CAP measures would
be beneficial by helping Foster City meet applicable air quality plan goals. In addition, future CAP projects would be required to comply with local, regional, and State air quality regulations.
c) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations? Less than significant impact. Implementation of the following CAP measures may promote infrastructure development and redevelopment. Measure E‐W.2.1 would increase installations of residential and commercial solar PV. Measure T‐L.2.1 would increase installations of EV charging stations and T‐L.3.1 would increase construction of bike/pedestrian infrastructure. However, the implementation of the proposed measur es would not include large‐scale construction in Foster City. As such, it would result in low‐level toxic air contaminant emissions. While the CAP could result in construction‐related impacts related to toxic air contaminants and exposure to sensitive receptors, CAP projects or actions would be reviewed for consistency comply wit h BAAQMD air quality regulations and other applicable local, State, and federal regulations once project details and locations are known. Thus, the construction associated with implementation of the CAP would not result in substantial emissions of toxic air contaminants and exposure to sensitive receptors. No operational toxic air contaminant emissions are anticipated with i mplementation of the CAP measures.
d) Result in other emissions (such as those leading to odors) adversely affecting a substantial number of people?
Less than significant impact. The CARB 2005 Air Quality Land Use Handbook: A Community Health Perspective identifies land uses associated with odor complaints which include: sewage treatment plants, landfills, recycling facilities, waste transfer stations, petroleum refineries, biomass operations, auto body shops, coating operations, fiberglass manufacturing, foundries, rendering plants, and livestock operations.9 CAP Measure W‐C.1.1 aims to reduce organic waste to landfill by promoting recycling and organics recycling (compost) in the City. Therefore, the CAP
9 California Air Resources Board (CARB), 2005. Air Quality and Land Use Handbook: A Community Health Perspective, April.
Available at: https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/sites/default/files/2023‐05/Land%20Use%20Handbook_0.pdf, accessed April 24, 2024.
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31 could result in minor odors related to compost. However, green waste collection bins and compost application are not identified on the list of “Sources of Odor Complaints” (Table 1‐4) as provided in the CARB Air Quality and Land Use Handbook and would not be anticipated to result in other emissions, such as those leading to odors, adversely affecting a substantial number of people.10
Cumulative Impacts
Less than significant cumulative impact. The cumulative projects scenario is total projected population growth for Foster City (34,072 persons) in 2030. The cumulative projects could exceed applicable BAAQMD thresholds or be inconsistent with the Clean Air Plan. However, implementation of the CAP would have a less‐than‐significant contribution related to potenti al cumulative air quality impacts within the air basin and on sensitive receptors within the City of Foster City, given that the CAP would result in citywide reduction of GHG emissions, energy use, water use, and waste generation. As such, implementation of the CAP would not result in adverse impacts related to contrib
ution of criteria pollutants to the air basin and exposure of sensitive receptors to toxic air contaminants. Therefore, implementation of the CAP would result in a less‐ than‐significant cumulative impact related to air quality.
IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the project:
a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?
☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, regulations, or by the
California Department of Fish and Game or US Fish and
Wildlife Service?
☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
c) Have a substantial adverse effect on state or federally protected wetlands (including, but not limited to,
marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct
removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other
means?
☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
10 Ibid.
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32 Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
d) Interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with
established native resident or migratory wildlife corri‐ dors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites? ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance?
☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat
Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation
Plan or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan?
☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? Less than significant impact. The City of Foster City is an urbanized community with parks and recreational and open spaces incorporated throughout the City.11 The City’s General Plan Parks and Open Space Element and Conservation Element incorporate goals and policies to protect biological resources, such as plant habitats, wildlife habitats, and endangered species in the City12,13. The CAP would not involve land use or zoning changes but would instead promote infrastructure development and redevelopment. As a policy document, the CAP would not directly result in impacts related to wildlife species identified as candidate, sensitive, or special status.
However, implementation of the following CAP measures may promote infrastructure developmen
t and redevelopment and may result in impacts to species through habitat modification for purposes of infrastructure installation.
Measure E‐W.2.1 would increase installations of residential and commercial solar PV. Measure T‐ L.2.1 would increase installations of EV charging stations and T‐L.3.1 would increase construction of bike/pedestrian infrastructure. However, the implementation of proposed strategies would not include large‐scale constru
ction in Foster City. These CAP measures would not conflict with the Municipal Code or objectives and policies of the General Plan or Conservation Guidelines but would rather be consistent with and promote those plans. The CAP measures would generally apply to the urbanized areas of the City, with littl
e application to parks, open spaces area, or other
locations where sensitive habitat and related species may be present. As such, the CAP itself
11 City of Foster City Zoning Map, ArcGIS web application. Available at: https://www.arcgis.com/apps/ webappviewer/index.html?id=e34316ba2a5743d58e16a773be73b07c, accessed April 10, 2024. 12 City of Foster City, 2009. Parks and Open Space Element. Available at: https://www.fostercity.org/sites/default/ files/fileattachments/community_development/page/3441/gp‐chapter‐5‐parks‐and‐open‐space‐element.pdf, accessed April 9, 2024. 13 City of Foster City, 2009. Conservation Element. Available at: https://www.fostercity.org/sites/default/files/ fileattachments/community_development/page/3421/luc‐element‐w_low‐res‐maps.pdf, accessed April 9, 2024.
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33 would not have a substantial adverse effect on special‐status wildlife species either directly through individual take or indirectly through species habitat modification. b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or US Fish and Wildlife Service?
c) Have a substantial adverse effect on state or federally protected wetlands (including, but not limited to , marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means? Less than significant impact. The CAP would not involve land use or zoning changes but would instead promote infrastructure development and redevelopment. As a policy document, the CAP could result in impacts related to habitat whether riparian, wetland, or other sensitive natural community. According to the General Plan Conservation Element, special habitat resources in Foster City in
cludes a diversity of bird species, including those who inhabit saltmarsh and grassland habitats, especially along the Belmont Slough. The measures included in the CAP would generally apply to the urbanized areas of the city, with little application to parks, open spaces, wetlands, or other locations where sensitive habitat and related s pecies may be present. CAP projects or actions would be reviewed for consistency with applicable local, regional, and State regulations once project details and locations are known. Thus, none of the measures would require removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other harmful actions to wetlands within the city. These
CAP measures would not conflict with the Municipal Code or objectives and policies of the General Plan or Conservation Element but would rather be consistent with and promote those plans. Therefore, the CAP would not have a substantial adverse effect on riparian habitat or sensitive natural community, including wetlands.
d) Interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites?
Less than significant impact. The CAP would not involve land use or zoning changes but would instead promote infrastructure development and redevelopment. As a policy document, the CAP would not result in impacts related to interference with species movement. However, implementation of the following CAP measures may promote infrastructure development and redevelopment.
Measure E‐
W.2.1 would increase installations of residential and commercial solar PV. Measure T‐ L.2.1 would increase installations of EV charging stations and T‐L.3.1 would increase construction of bike/pedestrian infrastructure. However, the implementation of proposed strategies would not include large‐scale construction in Foster City. These CAP measures would not conflict with the Municipal Code or objectives and policies of the Gene
ral Plan or Conservation Guidelines but
would rather be consistent with and promote those plans. The CAP measures would generally apply to the urbanized areas of the City, with little application to parks, open spaces area, or other locations where sensitive habitat and related spe
cies may be present. As such, the CAP itself
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34 would not have a substantially interfere with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites. e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance?
No Impact. The City of Foster City is a primarily urbanized community with parks and open spaces throughout the City. The Foster City Municipal Code Chapter 17.34 Open Space and Conservation District, as well as the General Plan Parks and Open Space and Conservation Elements, outline goals and policies regarding resource protection in the City. The CAP would not involve any land use or zoning changes but would promote infrastructure development and redevelopment.
Because the intention and purpose of the CAP is to reduce GHG emissions emitted in the city and reduce the effects of climate change, the implementation of the CAP would support Foster City in meeting local policies and ordinances th
at protect biological resources. The CAP would not conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable policies for preserving biological resources and would not affect the City’s ability to attain goals and policies that protect biological resources. f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan? No Impact. The City’s General Plan, Parks and Open Space Element and Conservation Element includes an inventory of open space resources as well as goals and policies to preserve natural resources, such as plant and wildlife habitats in the City. The CAP would not facilitate specific development projects, nor would it add or enable new developmen t that would conflict with the adopted Municipal Code, General Plan, or other approved local, regional, or State habitat conservation plan. Therefore, the CAP would have no impact related to consistency with an adopted habitat or natural community conservation plan.
V. CULTURAL RESOURCES
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the project:
a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource pursuant to Section 15064.5? ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐ b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource pursuant to Section 15064.5? ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐ c) Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of formal cemeteries? ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
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35 a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource pursuant to Section 15064.5?
b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource pursuant to Section 15064.5?
c) Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of formal cemeteries? Less than significant impact. The CAP is a policy document that does not propose new development that would result in the construction of site‐specific projects that could impact identified or unidentified historical, archaeological, or tribal resources or human remains. As the city has been subject to continuous urban development over the past century, any existing archaeological or paleontological resource
s would likely be located in areas where
development has already occurred. Previous studies have not found any archaeological, paleontological, or cultural resources sites in the immediate Foster City vicinity.14
However, implementation of the following strategies could result in future projects that involve ground‐disturbing activities and building alteration, but there are no specific projects identified and thus no specific location, size, or design to evaluate.
Measure E‐W.2.1 would increase installations of residential and commercial solar PV. Measure T‐ L.2.1 would increase installations of EV charging stations and T‐L.3.1 would increase construction of bike/pedestrian infrastructure. While the implementation of such proposed measures would not include large‐scale construction in Foster City, they have the potential to alter existing hist oric structures or uncover previously unknown historical, archaeological, and tribal cultural resources and human remains during construction. Future projects would be subject to CEQA review that would identify project‐specific impacts and any required mitigation measures to reduce potential impacts to a less‐than‐significant level.
In the case of inadvertent discoveries, future projects implemente d under the CAP would be subject to California Public Resources Code, Section 5097.98, which details the requirements for halting construction and notifying appropriate parties, including the most likely descendant.
14 Foster City Levee Protection Planning and Improvements Project Draft EIR, 2016. Available at: https://fostercitylevee.org/wp‐ content/uploads/2021/01/draft‐eir‐levee.pdf, accessed April 23, 2024, p. 241.
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36 VI. ENERGY
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the project:
a) Result in potentially significant environmental impact due to wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy resources, during project construction or
operation?
☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
b) Conflict with or obstruct a state or local plan for renewable energy or energy efficiency?
☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
a) Result in potentially significant environmental impact due to wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy resources, during project construction or operation? b) Conflict with or obstruct a state or local plan for renewable energy or energy efficiency? Less than significant impact. California is one of the lowest per‐capita energy users in the US nation, due to its energy efficiency programs and mild climate.15 California consumed 252,869 gigawatt‐hours of electricity and 2,056,267 million cubic feet of natural gas in 2022.16,17 The single largest end‐use sector for energy consumption in 2021 in California is transportation (41.3 percent), followed by industry (23.5 percent), residential (18.1 percent), and commercial (17.0 percent).18 Adopted in 2018, SB 100 accelerates the State’s Renewable Portfolio Standards Program, codified in the Public Utilities Act, by requiring electricity providers to increase procurement from eligible renewable energy resources to 33 percent of total retail sales by 2020, 60 percent by 2030, and 100 percent by 2045.
The City of Foster City has demonstrated its comm itment to energy efficiency and renewable energy through many efforts, as described in the Foster City Sustainability and GHG Reduction Setting section above. The City has adopted the California Green Building Standards Code, per Foster City Chapter 15.02, that requires efficiency measures to reduce energy use, and provide energy reduction be
nefits. The City has also completed a community‐wide GHG emissions inventory for 2019 which is summarized in Table 1. The transportation sector (including local roads and State highways), residential sector, and the commercial/industrial sector were the highest emitters of GHG emissions.
15 United States Energy Information Administration (USEIA), 2023. California – Profile Overview, last modified April 20, 2023.
Available at: https://www.eia.gov/state/?sid=CA, accessed April 13, 2024. 16 United States Energy Information Administration (USEIA), 2023. State Electricity Profiles for 2022, November 2. Available at:
https://www.eia.gov/dnav/ng/ng_cons_sum_dcu_SCA_a.htm, accessed April 13, 2024. 17 United States Energy Information Administration (USEIA), 2024. Natural Gas: Natural Gas Consumption by End Use, March 29.
Available at: https://www.eia.gov/dnav/ng/ng_cons_sum_dcu_SCA_a.htm, accessed April 13, 2024. 18 United States Energy Information Administration (USEIA), 2024. California Energy Consumption by End Use Sector, 2021.
Available at: https://www.eia.gov/dnav/ng/ng_cons_sum_dcu_SCA_a.htm. accessed April 13, 2024.
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37 VII. GEOLOGY AND SOILS
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the project:
a) Directly or indirectly cause potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death
involving:
☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
i. Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated
on the most recent Alquist‐Priolo Earthquake Fault
Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist for the
area or based on other substantial evidence of a
known fault? Refer to Division of Mines and Geology
Special Publication 42.
☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
ii. Strong seismic ground shaking? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
iii. Seismic‐related ground failure, including
liquefaction? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
iv. Landslides? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil? ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐ c) Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the project,
and potentially result in on‐ or off‐site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction or collapse?
☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
d) Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18‐1‐B of the Uniform Building Code (1994), creating substantial direct or indirect risks to life or property?
☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of
wastewater?
☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
f) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or unique geologic feature?
☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
a) Directly or indirectly cause potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving:
i. Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the most recent Alquist‐Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist for the area or based on other substantial evidence of a known f
ault? Refer to Division of Mines and Geology Special Publication 42. ii. Strong seismic ground shaking?
iii. Seismic‐related ground failure, including liquefaction? iv. Landslides?
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38 No impact. Foster City is located in the seismically active San Francisco Bay Region, which is within the highest seismic risk zone (Zone 4) designated in the Uniform Building Code.19 Seismic shaking is of particular concern for Foster City due to its proximity to active and potentially active faults that can generate significant earthquakes. No Alquist‐Priolo Special Study Zones, which identify active earthquake faults by the California Geological Survey, are within the city limits.
However, the proximity to the San Andreas (approximately 5.7 mi les southwest of the city) and the Hayward Faults (approximately 12.8 miles northwest of the city) increases the probability of severe lateral displacement and ground shaking should an earthquake occur. Other fault systems of concern to Foster City are the Butano fault (approximately 18.1 miles southwest of the city), the San Grego
rio fault (approximately 12.4 miles to the west of the city), and the Monte Vista‐ Shannon fault (approximately 5.45 miles to the southwest of the city). Based on the analysis performed for the writing of the 2023 Safety Element Update, slope instability leading to mudslides and landslides is not a significant hazard for Foster City.20 The CAP is a is a policy document containing climate actions and supporting measures to reduce GHG emissions and is consistent with the Foster City General Plan and other regional regulations.
The CAP does not propose habitable development that could result in exposure of people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving
rupture of a known earthquake fault, strong seismic ground shaking, seismic‐related ground failure, including liquefaction, or landslides. Therefore, the CAP would result in no impact related to seismic‐ and landslide‐related hazards.
b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil? Less than significant impact. The CAP would not involve land use or zoning changes but would promote infrastructure development and redevelopment. As a policy document, the CAP would not directly require ground‐disturbing activities. However, implementation of the following CAP measures may promote infrastructure development and redevelopment.
Measure E‐W.2.1 would increase installations of residential and commercial solar PV. Measure T‐ L.2.1 would increase installations of EV charging stations and T‐L.3.1 would increase construction of bike/pedestrian infrastructure. However, the implementation of proposed strategies would not include large‐scale construction in Foster City. These CAP measures would not conflict with the Municipal Code or objectives and policies of the General Plan or Conservation Guid elines but would rather be consistent with and promote those plans. As such, the CAP could result in construction‐related soil erosion and topsoil loss impacts associated with such installations.
However, CAP projects and actions would be reviewed for consistency with Foster City General Plan policies and other local and State geology and s
oils regulations prior to final siting and
19 Uniform Building Code (UBC), 1994.
20 City of Foster City, 2023. Safety Element. Available at: https://www.fostercity.org/sites/default/files/fileattachments/ community_development/page/30281/2023_safety_element_adopted.pdf, accessed April 9, 2024.
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39 construction. Therefore, the CAP would result in a less‐than‐significant impact related to soil erosion, loss of topsoil, and the presence of unstable soils. c) Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the project, and potentially result in on‐ or off‐site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction or collapse?
d) Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18‐1‐B of the Uniform Building Code (199 4), creating substantial direct or indirect risks to life or property? Less than significant impact. Based on the analysis performed for the writing of the 2023 Safety Element Update, slope instability leading to mudslides and landslides is not a significant hazard for Foster City.21 The CAP would not involve land use or zoning changes but would promote infrastructure development and redevelopment. As a policy document, the CAP would not directly require ground‐disturbing activities. However, implementation of the following CAP measures may promote infrastructure development and redevelopment.
Measure E‐W.2.1 would increase installations of residential and commercial solar PV. Measure T‐L.2.1 would increase installations of EV charging stat ions and T‐L.3.1 would increase
construction of bike/pedestrian infrastructure. However, the implementation of proposed strategies would not include large‐scale construction in Foster City. These CAP measures would not conflict with the Municipal Code or objectives and policies of the General Plan but would rather be consistent with and promote the plan. As such, the CAP itself would not have a significant impact on geologic units or soil that is unstable, nor on expansive soil. e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative waste water disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of waste water? No Impact. The CAP would not involve the development of habitable structures and, thus, no use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems. Therefore, no impact would occur related to soil capability support of alternative wastewater disposal systems. f) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature? Less than significant impact. The City of Foster City has not identified unique paleontological resources or sites within City limits. A specimen search of the University of California’s Museum of Paleontology collections catalog revealed paleontological specimens within other areas of San Mateo County.22 The City imposes standard conditions of approval that protect any unanticipated discoveries of paleontological resources during project activities.
21 Ibid.
22 UC Museum of Paleontology Localities, 2020. Available at: http://ucmpdb.berkeley.edu/cgi/ucmp_query2?stat= BROWSE&query_src=ucmp_BrowseUSstates&table=ucmp_loc2&where‐state_prov_std=California&where‐ county_std=San+Mateo+County&orderby=county_std, accessed April 15, 2024.
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40 Cumulative Impacts
The cumulative projects scenario is total projected population growth for Foster City (34,072 persons) in 2030. Cumulative projects could expose additional people and property to seismic and geologic hazards that are present in the region. The magnitude of geologic hazards for individual projects, including those associated with implementation of the CAP, would de pend upon the location, type, and size of development and the specific hazards associated with individual sites.
Specific geologic hazards associated with individual project sites would be limited to those sites without affecting other areas. Similarly, potential impacts to paleontological resources associated with each individual site would be limited to that site without affecting other areas, and impacts related to these resources would be
minimized on a case‐by‐case basis. Compliance with existing regulations, including California Building Code requirements, City‐issued permit requirements, and construction general permit requirements, would minimize potential cumulative seismic and geologic impacts. Seismic and geologic hazards would be addressed on a case‐by‐ case basis and would not result in cumulative impacts. Therefore, implementation of the CAP would result in a less‐than‐significant cumulative impact related to geology and soils.
VIII. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the project:
a) Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the
environment?
☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
b) Conflict with an applicable plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of
greenhouse gases?
☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
a) Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment?
Less than significant impact. The greenhouse effect is a natural occurrence that helps regulate the temperature of the Earth. The majority of radiation from the Sun hits Earth’s surface and warms it.
The surface in turn radiates heat back towards the atmosphere, known as infrared radiation.
Gases and clouds in the atmosphere trap and prevent some of this heat from escaping into space and re‐radiate it in
all directions. Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere are called greenhouse gases (GHG). This process is essential to support life on Earth, because it warms the planet by approximately 60°F. Emissions from human activities since the beginning of th e industrial revolution (approximately 270 years ago) have significantly escalated the natural greenhouse effect by increasing the gases in the atmosphere that trap heat and contribute to an average
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41 increase in Earth’s temperature. Global warming is the observed increase in the average temperature of the Earth’s surface, and climate change is the resultant change in wind patterns, precipitation, and storms over an extended period.
The main GHGs include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O) and fluorinated gases (hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorinated compound (PFC), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), and nitrogen trifluoride).23 Combustion of fossil fuels (gasoline, natural gas, and coal), deforestation, and decomposition of waste release carbon into the atmosphere that had been locked underground and stored in oil, gas, and other hydrocarbon deposits or in the biomass of surface vegetation. Since the late 1700s, estimated concentrations of CO2 have increased by 48 percent, CH4 has near
ly doubled, and N2O has increased 18 percent, primarily due to human activity.24 Emissions of GHGs affect the atmosphere directly by changing its chemical composition.
Changes to the land surface also indirectly affect the atmosphere by changing the way in which Earth absorbs gases from the atmosphere. Potential impacts in California due to climate change include sea level rise, more extreme‐heat days and high‐ozone day s, larger and more frequent forest fires, and more drought years.25 Although GHG emissions do not typically cause direct health impacts at a local level, GHG emissions can result in indirect health impacts by contributing to climate change, which can have public health implications. The primary public health impacts of climate change include the following:26
Increased incidences of hospitalization and deaths due to increased incidences of extreme heat events;
Increased incidences of health impacts related to ground‐level ozone pollution due to increased average temperatures that facilitate ozone formation; Increased incidences of respiratory illnesses from wildfire smoke due to increased incidences of wildfires;
Increased vector‐borne diseases due
to the growing extent of warm climates; and
Increased stress and mental trauma due to extreme events and disasters, economic disruptions, and residential displacement.
The City of Foster City completed a community‐ and municipality‐wide GHG inventory for 2019, as summarized in Table 1. Transportation, in cluding local roads and State highways, and natural gas
23 United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 2024. Overview of Greenhouse Gases. Available at:
https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/overview‐greenhouse‐gases, accessed April 22, 2024. 24 United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 2023. Climate Change Indicators: Atmospheric Concentrations of Greenhouse Gases. Available at: https://www.epa.gov/climate‐indicators/climate‐change‐indicators‐atmospheric‐concentrations‐ greenhouse‐gases, accessed April 22, 2024.
25 California Energy Commission (CEC), 2009. Environmental Health and Equity Impacts from Climate Change and Mitigation Policies in California: A Review of the Literature. Available at: https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/document?repid=rep1&type= pdf&doi=23531859af857041f20f477682dc6a770874dcba, accessed April 15, 2024. 26 California Natural Resources Energy, 2018. California’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment Statewide Summary Report.
Available at: http://www.climateassessment.ca.gov/state/, accessed April 15, 2024.
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42 and multiple fuels use in the built environment were the two largest contributors to GHG emissions.
Figure 2 shows Foster City’s GHG emissions forecast based on business‐as‐usual projections while Figure 3 shows the City’s emissions forecast adjusted by projected reductions from business‐as‐ usual from State programs; by 2030, State laws and program s are projected to reduce Foster City’s emissions to 161,716 MT CO2e. As captured in Table 2, Foster City’s target emissions by 2030 is 135,546 MT CO2e, requiring 46,607 MT CO2e in reductions from measures within the city. By implementing the strategies in this Plan, emissions are projected to decrease by 46,631 MT CO2e by 2030.
Because SB 32 is considered
an interim target toward meeting the 2045 State goal of carbon neutrality, implementation of the CAP would be considered substantial progress toward meeting the State’s long‐term 2045 goal. Avoiding interference with, and making substantial progress toward, these long‐term Stat e targets are important, because these targets have been set at levels that achieve California’s fair share of international emissions reduction targets that will stabilize global climate change effects and help avoid the associated adverse environmental consequences.
The CAP includes a list of eleven measures intended to reduce community‐wide GH G emissions.
Implementation of the CAP would result in the reduction of community‐wide operational GHG emissions, with only generating temporary GHG emissions during construction of infrastructure development and redevelopment such as EV charging stations, bicycle paths, sidewalks, etc.
Additionally, the CAP would serve as a pathway to introduce other beneficial envi ronmental and sustainability effects. These benefits include reduction in building energy consumption and VMT (and thus air pollution), water consumption, and solid waste generation. Additional benefits to public health; enhanced resilience; reduced traffic congestion; equity and inclusion; and economic stability and growth are described in the CAP. Therefore, the CAP would result in a less‐than‐ significant impact related to generation of GHG
emissions.
b) Conflict with an applicable plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases?
Less than significant impact. The CAP is a policy‐level document that sets strategies to reduce GHG emissions within the city in an effort to also comply with State regulations. As discussed under 8a above, the CAP includes measures to reduce City GHG emissions from forecasted business‐as‐usual levels to approximately 135,546 MT CO2e by 2030. Th e purpose of the CAP is to meet Foster City’s proportionate fair share of the Statewide GHG emissions reduction target set by AB 32 and SB 32 and work toward the State’s longer‐term target of carbon neutrality identified in Executive Order B‐55‐18. The CAP wou ld not conflict with any applicable GHG reduction plans, including the California Climate Change Scoping Plan and the California Climate Change Scoping Plan Updates. The CAP identifies how the City would achieve consistency with the Statewide GHG emissions limit.
The CAP would serve as a pathway to reduce GHG emissions and introduce other ben eficial environmental and sustainability effects. These benefits include reduction in building energy
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43 consumption and VMT (and thus air pollution), water consumption, and solid waste generation as well as benefits to public health; enhanced resilience; reduced traffic congestion; equity and inclusion; and economic stability and growth. Therefore, the CAP would result in a less‐than‐ significant impact related to consistency with applicable GHG emissions reduction plans, policies, and regulations.
Cumulative Impacts
The cumulative projects scenario is total projected population growth for Foster City (34,072 persons) in 2030. Analyses of GHG emissions and climate change are cumulative in nature, as they affect the accumulation of GHG emissions in the atmosphere. Cumulative projects that exceed the thresholds discussed above would have a significa nt impact related to GHG emissions and climate change, both individually and cumulatively. The CAP creates a GHG emissions reduction strategy (consistent with Section 15183.5 of the CEQA Guidelines) for the City of Foster City. The CAP also includes a series of measures that are intended to reduce commu nity‐wide GHG emissions by approximately 50 percent below 2005 levels by 2030, surpassing the State’s guidance for local areas, and aims for 88 percent by 2045. As such, the CAP would result in the reduction of GHG emissions rather than generating GHG emissions. However, some GHG emissions would occur during construc
tion of CAP‐specific infrastructure projects. Therefore, implementation of the CAP would result in a less‐than‐significant cumulative impact related to GHG emissions.
IX. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the project:
a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the
environment through the routine transport, use, or
disposal of hazardous materials?
☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
b) Create a significant hazard to the public or the
environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and
accident conditions involving the release of hazardous
materials into the environment?
☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within ¼‐mile of an existing or proposed school?
☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
d) Be located on a site which is included on a list of hazard‐ ous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government
Code Section 65962.5 and, as a result, would it create a significant hazard to the public or the environment?
☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
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44 Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
e) For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within 2 miles
of a public airport or public use airport, would the
project result in a safety hazard or exc essive noise for people residing or working in the project area?
☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
f) Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency
evacuation plan?
☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
g) Expose people or structures, either directly or indirectly, to a significant risk of loss, injury, or death involving wildland fires?
☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials?
b) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment? Less than significant impact. The CAP is a policy document containing measures to reduce GHG emissions. The proposed CAP does not involve identified site‐specific development, nor would it facilitate new development. Implementation of the CAP measures would not involve the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials and would not create reasonably foreseeable upset and/or accidental co
nditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment. Implementation of some of the CAP measures, such as the installation of EV charging stations, bicycle lanes, and energy retrofits, may involve the use and transport of fuels, lubricating fluids, and solvents, among other activities. These typ es of materials are not considered acutely hazardous, and all storage, handling, and disposal of these materials are regulated by the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (CDTSC), EPA, and Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA). Additionally, CAP projects and actions would be reviewed for consistency with the General Plan and Muni cipal Code and applicable local, State, and federal regulations. Therefore, the CAP would result in a less‐than‐significant impact related to creating a significant hazard.
c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within ¼‐mile of an existing or proposed school?
Less than significant impact. The CAP is a policy document containing measures to reduce GHG emissions. The proposed CAP does not include site‐specific proposals and development, nor would it emit or handle hazardous materials. Implementing some CAP measures may require future development or improvements, such as bicycle paths, solar panels, EV charging stations, or building i
mprovements for efficiency. However, CAP projects and actions would be reviewed for consistency with the General Plan and Municipal Code and applicable local, State, and federal
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45 regulations. Therefore, the CAP would result in a less‐than‐significant impact related to handling of hazardous materials.
d) Be located on a site which is included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a result, would it create a significant hazard to the public or the environment?
Less than significant impact. The CAP is a policy document containing actions and supporting measures to reduce GHG emissions. The proposed CAP does not include site‐specific proposals and development, but CAP measures could result in projects that could be located on listed hazardous materials sites. However, CAP projects and actions would be reviewed for consistency with the General Plan and Municipal Code and would be r equired to comply with applicable local,
State, and federal regulations. Therefore, the CAP would result in a less‐than‐significant impact related to location on a listed hazardous materials site. e) For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within 2 miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project result in a safety hazard or excessive noise for people residing or working in the project area?
Less than significant impact. Foster City is located approximately 1.3 miles north of the San Carlos Airport and approximately 5 miles southeast of the San Francisco International Airport (SFO). The city is located within Area A of the Airport Influence Areas (AIAs) of the San Carlos Airport27 and SFO28 where requirements for real estate disclosure are mandatory due to potential noise issues. The southernmost portion of the city is located within Area B of the San Carlos Airport AIA, which includes areas within a 9,000‐foot radius of San Carlos Airport. Development projects within Area B of the San Carlos Airport AIA require formal review of proposed projects for
potential obstruction issues.29 The central and northern portions of the city are located within Area B of the SFO AIA, where land development proposals must be reviewed by the Airport Land Use Commission.30 The city is not located within the Airport Safety Zones of SFO or San Carlos Airport.
The CAP is a policy document that would not increase airport activity or result in additional habitable development that could increase potential exposure of persons to aircraft‐related hazards. Additionally, CAP projects and actions would be reviewed for consistency with the General Plan and other applicable local and Stat
e regulations. Therefore the CAP would result in
27 ESA, 2015. Final Comprehensive Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan for the Environs of San Carlos Airport. Available at:
https://ccag.ca.gov/plansreportslibrary‐2/airport‐land‐use/, accessed April 22, 2024. 28 City/County Association of Governments (C/CAG) of San Mateo County, 2012. Comprehensive Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan for the Environs of San Francisco International Airport. Available at: https://ccag.ca.gov/plansreportslibrary‐2/airport‐land‐use/, accessed April 22, 2024.
29 ESA, 2015. Final Comprehensive Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan for the Environs of San Carlos Airport. Available at:
https://ccag.ca.gov/plansreportslibrary‐2/airport‐land‐use/, accessed April 22, 2024. 30 City/County Association of Governments (C/CAG) of San Mateo County, 2012. Comprehensive Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan for the Environs of San Francisco International Airport, November. Available at: https://ccag.ca.gov/plansreportslibrary‐2/airport‐ land‐use/, accessed April 22, 2024.
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46 less than significant impacts related to risks associated with location proximate to a public airport.
f) Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan?
No impact. The CAP is a policy document intended to reduce GHG emissions. The proposed CAP does not involve site‐specific development, nor would it facilitate new development that would interfere with adopted emergency plans. Therefore, the CAP would result in no impact related to impairment or interference with implementation of an emergency response or evacuation plan. g) Expose people or structures, either directly or indirectly, to a significant risk of loss, injury, or death involving wildland fires?
No Impact. According to California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFIRE), Foster City is not located in designated a California Fire Hazard Severity Zone,31 or in a State Responsibility Area.32 The Foster City General Plan Safety Element does not identify wildland fires as a significant hazard in the city.33 Furthermore, the CAP does not propose specific development or other physical changes such as habitable development to the environment that could be put at risk in the case of a wildland fire. Therefore, the CAP would result in no impact related to risks associated with exposure to wildland fire.
Cumulative Impacts
The cumulative projects scenario is tota
l projected population growth for Foster City (34,072
persons) in 2030. Hazards and hazardous materials impacts are typically site‐specific in nature.
Cumulative projects, including the CAP, are not anticipated to contribute to cumulative hazards and hazardous materials impacts with adherence to applicable General Plan policies and applicable State and feder
al regulatory requirements. Therefore, implementation of the CAP would result in a less‐than‐significant cumulative impact related to hazards and hazardous materials.
31 California Office of the State Fire Marshal, n.d. Fire Hazard Severity Zones | OSFM. Available at: https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/what‐ we‐do/community‐wildfire‐preparedness‐and‐mitigation/fire‐hazard‐severity‐zones, accessed April 16, 2024. 32 California Office of the State Fire Marshal, n.d. State Responsibility Area (SRA) Viewer. Available at:
https://www.arcgis.com/home/webmap/viewer.html?layers=5ac1dae3cb2544629a845d9a19e83991, accessed April 16, 2024. 33 City of Foster City, 2023. Safety Element. Available at: https://www.fostercity.org/sites/default/files/ fileattachments/community_development/page/30281/2023_safety_element_adopted.pdf, accessed April 9, 2024.
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47 X. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the project:
a) Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements or otherwise substantially degrade surface or groundwater quality?
☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
b) Substantially decrease groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such that the
project may impede sustainable groundwater
management of the basin?
☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
c) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the
course of a stream or river, or through the addition of impervious surfaces, in a manner which would:
i) result in substantial erosion or siltation on‐ or off‐ site; ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
ii) substantially increase the rate or amount of
surface runoff in a manner which would result in
flooding on‐ or off‐site;
☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
iii) create or contribute runoff water which would
exceed the capacity of existing or planned
stormwater drainage systems or provide
substantial additional sources of polluted runoff;
or
☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
iv) impede or redirect flood flows? ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
d) In flood hazard, tsunami, or seiches zones, risk release of pollutants due to project inundation? ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
e) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of a water quality control plan or sustainable groundwater
management plan?
☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
a) Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements or otherwise substantially degrade surface or groundwater quality?
No Impact. The CAP is a policy document containing measures intended to reduce GHG emissions in the city. CAP projects and actions would be reviewed for consistency with local and State regulations, including the implementation of stormwater pollution prevention plans (SWPP). As such, the CAP’s related infrastructure changes would not result in new or different wastewater disc
harge. Additionally, proposed infrastructure would be small in scale and not result in substantial, adverse impacts related to surface or groundwater quality. Therefore, the CAP would result in no impact related to surface or groundwater water quality in Foster City.
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48 b) Substantially decrease groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such that the project may impede sustainable groundwater management of the basin? No Impact. The CAP is a policy document containing programs that are consistent with the City’s General Plan. CAP Measure E‐W.3.1 aims to reduce water consumption by 5 percent by 2030 and 15 percent by 2045 by promoting water conservation programs and incentives and encouraging the installation of purple pipes to supply recycled water for flushing toilets, washing clothes, and outdoor uses such as watering gardens in homes and businesses. This Measure would not decrease groundwater supplies or interfere with groundwater recharge. In addition, implementation of the CAP actions related to infrastructure development and redevelopment would not substantially degrade groundwater quality or groundwater recharge. As a result, no adverse impa
cts related to groundwater water quality or resources would occur. c) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, in a manner which would result in substantial erosion or siltation on‐ or off‐ site?
i. result in substantial erosion or siltation on‐ or off‐site; ii. substantially increase the ra te or amount of surface runoff in a manner which would result in flooding on‐ or off‐site;
iii. create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff; or iv. create or contribute runoff wat er which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff; or Less than significant impact. Implementation of the following CAP measures may promote infrastructure development and redevelopment. CAP measure T‐L.3.1 may expand access to bike and pedestrian infrastructure. Measure T‐L.2.1 aims to build electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in the City. Measure E‐W.2.1 sets a target to increase residential and commercial solar installations. Installation of solar
panels and EV charging infrastructure, as well as changes in bike and pedestrian infrastructure, may slightly change Foster City’s existing drainage system and the amount of impervious surface. Construction of infrastructure development and redevelopment could also result in erosion and potential redirect of flood flows or drainage patterns; however, impl
ementation of proposed actions would not include large‐scale construction within Foster City. Additionally, CAP projects and actions would be reviewed for consistency with applicable local and State regulations, including the implementation of a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) once project details and locations are known. And given the associated sm
all footprints, the CAP‐related infrastructure changes would not result in substantial additional erosion or runoff. Therefore, the CAP would result in a less‐than‐significant impact related to polluted runoff.
d) In flood hazard, tsunami, or seiches zones, risk release of pollutants due to project inundation? No Impact. The City is not located within designated seiche or tsunami zones. Portions of the City (the Foster City Lagoon and lands outside the levee) are within the 100‐year flood zone defined
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49 by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).34 According to FEMA, Foster City is considered an Area with Reduced Flood Risk due to Levee.35 Foster City sits 7 feet above sea level, relying on a system of levees and sea walls to manage tidal and flood waters from both the Bay (east of the City) and Peninsula (west of the City). In Foster City, construction, including infrastructure projects associated with implementation of the CAP, must comply with Chapter
15.36 (Floodplain Management Regulations) of the Foster City Municipal Code.36 The CAP does not propose habitable development and, thus, would not increase flooding or inundation risks to persons and habitable structures related to sea level rise. Therefore, the CAP would result in a less‐than‐significant impact related to flooding and inundation resulting in release of pollutants. e) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of a water quality control plan or sustainable groundwater management plan?
No Impact. The CAP measures would not include direct extraction of groundwater and encourage water savings through conservation. The CAP would not interfere with or obstruct implementation of water quality standards or waste discharge requirements or otherwise substantially degrade surface or ground water quality. Therefore, the CAP would result in no impact related to consistency with a wa
ter quality control plan or sustainable groundwater
management plan.
XI. LAND USE AND PLANNING
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the project:
a) Physically divide an established community? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ b) Cause a significant environmental impact due to a
conflict with any land use plan, policy, or regulation
adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an
environmental effect?
☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
a) Physically divide an established community?
No Impact. The CAP is a policy document containing measures that are consistent with the Foster City General Plan and does not include measures or specific development projects that would divide an established community. Under Measure T‐L.3.1, the City plans to encourage bicycling
34 California Department of Water Resources, n.d. Best Available Map. Available at: https://gis.bam.water.ca.gov/bam/, accessed April 16, 2024.
35 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), n.d. Flood Map Service Center | Search by Address. Available at:
https://msc.fema.gov/portal/search?AddressQuery, accessed April 16, 2024. 36 City of Foster City, n.d. Municipal Code. Available at: https://www.codepublishing.com/CA/FosterCity/, accessed April 16, 2024.
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50 and micromobility as an alternative to vehicular travel, which includes continuing to support the Safe Routes to School Program and aiming to increase bicycling, walking, carpooling, and public transit use. This measure would increase connectivity in Foster City. Therefore, the CAP would result in no impact in relation to the division of an established commu nity. b) Cause a significant environmental impact due to a conflict with any land use plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect? No Impact. The CAP is a policy document containing measures that are consistent with the Foster City General Plan and that are designed to reduce adverse environmental impacts associated with climate change. Nonetheless, implementing the CAP would require some modification of existing policies, including developing and implementing new programs, and projects, or modifying existing ones.
