Agenda packet, regular meeting — San Mateo City Council, March 4, 2024 (part 2 of 4)

As discussed in the Public Services and Facilities Element, San Mateo has levees that protect the city from flooding from creeks and the San Francisco Bay. Non-federal levees are along the shoreline of Seal Point Park, and over 1,300 feet of levees have been upgraded along the San Mateo and Burlingame border . The San Mateo County Flood and Sea Level Rise Resiliency District, or OneShoreline, was created in 2020 to facilitate multijurisdictional flood and sea level rise resiliency projects in San Mateo County. Earthquakes or overtopping due to major storms can cause levees to fail, flooding the shoreline areas of the city. Policies and actions aimed at maintaining adequate flood-control infrastructure are also covered in the Public Services and Facilities Element.
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Source: CalDWR, 2022; FEMA, 2022; ESRI, 2022; PlaceWorks, 2023.

Figure S-5 Potential Flood Hazards
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Source: CalDWR, 2022; ESRI, 2022; PlaceWorks, 2023.

Figure S-6 Potential Flood Hazards – Dam and Levee Failure 194Strive San Mateo General Plan 2040

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Source: CGS, 2022; ESRI, 2022; PlaceWorks, 2023.

Note: This map is included for informational purposes and is not adopted as part of this General Plan.

Figure S-7 Tsunami Hazard Zones
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Sea Level Rise
As global temperatures increase, glaciers and other land ice near the north and south poles melt and sea levels rise. Higher temperatures also cause water to expand in oceans, further contributing to sea level rise.

Rising seas increase the risk of flooding, storm surge inundation, erosion and shoreline retreat, and wetland loss. According to OneShoreline, San Mateo County as a whole is the most vulnerable county in California to sea level rise because of its extensive coastline and Bay shoreline and the number of people, value of properties, and critical assets in sea level rise-prone areas. Along the shoreline of the city, different scenarios project that sea levels will rise between 1.1 and 2.7 feet by 2050, with levels above 2 feet likely, and by 3.4 to 10.2 feet by 2100. However, it is possible that sea levels could rise faster than these projections. Figures S-8 and S-9 display the expected sea level rise in San Mateo in 2050 (2 feet) and 2100 (7 feet) based on the Ocean Protection Council’s 2018 Updated California Sea Level Rise Guidance, featuring models from the Adapting to Rising Tides program of the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC). These figures do not reflect the improvements currently underway for the Foster City levee system.

Rising sea levels can also cause the shoreline to flood more frequently and severely during storms or king tide events. King tides are abnormally high, predictable astronomical tides that occur about twice per year, with the highest tides occurring when the earth, moon, and sun are aligned. Because sea level rise will cause ocean levels to be higher during normal conditions, shoreline floods can reach further onto land. For example, a storm that has a one in five chance of occurring in a given year (known as a five-year storm) can create a temporary increase in sea levels of approximately two feet. The goals, policies, and actions in this section call for planning for a medium- to high-risk aversion scenario in 2100. This scenario uses a 1 in 200 chance for sea level rise projections, providing a precautionary projection that can be used for less adaptive (less able to make changes that reduce harm in response to hazards), more vulnerable developments or populations that will experience moderate to high consequences if actions are not taken to address sea level rise in these areas. Figure S-10 shows shoreline flooding on top of sea level rise in the event of a five-year storm for 2050.

Rising sea levels also threaten a significant portion of San Mateo’s housing, commercial buildings, essential infrastructure, and economic drivers, as low-lying land near the shoreline could be subject to more frequent flooding. Affected essential infrastructure includes US Highway 101, State Route 92, and the Caltrain station and associated railroad infrastructure. Meanwhile, rising tides may increase groundwater levels, inundating contaminated soils. Given that some contaminated sites in San Mateo sit near the shoreline, rising ground- water may cause contaminated soils to leach into new, different areas.

Natural ecosystems in the bay will be disrupted by the higher tide levels and intrusion of saltwater into freshwater creek systems and the Marina Lagoon. Historically, marshlands along the shoreline have adapted to changes in sea level by building up sediment, increasing the height of the marsh to keep pace with the tide levels of the San Francisco Bay, and moving inland. However, eastern San Mateo is lined with a three-mile levee system that has very little marsh habitat, and any habitat migration is expected to be outpaced by sea level rise. Creative integration of nature-based solutions to combine natural buffers with San Mateo’s extensive existing levee system to mitigate flooding risks could be an opportunity to re-establish ecological communities and enhance natural areas, such as the creeks throughout the city and the Marina Lagoon. 196Strive San Mateo General Plan 2040
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In 2023, the City completed improvements in the North Shoreview neighborhood, which is south of Coyote Point, roughly bound by San Mateo Creek to the south, U.S. Highway 101 to the west, the Poplar Creek Golf Course to the north, and San Francisco Bay to the east. Ground elevations in the neighborhood range from below sea level to about 10 feet above sea level, so the area is susceptible to flooding from San Francisco Bay and stormwater runoff that collects behind the levees protecting the neighborhood from bay water intrusion. Figure S-11 shows a map of the neighborhood and the various structures and facilities that provide protection against these flood risks. The City upgraded the Coyote Point and Poplar Avenue pump stations and made improvements to a section of the Bayfront Levee. With the added protection, approximately 1,600 properties in North Shoreview will be removed from the 100-year flood zone once approved by FEMA. The levee improvements will add 3.9 feet above the predicted base flood elevation to account for sea level rise.

Neighboring Foster City is also in the process of constructing improvements to their levee system, which interconnects with the City of San Mateo’s system. Their improvements will provide protection from the 100-year flood and an additional 3 feet above the predicted base flood elevation to account for sea level rise.
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Source: ESRI, 2022; PlaceWorks, 2023.

Note: This map is included for informational purposes and is not adopted as part of this General Plan.

Figure S-8 2050 Sea Level Rise
Note: This map
does not reflect
the improvements
currently underway
for the Foster City
levee system.
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Source: ESRI, 2022; PlaceWorks, 2023.

Note: This map is included for informational purposes and is not adopted as part of this General Plan.

Figure S-9 2100 Sea Level Rise
Note: This map
does not reflect
the improvements
currently underway
for the Foster City
levee system.
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Source: ESRI, 2022; PlaceWorks, 2023.

Note: This map is included for informational purposes and is not adopted as part of this General Plan.

Figure S-10 2050 Sea Level Rise Plus 100-Year Storm
Note: This map
does not reflect
the improvements
currently underway
for the Foster City
levee system.
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Figure S-11 North Shoreview Flood Protection Improvements Note: This map is included for informational purposes and is not adopted as part of this General Plan. 201Strive San Mateo General Plan 2040
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GOALS, POLICIES, AND ACTIONS
GOAL S-3 Protect the community from unreasonable risk to life and property caused by flood hazards and sea level rise.

POLICIES
Policy S 3.1 Development within Floodplains. Protect new development and substantial retrofits within a floodplain by requiring the lowest finish floor elevation to be above the applicable floodwater elevation or by incorporating other flood-proofing measures consistent with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) regulations, OneShoreline guidance, the City’s Floodplain Management Ordinance, and other City policy documents.

Policy S 3.2 Sea Level Rise and Flood Planning. Integrate sea level rise and flood planning into all relevant City processes, including General Plan amendments, Specific Plans, zoning ordinance updates, capital projects, and review and approval of new development and substantial retrofits.

Policy S 3.3 Sea Level Rise, Flooding, and Groundwater Rise Protection. Ensure that new development, substantial retrofits, critical facilities, City-owned buildings, and existing and future flood control infrastructure are planned and designed to accommodate climate change hazards, including increases in flooding, sea level rise, and rising groundwater, based on the best available science.

Policy S 3.4 Natural Infrastructure. Consider the use of nature-based solutions and natural infrastructure in sea level rise and flood adaptation strategies.

Policy S 3.5 OneShoreline Coordination. Coordinate with OneShoreline to develop and implement coordinated approaches to sea level rise and flood management with other San Mateo County jurisdictions.

Policy S 3.6 Storm Drain and Flood Infrastructure. Manage the City’s storm drain infrastructure, levee system, and dams in accordance with state and federal regulations and to protect life and property.

ACTIONS
Action S 3.7 Climate Change Adaptation Plan. Assess sea level rise and precipitation projections using the best-available climate change science, identify the extent of areas vulnerable to sea level rise and flooding in the city, consider OneShoreline recommendations for levels of protection, and develop a Climate Change Adaptation Plan that sets a comprehensive strategy and includes planning and design standards for climate risk protection. Use this plan to evaluate development applications to ensure projects are protected from sea level rise and flood hazards over the life of the project and to assess public infrastructure needs for adequate protection.
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Action S 3.8 Sea Level Rise and Flood Hazard Monitoring. Review and use the best-available sea level rise science and projections and regularly identify natural resources, development, infrastructure, and communities that are vulnerable to sea level rise and flood hazard impacts, including impacts from rising groundwater. Use this information to continue to develop or adjust planning and adaptation strategies.

Action S 3.9 Community Rating System. Explore establishment of a City rating under FEMA’s Community Rating System, such as expanding and improving Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping capacity, developing a flood early warning system, and creating a Flood Emergency Action Plan.

Action S 3.10 Early Flood Warning. As feasible, provide early flood warning for flood-prone areas of the city through collaboration with regional partners such as OneShoreline’s stream monitoring station and notification system.

Action S 3.11 Rising Groundwater Coordination. Coordinate with OneShoreline, local jurisdictions, and regional and State agencies to study and enforce requirements related to rising groundwater levels caused by sea level rise.

Action S 3.12 Natural Infrastructure. Use or restore natural features and ecosystem processes where feasible and appropriate as a preferred approach to the placement of hard shoreline or creek protection when implementing sea level rise and flood adaptation strategies.

Action S 3.13 Sea Level and/or Flood Overlay Zone. Evaluate establishment of a sea level rise and/ or flood overlay zone as a primary mechanism for establishing adaptation policies, rules, or construction codes within such zones, recognizing the particular land use and zoning characteristics of this area as a part of the Climate Adaptation Plan, and in collaboration with OneShoreline.

Action S 3.14 Sea Level Rise Funding. Study options for establishing dedicated funding to support efforts to address sea level rise, including considering support for OneShoreline.

Action S 3.15 New Development. Explore creation of a fee for new development to fund sea level rise and flood protection measures and adaptation strategies.

Action S 3.16 Floodplain Ordinance Update. Update the Floodplain Management Ordinance, including to align with FEMA and OneShoreline recommendations and to update construction cost value information.

Action S 3.17 Flood Risk Mapping Data. Regularly update mapping data pertaining to the 100-year and 500-year floodplains, dams, and levee failure as information becomes available. 203Strive San Mateo General Plan 2040 Chapter 8 Safety Element

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WILDFIRE HAZARDS
Wildfires are a regular feature of the landscape in much of California and can be sparked by lightning, malfunctioning equipment, vehicle crashes, or other causes. High winds, such as the Diablo Winds, can cause fires to spread rapidly and erratically, increasing the difficulty of containment and possibility of burning into developed areas. In addition to direct fire impacts on people and property, wildfires remove stabilizing vegetation from hillsides, increasing the likelihood of future landslides. When wildfires burn at very high temperatures, soils can become hydrophobic, preventing the ground from absorbing stormwater and causing flooding downslope. Residents can also be harmed by smoke from wildfires in the region or across northern California. Particulate matter from smoke can cause respiratory illnesses, especially for those who spend a lot of time outdoors during smoky conditions.

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) designates lands into responsibility areas based on who is financially responsible for fire-protection services. Local Responsibility Areas (LRAs) include areas where City fire departments or local fire protection districts are charged with fire protection.

State Responsibility Areas (SRAs) include unincorporated areas and State lands where the State has financial responsibility for wildfire protection. San Mateo is within an LRA, and the San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department provides fire prevention and protection services for the area. There are no locations in San Mateo that currently lack access to fire-protection services.

Within the responsibility areas, CAL FIRE designates (with City approval) lands as Moderate, High, or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. As shown in Figure S-12 and the most current Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps on the CAL FIRE Fire and Resource Assessment Program website, Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones are in western San Mateo between the City Limits and State Route 92, as well as near Yale Drive and St.

Johns Cemetery. Current mapping does not yet designate Moderate or High Fire Hazard Severity Zones in the City Limits. Users should consult the most recent available mapping from CAL FIRE’s Fire and Resource Assessment Program (FRAP).
1 Future updates to this Safety Element will include new fire mapping data as it becomes available.

Wildfires may start in wildland areas, natural areas in the unincorporated county, but they can easily spread to developed areas in the city between urban development and wildlands. This area is called the Wildland- Urban Interface (WUI), as shown in Figure S-13. The WUI is made up of two distinct zones. The interface zone contains dense housing or other structures next to vegetation but has little wildland vegetation that can burn in a wildfire. The wildland zones have higher concentrations of wildland vegetation with fewer structures and may have limited access and/or steeper terrain that makes controlling wildfires more difficult.

As shown in Figure S-13, the wildland zones are in and near Laurelwood Park and in open space areas near the Peninsula Golf & Country Club. The interface zones border the park and open space areas and include residential neighborhoods, roadways, and other infrastructure throughout west and southwestern parts of San Mateo.
1 Available at https://frap.fire.ca.gov.
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Within the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones and WUI zones, there are existing homes, businesses, and public land uses, as well as associated infrastructure like major roadways (e.g., State Route 92 and Interstate 280), electrical transmission infrastructure, water and wastewater distribution systems, and communication facilities. Much of this development occurred prior to wildfire hazard mapping; the policies and actions in this element limit future residential development in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones and aim to protect existing buildings and infrastructure. Meanwhile, State law requires that homeowners in the WUI zones create and maintain defensible space around homes and other structures, keep roofs clear of flammable material, and use spark arresters on chimneys. Figure S-14 shows the land use designations within Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones for the Strive San Mateo General Plan 2040.

Although no fires have burned in close proximity to San Mateo since CAL FIRE has kept records (1878), several fires have burned in the unincorporated areas of San Mateo County. Recently, the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire burned over 86,000 acres in southern San Mateo County. In 2022, a wildfire burned in the Emerald Hills area of Redwood City, to the south of San Mateo, which could have burned into the city under different conditions. Areas that have previously burned, regardless of their location within or outside of a Fire Hazard Severity Zone, are likely to burn again. Due to climate change, fire activity is projected to increase where development expands in the WUI zones and in areas of high winds. 205Strive San Mateo General Plan 2040
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Source: CAL FIRE, 2022; ESRI, 2022; PlaceWorks, 2023.

Note: This map is a draft and will be updated once CAL FIRE publishes the new Wild Hazard Zones.

Figure S-12 Wildfire Hazard Zones
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Source: City of San Mateo, 2022; ESRI, 2022; PlaceWorks, 2023.

Figure S-13 Wildland-Urban Interface
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Source: City of San Mateo, 2022; ESRI, 2022; PlaceWorks, 2023.

Note: This map is a draft and will be updated once CAL FIRE publishes the new Wild Hazard Zones.

Figure S-14 Land Uses in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones 208Strive San Mateo General Plan 2040

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GOALS, POLICIES, AND ACTIONS
GOAL S-4 Maintain adequate fire and life safety protection from wildland fires.

POLICIES
Policy S 4.1 Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. Avoid new residential development in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, as shown on Figure S-14, or the most current data available from CAL FIRE. Redevelopment or reconstruction of existing structures is allowed. Coordinate with San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department (SMC Fire) to ensure new construction of buildings or infrastructure within a Fire Hazard Severity Zone or Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI), as shown on Figures S-12 and S-13 or the most current data available from CAL FIRE, meet or exceed applicable State and local regulations and meet the Fire Safe Regulations for road ingress and egress, fire equipment access, and adequate water supply.

Policy S 4.3 Wildland Fire Protection. Require all development in and adjacent to designated Fire Hazard Severity Zone and Wildland-Urban Interface to prepare a fire protection plan for review and approval by SMC Fire prior to issuance of building permits and to provide access and defensible space in accordance with California codes and local ordinances.

Policy S 4.4 Hillside Vegetation Stability. Stabilize, and as feasible re-vegetate, burned slopes following a wildfire event to reduce landslide and debris flow risk.

Policy S 4.5 Fire Risk Mapping. Coordinate with SMC Fire to consistently update any mapping data showing fire extent in San Mateo using CAL FIRE data and local wildland fire risk maps indicating the locations and extents of Fire Hazard Severity Zones, Local Responsibility Areas, and the Wildland-Urban Interface. Use this mapping data to inform decisions about existing risk and future land uses throughout the city and share these maps widely on the City’s website, published handouts and flyers, and at in-person and virtual education events.

Policy S 4.7 Peakload Water Supply. Ensure that the California Water Service Company and the Estero Municipal Improvement District provide and maintain a water supply and distribution system that provides an adequate static pressure to deliver the minimum fire hydrant flow to all areas of the city, except where a lesser flow is acceptable, as determined by SMC Fire. 209Strive San Mateo General Plan 2040
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Policy S 4.8 Facilities Planning. Place all new public facilities or relocate existing public facilities outside of identified fire hazard risk areas as feasible. Appropriately retrofit public facilities to mitigate fire risk.

Policy S 4.9 Land Use Management for Fire Risks. Maintain all City-owned public lands and work with private landowners and FIRE SAFE San Mateo County to reduce fuel loads, establish appropriately placed fire breaks/defensible space, require long-term maintenance of fire hazard reduction projects, and educate all property owners in the city on proper landscape maintenance and firescaping standards to reduce the risk of fire hazards.

Policy S 4.10 Wildland Fire Vulnerability. Consider all improvements at Sugarloaf Mountain and Laurelwood Park in the context of the area’s high fire risk and include wildfire mitigation components in projects when feasible.

Policy S 4.11 Fire-Safe Roads. Coordinate with SMC Fire to evaluate new development or significant retrofits that have access on roadways that do not meet fire-safe road and vegetation standards within the Wildfire-Urban Interface and/or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone and ensure that road standards and vegetation management occurs and is maintained.

Policy S 4.12 Secondary Access. Explore secondary means of ingress and egress in areas with evacuation constraints, as shown in Figure S-2, Evacuation-Constrained Areas, for existing subdivisions or developments of 30 units or more within a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone.

Policy S 4.13 Emergency Access. Require that roads, driveways, and other clearances around structures are located and designed to ensure emergency access.

Policy S 4.14 Emergency Services. Work with SMC Fire to provide fire prevention, protection, and emergency preparedness services that adequately protect residents, employees, visitors, and structures from fire and fire-related emergencies.

ACTIONS
Action S 4.15 Tree Maintenance. Collaborate with SMC Fire to maintain City-owned trees in a manner that does not contribute to fire danger, in accordance with current best management practices (BMPs).

Action S 4.16 Fire-Safe Education. Work with SMC Fire and seek funding to develop a fire-safe education program that provides information and awareness to community members about defensive space, fire-resistant landscaping and construction, evacuation preparation, and other wildfire education topics.

Action S 4.17 Fire Hazard History. Include a historical record of any significant fire events that have occurred in San Mateo or the surrounding area in all updates to the City’s Safety Element.

Action S 4.18 Vegetation Management on City-Owned Land. Coordinate with SMC Fire to continue conducting and providing long-term maintenance of vegetation management projects in City-owned parks and open spaces to prevent wildfire ignition and spread. 210Strive San Mateo General Plan 2040
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Action S 4.19 Reevaluation of Development Standards. Reevaluate development standards for wildfire risk areas following major wildfire events and apply updated standards as needed to maintain high levels of wildfire protection.

Action S 4.20 Vegetation Management. Coordinate with the SMC Fire and the FIRE SAFE San Mateo County to obtain funding for and conduct vegetation and fuel modification or management.