Cumulative Impacts
The cu
mulative projects scenario is total projected population growth for Foster City (34,072 persons) in 2030. The CAP is a policy document containing measures that are consistent with the City’s General Plan. Nonetheless, implementing the CAP would require some modification of existing policies, including developing and imple menting new programs, and projects, or modifying existing ones. The proposed policy changes are consistent with the intent of the goals and policies established within the City’s General Plan and Zoning Regulations and would not cumulatively contribute to population growth or the loss of housing. Cumulative projects, including the CAP, would be required to adhere to City developm ent regulations and General Plan policies to retain land use character and minimize environmental impacts. CAP projects and actions would be reviewed for consistency with the General Plan and other applicable regulatory land use actions prior to approval. Therefore, implementation of the CAP would result in a less‐ than‐signifi
cant cumulative impact related to land use.
XII. MINERAL RESOURCES
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the project:
a) Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be of value to the region and the
residents of the State?
☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
b) Result in the loss of availability of a locally‐important mineral resource recovery site delineated on a local
general plan, specific plan, or other land use plan?
☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
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51 a) Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be of value to the region and the residents of the State?
b) Result in the loss of availability of a locally important mineral resource recovery site delineated on a local general plan, specific plan, or other land use plan? No Impact. The City of Foster City General Plan does not identify any mineral resources or mineral resources recovery sites within the city.37 The CAP would not facilitate infrastructure development projects within the City that could result in the loss of availability of known mineral resources. Therefore, the CAP would result in no impact related to mineral resource.
Cumulative Impacts
The cumulative projects scenario is total projected population growth for Foster City (34,072 persons) in 2030. The City of Foster City General Plan does not identify any mineral resources or mineral resources recovery sites within the city limits. As such, no cumulative impact related to mineral resources could occur. Therefore, implementation of the CAP would result in no cumulative impact related to mineral resources.
XIII. NOISE
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the project result in:
a) Generation of a substantial temporary or permanent
increase in ambient noise levels in the vicinity of the project in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies?
☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
b) Generation of excessive ground borne vibration or
ground borne noise levels? ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
c) For a project located within the vicinity of a private airstrip or an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within 2 miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project expose people
residing or working in the project area to excessive noise leve
ls?
☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
37 City of Foster City, 2016. General Plan. Available at: https://www.fostercity.org/sites/default/files/ fileattachments/community_development/page/3411/2‐general‐plan‐summary‐2‐1‐2016.pdf, accessed April 9, 2024.
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52 a) Generation of a substantial temporary or permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the vicinity of the project in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies?
Less than significant impact. Noise is unwanted sound that disturbs human activity.
Environmental noise levels typically fluctuate over time, and different types of noise descriptors are used to account for this variability. Noise level measurements include intensity, frequency, and duration, as well as time of occurrence. Noise level (or volume) is generally measured in decibels (dB) using the A‐weighted sound pressure level (dBA). Because of the way the human ear works, a sound must be about 10 dBA greater than the reference sound to be judged as twice as loud. In general, a 3 dBA change in community noise levels is noticeable, while 1‐2 dBA changes generally are not perceived. Quiet su
burban areas typically have noise levels in the range
of 40‐50 dBA, while arterial streets are in the 50‐60+ dBA range. Normal conversational levels are in the 60‐65 dBA range, and ambient noise levels greater than 65 dBA can interrupt conversations.
Noise levels typically attenuate (or drop off) at a rate of 6 dBA per doubling of distance from point sources (such as construction equipment). Noise from lightly traveled roads typically attenuates at a rate of about 4.5 dBA per doubling of distance. Noise from heavily traveled roads typically attenuates at abou
t 3 dBA per doubling of distance; while noise from a point source typically attenuates at about 6 dBA per doubling of distance. Noise levels may also be reduced by the introduction of intervening structures. For example, a single row of buildings between the receptor and the noise source reduces the noise leve l by about 5 dBA, while a solid wall or berm that breaks the line‐of‐sight reduces noise levels by 5 to 10 dBA.
The Noise Element of the Foster City General Plan aims to ensure appropriate noise levels considered compatible for community noise environments. The City’s normally accep table exterior noise exposure standard is 60 dBA or less for residential.
The CAP is a policy document containing programs that are consistent with the General Plan.
Some of the proposed measures of the CAP would support small scale construction projects, such as EV charging station construction that may result in a temporary increase in noise levels.
However, CAP projects and actions would be reviewed for consistency with the General Plan and Municipal Code and would be required to comply with applicable local, State, and federal regulations. The Foster City Noise Element notes that major sources of traffic noise include the Bayshore Freeway (U.S. 101) and Sta
te Route 92, and primary arterials including East Hillsdale Boulevard, East Third Avenue, Metro Center Boulevard, Edgewater Boulevard, Foster City Boulevard, and Shell Boulevard. The CAP includes a number of measures to reduce GHG emissions from the transportation sector. For instance, under Measure T‐L.3.1, the City plan s to encourage bicycling and micromobility as an alternative to vehicular travel, which includes continuing to support the Safe Routes to School Program and aiming to increase bicycling, walking, carpooling, and public transit use. Additionally, under Measure T‐L.1.1, the City aims to reduce VMT commuting to work by maximizi ng public transit ridership. These measures will reduce VMT and reduce traffic‐related noise in the city. Therefore, the CAP would not generate
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53 excessive noise levels and would thus result in a less‐than‐significant impact related to noise exposure.
b) Generation of excessive ground borne vibration or ground borne noise levels? Less than significant impact. While people have varying sensitivities to vibrations at different frequencies, in general they are most sensitive to low‐frequency vibration. Vibration in buildings, such as from nearby construction activities, may cause windows, items on shelves, and pictures on walls to rattle. Vibration of building components can also take the form of an audible low‐ frequen
cy rumbling noise, referred to as groundborne noise.38
The CAP is a policy document containing programs that are consistent with the General Plan.
Some of the proposed CAP measures would support small‐scale construction projects, such as EV charging station construction that may result in a temporary increase in groundborne vibration.
However, CAP projects and actions would be reviewed for consistency with the General Plan and Municipal Code
and would be required to comply with applicable local, State, and federal regulations. Thus, the CAP would result in a less‐than‐significant impact related to groundborne vibration.
c) For a project located within the vicinity of a private airstrip or an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within 2 miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? No Impact. Foster City is located approximately 1.3 miles north of the San Carlos Airport and approximately 5 miles southeast of the San Francisco International Airport (SFO). The city is located within Area A of the Airport Influence Areas (AIAs) of the San Carlos Airport39 and SFO40 where requirements for real estate disclosure are mandatory due to potential noise issues. The southernmost portion of the city is located within Area B of the San Carlos Airport AIA, which includes areas within a 9,000‐foot radius of San Carlos Airport. Development projects within Area B of the San Carlos Airport AIA require formal review of proposed projects for potential obstruction issues.41 The central and northern portions of the city are located within Area B of the SFO AIA, where land development proposals must be reviewed by the Airport Land Use Commission.42 The city is not located within the Airport Safety Zones of SFO or San Carlos Airport.
38 California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), 2013. Transportation and Construction Vibration Guidance Manual (CT‐ HWANP‐RT‐13‐069.25.3). Available at: http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/env/noise/pub/TCVGM_Sep13_FINAL.pdf, accessed April 18, 2024. 39 ESA, 2015. Final Comprehensive Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan for the Environs of San Carlos Airport. Available at:
https://ccag.ca.gov/plansreportslibrary‐2/airport‐land‐use/, accessed April 22, 2024. 40 City/County Association of Governments (C/CAG) of San Mateo County, 2012. Comprehensive Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan for the Environs of San Francisco International Airport. Available at: https://ccag.ca.gov/plansreportslibrary‐2/airport‐land‐use/, accessed April 22, 2024.
41 ESA, 2015. Final Comprehensive Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan for the Environs of San Carlos Airport. Available at:
https://ccag.ca.gov/plansreportslibrary‐2/airport‐land‐use/, accessed April 22, 2024. 42 City/County Association of Governments (C/CAG) of San Mateo County, 2012. Comprehensive Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan for the Environs of San Francisco International Airport, November. Available at: https://ccag.ca.gov/plansreportslibrary‐2/airport‐ land‐use/, accessed April 22, 2024.
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54 The city is located in areas where aircraft noise is below the CNELs of 65 decibels for SFO43 and 60 decibels for San Carlos Airport.44
The CAP is a policy document that would not increase airport activity or result in additional habitable development that could increase potential exposure of persons to excessive noise levels associated with aircraft or airports. Therefore, the CAP would result in no impact related to airport and aircraft related noise.
Cumulative Impacts
The cumulative projects scenario is tota
l projected population growth for Foster City (34,072
persons) in 2030. The CAP is a policy document containing programs that are consistent with the City of Foster City General Plan. Some of the proposed measures of CAP would support small scale construction projects, such as EV charging station construction, which may result in a temporary increase in groundborne vibration or noise levels. However, cumulative projects, including the CAP, would be subject to review by the City for compliance with the General Plan and Municipal Code and would be required to comply with applicable State and federal regulations. Addition ally, the CAP encompasses measures fostering GHG‐reduction opportunities that would decrease traffic and traffic‐related noise. As such, implementation of the CAP would not generate excessive groundborne vibration or noise levels. Therefore, the CAP would result in a less‐than‐significant cumulative impact related to noise.
XIV. POPULATION AND HOUSING
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the project:
a) Induce substantial unplanned population growth in an area, either directly (for example, by proposing new
homes and businesses) or indirectly (for example,
through extension of roads or other infrastructure)?
☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
b) Displace substantial numbers of existing people or
housing, necessitating the construction of replacement
housing elsewhere?
☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
43 City/County Association of Governments (C/CAG) of San Mateo County, 2012, Comprehensive Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan for the Environs of San Francisco International Airport, accessed April 22, 2024. 44 ESA, 2015. Final Comprehensive Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan for the Environs of San Carlos Airport, October. Available at: https://ccag.ca.gov/plansreportslibrary‐2/airport‐land‐use/, accessed April 22, 2024.
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55 a) Induce substantial unplanned population growth in an area, either directly (for example, by proposing new homes and businesses) or indirectly (for example, through extension of roads or other infrastructure)? b) Would the project displace substantial numbers of existing housing, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere?
No Impact. The CAP does not include measures, policies, or programs that would increase the population or induce additional population growth that would displace people or housing.
Therefore, the CAP would result in no impact related to population and housing.
Cumulative Impacts
The cumulative projects scenario is total projected population growth for Foster City (34,072 persons) in 2030. Cumulative projects, including the CAP, are not anticipated to displace people or housing nor induce substantial unplanned population growth in the City. Specifically, the CAP would not contribute to person or housing displacement in the City of Foster City nor result in population growth beyond that already assumed and planned for in the General Plan. Therefore, the CA P would result in no cumulative impact related to population and housing.
XV. PUBLIC SERVICES
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the project:
a) Result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered
governmental facilities, need for new or physically
altered governmental facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acce
ptable service ratios, response times or
other performance objectives for any of the public
services:
Fire protection? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
Police protection? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
Schools? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
Parks? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
Other public facilities? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
a) Result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, need for new or physically altered governmental facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times
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56 or other performance objectives for any of the public services: fire protection, police protection, schools, parks, or other public facilities?
No Impact. The CAP is a policy document containing programs that are consistent with the Foster City General Plan. Implementation of the CAP and the proposed measures would not result in increases in population and induce additional population growth. As such, the CAP would not require the construction of new or physically altered governmental facilities to se rve additional population, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts.
Furthermore, CAP projects and actions would be reviewed for consistency with the Foster City General Plan and other applicable local and State regulations. Nonetheless, implementing the CAP would require some modification of existing policies, including develop ing and implementing new programs, and projects, or modifying existing ones. The CAP is designed to reduce adverse environmental impacts associated with climate change. Where modifications of existing policies are needed the CAP measures would not result in increases in population or induce additional population growth and would not displace people or housing. Therefore, the CAP would result in no impact related to public services in terms of need for the construction of new or altered governmental facilities.
Cumulative Impacts
The cumulative projects scenario is total projected population growth for Foster City (34,072 persons) in 2030. Implementation of cumulative projects, including the CAP, would not result in increases in population or induce additional population growth beyond that assumed under the Foster City General Plan. Therefore, implementation of the CAP would not result in substantial cumulative need to expand public services facilities. Therefore, the CAP would result in no cumulative impact related to publi c services.
XVI. RECREATION
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the project:
a) Increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated?
☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
b) Does the project include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities which might have an adverse physical effect on the
environment?
☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
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57 a) Increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated? b) Does the project include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment? No Impact. Foster City is a primarily urbanized community with parks and recreational spaces incorporated throughout the City, including twenty parks within the four‐square miles comprising the City’s boundaries. The parks total approximately 103 acres of park land.45 The General Plan Parks and Open Space Element incorporate goals and policies to protect open space and recreational resources in the City. The CAP is a policy document containing programs that are consistent with Foster City’s General Plan. Additionally, the CAP would not result in substantial population growth or direct land use changes. As such, impl ementation of the CAP would not result in a substantial physical deterioration of parks or other recreational facilities or result in the need to expand recreational facilities. Therefore, the CAP would result in no impact related to the need for construction of new or altered recreational facilities.
Cumulative Impacts
The cumulati
ve projects scenario is total projected population growth for Foster City (34,072 persons) in 2030. Implementation of cumulative projects, including the CAP, would not result in increases in population or induce additional population growth beyond that assumed under the General Plan. In addition, the CAP would not result in population growth or direc t land use change. Therefore, implementation of the CAP would not result in substantial cumulative physical deterioration of parks or other recreational facilities or result in the cumulative need to expand recreational facilities. Therefore, implementation of the CAP would result in no cumulative impact related to recreation.
XVII. TRANSPOR
TATION
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the project:
a) Conflict with a program plan, ordinance or policy
addressing the circulation system, including transit,
roadway, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities?
☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
b) Conflict or be inconsistent with CEQA Guidelines Section 15‐64.3, Subdivision (b)? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
45 City of Foster City, 2009. Parks and Open Space Element. Available at: https://www.fostercity.org/sites/default/files/ fileattachments/community_development/page/3441/gp‐chapter‐5‐parks‐and‐open‐space‐element.pdf, accessed April 9, 2024.
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58 Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
c) Substantially increase hazards due to a geometric design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment)?
☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
d) Result in inadequate emergency access?
☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
a) Conflict with a program plan, ordinance or policy addressing the circulation system, including transit, roadway, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities?
b) Conflict or be inconsistent with CEQA Guidelines Section 15‐64.3, Subdivision (b)? No Impact.
The City of Foster City General Plan Land Use and Circulation Element contains the following applicable goals and policies:
LUC‐E‐2: Complete Streets: The City will plan for a balanced, multimodal transportation network that meets the needs of all users of the streets, roads, and highways for safe and convenient travel. The City will be guid
ed by the following Complete Streets Principles:
o Complete Streets Serving All Users. Foster City expresses its commitment to creating and maintaining Complete Streets that provide safe, comfortable, and convenient travel along and across streets (including streets, roads, highways, bridges, and other portions of the transportation system) through a comp
rehensive, integrated transportation network that
serves all categories of users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, persons with disabilities, motorists, movers of commercial goods, users and operators of public transportation, seniors, children, youth, and families.
o Context Sensitivity. In planning and implementing street projects, departments and agencies of Foster City shall maintain sensitivity to lo cal conditions in both residential and business districts as well as urban, suburban, and rural areas, and shall work with residents, merchants, and other stakeholders to ensure that a strong sense of place ensues. Improvements that will be considered include sidewalks, shared use paths, bicycle lanes, bicy
cle routes, paved shoulders, street trees and landscaping, planting strips, accessible curb ramps, crosswalks, refuge islands, pedestrian signals, signs, street furniture, bicycle parking facilities, public transportation stops and facilities, transit priority signalization, and other features assisting in the provision of safe travel for all users, such as traffic calming circles, transit bulb outs , and road diets, as well as other features such as striping, signage and lighting.
o Complete Streets Routinely Addressed by All Departments. All relevant departments and agencies of Foster City shall work towards making Complete Streets practices a routine part of everyday operations, approach every relevant project, program, and pr actice as an
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59 opportunity to improve streets and the transportation network for all categories of users, and work in coordination with other departments, agencies, and jurisdictions to maximize opportunities for Complete Streets, connectivity, and cooperation. The following projects provide opportunities: pavement resurfacing, restriping, accessing above and underground utilities, signalization operations or modifications, and maintenance of landscaping/related fe
atures.
LUC‐E‐6: Create Opportunities for Transit Access: Create opportunities to improve transit and access to regional transit with new or modified development, as appropriate. LUC‐E‐8: Pedestrian, Bicycle and Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV) Friendly Design:
Encourage bicycling, walking and use of NEVs instead of driving automobiles to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save money on fuel and maintenance, and foster a healthier population. Prioritize pede
strian and bicycle‐friendly improvements including bike lanes on main streets, an urban bike‐trail system, bike parking, pedestrian crossings, and associated master plans with new or modified development, as appropriate. LUC‐E‐9: Bicycle Routes and Pedestrian Paths. Maintain a system of bicycle routes and pedestrian pat
hs, which will include separate bicycle lanes and posted bicycle routes.
Pedestrian pathways and easements shall be maintained, either by the City, or, in the case of private ownership, according to a maintenance agreement or landscaping district agr eement applicable to the pathway/easement.
LUC‐G‐2‐a: Low Emission Vehicles: The City will support and promote the use of low‐emission vehicles, by:
o Encouraging the necessary infrastructure to encourage the use of low‐emission vehicles (LEV) and clean alternative fuels, such as development of electric vehicle char ging facilities and conveniently located alternative fueling stations;
o Encouraging new construction to include vehicle access to properly wired outdoor receptacles to accommodate LEV and/or plug in electric hybrids (PHEV); o Encouraging transportation fleet standards to achieve the lowest emissions possible.
The CAP is a policy document containin g measures that are consistent with the City’s General Plan Land Use and Circulation element with many that are aimed at facilitating the implementation of the local transportation programs and improvements. For example, CAP Measure T‐L.2.1 aims to increase the share of zero‐emission vehicles in the City by expanding EV charging infr
astructure access. Measure T‐L.3.1 would encourage active transportation, such as bicycling and walking, by improving access to pedestrian and bicycling facilities. Both of these measures directly support policies in the City’s General Plan, such as LUC‐E‐8 and LUC‐G‐2‐a in particular. Implementation of some of the CAP transportation measu res may require future infrastructure development or improvements, such as bike paths. However, CAP projects and actions would be reviewed for consistency with the General Plan and Municipal Code and be required to comply with applicable local, State, and federal regulations. Therefore, the CAP
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60 would result in no impact related to consistency with plans addressing the transportation circulation system.
c) Substantially increase hazards due to a geometric design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment)? d) Result in inadequate emergency access?
No Impact. The CAP is a policy document containing measures that are consistent with the City General Plan and would not facilitate development beyond that allowed under the General Plan.
As such, it would not create transportation hazards or result in inadequate emergency access.
Under Measure T‐L.3.1, the City plans to encourage bicycling and micromobility as an alternative to vehicular
travel, which includes continuing to support the Safe Routes to School Program and aiming to increase bicycling, walking, carpooling, and public transit use. The CAP does not include measures that would substantially increase transportation hazards due to a design feature or incompatible land uses. Furthermore, CA
P projects and actions would be reviewed for
consistency with the Foster City General Plan and other applicable local and State regulations.
Therefore, the CAP would result in a less‐than‐significant impact related to transportation hazards and emergency access.
Cumulative Impacts
The cumulative projects scenario is total projected po pulation growth for Foster City (34,072 persons) in 2030. The CAP is a policy document containing programs that are consistent with the City’s General Plan. The goals, policies, objectives, measures, and actions included in the CAP promote alternative modes of transportation and reduction of the amount of VMT throughout the City. In a
ddition, the CAP measures would not conflict with the objectives and policies of the General Plan or Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan but would rather be consistent with and promote those plans. Therefore, the CAP would result in a less‐than‐significant cumulative impact related to transportation.
XVIII. TRIBAL CULTU
RAL RESOURCES
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the project:
a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a tribal cultural resource, defined in Public Resources Code Section 21074 as either a site, feature, place,
cultural landscape that is geographically defined in terms of the size and scope of the landscape, sac
red place, or
object with cultural value to a California Native American tribe, and that is:
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61 Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
i) Listed or eligible for listing in the California
Register of Historical Resources, or in a local
register of historical resources as defined in Public
Resources Code Section 5020.1(k), or
☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
ii) A resource determined by the lead agency, in its
discretion and supported by substantial evidence,
to be significant pursuant to criteria set forth in
subdivision (c) of Public Resources Code Section
5024.1. In applying the criteria set forth in
subdivision (c) of Public Resource Code Section
5024.1, the lead agency shall consider the
sig
nificance of the resource to a California Native
American tribe?
☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a tribal cultural resource, defined in Public Resources Code Section 21074 as either a site, feature, place, cultural landscape that is geographically defined in terms of the size and scope of the landscape, sacred place, or object with cultural value to a California Native America
n tribe, and that is:
i. Listed or eligible for listing in the California Register of Historical Resources, or in a local register of historical resources as defined in Public Resources Code Section 5020.1(k), or ii. A resource determined by the lead agency, in its discretion and supported by substantial eviden ce, to be significant pursuant to criteria set forth in subdivision (c) of Public Resources Code Section 5024.1.
In applying the criteria set forth in subdivision (c) of Public Resource Code Section 5024.1, the lead agency shall consider the significance of the resource to a California Native American tribe? Less than significant impact. On April 9, 2024, the following Native American tribal groups were formally notified that the City initiated environmental review of the CAP and were invited to request consultation:
Native American Heritage Commission;
Amah Mutsun Tribal Band
Costonoan Rumsen Carmel Tribe
Indian Canyon Mutsun Band of Costonoan
Muwekma Ohlone I
ndian Tribe of the San Francisco Bay Area
The Ohlone Indian Tribe
Wuksache Indian Tribe/Eshom Valley Band
As of the time of this writing and document publication, no responses have been received, and no formal consultation has been requested.
As the city has been subject to conti nuous urban development over the past century, any existing archaeological resources would likely be located in areas where development has already
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62 occurred. Previous studies have not found any archaeological or cultural resources sites in the immediate Foster City vicinity.46
The CAP would not involve land use or zoning changes but would instead promote infrastructure development and redevelopment. As a policy document, the CAP would also not directly require ground disturbing activities. However, implementation of the following CAP measures may promote infrastructure development and redevelopment. CAP measure T‐L.3.1 may expand access to bike and ped
estrian infrastructure. Measure T‐L.2.1 aims to build electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in the City. Measure E‐W.2.1 sets a target to increase residential and commercial solar installations. Installation of solar panels and EV charging infrastructure, as well as changes in bike and pedestrian infrastructure could impact unkn own tribal cultural resources during construction, but such resources would be protected upon discovery and, thus, impacts would be reduced to a minimal level. Therefore, the CAP would result in a less‐than‐significant impact related to tribal cultural resources.
In the case of inadvertent discoveries, future projects implemented under the CAP would be subject to California Public Resources Code, Section 5097.98, which details the requirements for halting construction and notifying appropriate parties, including the most likely descendant.
Cumulative Impacts
The cumulative projects scenario is total projected population growth for Foster City (34,072 persons) in 2030. Cumulative projects could increase the potential for adverse effects to unk nown tribal cultural resources in the City. Impacts to tribal cultural resources are site‐specific; accordingly, as required under applicable laws and regulations, potential impacts associated with cumulative developments would be addressed on a case‐by‐case basis as cumulative project details and locations become known. Therefore, th e CAP would result in a less‐than‐significant cumulative impact related to tribal cultural resources.
46 City of Foster City, 2016. Levee Protection Planning and Improvements Project Draft EIR. Available at:
https://fostercitylevee.org/wp‐content/uploads/2021/01/draft‐eir‐levee.pdf, accessed April 23, 2024, p. 241.
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63 XIX. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the project:
a) Require or result in the relocation or construction of new or expanded water, wastewater treatment or
stormwater drainage, electric power, natural gas, or
telecommunications facilities, the construction or
relocation of which could cause significant
envi
ronmental effects?
☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
b) Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project and reasonably forseeable future development
during normal, dry, and multiple dry years?
☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
c) Result in a determination by the wastewater treatment provider which serves or may serve the project that it
has adequate capacity to serve the project’s projected
demand in addition to the provider’s existing
commitments?
☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
d) Generate solid waste in excess of state or local
standards, or in excess of the capacity of local
infrastructure, or otherwise impair the attainment of
solid waste reduction goals?
☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
e) Comply with federal, state, and local management and reduction statutes and regulations related to solid
waste?
☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
a) Require or result in the relocation or construction of new or expanded water, wastewater treatment or stormwater drainage, electric power, natural gas, or telecommunications facilities, the construction or relocation of which could cause significant environmental effects? Less than significant impact. The CAP is a policy document aimed at reducing water and energy consumption and related GHG emissions throughout the City of Foster City and does not include site‐specific infrastructure designs or project proposals. Implementing the CAP would not result in an increase in population and housing nor would it facilitate growt h beyond that anticipated by the General Plan. As such, implementing the CAP would not create new demand related to water, wastewater, stormwater drainage, electric power, natural gas power, or telecommunications utilities.
However, projects resulting from CAP implementation could include redevelopment and/or restructuring of electricity and natural gas power facilities and infrastructur e. For example, CAP Measure E‐W.2.1 aims to increase solar PV installations. CAP Measure T‐L.2.1 encourages the installation of electric vehicle charging stations and supporting infrastructure, and CAP Measure T‐L.3.1 would encourage active transportation by improving access to pedestrian and bicycling infrastructure.
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64 Water Supply Facilities/Infrastructure
Less than significant impact. The City of Foster City obtains its municipal water supply from San Francisco Regional Water System (SFRWS). This water is delivered from the City and County of San Francisco’s regional water supply, operated by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC). SFPUC’s supply is predominantly from the Sierra Nevada, delivered from the Hetc h Hetchy Reservoir through the Hetch Hetchy aqueducts, but also includes treated water produced by the SFPUC from its local watersheds and facilities in San Mateo County. The City of Foster City addresses issues of water supply in its 2020 Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP).47 The UWMP is a long‐range planning document used to assess current and projected water usage, water supply planning and conservation and recycling efforts. According to the UWMP, the City of Foster City has analyzed different hydrological conditions to determine the reliability of water supplies: average/normal water year, single dry water year, and droughts lastin g at least five years, and more frequent and severe periods of drought. In addition, the 2020 UWMP includes a Water Shortage Contingency Plan (WSCP).
On May 1, 2023 the City of Foster City and the Estero Municipal Improvement District Board of Directors adopted a Water Neutrality Ordinance to implement wa ter reduction regulations for applicable future and new developments to ensure that new development(s) does not adversely affect the City's water supply. The Ordinance requires new development(s), redevelopment or changes in use within the EMID service area that will require a new water service or will increase water demand above the exi sting water demand level to offset the projected water demand with water efficiency/conservation/retrofit measures to create a neutral impact on the overall water use demand.48
CAP Measure E‐W.3 aims to reduce water consumption by promoting water conservation programs and incentives and encouraging the installation of purple pipes to supply recycled water for flushing toilets, washing clothes, and outdoor uses such as watering gardens in homes and businesses. This CAP Measure may slightly change the amount or characteristics of the water supply compared to exi
sting conditions. However, the CAP would not result in new land uses that would contribute to an increase in water use, compared to existing conditions, or require relocation or construction of new water infrastructure. Therefore, a less‐than‐significant impact related to water needs for construction or expansion of water supply facili ties and infrastructure would occur.
Wastewater Treatment Facilities/Infrastructure
No impact. The Estero Municipal Improvement District water collection program maintains the sanitary sewer collection and pumping system within Foster City. The Wastewater Division works
47 City of Foster City, 2021. 2020 Urban Water Management Plan, July. Available at:
www.fostercity.org/sites/default/files/fileattachments/public_works/page/32041/final_draft_2020_emid_uwmp_wappendices.pdf, accessed April 23, 2024.
48 City of Foster City, 2023. Water Neutrality Guidebook. Available at: https://www.fostercity.org/commdev/page/water‐ neutrality‐guidebook, accessed April 22, 2024.
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65 to protect the health and safety of Foster City residents and to ensure the protection of the environment by effective treatment and disposal of all wastewater flows from commercial, industrial, and residential users. The Wastewater Division operates and maintains more than 43 miles of sanitary sewer lines, more than 8.5 miles of sewer force mains, 49 pumping stations, 15 permane
nt standby generators, and four (4) portable generators to ensure that the nearly three (3) million gallons of wastewater generated by Foster City each day is transmitted to the San Mateo treatment facility. The Wastewater Division works cooperatively with the City of San Mateo, which operates, maintains, and repairs the Joint Wastewater Treatmen t facility located
within the City of San Mateo. The City of San Mateo and Foster City/Estero Municipal Improvement District (EMID) jointly own the San Mateo Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) through a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA). San Mateo operates the plant as the Lead Agency of the JPA. The fa
cility treats wastewater for the citizens of the City of San Mateo and Foster City/EMID, in addition to surrounding communities.
The CAP would not result in new land uses that would generate sanitary wastewater or otherwise contribute to an increase in wastewater treatment requirements. The a mount or characteristics of wastewater treated at the WWTP would not change compared to existing conditions with implementation of the proposed plan. The CAP would not require relocation or construction of new wastewater treatment infrastructure. Therefore, no impact related to need for construction or expansion of wastewater treatment facilities and in frastructure would occur.
Stormwater Drainage Facilities/Infrastructure
No impact. As discussed in Section 10, Hydrology and Water Quality, implementation of the following CAP measures may promote infrastructure development and redevelopment. CAP measure T‐L.3.1 may expand access to bike and pedestrian infrastructure. Measure T‐L.2.1 aims to build electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in the City. Measure E‐W.2.1 sets a target to increase residential and commercial solar installations. Installation of solar panels and EV charging infrastructure, as well as changes in bike and pedestrian infrastructure, may slightly change Foster City’s existing drainage system and the amount of impervious surface. Construction of infrastructur
e development and redevelopment could result in erosion and potential redirect of flood flows or drainage patterns. However, implementation of proposed actions would not include large scale construction within Foster City and the CAP‐related infrastructure changes would not result in additional sources of polluted runoff. As a result, the CAP would not re sult in new land uses that would generate an increased amount of stormwater that requires modified drainage or storm drain systems. Therefore, implementing the CAP would have no effect on polluted runoff.
As such, implementation of the CAP would not require a SWPPP. Therefore, no impact related to needs for
construction or expansion of stormwater drainage facilities and infrastructure would occur.
Electric Power Facilities/Infrastructure
Less than significant impact. CAP Measures E‐W.1.1 and E‐W.1.2 aim to reduce energy consumption through energy efficiency programs and projects, as well as promoting behavioral
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66 changes. In addition, new EV charging station installations under Measure T‐L.2.1 would involve the construction of new electric power facilities and infrastructure and could also involve the relocation of existing electric power infrastructure and transmission lines. The CAP would serve as a pathway to reduce GHG emissions and other beneficial environmental and sustainability effects.
These benefits include a re
duction in energy consumption. Therefore, the CAP would result in a less‐than‐significant impact related to construction, expansion, or relocation of electric power facilities and infrastructure.
Natural Gas Power Facilities/Infrastructure
Less than significant impact. The CAP would not involve new land uses that require new or additional natural gas service. However, implementation of the CAP could involve the relocation or removal of existing natural gas facilities and infrastructure. The CAP would serve as a pathway to reduce GHG emissions and other beneficial envi ronmental and sustainability effects. These benefits include a reduction in energy consumption. Therefore, the CAP would result in a less‐ than‐significant impact related to construction, removal, or relocation of natural gas power facilities and infrastructure.
Telecommunications Facilities/Infrastructure
No impact. The proposal plan would not involve new land uses that would require telecommunications infrastructure and is not anticipated to involve the relocation of existing telecommunications facilities. Therefore, the CAP would result in no impact related to need for construction or expansion of telecommunication facilities and infrastructure. b) Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project and reasonably forseeable future development during normal, dry, and multiple dry years? c) Result in a determination by the wastewater treatment provider which serves or may serve the project that it has adequate capacity to serve the project’s projected demand in addition to the provider’s existing c
ommitments?
No Impact. The CAP is a policy‐level document that does not include site‐specific infrastructure designs or project proposals, nor does it grant entitlements for development that would have the potential to increase demand for water supply or other utility services. Implementing the CAP would include no new residential construction and would have no effect on water de mand and wastewater treatment demand. Thus, the CAP would result in no impact related to water supply and wastewater treatment.
d) Generate solid waste in excess of state or local standards, or in excess of the capacity of local infrastructure, or otherwise impair the attainment of solid waste reduction goals? e) Comply with federal, state, and local management and reduction statutes and regulations related to solid waste?
No Impact. Recology San Mateo County collects solid waste the city and would collect solid waste from the project site. Foster City’s solid waste is processed at the Shoreway Environmental Center
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67 transfer station operated by South Bayside Industries. The Foster City 2005 Greenhouse Gas Inventory reported that solid waste disposal comprised 4 percent of the total emissions from government operations.49 CAP Measure W‐C.1.1 aims to significantly reduce organic waste to landfills and promote waste diversion methods. CAP Measure W‐C.1.2 would procure and apply compost, further diverting organic waste from landfills. The CAP would not facilitate habitable development and, thus, would not affect solid waste collection and disposal demand. Additionally, because the CAP is a policy document that would no
t facilitate growth beyond that anticipated by
the General Plan, it would not generate solid waste in excess of State or local standards.
Therefore, the CAP would result in no impact related to solid waste.
Cumulative Impacts
Less than significant impact. The cumulative projects scenario is total projected population growth for Foster City (34,072 persons) in 2030. Cumulative projects within the City could result in increases in population and additional use of or need for utilities and service systems. While implementation of the CAP and related infrastructure projects would not result in increases in population or induce additi
onal population growth that would require additional use of existing City utilities or service systems, implementation of new or replacement energy or transportation infrastructure under the CAP could result in less than significant cumulative utility construction impacts. Therefore, implementation of the CAP would result in a less‐than‐ significant cumulative impact related to utilities and service systems.
XX. WILDFIRE
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
If located in or near state responsibility areas or lands classified as very high fire hazard severity zones, would the project:
a) Substantially impair an adopted emergency response
plan or emergency evaluation plan? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
b) Due to slope, prevailing winds, and other factors,
exacerbate wildfire risks, and thereby expose project
occupants to pollutant concentrations from a wildfire or the uncontrolled spread of a wildfire?
☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
49 City of Foster City, 2005. Government Operations Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory. Available at: www.ca‐ ilg.org/sites/main/files/file‐attachments/2005_ghg_municipal_inventory.pdf?1454096132, accessed April 24, 2024.
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68 Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
c) Require the installation or maintenance of associated infrastructure (such as roads, fuel breaks, emergency
water sources, power lines, or other utilities) that may exacerbate fire risk or that may result in temporary or ongoing impacts to the environment?
☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
d) Expose people or structures to significant risks, including downslope or downstream flooding or landslides, as a
result of runoff, post‐fire slope instability, or drainage changes?
☐ ☐ ☐ ☒
a) Substantially impair an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evaluation plan? b) Due to slope, prevailing winds, and other factors, exacerbate wildfire risks, and thereby expose project occupants to pollutant concentrations from a wildfire or the uncontrolled spread of a wildfire? c) Require the installation or maintenance of associated infrastructure (such as roads , fuel breaks, emergency water sources, power lines, or other utilities) that may exacerbate fire risk or that may result in temporary or ongoing impacts to the environment?
d) Expose people or structures to significant risks, including downslope or downstream flooding or landslides, as a result of runoff, post‐fire slope instability, or drainag e changes? No Impact. According to California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFIRE), Foster City is not located in designated a California Fire Hazard Severity Zone,50 or in a State Responsibility Area.51 The Foster City General Plan Safety Element does not identify wildland fires as a significant hazard in the city.52 Furthermore, the CAP does not propose specific development or other physical changes such as habitable development to the environment that could be put at risk in the case of a wildland fire. Therefore, the CAP would result in no impact related to risks associated with exposure to wildland fire.
50 California Office of the State Fire Marshal, n.d. Fire Hazard Severity Zones | OSFM. Available at: https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/what‐ we‐do/community‐wildfire‐preparedness‐and‐mitigation/fire‐hazard‐severity‐zones, accessed April 16, 2024. 51 California Office of the State Fire Marshal, n.d. State Responsibility Area (SRA) Viewer. Available at: https://www.arcgis.com/ home/webmap/viewer.html?layers=5ac1dae3cb2544629a845d9a19e83991, accessed April 16, 2024. 52 City of Foster City, 2023. Safety Element. Available at: https://www.fostercity.org/sites/default/files/fileattachments/ community_development/page/30281/2023_safety_element_adopted.pdf, accessed April 9, 2024.
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69 XXI. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Does the project have the potential to substantially degrade the quality of the environment, substantially
reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self‐sustaining levels, threaten to e
liminate a plant or animal
community, substantially reduce the number or restrict
the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal, or
eliminate important examples of the major periods of
California history or prehistory?
☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
b) Does the project have impacts that are individually limited, but cumulatively considerable? (“Cumulatively
considerable” means that the incremental effects of a
project are considerable when viewed in connection
with the effects of past projects, the effects of other current projects, and the effects of probable future
projects.)
☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
c) Does the project have environmental effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings,
either directly or indirectly?
☐ ☐ ☒ ☐
a) Does the project have the potential to substantially degrade the quality of the environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self‐sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, substantially reduce the number or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal, or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory?
Less than significant impact. The intent of the CAP is to reduce GHG emissions from Foster City community operations through implementation of measures. The CAP measures are consistent with the City’s General Plan and encourage residents, businesses, and the City to reduce energy, fuel use, water use, VMT, and solid waste generation and the associated GHG emissions. The CAP would
not facilitate development that would eliminate or threaten wildlife habitats or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory. Therefore, as discussed in more detail in Sections 4, Biological Resources, and 5, Cultural Resources, the CAP would result in a less‐than‐significant impact related to biological an d cultural resources. b) Does the project have impacts that are individually limited, but cumulatively considerable? (“Cumulatively considerable” means that the incremental effects of a project are considerable when viewed in connection with the effects of past projects, the effects of other current projects, and the effects of probable future projects.)
Less than significant impact. Implementation of the CAP would result in a cumulatively beneficial reduction of GHG emissions across the City. In addition, as discussed throughout the respective
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70 cumulative impacts discussions within this document, the CAP would not result in significant cumulative impacts. Rather, implementation of the CAP would be consistent with General Plan policies aimed at reducing emissions of GHGs and air pollutants, reducing VMT, reducing energy and water supply demands on utilities, and decreasing solid waste generation. Therefore, the CAP would result in an overall less than significant cu
mulative impact related to all CEQA topics
addressed within this document.
c) Does the project have environmental effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly?
Less than significant. The CAP would not result in adverse effects on human beings. Rather, as discussed throughout this document, the CAP would serve as a pathway to reduce GHG emissions and other positive environmental and sustainability effects. These benefits include reduction in building energy consumption and VMT (and thus air pollution), in transportation related GH G emissions, energy and water consumption, and solid waste generation. However, as discussed in more detail in Section 3, Air Quality; Section 13, Noise; and Section 17, Transportation, the CAP could cause temporary construction impacts related to transportation, air quality, and noise that could, in turn, affect human beings bu t would not result in a substantial adverse environmental effect. Therefore, the CAP would result in a less‐than‐significant impact related to potential for adverse effects on human beings.