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
Much of the economic success of the Bay Area is based on research and manufacturing, the byproducts of which include substances that may be harmful to people and the surrounding environment. Hazardous waste ranges from familiar substances, such as waste oil and cleaning solvents, to highly toxic industrial compounds, and include toxic metals, gases, flammable and explosive liquids and solids, corrosive materials, radioactive materials, and infectious biological waste. They can be released through human error, malfunctioning or broken equipment, or as an indirect consequence of other emergencies (e.g., if an earthquake damages a hazardous material storage tank). Hazardous materials can also be released accidentally during transportation, as a consequence of vehicle accidents.

Most of the waste generators in San Mateo are small-quantity generators – small businesses and households that generate less than 12 tons per year . Numerous industrial and commercial operations, both past and present, have manufactured, handled, stored, and disposed of hazardous materials. Hazardous material sites include manufacturing operations, facilities with leaking underground storage tanks (LUSTs), and generators of hazardous waste. In the twenty-first century, life science buildings are replacing industrial businesses as users of hazardous materials and producers of hazardous waste.

The San Mateo County Hazardous Waste Management Plan, implemented by San Mateo County Environmental Health Services, the designated Certified Unified Program Agency for the county, has designated 15 areas in San Mateo that are zoned for either commercial or industrial uses as suitable for waste treatment, recycling, storage, and transfer facilities. The sites designated for these facilities are in manufacturing districts adjacent to the Union Pacific rail corridor . Sites designated for storage and transfer facilities are in service commercial and transit-oriented development zoning districts adjacent to the rail corridor, west of US Highway 101 on Amphlett Boulevard, and in Coyote Point Park.

Hazardous materials are primarily transported within San Mateo via trucks carrying a variety of materials, including gasoline, other petroleum products, and other chemicals known to cause fire and life safety problems. There is a significant potential for accidental release of wastes in transit due to the presence of US Highway 101 running through the eastern portion of the city. The transport of hazardous materials is regulated by the California Department of Transportation and California Highway Patrol on State and Interstate highways in California. Local agencies have the authority to restrict the use of local roads for waste transport, as well as the time of transit, if not unduly restrictive to commerce.

Generally, selection of transportation routes should minimize the time and distance that hazardous waste is in transit, avoid residential neighborhoods and sensitive receptors, avoid periods and areas of traffic congestion, minimize use of local roads, and provide for adequate emergency response services. 211Strive San Mateo General Plan 2040
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GOALS, POLICIES, AND ACTIONS
GOAL S-5 Protect the community’s health, safety, and welfare relating to the use, storage, transport, and disposal of hazardous materials.

POLICIES
Policy S 5.1 County Cooperation. Cooperate with the County of San Mateo and San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department in the regulation and transportation of hazardous materials in San Mateo.

Share hazardous materials management enforcement with San Mateo County and San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department.

Policy S 5.2 County Hazardous Waste Management Plan. Adopt the San Mateo County Hazardous Waste Management Plan by reference into the Safety Element. Make amendments, as necessary, to suit local needs and issues.

Policy S 5.3 Transportation Routes. Restrict the transportation of hazardous materials and waste to designated truck routes and limit such transportation to non-commute hours.

Policy S 5.4 Hazardous Waste Management Facilities Location. Regulate the location and operation of new hazardous waste management facilities.

Policy S 5.5 Design of Hazardous Waste Management Facilities. Require the following features and mitigation measures in the design of proposed hazardous waste management facilities, including life sciences buildings, to minimize potential health, safety, and aesthetic impacts on surrounding properties and occupants:
• For sites in areas subject to flooding or inundation as shown on Figures S-5 and S-6, require facilities to have a surface elevation at least 1.5 feet above the maximum flood water level for areas containing hazardous substances or to be flood-proofed in some other manner suitable to the City.
• Require facilities to provide for full on-site containment of maximum permitted quantities of hazardous substances, including protection of storm drain or sanitary sewer inlets from accidental entry of hazardous materials. • Require facilities to provide separate storage and/or treatment of potentially reactive substances, including separate spill containment vessels. Require that storage of hazardous gases provides adequate filtration and neutralization devices to prohibit accidental release of toxic substances.
• Require that all storage and treatment occur within an enclosed structure. • Require new facilities be sited as far away as possible within the project site from sensitive communities, such as homes, schools, playgrounds, sports fields, childcare centers, senior centers, and long-term healthcare facilities. 212Strive San Mateo General Plan 2040
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Policy S 5.6 Risk Assessment. Require applications for hazardous waste management facilities to prepare a risk assessment to determine site suitability. Establish risk criteria such as distance from public facilities, residential, or immobile population and recreation areas; impacts from natural hazards (seismic, geologic, flood, and fire hazards); impacts on wetlands, endangered species, air quality, and emergency response capabilities; and proximity to major transport routes.

Policy S 5.7 Contaminated Sites. Require the cleanup of contaminated sites, including those indicated on the Hazardous Waste and Substances Sites List (Cortese List) published by the Department of Toxic Substances Control and/or other agencies, such as the San Mateo County Health Department and the Regional Water Quality Control Board, in conjunction with substantial site development or redevelopment, where feasible.

Policy S 5.8 Cost Recovery. Require San Mateo County businesses that generate hazardous waste or applicants for hazardous waste management facilities to pay necessary costs for implementation of Hazardous Waste Management Plans and for application costs, and to pay for costs associated with emergency response services in the event of a hazardous material release, to the extent permitted by law.

ACTION
Action S 5.9 Shared Data. Regularly coordinate with San Mateo County to collect data on businesses that store hazardous substances to share with local emergency service providers, including the Police Department and San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department, as well as the Public Works Department for the wastewater source-control program. 213Strive San Mateo General Plan 2040
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CHAPTER 9
Noise Element

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NOISE ELEMENT

INTRODUCTION
This Noise Element provides the policy framework for controlling, managing, and mitigating excessive noise in the city. These policies will protect land uses that are sensitive to noise, such as residences, schools, and libraries, while minimizing noise from the sources that create them.

RELEVANCE TO

GENERAL PLAN THEMES
Sustainability in this Element:
• Reducing noise levels reduces stress for humans and animals, improving the health and well-being of our community and habitats.

Environmental Justice in this Element:
• Minimizing and mitigating noise impacts will help alleviate the harmful effects of noise pollution in neighborhoods close to freeways, the rail corridor, and other high-volume roadways, which already experience disproportionate impacts from multiple pollution sources.

Community Engagement in this Element:
• Informs the San Mateo community about upcoming land use projects that would contribute to or be affected by a noisy environment. • Leverages creative outreach strategies to engage with all San Mateo residents, particularly those that live in equity priority communities, about development projects and new activities that could generate noise or mitigate existing noise nuisances.

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NOISE IN SAN MATEO
Sounds can bring joy to the listener, but they can also be a nuisance. Loud sounds can become unwanted noise that could be harmful to our physical, mental, and emotional health. Stress and lost sleep from noise pollution contributes to cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. While noise pollution has the potential to affect all San Mateo residents, existing noise levels are highest in neighborhoods closest to freeways and the rail corridor, compounding the negative health effects of air pollution and other pollution sources in those communities.

San Mateo’s vibrant urban environment generates noise on a daily basis. Vehicles create a rhythmic hum that is oftentimes punctuated by honks and other noises as they travel along the city’s streets and thoroughfares. Trains traveling on the Caltrain/Southern Pacific rail corridor sound their horns to warn pedestrians, motorists, and others about their impending arrival. This safety measure also creates noise pollution for those that live or work near the rail corridor . Commercial activities and open spaces, such as restaurants, storefronts, and parks help to create a lively atmosphere for social interactions and economic activities. However, they also have the potential to generate noise nuisances, especially for entertainment uses that occur after normal business hours. Other noise sources in the community come from construction activities, aircraft flyovers, landscaping equipment, and fixed mechanical equipment, such as air conditioning units.

MEASURING ENVIRONMENTAL NOISE
Environmental noise level or intensity is measured in decibels (dB), which range from 0 dB, the threshold at which people can detect sound, to 140 dB, the threshold where it becomes painful to hear . For every increase of 10 dB, the perceived loudness of noise is doubled. For example, a motorcycle accelerating (90 dB) seems twice as loud as a power lawn mower (80 dB).

This Noise Element uses a unit of measurement called the “A-weighted” decibel scale, which is sometimes expressed as dBA. Humans do not hear all frequencies equally. As a result, this measurement takes into consideration that human hearing decreases at extremely low and high frequencies. State law requires general plans to use the Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL) or the Day/Night Average Sound Level (L
dn) to describe the community noise environment and its effects on the population. The City of San Mateo uses the Day/Night Average Sound Level (L dn), which represents a 24-hour average sound level, with an additional 10 dB added for nighttime noise between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., as shown in the land use compatibility standards for noise in Table N-1.

Table N-1 is used to determine whether the existing exterior noise levels that would surround a proposed new use are acceptable or unacceptable and to identify where a proposed project may need to incorporate noise mitigation features. Roadway noise is the primary contributor to the average exterior noise levels in San Mateo. Existing and projected average exterior noise levels in San Mateo are shown in Figures N-1, N-2, and N-3.

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Table N-1 Land Use Compatibility Guidelines
Land Use Category of Proposed
New Use
Day-Night Average Exterior Noise Level, Ldn (dBA)
0 - 59 60 - 65 66 - 70 71 - 80 over 81
Noise-Sensitive Land Uses
Residential (all densities) *
Multifamily Common Open Space for
Residents

Hotels, Motels, and Other Lodging
Schools, Libraries, Hospitals, Churches,
Long-Term Care Facilities

Parks, Playgrounds, Privately Owned
Publicly Accessible Open Space

Office and Commercial
Research and Development, Industrial

Normally Acceptable. Specified land use is satisfactory based on the assumption that any buildings involved are of normal, conventional construction, without any special noise mitigation requirements.

Conditionally Acceptable. New construction or development should be undertaken only after a detailed analysis of the noise-reduction requirements is made and needed noise mitigation features have been included in the design.

Normally Unacceptable. New construction or development should not be undertaken. * See residential land use designations in the Land Use Element of this General Plan.

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Source: ESRI, 2022; ECORP , 2023; PlaceWorks, 2023.

Note: This map is included for informational purposes and is not adopted as part of this General Plan.

Figure N-1 Existing Traffic Noise Contours
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Source: ESRI, 2022; ECORP , 2023; PlaceWorks, 2023.

Figure N-2 Future Traffic Noise Contours
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Figure N-3 Rail Noise Contours
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MITIGATING NOISE IMPACTS
Excessive noise in the city can be addressed in three ways: land use planning, physical mitigation, and administrative regulation. Land use planning means considering the existing and future noise environment when reviewing proposed development and locating new uses in a way that minimizes the exposure of new community members to excessive noise. Most of San Mateo is within the “conditionally acceptable” range of between 60 dB and 70 dB (L
dn), so some form of noise mitigation will likely need to be incorporated into building and site design for any new noise-sensitive land uses listed in Table N-1.

San Mateo’s residential neighborhoods that border US Highway 101, State Route 92, El Camino Real, and the railroad corridor are subject to sound levels exceeding 70 dB (Ldn), as shown in Figures N-1 and N-3. The Land Use Element allows residential and other types of development in these areas, and this Noise Element provides policy guidance to mitigate noise impacts on that new development, such as through site design and construction methods.

Physical mitigation refers to reducing the noise level by controlling how buildings are built and where they are located. For instance, buildings could use sound-absorbing materials to absorb the noise, install walls or windows to reduce the noise indoors, or be located in areas away from sources that produce substantial noise, such as freeways or train tracks. Trees and other vegetation can also help to absorb, deflect, and mask unwelcome noise, while also offering shade and absorbing carbon.

The City’s Noise Control Ordinance is an example of administrative regulations. This ordinance, which is part of the Municipal Code, limits the operating hours and duration of noise sources by decibel level. For example, construction activities are restricted at night so residents can have a quiet and peaceful night of sleep.

Noise mitigation in the city requires a collaborative approach between the City of San Mateo and other agencies. The City has the power to enact the policies in this Noise Element and the regulations in the Noise Control Ordinance. However, many sources of noise pollution are outside of the City’s control. Noise generated from trains that use the Caltrain/Southern Pacific rail corridor, particularly the train horns, is regulated by safety standards set by the Federal Rail Administration. While there is noise pollution from the San Francisco International Airport (SFO), the City has limited influence on flight paths, which are determined by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Additionally, freeways are under the jurisdiction of the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). Moving forward, the City will continue to work closely with agencies such as Caltrain, Caltrans, and SFO to reduce noise impacts to all those that live, work, and play in San Mateo.

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GOALS, POLICIES, AND ACTIONS
GOAL N-1 Protect noise-sensitive land uses from excessive noise levels.

POLICIES
Policy N 1.1 Noise and Land Use Planning. Integrate noise considerations into land use planning decisions to minimize noise impacts to or from new development.

Policy N 1.2 Interior Noise Level Standard. Require submittal of an acoustical analysis and interior noise insulation for all noise-sensitive land uses listed in Table N-1 that have an exterior noise level of 60 dBA (Ldn) or above, as shown on Figure N- 2. The maximum interior noise level shall not exceed 45 dBA (Ldn) in any habitable rooms, as established by the California Building Code.

Policy N 1.3 Exterior Noise Level Standard for Residential Uses. Require an acoustical analysis for new multifamily common open space for residents that have an exterior noise level of 60 dBA (L
dn) or above, as shown on Figure N-2. Incorporate necessary mitigation measures into residential project design to minimize common open space noise levels. Maximum exterior noise should not exceed 65 dBA (L
dn) for residential uses.

Policy N 1.4 Exterior Noise Level Standard for Parks and Playgrounds. Require a feasibility analysis of noise-reduction measures for public parks and play areas that have an exterior noise level of 70 dBA (L
dn) or above.

Policy N 1.5 Inclusive Outreach. Notify the community when new land uses that would result in excessive noise levels are being considered and inform community members about how they can engage in the process. Use outreach and engagement methods that encourage broad representation and are culturally sensitive, particularly for equity priority communities.

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GOAL N-2 Minimize unnecessary, annoying, or unhealthful noise.

POLICIES
Policy N 2.1 Noise Regulation. Regulate noise in San Mateo to prohibit noise that is annoying or injurious to community members.

Policy N 2.2 Minimize Noise Impacts. Incorporate necessary mitigation measures into new development design to minimize short-term noise impacts. Determine whether new development has the potential to result in a significant noise impact on existing development based on the following standards. Impacts will be analyzed based on long-term operational noise increases at the sensitive receptor property line, or new uses that generate noise levels at the sensitive receptor property line, as follows:

Policy N 2.3 Minimize Commercial Noise. Protect land uses other than those listed as “noise sensitive” in Table N-1 from adverse impacts caused by the on-site noise generated by new developments.

Incorporate necessary mitigation measures into development design to minimize short-term and long-term noise impacts. Prohibit new uses that generate noise levels of 65 dBA (L dn) or
above at the property line, excluding existing ambient noise levels.

Policy N 2.4 Traffic Noise. Recognize projected increases in ambient noise levels resulting from future traffic increases, as shown on Figure N-2. Promote reduced traffic speeds and the installation of noise barriers or other methods to reduce traffic noise along highways and high-volume roadways where noise-sensitive land uses (listed in Table N-1) are adversely impacted by excessive noise levels (60 dBA [L
dn] or above).

Policy N 2.5 Railroad Noise. Support the installation of noise barriers and other mitigations along the railroad corridor where noise-sensitive land uses are adversely impacted by excessive noise levels (60 dBA [L
dn] or greater), as shown in Figure N-3.

Ldn Category of Existing Development
Per Figures N-1, N-2, and/or N-3
Noise Increase Considered “Significant” over Existing
Noise Levels
Normally Acceptable An increase of more than 5 dBA and the total Ldn exceeds the “normally acceptable” category
Conditionally Acceptable An increase of more than 5 dBA Unacceptable An increase of more than 5 dBA

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Policy N 2.6 Railroad Vibration. Require that new residential projects (or other sensitive uses) within 200 feet of existing railroad lines conduct a ground-borne vibration and noise evaluation consistent with Federal Transit Administration-approved methodologies.

Policy N 2.7 Construction Noise and Vibration Monitoring. Require construction noise limits and vibration monitoring around sensitive receptors, including through limiting construction hours and individual and cumulative noise from construction equipment. For larger development projects that demand intensive construction periods and/or use equipment that could create vibration impacts, require a vibration impact analysis, as well as monitoring and reporting of noise/vibration levels throughout construction, consistent with industry standards.

ACTIONS
Action N 2.8 Conditions of Approval for Noise Monitoring. Establish conditions of approval for larger development projects to ensure that requirements for construction noise and vibration monitoring include a requirement for a monitoring plan that provides information on the monitoring locations, durations and regularity, the instrumentation to be used, and appropriate noise and vibration control measures to ensure compliance with the noise ordinance and any applicable vibration limits.

Action N 2.9 Railroad Noise Reductions. Implement projects necessary to achieve Quiet Zones in the city, such as elimination of at-grade rail crossings or other mitigation measures to decrease horn and other operational noise levels, with a focus on achieving Quiet Zones as part of any substantial expansions of the rail service.

Action N 2.10 Railroad Noise Barriers. Work with the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board to promote and encourage adequate noise mitigations and barriers to be incorporated into any rail service expansion or track realignment.

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CHAPTER 10
Abbreviations and Glossary

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ABBREVIATIONS AND GLOSSARY
This glossary explains the technical terms used in this General Plan. Definitions come from several sources, including the California Office of Planning and Research, the California Institute for Local Government, and the American Planning Association Glossary of Zoning, Development, and Planning Terms.

ABBREVIATIONS
AARP American Association of Retired Persons
AA-T Arts Degree for Transfer
AB Assembly Bill (State)
ABAG Association of Bay Area Governments
ADA Americans with Disabilities Act
ADU Accessory Dwelling Unit
AMI Area Median Income
AS-T Associate in Science Degree for Transfer
AV Autonomous vehicle
BAAQMD Bay Area Air Quality Management District
BART Bay Area Rapid Transit
BMR Below Market Rate
BRT Bus Rapid Transit
BUILD Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development CalEnviroScreen California Communities Environmental Health Screening Tool CAL FIRE California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection CalOES California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services Cal Water California Water Company
Caltrans California Department of Transportation
CAP Climate Action Plan
C/CAG City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County CDFW California Department of Fish and Wildlife
CEQA California Environmental Quality Act
CERT Community Emergency Response Team

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CNEL Community Noise Equivalent Level
CIP Capital Improvement Program
dB Decibel
dBA Decibel “A-Weighted”
du/ac Dwelling units per acre
EAS Emergency Alert System
EBT Electronic Benefit Transfer
EIR Environmental Impact Report
EMS Emergency Medical Service
EMID Estero Municipal Improvement District
EV Electric Vehicle
FAR Floor Area Ratio
FAST Fixing America’s Surface Transportation
FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency
FHSZ Fire Hazard Severity Zone
FIRM Flood Insurance Rate Map
FRAP Fire and Resource Assessment Program
GHG Greenhouse Gas
GIS Geographic Information Systems
GPA General Plan Amendment
GPS General Plan Subcommittee
ITS Intelligent Transportation Systems
JPB Joint Powers Board
LAFCO Local Agency Formation Commission
Ldn Day/Night Average Sound Level
LID Low Impact Design
LOS Level of Service
LRA Local Responsibility Area
MFD Multi-Family Dwelling
MJHMP Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
MMRP Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program

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MTC Metropolitan Transportation Commission
ODS Objective Design Standards
OneShoreline San Mateo County Flood and Sea Level Rise Resiliency District PCE Peninsula Clean Energy
PG&E Pacific Gas and Electric Company
PSPS Public Safety Power Shutoff
RHNA Regional Housing Needs Allocation
SB Senate Bill (State)
SLR Sea Level Rise
SPAR Site Plan and Architectural Review
SFD Single-Family Dwelling
SFPUC San Francisco Public Utilities Commission
SF RWS San Francisco Regional Water System
SMC Fire San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department
SMCTA San Mateo County Transportation Authority
SMPD San Mateo Police Department
SOI Sphere of Influence
SR- State Route
SRA State Responsibility Area
SVS Social Vocational Services
TAC Toxic Air Contaminant
TDM Transportation Demand Management
TIA Transportation Impact Analysis
TNC Transportation Network Company
TOD Transit Oriented Development
USACE United States Army Corps of Engineers
VMT Vehicle Miles Traveled
VHFHSV Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone
WUI Wildland-Urban Interface

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TERMINOLOGY
21 Elements. A multi-year, multi-phase collaboration of all 21 San Mateo County jurisdictions, along with partner agencies and stakeholder organizations.

Acreage. The land area that exists prior to any dedications for public use, health, and/or safety purposes.

Action. A measure, procedure, or technique that helps the City achieve a specific goal. An action is something concrete that can and will be completed. (see “Goal”)
Active Transportation. Biking, walking, and other human-powered ways of getting around.

Adaptation. Making changes in response to current or future conditions (such as the increased frequency and intensity of climate-related hazards), usually to reduce harm and take advantage of new opportunities.

Adaptive Management. A flexible, iterative decision making process that can be adjusted in the face of uncertainties as outcomes from management actions and other events become better understood. 1 Adverse Impact. A negative consequence for the physical, social, or economic environment resulting from an action or project.

Affordability, Housing. The relation of housing costs to household income.

Affordable Housing. A for-sale housing or rental housing affordable to households whose incomes do not exceed 120 percent of the area median income (moderate- or lower-income households).

Archaeological Resource. Material evidence of past human activity found below the surface of ground or water, portions of which may be visible above the surface.

Assembly Bill (AB). A State law or bill originating from the State Assembly. The abbreviation “AB” preceeds the specific bill number .

Association of Bay Area Governments. The regional planning agency for the nine Bay Area counties, including San Mateo County, and the 101 cities and towns within these counties.

Asset. A valued feature of a community that may be harmed by climate change. Assets may include buildings, infrastructure, community services, ecosystems, and economic drivers.

Below Market Rate (BMR) Unit. A below market rate unit is an affordable housing unit (see Affordable Housing definition).

Buffer. An area established between potentially conflicting land uses, which, depending on the potential impact, may use landscaping or structural barriers such as yards or roads.

Bicycle Class Facilities. A classification system for bicycle paths and roadways identified in the California Highway Design Manual.

Shared-use paths (Class I): Off-road pathways designed for people walking, biking, and rolling (e.g., skateboard or scooter).

Separated bike lanes (Class IV): A designated lane separated from vehicular traffic by a buffer with vertical protection (e.g., flexible posts, planters, parked vehicles, curbs). 1 U.S. Department of the Interior, 2009. Adaptive Management, The U.S. Department of the Interior Technical Guide, page 5.

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Buffered bike lanes (Class II): A designated bicycle lane adjacent to vehicular traffic separated by a striped buffer area on the pavement.

Standard bike lanes (Class II): A designated bicycle lane directly adjacent to vehicular traffic.

Bicycle boulevards (Class III): Bicyclists share a lane with vehicular traffic and are identified with bicycle signage and pavement markings to increase driver awareness of bicyclists and aid bicyclists with navigation; however, bicycle boulevards include traffic-calming treatments and are solely implemented on low-speed (i.e., less than 25 mile per hour) and low-volume (i.e., less than 3,000 vehicles per day) streets to ensure they are low-stress facilities.

Bicycle routes (Class III): Bicyclists share the lane with vehicular traffic and are identified with bicycle signage and pavement markings to increase driver awareness of bicyclists and aid bicyclists with navigation. The City is phasing out this type of route within the bicycle network and upgrading to other facility types.

Building. A structure with substantial walls and roof designed for the shelter, enclosure, or protetion of persons, animals, chattels, or property of any kind. (see “Structure”) Building Code. Standards adopted by the State governing the construction, alteration, demolition, occupancy, or other use of buildings used for human habitation. The State regulations are substantially the same as those contained in the most recent editions of the Uniform Building Code, Uniform Housing Code, Uniform Plumbing Code, Uniform Mechanical Code, and the National Electric Code. Local governments may have stricter standards under certain circumstances.

California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Legislation and corresponding procedural components established in 1970 by the State of California to require environmental review for projects anticipated to result in adverse impacts to the environment. (see “Environmental Impact Report”) Capital Improvement Program. A program that schedules permanent improvements, usually for a minimum of five years in the future, that fits the projected fiscal capability of the local jurisdiction. The program generally is reviewed on an annual basis for conformance to and consistency with the General Plan.

Carbon Neutral. Reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to zero, either by entirely eliminating all GHG emissions or by balancing out all remaining GHG emissions through carbon removal practices so that the “net” emissions are zero.

City. City with a capital “C” generally refers to the City of San Mateo government or administration. City with a lower case “c” may mean any city or may refer to the geographical area.

City Limits. The legal boundaries of the geographical area subject to the jurisdiction of the City of San Mateo’s government. For example, development applications for properties located within the City Limits must be reviewed by the City.

Clean Air Refuge. A building with efficient air filtration and improved air quality that is opened to community members during poor air quality days.

Climate Change. Long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns that have come to define the Earth’s local, regional and global climates . In the context of this plan, this term refers to changes brought on by human activities, also known as anthropogenic climate change.

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Compatible. Capable of existing together without conflict or ill effects.

Complete Street. A transportation facility that is planned, designed, constructed, operated, and maintained to provide comfortable and convenient mobility, and improve accessibility and connectivity to essential community destinations for all users and abilities, regardless of whether they are travelling as pedestrians, bicyclists, wheelchair users, public transportation riders, or drivers. Complete streets are especially attuned to the needs of people walking, using assistive mobility devices, rolling, biking, and riding transit.

Complete Streets Act. A law that requires all road construction and improvement projects to evaluate how the right-of-way serves all who use it, including pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users.

Conservation. The management and use of natural resources in a sustainable manner . Conservation results in land and water areas that are protected and managed for durability to sustain functional ecosystems, both intact and restored, and the diversity of life they support.

Conserve. To manage natural resources sustainably.

Critical Facility. A facility whose continued functioning is necessary to maintain public health and safety following a disaster, and where damage or failure could pose hazards to life and property well beyond their immediate vicinity.

Cultural Resource. A historic, archaeological, tribal, or paleontological resource or human remains. Cultural resources include tribal cultural resources, as defined in California Public Resources Code Section 21074, regardless of whether a tribe is federally recognized.

Decibel (dB). A unit used to express the relative intensity of a sound as it is heard by the human ear . The lowest volume a normal ear can detect under laboratory conditions is 0 decibel, the threshold of human hearing. Since the decibel scale is logarithmic, 10 decibels are 10 times more intense and 20 decibels are 100 times more intense than 1 decibel.

Decibel, A-weighted (dBA). The “A-weighted” scale for measuring sound in decibels, which weighs or reduces the effects of low and high frequencies to simulate human hearing. Every increase of 10 dBA doubles the perceived loudness, even though the noise is actually 10 times more intense.

Dedication. Giving private land for public use, and the acceptance of land for such use by the governmental agency having jurisdiction over the public function for which it will be used. Dedications for roads, parks, school sites, or other public uses are often required by a city or county as conditions for approval of a development. (see “In-Lieu Fee”)
Density. The number of permanent residential dwelling units per acre of land (du/acre). Densities specified in this General Plan are expressed in dwelling units per net acreage, excluding land area that may be devoted to public right-of-way, including roadways.

Development Review. The comprehensive evaluation of a development and its impact on neighboring properties, the environment, and the community as a whole, from the standpoint of site and landscape design, architecture, materials, lighting, and signs, in accordance with a set of adopted criteria and standards.

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Development. The physical expansion and/or construction of non-farm land uses. Development activities include subdivision of land; construction of a single-family dwelling on an existing lot; construction or alteration of structures, roads, utilities, and other facilities; grading; deposit of refuse, debris, or fill materials; and clearing of natural vegetative cover (with the exception of agricultural activities). Routine repair and maintenance activities are not considered development.

Development Fees. Direct charges or dedications collected on a one-time basis for a service provided or as a condition of approval being granted by the local government. The purpose of the fee or exaction must directly relate to the need created by the development. In addition, its amount must be proportional to the cost of the service or improvement. Fees can be broken down into two major classes: (1) service charges, such as permit fees covering the cost of processing development plans, connection, or standby fees for installing utilities, or application fees for reviewing and considering development proposals; and (2) “impact” fees levied on new development to cover the cost of infrastructure or facilities necessitated by development. (See “Impact Fee”)
Duplex. A free-standing house divided into two separate living units or residences, usually having separate entrances; or two single-family detached dwelling units on a single lot.

Dwelling Unit. The place of customary abode of a person or household, which is either considered to be real property under State law or cannot be easily moved.

Ecosystem. An interacting system formed by a biotic community and its physical environment.

Electric Vehicle. A zero-emission vehicle that uses electricity stored in a battery to power one or more electric motors and can be plugged in at home, work, fleet, or public charging stations.

Environmental Impact Report. A study required pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act that assesses all the environmental characteristics of an area, determines what effects or impacts will result if the area is altered or disturbed by a proposed action, and identifies alternatives or other measures to avoid or reduce those impacts. (see “California Environmental Quality Act”) Equity. The state in which each individual or group is allocated or has access to the resources needed to reach an equal or fair outcome.

Equity Priority Community. A low-income area that is disproportionately affected by environmental pollution and other hazards that can lead to negative health effects, exposure, or environmental degradation. This is the term the City of San Mateo uses in place of “disadvantaged communities,” as named in Senate Bill (SB) 1000. SB 1000 defines disadvantaged communities per Heath and Safety Code Section 39711, specifying CalEnviroScreen as the primary screening method for identifying these communities.

Erosion. The process by which soil and rock are detached and moved by running water, wind, ice, and gravity.

Evacuation Route. A roadway designated in the General Plan as a potential recommended route to travel when evacuating from a hazardous condition.

Evacuation-Constrained Parcels. Parcels located on a single-access road that do not have at least two ingress/egress routes.

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Exposure. The presence of people, infrastructure, natural systems, and economic, cultural, and social resources in areas that are subject to harm.

Farmers’ Market. A mobile or non-mobile market: (1) operated by a local government agency, one or more certified producers, or a nonprofit organization; (2) certified by and operating in a location approved by the County Agricultural Commissioner; and (3) where farmers sell directly to consumers agricultural products or processed products made from agricultural products that the farmers grow themselves.

Fault. A fracture in the earth’s crust that forms a boundary between rock masses that have shifted.

Fire Hazard Severity Zone. An area of significant fire hazard based on fuels, terrain, weather, and other relevant hazards.

Flood, 100-Year. In any given year, a flood that has a 1 percent likelihood (a 1 in 100 chance) of occurring, and is recognized as a standard for acceptable risk.

Flood, 500-Year. In any given year, a flood that has a 0.2 percent likelihood (a 1 in 500 chance) of occurring.

Floodplain. The relatively level land area on either side of the banks of a stream regularly subject to flooding.

Floor Area Ratio. The size of a building in square feet (gross floor area) divided by gross land area, expressed as a decimal number . For example, a 60,000-square-foot building on a 120,000-square-foot parcel would have a floor area ratio of 0.50. The FAR is used in calculating the building intensity of development.

Garden, Community. A shared, semi-public space where people in the surrounding neighborhood share the work and harvest of maintaining a plot of fuits, vegetables, or other plants. Community gardens provide residents with an opportunity to grow fresh produce, flowers, or other plants on land that they do not own. Community gardens can also serve an educational function, especially when operated by community organizations or educational instituions.

Gateway. A unique transition point in topography, architecture, or land use that serves as an entrance to the city or specific neighborhoods within the city.

General Plan. A collection of City policies regarding its long-term development, in the form of maps and accompanying text. The General Plan is a legal document required of each local agency by the State of California Government Code Section 65301 and adopted by the City Council.

Geographic Information Systems. A combination of approaches, programs, methodologies, and technol- ogies to map, gather, store, manipulate, analyze, present, and interpret spatial information and data.

Goal. A description of the general desired result sought by the City. Each goal has one or more policies and/ or actions associated with the goal. (see “Policy” and “Action”) Greenhouse Gas. A gas that allows sunlight to pass through but reflect heat radiated from the earth’s surface, trapping heat in the lower atmosphere. Common greenhouse gases (GHGs) include water vapor, carbon dioxide (CO
2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N 2O). They may be emitted by natural or human processes.

Groundwater. Water that exists beneath the earth’s surface, typically found between saturated soils and rock, and is used to supply wells and springs.

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Habitat. The physical location or type of environment in which an organism or biological population lives or occurs.

Hazard. An event or physical condition that has the potential to cause fatalities, injuries, property damage, infrastructure damage, agricultural losses, damage to the environment, interruption of business, or other types of harm or loss.

Hazard Mitigation. Sustained action taken to reduce or eliminate the long-term risk to human life and property through actions that reduce hazard, exposure, and vulnerability.

Hazardous Material, Hazardous Waste. A substance or waste that, because of its physical, chemical, or other characteristics, may pose a risk of endangering human health or safety or of degrading the environment.

This does not include household hazardous waste, universal waste, or electronic waste, as they do not contain the quantity, concentration, and/or types of products significant enough to pose a substantial risk to human health and safety or to the environment.

Historic Resource. A historic resource is a building, structure, site, or district that has one or more of the following characteristics:
• Listed in or determined to be on or individually eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places and/or California Register of Historical Resources. • Identified as a Downtown Historic District or Glazenwood Historic District contributor building as designated in the 1989 Historic Building Survey Report. • Determined to be eligible through documentation contained in a historic resources report.

Horizon Year. The year through which the General Plan is intended to be effective, or 2040.

Household. All persons occupying one dwelling unit.

Human Scale. Buildings, structures, streetscape, and other urban design elements that are of a size and propotion that relates to the size of a human to create a comfortable and inviting experience.

Impact, Climate. The effects (especially the negative effects) of a hazard or other condition associated with climate change.

Impact Fee. A fee imposed on a proposed development project by a jurisdiction to address impacts to city services or infrastructure, based on the number of units, square footage, or acreage. The fee is often used to offset costs of schools, roads, police and fire services, housing, and parks. (See “Development Fee”) Implementation. Actions, procedures, programs, or techniques that carry out a plan.

Infill Development. Development that occurs on vacant or underutilized land within areas that are already largely developed.

In-Lieu Fee. A fee that may be required of an owner or developer as a substitute for a dedication of land or an asset for public use, such as public art, replacement of trees, or parking spaces, usually calculated in dollars per lot, and referred to as in-lieu fees or in-lieu contributions. (see “Dedication”) King Tides. Abnormally high, predictable astronomical tides that occur about twice per year, with the highest tides occurring when the Earth, Moon, and Sun are aligned.

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Land Use. The occupation or use of an area of land for any human activity or purpose.

Land Use Designation. One particular land use category, from a range of land use classifications, assigned to a parcel as established by the General Plan Land Use Element.

Landslide. Movement of soil and/or rock down a slope, which typically occurs during an earthquake or following heavy rainfall.

Liquefaction. The transformation of loose, wet soil from a solid to a liquid state, often as a result of ground shaking during an earthquake.

Local Agency Formation Commission. A five- or seven-member commission within each county that reviews and evaluates all proposals for formation of special districts, incorporation of cities, annexation to special districts or cities, consolidation of districts, and merger of districts with cities. Each county’s LAFCO is empowered to approve, disapprove, or conditionally approve such proposals.

Maximum Development. Development of land to its full potential, or theoretical capacity, as permitted under current or proposed planning or zoning designations.

Micro Agriculture. The practice of growing and processing fresh food in an urban area.

Micromobility. Transportation via small, lightweight vehicles, typically electric assisted, operated by the driver, such as electric scooters and bicycles. Vehicles typically do not exceed 15 miles per hour and are often available for rent for short-range travel within a defined area.

Mitigation. A protective measure or modification of a project to avoid, reduce, minimize, or eliminate a negative impact. There are various types of mitigation, including environmental impact mitigation, hazard mitigation, greenhouse gas emissions mitigation, and more.

Mixed-Use. Any mix of land uses, including mixing residences with commercial, offices with retail, or visitor accommodation with offices and retail. As distinguished from a single-use land use designation or zone, mixed use refers to an authorized variety of uses for buildings and structures in a particular area. When the mix of uses is within one building, its called vertical mixed-use. A type of mixed-use development where uses are behind or next to each other but in different buildings on the same development site is called horizontal mixed use.

Multimodal Level of Service. A scale that measures the performance of vehicle, bicycle, pedestrian, and transit facilities.

Municipality. An incorporated city or town.

Neighborhood. Relatively large residential areas that have some common characteristics, such as a common history, neighborhood association, or common physical characteristics (e.g., architectural style), a common meeting place, intangible characteristics (e.g., a psychological sense of cohesion), or clear physical boundaries (e.g., waterways or major roads).

Noise Contour. A line connecting points of equal noise level as measured on the same scale.

Noise-Sensitive Use. A location where people reside or where the presence of unwanted sound could adversely affect the use of land, such as residences, schools, and hospitals.

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Non-Conforming Use. A use that was legally allowed when brought into existence, but no longer permitted by current regulation. “Non-conforming use” is a generic term and includes: (1) non-conforming structures (because their size, type of construction, location on land, or proximity to other structures is no longer permitted); (2) non-conforming use of a conforming building; (3) non-conforming use of a non-conforming building; and (4) non-conforming use of land. Any use lawfully existing on any piece of property that is inconsistent with a new or amended General Plan, and that in turn is a violation of a Zoning Ordinance amendment subsequently adopted in conformance with the General Plan, will be a non-conforming use.

Typically, non-conforming uses are considered “grandfathered in” and permitted to continue, subject to certain restrictions on discontinuance or rehabilitation.

Nonessential Idling. Unnecessary operation of a gas-powered vehicle while it is stationary when none of the following circumstances are met: the vehicle is stuck in traffic; idling is necessary to inspect or service the vehicle; the vehicle is transferring power via a power-takeoff device; the vehicle can’t move due to adverse weather conditions or mechanical failure; the vehicle is a bus with passengers on board. See California Code of Regulations, Title 13, Section 2485, for a full definition.

Overlay. A land use or zoning designation that modifies the basic underlying designation or designations in some specific manner .

Parcel. An area of land that is a legally created lot.

Park. Tract of land set aside for public use, aesthetic enjoyment, recreation, or the conservation of natural resources.

Regional Park: Regional Parks are of a relatively expansive size and their unique natural and cultural attractions draw visitors from the entire region. These parks usually have many uses and require a higher level of management when compared to smaller parks such as city parks, neighborhood parks, recreation centers, and pocket parks, which have fewer activities and primarily serve local residents.

Community Park: Community parks serve the needs of a rangle of people, from several neighborhoods to the entire city. They typically contain a wide variety of facilities for active and passive recreation, and organized sports. They also provide amenities typical of neighborhood parks for use by the surrounding residents. Parks containing fewer elements but that contain facilities that serve the entire city may be considered to be community parks.

Neighborhood Park: Neighborhood Parks provide for the daily recreation needs of nearby residents, with primarily passive and informal recreation facilities. Neighborhood parks often include play areas, picnic areas, open turf areas or green space, basketball courts, and tennis courts. The neighborhood parks also may contain play fields.

Mini Parks: Mini parks are small parks, generally less than one acre in size, that accommodate the daily recreation needs of nearby residents. They typically include children’s play areas, sitting areas, and limited green space, but are not large enough to contain play fields.

Policy. A specific statement that guides decision making as the City works to achieve a goal. Policies represent statements of City regulation and set the standards used by decision makers when considering proposed development and actions. A policy is ongoing and requires no further action (see “Goal”).