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71 IV. LIST OF PREPARERS
Urban Planning Partners, Inc.
Leslie Carmichael, Associate Principal
Emily Culling, Assistant Planner
Claire Mei, Planner
City of Foster City
Sofia Mangalam, Community Development Director
Vanessa Brannon, Senior Management Analyst
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72 V. REFERENCES
Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD), n.d. Air Quality Standards and Attainment Status. Available at: https://www.baaqmd.gov/about‐air‐quality/research‐and‐data/air‐ quality‐standards‐and‐attainment‐status, accessed April 10, 2024.
Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD), 2017. “Spare the Air: Cool the Climate.” Available at: https://www.baaqmd.gov/~/media/files/planning‐and‐research/plans/2017‐ clean‐air‐plan/attachment‐a_‐ proposed‐final‐cap‐vol‐1‐pdf.pdf?la=en, accessed April 24, 2024.
California Air Resources Board (CARB), 2005. Air Quality and Land Use Handbook: A Community Health Perspective, April. Available at: https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/sites/default/files/2023‐ 05/Land%20Use%20Handbook_0.pdf, accessed April 24, 2024.
California Department of Fish and Wildlife, n.d. California Forests and Timberlands Map. Available at: https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov /FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=109917&inline, accessed April 13, 2024.
California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), 2013. Transportation and Construction Vibration Guidance Manual (CT‐HWANP‐RT‐13‐069.25.3). Available at:
http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/env/noise/pub/TCVGM_Sep13_FINAL.pdf, accessed April 18, 2024.
California Department of Water Resources, n.d. Best Available Map. Available at:
https://gis.bam.water.ca.gov/bam/, accessed April 16, 2024.
California Energy Commission (CEC), 2009. Environmental He alth and Equity Impacts from Climate Change and Mitigation Policies in California: A Review of the Literature. Available at:
https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/document?repid=rep1&type= pdf&doi=23531859af857041f20f477682dc6a770874dcba, accessed April 15, 2024.
California Natural Resources Energy, 2018. California’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment Statewide Summary Report. Available at: http://www.climateassessment.ca.gov/state/, accessed April 15, 2024.
California Office of the State Fire Marshal, n.d. Fire Haz ard Severity Zones | OSFM. Available at:
https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/what‐we‐do/community‐wildfire‐preparedness‐and‐ mitigation/fire‐hazard‐severity‐zones, accessed April 16, 2024.
California Office of the State Fire Marshal, n.d. State Responsibility Area (SRA) Viewer. Available at: https://www.arcgis.com/home/webmap/viewer.html?layers=5ac1dae3cb 2544629a845d9a19e83991, accessed April 16, 2024.
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73 City of Foster City Zoning Map, ArcGIS web application. Available at: https://www.arcgis.com/ apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=e34316ba2a5743d58e16a773be73b07c, accessed April 10, 2024.
City of Foster City, 2005. Government Operations Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory. Available at: www.ca‐ilg.org/sites/main/files/file‐attachments/2005_ghg_municipal_ inventory.pdf?1454096132, accessed April 24, 2024.
City of Foster City, 2009. Conservation Element. Available at: https://www.fostercity.org/sites/ default/files/fileattachments/community_development/page/3421/luc‐element‐w_low‐ res‐
maps.pdf, accessed April 9, 2024.
City of Foster City, 2009. Parks and Open Space Element. Available at: https://www.fostercity.org/ sites/default/files/fileattachments/community_development/page/3441/gp‐chapter‐5‐ parks‐and‐open‐space‐element.pdf, accessed April 9, 2024.
City of Foster City, 2016. General Plan. Available at: https://www.fostercity.org/sites/default/files/ fileattachments/community_development/page/3411/2‐general‐plan‐summary‐2‐1‐ 2016.pdf, accessed April 9, 2024.
City of Foster City, 2016. Land Use and Circulation Element. Availa ble at:
https://www.fostercity.org/sites/default/files/fileattachments/community_development/ page/3421/luc‐element‐w_low‐res‐maps.pdf, accessed April 9, 2024.
City of Foster City, 2016. Levee Protection Planning and Improvements Project Draft EIR. Available at: https://fostercitylevee.org/wp‐content/uploads/2021/01/draft‐eir‐levee.pdf, accessed April 23, 2024, p. 241.
City of Foster City, 2021. 2020 Urban Wate
r Management Plan, July. Available at:
www.fostercity.org/sites/default/files/fileattachments/public_works/page/32041/final_dr aft_2020_emid_uwmp_wappendices.pdf, accessed April 23, 2024.
City of Foster City, 2023. Safety Element. Available at: https://www.fostercity.org/sites/ default/files/fileattachments/community_development/page/30281/2023_safety_eleme nt_adopted.pdf, accessed April 9, 2024.
City of Foster City, 2023. Water Neutrality Guidebook. Available at: https://www.fostercity.org/ commdev/page/water‐neutrality‐guidebook, accessed April 22, 2024.
City of Foster City, n.d. M
unicipal Code. Available at: https://www.codepublishing.com/ CA/FosterCity/, accessed April 16, 2024.
City/County Association of Governments (C/CAG) of San Mateo County, 2012. Comprehensive Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan for the Environs of San Francisco International
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74 Airport. Available at: https://ccag.ca.gov/plansreportslibrary‐2/airport‐land‐use/, accessed April 22, 2024.
City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County (C/CAG), 2017. San Mateo Countywide Transportation Plan. Available at: https://ccag.ca.gov/wp‐content/ uploads/2014/05/SMCTP‐2040‐FINAL_.pdf, accessed April 24, 2024.
ESA, 2015. Final Comprehensive Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan for the Environs of San Carlos Airport. Available at: https://ccag.ca.go
v/plansreportslibrary‐2/airport‐land‐use/,
accessed April 22, 2024.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), n.d. Flood Map Service Center | Search by Address. Available at: https://msc.fema.gov/portal/search?AddressQuery, accessed April 16, 2024.
Foster City Levee Protection Planning and Improvements Project Draft EIR, 2016. Available at:
https://fostercitylevee.org/wp‐content/uploads/2021/01/draft‐eir‐levee.pdf, accessed April 23, 2024, p. 241.
UC Museum of Paleontology Localitie
s, 2020. Available at: https://ucmpdb.berkeley.edu/cgi/ ucmp_query2?stat=BROWSE&query_src=ucmp_BrowseUSstates&table=ucmp_loc2&wher e‐state_prov_std=California&wherecounty_std=San+Mateo+County&orderby= county_std, accessed April 15, 2024.
Uniform Building Code (UBC), 1994.
United States Energy Information Administration (USEIA), 2023. California – Profile Overview, last modified April 20, 2023. Available at: https://www.eia.gov/state/?sid=CA, accessed April 13, 2024.
United States Energy
Information Administration (USEIA), 2023. State Electricity Profiles for 2022, November 2. Available at: https://www.eia.gov/dnav/ng/ng_cons_sum_dcu_SCA_a.htm, accessed April 13, 2024.
United States Energy Information Administration (USEIA), 2024. California Energy Consumption by End Use Sector, 2021. Available at: https://www.eia.gov/dnav/ng/ng_cons_sum_ dcu_SCA_a.htm. accessed April 13, 2024.
United States Energy Information Administration (USEIA), 2024. Natu ral Gas: Natural Gas Consumption by End Use, March 29. Available at: https://www.eia.gov/dnav/ ng/ng_cons_sum_dcu_SCA_a.htm, accessed April 13, 2024.
United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 2023. Climate Change Indicators:
Atmospheric Concentrations of Greenhouse Gases. Available at: https://www.epa.gov/
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75 climate‐indicators/climate‐change‐indicators‐atmospheric‐concentrations‐greenhouse‐ gases, accessed April 22, 2024.
United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 2024. Overview of Greenhouse Gases.
Available at: https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/overview‐greenhouse‐gases, accessed April 22, 2024.
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24_11_01_CAP_InitialStudyChecklist
Final Audit Report 2024-11-07
Created: 2024-11-07
By: Vanessa Brannon ([email protected])
Status: Signed
Transaction ID: CBJCHBCAABAA3-ElsF7v8gw2vC-L7PSBfF2KiYfH_ahb "24_11_01_CAP_InitialStudyChecklist" History
Document created by Vanessa Brannon ([email protected]) 2024-11-07 - 9:52:16 PM GMT
Document emailed to Sofia Mangalam ([email protected]) for signature 2024-11-07 - 9:52:36 PM GMT
Email viewed by Sofia Mangalam ([email protected]) 2024-11-07 - 9:52:57 PM GMT
Document e-signed by Sofia Mangalam ([email protected]) Signature Date: 2024-11-07 - 9:53:20 PM GMT - Time Source: server Agreement completed.
2024-11-07 - 9:53:20 PM GMT
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RESOLUTION NO.____________
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FOSTER CITY ADOPTING THE FOSTER CITY CLIMATE ACTION PLAN 2024 UPDATE (CEQA STATUS:
ADOPTED NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR THE CLIMATE ACTION PLAN 2024
UPDATE)
CITY OF FOSTER CITY
WHEREAS, the City of Foster City has prepared the Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2024 Update to the City's 2016 CAP; and
WHEREAS, a Climate Action Plan is a comprehensive document aiming to address and mitigate the impacts of climate change locally, reflecting the City’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development WHEREAS, the 2016 CAP included a plan for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and included targets to achieve 15 percent greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction below 2005 levels by 2020, 20 percent below 2005 levels by 2 percent below 2005 levels by 2050; and
WHEREAS, the 2016 CAP targets were achieved before the 2025 deadline; and WHEREAS, the 2016 CAP needs updating to reflect new state legislation, changing priorities, and updated/new environmental sustainability and greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction policies; and
WHEREAS, the CAP Project Team, consisting of City staff, consultants, and members of Foster City’s Citizens Sustainability Advisory Committee (CSAC) developed the CAP 2024 Update; and
WHEREAS considerable public engagement and outreach was undertaken to support the development of the CAP 2024 Update, including surveys, workshops, focus groups, and events; and
WHEREAS, the CAP 2024 Update, including Appendix C Development Checklist, will be a CEQA-Qualified CAP and serve as a programmatic tiering document under CEQA and will serve as a tool for GHG analysis and mitigation review for new projects and will help guide future planning, development, and municipal policy decisions; and WHEREAS, the CAP 2024 Update includes an updated 2019 GHG emissions inventory, projecting GHG emissions forecasted to 2050, a climate vulnerability assessment, GHG reduction strategies, an implementation plan, and monitoring; and
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WHEREAS, the GHG reduction strategies are broken down into sectors related to energy and water, transportation and land use, transportation and land use, and climate leadership and resiliency; and
WHEREAS, the CAP 2024 Update provides a set of implementation measures and programs to address climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) associated with vehicle trips, energy consumption, and solid waste; and WHEREAS, the CAP 2024 Update sets forth an objective of slashing carbon emissions by almost 50% below 2005 levels by 2030, marking a pivotal step toward the overarching aim of an 88% reduction by 2045; and
WHEREAS, the CAP 2024 Update incorporates all necessary components to comply with current state mandates around climate change; and WHEREAS, the City provided a Climate Action Plan Framework to the public for review between March 13, 2024 and April 15, 2024; and
WHEREAS, the City Council approved Minute Order No. 1970 regarding the Climate Action Plan Framework at their April 1, 2024, City Council Meeting; and WHEREAS, a California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) environmental review was conducted, and an Initial Study/Negative Declaration (IS/ND) was prepared for the CAP 2024 Update that states that the proposed CAP will not result in significant environmental impacts, eliminating the need for further analysis or mitigation measures; and
WHEREAS, several changes were made to the City Council-approved Draft CAP Framework to develop the current Draft CAP 2024 Update; and WHEREAS, Draft Climate Action Plan Update 2024 was published online from September 18, 2024, to October 18, 2024, for public review; and WHEREAS, Staff further revised the Draft CAP Update 2024 to align the CAP with state goals, measures and actions with the best available substantial evidence and to increase the defensibility of the CAP; and
WHEREAS, on November 8, 2024, a Notice of Public Hearing was duly posted for consideration of the adoption of the Draft CAP 2024 Update and consideration of the Final Negative Declaration for the City Council public hearing on November 18, 2024; and WHEREAS, at the November 18, 2024, City Council Regular Meeting, the City Council reviewed and considered the Draft CAP 2024 Update and IS/ND, all written correspondence, verbal testimony, staff reports, and supporting documents and reports prepared.
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WHEREAS, on November 18, 2024 the City Council adopted the IS/ND with the finding that the CAP 2024 Update will not have a significant impact on the environment.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Foster City, based on the following findings and considering the staff report and the whole of the record related to this project, adopts the CAP 2024 Update as set forth in Exhibit A, attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference:
1. The proposed CAP 2024 Update establishes appropriate goals, policies, and programs to address climate change, energy, waste management, resiliency, leadership, and transportation.
2. The proposed CAP 2024 Update will not be detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, or welfare of the City.
3. The proposed CAP 2024 Update is consistent with the City's General Plan.
4. The proposed CAP 2024 Update conforms with the relevant and applicable provisions of the California Government Code for climate action plans.
PASSED AND ADOPTED as a resolution of the City Council of the City of Foster City at the regular meeting held on the 18th day of November 2024, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
PATRICK SULLIVAN, MAYOR
ATTEST:
PRISCILLA SCHAUS, CITY CLERK
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Exhibit A
Foster City Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2024 Update
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City of Foster City
Climate Action Plan
2024 Update
November 2024
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CITY OF FOSTER CITY CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
Acknowledgments Thank you!
City Council In addition to the Foster City community who took the time to participate in the Climate Action Plan
(CAP) community outreach process to share their
experiences and priorities with us, we would also
like to thank external stakeholders and non-profit
organizations who provided additional guidance,
support, feedback, and content throughout the
development and adoption process. Their oversight
was invaluable to the creation of this CAP and
will continue to be instrumental throughout its
implementation.
Patrick Sullivan, Mayor
Stacy Jimenez, Vice Mayor
Jon Froomin, Councilmember
Sam Hindi, Councilmember
Art Kiesel, Councilmember
Citizen Sustainability Advisory Committee (CSAC)
Nilofer Motiwala, Chair
This Climate Action Plan was developed using
sections from the Regionally Integrated Climate
Action Planning Suite (RICAPS) template and climate
action planning tools.
Siddharth Gogi, Vice-Chair (Youth Member)
Marah Curry, Committee Member (Non-Profit)
Shilpli Goel, Committee Member
Stuti Goel, Committee Member (Youth Member)
Ron Haupt, Committee Member
Nicole Kho, Committee Member (Large Business)
Maxwell Kwan, Committee Member
Larry Staley, Committee Member
Katiya Wright, Committee Member (Small Business)
RICAPS
Regionally Integrated Climate Action Planning Suite
City Staff Additional technical assistance was provided by Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Stefan Chatwin, City Manager
Marlene Subhashini, Assistant City Manager
Sofia Mangalam, Community Development Director
Vanessa Brannon, Senior Management Analyst Disclaimer
This Climate Action Plan outlines general policies aimed at equitable climate action. It does not approve, fund, or authorize specific projects. Implementation programs will undergo gradual review and approval, adhering to established adoption protocols. This process may include further public scrutiny, evaluations by the City Council, and environmental assessments mandated by the California Environmental Quality Act.
Consultants
Cascadia Consulting Group
Integrated Design 360
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Letter from the Mayor
At a critical point in its climate journey, Foster City is greatly influenced by its community's and businesses' innovative and entrepreneurial spirit. This spirit has fueled its legacy in environmental leadership, showcased by initiatives such as the Levee Improvements Project, the various environmental rebates offered by the City, green infrastructure, the Library/Community Center Solar Parking Project, and single-stream recycling, to name a few.
Since introducing the Climate Action Plan (CAP) in 2016, Foster City and the rest of California have faced unprecedented climate challenges such as droughts, heatwaves, wildfires, and extreme storms. These events demonstrate that climate change is an immediate threat to the quality of life in Foster City and the broader San Mateo County. As part of San Mateo County, Foster City confronts rising sea levels, temperature fluctuations, flooding, air pollution, health issues, and water supply concerns, all demanding immediate action. The city has a history of leading in sustainability and climate action, evidenced by its achievements in meeting greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goals.
In response to these challenges, Foster City has developed a forward-thinking CAP. This plan is rooted in local solutions to tackle the global issue of climate change effectively. It is a comprehensive blueprint for sustainability, involving every community member in the mission to protect our environment and health. In 2023, extensive outreach was conducted to gather feedback on GHG reduction strategies and to understand what sustainable actions community members are already undertaking and the barriers to climate action.
The CAP sets ambitious targets, including reducing emissions by almost 50% below 2005 levels by 2030, leading towards an 88% reduction by 2045 below 2005 levels. It also offers practical suggestions for energy efficiency, water conservation, and alternative transportation, emphasizing a collective approach to a sustainable future.
Foster City’s efforts, although significant, are just a part of the more extensive community action needed for sustainability. The CAP is a call to action for everyone to join in Foster City’s transition toward a cleaner, healthier, and more prosperous future. Your participation is crucial to our success in this endeavor!
Signed,
Patrick Sullivan, Mayor of Foster City
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What You Can Do
LOW CARBON TRANSPORTATION
•
•
•
•
Switch to an electric vehicle (EV) instead of a traditional car.
Opt for biking, walking, or using public transport as much as possible.
Cut down on driving by working from home if it’s an option.
Turn off your car when waiting, like at the ATM or school pick-up/drop-off lines.
RENEWABLE ENERGY & ELECTRIFICATION
•
•
•
Instead of using natural gas, upgrade to electric appliances and heating systems, such as heat pumps, water heaters, and HVAC systems.
Choose Peninsula Clean Energy’s ECO100 for 100% renewable and carbon-free electricity.
Put a solar energy system on your home and consider adding battery storage.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
•
•
•
•
Improve your home or business’s energy efficiency by enhancing insulation, sealing leaks, and installing a programmable thermostat.
Switch to LED bulbs for indoor and outdoor lighting and remember to turn them off when not needed.
Opt for appliances and equipment that are Energy Star certified for better energy conservation.
Consider getting an energy assessment for your home or business to identify further energy-saving opportunities.
WASTE REDUCTION
•
•
•
•
Dispose of your food scraps in the green bin or compost them at home.
Shop smart by purchasing only what you require, and buying previously owned when feasible.
Give away surplus food, used clothing, and housewares.
Avoid “aspirational” recycling. Be meticulous in sorting your recyclables correctly.
WATER CONSERVATION
•
•
•
•
Switch out your lawn for a garden that can withstand dry conditions.
Set up a drip irrigation system, schedule it to operate early in the morning, and routinely inspect it for leaks.
Opt for faucets, showerheads, and toilets that use less water.
When it’s time to replace them, choose water-efficient dishwashers and clothes washers.
SEQUESTRATION
•
•
Plant trees appropriate to your situation.
Add compost to your soil.
SUSTAINABLE LIVING
•
•
•
Calculate and commit to reducing your carbon footprint by taking the actions this plan identifies.
Become a climate advocate at every “table” you sit at – home, work, clubs, school, etc.
Encourage friends and neighbors to adopt sustainable living practices – lead by example (adopt a plant-based diet, purchase an EV, electrify your home, etc.)
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Table of Contents
Acknowledgments
Letter from the Mayor
Table of Contents
2 3
5 6
8 Executive Summary
Section 1. Introduction
Section 2. What is Climate Change? 19
32 42
44 45
46 52
57 59
61 Section 3. Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions
Section 4. Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reduction Targets
Section 5. Strategies to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions 2023 Climate Action Plan Reduction Strategies Overview
Sector 1. Energy and Water (E-W)
Sector 2. Transportation and Land Use (T-L)
Sector 3. Waste and Consumption (W-C)
Sector 4. Climate Resiliency and Leadership (C-L)
Section 6. Conclusion
Appendix A. Climate Regulatory Context
Appendix B. Glossary of Abbreviations
Appendix C. Community Engagement
Appendix D. 2019 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory
Appendix E. Implementation Plan
Appendix F. Development Checklist
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Executive Summary
The City of Foster City was established in 1971 in San Mateo County, California. Nestled on the eastern shoreline of the San Francisco Peninsula, it sits between San Francisco and San Jose, east of U.S. 101. Initially conceived as a "Planned Community," Foster City is home to over 33,000 residents and boasts a unique character defined by nine residential neighborhoods complemented by commercial hubs and light industrial areas. Encompassing approximately 20 square miles, four square miles consist of developed land and reclaimed marshland, with the remainder comprised of the waters of the San Francisco Bay and Belmont Sloughs. At around 7 feet above sea level, Foster City relies on a network of levees and seawalls to mitigate tidal and flood risks from the Bay to the east and the Peninsula to the west.
Foster City grapples with climate-related challenges, including rising sea levels, flooding (potential dam inundation), extreme heat, and drought. Since its incorporation, the city has encountered several of these phenomena. Looking ahead, the intensification of these hazards could be exacerbated by evolving climatic conditions driven by rising temperatures and shifting precipitation patterns. Cities stand at the frontline combating climate change, spearheading global efforts to curb carbon emissions through bold policies and embracing clean technologies. Foster City's Climate Action Plan (CAP) sets forth a paramount objective: slashing carbon emissions by 49% below 2005 levels by 2030, marking a pivotal step toward the overarching aim of an 88% reduction by 2045 below 2005 levels. and averting exacerbated climate impacts.
The CAP delineates a comprehensive roadmap for emissions reduction across two pivotal sectors: 1) energy and water and 2) transportation and land use. Additionally, it emphasizes two additional sectors focusing on (3) waste and consumption and (4) climate resiliency and leadership, recognizing the imperative of fortifying the city against impending climate hazards.
Remarkably, Foster City has already made substantial headway in its climate endeavors. Between 2005 and 2019, emissions plummeted by 59,820 metric tons (MT) of carbon dioxide equivalents (mtCO2e), achieving a 22.5% reduction from 2005 levels. To achieve the targeted 50% reduction by 2030, Foster City must further slash emissions by approximately 135,546 mtCO2e by the end of the decade, a crucial stride in curbing the trajectory of carbon emissions Furthermore, the Climate Action Plan (CAP) underscores the involvement of municipal operations and community engagement, rallying residents, organizations, and businesses to participate in Foster City's emission reduction endeavors. It is an ambitious community-driven platform to propel policies and initiatives that foster quality of life, innovation, and social equity.
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Acknowledging that even complete elimination of emissions today won't preclude future climate impacts, Foster City underscores the necessity of fortifying resilience against rising sea levels, heightened temperatures, and exacerbated fire risks. The CAP articulates a strategic blueprint for proactively developing a climate change resiliency plan to address these challenges.
To ensure the CAP's effective implementation, Foster City underscores forming an interdepartmental team, collaborating with civic and business leaders to maintain momentum and ensure accountability. An online dashboard, annual progress reports, and a five-year CAP update will be integral to tracking and adjusting strategies accordingly.
Realizing the considerable investment required to support the CAP, Foster City emphasizes the need to facilitate residents' and businesses' access to funding for decarbonizing buildings, vehicles, and lifestyles.
Ultimately, the CAP serves as a conduit to build upon past successes, rallying stakeholders to actively participate in the transition to a low-carbon future and a clean economy. In doing so, Foster City envisions fostering a resilient economy while nurturing a livable and sustainable community for present and future generations.
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Section 1. Introduction What is a Climate Action Plan?
Climate change, driven by human activities, influences extreme weather and climate phenomena worldwide. Documented changes include more frequent and intense heat waves, heavy rainfall, coastal flooding, droughts, and hurricanes. California, including Foster City, is witnessing the impacts of these climatic shifts. Both gradual changes, like sea level rise, and sudden climate events, such as extreme temperature fluctuations, pose challenges to people, infrastructure, urban areas, and natural ecosystems. These challenges often hit the most vulnerable groups in the community hardest.
A Climate Action Plan (CAP) is a crucial strategic document for a city, focusing on several key aspects:
1. Assessment of Current and Future Greenhouse Gas
Emissions: This involves a detailed analysis of the current levels of greenhouse gas emissions within the city and
projections for future emissions based on current trends and policies.
2. Setting Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Targets:
The plan sets specific, measurable targets for reducing
greenhouse gas emissions within a certain time
frame, aligning with broader environmental goals and
commitments.
In response, Foster City proudly introduces its 2024 Climate Action Plan. This strategic guide outlines the city’s approach to tackling climate change. Foster City’s residents have already been proactive in environmental stewardship, positioning the city as a leader in regional climate initiatives. 3. Developing Strategies and Actions for Emission Reduction: The CAP outlines various strategies and
actions that the city intends to implement to achieve
the set emission reduction targets. This could include
promoting renewable energy, enhancing public
transportation, improving energy efficiency in buildings, and other sustainable practices.
Aligning with the state's vision,
Foster City aims to achieve 88%
below 2005 levels by 2045.
4. Projection of Climate Change Impact on Natural Hazards:
The plan also examines how climate change might
alter the frequency and intensity of natural hazards like flooding, wildfires, and storms, and prepares the city to adapt to these changes.
The 2024 Climate Action Plan is an upate the City’s first CAP, adopted in 2016. Since completing most of the intiatives in the original Plan, this update charts the course for reaching a new ambitious target. The first Climate Action Plan established the following GHG Reduction targets:
Specifically, the CAP for Foster City is tailored to reflect the unique environmental and community characteristics of our City. It represents a reaffirmation of Foster City’s commitment to environmental leadership within San Mateo County,
showcasing its dedication to sustainable and responsible urban planning in the face of climate change challenges. 15% GHG emissions reduction below 2005 levels by 2020
TARGET MET
20% below 2005 levels by 2025
TARGET MET
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Since 2016, significant climate action and sustainable measures have already been taken by the city, including, but not limited to: Foster City’s 2019 GHG-Emissions Inventory Key Findings
• Enhancing the levee system to bolster defenses against storm surges and rising sea levels, ensuring its stability until at least 2050.
Foster City’s 2019 GHG emissions
205,958
•
•
Installing solar panels at the Library/ Community Center.
Adding electric vehicle charging stations to the library’s public parking lot.
metric tons
Total GHG reduction since 2005
22.5%•
•
Upgrading to low-flow faucets and energy-efficient lighting in city facilities. (from 265,768 metric tons)
Shifting city facilities to entirely renewable energy sources, with community options available through Peninsula Clean Energy.
Transforming Park landscapes to low water usage designs.
Providing rebates and financial incentives for community members to adopt energy-efficient, water-efficient, and
sustainable practices.
Main emissions source
Transportation•
•
contributing 57% (117,524 metric tons)
Second-highest source
Nonresidential energy use
(electricity, natural gas), 28% of emissions
(56,641 metric tons)
•
•
Incorporating electric and hybrid vehicles into the city’s fleet.
Implementing the latest Green Building standards for new construction and remodeling projects.
2019 emissions align with 2015 Climate Action Plan goals, achieving a 22.5% decrease from 2005 baseline.•
•
Creating an agreement with Peninsula Clean Energy to create an Electric Vehicle Fleet Plan.
Offering PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) Program
financing to residents.
These initiatives reflect Foster City’s dedication to environmental responsibility and its role as a forerunner in regional climate action.
In 2021, the existing plan, various measures, and laws were evaluated to update the Climate Action Plan. This review also involved creating a Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Inventory for 2019, which helped understand how much greenhouse gas the city produced.
The 2019 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions Inventory demonstrated that Foster City produced approximately 205,958 metric tons of CO2 equivalent community-wide, spanning residential, commercial/ industrial, transportation, waste, wastewater, and water sectors.
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This figure represents a 22.5% reduction in total community emissions compared to the baseline year of 2005. Foster City’s Citizens Sustainability Advisory Committee (CSAC)
Figure 1.1. Foster City 2019 Community GHG Emissions (MTCO e) by Sector2 The City’s Citizens Sustainability Advisory Committee
(CSAC) was instrumental in aligning the Climate Action
Plan (CAP) with the community’s vision, playing a vital role in outreach and planning. Functioning as an advisory body on sustainability challenges in Foster City, CSAC addresses environmental, economic, and social aspects. Its composition includes five voting members who are residents of Foster City, two youth voting members from the community, two voting members representing local businesses (one from a major employer and another from a small business), and one voting member from a local non-profit organization.
Transportation
57% Commercial Industrial
Energy Use
28%
Residential Energy
Use
14%
Solid Waste
1%
Throughout the climate planning process and beyond, CSAC acted as a key liaison and trusted partner to the wider Foster City community. As representatives of the community, CSAC members were pivotal in forging essential connections and gathering crucial feedback.
Water
<1%
Wastewater
<1%
This CAP update looks ahead to the ambitious goals and transformation we need to achieve and lays the groundwork for embracing innovation and weathering disruption. By achieving the objectives laid out in this CAP, we will achieve the first milestone target of a 49 percent reduction in our emissions below 2005 levels by 20301. This will give us momentum to achieve near carbon neutrality before 2045.
In addition to reducing emissions, we also recognize the need to adjust to our changing climate and prepare for more frequent and intense climate change impacts. This CAP indicates the steps we will take to plan our pathway to increased community resilience and climate readiness.
The CAP is a call to action for government, businesses, and residents to engage and support the collective journey to achieving the City’s climate goals.
1 On September 8, 2016, the governor signed SB 32 into law, extending AB 32 by requiring the State to further reduce GHGs to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030.
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Since its initiation in September 2022, the Foster City Climate Action Plan (CAP) Update Project has demonstrated the effectiveness of community engagement in shaping environmental policy. This Plan was developed by the Climate Action Plan Update Team, comprised of City Staff, consultants, and the Citizens Sustainability Advisory Committee, in collaboration with community stakeholders. With a thorough approach that included a Community Engagement Plan and aggressive community outreach, the CAP team effectively captured the diverse viewpoints of Foster City residents. Insights from surveys, meetings, and focus groups have been crucial to identifying key areas like improved public transportation and sustainable living and highlighting the community's eagerness for proactive climate action, from recycling to advocating for electrification.
The Big Goal:
49% GHG Emissions Reduction by 2030,
Leading to an 88% Reduction by 2045 (below
pre-2005 levels)1
To meet the 2030 49% reduction goal, this Plan
provides a roadmap to reduce emissions and promote
climate action and sustainable living in four sectors:
Energy and Water
This engagement process, driven by the invaluable input of our community, has deepened our understanding of their needs and barriers to action. It has set the stage for actionable strategies, reflecting Foster City's dedication to a collaborative approach to climate change solutions. The solid foundation of community feedback, as the Climate Action Plan advances to implementation, is not just essential for its effectiveness and enduring impact, but it also embodies the essence of collective action for a better future.
Transportation and Land Use
Waste and Consumption
Climate Resiliency and Leadership
While this CAP focuses on the crucial task of achieving the 2030 goal, it's important to note that the continued implementation of the actions in the plan past that date will play a significant role in helping the City reach its 2045 goal. These goals are not just arbitrary numbers, but they represent our commitment to a sustainable future.
Ultimately, more aggressive state, federal, and international action is required to reduce global emissions to levels that will avoid the catastrophic impacts of climate change. For this reason, Foster City’s CAP contains actions to advocate at the state and federal levels for policies and actions that support the rapid transition to GHG-free energy sources, electrification of buildings and the City’s fleet, and other sweeping measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions sharply.
Each sector has strategies, actions, and methods to
encourage community participation. The key actions
identified in each sector need to be accomplished
within the next five years to stay on pace with achieving the City's climate goals. These sectors were selected
based on GHG emissions, community feedback received
throughout the engagement process, and climate action
best practices.
1 In 2022, California passed AB 1279, mandating the state to reach “net zero greenhouse gas emissions” at the earliest possible time, with a deadline of no later than 2045. Following this, the state must then attain and sustain net negative GHG emissions.
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Table 1.1. List of 2024 Climate Action Plan Target Measures and GHG Emission Reduction Impact GHG
ID # TARGET MEASURE SECTOR GOAL IMPACT
Promote and expand participation in residential and commercial energy efficiency programs
0Reduce emissions from the energy
sectorE-W.1.1 Energy & Water MTCO e2
Reduce municipal energy consumption through energy efficiency projects 0Reduce emissions from the energy sectorE-W.1.2 Energy & Water
Energy & Water
and behavioral and operational changes MTCO e
2 Decarbonize existing residential and
commercial buildings
0E-W.2.1 Increase residential and commercial solar installations MTCO e2 Decarbonize existing commercial and residential buildings to reduce natural gas consumption from existing commercial buildings by 19% and E-W.2.2 natural gas consumption from existing residential buildings by 25% by 2030 or reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 10,792 MTCO2e in existing commercial and residential buildings by 2030
Decarbonize existing residential and
commercial buildings
-10,792Energy & Water
Energy & Water
MTCO e2
Support Peninsula Clean Energy in providing 100% carbon-neutral electricity by 2030 and maintain a Peninsula Clean Energy opt-out rate of Decarbonize existing residential and commercial buildings
-9,825E-W.2.3 less than 2% for residential customers and less than 2% for commercial customers by 2030
MTCO e2
Adopt a single margin source energy score for new residential and Decarbonize existing residential and commercial buildings
-2,805E-W.2.4 commercial construction that exceeds the State's minimum standards by 2026
Energy & Water
Energy & Water
MTCO e2
0E-W.3.1 Reduce water consumption by 5% by 2030 and 15% by 2045 Reduce water consumption MTCO e2 Transportation & Reduce vehicle miles traveled in the
Land Use City
0T-L.1.1 Reduce vehicle miles traveled in the City MTCO e2 Increase the passenger ZEV adoption to 31% and commercial ZEV adoption to 25% by 2030
-19,581Transportation & Reduce vehicle miles traveled in theT-L.2.1 Land Use City MTCO e2 Transportation & -2,594T-L.2.2 Decarbonize 18% of gas-powered equipment by 2030 Decarbonize TransportationLand Use MTCO e2 Transportation & -100T-L.3.1 Increase the community’s active transportation mode share to 4% by 2030 W-C.1.1 Significantly reduce organic waste to landfills.
Increase walkability and bike-abilityLand Use MTCO e2
Waste & Increase diversion of materials from 0
Consumption landfills MTCO e2
Waste & Increase diversion of materials from -991W-C.1.2 Annually procure and apply 2,500 tons of compost by 2030 Consumption landfills MTCO e2 Collaborate with community stakeholders to create Local Climate Action 0Resiliency & Leadership
Educate and support the whole
community to live sustainablyC-L.1.1
C-L.1.2
Programs that empower individuals to make behavioral changes MTCO e 2 Develop adaptation strategies to assist the Foster City community to the effects of climate change
0Resiliency &
Leadership
Prepare for and adapt to a rising sea
level and climate change MTCO e2
-46,688 MTCO2eTOTAL CAP GHG EMISSIONS REDUCTION =
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This CAP also focuses on our municipal operations, issues, and community activities, including how residents, organizations, and businesses can contribute to Foster City’s emission reduction goals.
It provides an ambitious, community-focused platform to advance policies that enhance quality of life and well-being, embrace smart city innovation, and improve social equity.
To ensure full implementation of the CAP, an interdepartmental team of City staff, in collaboration with civic and business leaders, shouldbe assembled to maintain momentum and ensure
accountability. Staff will provide annual progress reports, including greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories, maintain a climate action dashboard on the City’s sustainability website (sustainable.fostercity. org) and will begin preparing an update to the Climate Action Plan after five years.Even if all emissions were eliminated today, the City would still experience climate change impacts in the future, including rising sea levels, hotter temperatures, and increased fire risks. Foster City understands the importance of laying out a framework for enhancing Foster City’s resilience to these impacts.
All Foster City community members, including individuals and businesses, play a key role in reducing emissions. This collective effort is crucial for Foster City to reach its environmental goals.
By working together, Foster City has the power to overcome this challenge and build a stronger, more sustainable community for everyone.
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Benefits of Climate Action (and Adaptation)
Beyond the direct benefit of a more stable climate, many climate actions generate additional benefits, such as the ones listed below.
Public Health The health benefits of climate action include tangible healthcare savings. Reducing CO2 emissions is less expensive than treating the health effects of climate change.Actions to mitigate climate change can improve air quality, physical and mental health, and access to healthy food.
Research suggests that living within 50 to 200 meters of major roadways can trigger asthma symptoms among adults and children and contribute to the development of asthma in children. Consequently, actions aimed at cutting gasoline consumption, reducing traffic congestion, taking vehicles off the road, and electrifying the City’s vehicle fleet can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, chronic and acute respiratory illnesses, cancer, and preterm births for those near busy roads.
Increased Community Resilience
Addressing climate change and planning for its impacts
can also bolster resilience to other hazards. Climate
actions also can enhance community cohesion – the
networks of formal and informal relationships among
neighbors that foster a mutually supporting community.
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One study showed a direct link between increased vegetation and the use of outdoor spaces for social activity.2Actions that encourage active modes of transportation can reduce obesity, improve mental health, and diminish the cost of public health services. Green infrastructure projects have been shown to increase recreational opportunities and physical fitness exercises such as dog walking or jogging.
Another study found that even small amounts of greenery increased the safety of urban areas.3
A survey of residents in many different types of neighborhoods found that the more that neighborhoods were walkable and neighbors knew each other, the more likely neighborhood residents were to participate politically, trust others, and be socially engaged.4
Increased intake of more climate-friendly foods, such as whole grains and vegetables, can reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Adaptation actions that mitigate urban heat island effects, such as planting shade trees, lessen potential health risks to sensitive populations. 2 Sullivan, W., Kuo, F. and Depooter, S. (2004). The Fruit of Urban Nature: Vital Neighborhood Spaces. Environment and Behavior. 36:678. Retrieved from https://journals. sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0193841X04264945.
3 4
Kuo, F.E. and Sullivan, W.C. (2001). Aggression and violence in the inner city: Impacts of environment via mental fatigue. Environment & Behavior. 33(4): 543-571.
Leyden K. M. (2003). Social Capital and the Built Environment: The Importance of Walkable Neighborhoods. Am. J. Public Health. 93:1546– 1551.
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Reduced Traffic Congestion Recognizing the importance of public participation and inclusion, the City conducted two online Community Meetings to expand access, leveraged the diverse makeup of the City’s Citizens Sustainability Advisory Committee (CSAC) to “go where the people are” further increasing community engagement with traditionally hard-to-reach population segments, and provided the community with a menu of opportunities to be heard (surveys, community meetings, sustainable activities, booths at events, focus groups, and individual community conversations). Over 2,000 community members were engaged through the combined efforts of the CAP team.
Climate actions can reduce traffic congestion. Cities such as New York, Stockholm, and London have implemented
congestion pricing—tolls to travel in designated urban
areas during peak travel times to reduce traffic volume.
The City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County and the San Mateo County Transportation Authority partnered to build the San Mateo 101 Express Lanes Project—22 miles of express lanes on U.S.101 from the San Mateo County/Santa Clara County line to I-380 in South San Francisco. The project is designed to reduce traffic congestion and encourage carpooling and transit use on U.S. 101 in San Mateo County. Green Economy and Economic Development Climate action can boost the local economy through
local projects, programs, and jobs.Foster City has installed ‘no left turn’ signs on parts of East Hillsdale Boulevard to help manage the heavy traffic during rush hours. The Traffic Relief Program aims to lessen the number of drivers who cut through Foster City to avoid traffic jams on Highway 101 and State Route 92. These drivers often use East Hillsdale Boulevard and East Third Avenue to bypass the busy interchange, rejoining State Route 92 later to cross the bridge. Traffic data from 2018 showed a significant increase in cars on East Hillsdale Boulevard during peak times compared to 2015. Besides easing local traffic, this plan also aims to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles within the city.
Investments in the construction, manufacturing, clean technology, green infrastructure, and civil engineering sectors provide businesses with growth opportunities. They also create skilled, well- paying “green” jobs for the community. For example, many jobs in the renewable energy and energy efficiency sector are in installation, maintenance, and construction—making them inherently local and influential to the local economy. Cities can partner with workforce development organizations, business incubators, B-corporations, and green businesses to build a diverse workforce pipeline for these fields.
Social Equity and Inclusion
Climate action can foster a more equitable and inclusive community.
Equity vs. Equality
Equality is like giving everyone the same thing, no matter their situation. Equity, on the other hand, is about giving people what they specifically need to have the same chance as everyone else.
Think of it like this: Equality is handing out the same pair of shoes to everyone, while equity is giving each person a pair of shoes that fits them perfectly.
City-driven climate action approaches can potentially increase equity and inclusion in both the planning process and in long-term outcomes.
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Studies have shown that energy efficiency investments create more jobs than those in fossil fuel industries—the estimate is approximately eight jobs per $1 million invested, compared to approximately three jobs per $1 million invested in fossil fuel industries.5 Climate action and adaptation investments can also save the City and community members money. A study by the University of California Transportation Center estimated that maintenance of electric vehicles (EVs) would cost only 50 percent to 75 percent of the average maintenance cost of a conventional vehicle.6 The sectors most likely to benefit from climate actions and policies are those related to household spending, such as housing, wholesale, and retail. Manufacturers of energy efficiency equipment and appliances and renewable energy generation equipment also benefit.
There are numerous other benefits to climate action, including energy security, increased climate leadership, more sustainable behavior, and improved resource efficiency.
5 Environmental Defense Fund Climate Corps. (2017). The Growth of America’s Clean Energy & Sustainability Jobs. Retrieved from http://edfclimatecorps.org/sites/ edfclimatecorps.org/files/the_growth_of_americas_clean_energy_and_sustainability_jobs.pdf.
Environmental Defense Fund Climate Corps. (2017). The Growth of America’s Clean Energy & Sustainability Jobs. Retrieved from http://edfclimatecorps.org/sites/ edfclimatecorps.org/files/the_growth_of_americas_clean_energy_and_sustainability_jobs.pdf. 6 Section 1. Introduction | 16
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Why Update the City’s Climate Action Plan?
The City of Foster City already plays an important role in shaping community services, including building construction, land use and development, transportation, infrastructure maintenance, parks, and open space management and maintenance. The City is uniquely positioned to lead on climate action, facilitate collaboration and partnerships, and engage residents, businesses, community groups, and other partners, including regional agencies, to join these efforts.
The City of Foster City is updating its original 2016 CAP to align with new State regulations (see Appendix B: Regulatory Framework) and targets related to climate change. Furthermore, the 2016 CAP set an emissions target for 2025 to achieve a 20% in GHG emissions below the baseline year of 2005. This updated CAP extends the horizon year to 2030 and sets a long-term goal of 88% emissions reduction below 2005 levels by 2045. The 2016 CAP set the 2025 target of a 20% decrease in emissions from the baseline year of 2005, which the City has already achieved in 2019. The City also implemented many policies, projects, and programs outside of the reduction strategies from the 2015 Climate Action Plan.
Highlights of the Foster City 2024 Climate Action Plan
This Climate Action Plan update outlines how the City will create new policies, projects, and programs that support the community in reducing GHG emissions and sustainable living.
By updating its existing CAP, the City of Foster City continues its commitment to leading the way to a more sustainable future.
Since the City's first Climate Action Plan (CAP) was adopted in 2016, much has changed regarding climate protection. Consequently, this updated CAP includes the following:
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New federal, state, and local policies and updated climate targets, including carbon neutrality.
Information about climate change impacts and hazards in San Mateo County that the City needs to address and plan for.
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Plans for how the City and Community can to work together to achieve climate goals.
Foster City GHG emissions from various sectors.
More ways for individuals, community groups, and businesses to get involved.
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How Do We Achieve the “Big Goal (49% GHG Emissions Reduction by 2030)?” The City of Foster City already plays an important role in shaping community services. The City evaluated existing local actions and outcomes from the 2016 Climate Action Plan, best practices, and State and regional policies to identify four key Focus Areas and associated Goals to achieve its Climate Reduction Targets.
Energy and Water Big Goals Transportation and Land Use Big Goals •
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Reduce emissions from the energy sector
Decarbonize new and existing residential and commercial buildings Reduce Water Consumption
•
•
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Reduce vehicle miles traveled in the City
Decarbonize transportation
Increase walkability and bike ability
LARGEST EMISSIONS REDUCTIONS LARGEST EMISSIONS REDUCTIONS Electrify Buildings and Appliances. This plan includes strategies that will push for new residential and commercial constructions to be entirely electric. Additionally, it calls for replacing natural gas appliances and equipment with highly efficient electric alternatives, such as heat pump technology, when they wear out or break down.
Electric Vehicles. The plan targets 31% of passenger and 25% pf commercial vehicles registered in Foster City to be plug-in electric vehicles by 2030.
Energy Efficiency. The plan includes continued promotion and participation in energy efficiency and conservation programs to reduce energy consumption in the built environment.
Waste and Consumption Big Goals Climate Resiliency and Leadership Big Goals • Significantly reduce organic waste in landfills •
•
Educate and support the whole community in living sustainably Prepare for and adapt to a rising sea level and climate change
LARGEST EMISSIONS REDUCTIONS LARGEST EMISSIONS REDUCTIONS Compst. The plan includes procurring compost and applying it. Community Resilience. While no GHG emission reductions are associated with these goals, the plan includes actions to improve community resiliency to the effects of climate change.
The 2024 Climate Action Plan Update aims to reach the 2030 target, but continuing its actions beyond that year will help meet the State's goals. However, to truly minimize the severe effects of climate change, more intense efforts are needed at the state, federal, and international levels. Therefore, the CAP includes steps to push for policies and actions at the state and federal levels. These would support a prompt shift to greenhouse gas-free energy sources, electrifying buildings and transportation, and implementing other significant steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions drastically.
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Section 2. What is Climate Change?
Human activities, notably the burning of fossil fuels for transportation, electricity, and industry, are major contributors to the emission of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, driving global climate change. These emissions trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, leading to a gradual warming effect. This warming triggers significant changes in the Earth’s systems, such as altered rainfall and snow patterns, melting glaciers, and ocean warming. This section provides an overview of climate change and its specific impacts on Foster City.
Climate Change 101
Climate refers to long-term atmospheric conditions, like average temperature, snowpack, or rainfall. Human-induced greenhouse gas emissions are causing unprecedented changes in the climate system, leading to various global weather and climate extremes, including intense heatwaves, coastal flooding, heavy precipitation, droughts, and hurricanes.
While climate projections don’t predict specific future dates, they offer insights into expected climatic changes. For example, they can estimate future temperature increases or the frequency of extreme weather events, though they cannot pinpoint exact timings.
The future extent of climate change partly depends on current and future greenhouse gas emissions, influenced by economic, land use, transportation, and energy systems, as well as social and political factors. Scientists use emission scenarios to understand potential climate outcomes, including a high-emission scenario where emissions rise until 2050 and plateau by 2100, and a low-emission scenario with a peak and decline mid-century due to global reduction efforts.
California, including Foster City, is already experiencing the impacts of climate change. Both gradual changes (like sea level rise) and extreme weather events pose risks to people, infrastructure, and ecosystems. These changes disproportionately affect vulnerable populations such as children, older adults, low-income families, and renters. For instance, these groups are more susceptible to health issues during extreme heat and may lack the resources to adapt to climate shocks. Climate projections are based on global climate models that simulate past and future conditions. These models help climate scientists assess potential changes based on greenhouse gas emission scenarios.
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Climate Hazards in Foster City
Foster City can expect higher temperatures, worsening air quality, more extreme droughts, more extreme storms, and rising seas due to climate change. Cal-Adapt, the City’s Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP), and other available tools describe the type, magnitude, and onset of various local exposures of climate change that can be expected by the years 2050 and 2100, as predicted by the modeling of high emissions and low emissions scenarios. This report considers the effects of climate change on local temperature, precipitation, drought, wildfire, and sea level rise.
Extreme Heat daytime and nighttime temperatures relative to outlying areas. The urban heat island effect may exacerbate warming and extreme heat in Foster City and result in higher cooling demands.California expects hotter conditions for both mean and extreme temperatures. An increase in heat waves and
wildfires is likely to be among the earliest climate impacts experienced across the state.
Figure 2.1. Urban Heat Island Effect in Foster City
Average maximum temperatures in Foster City are expected to increase by 5-9 degrees Fahrenheit by the end of the century (CalAdapt, 2021). Historically, Foster City has experienced approximately four days of extreme heat per year (For Foster City, this is defined as days when the maximum temperature rises above 93 degrees). This is expected to increase to between 11 and 19 extreme heat days annually by the end of the century (CalAdapt, 2021). Across the region, heat waves are expected to occur more frequently, and be more intense and long-lasting due to climate change.
DAY
(4pm)
NIGHT
(2am)
Unfortunately, Foster City’s tree canopy, which can provide much- needed shade during extreme heat, is limited relative to other cities in the state. It covers only seven percent of its land, and this percentage is weighted by the number of people per acre. (HPI 2021)
Rural Suburban Pond Warehouse Urban Downtown Urban
Residential
Park Suburban Rural
or Industrial Residential
Surface Temperature (Day)
Air Temperature (Day)
Surface Temperature (Night)
Air Temperature (Night)Figure 2.1 illustrates the “urban heat island” effect, where buildings, roads, and urban infrastructure absorb and re-emit the sun’s heat more intensely than the natural landscape. This effect becomes exaggerated in urban areas with limited greenery, resulting in higher KEY
Source: USEPA, 2001
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Anticipated Impacts due to softening and melting of asphalt, especially in areas with high traffic volumes. Emergency response facilities cannot maintain operations if the connections to power or to transportation routes between facilities and areas served are damaged or disrupted.
Higher average temperatures and long heat waves can also impact regional water sources by increasing water demand and evaporation losses.
Increases in the number and intensity of extreme heat events will result in public health impacts, including heat-related illnesses, death, and worsening of cardiovascular and respiratory conditions.
Additionally, extreme heat can impact mental health by causing stress, aggression, and fatigue and by worsening existing mental health conditions. The 2006 heat wave in California killed over 600 people and resulted in 1,200 hospitalizations and 16,000 emergency department visits (CNAP, 2015). Extreme heat days also result in missed school and work days due to heat-related illnesses.
Most Foster City residents live within walking distance of a park, beach, or open space which can provide relief during extreme heat events. Additionally, the City’s proximity to the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean helps mitigate severe heat impacts relative to other communities lying further inland.Extreme heat can indirectly impact health when power outages are caused by stress on the electrical grid and increased electricity demand for air conditioning. Power outages put vulnerable populations such as older adults and individuals with existing health conditions at further risk as they must go without medical devices, air conditioning, and refrigeration. Power outages can also result in traffic disruptions and resulting delays in emergency response.
Extreme heat may also result in higher energy costs to cool homes and over long periods may result in tree-die off and the loss of urban tree canopy and parks.
Vulnerabilities
Populations vulnerable to extreme heat include individuals with chronic illnesses, children, older adults, unsheltered individuals, uninsured individuals, people with reduced mobility, outdoor workers, linguistically isolated households, and low-income households.
Energy infrastructure experiences stress during periods of high demand that can impact the regional energy grid and result in power outages. Critical infrastructure such as emergency response facilities, healthcare facilities, cooling centers, and community centers may be vulnerable to extreme heat especially if they do not have backup power sources. Extreme heat can also damage roads Section 2. What is Climate Change? | 21
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Air Pollution Vulnerabilities
Communities and individuals who live in census tracts with poor air quality are susceptible to the effects of climate change. The City has relatively high levels of diesel PM, particularly in the census tracts near the center of the City, making it vulnerable to worsening air quality caused by climate change. Trees reduce air pollution by intercepting airborne particles and through the uptake of air pollutants through the leaf stomata. As a result, areas with greater tree cover, like the southeastern portion of the city, generally have better air quality compared to areas with fewer trees. Populations that are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of poor air quality include children, the elderly, outdoor workers, individuals with existing health conditions such as asthma, individuals without access to healthcare, and communities with low birthweights.
Foster City is vulnerable to high levels of air pollution, mainly diesel particulate matter (diesel PM) resulting from high traffic density and proximity to state and federal
highways.
The area near the city center is in the 73rd percentile statewide regarding diesel PM. On an average day, the City experiences almost 15 kg/day of pollution from diesel PM. Climate change is expected to increase diesel PM and ground-level ozone concentrations, exacerbating the existing pollution burden in the City (CNRA, 2018; Park et al., 2020).
Regional wildfires are expected to increase in frequency and severity in the coming decades. While wildfires in Northern California are generally not a direct threat to Foster City, their far-ranging smoke impacts will worsen the city's air quality (CNRA, 2018). Additionally, changes in precipitation and temperatures are expected to increase pollen and airborne allergens, which may increase allergic reactions and asthma attacks.
Anticipated Impacts
Foster City already experiences air pollution, which higher temperatures and smoke from regional wildfires will exacerbate.
Poor air quality may worsen existing health conditions.
When wildfires are extreme, such as in the fall of 2020, poor air quality may require individuals to “shelter in place” in their homes, which can negatively impact physical and mental health and cause missed work and school days.
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Sea Level Rise issue a $90 million general obligation (GO) bond to improve and strengthen the Foster City levee system.
Sea level rise is primarily caused by the melting of ice sheets and glaciers and the expansion of seawater due to global warming. As much of Foster City and the Bay Area is close to the shore, rising sea levels represent one of the region's greatest, if not the greatest, threats from climate change.
The project began construction in October 2020, and over the past several years, the City and a team of contractors have worked to construct the new and improved levee and Bay Trail. The project is expected to be completed in 2024.
Forecast
Several agencies in San Mateo County have conducted multiple studies on sea level rise, ensuring they use the latest data and scientific findings as climate conditions change. So far, sea level rise has been the most extensively researched aspect of climate change in the Bay area. San Mateo County has also created a Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment. This assessment pinpoints regional risks and outlines strategies to enhance resilience against rising sea levels.
The global mean sea level has increased by approximately seven to eight inches in the past century, caused by the anthropogenic influence of the global climate. The San Francisco Bay Area sea levels have increased by about eight inches since 1987 (SMC, 2018).
However, the rise in sea level is expected to accelerate even faster in the coming decades, with potential increases of 1.0 feet to 10.2 feet by 2100 (CNRA, 2018). Coastal areas in the Bay Area are expected to experience an approximately 15% increase in areas vulnerable to flooding by 2100 (APG, 2012). Sea level rise increases typical tidal water levels, storm water levels, and flooding inundation risk. The frequency and intensity of coastal storms are expected to increase with climate change.
In April 2018, the City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County (C/CAG) Countywide Water Coordination Committee started working on a plan to create a countywide organization to tackle sea level rise, flooding, coastal erosion, and stormwater infrastructure at a regional level. After considering different ways to set up this agency, the Committee suggested expanding the scope, area, and governing board of the existing 1959 San Mateo County Flood Control District. Assembly Bill 825 (Mullin) was enacted following this recommendation in September 2019. Consequently, on January 1, 2020, the San Mateo County Flood and Sea Level Rise Resiliency District, also known as One Shoreline, was established.
Daily tidal inundation refers to the effects of sea level rise on high tides, permanently increasing inundation of lower-lying areas. Figure
2.2 conceptually shows how sea level rise will affect daily tidal inundation and the severity of flooding from future coastal storms.
Figure 2.3 depicts the projections of the San Mateo County area's regional sea level rise.
Foster City took dramatic steps to address Sea Level Rise by implementing the Levee Improvements Project which began 2014 when the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) determined that the Levee did not meet the minimum criteria for flood protection. To maintain FEMA accreditation and keep Foster City properties out of the flood zone, Foster City voters approved Measure P in 2018 with nearly 81% support, authorizing the City to Note: This section is directly informed by the 2021
Multijurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (San
Mateo County, 2021), County of San Mateo Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment (2018), and Adapting to Rising Tides.
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Figure 2.2. Conceptual Shoreline Cross-Section Showing Tidal Inundation and Coastal Storm Flood Hazards Current Tidal Inundation
Current Coastal Storms
Future Tidal Inundation
Future Coastal Storms
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Figure 2.3. Projected Sea Level Rise by 2100 in San Mateo County Note: Figure 2.3 hows the projected SLR shows conditions without the Levee Improvements Project.
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Impact roads, residences, and evacuation routes. Ninety-nine percent of the population in Foster City lives within a sea level rise inundation area (HPI, 2021).The San Francisco Bay Area is one of the nation’s hotspots for sea- level rise. Sea-level rise and coastal erosion will continue to affect public health facilities, and access to emergency medical services could be impaired. Flood events can lead to physical injury, illness, or disease (e.g., vector-borne diseases like West Nile virus), and business disruption.
Recreational land uses such as parks and trails will be affected by sea-level rise. Other infrastructure designed to protect residents in a flood is vulnerable. This infrastructure includes outfalls, storm drains, and a stormwater pump station. Approximately 90% of Foster City’s wetlands, which will help the city adapt to rising sea levels, would be affected.In 2018, the County of San Mateo finalized a Sea-Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment for the County in coordination with cities, agencies, businesses, community groups, and others. Sea-level rise impacts include flooding, increased wave action, rising groundwater tables and saltwater intrusion, increased erosion (i.e., landward shoreline retreat), and changes in sediment supply.
Population groups most vulnerable to coastal hazards include older individuals and individuals with reduced mobility, as they may be less able to evacuate in the event of flooding. Low-income households, renters, rent-burdened households, and single- heads of the household are less likely to have access to financial resources and forms of reliable transportation, which are critical when evacuating from flood hazards or rebuilding following a flood event. Unhoused individuals are particularly exposed to flood events and may have difficulty evacuating or relocating during a flood.
Linguistically isolated households may also be vulnerable in a flood event as they may face more difficulty accessing timely information about evacuation.
The economic value of San Mateo County property at risk from sea- level rise surpasses that of any other county in the Bay Area. The assessed value of parcels in the study area exposed to near-term (present-day) flooding exceeds $1 billion, and the assessed value of parcels exposed to erosion and flooding in the long term (50 to 100 years) totals a staggering $39.1 billion. Moreover, the built and natural infrastructure designed to shield people and properties from flooding could be lost or severely impacted, including over 7,000 acres of wetlands (over 80 percent of all wetlands assessed) and up to 24 miles of floodwalls and levees. Foster City's physical vulnerabilities to sea level rise include residences, transportation infrastructure, businesses, recreational facilities, emergency response facilities, and stormwater and wastewater infrastructure.When population projections are considered, San Mateo County is one of six counties with more than 100,000 people in the nation (and the only one on the West Coast) that will be affected by three feet of sea-level rise. Unfortunately, mitigating the impacts of rising sea levels is costly and requires extensive resources. Additionally, natural flood protection and natural recreation areas could be lost from significant impacts from rising sea levels.Vulnerabilities
If the city did not raise the levee and take other adaptation actions before 2100, sea level rise would impact homes, roads, or major infrastructure. Additionally, the combined impacts of sea level rise and extreme rainfall could increase coastal and inland flooding of Section 2. What is Climate Change? | 26
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Extreme Storms and Stormwater Flooding
Foster City’s coastal areas and some areas further inland fall within the 100- year flood zone and storm wave hazard areas, as designated by FEMA. The City is also fully within the “Area of Minimal Flood Hazard.” Forecast
Foster City’s coastal areas and some areas further inland fall within the 100-year flood zone and storm wave hazard areas, as designated by FEMA. The city is also entirely within the “Area of minimal flood hazards.” Under existing conditions, during a 50 or 100-year storm, widespread flooding can occur throughout the City. Figure 2.4, from the City’s 2020 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) (part of the City’s General Plan Safety Element), shows flood hazard areas at risk from 100-year and 500-year storms.
Foster City’s levee system provides flood protection from the San Francisco Bay area’s tidal action. City land within the levee system is not at risk from the 100-year floodplain, and flooding does not pose risks to land development (Foster City Land Use and Circulation Element, 2016)
The city has existing natural and artificial infrastructure that protects it from flooding hazards. The Foster City Lagoon is a storm drainage retention basin, while Belmont Slough and Marina Lagoon are stormwater basins.
Climate change is expected to increase the frequency, intensity, and duration of extreme precipitation events, likely increasing these types of flooding. By the late 21st century, total rainfall during precipitation events may increase by as much as 37 percent.
The frequency and severity of atmospheric river events (narrow bands of concentrated moisture that deliver intense precipitation over several days) are projected to increase in Foster City. Additionally, the impacts of stormwater flooding will be compounded by rising sea levels. With higher coastal water levels, extreme rainfall events will likely result in water backing up into the stormwater system and flooding through maintenance holes as the stormwater system cannot move water into the ocean quickly enough.
Flooding from severe storms has been a common hazard in the Bay Area from 1950- 2015, occurring on average 1.3 times per year over the past 60 years. (Local Hazard Mitigation Plan)
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Figure 2.4. FEMA Flood Hazard Areas
KEY
City Boundary
1% Annual Chance Flood Hazard (100-Year)
0-2% Annual Chance Flood Hazard (500-Year)
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Anticipated Impacts Vulnerabilities
Changes in snowpack levels and seasonal dryness increases could significantly impact regional water supply. As a part of the Bay Area Water Supply and Conservation Agency, Foster City relies heavily on water originating from the Sierra Nevada, with approximately 85% of the City’s total water supply coming from the Hetch Hetchy Watershed, sourced from the spring snowmelt from the Tuolumne River. The City also receives water from two local watersheds, the Alameda and Peninsula Watersheds. The recent 2011 to 2015 drought resulted in a declared State of Emergency and Bay Area water districts announcing local emergency proclamations.
Vulnerable populations include individuals without automobile or transit access, linguistically isolated individuals, young children, and older adults, as they may be less able to evacuate in the event of a flood. Additionally, low-income households, renters, rent-burdened households, and single-head households are less likely to have access to financial resources and forms of reliable transportation, which are critical when evacuating from flood hazards or rebuilding following a flood event. Unhoused neighbors are particularly exposed to flood events and may have difficulty evacuating or relocating during a flood. Linguistically isolated households may be particularly vulnerable in a flood event as they may have more difficulty accessing evacuation information.Increased extreme storms and precipitation can result in flooding of streets, roads, and low-lying areas of the City due to the diminished function of the stormwater drainage system. Flooding can impact important roadways and evacuation routes, as well as emergency evacuation routes and response times. Flooding of transportation routes may result in neighborhoods or households becoming stranded, unable to evacuate or access critical resources, or to be reached by emergency response. Additional surface water on roads can also lead to hazardous driving conditions. More frequent and severe flooding could damage residential and commercial property, displace populations, and cause injuries. Additionally, flooding can have a long-term impact, increasing mold and respiratory health issues.
The City’s storm drain infrastructure is likely vulnerable to increases in precipitation. Property, facilities, and infrastructure below grade may also be vulnerable to stormwater flooding. This includes critical facilities, such as hospitals, fire stations, police stations, and city operations. The City’s corporation yard, located within the flooding hazard area, contains a pump system that reduces interior flooding, water supply, and critical communications equipment during emergencies. Should flooding events occur, the facility and equipment could be damaged, and access to the facility could be hindered, affecting emergency response services. Other critical infrastructure at risk includes wastewater infrastructure and roads, which can potentially lose function with severe flooding.
If critical facilities such as emergency shelters, emergency response centers, or healthcare facilities are located below grade or have infrastructure situated below grade, they could be impacted by severe storms and flooding. Extreme storms and flooding also have the potential to affect power supplies, which are needed to deliver water, power, and other critical needs to residences and critical infrastructure such as hospitals and emergency response centers.
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Drought downpours. These heavy rain events could account for up to 50% of the yearly rainfall, despite being only 17% of all rain events. Typically, these extreme storms dump a lot of rain over a small area, leading to flooding, especially in flood-prone regions. Moreover, studies suggest that warmer temperatures and short but intense rainfalls might increase the risk of flash floods and debris flows, especially in areas recently affected by wildfires.
The Bay Area is at low risk of primary impacts from
drought due to climate change, as the majority of Bay
Area water sources are located outside of the region.
Several secondary impacts can adversely affect the region, including a decrease in the water supply, impacts on
agriculture quality and quantity, increased hazards from wildfires, and increased heat conditions. Climate change is expected to increase the intensity and duration of future droughts (CNRA, 2018). More severe and prolonged droughts across California could significantly impact regional water supplies.
In particular, climate change is expected to reduce snowpack in the Sierra Nevada, which supplies the majority of water for the Bay Area, placing pressure on groundwater resources and imported water supply. California has experienced prolonged, severe droughts in recent years, triggering water restrictions. These periods of drought are expected to increase in frequency and severity. The Bay Area is expected to experience secondary impacts on water supplies due to reduced snowpack levels.
Forecast
Potential impacts may include a decrease in the water supply, impacts to agriculture quality and quantity, increased hazards from wildfires, and increased heat conditions. California experienced mild to extreme drought conditions over the past decade, which affected water supply statewide. Drought is affected by the quantity and distribution of rainfall and temperature. When total annual precipitation comes in fewer, more concentrated events, reservoirs and groundwater aquifers become saturated and cannot store additional water. Anticipated Impacts
The 2012–2016 statewide drought led to the most drastic moisture shortages in the last 1,200 years, resulting in a 1-in-500-year low in the Sierra snowpack. This drastically reduced snowpack resulted in $2.1 billion in economic losses, 21,000 jobs lost statewide in agricultural and recreational sectors, and a continuing exhaustion of groundwater sources.
Water is then lost to stormwater runoff and is not retained in the watershed as it would with more evenly distributed precipitation.
Warmer temperatures also increase snow melt, soil evaporation, and evapotranspiration, leading to drier soils, vegetation, and overall drier seasonal conditions.
California's climate is quite unpredictable, with significant changes in rainfall from year to year. In early 2023, for example, intense "atmospheric river" events led to more rain but less water stored in watersheds. Also, rising temperatures are expected to make soils drier and quickly lose moisture.
Even while drought conditions lessened in 2023 due to increased rain in the Winter of 2023, the markers for future droughts persist. As climate changes and drought become more prevalent, Foster City’s primary reliance on Hetch Hetchy will become more problematic, with ever-increasing calls for conservation as the greater Bay Area relies on this vital resource as a continued reliable drinking source.Rainfall in the Bay Area will keep showing dramatic shifts, alternating between very wet and very dry years. The Fourth Climate Assessment of California predicts more frequent and intense Section 2. What is Climate Change? | 30
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VulnerabilitiesThe Estero Municipal Improvement District (EMID), which provides water service to Foster City, declared a water shortage emergency in 2014, leading to water conservation measures. Intensification of future droughts could result in more water restrictions, water price increases, and water quality impacts. Stress on the water supply could be compounded by rising sea levels impacting groundwater resources. However, the County of San Mateo Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment (2018), which evaluated the primary sources of potable municipal water supply in the Water Districts of San Mateo County, found that groundwater is not currently a resource for the majority of the Water Districts in San Mateo County, including EMID.
Vulnerable populations include low-income households who will be disproportionately affected by increases in water prices. Additionally, individuals sensitive to air pollution, including outdoor workers and those with chronic illnesses, are indirectly impacted by drought when it increases the frequency and severity of regional wildfires, causing more smoke and bad air quality days. The city's physical assets vulnerable to drought include parks, urban trees, and water supply infrastructure.
Increased Impact on Energy Systems
Increases in the frequency and severity of drought are likely to impact open spaces and parks, resulting in dry soils and vegetation and the loss of some species that are not drought tolerant. Drought could result in loss of urban tree canopy and overall damage to local parks. Impacts on vegetation in parks and open spaces may also indirectly affect wildlife. Regionally, stress on water supply may impact agricultural yields and result in higher food prices. Increases in the severity and length of seasonal dryness and periods of drought are likely to increase the severity of regional wildfires. While wildland fires do not directly threaten Foster City, regional wildfires can worsen Foster City's air quality.
The Bay Area electrical grid, on which the City relies, is vulnerable to power outages during wind and wildfire
events such as Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS),
planned power outages to prevent occurrences of
electrical equipment starting wildfires.
Many of the State's natural gas pipelines are located along waterways and will be impacted by flooding from sea-level rise and extreme storm events. California’s transportation fuel sector, which distributes oil from refineries to end users, will be increasingly exposed to extreme weather events such as flooding and wildfire.
Under extreme conditions, drought can impact paving materials, resulting in racking and warping or paving materials. The loss of water storage and water supply can also reduce hydroelectric generation, a significant power source in California, leading to grid instability and increased reliance on fossil fuels to meet peak energy demand.
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Section 3. Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions
The first step toward developing a climate action plan is to identify sources of emissions and establish baseline levels. In 2021, the City performed a Community and Municipal inventory for calendar year 2019. The 2019 inventory was conducted using the same methodology for developing RICAPS inventories. It was prepared using a consistent methodology across all previous data years, except the road length adjustment by Caltrans in 2016, which resulted in a significant VMT reduction for 2016.
Overall, emissions have gone down considerably since 2005, and the City has achieved the first two reduction targets from the 2015 Climate Action Plan.
Methodology
This Climate Action Plan includes a detailed assessment of community Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. This involves evaluating the emissions from both residents and businesses, as well as from municipal operations. This assessment follows recognized protocols and industry best practices to ensure accuracy and adherence to standards. The process begins by pinpointing the various activities that lead to GHG emissions. Data on these activities for a specific calendar year was then gathered and summarized.
Utilizing scientifically established GHG emission factors, this data is transformed into a comprehensive account of the GHG emissions resulting from all the identified sources. These emissions are quantified in metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MT CO2e), providing a clear picture of Foster City’s environmental impact and paving the way for targeted climate action strategies.
are accounted for in this inventory. Activities beyond the scope of city policies, and thus outside their control, are omitted. For instance, emissions from vehicles merely passing through the city, with no origin or destination within city limits, are omitted since these are not within the local government's sphere of influence. Additionally, GHG emissions related to food sources, such as meat and dairy consumption instead of plant-based sources, are not included.
What is RICAPS?
The Regionally Integrated Climate Action Planning Suite (RICAPS), is a set of tools and a collaboration of all 20 incorporated cities and the County in climate action planning and implementation.
The 20 cities and the County work together to plan and implement measures to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (mitigation), and to plan for climate change (adaptation). A working group of cities meets monthly and a countywide technical contractor supports the cities and the County by helping them develop climate action plans, GHG emission inventories, and by providing guidance on plan implementation.
This Climate Action Plan features a generation-based GHG inventory focused on emissions from various local sources (Table 4.1), such as transportation, energy use in the built environment (through electricity, natural gas use, and other stationary fuel combustion), and emissions from solid waste management (specifically, methane release during organic waste breakdown in landfills). Additionally, it covers water and wastewater-related emissions. However, it's important to note that not all GHG-emitting activities within the city Section 3. Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions | 32
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There are two established GHG Inventory methods. Below is an analysis of both approaches.
Generation-Based GHG Inventory
Methodology
Focuses on emissions based on energy use.
Key Aspects
•
•
•
Direct Energy Consumption: Includes transportation energy use.
Electrical Grid Consumption: Accounts for energy used from the grid.
Waste-Related Emissions: Considers emissions from waste treatment and decomposition.
Industry Standard
This method is widely accepted for quantifying community GHG emissions and categorizing them by their source.
This approach has been used consistently for GHG Inventories since 2005.
Consumption-Based GHG Inventory
Methodology
Centers on emissions tied to overall consumption.
Holistic Approach
This approach offers a broader perspective by quantifying emissions from residents' consumption of goods and services, including food, clothing, and electronics.
Emissions Reporting
Emissions are categorized based on consumption types.
Challenges and Limitations
•
•
Data Availability: There’s a scarcity of necessary data to implement this method effectively.
Life-Cycle Calculations: Difficulties arise in conducting life-cycle assessments with limited data, such as the specific breakdown of food types consumed per household.
This plan does not employ this methodology due to the above challenges.
In summary, While the generation-based inventory method focuses on direct and indirect energy consumption and waste-related emissions, the consumption-based method takes a broader view, considering the entire lifecycle and variety of goods and services consumed. However, challenges like data availability and the complexity of life-cycle calculations have hindered the implementation of the consumption-based approach in Foster City’s plan.
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2019 GHG Emissions Inventory
Foster City's first generation-based inventory was completed for 2005 (the baseline year). Then, in 2010, new residential/business GHG inventories were completed annually, enabling Foster City to track progress over time. The whole community inventory was completed for all residential, business, and municipal sectors.
In 2019, another whole community inventory (residential, business, and municipal) was conducted, which showed that the City emitted an estimated 205,958 metric tons (MT) of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) from the residential, commercial/industrial, transportation, waste, wastewater, and water sectors. Compared to the baseline year 2005, 2019 saw a 22.5% decrease in total community emissions.
The inventory provides a detailed understanding of where the highest emissions come from and, therefore, where the most significant opportunities for emissions reductions lie. The inventory also establishes a baseline emission inventory against which to measure future progress.
Emissions are quantified according to these six sectors:
The Solid Waste sector represents fugitive methaneThe Energy – Electricity sector represents emissions generated from electricity use in homes, commercial
and public buildings and facilities, and electric
vehicle charging in Foster City.
emissions generated over time as organic material
decomposes in landfills. Although most methane is
captured or flared off at the landfill, approximately 25% escapes into the atmosphere.
The Energy – Natural Gas & Multiple Fuels sector
represents emissions generated from using natural
gas in homes and natural gas and multiple fuels in
commercial buildings.
The Wastewater sector represents stationary, process,
and fugitive GHGs created during wastewater treatment
generated by the community and emissions from energy
used to process wastewater.
The Transportation sector includes emissions from
local roads and off-road equipment. Electricity used
to charge electric vehicles is embedded in electricity
consumption reported in the Built Environment –
Electricity sector.
The Water sector represents emissions from energy used
to pump, convey, treat, and distribute potable water from the water source to water users in Foster City.
The two largest emissions categories are transportation (including highway travel, local travel, and off-road equipment) and building energy use (including residential and commercial/industrial).
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Table 3.1. Foster City 2019 Community GHG Emissions (MTCO e) by Sector (breakdown)2 Inventory / Sector
Energy (Built Environment)
Electricity
2019 GHG Emissions Percent of Total Emissions (%)
42%
7%
Residential Electricity 4,075 2%(MT CO2e)
(MT CO2e)Commercial/Industrial Electricity
Natural Gas & Multiple Fuels
Residential Natural Gas
10,483 5%
35%
12%
12%
10%
24,940
25,420
20,738
(MT CO2e)
(MT CO2e)
(MT CO2e)
Commercial/Industrial Natural Gas
Stationary Source (Multiple Fuels)
Transportation 57%
49%
8%
Transportation – Local Roads & State Highways
Off-road Equipment
100,867
16,657
(MT CO2e)
(MT CO2e)
Solid Waste 1%
1%Solid Waste Disposal 2,234 (MT CO2e)
Wastewater <1%
<1%Wastewater Treatment 536
8 (MT CO2e)
Water <1%
<1%Water Use (MT CO2e)
Total 205,958 100%(MT CO2e)
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Table 3.2. Foster City 2019 Municipal GHG Emissions (MTCO e) by Sector (breakdown)2 Municipal Inventory Sector
Energy - Buildings & Other Facilities
Transportation - Vehicle Fleet
Solid Waste
372
443
26 (MT CO2e)
(MT CO2e)
(MT CO2e)
Total 841
(MT CO2e)
Table 3.3. Foster City GHG Community Emissions Comparison 2005 vs. 2019 (energy breakdown by residential and commercial/industrial emissions) Sector 2005 GHG Emissions 2019 GHG Emissions % Change in Emissions Residential – Energy7F
7 44,742 29,015 -65%
+5%
(MT CO2e)
(MT CO2e)
(MT CO2e)
(MT CO2e)
(MT CO2e)
(MT CO2e)
Commercial/Industrial – Energy8F
8 53,581
163,301
4,153
56,641
117,524
2,234
Transportation – Local Roads & State Highways
Solid Waste
-28%
-54%(MT CO2e) (MT CO2e)
Water9F
9 N/A 8 N/A(MT CO2e)
Wastewater N/A 536 N/A(MT CO2e)
Total 265,777 205,958 -22.5%(MT CO2e) (MT CO2e)
7 8
In 2005, 37% of Residential emissions were derived from electricity. In 2019, the percentage dropped to 14%. Residential natural gas use has remained relatively flat.
Commercial/Industrial energy use has remained flat between 2005 and 2019. However, compared to 2005, Commercial/Industrial electricity use decreased 72% but natural gas and other stationary sources increased 64%.
9 Water and wastewater emissions were not available for 2005.
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Table 3.3. Foster City Community Annual Emissions Over Time: 2005 – 2019 The most notable shift in GHG emissions comes from residential energy use (Table 3.2). Overall, the results indicate that the City has already achieved the target milestone from the 2015 Climate Action Plan of reducing community- wide emissions 15 percent below 2005 levels by 2020 and 22.5 percent lower than 2005 levels the City has achieved its 2025 – 20% GHG Emissions Reduction Goal (Table 3.3).
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Energy (Built Environment) 85,656 MT CO2e Between 2005 and 2019, transportation emissions fell by 34 percent.
This decrease was due to less transportation activity, improved vehicle fuel efficiency, and an updated methodology for tracking transportation emissions.10
From 2005 to 2019, Foster City witnessed a remarkable 72% reduction in electricity emissions. The residential sector saw a 75% decrease, paralleled by a 72% decline in the commercial and industrial sectors. Solid Waste 2,234 MT CO2e
This significant reduction is linked to the city's transition to Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE) despite an overall increase in electricity consumption within this period. A pivotal shift in electricity emissions was observed in 2016, marked by a substantial decrease despite stable consumption levels from the previous year. This drop in emissions is credited to adopting Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE) as San Mateo County's electricity generator in 2016, which benefits both municipal and community accounts. Municipal accounts switched to the ECO100 service, offering 100% renewable energy.
At the same time, the community opted into the ECOplus service, which provides 50% renewables per the state's standards, with the option to upgrade to the ECO100. Residential electricity usage rose by 64%, and commercial/industrial usage by 74%.
Solid Waste emissions, accounting for about 1% of the City’s total emissions, saw a considerable reduction of 37% from 2005 to 2010. They remained relatively steady from 2010 to 2019. Overall, emissions from solid waste fell by 46% from 2005 to 2019, but the decrease was just 15% from 2010 to 2019.
Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from solid waste occur when organic materials decompose under anaerobic conditions inlandfills, releasing methane that is 28 times more potent than CO2.
In these anaerobic environments, organic waste like paper, plant debris, and food waste generates methane, whereas non-organic waste such as metal and glass does not.
Water and Wastewater 544 MT CO2eNatural gas emissions in residential areas have steadily declined, with a 12% reduction from 2005 to 2019. In contrast, commercial and industrial natural gas and stationary source emissions surged by 52%. The decrease in residential natural gas emissions is attributed to a drop in consumption, given the consistent carbon intensity of natural gas combustion and a steady push toward electrification over the past 15 years. Use of commercial/industrial natural gas and other fuels (stationary source) has increased yearly due to increased commercial/ industrial activity in the north part of Foster City.