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Reach Code. A local municipal code that exceeds the State Building Code requirements. A reach code must be at least as stringent as the State Code, cost-effective, approved by the California Energy Commission, and updated and re-approved with each State Energy Code update.

Reconstruction. Redevelopment of a building or structure, after being damaged or destroyed in a disaster, to its original state.

Resilience. The capacity of any entity—an individual, community, organization, or natural system—to prepare for disruptions, recover from shocks and stresses, and adapt and grow from a disruptive experience.

Community resilience is the ability of communities to withstand, recover, and learn from past disasters to strengthen future response and recovery efforts.

Rewilding. Returning land to its natural state to regenerate natural areas. In contrast to restoration, rewilding focuses on returning ecosystems to their former states as close as possible while allowing for plant, animal, and other ecosystem subsitutions to account for changing future conditions.

Riparian. A habitat and vegetation zone that is associated with the banks and floodplains of a river, stream, or lake. Riparian trees and shrubs are typically phreatophytes, plants whose root systems are in constant contact with groundwater .

Risk. The potential for damage or loss created by the interaction of hazards with assets such as buildings, infrastructure, or natural and cultural resources.

Roadway Classifications. Roadway classifications define the function of various street types in the transpor- tation network. The City of San Mateo classifies its roadways using the Caltrans Functional Classification System.

Local: Local roads are the largest percentage of roadways in terms of mileage. These provide direct access to abutting land. They may be designed to discourage through traffic; they are not intended to cover long distances. The annual average daily traffic volume for local roads is 80 to 700 trips.

Major Collector: Major collectors gather traffic from local roads and funnel it to arterials. Compared to local roadways, major collectors are longer, have fewer driveways, have higher speed limits, and may have more travel lanes. The annual average daily traffic volume for major collectors is 1,100 to 6,300 trips.

Minor Arterials: Minor arterials are used for trips of moderate length, serve smaller geographic areas than principal arterials and offer connections between principal arterials and other roadways. The annual average daily traffic volume for minor arterials is 3,000 to 14,000 trips.

Principal Arterials: Principal arterials are the main streets within the city that carry the greatest number of users and serve the largest area. Unlike a freeway, travelers can access destinations directly from the arterial through driveways and at-grade intersections with other roadways. The annual average daily traffic volume for principal arterials is 7,000 to 27,000 trips. El Camino Real is the only principal arterial in San Mateo.

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Freeways or Expressways: Freeways and expressways have directional travel lanes that are usually separated by a physical barrier, and their access and egress points are limited to on- and off-ramp locations or a very limited number of at-grade intersections. The annual average daily traffic volume for freeways and expressways is 13,000 to 55,000 trips. US Highway 101 and State Route 92 are the two freeways in San Mateo.

Safe Routes to School. Pedestrian and bicycling routes that provide children with safe access to and from schools.

Scenic Roadways; Scenic Trails. Land that is visible from, adjacent to, and outside a roadway right-of-way, and is made up primarily of scenic and natural features. Topography, vegetation, viewing distance, and/or jurisdictional lines determine the scenic corridor boundaries.

Sea Level Rise. The worldwide average rise in mean sea level, which may be due to a number of different causes, such as the thermal expansion of sea water and the addition of water to the oceans from the melting of glaciers, ice caps, and ice sheets, including as a result of climate change.

Seniors. People 65 years of age or older.

Sensitive Habitat. Land containing unique, representative, threatened, and/or endangered plant and animal communities, or ecosystems.

Sensitive Receptor. A use that is highly sensitive to impacts from other uses, including homes, schools, playgrounds, sports fields, childcare centers, senior centers, hospitals, and long-term healthcare facilities.

Sensitivity. The level to which a species, natural system, community, or government would be affected by changing climate conditions.

Severe Ground Shaking. Intense ground movement resulting from the transmission of seismic waves during an earthquake.

Specific Plan. Under Article 8 of the Government Code (Section 65450 et seq.), a legal tool for detailed design and implementation of a defined portion of the area covered by a General Plan. A Specific Plan may include all or a part of detailed regulations, conditions, programs, and/or proposed legislation that may be necessary or convenient for the systematic implementation of any General Plan element(s).

Sphere of Influence. The probable physical boundaries and service area of a municipality or special district, as determined by the Local Agency Formation Commission of the county.

Stormwater. Water that comes from a rain event.

Story. The term to define building height in the General Plan. The General Plan assumes each story is an average of 11 feet, provided that the applicable overall height limit is not exceeded.

Structure. Anything constructed or erected on and permanently attached to the ground, except fences six feet or less in height (see “Building”).

Sustainability. Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs in three key realms, or pillars: economic viability, environmental protection, and social equity.

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Toxic Air Contaminant. An air pollutant that may cause or contribute to an increase in serious illness, or that may pose a present or potential hazard to human health, according to California Health and Safety Code Section 39655.

Traffic Calming. Measures designed to reduce motor vehicle speeds and to encourage pedestrian and bicycle use, including narrow streets with fewer lanes, tight turning radii, sidewalk bulbouts, parking bays, textured paving at intersections, and parkways between sidewalks and streets.

Transit-Oriented Development. The clustering of homes and jobs at higher densities within a half mile of a rail station or bus service with 15 minute headways or less.

Triplex. A free-standing house divided into three separate living units or residences, usually having separate entrances, or three single-family detached dwelling units on a single lot.

Unincorporated Area. Land that is outside of an incorporated city and falls under a County’s jurisdiction.

Development proposals in unincorporated areas need County review and approval.

Use. The purpose for which a lot or structure is or may be leased, occupied, maintained, arranged, designed, intended, constructed, erected, moved, altered, and/or enlarged in accordance with the City Zoning Code and the General Plan land use designations.

Wastewater. Water that contains other elements, such as sewage, small pathogens, organic matter, and inorganic contaminants. This term is also used to refer to water generated in industrial plants and commercial activity.

Wetland. An area that is seasonally or permanently inundated or saturated by surface water or ground - water at a frequency and duration sufficient to support a distinct ecosystem with a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions, commonly known as hydrophytic vegetation. Wetlands may be coastal or inland.

Wildland-Urban Interface. An area that includes both houses and wildland vegetation, creating a signif - icant threat to human life or property from wildfires.

Zoning. Zoning implements the land use policies of the General Plan. The adopted codes of a City by ordinance or other legislative regulation that identifies districts or zones citywide. These zones specify allowable uses for real property, as well as standards for buildings constructed in these areas.

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8 UPDATED GENERAL PLAN 2040 GOALS, POLICIES AND ACTIONS This attachment includes a list of all General Plan 2040 goals, policies and actions that have been updated or revised since the Draft General Plan was published in July 2023.

CHAPTER 2. LAND USE ELEMENT
Change
ID
Policy/
Action Number Comment Change/Revision
1 Policy LU 1.2 General
Plan 2040 Maximum
Development
Revised buildout policy to clarify policy and
update the buildout numbers to reflect the
revised Land Use Map.

Policy LU 1.2 General Plan 2040 Maximum
Development. Maintain the City’s ability to rely on the General Plan EIR to approve future discretionary
actions. When approved development within City Limits
and unincorporated properties within the Sphere of
Influence reaches the number of new residential units
and net new nonresidential square feet below, require
that environmental review conducted for any
subsequent development project address growth
impacts that would occur from further development:
• 19,764 new dwelling units
• 3,186,000 square feet of new nonresidential
floor area
When approved nonresidential development reaches
half of the anticipated development, evaluate the
citywide jobs-housing balance.1
1 The General Plan Update Draft EIR (August 2023)
analyzed a buildout potential of 21,410 new dwelling
units and 4,325,000 square feet of new nonresidential
floor area. During the public review period for the Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft EIR, changes were
incorporated into the final adopted General Plan that
reduced the residential and nonresidential
development capacity. This policy reflects the reduced
amounts, as acknowledged in the General Plan Update
Final EIR (January 2024).
2 Action LU 1.10 Review
of New Development
Revised action to note when the evaluation of
the citywide jobs-housing balance is needed.

Action LU 1.10 Review of New Development. Track
actual growth of both new housing units and net new
nonresidential floor area annually, and review every
two to three years. Use this information to monitor
nonresidential floor area and housing units in San
Mateo and to adjust this General Plan, infrastructure
plans, and circulation plans, as necessary, if actual
growth is exceeding projections. When approved
nonresidential development reaches half of the
anticipated development, evaluate the citywide jobs-
housing balance.

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ID
Policy/
Action Number Comment Change/Revision
3 Policy LU 2.3
Community Benefits
Revised policy to clarify when community
benefits are provided for nonresidential
development.

Policy LU 2.3 Community Benefits. Develop a
framework to allow density/intensity bonuses and
concessions in exchange for the provision of
community benefits, such as additional affordable
housing, increased open space, public plazas or
recreational facilities, subsidized retail space for small businesses, subsidized community space for nonprofits
that provide community support services or childcare
facilities, pedestrian and multimodal safety
improvements, and/or off-site infrastructure
improvements above minimum requirements.
• The framework shall allow for nonresidential
development (office and commercial) within
¼-mile of the Hayward Park and Hillsdale
Caltrain stations to have heights up to eight-
stories when commensurate community
benefits are provided.
4 Policy LU 3.3
Neighborhood
Commercial
Preservation
Policy LU 3.4
Convenience Retail
Combined Policy LU 3.3 and LU 3.4 since the
two policies overlap, see revised Policy LU 3.3.

Added new Policy LU 3.4 to focus on
preserving ground floor retail and commercial
uses in new developments.

Policy LU 3.3 Neighborhood Commercial and Service
Uses. Preservation. Encourage the preservation of
local-serving commercial retail and service uses in
neighborhood shopping districts and adjacent to
residential neighborhoods, including as part of new
mixed-use development.

Policy LU 3.4 Neighborhood Commercial Preservation
Convenience Retail. Support neighborhood serving
shopping area vibrancy and maintain commercial
concentrations by encouraging new development to
retain existing ground floor retail and commercial uses, to continue to meet the needs of the surrounding
neighborhoods. Encourage and preserve convenience
stores and neighborhood retail uses adjacent to
residential neighborhoods, including as part of new
mixed-use development.
5 Policy LU 3.5 Support
Service Uses
Revised policy to reference child care facilities
and hardware stores.

Policy LU 3.5 Support Service Uses. Encourage
businesses that provide a variety of services, such as
restaurants, child care facilities, medical clinics, gyms, pharmacies, hardware stores, and grocery stores in
locations that serve residential neighborhoods and
commercial/office uses. Prioritize the development of
these services in equity priority communities in the city. 6 Policy LU 3.10 Service
Commercial
Moved Policy LU 3.10 above Policy 3.7 to
better flow with commercial policies and
updated text to align with Land Use
Designation Table.

Policy LU 3.610 Service Commercial/Light Industrial.

Retain service commercial and light industrial uses in San Mateo to support local businesses and to meet the needs of residents locally. Preserve properties that are zoned for service commercial uses and discourage uses that are
allowed elsewhere in the city from locating in service
commercial and light industrial areas.

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ID
Policy/
Action Number Comment Change/Revision
7 Policy LU 3.8 Visitor
Economy
Revised policy to support the expansion of
cultural and entertainment resources in San
Mateo.

Policy LU 3.8 Visitor Economy. Collaborate with other
Peninsula cities and the San Mateo County/ Silicon Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau to support the continued development of the visitor economy of both the city and the region, including lodging, entertainment, cultural, recreation, retail, and local events; encourage uses that attract visitors. Incentivize through fee reduction and visitor perks, sustainable modes of travel to and from the city to reduce both the use of air travel and gas-powered vehicles.
8 Policy LU 3.10 Office
Park Evolution
Added outdoor spaces to policy. Policy LU 3.10 Office Park Evolution. Support the transition of single-use office parks into mixed-use
districts that include residential, retail, office, services, and/or parks and open space. Within an office site that is redeveloping as mixed-use, locate offices and commercial space closest to high-volume roadways and locate new
residential uses and outdoor spaces as far as possible
from high-volume roadways.
9 Policy LU 3.12 Publicly
Accessible Spaces
Revised policy to note that public spaces
should be safe welcoming and easy to access.

Policy LU 3.12 Publicly Accessible Spaces. Integrate a
variety of privately owned and maintained publicly
accessible spaces into new development. Spaces should
be safe, welcoming, easy to access, and include signage that clearly identifies these spaces as publicly accessible. 10 Policy LU 3.13 Cultural
Facilities and Public
Art
Revised policy to support the expansion of
cultural and entertainment resources in San
Mateo.

Policy LU 3.13 Cultural Facilities and Public Art. Recognize cultural facilities, entertainment events, performing arts, and public art as part of a healthy and thriving
community. Use funds from the City’s art in-lieu fee to enhance existing public art and cultural facilities and encourage new facilities that reflect the character and identity of the surrounding neighborhoods.
11 Policy LU 4.1
Downtown Land Uses
Revised policy to support the expansion of
cultural and entertainment resources in San
Mateo.

Policy LU 4.1 Downtown Land Uses. Allow and prioritize a wide range of residential, dining, cultural, entertainment, lodging, and other commercial uses downtown, at high
intensities and densities, with strong multi-modal
connectivity to the San Mateo Caltrain station and other transit.
12 Action LU 4.4
Downtown Area Plan
Revised policy to support the expansion of
cultural and entertainment resources in San
Mateo..

Action LU 4.4 Downtown Area Plan. Update the
Downtown Area Plan to support and strengthen the
Downtown as a vibrant and active commercial, cultural,
entertainment, and community gathering district. The
updated Downtown Area Plan shall align with the General Plan, integrate recommendations from other concurrent
City efforts, focus growth and intensity in proximity to the Caltrain station, encourage superblock concepts or
approaches and allow parklets, update parking standards and parking management strategies, allow for increased
housing units and density, and support high-quality,
pedestrian-oriented design and architecture.

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ID
Policy/
Action Number Comment Change/Revision
13 Action LU 6.3 Hillsdale
Station Area Plan
Revised action to improve access to the west
side of the Hillsdale station.

Action LU 6.3 Hillsdale Station Area Plan. Update the
Hillsdale Station Area Plan to foster higher-density
residential, office and mixed-use, transit-oriented
development that connects to neighborhoods to the east
and west, improves bicycle and pedestrian connectivity
west of the station, and increases park and open space
areas.
14 Action LU 8.4 City
Investment
Revised action to also reference other funding
sources.

Action LU 8.4 City Investment. Use funds from the park
impact fee and other sources to invest in programs and
public improvements that connect residents with
opportunities to increase their physical activity and
improve their physical and mental health, especially in equity priority communities with higher risk of negative public health outcomes. Identify new funding sources for programs and public improvements, if needed.
15 Action LU 8.8
Streetscape and
Safety Improvements.

Minor text revision. Action LU 8.8 Streetscape and Safety Improvements.

Work with residents in equity priority communities to
identify sidewalk, lighting, landscaping, and roadway
improvements needed to improve routes to parks,
schools, recreation facilities, and other destinations
within the community. Prioritize investments that
address health disparities in equity priority communities in the annual Capital Improvement Program.
16 Action LU 8.10 Equity
Priority Communities
Plan
Minor text revisions. Action LU 8.10 Equity Priority Communities Plan.

Prepare a plan for the equity priority communities that addresses the needs of each community, including
health, safety, and improved circulation with community input. The plan shall seek to ensure the streets in each community are measurably safe, include ADA
accessibility, and have adequate on-street parking.

Changes included in the plan shall be developed and
enacted with the expressed purpose of improving
health, safety, and welfare of the members of each
community.
17 Action LU 8.11 City
Services
Revised action to clarify. Action LU 8.11 City Services. Work with residents in equity priority communities to improve services
provided by the City or other partners related to safety, sanitation, and security in these neighborhoods.
18 Action LU 8.12
Neighborhood
Beautification
Modified action to reference planting and
maintenance of street trees.

Action LU 8.12 Neighborhood Beautification. Support
and promote neighborhood clean-up and beautification
initiatives in equity priority communities, including
street tree planting and maintenance, through
partnerships with neighborhood organizations.

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ID
Policy/
Action Number Comment Change/Revision
19 Policy LU 10.1 Effects
of Climate Change
Revised to include reference to zoning code
and add account for.

Policy LU 10.1 Effects of Climate Change. Account for the effects of climate change in updating or amending the
General Plan or Zoning Code, disaster planning efforts, City projects, infrastructure planning, future policies, and long-term strategies, as feasible. Recognize potential
climate change consequences, such as sea level rise,
flooding, higher groundwater, less availability of drinking water, hotter temperatures, increased wildfire risk, and changing air quality. Prioritize protecting equity priority communities from the disproportionate burden of climate hazards, including against risks of displacement and
challenges in rebuilding after major incidents
20 Action LU 12.3 Fiscal
Neutrality
Minor text revisions to clarify action. Action LU 12.3 Fiscal Neutrality. Study the feasibility and potential impacts of adopting a Fiscal Neutrality Policy that would require new development to offset any
difference between future tax revenue and the cost of
City services to that development. The policy should also consider the City’s goals to provide for a diverse range of housing that is affordable to all members of the
community.
21 Action LU 15.3 Annual
General Plan Progress
Report
Added population projections in annual
report.

Action LU 15.3 Annual General Plan Progress Report.

Submit an Annual Progress Report on the status of the
General Plan implementation to the City Council and to
the Office of Planning and Research by April 1 of each
year, per Government Code Section 65400. The Annual
Progress Report should also include population projection information.

CHAPTER 3. CIRCULATION ELEMENT
Ch
an
ge
ID
Policy/
Action Number Comment Recommended Change(s)
1 Policy C 1.1
Sustainable
Transportation
Revised to be more explicit about
reducing vehicle miles traveled.

Policy C 1.1 Sustainable Transportation. Reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from transportation by increasing mode share options for sustainable travel modes, such as walking, bicycling, and public transit.
2 Policy C 1.5 El
Camino Real
Revised to address pedestrian
improvements are needed along El
Camino Real to minimize noise and
improve safety.

Policy C 1.5 El Camino Real. Facilitate efficient travel and pedestrian safety along El Camino Real by supporting improvements that enhance pedestrian connectivity, such as improved pedestrian crossings. 3 Action C 1.11
Complete
Streets Plan
Revised to reference the travel modes
included in Goal C-1 (i.e. walking,
bicycling, and transit)
Action C 1.11 Complete Streets Plan. Complete and implement the Complete Streets Plan to improve the City’s circulation network, including pedestrian, bicycling, and transit infrastructure, to accommodate the needs of street users of all ages and abilities. 4 Action C 1.13 El
Camino Real
Improvements
Text clarification Action C 1.13 El Camino Real Improvements. Collaborate with Caltrans, SamTrans, and other partners to support accommodating higher- capacity and higher-frequency travel along El Camino Real, Bus Rapid Transit, and other modes of alternative transportation.

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an
ge
ID
Policy/
Action Number Comment Recommended Change(s)
5 Action C 1.14
Safe Routes for
Seniors
Added more focus on senior issues and
support for implementation of the Age
Friendly Action Plan.

Action C 1.14 Safe Routes for Seniors. Develop a “safe routes for seniors” program to promote active transportation connections for seniors in collaboration with seniors’ organizations and based on the likely walking routes for older adults identified in the Age Friendly Action Plan. Prioritize improvements for seniors in equity priority communities.
6 Action C 1.15
Transit-Oriented
Development
Pedestrian
Access Plan
Revised to improve access to and from
the stations.

Action C 1.15 Transit-Oriented Development Pedestrian Access Plan.

Coordinate with interagency partners and community stakeholders to seek funding opportunities to design, construct, and build the priority projects identified in the Transit-Oriented Development Pedestrian Access Plan to improve access to and from the Caltrain Stations. 7 Action C 1.18
Safety Education
Revised to clarify the action. Action C 1.18 Safety Education. Pursue Provide safety education to increase awareness of roadway safety practices for all street users. 8 Action C 1.21
Performance
and Monitoring.