Water and wastewater contribute minimally to the City's emissions, each accounting for less than 1 percent of the total. These sectors were excluded from the 2005 emissions inventory due to a lack of data. It was presumed that emissions from water usage were included under the energy sector and emissions from wastewater treatment11 were considered minimal.
However, between 2010 and 2019, emissions from wastewater treatment increased substantially by over 200 percent, while emissions related to water usage dramatically decreased by 99 percent. In absolute terms, this equates to an increase of about 366 MTCO e for wastewater and a decrease of 559 MTCO e for water.
Transportation 117,524 MT CO2e
Transportation is the sector with the highest GHG emissions, accounting for 57% of 2019 emissions. These emissions derive from local roads (including pass-through trips) and off-road equipment. 2 2
10 RICAPS uses California Public Road Data (PRD) from Caltrans’ Highway Performance Monitoring System (HPMS) for all jurisdictions within San Mateo County, unless the jurisdiction requests the alternative. HPMS VMT data is collected using the in-boundary method, which is more likely to include pass-through trips that fall within the jurisdiction. 11 Wastewater Treatment Plant emissions are shared with San Mateo, since Foster City and San Mateo share use and ownership of the San Mateo-Foster City Wastewater Treatment Plant (currently under construction).
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2030 – 2045 GHG Emissions Forecasts
To develop a GHG emissions forecast, “growth metrics” (e.g., population, housing, and employment projections) are multiplied by Business-as-Usual (BAU) “growth indicators,” which represent a baseline metric developed from the GHG emissions inventory. This process allows the City to convert growth projections into future GHG emissions estimates using specific GHG emissions factors, which are assumed to be the same in the future as in the 2019 GHG emissions inventory. The result is a BAU forecast in which GHG emissions change in relation to demographics, assuming that GHG emissions rates and activity data will continue in the future as they did in the year of the 2019 GHG emissions inventory. This methodology is used for all GHG emissions sectors and sources included in the 2019 GHG emissions inventory.
The adjusted GHG emissions forecast then accounts for reductions anticipated from state and regional legislation already in place.
For example, the California Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) mandates that 100 percent of the electricity sold by the State’s investor-owned utilities be generated from renewable resources by 2045, with an interim target of 60 percent by 2030. The impact of state- and regional-level actions on reducing local emissions is significant and can be seen in Figure 3.5. It is shown in relation to Foster City’s emissions baseline, business-as-usual forecast, and reduction target.
“Business-as-usual” (BAU) emissions (Figure 3.4) Adjusted emissions (Figure 3.5) This projection represents the emissions expected if the 2019 patterns of travel, energy and water consumption, and waste generation/disposal were continued throughout time. This projection factors in the expected county population rate and job growth across Foster City. This projection is considered without any measures, policies, or actions reducing emissions over time, including state legislation and/or any other policies or procedures accepted after 2019.
This projection incorporates the same factors as the BAU scenario but includes key State and regional policies. State policies include clean car standards, California Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS), and energy efficiency policies such as Title 24. This projection does not include the effect of Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE) operating in San Mateo County (see Section 6: Strategies). However, switching from PG&E to PCE reduces energy emissions by providing electricity sourced from a larger share of renewable and carbon-free sources, resulting in lower emissions. Though PCE provides critical emissions reductions through 2030 and 2040, by 2045, the Renewable Portfolio Standard will have closed that gap by forcing all electricity providers to offer a similarly clean energy mix.
Foster City's
2019 Emissions
2030 Emissions Adjusted
for State Programs
2030 Adjusted BAU
Emissions Recution Target
Foster City's Adjusted
Emissions Reduction Goal
205,957 182,15 135,546 46,6084
MT CO e MT CO e MT CO e MT CO e2 2 2 2
(Foster City's emissions in 2019) (Calculated 2030 Goal) (Foster City's Adjusted 2030 Goal) (Reductions needed to meet 2030 Goal) Section 3. Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions | 39
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Figure 3.4. Foster City Business-as-Usual (BAU) GHG Emissions Forecasts Figure 3.4 shows the Business-as-Usual (BAU) forecast for Foster City’s projected growth. Between 2019 and 2030, emissions are projected to increase by 10 percent, roughly 23,000 MTCO2e.
Between 2019 and 2045, emissions are projected to rise by nearly 35 percent, an increase of approximately 108,700 MTCO2e. 300K
250K
200K
150K
100K
50K
In addition to the Business-as-Usual (BAU), forecasts were developed under the adjusted BAU scenario, which accounts for the expected impact of significant federal and state policies and regulations designed to reduce GHG emissions from the energy and transportation sectors of the economy. The RICAPS Forecasting Tool was used to develop the adjusted BAU forecast, which includes the following regulations and assumptions:
0 •
•
•
•
•
•
Advanced Clean Cars initiative2005 2010 2015 2019 2030 2040 2045 Water Low Carbon Fuel StandardElectricity Natural Gas / Multiple Fuel Transportation Solid Waste Wastewater Renewables Portfolio Standard (RPS)
Zero net energy (ZNE) new residential construction by 2020 ZNE existing commercial construction by 2030
SB 1383 – Organic Waste Diversion
46,608 2(MT CO e)
This reduction is necessary to reach the 2030 goal. Foster City is committed to taking the actions needed to meet this target. Those actions are described in Section 5: Strategies to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions. By implementing the strategies in this Plan, emissions are projected to decrease by 46,688 (MTCO2e) by 2030.
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Figure 3.5. Foster City Adjusted BAU Forecast GHG Emissions Forecasts Figure 3.5 graphically depicts the adjusted BAU forecast, showing the large contribution State regulations are expected to have on the City’s future emissions. The City projects that the 2030 Adjusted GHG Emissions will be approximately 182,154 MT CO2e, a 31% reduction from 2005 levels.
As projections extend further into the future, confidence in their accuracy diminishes, given the uncertainty surrounding advancements and shifts in technology, regulations, and business conditions. However, the forecasting exercise provides a valuable basis for estimating Foster City’s future carbon footprint and establishing a roadmap for setting targets and reducing emissions.
To reach the 2045 goal, a much greater reduction would be needed.
It is unlikely that the GHG reduction measures in the CAP will be enough to achieve an 85% emissions reduction by 2045 (below 2005 levels). However, one can reasonably expect significant reductions from additional state actions and technological advances in the transportation and energy sectors over an extended period.
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Section 4. Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reduction Targets
California has set bold and aggressive goals to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The California Global Warming Solutions Act (Assembly Bill 32) of 2006 aimed to bring emissions down to 1990 levels by 2020. due to a lack of available data for 1990 emissions for local governments, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) suggested they aim to reduce emissions by 15% from their current levels, as noted in the 2008 Climate Change Scoping Plan. Due to the uncertainty of 1990 data, San Mateo County cities typically use 2005 as their baseline for measuring emissions and set their GHG reduction goals based on that year.
The State has set more ambitious goals for the future. Senate Bill 32, passed in 2016, targets a 40% reduction below 1990 levels by 2030.
Assembly Bill 1279, from 2022, aims for an 85% reduction from 1990 levels and achieving carbon neutrality by 2045.
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2024 Climate Action Plan Reduction Targets
This Climate Action Plan sets goals to cut community-wide emissions by 49% below 2005 levels (estimated to be 40% below 1990 levels), and aims for 88% by 2045. The CAP outlines specific actions and projects emission reductions up to 2030.
The GHG Emissions reduction required by 2030 below business-as- usual projected emissions, 135,546 MT CO2e, is the equivalent of taking 32,160 passenger vehicles off the road for an entire year.
However, after adjusting for State regulations (Adjusted Emissions), Foster City needs to reduce local emissions by 46,608 MT CO2e.
Section 5 includes strategies and actions to support the 2030 goal and sets the City on the path toward 2045.
Foster City has already surpassed its 2020 GHG reduction target, set in the 2016 Climate Action Plan, of a 20% reduction by 2025. As of the 2019 GHG inventory, Foster City has cut emissions by 22.5% compared to the 2005 baseline.
Figure 4.2. 2024 Local Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Strategies Figure 4.1. Foster City 2024 Climate Action Plan GHG Emissions Reduction Targets GHG Reduction by
2030
Share of Total
ReductionsStrategy
Electrification -13,597 (MT CO
-9,825 (MT CO
-22,275 (MT CO
-991 (MT CO
2e) 31%
20%
48%
1%
Peninsula Clean Energy
Decarbonize Transportation
Procurring Compost
e)
2 e)
2 e)2
TOTAL (MT CO2e)-46,688
To meet the 2030 Target, Foster City must reduce overall GHG emissions by 135,546
MT CO e2
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Section 5. Strategies to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions The 2024 Climate Action Plan Update includes a variety of regulatory, incentive-based, and market-based strategies that are expected to reduce emissions. Several strategies build on existing programs while others provide new opportunities to address climate change. State actions will have a substantial impact on future emissions. Local strategies will supplement these State actions and achieve additional GHG emissions reductions. Successful implementation will rely on the combined participation of City staff and residents, businesses, and community leaders.
For each of the four sectors a description of the specific actions the City will undertake to implement each measure is needed. Sometimes, there is no direct or reliable way to estimate GHG savings for a particular measure or the savings are embedded in another measure.
Community Engagement
The Climate Action Plan Project Team, which included City Staff, consultants, and members of the City’s Citizens Sustainability Advisory Committee (CSAC), conducted extensive outreach on proposed draft strategies (see Appendix C: Community Engagement for more information). Through surveys, Community Meetings, and individual and group conversations with community members, the following key themes, priorities, and concerns were identified:
•
•
•
•
Respondents are worried about overdevelopment and want to preserve green space while adopting more drought-resistant plants.
Residents were very interested in creating more bike
infrastructure and public transportation options for residents of Foster City.
There was an acknowledgment of the difficulty of upgrading and adopting technology while owning within a homeowners association.•
•
Respondents felt subsidies were needed to help homeowners, multifamily housing, and businesses upgrade their infrastructure. Some respondents suggested taxing bad behaviors, such as creating too much waste, recycling improperly or using too much electricity.
Respondents want updated building codes requiring solar panels and other sustainability metrics.
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2024 Climate Action Plan Update Reduction Strategies Overview This Climate Action Plan sets goals to cut communitywide emissions by 49% below 2005 levels (estimated to be 40% below 1990 levels) and aims for an 88% reduction by 2045. The CAP outlines specific actions and projects emission reductions up to 2030.
Each sector has strategies, actions, and methods to encourage community participation. The key actions identified in each sector must be accomplished within the next five years to stay on pace with achieving the goals in this plan. These sectors were selected based on GHG emissions, community feedback received throughout the engagement process, and climate action best practices. GHG mitigation measures and actions are organized according to the following hierarchy:
The local strategies presented in the following sections, summarized in Table 5.1 and Figure 5.2 below, achieve GHG emissions reductions in the community of approximately 46,688 MTCO2e in 2030.
• Sectors: Sectors define the GHG emissions category in which the GHG reductions will occur (see above). Each sector has goals, which the measures and actions support.
To meet the 2030 49% reduction goal, this Plan provides a roadmap to reduce emissions and promote climate action and sustainable living in four sectors: • Target Measures: Measures identify specific targets and GHG reductions necessary to address GHG emissions in each sector and achieve the community’s GHG reduction targets. The
GHG emissions reduction is included for each measure, if quantifiable.
•
•
•
•
Energy and Water (E-W)
Transportation and Land Use (T-L)
Waste and Consumption (W-C)
Climate Resiliency and Leadership (C-L) • Actions: Actions are the specific steps the City and community will implement to support each measure, which will accomplish the measure goal together. Actions specifically identify the mechanisms required for implementation. Measures and
actions can be either quantitative or supportive, depending on whether they directly result in GHG emissions reductions or instead support reductions (for example, the development of partnerships or education programs).
This CAP also focuses on municipal operations, issues, and community activities, including how residents, organizations, and businesses can contribute to Foster City’s emission reduction goals.
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Sector 1. Energy and Water (E-W)
In California, buildings account for 70 percent of total electricity use and 20 percent of total GHG emissions. In 2019, buildings in the residential and commercial/industrial sectors accounted for 42 percent of total emissions in Foster City, with 83 percent of building emissions resulting from natural gas or other fuel (stationary sources) consumption and 17 percent resulting from electricity consumption. residential outdoor use, and a standard for water loss due to leak rates in water system pipes.
Figure 5.1. Energy (Electricity and Natural Gas) Used by the Water Sector in California
Wastewater Treatment (2%)
Water End Uses (88%)
Water Supply, Conveyance, & Treatment (10%)
Buildings commonly use electricity for lighting, refrigeration, ventilation, cooling, and powering devices like computers and phones. Conversely, natural gas is mainly utilized for space heating, water heating, and cooking.
Connection Between Energy and Water Use
Energy and water usage are interconnected. Energy is necessary for water transport, wastewater, and heating water in homes and businesses. Around 20% of the state’s electricity and 30% of its natural gas are used in these water-related processes. Figure 5.1 illustrates that 10% of this energy is dedicated to water transport and treatment, with the remainder used for heating water across various sectors.
Residential (42%)
Far more emissions are created from the energy used to heat water, but those emissions are counted in the residential and commercial energy sectors. Therefore, the water sector comprises a much smaller share of community emissions than one might expect.
The State of California remains a leader in implementing policies to reduce water consumption. Assembly Bill 1668 (AB 1668) and Senate Bill 606 (SB 606), adopted in 2018, require urban water providers to establish a target for water use by 2022 and threaten fines for agencies failing to meet their goals beginning in 2027.
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Considerations
To reach Foster City's 2030 emissions reduction target, natural gas consumption will need to decline significantly through energy efficiency and electrification. Energy efficiency is simply using less energy to perform the same task; for example, replacing a low-efficiency gas furnace with a high-efficiency gas furnace.
Electrification replaces equipment in buildings powered by natural gas, including gas furnaces and gas water heaters, with electric equipment, such as air source heat pumps and heat pump water heaters. With the launch of Peninsula Clean Energy and the State’s requirement through Senate Bill 100 (SB 100) that utilities procure 100 percent of electricity through renewable resources by 2045, the percentage of building emissions associated with electricity will continue to decline.
What is Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE)?
Peninsula Clean Energy began providing electricity from clean energy sources at lower rates than PG&E to 20 cities and towns across San Mateo County in 2016. Customers of Peninsula Clean Energy have two different product options: ECOplus has lower power rates and nearly double the percentage of renewable energy as PG&E. ECO100 is 100% renewable,
providing the greatest climate benefit. Peninsula Clean Energy also provides a suite of rebates and resources to electrify homes and vehicles, for both residents and businesses. Learn more at: https://www.peninsulacleanenergy.com/
The Big Energy and Water Goals
E-W.1 E-W.2 E-W.3
Reduce emissions from the energy
sector
Decarbonize existing residential and commercial
buildings
Reduce Water Consumption
• Target: Promote and expand • Target: Increase residential and commercial solar • Target: Reduce water consumption by 5% by 2030 and 15% by 2045.participation in residential and commercial energy efficiency programs.
installations
• Target: Decarbonize existing commercial and residential buildings to reduce natural gass consumption from existing commercial buildings by 19% and natural gas consumption in existing residential buildings by 25% by 2030 or reduce GHG emissions by 10,792 MTCO2e in existing commercial
and residential buildings by 2030
• Target: Reduce municipal energy
consumption through energy efficiency
projects and behavioral and operational
changes.
•
•
Target: Support PPCE in providing 100% carbon-neutral
electricity by 2030 and maintain a Peninsula Clean Energy opt-out rate of less than 2% for residential customers and less than 2% for commercial customers by 2030
Target: Adopt a single margin source energy score for new residential and commercial construction that exceeds the State's minimum standards by 2026
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E-W.1 Reduce emissions from the energy sector E-W.1.1 Promote and expand participation in residential and commercial energy efficiency programs
Target: Promote and expand participation in residential and commercial energy efficiency programs 0 MTCO2e Emissions Reduction by 2030 Target: Reduce municipal energy consumption through energy efficiency projects and behavioral and operational changes E-W.1.1.1: Market participation in commercial energy efficiency programs offered by SMC Energy Watch and PG&E.
Enhancing the energy efficiency of buildings is typically the most economical way to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Implementing energy efficiency measures, like improving insulation and fixing leaks in heating ducts, can lead to energy savings of up to 20%. More comprehensive renovations, such as "whole house" retrofits, can yield even greater savings. Many of these upgrades are affordable and don't require extensive remodeling. Simple changes can be highly cost-effective, such as replacing incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs, sealing drafts, and installing programmable thermostats. Investing in Energy Star-certified appliances, high- efficiency heating and cooling systems, and high-performance windows conserves energy and lowers operational costs. Various rebates, financing options, and tax incentives are often available for residents and businesses to support these improvements, helping offset the initial investment costs.
E-W.1.1.2: Promote appliance rebate programs offered by Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE), PG&E, and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD).
E-W.1.1.3: Continue and expand participation in energy efficiency programs as they become available.Promote utility, state, and federal rebate and incentive programs.
E-W.1.1.4: Participate and promote financing and loan programs for residential and non-residential projects such as Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) programs, PG&E on-bill repayment, and California Hub for Energy Efficiency Financing (CHEEF) programs.
E-W.1.1.5: Through outreach and education, renters are guided on obtaining energy usage and efficiency information for rental units.
California mandates green building and energy efficiency standards through its Title 24 building codes, updated roughly every three years. Since 2001, these updates have consistently heightened energy efficiency requirements. The state's ultimate goal is for all new buildings to achieve zero net electricity consumption.
Local governments can hasten progress toward this goal by recommending energy efficiency standards for new constructions and remodels that surpass state requirements. Additionally, they can foster faster community adoption by offering incentives, technical support, and simplified permitting processes. In 2023, the City commissioned an electrical capacity study to better understand Foster City's challenges in decarbonizing residential and commercial buildings.
E-W.1.1.6: Promote energy audits for all residential, commercial, and municipal buildings through education and outreach.
E-W.1.2 Reduce municipal energy consumption through energy efficiency projects and behavioral and operational changes. 0 MTCO2e Emissions Reduction by 2030
E-W.1.2.1: Periodically conduct energy efficiency audits at City buildings and facilities and implement recommended energy efficiency projects.
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E-W.2 Decarbonize residential and commercial
buildings
storage is a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to generators powered by natural gas or other fuels. As the City moves towards decarbonizing buildings, it will be essential for utilities to enhance grid capacity, invest in electricity storage solutions, and maintain system reliability. Fortunately, the ongoing advancement in energy storage technologies is opening up new business prospects and paving the way for a future that relies entirely on electric power and 100% renewable energy sources.
Target: Increase residential and commercial solar
installations
Target: Decarbonize existing commercial and residential buildings to reduce natural gas consumption from existing commercial buildings by 19% and natural gas consumption from existing residential buildings by 25% by 2030 or
reduce GHG emissions by 10,792 MTCO2e in existing
commercial and residential buildings by 2030
E-W.2.1 Increase residential and commercial solar installations. 0 MTCO2e Emissions Reduction by 2030
E-W.1.2.1: Provide financial incentives for solar PV and battery storage installations.Target: Support Peninsula Clean Energy in providing 100% carbon-neutral electricity by 2030 and maintain a Peninsula Clean Energy opt-out rate of less than 2% for residential customers and less than 2% for commercial customers by
2030
E-W.1.2.2: Encourage bulk purchases such as the Peninsula SunShares Program.
E-W.1.2.3: Provide free assistance for project developers through the Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) and interconnection process.Target: Adopt a single margin energy score for new residential and commercial construction that exceeds the State's minimum standards by 2026 E-W.1.2.4: Update building codes, design guidelines, and zoning ordinances as necessary to facilitate further small, medium, and large-scale installations.Renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, geothermal, and small hydroelectric, are the cleanest and most environmentally friendly. According to data provided by Project Sunroof, 73% of Foster City's buildings have solar-viable roofs. Residents and business owners can purchase 100% renewable electricity from Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE) when solar is not an option.
Transitioning from natural gas to electric appliances and heating systems is a healthier option. Numerous incentives and rebates are available to encourage replacing natural gas appliances with efficient electric versions, such as water heaters, furnaces, and cooking ranges. To achieve the City’s long-term environmental goals, it will be necessary to switch most natural gas appliances and equipment in existing buildings to electric alternatives. Additionally, the cost of batteries is decreasing, making them an increasingly viable option. For those worried about power outages during Public Safety Power Shutoff events, combining solar energy with battery E-W.1.2.5: Encourage the installation of solar panels over parking areas on commercial projects and large-scale residential developments through ordinances, engagement campaigns, or agency incentives.
E-W.1.2.6: Identify and promote financing and loan programs for residential and non-residential projects.
E-W.1.2.7: Study opportunities and specific action steps to expand municipal rooftop solar and battery storage.
E-W.1.2.8: Provide education and outreach to stakeholders, including businesses, residents, and contractors, on the benefits of pairing battery storage with solar PV systems at City information centers like the permit counters.
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E-W.2.2 Decarbonize existing commercial and residential buildings to reduce natural gas consumption from existing commercial buildings by 19% and natural gas consumption from existing residential buildings by 25% by 2030 or reduce GHG emissions by 10,792 MTCO2e in existing commercial and residential buildings by 2030
E-W.2.3 Support Peninsula Clean Energy in providing 100% carbon-neutral electricity by 2030 and maintain a Peninsula Clean Energy opt-out rate of less than 2% for residential customers and less than 2% for commercial customers by 2030
-9,825 MTCO2e Emissions Reduction by 2030
-10,792 MTCO2e Emissions Reduction by 2030 E-W.2.3.1: Until PCE’s ECOplus becomes 100% renewable (estimated by 2025), promote and expand the community’s participation in Peninsula Clean Energy’s ECO100 product.E-W.2.2.1: Adopt amendments to the Foster City Building Code for Green Building, Energy, and Plumbing during the Foster City Building Code 2025 cycle, including a two-way air conditioning ordinance.
E-W.2.3.2: Collaborate with PCE and community-based
organizations to conduct educational outreach to maintain the reduced opt-out rate levels in the community.
E-W.2.2.2: Develop and implement a community-wide education and outreach campaign to provide information, incentives, benefits, and technical support for building electrification to increase voluntary adoption of all-electric technologies. E-W.2.4 Adopt a single source energy score for new residential and commercial construction that exceeds the State's minimum standards by 2026E-W.2.2.3: Work with clean energy providers like PCE and local installers to provide technical support to residents and businesses needing to replace gas appliances upon burnout.
-2,805 MTCO2e Emissions Reduction by 2030
E-W.2.4.1: Adopt a single margin source energy score that exceeds state minimums for all applicable building types during the Foster City Building Code 2025 cycle.
E-W.2.2.4: Advocate for and require financial incentive programs for electrification to address fixed-income households (senior and non- senior), multi-family apartments, and restricted affordable residential units.
E-W.2.2.5: Promote awareness and understanding of electrification options to the construction industry and the community through education, outreach, and community partners.
E-W.3 Reduce water consumption
E-W.2.4 Reduce water consumption by 5% by 2030 and 15% by 2045E-W.2.2.6: Work with the County and regional partners, as appropriate, to create and/or implement a Home Ambassador electrification program and promote the program to the community. 0 MTCO2e Emissions Reduction by 2030
E-W.2.4.1: Continue to promote water conservation programs and incentives.E-W.2.2.7: Incentivize electric panel upgrades in existing residential and office buildings to accommodate all-electric technologies.
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What YOU Can Do
For Energy Efficiency
Replace indoor and outdoor lights with LED bulbs and turn them off when not in use.
Have an energy assessment done for your home or business. •
•
•
•
Upgrade insulation, seal leaks, and install a programmable thermostat.
Purchase Energy Star appliances and equipment.
Unplug electronic appliances when not in use and set the thermostat to use less heat and air conditioning.
For Decarbonization
•
•
•
•
Replace appliances that use natural gas for ones that use electricity.
Switch to PCE’s 100% renewable electricity ECO100 product.
Install a solar energy system on your home or business and consider battery storage.
Investigate efficient heat pump technology so you can swap out water heaters and home heating systems that use natural gas when it’s time to replace them.
What is The City of Foster City Doing?
As part of its efforts to decarbonize ALL buildings in Foster City, municipal natural gas usage must decrease. In order to accomplish that goal, the City should develop a strategy to reduce natural gas use by 35% by 2030. The City can apply for electrification rebates and incentives, targeting appliance replacement with all- electric technology upon failure (‘burnout’). Additionally, the City should seek out opportunities for information sharing, bulk purchasing, and collaboration with district stakeholders to promote decarbonization. The City can further its decarbonization goals by working with PG&E and PCE to transition backup generators from diesel to carbon-free sources including battery storage systems.
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ZEVs include all-battery vehicles as well as plug-in electric hybrid vehicles. Foster City is a leader in ZEV adoption rates – ZEVs already make up approximately 9.27% of all registered vehicles in Foster City. The goal is to increase that rate to 31% by 2030 by building EV charging infrastructure and encouraging ZEV ownership through state and federal incentives and public education. This is an aggressive target, but one that complements the State’s goals to put 5 million ZEVs on the road by 2030 and to require all new passenger vehicles sold in California to be zero emission by 2035.
Improvements in battery and charging technology, expected cost reductions, and automakers’ commitments to significantly expand ZEV offerings point to an all-electric future. Programs that incentivize used EV car purchases and installation of EV chargers in multifamily buildings can help ensure the benefits of EV ownership are shared by all.
Sector 2. Transportation & Land Use (T-L)
Between 2005 and 2019, the City reduced emissions from the transportation sector by 28% due to a decrease in vehicle miles traveled (VMT), improvements in fuel efficiency, and alternatively fueled cars. 57% of Foster City’s community-wide emissions come from the transportation sector. Reducing these emissions is a top priority to meet the City’s GHG emission reduction goals.
Alternative transportation rates have remained stagnant despite bicycle and pedestrian network improvements and public
information campaigns to encourage residents to carpool, bike, walk, and take transit. As a result, the Climate Action Plan relies heavily on the promise of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) to meet its ambitious GHG reduction targets.
The Transportation and Land Use Big Goals
T-L.1 T-L.2 T-L.3
Reduce vehicle miles traveled
in the City
Decarbonize transportation Increase walkability and bike-ability • Target: Reduce vehicle miles
traveled commuting to work
•
•
Target: Increase passenger ZEV adoption to 31% by 2030 and • Target: Encourage active transportation as an alternative to
vehicular travel
commercial ZEV adoption to 25% by 2030
Target: Decarbonize 18% of off-road equipment and vehicle operations by 2030
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T-L.1 Reduce vehicle miles traveled in the City programs, telecommuting, transit use discounts and subsidies, showers and changing facilities, bicycle racks and lockers, and other incentives to use transportation other than single occupant vehicles.Target: Reduce vehicle miles traveled commuting to work Minimizing the use of vehicles powered by fossil fuels, especially by substituting them with transportation modes that enhance public health and quality of life, is a key strategy for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This shift connects communities and promotes the well-being of Foster City residents. Encouraging more active forms of transportation can lead to improved public health and quality of life due to increased physical activity and enhanced community connections. Additionally, it helps reduce traffic congestion and the demand for roads and parking spaces.
Increasing access to and use of public and shared transit increases the community’s access to economic opportunities and community connectivity while reducing the number of vehicle miles driven.
T-L.1.1.5: Work with MTC to identify and notify non-compliant businesses in Foster City and encourage their participation in providing transportation demand management programs.
T-L.1.1.6: Continue to require program support through City Development Agreements and Conditions of Approval.
T-L.2 Decarbonize Transportation
Target: Increase passenger ZEV adoption to 31% and
commercial ZEV adoption to 25% by 2030.
T-L.1.1. Reduce vehicle miles traveled commuting to work -0 MTCO2e Emissions Reduction by 2030
Target: Decarbonize 18% of gas-powered equipment by 2030 Electrifying the transportation sector will allow it to harness the benefits of increasingly clean electricity anticipated under SB 100.
Furthermore, adopting electric vehicles (EVs) reduces tailpipe air pollution, thus offering significant public health advantages by cutting down a major source of outdoor air pollution. To reduce emissions in the transportation sector, three key areas need to be addressed: 1) lowering the carbon intensity of fuels, 2) enhancing vehicle efficiency, and 3) reducing vehicle miles traveled (VMT).
Gasoline and diesel, the primary fuels for vehicles in the state, are characterized by high carbon intensity. Shifting to fuels with lower carbon intensity, particularly electricity, is crucial for emission reductions in transportation. As the electricity grid increasingly utilizes renewable energy sources, the environmental benefits of replacing gasoline and diesel vehicles with EVs grow. While the City cannot mandate its residents or businesses to buy zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), it can facilitate this transition by providing adequate infrastructure and incentives to overcome barriers to ZEV adoption.
Building out the public and private electric vehicle charging infrastructure is paramount to widespread ZEV adoption.
T-L.1.1.1: Work with Commute.org and SamTrans to maximize ridership by making transit more frequent, accessible, cost- beneficial, and convenient through the expansion and/or
improvement of transit routes, schedules, and bus shelters.
T-L.1.1.2: Work with all business owners to provide “first and last mile” programs to maximize utilization of public transit.
T-L.1.1.3: Continue collaborating with transit and transportation operators to develop shorter route shuttle programs serving residents, similar to Commute.org’s shuttle program.
T-L.1.1.4: Continue working with Commute.org, Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) to promote transportation
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T-L.2.1 Increase passenger ZEV adoption to 31% and commercial ZEV adoption to 25% by 2030 T-L.2.2 Decarbonize 18% of gas-powered equipment by 2030. -2,594 MTCO2e Emissions Reduction by 2030
-19,581 MTCO2e Emissions Reduction by 2030
T-L.2.2.1: Use code enforcement to help support CARB’s Small Offroad Engine (SORE) ban on fossil fuel equipment use.T-L.2.1.1: Increase community knowledge of rebates and incentives for ZEV adoption.
T-L.2.2.2: Develop an off-road incentive and technical assistance program for SORE users transitioning to ZEV.T-L.2.1.2: As the state provides information, document the number of new-vehicle registrations for passenger vehicles that are for zero- emission vehicles (ZEVs), including plug-in electric vehicles (EVs) and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles, as a means of evaluating outreach effectiveness and in preparation for the State of California’s restriction on the sale of gas-powered automobiles by 2035. How many Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations are required?
T-L.2.1.3: Institute and/or promote financial incentives that encourage using ZEVs and discourage using vehicles with internal combustion engines.
The California Building Standards Commission (CBSC)
published mandatory building standards requiring pre-
wiring for EV charging station installation in parking spaces at one- and two-family dwellings with attached private garages, multi-family dwellings, commercial facilities, and public buildings in the California Green Building Standards Code within the California Building Standards Code. In cases where EV charging stations can simultaneously charge more than one vehicle, the number of EV charging stations provided shall be considered equivalent to the number of electric vehicles simultaneously charged. The California Energy
Commission estimates that 1.01 million public and shared private chargers will be needed to support California's projected 7.1 million passenger plug-in EVs by 2030.
T-L.2.1.4: Pursue opportunities to expand the City’s EV charging network by first identifying suitable Level 2 and DC fast charging locations on public land.
T-L.2.1.5: Facilitate public private partnerships and streamline permits to install 313 publicly accessible EV chargers in Foster City by 2030.
T-L.2.1.8: Participate in regional and coordinated local procurement, outreach, and planning initiatives.
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T-L.3 Increase walkability and bike ability T-L.3.1.3: Continue regional collaboration efforts to establish a bike and/or scooter share program.Target: Increase the community’s active transportation mode share to 4% by 2030 T-L.3.1.4: Enhance City policies to promote shared electric bikes and scootersThe City can prioritize active transportation and micromobilty by expanding access to safe and convenient biking and pedestrian infrastructure through implementing plans and programs, surveys of existing conditions, and advocacy.
T-L.3.1.5: Pilot a program to provide free or reduced-price access to e-bikes or other micro-mobility options to low-income residents and students.
T-L.3.1.6: Continue supporting the Safe Routes to School Program and strive to increase bicycling, walking, carpooling, and public transit to school.
What is Micromobility?
Micromobility refers to forms of transportation, human- powered or electric, that can occupy space alongside
bicycles. It includes electric scooters and skateboards, docked and dockless shared bikes, and other forms of small, lightweight devices operating at speeds typically below 20 mph. Micromobility devices do not have an internal
combustion engine.
T-L.3.1.7: Improve curb management to prioritize rideshare parking/loading zones, scooter and bike share docks, bike parking, EV charging stations, and autonomous vehicle loading zones.
T-L.3.1 Increase the community's active transportation mode share by 4% by 2030.
-100 MTCO2e Emissions Reduction by 2030
T-L.3.1.1: Adopt a mobility priority policy with the General Plan as follows: 1) walk (persons with disabilities, pedestrians); 2) micro- mobility (including bicycles); 3) transit and shuttle; 4) drop-off and pick-up (ride share and taxi); and 5) auto (motorcycle, carpool/ vanpool, carshare, and SOV).
T-L.3.1.2: Promote safe bicycling and micromobility through outreach channels and partner agencies, including e-bikes, electric scooters, and electric skateboards.
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What YOU Can Do
•
•
•
•
Drive an electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle.
Use electric landscape equipment.
Bike, walk, or take transit whenever possible.
Reduce your miles by working from home when possible
and consolidating
What is The City of Foster City Doing?
As part of our commitment to sustainability, Foster City has been integrating hybrid and all-electric sedans into our municipal fleet since 2008. We consistently assess the potential for alternative fuel options for all vehicles at the time of their scheduled replacement. In a significant step forward, in November 2023, we formed a partnership with Peninsula Clean Energy by joining their Public EV Fleets Program. This program is strategically designed to offer expert guidance and support to local
governments in planning and implementing electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and acquisitions. Through the Gov EV program, we receive complimentary technical assistance, project planning, and grant funding, which aids
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Sector 3: Waste and Consumption (W-C) W-C.1.1 Significantly reduce organic waste to landfills GHG accounting is directly concerned with emissions from the anaerobic decomposition of organic waste in landfills. The decomposition process creates methane, 28 times more potent as a GHG than carbon dioxide over 100 years. However, landfills capture most of the methane, and some use it to create biogas or electricity; about one-quarter of it escapes into the atmosphere. 0 MTCO2e Emissions Reduction by 2030
W-C.1.1.1: Achieve increased waste diversion through a
combination of efforts, including promoting traditional recycling and organics recycling and local enforcement of recycling requirements.
W-C.1.1.2: Regular residential and commercial waste audits and characterization studies are required to identify opportunities for increased diversion and track progress in meeting targets.
Diverting organic material from the landfill is a clear and viable option for reducing these emissions. Paper and cardboard can be recycled.
Food scraps, soiled paper (like napkins and paper towels), and yard waste can be composted at home or a commercial organic processing facility. Surplus food can be donated to non-profits that distribute it to those in need.
W-C.1.1.3: Promote reuse, repair, and recycling of inorganic materials and encourage reduced use of packaging and single-use items through engagement campaigns.
W-C.1.1.4: Consider adopting a City policy to require all City Events (those sponsored by or using City facilities) to be zero-waste events.Local measures support state legislation to reduce emissions from organic waste disposal significantly. Senate Bill (SB) 1383 establishes a target to achieve a 75% reduction in statewide waste disposal from the 2014 level by 2025. The law also establishes a target that not less than 20% of currently disposed edible food is recovered for human consumption by 2025. On January 1, 2024, CalRecylce required local jurisdictions to impose penalties for non-compliance on regulated entities subject to their authority.
W-C.1.1.5: Embark on an educational campaign to increase recycling, composting, reuse, and waste reduction within municipal operations at public facilities.
W-C.1.2 Annually procure and apply 2,500 tons of compost by 2030
-991 MTCO2e Emissions Reduction by 2030
The Waste and Consumption Big Goals W-C.1.2.1: Align with and exceed SB 1383 requirements to procure and apply 2,500 tons of compost annually by 2030.
W-C.1 W-C.1.2.2: Collaborate with San Mateo County to identify locations to apply compost if locations within the City cannot by identified.Increase diversion of materials from landfills •
•
Target: Significantly reduce oraganic waste to landfills
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What YOU Can Do
•
•
Buy only as much as you need.
Buy locally grown food and eat less
meat.
•
•
•
Put your food scraps in the green
can and/or compost them at home.
Donate extra food and used
clothing and housewares.
Don’t be a “wishful” recycler. Be
scrupulous about how you sort
your recyclables.
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Sector 4. Climate Resiliency and Leadership (C-L)
California is already experiencing the effects of climate change.
Every year, it seems like the news gets grimmer: more wildfires, more Average annual average air temperatures have already increased by almost 2° F in California, which will likely double even if the world can reduce emissions by 80% by 2050. Foster City needs to be prepared for the likely impacts of climate change, including flooding from more intense storms, rising sea levels, and the health impacts from heat exposure and poor air quality. The sea level in San Francisco Bay has risen about 9 inches since 1900 and is expected to rise another 10 inches by 2040.
Within this short period, key access routes, public facilities, and commercial areas in the low-lying areas could experience flooding.
While this Plan contains some measures that address adaptation, the Foster City Local Hazard Mitigation Plan contains a more complete set of goals, policies, and programs.
The City of Foster City must continue to be a leader in encouraging the behavioral changes needed to meet its community’s climate goals.
The Climate Resiliency and Leadership Big Goals
C-L.1 C-L.2
Prepare for and adapt to a rising sea level and climate changeEducate and support the whole community to live sustainably • Target: Collaborate with stakeholders to create Local Climate Action Programs that empower individuals to make behavioral changes. • Target: Develop adaptation strategies to assist the Foster City community with the effects of climate change.
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C-L.1.1 Collaborate with stakeholders to create Local Climate Action Programs that empower individuals to make behavioral changes.
C-L.2.1 Develop adaptation strategies to assist the Foster City community with the effects of climate change.
0 MTCO2e Emissions Reduction by 2030
0 MTCO2e Emissions Reduction by 2030
C-L.2.1.1: Coordinate and integrate climate adaptation planning consistently throughout related City plans, including but not limited to the General Plan and its Safety Element, Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP), sea level rise adaptation plans, and emergency and capital improvement plans.
C-L.1.1.1: Require all new municipal buildings and facilities to meet minimum LEED silver standards outlined by the US Green Building Council or equivalent green building rating system. Require feasibility studies for zero net energy use, on-site renewable energy generation, and on-site batteries for municipal buildings and facilities. C-L.2.1.2: Ensure fair and robust inclusion of lower-income households and diverse communities in the planning and
response to climate change impacts, including sea level rise, wildfire, public health, and emergency preparedness.
C-L.1.1.2: Create robust education and marketing Climate Action Programs to support the Community’s sustainability goals.
C-L.2.1.3: Seek opportunities to increase the City's tree canopy to combat extreme heat.C-L.1.1.3: Regularly benchmark the environmental performance of municipal buildings, landscaping, parks, and facilities, including energy and water use.
C-L.1.1.4: Track and report progress towards achieving the City’s greenhouse gas reduction goal – creating and updating a Climate Action Dashboard for Community use.
C-L.1.1.5: Prepare an inventory of emissions from municipal operations every five years, establish a GHG reduction target, and develop a work plan to reduce municipal emissions to achieve an 85% emissions reduction below 2005 levels by 2045.
C-L.1.1.6: Seek funding opportunities to support the
implementation of greenhouse gas reduction projects, exploring grant funding, rebates, and other incentive opportunities.