Revised to commit to making this a
measurable target.

Action C 1.21 Performance and Monitoring. Regularly monitor the City’s mode split progress on reducing VMT and reducing GHG emissions from VMT, as data is available.
9 Action C 2.7 New
Development
Shuttle Services
Revised to also encourage programs to
seek funding from the SMCTA shuttle
program
Action C 2.7 New Development Shuttle Services. Encourage new developments to provide shuttle services and shuttle partnerships as an option to fulfill TDM requirements. Shuttles should serve activity centers, such as the College of San Mateo, Caltrain stations, Downtown, the Hillsdale Shopping Center, or other areas and should accommodate the needs and schedules of all riders, including service workers. 10 Action C 2.8
Unbundled
Parking
Revised action to reflect its
relationship to supporting the City’s
TDM objectives.

Action C 2.8 Unbundled Parking. In conjunction with other TDM strategies that aim to reduce vehicle trips, encourage residential developments to unbundle the costs of providing dedicated parking spaces. Encourage additional parking capacity created by unbundling to be reallocated as shared or public parking spaces
11 Action C 3.7
Pedestrian
Connectivity
Revised to help address that
pedestrian improvements are needed
along El Camino Real to minimize noise
and improve safety.

Action C 3.7 Pedestrian Connectivity. Incorporate design for pedestrian connectivity across intersections in transportation projects, including the El Camino Real corridor, to improve visibility at crosswalks for pedestrians and provide safe interaction with other modes. Design improvements should focus on increasing sight lines and removing conflicts at crosswalks.
12 Policy C 4.4
Bicycle-Related
Technology
Policy C 4.5
Bicycle and
Shared Mobility-
Related
Technology
Combined policies to eliminate
redundancies.

Policy C 4.4 Bicycle-Related Technology. Explore ways to use technology to improve bicycle safety and connectivity.

Policy C 4.5 Bicycle and Shared Mobility-Related Technology. Explore ways to use technology to improve bicycle and shared mobility safety and connectivity.
13 Policy C 4.5
Bicycle
Improvements
Revised to include bicycle parking. Policy C 4.5 Bicycle Improvements. Require new developments to construct or contribute to improvements that enhance the cyclist experience, including bicycle lanes and bicycle parking. 14 New Policy Add new policy on bicycle lane
maintenance.
(New) Policy C 4.8 Bicycle Lane Maintenance. Maintain existing and future bicycle lanes to keep them in a usable and safe condition for cyclists.

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an
ge
ID
Policy/
Action Number Comment Recommended Change(s)
15 Policy C 5.1
Transit Ridership
Modified this policy to also support
increased transit frequency.

Policy C 5.1 Transit Ridership and Frequency. Support SamTrans and Caltrain in their efforts to increase transit ridership and frequency of transit services.
16 Policy C 5.2
Caltrain
Modified C 5.2 to include both Caltrain
and SamTrans and added a new policy
to support paratransit systems.

Policy C 5.2 Caltrain and SamTrans. Support Caltrain and SamTrans as a critical transit service providers in the city and Peninsula. (New) Policy C 5.9 Paratransit. Support San Mateo County’s efforts to provide paratransit services in the city.
17 Policy C 5.6
Transit Safety
Revised to help address that
pedestrian improvements are needed
along El Camino Real to minimize noise
and improve safety.

Policy C 5.6 Transit Safety. Prioritize improvements that enhance pedestrian connectivity to transit and increase safety, access, and comfort at transit centers and bus stops in equity priority communities, along commercial corridors, and in dense, mixed-use neighborhoods. 18 Action C 5.11
Transit
Experience
Improvements
Added SamTrans standards to action. Action C 5.11 Transit Experience Improvements. Prioritize installing new transit shelters and benches or other seating and an energy- efficient street lighting program at transit stops using SamTrans standards in equity priority communities and areas that improve transit access, safety, and experience.
19 New Action Added new action focused on safe
routes to transit.
(New) Action 5.13 Safe Routes to Transit. Prioritize bicycle and pedestrian improvement projects that provide safe and equitable access to transit stops.
20 Policy C 6.7
Capital
Improvement
Program
Clarified that Policy C 6.7 Capital
Improvement Program does not apply
to adding new traffic lanes.

Policy C 6.7 Capital Improvement Program. Prioritize improvements that increase person throughput, such as increased pedestrian, bicycle, and transit access, that work toward achieving the City’s goal of reducing VMT.
21 New Action Added new action focused on traffic
calming.
(New) Action C 6.9 Traffic Calming Policy. Evaluate whether updates are needed to the City’s Neighborhood Traffic Management Program to determine if the program should be expanded to include major and minor collectors and arterials.
22 New Action Added new action about roadway
classifications.
(New) Action C 6.13 Street Classification Update. Request that Caltrans and the Federal Highway Administration update their functional roadway classifications based on the roadway network framework defined by the Complete Streets Plan.
23 New Action Added new action about off-street
parking incentives.
(New) Action C 7.14 Off-Street Parking Incentives. Explore a new policy or code amendment that would provide incentives to projects in exchange for providing additional off-street parking in neighborhoods that have on-street parking capacity issues, such as areas in the North Central Neighborhood.

CHAPTER 5. COMMUNITY DESIGN AND HISTORIC RESOURCES ELEMENT Change
ID
Policy/
Action Number Comment Recommended Change(s)
1 Policy CD 1.3 Scenic
Corridors
Added “to the extent feasible” to policy. Policy CD 1.3 Scenic Corridors. Require new development adjacent to designated scenic corridors within San Mateo County’s General Plan to protect and enhance the visual character of these corridors to the extent feasible.

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ID
Policy/
Action Number Comment Recommended Change(s)
2 Policy CD 3.7 Street
Tree Equity
If the City is going to plant trees or give them
to citizens to plant, make sure there is a
requirement to take care of the tree.

Policy CD 3.7 Street Tree Equity. Plant new street trees to increase the tree canopy throughout the city, especially in gateway areas and in tree-deficient neighborhoods; encourage neighborhood participation in tree planting programs; and incorporate programs for long-term care and maintenance of the new street trees.
3 Action CD 3.11 Tree
Support for Low-
Income Homeowners
Revised Action CD 3.11 to add City support for
the establishment and maintenance of trees
in addition to planting.

Action CD 3.11 Tree Support for Low-Income Homeowners.

Explore funding sources and other forms of City support for low- income homeowners to plant, maintain, and/or replace trees on their property.
4 New Action Added an action to support the establishment of newly planted City-owned trees.
(New) Action CD 3.12 Tree Establishment. Develop a program and identify funding to support the early establishment and ongoing maintenance of City-owned street trees.
5 New Policy Added new policy to clearly support the City’s comprehensive approach to historic
preservation.

Add new first policy under Goal CD-5 and renumber subsequent policies and actions:
(NEW) Policy CD 5.1 Comprehensive Approach to Historic
Preservation. Implement a comprehensive approach to historic preservation based on community input and best practices from State and federal agencies, to find an appropriate balance between preservation with other important priorities, such as affordable housing production and supporting local businesses. 6 Policy CD 5.1 Historic
Preservation
Policy CD 5.2 Historic
Resources
Preservation
Combined 2040 Draft General Plan Policies CD

5.1 and 5.2 to reduce redundancy.

Policy CD 5.2 Historic Preservation. Actively identify and preserve historic resources and concentrations of historic resources which convey the flavor of local historical periods, are culturally significant, or provide an atmosphere of exceptional architectural interest or integrity, as feasible, when they meet national, State, or local criteria. Historic resources include individual properties, districts, and sites that maintain San Mateo’s sense of place and special identity, and enrich our understanding of the city’s history and continuity with the past. 7 Action CD 5.12
Historic Resources
Design Standards
Added contributors to the action. Action CD 5.12 Historic Resources Design Standards. Create objective design standards for alterations to historic resources and contributors to a designated historic district, and new development adjacent to historic resources within historic districts. Use the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards as the basis for these objective design standards to ensure projects have a contextual relationship with land uses and patterns; spatial organization; visual relationships; cultural and historic values; and the height, massing, design, and materials of historic resources.
8 Action CD 7.7
Objective Design
Standards
Revised action since the objective design
standards have been adopted.

Action CD 7.7 Objective Design Standards. Implement the City’s objective design standards to ensure that new multifamily and mixed-use projects with a residential component meet required standards and streamline the development review process. 9 Policy CD 8.3 Respect
Existing Scale and
Rhythm
Council revision to keep scale and rhythm but
add context sensitive design.

Policy CD 8.3 Respect Existing Scale and Rhythm. Context Sensitive Design. New mixed-use and commercial development should have context sensitive design that incorporates
architectural styles and elements that relate to the scale and design of surrounding buildings, including by providing breaks in the building face at spacings common to buildings in the area and by stepping back upper floors.

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9 9
8 6
8 Change
ID
Policy/
Action Number Comment Recommended Change(s)
10 Action CD 8.6
Objective Design
Standards
Added context sensitive design. Action CD 8.6 Objective Design Standards. Develop and adopt objective design standards for new mixed-use and commercial development to provide a clear understanding of the City’s expectation for new project design, including context
appropriate architectural styles and pedestrian-friendly design.

CHAPTER 6. CONSERVATION, OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION ELEMENT Change
ID
Policy/
Action Number Comment Recommended Change(s)
1 Policy COS 1.4
Avoidance of Nesting
Birds
Not "should be avoided" it "must be avoided"
Make it a requirement.

Policy COS 1.4 Avoidance of Nesting Birds. Disturbance of active native bird nests shall be avoided when required by State and federal regulations. For new development sites where nesting native birds may be present, vegetation
clearing and construction must be initiated outside the bird nesting season (March 1 through August 31) or
preconstruction surveys be conducted by a qualified biologist in advance of any disturbance. If active nests are encountered, appropriate buffer zones shall be established based on
recommendations by the qualified biologist and remain in place until any young birds have successfully left the nest. 2 Policy COS 1.5
Surveys for Sensitive
Natural Communities
"Must be conducted" not "should be
conducted."
Policy COS 1.5 Surveys for Sensitive Natural Communities.

Require that sites with suitable natural habitat, including creek corridors through urbanized areas, be surveyed for the
presence or absence of sensitive natural communities prior to development approval. Such surveys shall be conducted by a qualified biologist and occur prior to development-related vegetation removal or other habitat modifications.
3 Policy COS 1.6
Surveys for Regulated
Waters
"Must be conducted" not "should be
conducted." If you are going to protect our
natural resources, quit using all the weasel
words that people can get around...unless that
is the intent?
Policy COS 1.6 Surveys for Regulated Waters. Require that sites with suitable natural habitat, including creek corridors through urbanized areas, be surveyed for the presence or absence of regulated waters prior to development approval.

Such surveys shall be conducted by a qualified wetland
specialist and occur prior to development-related vegetation removal or other habitat modifications.
4 Policy COS 3.2
Aesthetic and Habitat
Values – Private
Creeks.

Removed figure reference to broaden the
policy.

Policy COS 3.2 Aesthetic and Habitat Values – Private Creeks.

Encourage preservation and enhance the aesthetic and
habitat values of privately owned sections of all other creeks and channels, shown in Figure COS-3.
5 Policy COS 4.3
BAAQMD Planning
for Healthy Places.

Revised sentence structure. Policy COS 4.3 BAAQMD Planning for Healthy Places. Require new development to adhere to BAAQMD’s Planning for
Healthy Places guidance when warranted by local conditions.

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10 9
8 6
8 Change
ID
Policy/
Action Number Comment Recommended Change(s)
6 Policy COS 4.9 Air
Pollution Exposure.

Clarified air quality in both indoor and outdoor
spaces.

Policy COS 4.9 Air Pollution Exposure. For new development that is located within 1,000 feet from US Highway 101 and State Route 92, require installation of enhanced ventilation systems and other strategies to protect people from
respiratory, heart, and other health effects associated with breathing polluted air in both indoor and outdoor spaces. 7 New Action Under
Goal COS-4
Mitigate outdoor air quality in polluted areas. (NEW) Action COS 4.11 Outdoor Air Quality Mitigation.

Explore the feasibility of funding and installing pollutant screening solutions, such as walls and dense vegetation, to address outdoor air quality in residential areas located within 1,000 feet from US Highway 101 and State Route 92.
8 Policy COS 5.2
Creating Community
Added language to support the expansion of
cultural and entertainment resources in San
Mateo.

Policy COS 5.2 Creating Community. Cultivate opportunities to come together as a community, celebrate our heritage,
cultures, and milestones through cultural and entertainment events and have social supports available, which are key to creating a sense of community and building community
resilience.
9 Policy COS 5.3
Creative Outlets
Added language to support the expansion of
cultural and entertainment resources in San
Mateo.

Policy COS 5.3 Creative Outlets. Provide skill development, cultural, and performance opportunities within each of the major art forms with an emphasis on promoting lifelong
enjoyment to nurture creative discovery.
10 Policy COS 5.6 Child
and Youth
Development
Added health and safety. Policy COS 5.6 Child and Youth Development. Provide preschool through teenage youth with a variety of
experiences that nurture individuality, spark imagination, promote health, increase safety, encourage active recreation, and build the skills needed to ensure success in the next stage of development.
11 Delete Action Original comment: “What does this even mean?”
Staff reviewed , including P&R Director, and
determined that intent of action is unclear and
that it was not needed it order to implement the
policies under Goal COS-5.

Action COS 5.12 Coordination with Education Providers.

Coordinate with education providers, including local school districts, the College of San Mateo, and the San Mateo Public Library, to identify appropriate service targets and provide activities within those identified targets.
12 New Action under
Goal COS-6
Added new action to address park access east of
El Camino Real and east of US 101.
(NEW) Action COS 6.5 Comprehensive Access Analysis.

Conduct a comprehensive park accessibility gap analysis to address equitable park access, with an emphasis on
neighborhoods east of El Camino Real and east of US Highway 101.

CHAPTER 7. PUBLIC SERVICES AND FACILITIES ELEMENT
Change ID
Policy/
Action Number Comment Recommended Change(s)
1 Policy PSF 1.8 Police
and Fire Cover
Assessments
Added new policy. (New) Policy PSF 1.8 Police and Fire Cover Assessments. Complete standard of cover assessments or staffing studies periodically for Police and Fire Services to ensure that appropriate response times, staffing and levels of service are available to meet community needs as the City’s population grows.

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11 9
8 6
8 Change ID
Policy/
Action Number Comment Recommended Change(s)
2 Deleted duplicative
action.

Deleted duplicative action. Action PSF 2.9 Recycled Water. Continue working with California Water Service, the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, the Bay Area Water Supply & Conservation Agency, the City of Redwood City, and Silicon Valley Clean Water to develop an advanced water purification facility that treats wastewater from the San Mateo wastewater treatment plant to tertiary treatment standards.

Action PSF 2-11 Water Purification Facility. Continue working with California Water Service, the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, the Bay Area Water Supply & Conservation Agency, the City of Redwood City, and Silicon Valley Clean Water to develop an advanced water purification facility that treats wastewater from the San Mateo wastewater treatment plan to tertiary treatment standards. 3 Policy PSF 3.7 Water
Quality Standards
Revised policy. Policy PSF 3.7 Water Quality Standards. M Manage City creeks, channels, and the Marina Lagoon to meet applicable State and federal water quality standards.

Manage City creeks and channels for both flood protection and aquatic resources.

Protect and restore creeks to a level acceptable for healthy marine and bird habitat.
4 Policy PSF 3.9 Low-
Impact Development
Revised policy. Policy PSF 3.9 Green Infrastructure Low-Impact Development. Minimize stormwater runoff and pollution by requiring new green infrastructure to treat and improve stormwater quality as part of public and private projects. encouraging low-impact design (LID) features, such as pervious parking surfaces, bioswales, and filter strips in new development.
5 New Policy Added new policy. (New) Policy PSF 3.13 Marina Lagoon. Continue to maintain the Marina Lagoon as flood control infrastructure that accounts for climate change risks and major flood events.
6 New Policy Added new policy (New) Policy PSF 3.14 City Utility Programs Funding. Maintain adequate, sustained, and dedicated revenue sources for City utility programs to support the sanitary sewer system, stormwater system, and refuse collection. 7 Action PSF 3.16
Stormwater
Treatment
Revisions to action. Action PSF 3.16 Stormwater Treatment. Continue to participate in the San Mateo Countywide Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program, “Flows to Bay”, to ensure compliance with the Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit to prevent water pollution from point and non-point sources.
8 Action PSF 3.18
Stormwater
Requirements for
Development
Revisions to action. Action PSF 3.18 Stormwater Requirements for Development. In accordance with State regulatory mandates, require applicable new and redevelopment projects to incorporate site design, source control, treatment, and hydromodification management measures to minimize stormwater runoff volumes and associated pollutants. Stormwater management via green infrastructure systems shall be prioritized.
9 Action PSF 3.19
Green Infrastructure
Revisions to action. Action PSF 3.19 Green Infrastructure Plan. Implement the City’s Green Infrastructure Plan through complete streets implementations or private development projects to gradually shift from a traditional stormwater conveyance system (“gray”) to a more natural system that incorporates plants and soils to mimic watershed processes, capture and clean stormwater, reduce runoff, increase infiltration, and create healthier environments (“green”). 10 Delete Action Removed as the Municipal
Regional Stormwater Permit

3.0 now requires this for all
projects.

Action PSF 3.18 Incentives for Low-Impact Development. Develop and implement incentives to encourage applicants to include low-impact design features in new development.
11 New Action Added new action. (New) Action PSF 3.20 Stormwater Management Funding. Establish a dedicated funding source for stormwater management.

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12 9
8 6
8 Change ID
Policy/
Action Number Comment Recommended Change(s)
12 Policy PSF 4.6
Renewable Energy
Neighborhood
Microgrids.

Revised policy to prioritize
locating microgrids in equity
priority communities.

Policy PSF 4.6 Renewable Energy Neighborhood Microgrids. Encourage the establishment of renewable energy neighborhood microgrids to support resilience, especially within equity priority communities.
13 Policy PSF 5.7
Incentives for Public
Facilities
Clarified policy. Policy PSF 5.7 Incentives for Public Facilities. Provide incentives to developers for projects that include needed space for public facilities in new development 14 New Policy Added a policy on the Senior
Center facility and
programming.
(New) Policy PSF 5.9 San Mateo Senior Center. Maintain and, as feasible, improve the Senior Center as an important facility that serves as an age friendly community space and provides programming, activities, and services for older adults. 15 New Policy Added new policy on
property acquisition.
(New) Policy PSF 5.12 City Property Acquisition. Seek opportunities to purchase or acquire property to meet current or future needs for the expansion of specific City services and facilities or if there is a demonstrated public need. 16 Policy PSF 5.14 Public
Facilities Funding
Added new policy to add
concept of forward looking
maintenance and
investment in City facilities.
(New) Policy PSF 5.14 Public Facilities Funding. Maintain adequate, sustained, and dedicated revenue sources to support maintenance and investment of the City’s public facilities.
17 New Action Added new action to track
capital improvement
projects to promote
community awareness.
(New) Action PSF 5.15 Progress Tracking. Develop and maintain communication tools, such as a dashboard or heat map, to communicate information and updates related to capital improvements and other facility and infrastructure projects to promote community awareness.
18 New Action Added action to explore the
feasibility of installing more
restrooms at City parks and
public facilities.
(New) Action PSF 5.16 Restroom Facilities. Explore the feasibility of installing additional restrooms at City parks and public facilities. 19 New Policy Added new policy to include
additional policy direction
for child care.
(New) Policy PSF 6.6 Recreation Centers. Consider offering full-day, licensed child care at City recreation centers to meet working families’ needs or offering space for other operators to do so.
20 New Policy Added new policy to include
additional policy direction
for child care.
(New) Policy PSF 6.7 Child Care Homes Resources. As feasible, support existing and new licensed family child care homes with available housing-related and small business resources.
21 Action PSF 6.9 Child
Care and New
Construction
Updated language. Action PSF 6.9 Child Care and New Construction. Encourage new residential and nonresidential development to include space for child care by taking the following actions:
a. Provide incentives for inclusion of space for a child care center, or housing units for licensed family child care providers, in a new development. b. Promote child care to developers as an amenity favored by the City. c. Continue to implement the developer impact fee for funding child care facilities.
d. Encourage housing developers to include units that meet size and functionality requirements to support the operation of licensed family child care home providers.
22 New Goal Added a section, including a
goal, policies and actions,
that focuses on and
supports seniors and aging.
(New) GOAL PSF-7 Deliver public services and facilities that serve the needs of seniors, are age friendly, and allow San Mateo residents to age in place.