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Section 6. Conclusion
Foster City's Climate Action Plan (CAP) creates a dynamic framework that positions the City on a trajectory towards achieving a 50 percent reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions relative to 2005 levels by 2030. However, the publication of this plan represents merely an initial step. Paramount to its success is the ongoing revitalization and adaptation of the plan, necessitating periodic updates to incorporate technological advancements and policy shifts.
The significance of the CAP extends beyond the municipal endeavor to regulate its emissions. It serves as a clarion call to the entirety of the community - encompassing residents, educational institutions, and businesses - to actively participate in forging a future characterized by low carbon emissions and environmental purity. The progression of this plan not only facilitates the reduction of emissions but also contributes to the fortification of the local economy, enhances the City's resilience, and fosters the development of a community that is both sustainable and conducive to quality living for current and forthcoming generations. The overarching aim is to ensure that Foster City maintains its status as an exemplary place of residence, both presently and in the years to come.
Implementation and Monitoring Funding
Plans are only effective if implemented and results are carefully evaluated. The City will prepare and report to the public an annual assessment of its progress in implementing the actions contained in this Climate Action Plan and continue to quantify community and government operations' GHG emissions to determine if the City is on track to meet its reduction targets. The Climate Action Plan Update Implementation Plan is located in Appendix.
The steps outlined in this Climate Action Plan (CAP) aren't just about finding the cheapest way to hit the greenhouse gas (GHG) targets in Foster City. These actions were chosen because they fit well with what's happening locally and what the community cares about. Plus, they bring a bunch of extra perks besides just cutting emissions.
Following this, climate action plans can also be beneficial to the economy. CAPs can help grow local green businesses, create jobs, and even save money for people and companies in Foster City.
Take, for example, making it safer to walk and bike and improving public transit. Not only does this make getting around cheaper, but it also encourages everyone to be more active, which is great for community health. This plan works toward a greener city and a healthier, more vibrant community.
Funding for the first year is available in two separate City accounts; however, long-term funding strategies will be necessary to sustain the Climate Action Plan 2024 Update in future years.
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Appendix A
Climate Regulatory Context
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Appendix A. Climate Regulatory Context
As the impacts of climate change are being recognized, many strategies that address climate change have emerged at several levels of government. This appendix provides an overview of the international, State, and local regulatory context relative to Foster City’s actions toward reducing its communitywide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
International Climate Action Guidance 2015 The Paris Agreement 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change The Paris Agreement is the first-ever universal, legally binding global climate agreement adopted in 2015 and ratified by 189 countries worldwide. The Paris Agreement establishes a roadmap to keep the world under 2° C of warming to limit an increase of temperature to 1.5° C. The agreement does not dictate one specific reduction target; instead, it relies on individual countries to set nationally determined contributions (NDCs) or reductions based on GDP and other factors. According to the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), limiting global warming to 1.5° C will require global emissions to be reduced through 2030 and hit carbon neutrality by mid-century.14
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Paris Agreement (UNFCCC) is the primary international regulatory framework for GHG reduction. The UNFCCC is an international treaty adopted in 1992 to stabilize atmospheric GHG concentrations to prevent disruptive anthropogenic climate change. The framework established non-binding limits on global GHG emissions and specified a process for negotiating future international climate- related agreements.12
1997 Kyoto Protocol
The Kyoto Protocol is an international treaty adopted in 1997 to extend and operationalize the UNFCCC. The protocol commits industrialized nations to reduce GHG emissions per county- specific targets, recognizing that they hold responsibility for existing atmospheric GHG levels. The Kyoto Protocol involves two commitment periods during which emissions reductions are to occur, the first of which took place between 2008-2012 and the second of which has not entered into force.13
California Policy and Regulatory Context
California remains a global leader in the effort to reduce GHG emissions and combat climate change through its mitigation and adaptation strategies. With the passage of Assembly Bill (AB) 32 in 2006, California became the first state in the United States to mandate GHG emission reductions across its entire economy.
To support AB 32, California has enacted legislation, regulations, and executive orders (EO) that put it on course to achieve robust emission reductions and address the impacts of a changing climate. 12 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. https://unfccc.int/files/essential_ background/background_publications_htmlpdf/application/pdf/conveng.pdf 13 UNFCCC. What is the Kyoto Protocol? https://unfccc.int/kyoto_protocol 14 UNFCCC. Paris Agreement ‐ Status of Ratification. https://unfccc.int/process/the‐paris‐agreement/status‐of‐ratification Appendix A. Climate Regulatory Context | 63
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The following is a summary of executive and legislative actions most relevant to the CAP.
of reducing GHG emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. It requires the California Resource Board (CARB) to prepare a Scoping Plan that outlines the main State strategies for reducing GHG emissions to meet the 2020 deadline. In addition, AB 32 requires CARB to adopt regulations to require reporting and verification of Statewide GHG emissions.
2002 Senate Bill 1078
In 2002, SB 1078, established the California Renewables Portfolio Standards (RPS) Program, accelerated in 2006 by SB 107, requiring 20 percent of retail electricity sales be composed of renewable energy sources by 2010. EO S‐14‐08 was signed in 2008 to further streamline California’s renewable energy project approval process and increase the State’s RPS to the most aggressive in the nation at 33 percent renewable power by 2020.
Based on this guidance, CARB approved a 1990 Statewide GHG baseline and 2020 emissions limit of 427 million metric tons of CO equivalent (MMT CO e). CARB approved the Scoping Plan on2 2 December 11, 2008. It included measures to address GHG emission reduction strategies related to energy efficiency, water use, and recycling and solid waste, among other measures. Many of the GHG reduction measures included in the Scoping Plan (e.g., Low Carbon Fuel Standard, Advanced Clean Car standards13F, and Cap-and- Trade) have been adopted since approval of the Scoping Plan. 2002 Assembly Bill 1493
In 2002, AB 1493, also known as the Pavley Regulations, directed the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to establish regulations to reduce GHG emissions from passenger vehicles to the maximum and most cost‐effective extent feasible. CARB approved the first set of regulations to reduce GHG emissions from passenger vehicles in 2004, initially taking effect with the 2009 model year.
In May 2014, CARB approved the first update to the AB 32 Scoping Plan. The 2014 Scoping Plan update defined CARB’s climate change priorities for the next five years and set the groundwork to reach post-2020 Statewide goals. The update highlighted California’s progress toward meeting the “near-term” 2020 GHG emission reduction goals defined in the original Scoping Plan. It also evaluated how to align the State’s longer-term GHG reduction strategies with other State policy priorities, including those for water, waste, natural resources, clean energy, transportation, and land use (CARB 2014).
2005 Executive Order S‐3‐05
Executive Order (EO) S‐3‐05 was signed in 2005, establishing Statewide GHG emissions reduction targets for 2020 and 2050. The EO calls for reducing GHG emissions in California to 2000 levels by 2010, 1990 levels by 2020, and 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. The 2050 emission reduction target would put the State’s emissions in line with the worldwide reductions needed to reach long‐term climate stabilization as concluded by the IPCC 2007 Fourth Assessment Report.
2007 Executive Order S‐1‐07
Also known as the Low Carbon Fuel Standard, EO S‐1‐07, issued in 2007, established a Statewide goal that requires transportation fuel providers to reduce the carbon intensity of California’s transportation fuels by at least 10 percent by 2020. EO S‐1‐07 was readopted and amended in 2015 to require a 20 percent reduction in carbon intensity by 2030, the most stringent requirement in the nation.
The new requirement aligns with California’s overall 2030 target of 2006 Assembly Bill 32
California’s major initiative for reducing GHG emissions is outlined in AB 32, the “California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006,” which was signed into law in 2006. AB 32 codifies the Statewide goal Appendix A. Climate Regulatory Context | 64
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reducing climate changing emissions 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030, which was set by Senate Bill 32 and signed by the governor in 2016.
practices. The first CALGreen Code was adopted in 2009 and has been updated in 2013, 2016, and 2019. The CALGreen Code will have subsequent, and continually more stringent, updates every three years.
2007 Senate Bill 97
2009 Senate Bill X7‐7
Signed in August 2007, SB 97 acknowledges that climate change is an environmental issue that requires analysis in California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) documents. In March 2010, the California Natural Resources Agency adopted amendments to the State CEQA Guidelines for the feasible mitigation of GHG emissions or the effects of GHG emissions. The adopted guidelines give lead agencies the discretion to set quantitative or qualitative thresholds for assessing and mitigating GHG and climate change impacts.
In 2009, SB X7‐7, also known as the Water Conservation Act, was signed, requiring all water suppliers to increase water use efficiency.
This legislation aims to reduce per capita urban water use by 20 percent by 2020.
2011 Senate Bill 2X
In 2011, SB 2X was signed, requiring California energy providers to buy (or generate) 33 percent of their electricity from renewable energy sources by 2020.
2008 Senate Bill 375
SB 375, signed in August 2008, enhances the State’s ability to reach AB 32 goals by directing CARB to develop regional GHG emission reduction targets to be achieved from passenger vehicles by 2020 and 2035. In addition, SB 375 directs each of the State’s 18 major Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs), including the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), to prepare a “sustainable communities strategy” (SCS) that contains a growth strategy to meet these emission targets for inclusion in the MPO’s Regional Transportation Plan (RTP). On March 22, 2018, CARB adopted updated regional targets for reducing GHG emissions from 2005 levels by 2020 and 2035.
2012 Assembly Bill 341
AB 341 directed the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) to develop and adopt regulations for mandatory commercial recycling. As of July 2012, businesses are required to recycle, and jurisdictions must implement a program that includes education, outreach, and monitoring. AB 341 also set a Statewide goal of 75 percent waste diversion by 2020.
2014 Assembly Bill 32 Scoping Plan Update
In 2014, CARB approved the first update to the Scoping Plan.
This update defines CARB’s climate change priorities and sets the groundwork to reach the post‐2020 targets set forth in EO S‐3‐05.
The update highlights California’s progress toward meeting the near‐term 2020 GHG emissions reduction target, defined in the original Scoping Plan. It also evaluates how to align California’s longer‐term GHG reduction strategies with other Statewide policy priorities, such as water, waste, natural resources, clean energy, transportation, and land use.
2009 California Green Building Code
The California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) is Part 11 of the California Building Standards Code or Title 24 and is the first Statewide “green” building code in the nation. The purpose of CALGreen is to improve public health, safety, and general welfare by enhancing the design and construction of buildings. Enhancements include reduced negative impact designs, positive environmental impact designs, and encouragement of sustainable construction Appendix A. Climate Regulatory Context | 65
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2014 Assembly Bill 1826 emissions of short‐lived climate pollutants. The bill requires the strategy to achieve the following reduction targets by 2030:AB 1826 was signed in 2014 to increase the recycling of organic material. GHG emissions produced by the decomposition of these materials in landfills were identified as a significant source of emissions contributing to climate change. Therefore, reducing organic waste and increasing composting and mulching are goals set out by the AB 32 Scoping Plan. AB 1826 specifically requires jurisdictions to establish organic waste recycling programs by 2016, and phases in mandatory commercial organic waste recycling over time.
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Methane – 40 percent below 2013 levels
Hydrofluorocarbons – 40 percent below 2013 levels
Anthropogenic black carbon – 50 percent below 2013 levels SB 1383 also requires the CalRecycle, in consultation with the CARB, to adopt regulations that achieve specified targets for reducing organic waste in landfills. The bill further requires 20% of edible food disposed of at the time to be recovered by 2025.2015 Senate Bill 350 SB 350, the Clean Energy and Pollution Reduction Act of 2015, has two objectives: to increase the procurement of electricity from renewable sources from 33 percent to 50 percent by 2030 and to double the energy efficiency of electricity and natural gas end users through energy efficiency and conservation.
2017 Scoping Plan Update
On December 14, 2017, CARB adopted the 2017 Scoping Plan, which provides a framework for achieving the 2030 goal set by SB
32. The 2017 Scoping Plan relies on the continuation and expansion of existing policies and regulations, such as the Cap‐and‐Trade Program, as well as implementation of recently adopted policies, such as SB 350 and SB 1383 .In 2015, EO B‐30‐15 was signed, establishing an interim GHG emissions reduction target to reduce emissions to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030. The EO also calls for another update to the CARB Scoping Plan. The 2017 Scoping Plan also puts an increased emphasis on innovation, adoption of existing technology, and strategic investment to support its strategies. As with the 2014 Scoping Plan Update, the 2017 Scoping Plan does not provide project‐level thresholds for land use development. Instead, it recommends that local governments adopt policies and locally appropriate quantitative thresholds consistent with Statewide per capita goals of six metric tons (MT) CO2e by 2030 and two MT CO2e by 2050 (CARB 2017). As stated in the 2017 Scoping Plan, these goals may be appropriate for plan‐level analyses (city, county, subregional, or regional level), but not for specific individual projects because they include all emissions sectors in the State.
2016 Senate Bill 32
On September 8, 2016, the governor signed SB 32 into law, extending AB 32 by requiring the State to further reduce GHGs to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 (the other provisions of AB 32 remain unchanged). The bill charges CARB to adopt the regulation so that the maximum technologically feasible emissions reductions are achieved in the most cost‐effective way.
2016 Senate Bill 1383
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2018 Senate Bill 100 Cars. The program was developed in coordination with the U.S.
EPA and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and combines the control of smog-causing pollutants and GHG emissions into a single coordinated package of regulations. https:// ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/advanced-clean-cars-program Adopted on September 10, 2018, SB 100 supports the reduction of GHG emissions from the electricity sector by accelerating the State’s Renewables Portfolio Standard Program, which was last updated by SB 350 in 2015. SB 100 requires electricity providers to increase procurement from eligible renewable energy resources to 33 percent of total retail sales by 2020, 60 percent by 2030, and 100 percent by 2045.
California Low Carbon Fuel Standard Program
The Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) is designed to encourage the use of low-carbon fuels, encourage the production of those fuels, and therefore, reduce GHG emissions. Currently, the LCFS calls for a 20 percent decline in the carbon intensity of diesel fuels below 2010 levels by 2030. https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/low- carbon-fuel-standard
Also, on September 10, 2018, the governor issued Executive Order B‐55‐18, which established a new Statewide goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2045 and maintaining net negative emissions thereafter. This goal is in addition to the existing Statewide GHG reduction targets established by SB 375, SB 32, SB 1383, and SB 100. California Renewable Portfolio Standard
2022 Assembly Bill 1279 The Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), originally established in 2002, required 20 percent of electricity retail sales to be served by renewable sources by 2017. The program was accelerated in 2015 with SB 350, which mandated a 50 percent RPS by 2030. SB 100, enacted in 2018, accelerated the program further, establishing renewable energy targets of 50 percent by 2026, 60 percent by 2030, and 100 percent by 2045. https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/rps In 2022, California passed AB 1279, which mandates the state to reach “net zero greenhouse gas emissions” at the earliest possible time, with a deadline of no later than 2045. Following this, the state must then attain and sustain net negative GHG emissions. It also requires that statewide anthropogenic GHG emissions be reduced to at least 85% below 1990 levels.
California Long Term Energy Efficiency Strategic Plan
State-Level Programs Published in 2008 and updated in 2011, the California Long Term Energy Efficiency Strategic Plan outlines goals and strategies for key market sectors (i.e., commercial, residential, industrial, and agricultural) and crosscutting initiatives (e.g., heating, ventilation and air conditioning, codes and standards, research, and technology).
While the Plan has not been updated since 2011, it is still referenced in numerous State documents and reports. The Plan embraces four specific programmatic goals, known as the Big Bold Energy Efficiency Strategies. These goals are:
In addition to State regulations that determine GHG Reduction Targets, the following programs assist Cities in meeting their climate goals. These programs also impact the Adjusted Emissions Reduction Target (see Section 4: GHG Emissions Inventory).
California Advanced Clean Cars Program
In 2012, CARB adopted a set of regulations to control emissions from passenger vehicles, collectively called Advanced Clean • All new residential construction in California will be zero net Appendix A. Climate Regulatory Context | 67
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Local Policyenergy by 2020.
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All new commercial construction in California will be zero net 2019 San Mateo County Climate Emergency energy by 2030.
In September 2019, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution declaring a climate emergency in San Mateo County to highlight the increasingly urgent need for action to address the climate crisis. The County of San Mateo joined over 1,000 national, international, and local jurisdictions with similar declarations. The resolution calls for the County to create climate action plans (CAPs) for its government operations and unincorporated community that will achieve carbon neutrality in advance of the State of California’s 2045 goal, and coordinate with the cities and other local partners in addressing the climate crisis.
The Heating, Venting and Air Conditioning (HVAC) industry will be re-shaped to deliver maximum performance HVAC systems.
All eligible low-income customers will have an opportunity to participate in the LIEE program and will be provided all cost- effective energy efficiency measures in their residences by 2020.
More information on California’s zero net energy goals can be found online at: https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/ZNE
2022 California Green Building Code (CALGreen)
Title 24 of the California Building Standards Code includes CALGreen as Part 11 of its 13-part code. In 2022, Foster City adopted CalGreen, which establishes baseline standards for building construction. Since 2016, CalGreen has been applied to all new buildings, as well as changes or additions that expand the size of residential buildings and additions to nonresidential buildings. The goal of CalGreen is to reduce environmental impacts by enforcing specific standards throughout a building’s lifecycle. It promotes eco- friendly building practices in several key areas:
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Planning and Design
Energy Efficiency
Water Efficiency and Conservation
Material Conservation and Resource Efficiency
Environmental Quality
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Appendix B
Glossary of Abbreviations
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Appendix B. Glossary of Abbreviations
AB 32 Assembly Bill 32, The California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 BAAQMD Bay Area Air Quality Management District
CARB
CAP
California Air Resources Board
Climate action plan
CEC California Energy Commission
California Environmental Quality Act
Carbon dioxide
CEQA
CO2
CO2e
CPUC
EV
Carbon dioxide equivalent
California Public Utilities Commission
Electric vehicle
GHG
ICLEI
IPCC
KPI
Greenhouse gas
Local Governments for Sustainability
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
Key performance indicator
kilowatt hourkWh
MT Metric ton
MMT
PCE
Million metric tons
Peninsula Clean Energy
PG&E
RPS
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Renewable portfolio standard
Transit-oriented development
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Vehicle miles traveled
TOD
U.S. EPA
VMT
WRI World Resources Institute
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Appendix C
Community Engagement
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The Foster City Climate Action Plan
(CAP) development began in
September 2022. Community
engagement was a critical component
of CAP development, steering the
priorities, goals and strategies from
the beginning. Over the course of one
year (September 2022 – September
2023) the Foster City CAP project
team conducted outreach and
engagement to understand
community priorities and concerns.
In September 2022, the project team began engagement planning by developing a Community Engagement Plan. The Community Engagement Plan outlined objectives, key audiences, Foster City demographics, and a strategic framework and strategies for engaging and hearing from Foster City communities.
The Community Engagement Plan identified the following key goals:
• Reflect community perspectives, priorities, and values for a community- oriented plan that is representative of the geographically rich and diverse communities of Foster City.
• Educate, empower, and energize the Foster City communities to cultivate a shared understanding around climate change and inspire action. • Create a framework for community action that clearly outlines how Foster City residents and businesses can take ownership in the CAP. • Strengthen City relationships with communities and partners to facilitate and coordinate opportunities to collaborate and meet shared priorities.
Additionally, the project team identified community touchpoints and engagement activities, developed a timeline, crafted key messages, and created a style guide and graphics, refreshed the project webpage, and developed additional materials to facilitate engagement.
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The Citizens Sustainability Advisory Committee (CSAC) played a critical role in planning for and conducting outreach to ensure the CAP aligned with and supported Foster City community vision.
The CSAC serves in an advisory
capacity on sustainability issues
facing Foster City regarding
environmental, economic, or social
sustainability. The CSAC is made
up of five Foster City Resident
voting member seats; two Foster
City resident youth voting member
seats; two in-town business voting
member seats, one of which
should be from one of the City’s
major employers and of which
should be from one of the City’s
small businesses; and one in-town non-profit voting member seat.
The CSAC was a trusted messenger and key intermediary to the broader Foster City community throughout the climate planning process and beyond. As members of Foster City communities, CSAC members helped to facilitate critical connections and collect critical feedback.
All CSAC members participated in facilitation trainings to serve as discussion leaders during the community workshops. Additionally, CSAC members planned, promoted, and facilitated all focus groups and community conversations.
The CAP project team engaged Foster City communities at three critical points during Plan development. Engagement activities included surveys, workshops, social media and newsletter updates, focus groups, community conversations, and more.
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Figure 1. Engagement Plan Timeline
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The CAP project team used many different types of activities and avenues to meaningfully reach Foster City community members and gather their feedback on CAP priorities and strategies.
Figure 2. CAP Engagement by the Numbers
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Two community-wide, online surveys gathered community input on Plan vision, priorities, draft strategies and collect new ideas. Community feedback collected through the surveys helped to refine the Plan during development, understand levels of community support and revise strategies. Both surveys launched in coordination with the Community Meetings, published on the project webpage and promoted through City social media and newsletters.
• Survey 1: Build awareness and understand priorities (December 12, 2022 – January 29, 2023). Survey 1’s intention was to gain a deeper understanding of community’s vision for a sustainable Foster City and top priorities for the CAP.
• Survey 2: Refine and develop strategies (May 11 – July 7,2023). Survey 2 focused on collecting community feedback on draft strategies and actions for the CAP, to understand where there is community support and concern, and to collect new ideas for strategies.
We hosted two online community meetings to share CAP updates and hear directly from Foster City community members. The meetings built on momentum from the online surveys and provided an opportunity for community members to hear directly from the project team, interact with other Foster City community members, and provide real-time feedback on draft Plan elements.
• Community Meeting 1: Build awareness and understand priorities (January 12, 2023). Meeting 1 gathered community priorities and values that directly shaped the CAP development in early planning stages.
Meeting 1 also shared other feedback opportunities for Foster City community members, and gained a deeper understanding of how community envisions a resilient, sustainable, and equitable Foster City. • Community Meeting 2: Refine and develop strategies (March 21, 2023). Community Meeting 2 presented and discussed draft CAP strategies. Participants heard from the project team about strategies being considered, asked questions, stated their priorities and concerns, and brainstormed new strategy ideas.
Focus groups and community conversations ensured that we heard from typically harder to reach, highly impacted residents and communities on CAP strategies and Appendix C: Community Engagement | 76
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actions. We designed the discussion guides to gather feedback on how members of our priority communities envision a sustainable Foster City, what their top priorities are for climate action, what challenges they envision facing regarding climate impacts and taking action, and lastly, what opportunities or new ideas do they have that the City can support.ꢀ
CSAC members conducted recruitment, outreach, and facilitation of all focus groups and community conversations. Focus groups and community conversations took place over 3 months, from June to August 2023, and were held in-person and virtually.
• Focus groups were structured 1-hour long discussions. CSAC members recruited community participants, selected a location and time, and used a discussion guide to facilitate the discussion. Each focus group discussion included a CSAC notetaker and facilitator. These discussions were primarily focused on Climate Action Planning and Draft CAP strategies. • Community conversations were informal conversations held between CSAC members and Foster City community members at existing events, community gathering spaces, and tabling at events. These conversations were shorter in nature and CSAC members used a community conversations handout to guide the discussion and record notes. These conversations were focused on individual current climate actions, challenges and barriers to making behavioral changes, and if they had more questions about climate action.
We will use an accessible online sharing and public comment platform to collect feedback on the draft CAP from the public and different stakeholder groups.
Lastly, we will host a City Staff Implementation workshop to meet with the staff across departments who will be responsible for directing and ensuring CAP implementation.
Below we’ve outlined key themes, priorities, concerns, and strategy-specific feedback heard directly from Foster City communities throughout the engagement process.
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community members that they are energized to take climate action to protect and restore the environment of Foster City.
• The large majority (87%) of respondents in Foster City were satisfied with the quality of life in Foster City and would recommend the city as a place to live. Respondents aged 18-34, Asian respondents, and respondents making between $100K-$300K a year were more satisfied than other analyzed groups.
• Over 85% of respondents were satisfied with the city’s parks and recreational amenities, the overall cleanliness and maintenance, and the overall safety. However, only 31% were satisfied with the availability of jobs, 20% were satisfied with the of public transportation, and 15% were satisfied with the affordable housing situation.
• 84% of respondents had heard of the Levee improvements project and 56% had heard of the initiative to complete bike and pedestrian improvements. Less than half the respondents had heard of other city environmental initiatives. Overall, respondents aged 18-34 were less likely than other groups to be aware of the city’s environmental initiatives. • 59% of respondents were satisfied with the city’s efforts to become more environmentally sustainable. Respondents would most like to see the city prioritize making it easier to walk or bike in the city (46%) and use more clear or renewable energy (41%).
• Over half the respondents across all analyzed demographic groups bring reusable bags to the store and purchase reusable items instead of single- use. Over 20% of respondents would consider installing solar panels, using alternatives to cars, insulating homes, and growing fruit and vegetables despite not many respondents already do so today.
• Foster City residents love the city's picturesque landscape, proximity to the water, vibrant and inclusive community, sustainability initiatives, opportunities for outdoor play and recreation, sense of safety, and community diversity.
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• Participants noted that some sustainability challenges facing Foster City include cost barriers to households regarding sustainable living (e.g., purchasing electric vehicles (EVs) and solar panels), ensuring equity in initiatives, limited safe bike and pedestrian paths, aging infrastructure, and inadequate public outreach and education on sustainability topics and actions.
• In the future, participants want to see more accessible and safer bike and pedestrian routes and public transportation; waste reduction; support and financial incentives for EVs, solar panels, and other sustainability initiatives; water conservation and reclamation; a ban on plastics; and green buildings.
• Respondents felt that subsidies were needed in order to help homeowners, multifamily housing, and businesses upgrade their existing infrastructure.
• Respondents want updated building codes, requiring solar panels and other sustainability metrics.
• Respondents are worried about overdevelopment, and want to ensure that green space is preserved, while adopting more drought resistant plants.
• Residents were very interested in creating more bike infrastructure and public transportation options for residents of Foster City. • There was an acknowledgement of the difficulty of upgrading and adopting technology while owning within a homeowners association. • Some respondents suggested taxing bad behaviors, such as creating too much waste, recycling improperly or using too much electricity. • Respondents hoped to increase educational awareness around climate change, recycling, and waste reduction.
• Make certain data available about waste rates, electricity use, and water use to encourage more civic responsibility among residents.
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• The most pressing concerns for Foster for workshop attendees were ecosystem health, public health, and conservation, placing emphasis on natural systems, community and community health.
• Foster City residents appreciate community action, civic responsibility and individual action, but also feel that larger companies should play a bigger role in creating climate solutions.
• Building codes need to encourage innovation, while also providing incentives to ensure that businesses and residents are motivated to take action and make it easy to install solar panels, electric appliances, and other energy-efficient upgrades and retrofits that reduce emissions. • Workshop attendees want to see a more walkable, less car dependent Foster City, that encourages safe streets and pedestrian and biking pathways.
Top actions Foster City community members are already taking:
• Recycling & composting
• Taking public transportation or walking
• Electric vehicles
• Water and energy conservation
• Limiting single use plastic
• Extending the life of clothing
Anticipated challenges:
• Cost
• Time constraints & convenience
• Individual behavior change & impact
• Apathy & attitudes
• Accessibility
• Corporate polluters & political challenges
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New ideas:
• Micro-mobility options (i.e. scooter and bike-share)
• Electrification: grid, buses, vehicles
• Financial incentives and disincentives
• Fix-it Fairs
Foster City community members like to know more about:
• What is Foster City doing?
• How to electric vehicles help?
• What can I do?
• Greenhouse gasses
• Alternative energy sources
Community members would also like to see:
• Community building & collaborations
• City engagement
• Shade from solar panels
• Educational & communications campaigns
In survey 1, our first community touchpoint, we learned that 59% of respondents were satisfied with Foster City’s environmental efforts to date.
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Figure 3. Satisfaction with Foster City's Environmental Efforts Unsatisfied, 6%
Neutral, 34%
Satisfied, 59%
Respondents also shared in survey 1 what are the top sustainability changes they’d like to see, top sustainability actions they take today, and top actions they’d consider taking in the future.
Figure 4. Survey 1 Top Sustainable Behaviors and Priorities Through survey 2, we gained a better understanding of how Foster City community members would like their top sustainability priorities implemented through different type of action mechanisms through the CAP. This feedback was critical during action development to know what types of actions community would most support and be more likely to participate in, as well as provides great insight for what community would support for future policy decisions for the City.
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Figure 5. Level of Support for Types of Climate Action
70.00%
60.00%
50.00%
40.00%
30.00%
20.00%
10.00%
0.00%
Financial or other
incentives
Mandates or
regulations
Education or logistical
support
Local advocacy to
promote climate action
at the state and federal
level
Do not support Neutral Somewhat support Strongly support We also learned in survey 2 and workshop 2 what are top barriers for Foster City community members to take climate action. Participants shared that their top barriers included:
• Cost or Resources (51.4%) – there are other competing economic demands in my life that are more important to me and my family • Outside forces (27.4%) - I feel that the changes need to be at larger scale than what I can do as an individual- nothing I do will make any difference • Time commitment (26.9%) - I do not have enough time to think about climate change.
However, the lowest ranking barrier was level of care and interest (14.4%), which illustrates that most people are care and are excited to take climate action. We hope to leverage Foster City’s excitement around climate action into implementation of the CAP.
In summary, the Foster City Climate Action Plan (CAP) development process, which began in September 2022, has been a testament to the power of community engagement in shaping effective environmental policy. The CAP team's comprehensive approach, involving a Community Engagement Plan, Citizens Sustainability Advisory Committee (CSAC) involvement, and a variety of engagement Appendix C: Community Engagement | 83
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activities, has successfully captured the diverse perspectives and priorities of the Foster City community. Through surveys, community meetings, and focus groups, the project team gained invaluable insights into residents' satisfaction with their quality of life, their environmental concerns, and their aspirations for a more sustainable and equitable city.
The feedback collected has been instrumental
in identifying key areas of focus, such as the
need for improved public transportation and
sustainable living solutions. It has also
underscored the community's enthusiasm for
taking proactive climate action, ranging from
everyday practices like recycling and
composting to broader initiatives like
advocating for updated building codes and
green infrastructure.
The CAP development process has not only fostered a deeper understanding of community needs and aspirations but has also laid the groundwork for meaningful, actionable strategies. The engagement journey reflects Foster City's commitment to a collaborative, inclusive approach in tackling climate change challenges. As the CAP moves into its implementation phase, the solid foundation of community input will be crucial in ensuring its success and sustainability, truly embodying the spirit of collective action for a better future.
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Appendix D
2019 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory
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Table 1: Inventory Year Selection
Most Recent GHG Inventory
2020 Target Year
2030 Target Year
2040 Target Year
2045 Target Year
2019
2020
2030
2040
2045
2050
1 11
21 26
31 2019 Foster City
GHG Emissions Inventory
2050 Target Year
Years from GHG Inventory --> 2020
Years from GHG Inventory --> 2030
Years from GHG Inventory --> 2040
Years from GHG Inventory --> 2045
Years from GHG Inventory --> 2050
Table 2: 2005 Community Greenhouse Gas Inventory
Sector Source GHG Emissions (MT CO 2e) Percent of Total GHG Emissions Electricity
Natural Gas
Electricity
Natural Gas
Electricity
16,407
28,335
26,164
16,741
10,676
6%
11%
10%
6%
Residential
Commercial/Industrial
Direct Access 4%
Local Roads-Gasoline 56,890
94,976
21%
36%
Local Roads-Diesel
State Highways-GasolineTransportation
State Highways-Diesel
Off-Road Equipment (Residential)
Caltrain
11,435 4%
0%0
Generated Waste
Waste – Landfill Cover
Wastewater
All Waste Types
Plant Debris
Wastewater treatment
4,144
9 0
2%
0.00%
0.0%
100.0%TOTAL 265,777
Table 3: 2010 Community Greenhouse Gas Inventory
Sector Source
Electricity
Natural Gas
Electricity
Natural Gas
GHG Emissions (MT CO 2e) Percent of Total GHG Emissions 14,489
28,579
28,192
19,089
6,216
52 6%
12%
11%
8%
3%
0%
Residential
Commercial/Industrial
Direct Access
Stationary Sources
Electricity
Various Fuels
Local Roads-Gasoline
Local Roads-Diesel
48,582
4,256
20%
2%
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State Highways-Gasoline
State Highways-Diesel
Off-Road Equipment (Residential)
Caltrain
75,202
6,588
11,926
31%
3%
5%
Transportation
0%
Freight Trains 0%
Generated Waste
Waste – Landfill Cover
Wastewater
All Waste Types
Plant Debris
Wastewater treatment
Embedded Electricity in Water
2,567
67 170
1%
0%
0%
0%Water 568
TOTAL 246,542 100.0%
Table 4: 2019 Community Greenhouse Gas Inventory
Sector Source
Electricity
Natural Gas
Electricity
Natural Gas
GHG Emissions (MT CO 2e) Percent of Total GHG Emissions 4,075
24,940
4,735
25,420
5,747
20,738
19,604
2,817
68,591
9,855
16,657
0 2%
12%
2%
12%
3%
10%
10%
1%
33%
5%
Residential
Commercial/Industrial
Direct Access
Stationary Sources
Electricity
Various Fuels
Local Roads-Gasoline
Local Roads-Diesel
State Highways-Gasoline
State Highways-Diesel
Off-Road Equipment (Residential)
Caltrain
Transportation
8%
0%
Freight Trains 0 0%
Generated Waste
Waste – Landfill Cover
Wastewater
All Waste Types
Plant Debris
Wastewater treatment
Embedded Electricity in Water
2,234
0 536
1%
0%
0%
0%Water 8
TOTAL 205,957 100%
266,983,292
1,944
2019 Annual VMT:
2014 Disposed Waste Emissions (MT CO2e):
Table 5: 2011-2016 Community GHG Inventories
2011 GHG Inventory Total Emissions
(MT CO2e)
2012 GHG Inventory Total Emissions
(MT CO2e)
2013 GHG Inventory Total Emissions
(MT CO2e)
2014 GHG Inventory Total Emissions
(MT CO2e)
2015 GHG Inventory Total Emissions252,065
236,865
238,698
225,057
232,913
193,537
192,660
199,309
(MT CO2e)
2016 GHG Inventory Total Emissions
(MT CO2e)
2017 GHG Inventory Total Emissions
(MT CO2e)
2018 GHG Inventory Total Emissions
(MT CO2e)
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Appendix E
CAP Implementation Plan
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CITY OF FOSTER CITY CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
ENERGY & WATER GOALS
E-W.1 Reduce emissions from the energy sector
E-W.2 Decarbonize residential and commercial buildings
E-W.3 Reduce water consumption
Short-term: by end of year 1
Mid-term: by end of end of year 3
Long-term: by end of year 5
Timeline
Low: $0 – $10,000
Moderate: $10,000 – $100,000
High: $100,000 – $1,000,000
Action ID Action Name Strategy ID Strategy Cost Funding Source GHG Impact Sustainable Foster City Budget Low
Success Criteria & KPI's
# of participants (will need
data from partners); # of
clicks from online marketing
E-W.1.1.1 Market participation in commercial energy efficiency programs offered by SMC Energy Watch and PG&E.
E-W.1.1 Promote and expand participation in residential and commercial energy efficiency programs.
Short-term
Short-term
Short-term
Short-term
Mid-term
Low
E-W.1.1.2
E-W.1.1.3
E-W.1.1.4
E-W.1.1.5
Promote appliance rebate programs offered by Peninsula
Clean Energy (PCE), PG&E, and the Bay Area Air Quality
Management District (BAAQMD).
E-W.1.1
E-W.1.1
E-W.1.1
E-W.1.1
Promote and expand participation in residential and commercial energy efficiency programs.
Low
Low
Low
Low
Sustainable Foster City Budget Low
Sustainable Foster City Budget Low
Sustainable Foster City Budget Low
Sustainable Foster City Budget Low
Number of participants (will
need data from partners);
Number of clicks from online
marketing
Number of participants (will
need data from partners);
Number of clicks from online
marketing
Number of participants (will
need data from partners);
Number of clicks from online
marketing
Number of participants (will
need data from partners);
Number of clicks from online
marketing
Continue and expand participation in energy efficiency
programs as they become available.
Promote and expand participation in residential and commercial energy efficiency programs.
Promote utility, state, and federal rebate and incentive programs.
Promote and expand participation in residential and commercial energy efficiency programs.
Participate and promote financing and loan programs for residential and non-residential projects such as Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) programs, PG&E on-bill
repayment, and California Hub for Energy Efficiency
Financing (CHEEF) programs.
Promote and expand participation in residential and commercial energy efficiency programs.
E-W.1.1.6 Through outreach and education, provide guidance to renters on how to obtain energy usage and efficiency
information for rental units
E-W.1.1 Promote and expand participation in residential and commercial energy efficiency programs.
Short-term
Short-term
Low
Low
Sustainable Foster City Budget Low
Sustainable Foster City Budget Low
Number of community
members assisted
E-W.1.1.7
E-W.1.2.1
Promote energy audits for all residential, commercial, and municipal buildings through education and outreach.
E-W.1.1
E-W.1.2
Promote and expand participation in residential and commercial energy efficiency programs.
Number of participants (will
need data from partners)
Periodically conduct energy efficiency audits at City
buildings and facilities and implement recommended
energy efficiency projects.
Reduce municipal energy consumption through energy efficiency projects and Mid-term behavioral and operational changes.
Low-
Moderate
CITY funding sources unless
other sources identified in
future
Low Number of buildings audited;
Number of buildings
improved; Net reduction in
energy use by City facilities
E-W.2.1.1 Provide financial incentives for solar PV and battery storage E-W.2.1 installations.
Increase residential and commercial solar installations. Short-term Moderate Currently utilizing funding set aside from Rule 20A credit sale;
when this funding runs out, then
CITY funding sources unless
other sources identified in
future.
Medium Number of rebates provided
E-W.2.1.2
E-W.2.1.3
Encourage bulk purchases such as the Peninsula SunShares E-W.2.1 Program.
Increase residential and commercial solar installations.
Increase residential and commercial solar installations Short-term
Long-term
Low
Low
Sustainable Foster City Budget Low Number of participants (will need data from partners)
Provide free assistance for project developers through the Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) and interconnection
process.
E-W.2.1 Sustainable Foster City Budget Low Number of developers assisted
E-W.2.1.4
E-W.2.1.5
Update building codes, design guidelines, and zoning
ordinances, as necessary, to further facilitate small,
medium, and large-scale installations, where appropriate.
E-W.2.1 Increase residential and commercial solar installations.
Increase residential and commercial solar installations.
Mid-term
Mid-term
Low
Low
Sustainable Foster City Budget Low
Sustainable Foster City Budget Low
None identified
Encourage installation of solar panels over parking areas on E-W.2.1 commercial projects and large-scale residential
developments through ordinances, engagement campaigns,
or agency incentives.
Number of solar arrays
installed
E-W.2.1.6 Identify and promote financing and loan programs for residential and non-residential projects.
E-W.2.1 Increase residential and commercial solar installations. Mid-term Low Sustainable Foster City Budget Low Number of participants (will need data from partners)
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Action ID
E-W.2.1.7
Action Name Strategy ID Strategy Timeline
Mid-term
Cost
Moderate-
High
Funding Source GHG Impact Success Criteria & KPI's
Completion of updated solar
feasibility study including
recommendations for specific
buildings
Study opportunities and specific action steps for expansion E-W.2.1 of municipal rooftop solar and battery storage.