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13 9
8 6
8 Change ID
Policy/
Action Number Comment Recommended Change(s)
23 New Policy Added a section, including a
goal, policies and actions,
that focuses on and
supports seniors and aging.
(New) Policy PSF 7.1 Universal Design. Encourage Universal Design, a design concept that encourages accessibility for people of all ages, in new residential construction and major remodels.
24 New Policy Added a section, including a
goal, policies and actions,
that focuses on and
supports seniors and aging.
(New) Policy PSF 7.2 Healthy Aging. Support institutions and initiatives that promote healthy aging, both at home and in care centers. 25 New Policy Added a section, including a
goal, policies and actions,
that focuses on and
supports seniors and aging.
(New) Policy PSF 7.3 Outreach to Seniors. Provide regular and timely communication to seniors and aging adults about the services, programs, and other opportunities available to these groups of people. Use age-appropriate outreach channels to disseminate information.
26 New Action Added a section, including a
goal, policies and actions,
that focuses on and
supports seniors and aging.
(New) Action PSF 7.4 Age-Friendly City. Support the City’s commitment to becoming an Age-Friendly City by continuing to implement the Age Friendly Action Plan
27 New Action Added a section, including a
goal, policies and actions,
that focuses on and
supports seniors and aging.
(New) Action PSF 7.5 Comprehensive Senior Services. Study the effectiveness of existing senior services and explore ways to increase and strengthen these services in coordination with senior service providers. Comprehensive services include addressing senior nutrition, mental health, and transportation. 28 New Action Added a section, including a
goal, policies and actions,
that focuses on and
supports seniors and aging.
(New) Action PSF 7.6 Senior Volunteers. Continue the volunteer program by recruiting/encouraging participation of seniors with certain skills and experience. 29 New Action Added a section, including a
goal, policies and actions,
that focuses on and
supports seniors and aging.
(New) Action PSF 7.7 Caregiver Support. Collaborate with private, nonprofit, faith- based and public community service organizations, including the County of San Mateo, to offer support for caregivers of seniors and people with disabilities.

CHAPTER 8. SAFETY ELEMENT
Change ID
Policy/
Action Number Comment Recommended Change(s)
1 New Policy Added a policy to coordinate with neighboring jurisdictions to identify evacuation routes and
locations.
(New) Policy S 1.16 Evacuation Planning. Cooperate with neighboring jurisdictions and public protection agencies to delineate evacuation routes and locations, identifying their capacity, safety, and viability under different hazard
scenarios, as well as emergency vehicle routes for disaster response, and where possible, alternate routes where
congestion or road failure could occur. Update as new
information and technologies become available.
2 New Action Added an action to assess future emergency service needs.
(New) Action S 1.28 Future Emergency Needs. Assess
future emergency service needs during each update to the Safety Element.

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14 9
8 6
8 Change ID
Policy/
Action Number Comment Recommended Change(s)
3 Goal S-3 Combined flood hazards and sea level rise into one section.

GOAL S-3 Protect the community from unreasonable risk
to life and property caused by flood hazards and sea level rise.
4 Policy S 4.1 Sea Level
Rise Planning
Combined flood hazards and sea level rise into
one section.

Policy S 3.2 Sea Level Rise and Flood Planning. Integrate sea level rise and flood planning into all relevant City processes, including General Plan amendments, Specific
Plans, zoning ordinance updates, capital projects, and
review and approval of new development and substantial
retrofits.
5 Policy S 4.2 Sea Level
Rise and
Groundwater Rise
Protection
Combined flood hazards and sea level rise into
one section.

Policy S 3.3 4.2 Sea Level Rise, Flooding, and Groundwater Rise Protection. Ensure that new development, substantial retrofits, critical facilities, City-owned buildings, and existing and future flood control infrastructure are planned and designed to accommodate climate change hazards,
including increases in flooding, sea level rise, and rising groundwater, based on the best available science.
6 Policy S 4.3 Natural
Infrastructure
Combined flood hazards and sea level rise into
one section.

Policy S 3.4 4.3 Natural Infrastructure. Consider the use of nature-based solutions and natural infrastructure in sea level rise and flood adaptation strategies.
7 Policy S 4.4
OneShoreline
Coordination
Combined flood hazards and sea level rise into
one section.

Policy S 3.5 4.4 OneShoreline Coordination. Coordinate
with OneShoreline to develop and implement coordinated
approaches to sea level rise and flood management with
other San Mateo County jurisdictions.
8 New Policy Combined flood hazards and sea level rise into one section. Added new policy.
(New) Policy S 3.6 Storm Drain and Flood Infrastructure.

Manage the City’s storm drain infrastructure, levee
system, and dams in accordance with state and federal
regulations and to protect life and property.
9 Action S 4.5 Climate
Change Adaptation
Plan
Combined flood hazards and sea level rise into
one section.

Action S 3.7 4.5 Climate Change Adaptation Plan. Assess sea level rise and precipitation projections using the best- available climate change science, consistent with
OneShoreline recommendations, identify the extent of
areas vulnerable to sea level rise and flooding in the city, consider OneShoreline recommendations for levels of
protection, and develop a Climate Change Adaptation Plan that sets a comprehensive strategy and includes planning and design standards for climate risk protection. Use this plan to evaluate development applications to ensure
projects are protected from sea level rise and flood
hazards over the life of the project and to assess public infrastructure needs for adequate protection.
10 Action S 4.6 Sea
Level Rise
Monitoring
Combined flood hazards and sea level rise into
one section.

Action S 3.8 4.6 Sea Level Rise and Flood Hazard
Monitoring. Review and use the best-available sea level rise science and projections and regularly identify natural resources, development, infrastructure, and communities that are vulnerable to sea level rise and flood hazard
impacts, including impacts from rising groundwater. Use this information to continue to develop or adjust planning and adaptation strategies.

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15 9
8 6
8 Change ID
Policy/
Action Number Comment Recommended Change(s)
11 Action S 3.4
Community Rating
System
Revised action. Action S 3.9 3.4 Community Rating System. Explore establishment of a City Undertake efforts that increase the City’s rating under FEMA’s Community Rating System, such as expanding and improving Geographic Information
System (GIS) mapping capacity, developing a flood early warning system, and creating a Flood Emergency Action
Plan.
12 Action S 3.5 Early
Flood Warning
Revised action. Action S 3.10 3.5 Early Flood Warning. Collaborate with OneShoreline to pAs feasible, provide early flood warning for flood-prone areas of the city through collaboration with regional partners such as OneShoreline’s stream
monitoring station and notification system.
13 Action S 4.7 Rising
Groundwater
Coordination
Combined flood hazards and sea level rise into
one section.

Action S 3.11 4.7 Rising Groundwater Coordination.

Coordinate with OneShoreline, local jurisdictions, and
regional and State agencies to study and enforce
requirements related to rising groundwater levels caused by sea level rise.
14 Action S 4.8 Natural
Infrastructure
Combined flood hazards and sea level rise into
one section.

Action S 3.12 4.8 Natural Infrastructure. Use or restore natural features and ecosystem processes where feasible and appropriate as a preferred approach to the placement of hard shoreline or creek protection when implementing sea level rise and flood adaptation strategies.
15 Action S 4.9 Sea
Level Overlay Zone
Combined flood hazards and sea level rise into
one section. Council revision to strengthen
wording.

Action S 3.13 4.9 Sea Level and/or Flood Overlay Zone.

Evaluate establishment of a sea level rise and/ or flood overlay zone as a primary mechanism for establishing
adaptation policies, rules, or construction codes within such zones, recognizing the particular land use and zoning characteristics of this area as a part of the Climate
Adaptation Plan, and in collaboration with OneShoreline. 16 Action S 4.10 Sea
Level Rise Funding
Combined flood hazards and sea level rise into
one section.

Action S 3.14 4.10 Sea Level Rise Funding. Study options for establishing dedicated funding General Fund dollars to support efforts to address sea level rise, including
considering support for sufficiently supporting
OneShoreline.
17 Action S 4.11 New
Development
Combined flood hazards and sea level rise into
one section.

Action S 3.15 4.11 New Development. Explore creation of a new fee for new development along the bay shoreline to
fund sea level rise and flood protection measures and
adaptation strategies.

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16 9
8 6
8 Change ID
Policy/
Action Number Comment Recommended Change(s)
18 Policy S 4.1 Very
High Fire Hazard
Severity Zones
Added language to “meet or exceed” State
and local regulations.

Policy S 4.1 Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. Avoid new residential development in Very High Fire Hazard
Severity Zones, as shown on Figure S-14, or the most
current data available from CAL FIRE. Redevelopment or
reconstruction of existing structures is allowed. Coordinate with San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department (SMC Fire)
to ensure new construction of buildings or infrastructure within a Fire Hazard Severity Zone or Wildland-Urban
Interface (WUI), as shown on Figures S-12 and S-13 or the most current data available from CAL FIRE, meet or exceed are in full compliance with applicable State and local
regulations and meet the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone Fire Safe Regulations for road ingress and egress, fire equipment access, and adequate water supply.
19 Policy S 4.2
Reconstruction of
Development
Revised to avoid making the Safety Element
out of date.

Policy S 4.2 Reconstruction of Development. Require
reconstruction projects or significant retrofits in a Fire Hazard Severity Zone and the Wildland-Urban Interface, as shown on Figures S-12 and S-13 or the most current data available from CAL FIRE, to be consistent with the
California Building Standards Code, California Fire Code, and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone Fire Safe
Regulations.
20 Policy S 4.6
Firefighting
Infrastructure
Added language for residential and building
signage to improve firefighting infrastructure.

Policy S 4.6 Firefighting Infrastructure. Coordinate with SMC Fire to ensure adequate firefighting infrastructure, including road and building clearance for firefighting
vehicles, residential and building signage, and clear and legible street signage throughout the community.
21 Policy S 4.9 Land Use
Management for
Fire Risks
Added language to work with FIRE SAFE San
Mateo County to maintain fire breaks.

Policy S 4.9 Land Use Management for Fire Risks. Maintain all City-owned public lands and work with private
landowners and FIRE SAFE San Mateo County to reduce
fuel loads, establish appropriately placed fire
breaks/defensible space, require long-term maintenance
of fire hazard reduction projects, and educate all property owners in the city on proper landscape maintenance and
firescaping standards to reduce the risk of fire hazards.

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17 9
8 6
8 CHAPTER 9. NOISE ELEMENT
Change ID
Policy/
Action Number Comment Recommended Change(s)
1 Policy N 1.3 Exterior
Noise Level Standard
for Residential Uses
Policy N 1.4 Exterior
Noise Level Standard
for Parks and
Playgrounds.

Policies N1.3 and N1.4 seem to contradict.

N1.3 says public parks shouldn't exceed 65
dBA LDN, and N1.4 says public parks require a
feasibility study above 70 dBA LDN. Table N-1
confers with N1.4. Revised Policy N 1.3.

Policy N 1.3 Exterior Noise Level Standard for Residential Uses.

Require an acoustical analysis for new multifamily common open space for residents that have an exterior noise level of 60 dBA (Ldn) or above, as shown on Figure N-2. Incorporate necessary mitigation measures into residential project design to minimize common open space noise levels. Maximum exterior noise should not exceed 65 dBA (Ldn) for residential uses and should not exceed 65 dBA (Ldn) for public park uses.

Adjust Table N-1 to reflect ambient noise levels over 70 dBA for proposed parks being “Conditionally Acceptable”, instead of “Normally Unacceptable.”
2 Action N 2.8 Fixed sentence error. Action N 2.8 Conditions of Approval for Noise Monitoring.

Establish conditions of approval for larger development projects to ensure that requirements for construction noise and
vibration monitoring. Iinclude a requirement for a monitoring plan that provides information on the monitoring locations, durations and regularity, the instrumentation to be used, and appropriate noise and vibration control measures to ensure compliance with the noise ordinance and any applicable
vibration limits

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ATTACHMENT 5 – FINAL 2040 LAND USE MAP – RECOMMENDED REVISIONS Change ID Location/Address Current Land Use Recommended Land Use Notes 1 Address Range: 20-40
W. 3rd Ave. (building
has multiple units)
Residential
Medium II
(4 to 6 stories, 51
to 99 du/ac)
Residential High
(5 to 8 stories, 100 to 130
du/ac)
Update to Residential High to align with the existing 12- story building on this site.
2 50 Mounds Rd. Residential Low II
(2 to 4 stories, 20 to
35 du/ac)
Residential Medium I
(3 to 5 stories, 36 to 50
du/ac)
Residential Low II allows heights up to 4 stories. Update to Residential Medium I to align with the existing 5-story condo building on the site.
3 1650-1730 South
Amphlett Boulevard
Mixed-Use High (5 to
8 stories, 100 to 130
du/ac)
Mixed-Use Medium I (3 to
5 stories, 15 to 50 du/ac)
Property owner request for Mixed Use Medium I;
property owner stated that Mixed-Use High is not
feasible under current market conditions and would delay the production of housing on this site.

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Change ID Location/Address Current Land Use Recommended Land Use Notes 4 155 and 181 Bovet
Road
Office Medium (2 to
4 stories)
Office High (3 to 5 stories) Office Medium allows up to 4 stories. Update to Office High to better align with the existing six and seven story office buildings on these sites.
5 55 W 5th Ave. Residential Medium I
(3 to 5 stories, 36 to
50 du/ac)
Residential Medium II
(4 to 6 stories, 51 to 99
du/ac)
This parcel has an existing building over 10 stories with 85 units. Residential Medium II would better align with the height and density of the existing building.
6 831 Monte Diablo Ave. Residential Very Low Quasi-Public This parcel has been owned by St. James AME Zion Church, a religious institution since 1971 and is used in conjunction with the church on the adjacent parcel, so a Quasi-Public is a more appropriate desingation based on the existing use.

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M EMO RANDU M
To: City of San Mateo
From: Economic & Planning Systems, Inc.

Subject: San Mateo General Plan Update: Fiscal Impact Analysis of General Plan Update; EPS #181001
Date: Revised February 20, 2024 (original version January 22, 2024)
The City of San Mateo retained Economic & Planning Systems (EPS) as part of a team led by PlaceWorks to assess the fiscal impacts of the land use plan indicated in the Land Use Element of the 2040 Strive San Mateo General Plan Update. The analysis updates a prior analysis and is based on a review of the current Fiscal Year 2023-24 adopted budget, as well as correspondence with City staff.

In the context of the City’s General Plan update, the primary goal of the fiscal impact analysis is to quantify the impact of the land use plan on the City’s long-term fiscal health to help formulate policies, growth patterns, and public service standards that are fiscally sustainable over the General Plan buildout. The fiscal impact analysis is focused on estimating impacts to the City’s General Fund budget, comparing the annual and ongoing costs of providing public services and maintaining public facilities with the primary, recurring revenue sources available to cover these expenditures.

This analysis is designed to evaluate the net fiscal impact on the City’s General Fund assuming adoption of General Plan 2040. The development capacity created through the General Plan is greater than what is likely to occur within the 2040 time horizon based on the City’s past demographic and economic trends. This analysis evaluates an amount of development in 2040 that is based upon past demographic, economic, and market trends. Building upon the prior analysis (completed in 2021 for the land use and circulation alternatives evaluation), this analysis also addresses the marginal costs of providing public safety and public works services to higher-density redevelopment.

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Memorandum February 20, 2024
San Mateo General Plan Update: Fiscal Impact Analysis Page 2

The key General Plan-related policies and issues that are informed by the fiscal impact analysis include, but are not necessarily limited to, these:
 Public service levels and standards: The level of service provided by various departments is often quantified based on standards or ratios (e.g., sworn police officers per 1,000 service population for police, park acres per 1,000 population, etc.) related to either articulated goals or actual conditions. The fiscal analysis can be used to highlight the fiscal implications of “business as usual” relative to alternative ways of providing services.  Type of growth: The General Plan includes specific guidance for a diverse range of land uses, with projections that differentiate between land use categories based on density, height, product type, and other factors.
 Amount of growth: The General Plan establishes allowable land uses and zoning regulations that dictate the maximum buildout capacity that can be supported. For this analysis, General Plan buildout reflects reasonably foreseeable development based on the City’s ability to grow according to historical trends and meet its current and future RHNA numbers.  City revenue and funding sources: The General Plan also articulates various goals or standards related to financing mechanisms and requirements to ensure fiscal sustainability, promote economic development, and other objectives.

While some City departments are funded primarily from the General Fund, other departments rely on permit fees, user charges, or enterprise funds to offset costs. This analysis assumes these funding sources will continue to account for a similar proportion of each department’s budget and accounts only for the General Fund. It is important to stress that this analysis is being provided to evaluate the fiscal implications of the General Plan and not for actual budgeting purposes. Thus, the results will not and should not be used as a basis for making actual, department-level staffing decisions or annual revenue estimates.

It should also be noted that the fiscal results (annual surpluses or deficits) are simply indicators of fiscal performance; they do not mean that the City will automatically have surplus revenues or deficits because the City must have a balanced budget each year. Persistent shortfalls shown in a fiscal analysis may indicate the need to reduce service levels or obtain additional revenues; persistent surpluses will provide the City with resources to reduce liabilities such as deferred maintenance, improve service levels, or build up reserves. In addition, the findings are based on a set of “baseline” conditions and assumptions related to the key factors that affect General Fund costs and revenues, such as property assessed value, sales tax levels, State and Federal budget and tax policy and other factors. To the degree that these conditions change, the fiscal performance of new growth will differ from the estimates provided herein.

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Key Findings

1. The realistic General Plan 2040 buildout is projected to generate annual General Fund revenues that exceed the costs of providing public services under existing service standards. This suggests that as the General Plan builds out over time, the City may be able to improve the level and quality of those public services paid for with General Fund revenues.

Over time, new growth is estimated to generate more General Fund revenues than expenditures under the City’s current cost structure and service levels. This additional annual General Fund net surplus is estimated to be $15.8 million, as illustrated in Figure 1, representing a 9.2 percent increase over the City’s existing budget.

The improved fiscal performance projected to result from implementation of the General Plan stems, in varying degrees, from (1) an increasing orientation towards higher value development and (2) economies of scale in the provision of public services. Accordingly, for each of the alternatives, the highest revenue sources are related to Property Tax, including Property Transfer Tax. In terms of Department-level costs, Police and Fire make up the majority of General Fund costs (approximately 60 percent of total expenditures), followed by Parks and Recreation, Public Works, Library, and then other various general government functions. Departartments like Community Development are primarly funded through permit and user fees and thus have a very small impact on the General Fund.

2. The General Plan accomplishes certain policy objectives related to economic development and fiscal sustainability such as concentration of new capacity along the El Camino Real corridor in proximity to transit and a broader array of residential product types.

The General Plan focuses new capacity along the El Camino Real corridor, outside the existing residential neighborhoods and with access to transit and regional transportation connections. The new capacity is attributable to higher density development in these focused areas, and creates opportunites to diversify the housing stock by increasing the supply of residential multifamily units (e.g., rental apartments and for-sale condominiums and townhomes).