Increase residential and commercial solar installations. CITY funding sources unless other sources identified in
future
E-W.2.1.8
E-W.2.2.1
Provide education and outreach to stakeholders, including E-W.2.1 businesses, residents, and contractors, on the benefits of pairing battery storage with solar PV systems at City
information centers like the permit counters.
Increase residential and commercial solar installations. Mid-term Low Low
Sustainable Foster City Budget Low Number of community
members assisted with
information
Adopt amendments to the Foster City Building Code for
Green Building, Energy, and Plumbing during the Foster City Building Code 2025 cycle including a two-way air
conditioning ordinance
E-W.2.2 Decarbonize existing commercial and residential buildings to reduce natural Mid-term gas consumption from existing commercial buildings by 19% and natural gas consumption from existing residential buildings by 25% by 2030 or reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 10,792 MTCO2e in existing commercial and residential buildings by 2030
Sustainable Foster City Budget High Number of gas appliance replacements
E-W.2.2.2
E-W.2.2.3
E-W.2.2.4
E-W.2.2.5
E-W.2.2.6
E-W.2.2.7
Develop and implement a community-wide education and E-W.2.2 outreach campaign to provide information, incentives,
benefits, and technical support for building electrification to increase voluntary adoption of all-electric technologies.
Decarbonize existing commercial and residential buildings to reduce natural Short-term gas consumption from existing commercial buildings by 19% and natural gas consumption from existing residential buildings by 25% by 2030 or reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 10,792 MTCO2e in existing commercial and residential buildings by 2031
Low
Low
Low
Low
Sustainable Foster City Budget Medium
Sustainable Foster City Budget Medium
Sustainable Foster City Budget Medium
Sustainable Foster City Budget Low
Number of community
members assisted with
information; Number of gas
appliance replacements
Work with clean energy providers like PCE and local
installers to provide technical support to residents and businesses needing to replace gas appliances upon
burnout.
E-W.2.2
E-W.2.2
E-W.2.2
Decarbonize existing commercial and residential buildings to reduce natural Mid-term gas consumption from existing commercial buildings by 19% and natural gas consumption from existing residential buildings by 25% by 2030 or reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 10,792 MTCO2e in existing commercial and residential buildings by 2032
Number of gas appliance
replacements
Advocate for and require that financial incentive programs for electrification address fixed-income households (senior and non-senior), multi-family apartments, and restricted affordable residential units.
Decarbonize existing commercial and residential buildings to reduce natural Short-term gas consumption from existing commercial buildings by 19% and natural gas consumption from existing residential buildings by 25% by 2030 or reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 10,792 MTCO2e in existing commercial and residential buildings by 2033
Ammendments enacted
Promote awareness and understanding of electrification
options to the construction industry and the community
through education and outreach and community partners.
Decarbonize existing commercial and residential buildings to reduce natural Mid-term gas consumption from existing commercial buildings by 19% and natural gas consumption from existing residential buildings by 25% by 2030 or reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 10,792 MTCO2e in existing commercial and residential buildings by 2034
Number of outreach efforts,
Number of businesses
reached
Work with the County and regional partners, as appropriate, E-W.2.2 to create and/or implement a Home Ambassador
electrification program and promote the program to the
community.
Decarbonize existing commercial and residential buildings to reduce natural Mid-term gas consumption from existing commercial buildings by 19% and natural gas consumption from existing residential buildings by 25% by 2030 or reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 10,792 MTCO2e in existing commercial and residential buildings by 2035
Low-
Moderate
Sustainable Foster City Budget; Low
grants
Number of home
ambassadors; Number of
electrification events
Incentivize electric panel upgrades in existing residential and E-W.2.2 office buildings to accommodate all-electric technologies.
Decarbonize existing commercial and residential buildings to reduce natural Mid-term gas consumption from existing commercial buildings by 19% and natural gas consumption from existing residential buildings by 25% by 2030 or reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 10,792 MTCO2e in existing commercial and residential buildings by 2036
Low-
Moderate
Sustainable Foster City Budget; Medium
grants
Number of panels upgraded
E-W.2.3.1
E-W.2.3.2
E-W.2.4.1
E-W.3.1.1
Until PCE's ECOplus becomes 100% renewable (estimated E-W.2.3 by 2025), promote and expand the community’s
participation in Peninsula Clean Energy’s ECO100 product.
Support Peninsula Clean Energy in providing 100% carbon-neutral electricity Short-term by 2030 and maintaina Peninsula Clean Energy opt-out rate of less than 2% for residential customers and 3% for commercial customers by 2030 Low
Low
Low
High
Sustainable Foster City Budget High
Sustainable Foster City Budget Low
Number of opt-outs; Number
of outreach efforts
Collaborate with PCE and community-based organizations E-W.2.3 to conduct educational outreach to maintain the reduced opt-out rate levels in the community
Support Peninsula Clean Energy in providing 100% carbon-neutral electricity Short-term by 2030 and maintaina Peninsula Clean Energy opt-out rate of less than 2% for residential customers and 3% for commercial customers by 2030 Number of opt-outs; Numer of
outreach efforts
Adopt a single margin source energy score that exceeds
state minimums for all applicable building types during the Foster City Building Code 2025 cycle
E-W.2.4 Adopt a single margin source energy score for new residential and commercial Mid-Term construction that exceeds the State's minimum standards by 2026 General Fund High
Low
Reach Codes adopted
Continue to promote water conservation programs and
incentives.
E-W.3.1 Reduce water consumption by 5% by 2030 and 15% by 2045 Short-term Rebates: Tier 2 Conservation Rates
Number of rebates provided;
Number of developments
achieving neutralityWater Neutrality: Developers
Ordinances: CITY funding
sources
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CITY OF FOSTER CITY CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
TRANSPORTATION & LAND USE GOALS
T-L.1 Reduce vehicle miles traveled in the City
T-L.2 Decarbonize transportation
T-L.3 Increase walkability and bike ability
Short-term: by end of year 1
Mid-term: by end of end of year 3
Long-term: by end of year 5
Timeline
Low: $0 – $10,000
Moderate: $10,000 – $100,000
High: $100,000 – $1,000,000
Action ID Action Name Strategy ID Strategy Cost Funding Source GHG Impact Success Criteria & KPI's T-L.1.1.1 Work with Commute.org and SamTrans to maximize ridership by making transit more frequent, accessible, cost- beneficial, and convenient through the expansion and/or improvement of transit routes, schedules, and bus shelters.
T-L.1.1 Reduce vehicle miles traveled commuting to work. Short-term Low Sustainable Foster City Budget Low Transit Ridership T-L.1.1.2
T-L.1.1.3
Work with small business owners to provide “first and last mile” programs to maximize utilization of public transit.
T-L.1.1
T-L.1.1
Reduce vehicle miles traveled commuting to work.
Reduce vehicle miles traveled commuting to work.
Mid-term Low
Low
Sustainable Foster City Budget Low
Sustainable Foster City Budget Low
Transit Ridership
Transit RidershipContinue collaborating with transit and transportation operators to develop shorter route shuttle programs serving residents, similar to Commute.org’s shuttle program.
Short-term
T-L.1.1.4 Continue working with Commute.org, Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), and the Bay Area Air
Quality Management District (BAAQMD) to promote
transportation demand programs to local employers,
including rideshare matching programs, vanpool incentive programs, emergency ride home programs, telecommuting,
transit use discounts and subsidies, showers and changing facilities, bicycle racks and lockers, and other incentives to use transportation other than single occupant vehicles.
T-L.1.1 Reduce vehicle miles traveled commuting to work. Short-term Low Sustainable Foster City Budget Low Transit Ridership T-L.1.1.5 Work with MTC to identify and notify non-compliant businesses in Foster City and encourage their participation in providing transportation demand management programs.
T-L.1.1 Reduce vehicle miles traveled commuting to work.
Reduce vehicle miles traveled commuting to work.
Mid-term Low Sustainable Foster City Budget Low
Sustainable Foster City Budget Low
Transit Ridership
T-L.1.1.6
T-L.2.1.1
T-L.2.1.2
Continue to require program support through City
Development Agreements and Conditions of Approval
T-L.1.1
T-L.2.1
Short-term Low
Low
Low
Number of Development
Agreements
Increase community knowledge of rebates and incentives
for ZEV adoption.
Increase passenger ZEV adoption to 31% and commercial ZEV adoption to 25% by 2030.
Short-term
Short-term
CITY funding sources unless
other sources identified in
Low Existence of perpetually
functioning web link
As the state provides information, document the number of T-L.2.1 new-vehicle registrations for passenger vehicles that are for zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), including plug-in electric vehicles (EVs) and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles, as a means of evaluating outreach effectiveness and in
Increase passenger ZEV adoption to 31% and commercial ZEV adoption to 25% by 2030.
Sustainable Foser City Budget Low Information obtained from the State
preparation of the State of California’s restriction on the sale of gas-powered automobiles by 2035.
T-L.2.1.3
T-L.2.1.4
T-L.2.1.5
T-L.2.1.6
T-L.2.2.1
T-L.2.2.2
Institute and/or promote financial incentives that encourage T-L.2.1 building EV chargers and discourage using vehicles with internal combustion engines.
Increase passenger ZEV adoption to 31% and commercial ZEV adoption to 25% by 2030.
Mid-Term
Short-term
Short-term
Short-term
Short-term
Mid-term
Moderate
Low
Sustainable Foser City Budget Med Number of incentives used; Number of outreach
events/residents
Pursue opportunities to expand the City’s EV charging
network by identifying suitable Level 2 and Level 3 DC fast charging locations both in public and private locations.
T-L.2.1
T-L.2.1
T-L.2.1
T-L.2.2
T-L.2.2
Increase passenger ZEV adoption to 31% and commercial ZEV adoption to 25% by 2030.
CITY funding sources unless
other sources identified in
future
Low Completed EV fleet
conversion plan
Facilitate public private partnerships and streamlining permits to install 313 publicly accessible EV chargers in Foster City by 2030
Increase passenger ZEV adoption to 31% and commercial ZEV adoption to 25% by 2030.
Low Sustainable Foser City Budget Med Number of EV charging stations installed
Participate in regional and coordinated local procurement efforts, outreach activities, and planning initiatives
Increase passenger ZEV adoption to 31% and commercial ZEV adoption to 25% by 2030.
Low CITY funding sources unless
other sources identified in
future
Low
Low
Med
Number of outrach
events/people, Number of
participants
Use code enforcement to help support CARB's Small
Offroad Engine (SORE) ban on fossil fuel equipment use.
Decarbonize 18% of gas-powered equipment by 2030
Decarbonize 18% of gas-powered equipment by 2030
Low CITY funding sources unless
other sources identified in
future
Number of code enforcement
complaints and resolutions
Develop an off-road incentive and technical assistance
program for SORE users transitioning to ZEV
Moderate CITY funding sources unless
other sources identified in
future
Number of outrach
events/people, Number of
incentives used
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CITY OF FOSTER CITY CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
Action ID
T-L.3.1.1
Action Name Strategy ID Strategy
T-L.3.1 Increase the community’s active transportation mode share to 4% by 2030 Timeline
Mid-term
Cost
Low
Funding Source
Fund 128 - General Plan Update Low
Fund and Grant Funding
GHG Impact Success Criteria & KPI's
Existance of Bike/Ped Plan
that can inform Mobility
Priority Policy
Adopt a mobility priority policy with the General Plan as follows: 1) walk (persons with disabilities, pedestrians); 2) micro-mobility (including bicycles); 3) transit and shuttle; 4) drop-off and pick-up (ride share and taxi); and 5) auto (motorcycle, carpool/vanpool, carshare, and SOV).
T-L.3.1.2 Promote safe bicycling and micromobility through outreach T-L.3.1 channels and partner agencies, including e-bikes, electric scooters, and electric skateboards.
Increase the community’s active transportation mode share to 4% by 2030 Short-term Low Can be accomplished through Low normal PD workflow
Percentage of residents using
alternative transportation to
get to school, Number/trend
of accidents using alternative
transportation methods
T-L.3.1.3
T-L.3.1.4
Continue regional collaboration efforts to establish a bike and/or scooter share program.
T-L.3.1 Increase the community’s active transportation mode share to 4% by 2030 Increase the community’s active transportation mode share to 4% by 2030 Mid-term
Mid-term
Moderate
Low
Sustainable Foster City Budget Low None identified
Enhance City policies to promote shared electric bikes and T-L.3.1 scooters
Sustainable Foster City Budget; Low
GP Maint
None identified
T-L.3.1.5
T-L.3.1.6
Pilot a program to provide free or reduced-price access to e- T-L.3.1 bikes or other micro-mobility options to low-income
residents and students.
Increase the community’s active transportation mode share to 4% by 2030 Increase the community’s active transportation mode share to 4% by 2030 Mid-term Moderate
Low
Sustainable Foster City Budget Low Number of users
Continue supporting the Safe Routes to School Program and T-L.3.1 strive to increase bicycling, walking, carpooling, and public transit to school.
Short-term Streets-related funding is likely Low
to be available for these type of
improvements (Measures
Percentage of students using
alternative transportation to
get to school, Number/trend
of accidents involvingA/M/W, SB1, Gas Tax)
students using alternative
transportation methods
T-L.3.1.7 Improve curb management to prioritize rideshare parking/loading zones, scooter and bike share docks, bike parking, EV charging stations, and autonomous vehicle
loading zones.
T-L.3.1 Increase the community’s active transportation mode share to 4% by 2030 Short-term Moderate Some curb and gutter work may Low qualify for Streets funding, but
otherwise CITY funding sources
unless other sources identified
in future
Number of curb
improvements by category
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CITY OF FOSTER CITY CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
WASTE & CONSUMPTION
W-C.1 Increase diversion of materials from landfills
Short-term: by end of year 1
Mid-term: by end of end of year 3
Long-term: by end of year 5
Low: $0 – $10,000
Moderate: $10,000 – $100,000
High: $100,000 – $1,000,000
Action ID Action Name Strategy ID Strategy Timeline Cost Funding Source GHG Impact Success Criteria & KPI's W-C.1.1.1 Achieve an increased waste diversion rate through a combination of efforts, including promoting traditional recycling and organics recycling programs and local
enforcement of recycling requirements.
W-C.1.1
W-C.1.1
W-C.1.1
Significantly reduce organic waste to landfills Mid-term Moderate Solid Waste Rates Low Low
Low
Waste diversion rate
W-C.1.1.2
W-C.1.1.3
Require regular residential and commercial waste audits and waste characterization studies to identify opportunities for increased diversion and to track progress in meeting targets.
Significantly reduce organic waste to landfills
Significantly reduce organic waste to landfills
Mid-term
Mid-term
Moderate
Low
Solid Waste Rates
Solid Waste Rates
Number of Audits and Waste
Characterization Studies
Encourage and facilitate commercial and multifamily
property owners to require responsible use of on-site
recycling facilities in lease and rental agreements and to train and regularly evaluate janitorial, landscape, and other property management services.
Waste diversion rate for MFD
and Comm sectors;
Percentage of properties
including waste clauses in
contracts
W-C.1.1.4 Promote reuse, repair, and recycling of inorganic materials, W-C.1.1 and encourage reduced use of packaging and single-use
items through engagement campaigns.
Significantly reduce organic waste to landfills Short-term Low CITY funding sources unless Low other sources identified in
future
Number of events promoted;
Number of events hosted;
Number of FC residents
participating in events;
Number of outreach
campaigns
W-C.1.1.5
W-C.1.1.6
Consider City policy to encourage and provide resources for W-C.1.1 all City Events (those sponsored by or using City facilities) to be low to zero-waste events.
Significantly reduce organic waste to landfills
Significantly reduce organic waste to landfills
Short-term
Short-term
Low
Low
FUND 129 Construction and Low
Demolition Deposit
Forfeitures, donations
Existence of Event Policy;
Waste diversion rate, # of zero-
waste of events; Amount of
waste diverted per
event/quarter
Embark on an educational and social marketing-based
campaign to increase recycling, composting, reuse, and
waste reduction at public facilities.
W-C.1.1 Solid Waste Rates
Solid Waste Rates
Low
Low
Number and reach of
outreach campaigns
W-C.1.2.1
W-C.1.2.2
Align with SB 1383 requirements to procure and apply 1,581 W-C.1.2 tons of compost annually by 2030.
Annually procure and apply 1,581 tons of compost by 2030 Annually procure and apply 1,581 tons of compost by 2030 Short-term
Short-term
Low
Low
Amount of compost procured
Amount of Compost diveretedCollaborate with San Mateo County to identify locations within the county to apply compost if locations within the City cannot be identified.
W-C.1.2 CITY funding sources unless Low
other sources identified in
future
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CITY OF FOSTER CITY CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
CLIMATE RESILIENCY & LEADERSHIP
C-L.1 Educate and support the whole community to live sustainability C-L.2 Prepare for and adapt to a rising sea level and climate change Short-term: by end of year 1 Low: $0 – $10,000
Mid-term: by end of end of year 3 Moderate: $10,000 – $100,000 Long-term: by end of year 5 High: $100,000 – $1,000,000 Action ID
C-L.1.1.1
Action Short Name Strategy ID Strategy (& Anticipated GHG Reduction) Timeline Short-term
Cost
Moderate
Funding Source
General Fund, grants
GHG Impact
Mod
Success Criteria & KPI's
GHG reduction from BAU
design
Encourage all new municipal buildings and facilities to meet C-L.1.1 a minimum LEED silver standards as outlined by the US
Green Building Council or equivalent green building rating system. Encourage feasibility studies for zero net energy use, on-site renewable energy generation, and on-site
batteries for municipal buildings and facilities.
Collaborate with community stakeholders to create Local Climate Action Programs that empower individuals to make behavioral changes C-L.1.1.2
C-L.1.1.3
C-L.1.1.4
Track and report progress towards achieving the City’s
greenhouse gas reduction goal - updating a Climate Action Dashboard for Community use.
C-L.1.1
C-L.1.1
C-L.1.1
Collaborate with community stakeholders to create Local Climate Action Programs that empower individuals to make behavioral changes Mid-Term
Short-term
Long-term
Low Sustainable Foster City Budget
Sustainable Foster City Budget
Sustainable Foster City Budget
Low
Low
Low
None identified
None identified
new GHG inventory
Regularly benchmark the environmental performance of
municipal buildings, landscaping, parks and facilities, including energy and water use.
Collaborate with community stakeholders to create Local Climate Action Programs that empower individuals to make behavioral changes Low
Prepare an inventory of emissions from municipal
operations every five years, establish a GHG reduction
target, and develop a work plan to reduce municipal
emissions to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045.
Collaborate with community stakeholders to create Local Climate Action Programs that empower individuals to make behavioral changes Moderate
C-L.1.1.5 Seek funding opportunities to support implementation of greenhouse gas reduction projects, exploring grant funding, rebates, and other incentive opportunities.
C-L.1.1 Collaborate with community stakeholders to create Local Climate Action Programs that empower individuals to make behavioral changes Short-term Low Sustainable Foster City Budget Low Number of grants applied for and received
C-L.1.1.6
C-L.2.1.1
Create robust education and marketing Climate Action
Programs to support the Community’s sustainability goals.
C-L.1.1
C-L.2.1
Collaborate with community stakeholders to create Local Climate Action Programs that empower individuals to make behavioral changes Short-term
Mid-Term
Low
Low
Sustainable Foster City Budget
Sustainable Foster City Budget
Low
Low
Number of community
members reached
Coordinate and integrate climate adaptation planning
consistently throughout related City plans, including but not limited to the General Plan and its Safety Element, Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP), sea level rise adaptation plans, and emergency and capital improvement plans.
Develop adaptation strategies to assist the Foster City community to the effects of climate change.
None identified
C-L.2.1.2
C-L.2.1.3
Ensure fair and robust inclusion of lower-income C-L.2.1 C-L.2.1
Develop adaptation strategies to assist the Foster City community to the effects of climate change.
Short-term
Long-term
Low Sustainable Foster City Budget
Genral Fund
Low
Low
Number of low-income
community members
reached
households and diverse communities in the planning and
response to climate change impacts, including sea level rise, wildfire, public health, and emergency preparedness.
Seek opportunities to increase the City's tree canopy to combat extreme heat
Develop adaptation strategies to assist the Foster City community to the effects of climate change.
Low to
Moderate
Number of new trees planted
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City of Foster City Climate Action Plan
Appendix F
Development Checklist
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The Bay Area Air Quality Management
District (BAAQMD) has analyzed the
requirements for new land-use develop-
ment projects to support California’s
long-term climate goal of reaching car-
bon neutrality by 2045. Based on this
analysis, the Air District has determined
that a new land use development project
initiated today must incorporate specific
design elements to contribute its “fair
share” toward achieving carbon neutrali-
ty by 2045. The full document “Air Quali-
ty Guidelines Appendix B: CEQA Thresh-
olds for Evaluating the Significance of
Climate Impacts From Land Use Projects
and Plans” can be found here: https://
tinyurl.com/yzp5dhw2.
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Substantial Evidence Memorandum
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions
Technical Memorandum
prepared for
City of Foster City
Community Development Department
610 Foster City Boulevard
Foster City, California 94404
prepared by
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
449 15th Street, Suite 303
Oakland, California 94612
October 2024
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Table of Contents
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions Technical Memorandum i Table of Contents
1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 GHG Emission Reduction Targets........................................................................................ 1
1.2 Mitigation Measures and Actions Organization ................................................................. 2
1.3 GHG Emissions Reductions ................................................................................................. 2 2 Sector E-W: Energy and Water ....................................................................................................... 5 3 Sector T-L: Transportation and Land Use .....................................................................................12 4 Sector W-C: Waste and Consumption ..........................................................................................17 Tables
Table 1 Foster City CAP GHG Emission Reduction Summary by GHG Mitigation Measure ............ 3 Table 2 City of Foster City’s GHG Emissions Reductions Pathway .................................................. 4 Table 4 Sector E-W: Energy and Water GHG Emission Reduction Summary .................................. 5 Table 4 Sector T-L: Transportation and Land Use GHG Emission Reduction Summary ................ 12 Table 5 Sector W-C: Waste and Consumption GHG Emission Reduction Summary ..................... 17
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Introduction
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions Technical Memorandum 1 1 Introduction
This technical memorandum presents the quantification and substantial evidence that supports the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction potential of the City of Foster City’s Climate Action Plan (CAP). This report supports the CAP’s classification as a qualified GHG reduction plan. The CAP is Foster City’s plan to reduce GHG emissions and address climate change. It includes measures and actions to reduce GHG emissions within the community. The measures identify specific goals and GHG reductions necessary to achieve the community’s GHG reduction targets. The actions under each measure represent the specific steps the City and community will implement through 2030 to support each measure and reduce GHG emissions.
Section 15183.5(b)(1) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) guidelines establishes several criteria which a plan must meet to be considered a qualified GHG reduction plan and allow for programmatic CEQA streamlining of project GHG emissions. This report details the evidence substantiating the GHG emissions reductions associated with the CAP’s measures pursuant to Subsection (D) which requires measures or a group of measures, including performance standards, that substantial evidence demonstrates, if implemented on a project-by-project basis, would collectively achieve the specified GHG emissions level. This report demonstrates the measures in the CAP provide the GHG emission reductions necessary to meet the City’s 2030 GHG emission reduction target, which aligns with the State’s GHG emission reduction goal established by Senate Bill (SB) 32 and make substantial progress towards the City’s 2045 target which aligns with the State’s goal established by Assembly Bill (AB) 1279.1
Mechanisms to monitor the implementation of the CAP and its progress toward achieving the City’s GHG emission reduction targets are included in the CAP, as required in CEQA Guidelines Section 15183.5(b)(e). If, based on the tracking of community GHG emissions, the City is not on track to reach the 2030 GHG emission reductions specified in this report, the CAP as a whole or specific measures and actions will be amended. Based on these amendments, a CAP Update will be prepared that includes altered or additional measures and actions, with evidence that their implementation can achieve the City’s 2030 GHG emission reduction target and make substantial progress towards the City’s 2045 target.
1.1 GHG Emission Reduction Targets
The City of Foster City’s GHG emission reduction targets align with California’s goal to reduce GHG emissions 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 (SB 32) and California’s goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045 (AB 1279) defined as reducing GHG emissions at least 85 percent below 1990 levels and removing or sequestering the remaining GHG emissions.
Foster City’s short- and long-term GHG emission reduction targets are:
▪ Reduce GHG emissions 49 percent below 2005 levels by 2030; and ▪ Reduce GHG emissions 88 percent below 2005 levels by 2045.
1 SB 32 established the State goal to reduce GHG emission 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030. AB 1279 established the State goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045. The State defines carbon neutrality as net zero carbon emissions, which is achieved by reducing GHG emissions at least 85 percent below 1990 levels and removing the remaining emissions.
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2 1.2 Mitigation Measures and Actions Organization
As part of the CAP process, Foster City has developed a comprehensive set of measures and actions to reduce communitywide GHG emissions to achieve the City’s 2030 GHG emission reduction target.
The GHG mitigation measures and actions are organized according to the following hierarchy:
▪ Sectors: Sectors define the GHG emissions category in which the GHG reductions will occur. The sectors include:
Energy and Water (E-W)
Transportation and Land Use (T-L)
Waste and Consumption (W-C)
Climate Resiliency and Leadership (C-L)
▪ Measures: Measures identify specific goals and GHG reductions necessary to address GHG emissions in each sector and achieve the community’s GHG reduction targets. The reduction of GHG emissions is included for each measure, if quantifiable. ▪ Actions: Actions are the specific steps the City and community will implement to support each measure, which will accomplish the measure goal together. Actions specifically identify the mechanisms required for implementation. Measures and actions can be either quantitative or supportive, depending on whether they directly result in GHG emissions reductions or instead support reductions (for example, the development of partnerships or education programs) This memorandum identifies the measures that are quantifiable (i.e., include GHG emissions reductions) and provides a complete description of their contribution to achieving the City of Foster City’s 2030 GHG emission reduction target. Likewise, this report only details the quantitative actions that enable each GHG mitigation measure. The measures and actions that do not include GHG emissions reductions are excluded from this memorandum because they do not contribute directly to achieving and making progress towards the City’s GHG emission reduction targets. These measures and actions are nonetheless critical to the overall success of the CAP. Detail on the measures and acions without GHG emissions reductions can be found in the CAP.
1.3 GHG Emissions Reductions
Table 1 summarizes the GHG mitigation measures and the GHG emission reductions they would achieve in 2030 and 2045 upon the implementation of their actions.
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Introduction
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions Technical Memorandum 3 Table 1 Foster City CAP GHG Emission Reduction Summary by GHG Mitigation Measure Measure ID Measure Text
2030 GHG Emission
Reduction Potential
(MT CO2e)
Sector E-W: Energy and Water
Measure E-W.2.2 Decarbonize existing commercial and residential buildings to reduce natural gas consumption from existing commercial buildings by 19% and natural gas consumption from existing residential buildings by 25% by 2030 or reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 10,792 MT CO2e in existing commercial and residential buildings by 2030.
10,792
Measure E-W.2.3 Support Peninsula Clean Energy in providing 100% carbon neutral electricity by 2030 and maintain a Peninsula Clean Energy opt-out rate of less than 2% for residential customers and less than 2% for commercial customers by 2030.
9,825
Measure E-W.2.4 Adopt a single margin source energy score for new residential and commercial construction that exceeds the State’s minimum standards by 2026.
2,805
Sector T-L: Transportation and Land Use
Measure T-L.2.1 Increase passenger ZEV adoption to 31% by 2030 and commercial ZEV adoption to 25% by 2030.
19,581
Measure T-L.2.2 Decarbonize 18% of off-road equipment and vehicle operations by 2030. 2,594 Measure T-L.3.1 Increase the community’s active transportation mode share to 4% by 2030.
100
Sector W-C: Waste and Consumption
Measure W-C.1.2 Annually procure and apply 2,500 tons of compost by 2030. 991 Total 46,688
Together, the GHG mitigation measures and actions in the CAP provide Foster City with the GHG emission reductions necessary to achieve Foster City’s 2030 GHG emission reduction target (see Table 2). Since the CAP’s measures and actions are intended to be implemented to achieve the 2030 target and then updated in a CAP Update based on new information and future technologies, the measures do not account for progress after 2030. Therefore, due to the evolving nature of the City’s CAP, this memorandum does not quantify GHG emission reductions for 2045. The measures and actions will be updated in future CAP Updates based on information the City gains from implementing this CAP’s actions, new technologies that emerge over the time period, and new state programs and regulations that are established to reduce GHG emissions. These updates will focus on achieving the 2045 target. This CAP’s measures and actions do, however, make substantial progress on the City’s 2045 GHG emission reduction target by aligning the State’s goal for 2030 (SB 32) to put Foster City on a path to acheiveing the 2045 target (AB 1279).
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4 Table 2 City of Foster City’s GHG Emissions Reductions Pathway GHG Emission Forecast or Reduction Target 2030 GHG Emissions (MT CO2e) Business-as-usual Forecast 228,862
Adjusted Forecast 182,154
GHG Emissions Reductions (from full implementation of measures) (46,688) GHG Emissions Remaining (after Measure reductions) 135,466 GHG Emission Reduction Target 135,546
GHG Emissions Gap (between remaining GHG emissions and target) (80) Target Anticipated to be Met? Yes
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Sector E-W: Energy and Water
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions Technical Memorandum 5 2 Sector E-W: Energy and Water
The City of Foster City’s Energy and Water measures focus on electrifying residential and commercial buildings to leverage the GHG emissions reduction benefits associated with carbon- neutral electricity provided by Peninsula Clean Energy. Electrifying Foster City’s building stock consists of transitioning natural gas stationary equipment—the equipment that heats the water we use and heats and cools the spaces we live and work in—to efficient electric alternatives. When coupled with carbon-neutral electricity, all-electric buildings eliminate GHG emissions from natural gas consumption and transition to a zero-emission operational energy footprint. This characteristic is why Foster City will support Peninsula Clean Energy in providing carbon-neutral electricity to the whole community. Based on this approach, the CAP’s Energy and Water measures with GHG emission reductions consist of the measures presented in Table 3. The following subsections detail the substantial evidence and calculation methodologies used to estimate GHG emissions reductions for this sector.
Table 3 Sector E-W: Energy and Water GHG Emission Reduction Summary Measure ID Measure
2030 GHG Emission
Reductions
(MT CO2e)
E-W.2.2 Decarbonize existing commercial and residential buildings to reduce natural gas consumption from existing commercial buildings by 19% and natural gas consumption from existing residential buildings by 25% by 2030 or reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 10,792MT CO2e in existing commercial and residential buildings by 2030. 10,792
E-W.2.3 Support Peninsula Clean Energy in providing 100% carbon neutral electricity by 2030 and maintain a Peninsula Clean Energy opt-out rate of less than 2% for residential customers and less than 2% for commercial customers by 2030.
9,825
E-W.2.4 Adopt a single margin source energy score for new residential and commercial construction that exceeds the State’s minimum standards by 2026.
2,805
Total 23,423
E-W.2.2: Decarbonize existing commercial and residential buildings to reduce natural gas consumption from existing commercial buildings by 19% and natural gas consumption from existing residential buildings by 25% by 2030 or reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 10,792 MT CO2e in existing commercial and residential buildings by 2030.
Measure E-W.2.2 puts Foster City on a path to reduce existing commercial and residential natural gas consumption by 19 percent and 25 percent, respectively, by 2030 to reduce GHG emissions. The primary Actions that enable this level of adoption include:
▪ Action E-W.2.2.1 which commits the City to adopt amendments to the Foster City Building Code for Green Building, Energy, and Plumbing during the Foster City Building Code 2025 cycle, including a two-way air conditioning ordinance; and
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6 ▪ Action E-W.2.2.2 which directs the City to develop and implement a community-wide education and outreach campaign to provide information and incentives, benefits, and technical support for building electrification to increase voluntary adoption of all electric technologies.
These actions will support the Bay Area Air Quality Management District’s (BAAQMD) zero-nitrogen oxides (zero-NOx) rules and existing market trends to require and encourage the electrification of existing residential and commercial water heating and space heating and cooling appliances in Foster City and reduce the associated GHG emissions from natural gas consumption.
First, Action E-W.2.2.1’s two-way central air conditioning ordinance will work to require the electrification of central air conditioning replacements in Foster City’s residential and commercial buildings. The ordinance will require all central air conditioning unit installations and replacements be two-way, providing both heating and cooling with a single unit. The only technologies currently available that provide two-way central air conditioning are heat pumps. In Foster City’s climate zone, heat pumps are a cost-effective and energy efficient way to provide both heating and cooling in buildings due to their lower operating cost (enabled by their 300 to 400 percent energy efficiency) and their ability to replace the need for separate appliances (i.e., air conditioning unit and furnace).2,3 These heat pumps will serve to replace gas air conditioning units and gas furnaces with electric alternatives.
This quantification, however, assumes some noncompliance with the ordinance will occur and uses a compliance rate of 90 percent. The quantification applies this compliance rate to the percent of central air conditioning units reaching the end of their useful life to estimate the percent of electric or heat pump replacements that will occur each year.4, 5 The percent of annual replacements is then combined with the share of residential and commercial natural gas consumption those central air conditioning units and related space heating units account for in the average San Mateo County building.6 Once the number of units being replaced and the total gas reduced per unit electrified is known, the overall reduction in existing residential and commercial natural gas consumption from the ordinance is calculated. The reduction in natural gas consumption is slightly offset by the increased electricity usage from the new heat pumps. This additional electricity usage, however, is minimal due to the high efficiency (i.e., over 300 percent) of electric equipment and heat pumps compared to gas equipment.7 By assuming an implementation year of 2026 after the ordinance is adopted during the 2025 code cycle, Foster City can anticipate reducing overall natural gas consumption from existing residential and commercial buildings by 1,401 MT CO2e and 1,169 MT CO2e, respectively, by 2030.
2 According to the California Energy Codes and Standards’ Cost Effectiveness Explorer, all-electric construction is cost effective for all building types in Pinole except accessory dwelling units (ADUs).
California Energy Codes and Standards. Cost Effectiveness Explorer (2024). 3 Redwood Energy. A Pocket Guide to All-Electric Retrofits of Commercial Buildings (2022). Accessed at: https://assets-global.website- files.com/62b110a14473cb7777a50d28/6377e7c7fd6f8cc30f88afa7_Redwood%20Energy-s%20Pocket%20Guide%20to%20All- Electric%20Commercial%20Retrofits.pdf.
4 The share of residential and commercial buildings with central air conditioning is calculated for San Mateo County from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s (NREL) ReStock and ComStock analysis tools. The tools are available at: https://resstock.nrel.gov/. 5 The calculation sources residential and commercial air conditioning unit lifespans are from BAAQMD’s Zero-NOx rule modeling and the US Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) Updated Buildings Sector Appliance and Equipment Costs and Efficiencies report. The EIA report is available at: https://www.eia.gov/analysis/studies/buildings/equipcosts/pdf/full.pdf. 6 The share of residential and commercial natural gas consumption from space heating and cooling is calculated for San Mateo County from NREL’s ReStock and ComStock analysis tools. The tools are available at: https://resstock.nrel.gov/. 7 How efficient is a heat pump? Available at: https://help.leonardo-energy.org/hc/en-us/articles/203047881-How-efficient-is-a-heat- pump-.
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Sector E-W: Energy and Water
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions Technical Memorandum 7 Additionally, Foster City is under BAAQMD’s jurisdiction and will be affected by the amendments adopted for BAAQMD’s Rule 9-6: Nitrogen Oxides Emissions from Natural Gas-Fired Boilers and Water Heaters. These amendments, referred to herein as ‘zero-NOx rules,’ govern point of sale emission standards for small water heating systems starting January 1, 2027.8 The only technologies currently available that meet the amended rule are electric water heating systems. Although there are a range of electric alternatives (e.g. electric resistance space heating), heat pump water heaters are the most cost-effective option on the market due to their significantly higher efficiency (300 to 400 percent) and resulting lower operating costs. This measure’s quantification assumes Foster City households and businesses will replace existing small (up to 75 gallon) gas water heaters with heat pump water heaters at the end of the heaters’ useful life once the zero-NOx rule takes effect.9, 10 The percentage of replacements is then combined with the share of residential and commercial natural gas consumption attributed to space heating units in the average San Mateo County building.11 When applied to the forecasted residential and commercial natural gas consumption after new building electrification, the combination of the number of appliances replaced and the gas consumption per appliance provides the overall reduction in existing residential natural gas consumption resulting from the zero-NOx rule. From this zero-NOx rule, Foster City can anticipate reducing overall natural gas consumption from existing residential and commercial buildings by 1,518 MT CO2e and 59 MT CO2e, respectively, by 2030.
Lastly, this measure assumes Action E-W.2.2.2 will support existing electrification market trends to reduce an additional 15 percent of existing residential and commerical natural gas consumption by 2030. The calculation is based on a recent study showing significant growth in the adoption of electric heating appliances in California.12 Electric space heaters increased their market share from five percent in 2009 to 20 percent in 2019, while electric water heaters increased their market share from six percent to 11 percent over the same period. This trend is expected to continue through 2030, driven by the large amount of federal, state, regional, and local incentives available to Foster City community member.13, 14 Action E-W.2.2.2’s education and outreach campaign will help inform community members on the benefits of electrification, the availability of incentives, and the availability of technical support programs such as Peninsula Clean Energy’s design technical assistance for building upgrades.15
8 Under Rule 9-6: Nitrogen Oxides Emissions from Natural Gas-Fired Boilers and Water Heaters, small water heaters are units under 75,000 British Thermal Units (BTU)/hour.
9 The calculation assumes all residential water heaters are small water heaters that will be impacted starting January 1, 2027. The calculation estimates the share of commercial water heaters that are small and will be impacted starting January 1, 2027 from NREL’s Comstock analysis tool using San Mateo County data. The tool is available at: https://resstock.nrel.gov/. 10 The calculation sources residential and commercial water heater lifespans are from the EIA’s Updated Buildings Sector Appliance and Equipment Costs and Efficiencies report. The EIA report is available at:
https://www.eia.gov/analysis/studies/buildings/equipcosts/pdf/full.pdf. 11 The share of residential and commercial natural gas consumption from water heating is calculated for San Mateo County from NREL’s ReStock and ComStock analysis tools. The tools are available at: https://resstock.nrel.gov/. 12 Opinion Dynamics. California Heat Pump Residential Market Characterization and Baseline Study (2022). Accessed at:
https://pda.energydataweb.com/#!/documents/2625/view.
13 According to the California Energy Codes and Standards’ Cost Effectiveness Explorer, all-electric construction is cost effective for all building types in Foster City except accessory dwelling units (ADUs).
California Energy Codes and Standards. Cost Effectiveness Explorer (2024). Accessed at:
https://explorer.localenergycodes.com/jurisdiction/foster-city-city/study-results/3-PGE?only_study_type=new-buildings . 14 See the federal, state, regional, and local funding listed under Measure E-W.2.4 for new building electrification. 15 More information on Peninsula Clean Energy’s design technical assistance is available at:
https://www.peninsulacleanenergy.com/design-technical-assistance/.
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8 As such, the calculation assumes 15 percent of the natural gas consumption remaining in 2030 will be reduced through continued market trends. The 15 percent reduction is applied to forecasted residential and commercial natural gas consumption in 2030 after reductions from new building electrification, the two-way air conditioning ordinance, and BAAQMD’s zero-NOx rule for water heaters are taken into account to avoid double counting. This reduction in natural gas consumption is slightly offset by the increased electricity usage from the new heat pumps. This additional electricity usage, however, is minimal due to the high efficiency (i.e., over 300 percent) of electric equipment and heat pumps compared to gas equipment.16 With continued market trends and education support, Foster City can anticipate reducing overall natural gas consumption from existing residential and commercial buildings by 3,138 MT CO2e and 3,507 MT CO2e, respectively, by 2030.