3. The recent renovation of the Hillsdale Shopping Center refreshed the regional retail landscape in the City; however, many of the other existing retail nodes in the City are dated. The General Plan provides an opportunity to redesignate underutilized commercial parcels with residential and mixed-use designations, as well as modify current commercial designations to allow higher-density residential use.

Retail development often generates sales tax revenue, however, for this analysis, EPS forecasted the sales tax to the City’s General Fund based on demand from population and employment growth rather than new retail development. In fact, the realistic 2040 General Plan buildout assumes a net decrease in retail square footage as broader retail trends signal a shift toward e-commerce and away from large “big box” retailers. For this reason, EPS’s approach to foreacasting sales tax ensures that the analysis is based on internal growth dynamics rather than an assumption that “supply creates demand,” particularly given the ongoing trends in the retail industry. That said, depending on the performance of regional

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retail developments and each retailer’s ability to capture regional demand, there could be positive sales tax revenue associated with the buildout that is not estimated in this analysis.

Figure 1 Annual Fiscal Impact Summary at Assumed Buildout (Rounded)

General Plan Update Deve lopment Program Overview
The San Mateo General Plan Update provides guidance for land use designations and policies that focuses development of higher-densty residential and mixed-use commercial/residential space in and near Downtown, along the El Camino Real Corridor, and within half-mile radii of the Downtown San Mateo, Hayward Park, and Hillsdale Caltrain stations. A summary of the Item Assumed
Buildout
General Fund Revenues
Property Tax - Secured $28,810,000
Motor Vehicle in Lieu of VLF $5,280,000
Sales Tax - Local 1% $5,310,000
Sales Tax - 1/4% Measure S
1 $1,400,000
Property Transfer Tax $12,400,000
Business License Tax $1,810,000
Franchises $1,310,000
Permits, Fees, and Fines $2,000,000
Total Revenues $58,320,000
General Fund Expenditures
City Attorney $130,000
City Clerk $90,000
City Council $40,000
City Manager $280,000
Community Development $420,000
Finance $450,000
Human Resources $250,000
Information Technology $510,000
Library $3,110,000
Parks and Recreation
2 $6,310,000
Police $14,880,000
Public Works $5,260,000
San Mateo Consolidated Fire Dept.

Contribution
$10,740,000
Total Expenditures $42,480,000
Net Annual Fiscal Impact $15,840,000
Analysis by Economic & Planning Systems, Inc.
2Amount reflects department expenditures net of user fees and 1Although Measure S Sales Tax revenues are treated seperately from the Local 1% Tax, they are included in this analysis to facilitate a full evaluation of General Fund resources.

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development program evaluated in this analysis is summarized in Figure 2. This program, prepared by PlaceWorks, reflects reasonably foreseeable development that could occur within the General Plan horizon of 2040 and is based on the City’s ability to grow according to historical trends and meet its current and future RHNA numbers. This amount of development reflects the range and location of General Plan 2040 land use designations, from Very Low to the High I designations, which is aligned with the direction provided by the City Council at their November 13, 2023 meeting on the Land Use Element. The net decrease in retail square footage reflects both macroeconomic trends of brick-and-mortar retail closures, as well as the redevelopment of existing retail spaces and low-density shopping centers, such as Bridgepointe, with new higher density residential and mixed-use development.

Figure 2 Development Program Summary – 2040 Assumed Buildout

Methodological Overview
As part of the General Plan Update, EPS developed a fiscal impact model designed to test how City policies, service standards, growth patterns, and socio-economic changes affect the City’s General Fund costs and revenues over time. The analysis is focused primarily on the City’s General Fund expenditure and revenue items that (1) represent a substantive component of the overall budget and (2) are likely to be affected by the General Plan policies and growth trends.

Thus, the analysis excludes relatively small General Fund costs and revenues, including those Item Assumed
Buildout
New Residential Units1 19,764
New Residents 48,042
Commercial (Sq.Ft.)
Retail (528,000)
Office/Service 3,714,000
Total New Commercial Sq.Ft. 3,186,000
New Jobs
Retail 2,041
Office/Service 12,963
Total New Jobs 15,004
New Nonresident Employment2 13,311
New Service Population3 54,697
1New residential units are assumed to be exclusively multifamily.

Sources: PlaceWorks, Inc.; Analysis by Economic & Planning Systems, Inc. 2Calculated by multiplying new employment by the proportion of current non- resident employees.
3Calculated by adding resident population and one-half of non-resident employment.

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operated on a cost-recovery basis. This analysis uses San Mateo’s Fiscal Year 2023-24 budget, the most recent budget adopted by the City, and assumes the budget represents reasonable “baseline” service level standards to project General Fund revenues and costs.

EPS uses several approaches to evaluate the General Fund costs and revenues based on the General Plan land use plan and the City’s budget. Figure 3 shows the primary budget categories and their estimating methodologies. The following descriptions provide detail about the estimating methodologies and factors:
 Service Population or Resident Equivalent - “Service population” or “resident equivalent” is a concept that allows the impacts of both residents and employees to be estimated, acknowledging that employees who work but do not live in the City do use and require City services but not to the same degree as full-time residents. Figure 4 shows the calculation of the City’s current service population.
 Average Revenue/Expenditure per Service Population - This approach estimates average revenues or expenditures per the City’s current service population and applies that average revenue or expenditure to the proposed service population.  Case Study - A case study approach is used to calculate those revenues that can be estimated using assumptions specific to the land use plan and associated realistic buildout assumptions. Items estimated using a case study approach in this analysis include property tax and sales and use tax.
 Fixed vs. Variable Expenditures - In calculating the estimates of General Fund expenditures attributable to the Project, a percent variable factor has been applied. Most City departments operate with some fixed amount of overhead that does not vary as the City’s service population grows or contracts. For example, even as the City grows, the City only needs one City Manager or one City Clerk. This percent variable factor is applied to departmental expenditures to represent the proportion of expenditures that are assumed to vary and therefore would scale with increases in service population. Expenditures that are assumed to be fixed would include overhead costs, director salaries, and other costs that would not scale with service population and therefore would be unaffected by new development.

 Not estimated - Some budget items are not estimated because they are either generated on a cost-recovery basis, or are not directly related to growth and development.

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Figure 3 City of San Mateo 2023/34 General Fund Budget and Estimating Methodology

FY 2023/24
Total1 Estimating Methodology
Operating Revenues
Property Tax $67,209,188 Case study
Propery Tax - In Lieu of VLF $10,813,055 Case study
Sales Tax - Local 1% $23,902,400 Case study
Sales Tax - 1/4% Measure S $7,314,000 Case study
Property Transfer Tax $8,000,000 Case study
Transient Occupancy Tax $6,000,000 Not estimated
Business License Tax $6,302,889 Avg. Revenue per Employee Franchises $3,193,385 Avg. Rev enue per Residents and Employees Golf Fees $3,174,250 Not estimated
Recreation Service Charges $3, 567,724 Avg. Revenue per Resident Permits, Fees, and Fines $4,632,500 Avg. Revenue per Resident Equivalent 2 Intergovernmental $2,806,774 Not estimated
Interest and Miscellaneous $3,473,063 Not estimated
Transfers In $8,736,195 Not estimated
Use of Unnassigned Fund Balance $12,591,283
Not estimated
Total Revenues $171,716,707
Operating Expenditures
City Attorney $1,212,087 Avg. Expenditure per Resident Equivalent City Clerk $862,087 Avg. Expenditure per Resident Equivalent City Council $356,898 Avg. Expenditure per Resident Equivalent City Manager $2,617,253 Avg. Expenditure per Resident Equivalent Community Development $1,946,275 Avg. Expenditure per Resident Equivalent Finance $4,176,442 Avg. Expenditure per Resident Equivalent Human Resources $2,284,816 Avg. Expenditure per Resident Equivalent Information Technology $4,695,904 Avg. Ex penditure per Resident Equivalent Library $8,925,860 Avg. Expenditure per Resident
Parks and Recreation $21,666,729 Avg. Expenditure per Resident Police $57,981,162 Avg. Expenditure per New Sworn Officer Public Works $12,159,747 Avg. Expenditure per Resident Equivalent Non-Departmental $4,349,833 Not estimated
Transfers Out $14,201,887 Not estimated
$34,279,728
Avg. Expenditure per Resident
Total Expenditures $171,716,707
Sources: City of San Mateo, Fiscal Year 2023-24 Adopted Budget; Analysis by Economic & Planning Systems, Inc.

Item
San Mateo Consolidated Fire Dept.

Contribution and Fire Legacy Costs
2A resident equivalent is defined as the sum of one resident and one-half of a non-resident employee, acknowledging that non-resident employees require reduced public services relative to a full-time resident. 1While some City departments are funded primarily from t he General Fund, other departments rely on permit fees and user charges to offset costs. This analysis assumes permit fees and us er charges continue to account for a similar proportion of each department’s budget and accounts only for the General Fund.

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Figure 4 Current Citywide Assumptions

Fiscal Impact Analysis
This section provides a detailed outline of the key General Fund revenues and expenditures estimated in this analysis. EPS’s case study approach calculates fiscal impacts for major General Fund revenues, while other revenues rely on an average revenue approach, including per- employee and per-resident equivalent (service population) methods. A per-resident equivalent approach calculates all but Library and Parks and Recreation costs, whereby average expenditure per resident is the appropriate method. Actual costs will vary by department and depend on future service demands, fiscal and economic conditions, and policy decisions to be made by the City Council on staffing and service levels. Cost estimates utilized in this analysis are strictly for comparison purposes, not for budgeting, to understand the implication of the General Plan Update on the City’s General Fund.

Provided below is a summary of the key methodological considerations for each budget item. All references to monetary value are in constant 2024 dollars.

Item Total Source
Housing Units and Households
Housing Units 43,325 CA Dept. of Finance (2023)
Occupied Households 41,247 CA Dept. of Finance (2023)
Owner-Occupied Units 51.6% Census ACS (2018-2022)
Renter-Occupied Units 48.4% Census ACS (2018-2022)
Persons/Housing Unit1

2.47 CA Dept. of Finance (2023)
Population and Employment
Population 103,318 CA Dept. of Finance (2021)
Employed Residents 48,427 Census LEHD (2021)
Employed in San Mateo 5,881 Census LEHD (2021)
Employed Elsewhere 42,546 Census LEHD (2021)
Employment in San Mateo 52,113 Census LEHD (2021)
by Residents 5,881 Census LEHD (2021)
by Non-Residents 46,232 Census LEHD (2021)
Service Population
2 126,434
CA Dept of Finance (2023)
and LEHD (2021)
1Persons per Housing Unit is lower than the Persons per Occupied Household because it accounts for vacant units.
2Calculated by adding total residential population and one-half of non-resident employment.

Sources: California Department of Finance; U.S. Census Bureau; Analysis by Economic & Planning Systems, Inc.

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General Fund Revenues
 Property Tax - Property tax revenue comes from applying the countywide 1.0 percent property tax rate to the incremental assessed value associated with the General Plan buildout. Appendix A-1 shows the calculation of the total assessed value. The City’s General Fund receives approximately 15 cents on every property tax dollar generated, as shown in Appendix A-2. General Fund property tax revenue estimated from new growth is $28.8 million:
— For calculating assessed value, residential "for sale" values are based on the current median sales price for condominiums in San Mateo, as shown in Figure 5, while residential rental values assume a capitalized value of net operating income, based on current market rents and standard operating costs. Figure 6 shows these assumptions in detail.
— EPS assumes that new office/service commercial building values will be approximately $920 per square foot. The analysis also acknowledges some level of redevelopment of existing, lower density and underutilized retail parcels and assumes a base value of $660 per square foot. Figure 6 summarizes the net operating income capitalization approach used to derive these estimates. EPS gathered and synthesized market data on Class C retail establishments along El Camino Real built before the last 25 years to estimate the profile of retail development most likely to be redesignated under the General Plan. 1  Property Tax In Lieu of VLF - Property Tax in Lieu of Motor Vehicle License Fee (VLF) is an increasingly vulnerable revenue source for San Mateo County and its cities. Since the early 2010’s, shortfalls of Property Tax in lieu of VLF due to cities in San Mateo County are occurring as a result of the declining number of nonbasic aid school districts countywide. In summary, nonbasic aid school districts satisfy their funding requirements with aid from the State General Fund and nonstate resources such as property tax through the Educational Revenue Augmentation Fund (ERAF). On the other hand, basic aid school districts generally meet statutory funding requirements with local property tax alone. Due to its high property values, San Mateo County has many basic aid school districts. This impacts In Lieu revenues as State law mandates the backfilling of revenues such as VLF with the property taxes and ERAF from nonbasic aid school districts.

The City has contended with this issue each year with assistance from the State General Fund. As of December 2023, however, the State of California faces a $68 billion budget deficit for the 2024-25 fiscal year. To account for the uncertainty of future State aid, EPS assumes $10 million in Citywide Fiscal Year 2023-24 Property Tax In-Lieu of VLF revenue as a basis for calculating the estimated Property Tax In-Lieu of VLF resulting from the development program herein. Although different from what the City actually budgeted for Fiscal Year 2023-24, the EPS assumption aims to account for the expected shortfall in State aid. The City’s Finance Department vetted this assumption for EPS in preparation for this

1 Commercial inventory classified as Class C by the real estate brokerage community typically indicates a lack of modern amenities and improvements such as renovated interiors, upgraded utility systems (e.g., elevators, HVAC, telecommunications), security services and equipment, and the like.

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analysis. As shown in Appendix A-3, Property Tax In-Lieu of VLF from new growth is estimated to be $5.3 million.
 Property Transfer Tax - The City receives real property transfer tax for any property sold within City boundaries. Property transfer tax revenues, therefore, depend upon sales activity.

Appendix A-4 details the estimated impact of the General Plan on the City’s General Fund property transfer tax revenues. San Mateo has historically collected a 0.5 percent of sale value transfer tax on all properties sold in the city. However, in November 2022, San Mateo Voters approved a separate 1.5 percent rate for transactions greater than $10 million. For this analysis, EPS assumes that the average commercial or residential rental property transaction is greater than $10 million, and each taxed at 1.5 percent of sale value, while the average residential for-sale property is less than $10 million and taxed at 0.5 percent of sale value. General Fund property transfer tax revenue from new growth is estimated to be $12.4 million.

Figure 5 Market/Development Assumptions

Item Rental
Vacancy Rate1
Residential2 6.4% $890,000 per unit $738,290 per unit
Commercial3
Retail 4.9% n/a $660 per sq.ft.

Office/Service 9.5% n/a $920 per sq.ft.

Capitalized Rental
ValuesFor-Sale Values
Sources: California Department of Finance; CoStar Group; San Mateo County Association of Realtors; Analysis by Economic & Planning Systems, Inc. 1Based on assumptions for current vacancy rates exhibited in San Mateo, from the California Department of Finance (2023) and CoStar Group.
2Residential "For Sale" value assumes the current median sales price of condominium units in San Mateo. "Rental" values assume a capitalized value of net operating income, based on current market trends. Values shown are on a per unit basis.
3Uses a capitalized value of net operating income approach, based on CoStar estimates of average rents in the City of San Mateo. Commercial rental rates are sourced from CoStar Group. All commercial rental rates are on a per square foot basis.

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Figure 6 Commercial Capitalized Value Assumptions

 Sales Tax - EPS estimates sales tax from population and employment growth rather than from new retail development. Leveraging increased demand ensures that internal growth dynamics support the analysis rather than assuming that "supply creates demand," particularly given ongoing trends towards online retail. New households’ potential income and spending are used to determine the increase in sales tax revenue generated by new residential development. Similarly, the average taxable expenditures of new non-resident employees determine employment-driven sales tax. In both cases, the City receives 0.95 percent of taxable sales within its boundary. Appendix A-5 details the estimated impact of the General Plan on the City's General Fund sales tax revenues. General Fund sales tax revenue from new growth is estimated to be $5.3 million. Measure S revenue, a separate revenue stream with earmarked priorities, is estimated to be $1.4 million, given the new growth indicated in the development program.
— While not reflected in this analysis, online and out-of-state retail is a matter of growing importance. Currently, much of the tax revenue remitted by online and out-of-state retailers accrues to countywide use tax pools. Pool monies are distributed to each jurisdiction in a county based on each jurisdiction’s share of overall tax receipts. While the City of San Mateo currently receives approximately 10 percent of the countywide pool, the pools are growing statewide due to pandemic-related consumption trends and Item
Existing
Underutilized
Retail1
Office Multifamily
Rental
Average Rent
Rent Type NNN Full Service
Monthly Rent $2.79 $6.13 $3,699
Annual Rent $33.43 $73.51 $44,388
Vacancy2

4.9% 9.5% 6.4%
Operating Expenses3

5.0% 30.0% 30.0%
Net Operating Income (NOI) $30.20 $46.56 $29,089
Cap Rate 4.6% 5.0% 3.9%
Capitalized Value (rounded)4 $660 $920 $738,290
per sq.ft. per sq.ft. per unit
3Operating expenses vary depending on lease structure (rent type). 4Calculated by dividing net operating income by the associated cap rate.

Sources: CoStar Group; Analysis by Economic & Planning Systems, Inc. 1Reflects existing Class C retail inventory built before 2000 and along the El Camino Real Corridor in San Mateo.

Note: Unless noted, data are current through Q3-2023 and reflect existing inventory built over the last ten years in San Mateo. Additionally, Residential For-Sale values are not calculated in this analysis, but were retrieved from the San Mateo County Association of Realtors.
2Multifamily rental vacancy, sourced from CoStar Group, aligns with the rental vacancy rate referenced in the Needs Analysis of the City's 2023-2031 Housing Element.

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the increased dominance of nonstore retail. In the third quarter of 2023, proceeds from the countywide use tax pool made up 19 percent of the City’s gross Local Sales and Use Tax distribution.2
 Other Annual Revenues - Other revenues associated with new development include business license taxes, franchises, permits, fines, fees, transient occupancy taxes (TOT), and recreation service charges. Most of these revenue items expand in relative proportion to population and employment growth. In the case of business license revenue, either a flat fee or a tax based on gross receipts is paid, based on the type of business. For this analysis, increases in employment are used as a proxy for increased gross receipts. Transient occupancy tax is not estimated as the land use plan does not specify any new lodging or hospitality components. This analysis does not assess Golf fees due to the low perceived impact on the General Plan. Recreation service charges are treated separately, on the expenditure side, in estimating net Parks and Recreation costs. Appendix A-6 and Appendix A-7 detail the impacts of the General Plan on other annual revenues.

General Fund Expenditures
 General Government - General Government expenditures in the City of San Mateo include the City Attorney, City Clerk, City Council, City Manager, Finance, Human Resources, and Information Technology departments. While not as significant as other categories of expenditures, General Government costs will be affected by new growth in San Mateo. This analysis projects the costs for General Government functions based on a service population approach, as shown in Appendix A-8. EPS assumes a 25 percent variable share of General Fund costs for each department. More generally, the variable share of a budget is the proportion that is sensitive to population and job growth, resulting from new development.  Library – Population growth will increase demand for library services in the City. This analysis uses an average expenditure per resident approach to estimate total library costs, as shown in Appendix A-9. General fund library costs from new development is estimated to be $3.1 million.
 Fire - Fire services in the City of San Mateo are provided through the San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department (SMC Fire), a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) between Belmont, Foster City, and the City of San Mateo. San Mateo contributes 55 percent of SMC Fire’s funding sources, with the rest made up of contributions from Foster City and Belmont, fire fees, grants, and other miscellaneous sources.
3 The City’s share of costs is based on the
number and location of stations and associated equipment. Staff reports that the existing stations are well located and adequately equipped to accommodate the type and amount of new growth assumed. A new, large development could trigger the need to reconsider future station locations. To be conservative and account for some cost increase as the assumed buildout occurs, this analysis utilizes an average expenditure per resident approach to

2 For more data on the countywide use tax pools, see the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration: https://www.cdtfa.ca.gov/dataportal/dataset.htm?url=LRBQtrAllocBradleyBurns 3 San Mateo contributes 60 percent of member agency contributions, with Belmont and Foster City each contributing 20 percent. Member agency contributions make up 92 percent of the JPA’s funding sources.