E-W.2.3: Support Peninsula Clean Energy in providing 100% carbon neutral electricity by 2030 and maintain a Peninsula Clean Energy opt-out rate of less than 2% for residential customers and less than 2% for commercial customers by 2030
Measure E-W.2.3 aims to increase the share of Foster City’s residential and commercial electricity consumption sourced from carbon-neutral sources to 100 percent by 2030. The primary action that enables this target is Action E-W.2.3.2, which directs the City to collaborate with Peninsula Clean Energy to achieve and maintain an opt-out rate of two percent for residential customers and three percent for commercial customers in the community.
Peninsula Clean Energy currently offers an electricity option with a GHG emission rate lower than the other electricity options offered in the region. This electricity option, known as ECO100, supplies electricity sourced 100 percent from solar and wind at a GHG emissions rate of zero.17 Currently, electricity customers in Foster City are automatically enrolled in Peninsula Clean Energy’s ECOplus electricity option (with a near-zero GHG emission factor) but are allowed to opt-up to Peninsula Clean Energy’s ECO100 electricity option, opt-out to receive electricity directly from PG&E, or opt- out to procure electricity at wholesale directly from electricity generators (i.e., direct access).
However, by 2025, Peninsula Clean Energy plans to provide all customers 100 percent renewable energy on an hourly basis at cost-effective rates.18 This measure assumes Foster City will support Peninsula Clean Energy in achieving this renewable energy goal by 2025, supplying all Peninsula Clean Energy customers in Foster City with electricity sourced 100 percent from renewable to reduce such customers’ electricity GHG emissions to zero.
It is, however, conservatively assumed some customers in Foster City will opt-out of Peninsula Clean Energy. Currently, Foster City has residential and commercial Peninsula Clean Energy opt-out rates of just over two percent and just under two percent, respectively (or a Peninsula Clean Energy enrollment rate of 98 percent).19 Typical California community choice aggregation (CCA) opt-out rates are zero percent for municipal accounts, five percent for residential accounts, and 15 percent for commercial and industrial accounts.20 For example, the City of Encinitas automatically enrolled
16 https://help.leonardo-energy.org/hc/en-us/articles/203047881-How-efficient-is-a-heat-pump- 17 California Energy Commission. 2022 Power Content Label: Peninsula Clean Energy Authority. Accessed at:
https://www.energy.ca.gov/filebrowser/download/6049.
18 Peninsula Clean Energy. ACHIEVING 24/7 RENEWABLE ENERGY BY 2025 (2023). Available at:
https://www.peninsulacleanenergy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/24-7-white-paper-2023.pdf. 19 Opt-out rate information was provided by Peninsula Clean Energy via email on September 26, 2024. 20 County of Butte. July 2018. Community Choice Aggregation Initial Feasibility Study. Page 18. Accessed at:
http://buttecounty.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=2&clip_id=512&meta_id=87147
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Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions Technical Memorandum 9 community members in San Diego Community Power’s Power100 service—their 100 percent renewable and carbon-free service. With no education or incentive initiatives, Encinitas experienced a seven percent opt-out rate and has maintained it since--with increased costs cited as the primary reason for opt-out.21 As directed by Action E-W.2.3.2, Foster City will, thus, implement education initiatives to maintain a reduced opt-out rate of two percent from Peninsula Clean Energy. Studies have shown informational programs can result in up to a 70 percent implementation rate of recommended practices by participants.22 The City will, therefore, include education on the benefits of clean energy for residents and businesses to encourage customers to remain in Peninsula Clean Energy. With these factors it is assumed the City will maintain a Peninsula Clean Energy opt-out rate of two percent for residential and commercial customers in 2030.
The GHG emission reductions from this measure are calculated based on the forecasted residential and nonresidential electricity consumption and the additional electricity consumption expected from new building electrification, existing building electrification, and zero-emission vehicle adoption. The measure assumes all but two percent of this residential and nonresidential electricity consumption will be provided by Peninsula Clean Energy with a GHG emissions rate of zero. Utilizing these assumptions the quantification results in an electricity related emissions reduction of 9,825 MT CO2e in 2030.
E-W.2.4: Adopt a single margin source energy score for new residential and commercial construction that exceeds the State’s minimum standards by 2026
Measure E-W.2.4 commits the City to electrify new construction in the community. The primary actions that enable this measure are Action E-W.2.4.1 which directs the City to adopt a single margin source energy score that exceeds state minimums for all applicable building types during the Foster City Building Code 2025 cycle.
Foster City fully intends to limit new natural gas developments in the community to the extent feasible. However, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit’s decision to overturn the City of Berkeley’s natural gas regulation—the ordinance that prohibited the installation of natural gas piping within newly constructed buildings—limits the City of Foster City’s ability to establish regulations to ban new natural gas construction outright.23 Through Action E-W.2.4.1, the City will employ one of the most stringent regulations currently available to electrify all new construction in the community. Action E-W.2.4.1’s ordinance will be designed to strongly encourage electrification of new construction as a cost-effective option.
As a single margin source energy score, the ordinance would establish a low Energy Design Rating (EDR)—a scoring metric that determines a building’s compliance with California’s Building Energy Efficiency Standards—that new residential and commercial buildings in Foster City would need to meet. The EDR would be set to make electrification the most cost-effective pathway to meet the standard. However, since the ordinance does not ban natural gas infrastructure outright, this ordinance may permit some new construction to be built with natural gas. These exceptions are, however, expected to be minimal because of the cost effectiveness of new building electrification in
21 San Diego Community Power (SDCP). Presentation at the San Diego Regional Climate Collaborative’s Networking Meeting on October 17, 2023.
22 Laquatra, Joseph et al. The Consumer Education Program for Residential Energy Efficiency (2009). Accessed at:
https://archives.joe.org/joe/2009december/a6.php.
23 CRA V. City of Berkeley, No. 21-16278. Accessed at: https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/ca9/21-16278/21-16278- 2023-04-17.html.
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10 Foster City and the available incentives that will help continue the natural growth in electric space and water heater installations seen in California over the past decade.
According to a recent market study, electric space heaters have grown from a five percent market share in California in 2009 to a 20 percent market share in 2019. Likewise, electric water heaters have grown from a six percent market share in California in 2009 to an 11 percent market share in 2019.24 This natural trend is not only expected to continue through 2030 because all-electric new construction has proven to be cost-effective in Foster City for most all buildings types,25 but also be accelerated when coupled with the large amount of funding available for Foster City community members to install electric or heat pump space and water heating appliances. While the total amount of funding available will change with sunset dates and budget cycles, the currently available federal (i.e., High Efficiency Electric Home Rebate [HEEHRA], Homeowner Managing Energy Savings [HOMES] Rebate, Inflation Reduction Act), state (i.e., TEHC Clean California), regional (i.e., Bay Area Regional Energy Network [BayREN] Home+ Program, Bay Area Multifamily Building Enhancements [BAMBE] Program), and local (i.e., Peninsula Clean Energy’s rebates) funding makes it so that low- and middle-income residents in Foster City can install electric or heat pump space and water heaters at no additional cost compared to gas space and water heaters. In some cases, such customers will even be able to install the heat pump water heaters for free.26 For those minimal cases where construction with natural gas may still occur under a single margin source energy score despite cost effectiveness and incentives, this measure relies on CEQA mechanisms to require such buildings to mitigate the GHG emissions from natural gas construction.
The City will utilize the BAAQMD Consistency Checklist which calls for all-electric construction to demonstrate consistency with the State’s goals.27 Projects which do not meet these requirements will need to find other ways to demonstrate their consistency with state goals.
Thus, the GHG emission reductions from this measure are calculated based on the forecasted residential and nonresidential building growth and the assumption that 100 percent of new buildings will be all-electric. The quantification assumes the single margin source energy score will be adopted during the 2025 Building Code Cycle and implemented in 2026 with a compliance rate of 100 percent such that no gas is installed after 2026 due to the assumptions described above. If gas is installed despite the ordinances and CEQA streamlining benefits, the City will need to address this gas use as an existing building problem. However, new buildings will be prewired for all-electric appliances due to Title 24 standards, which should lower long term costs to convert. The quantification also accounts for the emissions from the increased electricity usage associated with the conversion of gas equipment to electric equipment. This additional electricity usage, however, is minimal due to the high efficiency (i.e., over 300 percent) of electric equipment and heat pumps
24 Opinion Dynamics. California Heat Pump Residential Market Characterization and Baseline Study (2022). Accessed at:
https://pda.energydataweb.com/#!/documents/2625/view.
25 According to the California Energy Codes and Standards’ Cost Effectiveness Explorer, all-electric construction is cost effective for all building types in Foster City except accessory dwelling units (ADUs).
California Energy Codes and Standards. Cost Effectiveness Explorer (2024). Accessed at:
https://explorer.localenergycodes.com/jurisdiction/foster-city-city/study-results/3-PGE?only_study_type=new-buildings. 26 Rincon Consultants, Inc. Installation Costs for Zero-NOx Space and Water Heating Appliances (2024). 27 BAAQMD. Air Quality Guidelines Appendix B: CEQA Thresholds for Evaluating the Significance of Climate Impacts from Land Use Projects and Plans (2022). Available at: https://www.baaqmd.gov/~/media/files/planning-and-research/ceqa/ceqa-guidelines- 2022/appendix-b-thresholds-for-evaluating-significance-of-climate-impacts_final- pdf.pdf?rev=10305f45037b41dba2cd1b45b288d54b&sc_lang=en.
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Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions Technical Memorandum 11 compared to gas equipment.28 Based on the assumptions listed above, this measure is expected to result in a natural gas emissions reduction of 2,805 MT CO2e in 2030.
28 How efficient is a heat pump? Available at: https://help.leonardo-energy.org/hc/en-us/articles/203047881-How-efficient-is-a-heat- pump-.
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12 3 Sector T-L: Transportation and Land Use
Foster City’s Transportation and Land Use sector aims to reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) through active transportation and leverage renewable and carbon-free electricity to reduce GHG emissions from the remaining VMT. Reducing VMT consists of transitioning Foster City’s residents and visitors out of single-occupancy vehicles and into active transportation mode options (i.e., walking and biking). The remaining VMT will then be decarbonized by increasing the adoption of zero-emission vehicles (ZEV). When combined with renewable and carbon-free electricity, electric vehicles (EV) eliminate GHG emissions from fossil fuel combustion. Additionally, the strategy targets off-road equipment and vehicles for decarbonization through electrification. Based on this approach, the CAP’s Transportation and Land Use strategy consists of the following measures presented in Table 4. The subsections below detail the substantial evidence and calculation methodologies used to estimate the GHG emission reductions associated with this sector.
Table 4 Sector T-L: Transportation and Land Use GHG Emission Reduction Summary Measure
ID Measure
2030 GHG
Emission
Reductions
(MT CO2e)
T-L.2.1 Increase the passenger ZEV adoption to 31% by 2030 and commercial ZEV adoption to 25% by 2030.
19,581
T-L.2.2 Decarbonize 18% of off-road equipment and vehicle operations by 2030. 2,594 T-L.3.1 Increase the community’s active transportation mode share to 4% by 2030. 100 Total 22,274
T-L.2.1: Increase passenger ZEV adoption to 31% by 2030 and commercial ZEV adoption to 25% by 2030.
Measure T-L.2.1 aims to increase passenger ZEV adoption in Foster City to 31 percent by 2030 and commercial ZEV adoption to 25 percent by 2030. Passenger VMT includes automobiles and light- duty trucks while commercial VMT includes medium- and heavy-duty (MDHD) vehicles and trucks as well as buses.29 The primary actions that enable this measure include a focus on publicly accessible EV chargers and compliance with the State’s MDHD vehicle goals and regulations.
While the State is anticipated to reach a 26 percent ZEV adoption rate for passenger vehicles by 2030,30 Foster City plans to exceed this goal by increasing EV charging infrastructure within the City.
The primary action that enables this measure is Action T-L.2.1.5 which focuses on the installation of publicly accessible EV chargers. Action T-L.2.1.5 directs Foster City to facilitate the installation of 313
29 Forecasted VMT is disaggregated by fuel. This measure assumes all diesel VMT is associated with MDHD vehicles and can thus be considered commercial VMT.
30 Based on the ZEV goals for passenger vehicles established by Executive Order N-79-20, eight million zero-emission vehicles are anticipated statewide by 2030. Pinole calculated that these eight million zero-emission vehicles represent 26 percent of the total passenger vehicles expected statewide by 2030 (based on statewide passenger car and light-duty truck counts in 2016 and population estimates for 2016 and 2030).
Crisostomo, Noel et al. Assembly Bill 2127 Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Assessment: Analyzing Charging Needs to Support Zero- Emission Vehicles in 2030. Accessed at: Calmatters.org/environment/2023/03/california-electric-cars- demographics/?utm_id=91724&sfmc_id=4863450.
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Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions Technical Memorandum 13 publicly accessible EV chargers by 2030—the number of public EV chargers needed to support the City’s 31 percent passenger ZEV adoption target—through public-private partnerships and permit streamlining.
This action focuses on public EV chargers because studies have consistently found that limited charging infrastructure is one of the primary barriers to EV adoption.31, 32 Publicly accessible EV chargers make owning an electric vehicle convenient for all drivers—including those who cannot charge at home or drive daily distances longer than their EV battery range. Public charging is especially important for multifamily housing which can be difficult to retrofit for EV charging.
According to a recent study on public charging infrastructure needs, it is expected that 20 percent of EV charging nationally will occur at publicly accessible chargers in 2030.33 This action’s quantification is based on the U.S. Department of Energy’s Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Projection Tool outputs for the San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley Metropolitan Area.34 The tool is used to calculate the number of publicly accessible EV chargers needed in Foster City to support a 31 percent passenger ZEV adoption in 2030. The quantification assumes all ZEVs will be EVs to remain conservative in the plan for EV chargers. The quantification subtracts the number of existing EV chargers in Foster City from the model outputs to calculate the number of new public EV chargers needed by 2030.35 As such, Foster City will need to install 313 new publicly accessible EV chargers by 2030 to support a 31 percent passenger ZEV adoption rate. Due to the large amount of state and federal funding available to support California’s need for over one million public and shared chargers by 2030 (to meet Executive Order B-48-18’s ZEV goals), it is expected that these chargers are economically feasible and will be implemented through public-private funding and partnerships and permit streamlining.36 The City has recently demonstrated this approach through the installation of several DC Fast Charging stations at the Foster City Library.37 The GHG emission reductions from this measure are calculated based on the reduction in passenger VMT fossil fuel consumption due to the conversion to EV’s.38 First, the VMT reductions from Measure T-L.3.1’s active transportation initiatives are subtracted from the forecasted passenger VMT to avoid double counting VMT reductions. The remaining passenger VMT is then paired with the increase in EV adoption above the forecasted EV adoption baseline (i.e., the difference between the ZEV adoption target and the Adjusted Forecast which accounts for State programs). The result is the amount of fossil fuel powered passenger VMT that will be reduced through this measure. The
31 Kumar, Rajeev Ranjan and Kumar Alok. Adoption of Electric Vehicle: A Literature Review and Prospects for Sustainability (2020).
Accessed at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S095965261934781X. 32 Winjobi, Olumide and Kelly, Jarod. Used Plug-in Electric Vehicles as a Means of Transportation Equity in Low-Income Households (2021). Accessed at: https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1658592. 33 Kampshoff, Philipp et al. Building the Electric-Vehicle Charging Infrastructure America Needs (2022). Accessed at:
https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/public-sector/our-insights/building-the-electric-vehicle-charging-infrastructure-america-needs. 34 U.S. Department of Energy. Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Projection Tool (EVI-Pro) Lite. Accessed at: https://afdc.energy.gov/evi-pro- lite.
35 PlugShare. EV Charging Stations in Foster City. Available at: https://www.plugshare.com/directory/us/california/foster-city. 36Office of Governor Gavin Newsom. California Building Bigger, Better Zero-Emission Charging Network. Accessed at:
http://www.gov.ca.gov/2024/02/14/california-building-bigger-better-zero-emission-charging-network/.
Caltrans. California Investing in EV Charging Reliability Statewide with $63 Million in Federal Funding (2024). Accessed at:
https://dot.ca.gov/news-releases/news-release-2024-002.
California Energy Commission (CEC). Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Assessment-AB 2127. Accessed at:
https://www.energy.ca.gov/data-reports/reports/electric-vehicle-charging-infrastructure-assessment-ab-2127. 37 City of Foster City. Electric Vehicle Charging Station Open at the Library Parking Lot. Available at:
https://www.fostercity.org/community/page/electric-vehicle-charging-station-open-library-parking-lot-%E2%80%93-ribbon-cutting-june-
25. 38 Forecasted VMT is disaggregated by fuel. This measure assumes all gasoline VMT is associated with light-duty vehicles and can thus be considered passenger VMT.
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14 resulting GHG emissions reductions are slightly offset by the increase in electricity usage from the new EVs. Based on the assumptions listed above, this measure is estimated to reduce passenger VMT GHG emissions by 17,302 MT CO2e in 2030.
For commercial VMT, the measure’s targets are in line with the State’s goals and regulations for MDHD vehicles and buses. California is working towards achieving Executive Order (EO) N-79-20, which aims to reach a 100 percent zero-emission drayage truck population by 2035 and 100 percent zero-emission MDHD vehicle population by 2045. To reach these goals, CARB has adopted the Advanced Clean Trucks regulation which regulates the sale of MDHD vehicles in California and the Advanced Clean Fleets regulation which regulates the purchase and use of zero-emission MDHD vehicles in public and private fleets in California. These regulations have increasing requirements for zero-emission MDHD vehicle sales and use to mandate the phase-in of commercial ZEVs. For example, by 2030, the Advanced Clean Fleets regulation requires 10 percent of sleeper cab tractors and specialty vehicles, 25 percent of pickup trucks and day cab tractors, and 50 percent of box trucks, vans, and package delivery vehicles in a fleet to be zero-emission. Additionally, the State has adopted zero-emission regulations for transit buses including the Innovative Clean Transit rule which requires 100 percent of new transit bus purchases to be to be zero-emission starting in 2029 and 100 percent of transit bus fleets to be zero-emission by 2040.
Overall, it is estimated that compliance with these zero-emission regulations for MDHD vehicles in Foster City will equate to at least a 25 percent commercial ZEV adoption.39 The GHG emissions reductions from this measure’s compliance with state regulations are calculated based on the reduction in fossil fuel powered commercial VMT from the increase in EV adoption.40 The commercial VMT is paired with the increase in EV adoption above the forecasted EV adoption baseline (i.e., the difference between the ZEV adoption target and the Adjusted Forecast). The result is the amount of fossil fuel powered commercial VMT that will be reduced through this measure.
The resulting GHG emissions reductions are slightly offset by the increase in electricity usage from the new EVs. Based on the assumptions listed above, this measure is estimated to reduce commercial VMT GHG emissions by 2,279 MT CO2e in 2030.
T-L.2.2: Decarbonize 18% of off-road equipment operations by 2030.
Measure T-L.2.2 aims for Foster City to decarbonize 18 percent of off-road vehicle and equipment use in the community by 2030. The primary action that enables this measure is Action T-L.2.2.1 which commits the City to enforce the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) Small Offroad Engine (SORE) ban on fossil fuel equipment use through a local code and compliance with the State’s off- road decarbonization goals and regulations.
CARB’s SORE regulation bans the sale of off-road vehicles and equipment with gasoline- and diesel- powered SOREs starting in 2024 and bans the sale of gasoline- and diesel-powered portable generators starting in 2028. As defined by CARB, SORE are those equipment types with rated power at or below 19 kilowatts (i.e., 25 horsepower). Typical off-road vehicle and equipment types that use these engines include lawn and garden equipment, portable generators, and pressure washers.41 In
39 For example, the Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA) completed a Zero-Emission Vehicle Readiness Plan in 2024. The plan assessed their existing MDHD vehicle fleet and estimated over 30 percent of their fleet would need to be zero-emission by 2030 to comply with the Advanced Clean Fleets regulation.
IEUA. Draft Zero-Emission Vehicle Readiness Plan (2024). 40 Forecasted VMT is disaggregated by fuel. This measure assumes all gasoline VMT is associated with light-duty vehicles and can thus be considered passenger VMT.
41 California Air Resources Board. SORE Applicability Fact Sheet (2021). Accessed at: https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/resources/fact-sheets/sore- applicability-fact-sheet.
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Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions Technical Memorandum 15 2030, SOREs will compromise over 13 percent of the off-road vehicle and equipment fuel used in Foster City.42 Thus, by enforcing CARB’s ban on fossil fuel-powered off-road equipment and vehicle sales, Foster City will effectively reduce 13 percent of the community’s off-road fuel usage as the equipment need replacement.
This SORE decarbonization and remaining five percent of off-road fuel usage decarbonization in other equipment types will also be supported by Action T-L.2.2.2’s incentive and technical assistance program. The program will connect Foster City community members to available incentives to transition to zero-emission off-road equipment and vehicles (e.g., CARB’s Clean Off- road Equipment Voucher Incentive Program) and help them identify such zero-emission alternatives for their fleet. This measure aligns with CARB’s SORE regulation and EO N‑79‑20’s statewide goal to transition off-road vehicles and equipment operations to 100 percent zero-emission by 2035.
In addition, this target will be supported by CARB’s regulations for larger off-road equipment to use renewable diesel. CARB’s 2022 amendment to the In-Use Off-Road Diesel-Fueled Fleets Regulation sets requirements on the procurement and use of renewable diesel—a low-emission, direct substitute for conventional diesel. Starting in 2024, any person, business, or government agency who owns or operates vehicles with a diesel-fueled or alternative diesel fueled off-road compression-ignition engine with maximum power of 25 horsepower or greater are required to procure and only use renewable diesel (i.e., 100 percent renewable diesel or a 99 percent renewable diesel blend).43,44 This regulation will effectively reduce emissions from Foster City’s diesel, non-SORE which, in 2030, will account for 49 percent of Foster City’s off-road fuel usage. To remain conservative, the calculation assumes an 18 percent reduction in off-road emissions by 2030.
The GHG emission reductions are based on the forecasted off-road equipment and vehicle fuel usage and a 18 percent reduction from SORE and renewable diesel requirements. The calculation results in a 2,594 MT CO2e reduction in off-road equipment and vehicle emissions by 2030.
T-L.3.1: Increase the community’s active transportation mode share to 4% by 2030.
Measure T-L.3.1 aims to increase Foster City’s active transportation mode share to four percent by 2030, from the City’s 2022 active transportation mode share of 2.8 percent (1.5 percent pedestrian mode share and 1.8 percent bicycle mode share).45 Foster City is currently developing a Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan (BPMP) to address bicycle and pedestrian safety and needs throughout the City.
The objective of the BPMP is to incorporate previous transportation studies (e.g., Foster City’s Bicycle Network Assessment and Safe Routes to School Assessment) and new analysis into a plan that examines bicycle and pedestrian safety and needs within the City, creating a comprehensive
42 Foster City’s SORE fuel usage in 2030 was estimated by filtering CARB OFFROAD2021 model outputs for San Mateo County in 2030 for horsepower ratings less than or less than 25. The results were divided by the total estimated off-road fuel usage in San Mateo County in 2030 to estimate the share, or percentage, of fuel usage attributable to SOREs. This methodology assumes Foster City’s off-road fuel usage will reflect that of San Mateo County’s.
43 CARB. Final Regulation Order. Amendments to Sections 2449, 2449.1, and 2449.2, Title 13, California Code of Regulations. Available at:
https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/sites/default/files/barcu/regact/2022/off-roaddiesel/froa-1.pdf#page=88. 44 CARB. Fact Sheet: Renewable Diesel Fuel Requirements. Available at: https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/resources/fact-sheets/fact-sheet- renewable-diesel-fuel-requirements.
45 US Census Bureau. 2022: ACS 5-Year Estimates Subject Tables. S0801|Communting Characteristics by Sex. Accessed at:
https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2022.S0801?t=Commuting&g=160XX00US0625338,0657288.
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16 document that prioritizes Safe Routes to School, the City’s existing Complete Streets Policy and multi-modal transportation throughout the City. The plan will build upon several existing transportation planning efforts and provide Public Works with the knowledge to enhance the City’s existing bicycle and pedestrian facilities and infrastructure to achieve at least a four percent active transportation mode share by 2030.
The plan will focus on infrastructure because studies have shown that investments in active transportation infrastructure significantly improve active transportation mode shifts and reduce GHG emissions.46 For example, urban cities that make a strong commitment to bicycle travel can see up to an 11 percent reduction in VMT and associated GHG emissions.47 Such VMT reductions can be reasonably expected because in 2017, about 16 percent of vehicle trips made nationally were one mile or less—a distance easily travelled by foot or bicycle.48 To estimate the mode shift potential of developing and implementing a BPMP in Foster City, other cities’ bicycle and road networks were analyzed. The City of Berkeley leads the State with an 18 percent active transportation mode share in 2022 (i.e., 4.9 percent bicycle mode share and 13.4 percent pedestrian mode share) followed by the City of Davis with a 16 percent active transportation mode share in 2022 (i.e., 13.5 percent bicycle mode share and 2.6 percent pedestrian mode share).49, 50 For Foster City, a conservative active transportation mode share of four percent is assumed with the increase coming from bicycle mode share while walking mode share is conservatively assumed to remain constant. These active transportation mode share estimates also provide VMT reductions for Foster City well within the reductions shown in the cited studies.
The GHG emissions reductions associated with this measure are calculated based on Foster City’s forecasted passenger VMT and the increase in bicycle mode share above the baseline (i.e., the difference between the active transportation mode share target and the baseline, assuming the pedestrian mode share remains constant).51 The result is the amount of passenger VMT that will be reduced through this measure. This quantification and assumptions reduce passenger VMT GHG emissions by 100 MT CO2e in 2030.
46 Glazener, Andrew and Khreis, Haneen. Transforming our Cities: Best Practices Towards Clean Air and Active Transportation (2019).
Accessed at: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40572-019-0228-1 47 Jacob Mason et al., Institute for Transportation & Development Policy and the University of California, Davis. A Global High Shift Cycling Scenario (2015). Accessed at: https://itdpdotorg.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/A-Global-High-Shift-Cycling- Scenario_Nov-2015.pdf
48 National Household Travel Survey. Population Vehicle Trips Statistics (2021). Accessed at: https://nhts.ornl.gov/vehicle-trips 49 US Census Bureau. 2022: ACS 5-Year Estimates Subject Tables. S0801|Commuting Characteristics by Sex. Accessed at:
https://data.census.gov/table?t=Commuting&g=160XX00US0618100. 50 US Census Bureau. 2022: ACS 5-Year Estimates Subject Tables. S0801|Commuting Characteristics by Sex. Accessed at:
https://data.census.gov/table?t=Commuting&g=160XX00US0606000. 51 Forecasted VMT is disaggregated by fuel. This measure assumes all gasoline VMT is associated with light-duty vehicles and can thus be considered passenger VMT.
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Sector W-C: Waste and Consumption
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions Technical Memorandum 17 4 Sector W-C: Waste and Consumption
Foster City’s Waste and Consumption sector focuses on using recovered organic waste for carbon sequestration. As Foster City increases organic solid waste diversion to comply with SB 1383, the diverted waste can be recovered and converted into other products, such as compost. When applied to lands, compost improves soil health and sequesters carbon out of the atmosphere. Based on this approach, the CAP’s Waste and Consumption measures with GHG emission reductions consists of the measure presented in Table 5. It is important to note that consistency with SB 1383 (diverting 75% of organics diverted from the landfill compared to 2014 baseline) was included in the forecast and is therefore, not included here to avoid double counting. The following subsection details the substantial evidence and calculation methodologies used to estimate GHG emissions reductions for this sector.
Table 5 Sector W-C: Waste and Consumption GHG Emission Reduction Summary Measure
ID Measure
2030 GHG
Emission
Reductions
(MT CO2e)
W-C.1.2 Annually procure and apply 2,500 tons of compost by 2030. 991 Total 991
W-C.1.2: Annually procure and apply 2,500 tons of compost by 2030.
Measure W-C.1.2 puts Foster City on a path to exceed the City’s SB 1383 procurement target by 2030 and maintain it thereafter. SB 1383 requires each jurisdiction in California to procure recovered organics waste products to meet annual procurement targets developed by CalRecycle.52 Recovered organic waste products include compost, mulch, renewable energy generated from anaerobic digestion (e.g., transportation fuel, electricity, and gas for heating), and electricity generated from biomass conversion. While a jurisdiction has the option to procure any combination of recovered organic waste products to fulfill 100 percent of its procurement target, Foster City aims to meet their procurement target primarily through the procurement of compost to leverage the carbon sequestration benefits it provides when applied to lands. The primary actions that enable this measure include:
▪ Action W-C.1.2.1 which commits the City to procure and apply 2,500 tons of compost annually by 2030; and
▪ Action W-C.1.2.2 which directs the City collaborate with San Mateo County to identify locations to apply compost, if locations within the City cannot be identified.
These actions direct the City to procure and apply compost to meet and exceed their annual SB 1383 targets. The GHG emission reductions associated with this compliance are based on Foster City’s goal to apply 2,500 tons of compost annually. This data is paired with an average carbon sequestration factor for compost across land types to calculate the GHG emission reductions from
52 CalRecycle. Procurement Targets and Recovered Organic Waste Products. Accessed at:
https://calrecycle.ca.gov/organics/slcp/procurement/recoveredorganicwasteproducts/.
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City of Foster City
Substantial Evidence Memorandum
18 the procured compost.53 The calculations result in emissions reductions of 991 MT CO2e in 2030. If Foster City cannot find enough space within its boundaries to apply composte, they can work directly with the County of San Mateo and San Mateo Resource Conservation District Compost Procurement program to find suitable agricultural lands to apply high quality compost.54 For this approach to work the City will need to ensure that the quality of the compost being procured is high.
53 CARB. METHOD FOR ESTIMATING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSION REDUCTIONS FROM DIVERSION OF ORGANIC WASTE FROM LANDFILLS TO COMPOST FACILITIES (2017). Available at: https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/sites/default/files/classic/cc/waste/cerffinal.pdf. 54 https://www.sanmateorcd.org/project/compost-program/
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Sector W-C: Waste and Consumption
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions Technical Memorandum 19
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DATE: November 18, 2024
TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council
VIA: Stefan Chatwin, City Manager
Marlene Subhashini, Assistant City Manager
FROM: Derek Schweigart, Parks and Recreation Director
Frank Fanara, Parks Manager
SUBJECT: PARKS MASTER PLAN PROJECT (CIP 301-682) – PROJECT UPDATE
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council, by Minute Order, receive and accept the update on the Parks Master Plan Project.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Foster City Parks Master Plan Project (CIP 301-682), initiated in December 2023, is a comprehensive effort to guide future development and improvements of the City’s park facilities and programs. The City Council approved a Request for Proposal/Qualifications (RFP/Q) for professional planning services, leading to the selection of Wallace Roberts & Todd Design, LLC (WRT) as the project consultant. WRT’s role includes preparing the Master Plan, conducting a Park Needs Assessment, managing public involvement processes, and producing the final Plan for public distribution and implementation.
The project began in August 2024 with the approval of a Public Participation Plan, designed to engage a broad spectrum of community members and stakeholders. A wide range of engagement strategies have been implemented, including the creation of a project website, public banners and signage, and multiple pop-up events at highly attended community gatherings and special events. These efforts have encouraged significant participation, with residents sharing feedback on park amenities and their vision for the future of the City’s parks. A Parks Master Plan Task Force was established, with the first meeting held in October, and several Focus Group sessions with targeted community members have been conducted.
WRT also conducted a comprehensive Park Needs Assessment, which evaluated the current condition and functionality of Foster City’s parks. The findings reveal that most parks are performing well, particularly in terms of connectivity, safety, and overall park
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condition. These results, combined with community feedback, will inform the development of improvement recommendations for the Parks Master Plan.
This report provides an update on the progress of the Parks Master Plan Project, highlighting key milestones and the ongoing efforts to engage the community in shaping the future of Foster City’s parks and recreational facilities.
BACKGROUND
On December 18, 2023, the City Council approved the Request for Proposal/Qualifications (RFP/Q) for professional services to develop a new Parks Master Plan. The RFP/Q was issued on January 4, 2024, with proposals due by February 2024.
The City Council awarded a Professional Services Agreement to Wallace Roberts & Todd Design, LLC (WRT) on May 6, 2024, to provide professional planning and consultant support services for the Parks Master Plan Project (CIP 301-682). The scope of services for this project includes the master plan preparation, an inventory and assessment report, project management, development and execution of a public involvement process, working closely with staff to prepare the Plan, and creating a document for distribution to the public.
On July 22, 2024, WRT met with staff to discuss the community engagement strategy, including the timeline, task force, stakeholder and focus group meetings, project website, and surveys. Based on this discussion, an initial Parks Master Plan Public Participation Strategy was drafted for staff and City Council’s review and acceptance. WRT in coordination with City staff developed a comprehensive and strategic Public Participation Plan with the aim of advancing and informing the project through key milestones in the Needs Assessment phase. On August 19, 2024, City Council accepted the Parks Master Plan Public Participation Plan by Minute Order No. 1990.
ANALYSIS
Staff and WRT began Phase I of the Plan immediately upon City Council’s approval on August 19, 2024. Phase I (Project Initiation) of the planned 18-month project schedule included implementation of the Public Participation Plan and the Park Needs Assessment.
Public Participation Plan
An important element of an inclusive, equitable, and diverse Parks Master Plan is to understand the local community character, needs, and aspirations. A comprehensive outreach was implemented to engage a diverse and widespread group of participants.
August to October 2024
•Project website was created www.fostercity.org/parksmasterplan: The website will keep the community informed about the scope and progress of the project and includes a link where they can share comments or feedback. •Banners posted at all City parks with QR code link to project webpage: Park patrons can scan the code and provide their input on a specific park. This idea is intended to capture users of each neighborhood park that might not attend events. This strategy has been effective.
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•Popup Events: A total of 7 popup events were held from August to October.
These were scheduled around other City events and programs with historically large attendance, such as Summer Days and Soccer Season Opening Day, in the hopes of maximizing participation. Attendance estimates for each event are below:
1. Foster City Summer Days: August 16, Leo J. Ryan Park (200 participants)
2. AYSO Soccer Opening Day: September 7, Sea Cloud Park (35 participants)
3. Fall Movie Night: September 13, Leo J. Ryan Park (250 participants)
4. Off the Grid: September 25, Senior Wing parking lot (50 participants)
5. 55+ Club Meeting: October 3, Community Center (30 participants)
6. Off the Grid: October 24, Senior Wing parking lot (45 participants)
7. Halloween Festival, October 26, Leo J. Ryan Park (250 participants) Three engagement boards were shared at the events: 1) Information Board about the Plan; 2) “What Would You Like to See More of” Board with images of different park and program elements. Adults and youth were asked to place stickers by their choices (different color stickers were used to distinguish between adult and youth); 3) “Share Your Ideas Board” contained questions where public could add their comments to: “What do you like about parks and recreation facilities and programs in Foster City?” and “What is your vision for parks and recreation facilities and programs in Foster City? What should be improved?”
Board #1
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Board #2
Board # 3
•Parks Master Plan Task Force Meeting # 1, October 29, 6-8pm at the Community Center: Core to the multilayered Public Participation Plan was the formation of a Parks Master Plan Task Force. The first Task Force meeting was held in October. Seventeen members of the community, City staff and WRT staff were present. The goals and objectives of the plan were discussed as well as the Park Assessment and Public Outreach components
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of the plan. The plan is for the group to meet 4 more times during the duration of the project.
Task Force Takeaways:
Current State: Foster City parks are popular community hubs, but they require modernization, additional amenities, and improved accessibility.
Opportunities: Enhancements to amenities and better integration with the City’s waterways could elevate Foster City parks as appealing destinations for both residents and regional visitors.
Vision: Develop vibrant, accessible community spaces that connect people with nature, promote outdoor activity, and strengthen community bonds.
Planning Process Feedback:
oWaterways: The city’s lagoons and waterways are integral to Foster City’s identity and should be a focal point in the Master Plan to enhance the recreational landscape.
oCommunity Engagement: Expanding outreach efforts, including partnerships with local schools and employers, offers valuable opportunities to involve the community in park planning and improvements.
October to November 2024
•Focus Groups: A series of Focus Group events were held to include input from specific community groups, partners, and other departments. oOctober 2, 2024, Recreation Center, 6pm-8pm
Staff Led Focus Group with Civic Academy participants
oNovember 6, 2024, Vibe Teen Center
Contractors/Organized Fitness & Sports: 5pm-6pm
Youth Advisory Committee: 6:30pm
oNovember 7, 2024, Vibe Teen Center
Programs / Event Partners: 4pm-5pm
Inclusion & Specialized Users: 5:15pm-6:15pm
oNovember 14, 2024
Other City Departments: 3:30pm-4:30pm
•Staff Workshops, November 7
Facilities & Maintenance: 10am-12pm, Corporation Yard
Programs & Events: 1pm-3pm, Vibe Teen Center
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Parks Needs Assessment
In August 2024, WRT completed a qualitative assessment of Foster City parks to evaluate how well they meet residents’ needs and to identify potential deficiencies. This assessment, which complements other analyses and public input, will inform recommendations for the Parks Master Plan. Parks were assessed on the following criteria: Access & Connectivity (e.g., signage, paths, safe crossings), Comfort & Sense of Safety (e.g., seating, lighting), Functionality (recreational suitability), and Condition (upkeep). Using a 1-10 rating scale with weighted criteria, most parks scored well across categories, with Leo J. Ryan Park serving as a benchmark. Leo J. Ryan Park was used as a benchmark due to its high usage, functionality, and diverse amenities, providing a strong standard for evaluating other City parks.
The assessment found that, while Foster City’s parks are of high quality overall, targeted improvements would enhance accessibility, comfort, and functionality. Key areas for improvement include better path connectivity, lighting for safety and enhanced use, increased shade, seating, and restroom facilities. Sustainable landscaping and more intensive maintenance, especially in water-adjacent parks, are recommended to address functional needs and manage geese impacts. Parks such as Leo J. Ryan, Port Royal, Catamaran, and Ketch received top ratings, while Bridgeview, Pompano, and Baywinds scored lower, highlighting specific areas for future enhancements.
Detailed scores, field notes, and photos provided insight into the performance of each park; Attachment 1 includes specifics on parks that rated highest and lowest, with explanations.
NEXT STEPS
1. Conduct a community statistically-valid survey by early December 2024
2. Finish Existing Conditions / Needs Assessment (Park Usage Analysis, Maintenance and Programs Assessments, Opportunities Analysis etc.)
3. Public workshop in January 2025
Staff will provide update reports to Council at key milestones throughout the Project.
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CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
This agenda item which is intended to provide a progress report to the Council on the Park Master Plan is not subject to review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21000, et seq. and the CEQA Guidelines (14 Cal. Code Regs. §§ 15000 et. seq.), including without limitation, Public Resources Code section 21065 and California Code of Regulations 15378 as this is not a “project” that may cause a direct, or reasonably foreseeable indirect, physical change in the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to accept report.
CITY COUNCIL VISION, MISSION, AND VALUE/PRIORITY AREA
Facilities and Infrastructure
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1 – WRT Parks Assessment Summary Report
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