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calculate the impacts of the increased population on San Mateo's share of SMC Fire expenditures, as shown in Appendix A-10. A variable share of 84 percent reflects the proportion of SMC Fire operations expenditures to total expenditures. General Fund Fire costs estimated from new development is estimated to be $10.7 million.  Police - The General Fund cost implications of the various alternatives will depend on the relative cost of expanding or modifying patrol and beat structures and adding personnel. In the future, the police department would like to be able to increase the level of service provided and reported that an ideal service standard would be 1.5 sworn officers per 1,000 residents. This analysis uses a service population approach that is consistent with the current level of service rather than the aspirational level of service. For sworn personnel, the existing service level is 0.93 sworn officers per 1,000 resident equivalents, acknowledging that both residents and employees benefit from police services. This estimate is applied to the service population of each alternative to calculate an average cost of $290,128 per officer. This analysis also uses a service population approach to estimate the costs of vehicles and equipment. Appendix A-11 shows increased vehicle and equipment costs at $3,784 per sworn officer. Of course, various development patterns can also have a differential impact on crime rates (and thus public safety costs). General Fund police costs estimated from new development is estimated to be $14.9 million.
 Public Works - This category includes costs associated with operating and maintaining the City’s infrastructure and facilities, including streets and parks maintenance. Public works staff typically think about required staffing in relationship to the number of projects and the number and type of facilities that require maintenance. To the extent that the assumed buildout results in the need for future facilities, there will be demand for additional public works staffing. This analysis uses a per resident equivalent approach to estimate the impacts of the General Plan on public work expenditures, as shown in Appendix A-12.  Parks and Recreation – This analysis uses an average expenditure per resident approach to estimate total parks and recreation costs, as shown in Appendix A-13. General Fund parks and recreation costs from new development is estimated to be $6.3 million.  Community Development - San Mateo’s Community Development Department comprises planning, building, code enforcement, and housing. While the majority of the City’s Community Development costs are accounted for in the Construction Services Fund, this analysis is focused on the General Fund expenditures, as shown in Appendix A-14. Since Community Development is funded by permit and user fees, and all costs associated with new development permitting and inspections paid for by applicants, there would not be any new General Fund costs from Community Development from the new development.

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APPENDIX A:

Detailed Fiscal Impact Analysis Tables for
General Fund Revenues and Expenditures

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Appendix A-1
Assessed Value Estimates
San Mateo General Plan Update; EPS #181001
Assumed
Buildout
Commercial Uses
Retail Space (Sq.Ft.) (528,000)
Office/Service Space (Sq.Ft.) 3,714,000
Total Commercial Sq.Ft. 3,186,000
Retail Assessed Value $660 per Sq.Ft. Capitalized Value ($348,480,000) Office/Service Assessed Value $920 per Sq.Ft. Capitalized Value $3,416,880,000 Commercial Assessed Value $3,068,400,000
Residential Uses1
Ownership 52% of Residential Units 10,198
Rental 48% of Residential Units 9,566
Total Residential Units 19,764
Ownership Assessed Value $890,000 per Unit Home Value $9,076,419,360 Rental Assessed Value $738,290 per Unit Capitalized Value $7,062,316,763 Residential Assessed Value $16,138,736,123
Total Assessed Value from New Growth $19,207,136,123
Item Assumptions
1Ownership/rental split reflects the existing split between owner-occupied and renter-occupied housing units, from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (2018-2022).

Note: Capitalized values are calculated in Figure 6.

Sources: Placeworks, Inc.; Analysis by Economic & Planning Systems, Inc.

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Appendix A-2
Property Tax Estimates
San Mateo General Plan Update; EPS #181001
Item Assumed
Buildout
Property Tax
New Assessed Value1 $19,207,136,123
1% Property Tax2 $192,071,361
Tax Allocation Factor3 15%
Total Property Tax to General Fund $28,810,704
1New assessed value calculated in Appendix A-1 using the market assumptions presented in Figures 5 and 6 and the development program presented in Figure 1.
2Proposition 13 basic property tax calculated at 1 percent of assessed value.
3On average, the City of San Mateo receives approximately 15 cents on every property tax dollar generated in the City.

Sources: City of San Mateo; Analysis by Economic & Planning Systems, Inc.

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Appendix A-3
Motor Vehicle in Lieu of VLF Estimates
San Mateo General Plan Update; EPS #181001
Item Assumed
Buildout
City of San Mateo Citywide Assessed Value $36,377,390,925 Assessed Value of New Growth $19,207,136,123
Percentage Increase in Assessed Value 53%
Motor Vehicle in Lieu of VLF (FY 2023-2024 Adopted Budget)1 $10,000,000 Total Motor Vehicle in Lieu of VLF Revenue to General Fund $5,279,965 1Reflects an estimated shortfall due to an expected reduction in State assistance.

Sources: 2023-24 Local Combined Roll (San Mateo County Assessor Clerk-Recorder); City of San Mateo, Fiscal Year 2023-24 Adopted Budget; Analysis by Economic & Planning Systems, Inc.

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Appendix A-4
Property Transfer Tax
San Mateo General Plan Update; EPS #181001
Item Assumed
Buildout
Residential For-Sale
New For-Sale Value $9,076,419,360
Average Residential Turnover1 10.0% a Year $907,641,936 Transfer Tax From For-Sale Uses2 0.5% of Sale Value $4,538,210 Other Uses3
Office/Service Value $3,416,880,000
Residential Rental Value $7,062,316,763
Subtotal $10,479,196,763
Average Turnover4

5.0% a Year $523,959,838
Transfer Tax From Other Uses5 1.5% of Sale Value $7,859,398 Total Property Transfer Tax to General Fund $12,397,607 Sources: City of San Mateo, Fiscal Year 2023-24 Adopted Budget; Analysis by Economic & Planning Systems, Inc.
5Assumes the average Office/Service and Residential Rental transaction in San Mateo is valued at greater than $10 million, and therefore, taxed at the City's property transfer tax rate of 1.5% of sale Assumption
1The EPS assumption of 10 percent is based on long-term averages and takes into account the increased turnover rate associated with new development. A turnover rate of 10 percent suggests that homes sell approximately once every 10 years.
2Assumes the average Residential For-Sale transaction price in San Mateo is less than $10 million, and thereby taxed at the City's property transfer tax rate of 0.5% of sale value. 3Does not account for one-time transactions of retail properties sold and redeveloped. 4EPS assumption based on long-term averages. A turnover rate of 5 percent suggests that commercial/investment properties sell approximately once every 20 years.

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Appendix A-5
Sales Tax Estimates
San Mateo General Plan Update; EPS #181001
Assumed
Buildout
Sales Tax Generated by New Residents
Median Household Income1 $149,152
Retail Expenditure per Household2 23%of Median Household Income $34,858 New Occupied Households3 18,816
Total Retail Expenditure $655,885,909
Taxable Expenditures Captured in San Mateo 75% of Total Retail Expenditure $491,914,432 Sales Tax from New Residents4 0.95% of Taxable Expenditures $4,673,187 Sales Tax Generated by New Employees
New Employment 15,004
Non-Resident Employment5 89% of total employment 13,311 Daily Taxable Employee Spending in San Mateo6 $20 per employee $266,216 Annual Taxable Spending by Employees7 250 Days per Work Year $66,553,924 Sales Tax from New Employees8 0.95% of Annual Taxable Sales $632,262 Total Sales Tax to General Fund $5,305,449

0.25% of Annual Taxable Sales $1,396,171
1Based on the existing San Mateo household median income, from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (2022). 3Based on the proportion of housing units occupied in San Mateo, from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (2022). 7Reflects 250 work days per year.
8Based on the existing Bradley-Burns 1% Local Sales Tax split between the City of San Mateo and the County, from the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (2024).
9Measure S is a 1/4-cent transactions and use tax approved by voters in 2015. While approved as a general tax, Measure S is used to fund earmarked priorities, so this analysis treats it separately from discretionary sales tax revenue to the General Fund.

Sources: California Department of Tax and Fee Administration; International Council of Shopping Centers; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; U.S. Census Bureau; Analysis by Economic & Planning Systems, Inc.

AssumptionsItem
Measure S Transactions and Use Tax (1/4% Sales Tax)9
6Daily Spending per employee is based on research from the International Council of Shopping Centers (2012). 2Based on the average taxable expenditure of households earning $150,000 to $199,999 per year, from the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Consumer Expenditure Survey (2022).
4Based on the existing Bradley-Burns 1% Local Sales Tax split between the City of San Mateo and the County, from the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (2024).
5Based on the existing split between resident and non-resident employees in San Mateo, from the U.S. Census Bureau's LEHD program (2021).

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Appendix A-6
Business License Tax and Franchises
San Mateo General Plan Update; EPS #181001
Item Assumed
Buildout
Franchises
2023-2024 Revenue to General Fund $3,193,385
Current Residents and Non-Resident Employees 149,550
Revenue per Current Residents and Employees $21.35
New Residents and New Non-Resident Employees 61,353
Revenue from New Residents and Employees $1,310,084
Business License Tax
2023-2024 Revenue to General Fund $6,302,889
Current Employees 52,113
Revenue per Current Employee $120.95
New Jobs 15,004
Revenue from New Employees $1,814,682
Sources: City of San Mateo, Fiscal Year 2023-24 Adopted Budget; Analysis by Economic & Planning Systems, Inc.

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Appendix A-7
Permit, Fee, and Fine Revenue
San Mateo General Plan Update; EPS #181001
Item Assumed
Buildout
Permits, Fees, and Fines
2023-2024 Revenue to General Fund $4,632,500
Current Service Population 126,434
Revenue per Current Resident Equivalent $36.64
New Service Population 54,697
Revenue from New Service Population $2,004,094
Sources: City of San Mateo, Fiscal Year 2023-24 Adopted Budget; Analysis by Economic & Planning Systems, Inc.

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Appendix A-8
General Government Expenditures Estimate
San Mateo General Plan Update; EPS #181001
Item Assumed
Buildout
Current Service Population 126,434
New Service Population 54,697
Cost Estimating Factors
City Attorney
General Fund Budget $1,212,087
Variable Costs 25% of General Fund budget $303,022
Per Current Service Population $2.40
New Costs $131,092
City Clerk
General Fund Budget $862,087
Variable Costs 25% of General Fund budget $215,522
Per Current Service Population $1.70
New Costs $93,238
City Council
General Fund Budget $356,898
Variable Costs 25% of General Fund budget $89,225
Per Current Service Population $0.71
New Costs $38,600
City Manager
General Fund Budget $2,617,253
Variable Costs 25% of General Fund budget $654,313
Per Current Service Population $5.18
New Costs $283,066
Finance
General Fund Budget $4,176,442
Variable Cost 25% of General Fund budget $1,044,111
Per Current Service Population $8.26
New Costs $451,699
Human Resources
General Fund Budget $2,284,816
Variable Cost 25% of General Fund budget $571,204
Per Current Service Population $4.52
New Costs $247,112
Information Technology
General Fund Budget $4,695,904
Variable Cost 25% of General Fund budget $1,173,976
Per Current Service Population $9.29
New Costs $507,881
Assumption
Sources: City of San Mateo, Fiscal Year 2023-24 Adopted Budget; Analysis by Economic & Planning

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Appendix A-9
Library Operating Cost Estimates
San Mateo General Plan Update; EPS #181001
Item Assumed
Buildout
General Fund Expenditures1 $8,925,860
Variable Costs 75% of General Fund Budget $6,694,395
Library Cost Per Current Resident 103,318 Current San Mateo Residents $64.79 New San Mateo Resident Population 48,042
New Cost to General Fund $3,112,837
1Includes Personnel, Operating, and Capital Outlay costs funded by the General Fund.

Sources: City of San Mateo, Fiscal Year 2023-24 Adopted Budget; Analysis by Economic & Planning Systems, Inc.

Assumption

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Appendix A-10
Fire Service Cost Estimates
San Mateo General Plan Update; EPS #181001
Item Assumed
Buildout
Fire Service Cost Estimating Factors
City of San Mateo FY 2023-24 Contribution1 $27,509,727
Operations Expenditures (Variable Cost)2
84% of FY 2023-24 Contribution $23,100,295
Operations Expenditure per Current Resident 103,318 Current San Mateo Residents $223.58 New Resident Population 48,042
Annual General Fund Expenditure $10,741,443
2Assumption based on SMC Fire's operations expenditures as a percentage of total expenditures, from SMC Fire's FY 2023-24 Adopted Budget.

Sources: San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department, Fiscal Year 2023-24 Adopted Budget; Analysis by Economic & Planning Systems, Inc.

Assumption
Note: Fire services in the City of San Mateo are provided through the San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department (SMC Fire), a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) between the cities of Belmont, Foster City, and San Mateo. Typically, San Mateo contributes 55% of SMC Fire's costs.
1Based on the City's share of SMC Fire costs. While the City's General Fund funds SMC Fire contribution and fire legacy costs, EPS assumes that the new resident population will only significantly impact SMC Fire operations.

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Appendix A-11
Police Service Cost Estimates
San Mateo General Plan Update; EPS #181001
Police Department Cost Estimating Factors1
Total FTE Personnel2 170.40
Sworn Officers3 117
Current Service Level (per 1,000 Resident Equivalents) 126,434 Current San Mateo Service Population 0.93 General Fund Expenditure - Personnel4 $49,437,894
Per Total FTE Personnel $290,128
General Fund Expenditure- Vehicles & Equipment5 $644,765 Per Total FTE Personnel $3,784
Cost Associated with General Plan Buildout
New Service Population 54,697
New Sworn Officers Needed6 0.93 per 1,000 Resident Equivalents 50.62 New Personnel Cost7 $14,685,170
New Vehicle & Equipment Costs8 $191,523
Annual General Fund Expenditure $14,876,693
1Based on current levels of service detailed in San Mateo's Fiscal Year 2023-24 Adopted Budget, including positions funded by the General Fund. 2FTE stands for Full Time Equivalent.
3Includes 117 Police Lieutenants, Police Sergeants, Police Officers, and Community Service Officers. 6Indicates the number of police personnel needed to maintain the existing level of service. 7Equals $290,128 General Fund personnel expenditure per total FTE personnel multiplied by 50.62 new sworn officers needed. 8Equals $3,784 General Fund vehicles and equipment expenditure per total FTE personnel multiplied by 50.62 new sworn officers needed. 5Cost represents total capital outlay.

Sources: City of San Mateo, Fiscal Year 2023-24 Adopted Budget; Analysis by Economic & Planning Systems, Inc.

Assumption Item
4Average annual cost includes full personnel cost funded by the General Fund and the Special Revenue Fund.

New Personnel, Vehicle, and Equipment Costs
Assumed
Buildout
Per Total FTE Personnel Cost for
New Sworn Officers

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Appendix A-12
Public Works Operating Cost Estimates
San Mateo General Plan Update; EPS #181001
Item Assumed
Buildout
General Fund Expenditures1 $12,159,747
Variable Costs 100% of General Fund Budget $12,159,747
Public Works Cost per Resident Equivalent 126,434 Current San Mateo Service Population $96.17 New San Mateo Service Population 54,697
New Cost to General Fund $5,260,503
1Includes Personnel, Operating, and Capital Outlay costs funded by the General Fund.

Assumption
Sources: City of San Mateo, Fiscal Year 2023-24 Adopted Budget; Analysis by Economic & Planning Systems, Inc.

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Appendix A-13
Parks and Recreation Operating Cost Estimates
San Mateo General Plan Update; EPS #181001
Item Assumed
Buildout
General Fund Expenditures1 $21,666,729
General Fund Revenue - Recreation and Service Charges $3,567,724 Net General Fund Expenditures $18,099,005
Variable Costs 75% of Net General Fund Expenditures $13,574,254 Parks and Recreation Cost per Current Resident 103,318 Current San Mateo Residents $131.38 New San Mateo Residents 48,042
New Cost to General Fund $6,311,914
1Includes Personnel, Operating, and Capital Outlay costs funded by the General Fund.

Assumption
Sources: City of San Mateo, Fiscal Year 2023-24 Adopted Budget; Analysis Economic & Planning Systems, Inc.

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Appendix A-14
Community Development Operating Cost Estimates
San Mateo General Plan Update; EPS #181001
Item Assumed
Buildout
General Fund Expenditures1 $1,946,275
Variable Costs 50% of General Fund Budget $973,138
Community Development Cost per Current Resident Equivalent 126,434 Current San Mateo Service Population $7.70 New San Mateo Service Population 54,697
New Cost to General Fund $420,995
1Includes Personnel, Operating, and Capital Outlay costs funded by the General Fund.

Assumption
Sources: City of San Mateo, Fiscal Year 2023-24 Adopted Budget; Analysis Economic & Planning Systems, Inc.

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City of

SAN MATEO

CLIMATE ACTION PLAN

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CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
Adopted by the San Mateo City Council on April 6, 2020 by Resolution 31(2020) Technical Update – July 2023, Public Review Draft
Prepared for the City of San Mateo by:

PlaceWorks in collaboration with DNV GL

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS (2020)
City of San Mateo
City Council
Mayor Joe Goethals
Deputy Mayor Eric Rodriguez
Council Member Rick Bonilla
Council Member Amourence Lee
Council Member Diane Papan
Sustainability and Infrastructure Commission
Rafael Reyes, Chair
Susan Rowinski, Vice Chair
Clifford Robbins
Greg St. Clair
Jackie Nuñez
Planning Commission
Mike Etheridge, Chair
Ellen Mallory, Vice Chair
John Ebneter
Ramiro Maldonado
Margaret Williams
City Staff
Drew Corbett, City Manager
Kathy Kleinbaum, Assistant City Manager
Andrea Chow, Sustainability Analyst
Kohar Kojayan, Community Development Director
Julia Klein, Principal Planner
Wendy Lao, Associate Planner
Alice Chen, Plan Check Supervisor
Roxanne Murray, Solid Waste and
Recycling Program Coordinator
Sue-Ellen Atkinson, Principal Transportation Planner
David Fink, Facilities and Fleet Services Manager
Gabrielle Whelan, Assistant City Attorney

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
ii City of San Mateo July 2023

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS (2023)
City of San Mateo
City Council
Mayor Amourence Lee
Deputy Mayor Lisa Diaz Nash
Council Member Adam Loraine
Council Member Rob Newsom Jr.

Council Member Rich Hedges
Sustainability and Infrastructure
Commission
Susan Rowinski, Chair
Kimiko Narita, Vice Chair
Clifford Robbins
Sigalle Michael
Pam Rittelmeyer

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Executive Summary...............................................................................................................................................................................1 Purpose of the Climate Action Plan................................................................................................................................................1 Key Outcomes of the CAP..................................................................................................................................................................3 Chapter 1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................................................................... 13 Purpose................................................................................................................................................................................................... 14 Climate Change Science................................................................................................................................................................... 15 Local Context........................................................................................................................................................................................ 24 Regulatory Framework ..................................................................................................................................................................... 27 Climate Action Planning Process.................................................................................................................................................. 30 Chapter 2 Greenhouse Gas Inventories, Forecasts, and Reduction Targets................................................................ 35 Background........................................................................................................................................................................................... 35 Baseline Greenhouse Gas Emission Inventory......................................................................................................................... 35 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Forecast........................................................................................................................................... 43 GHG Emissions Reduction Targets............................................................................................................................................... 46 Chapter 3 Strategies to Achieve the Targets.............................................................................................................................. 49 Revised and New GHG Reduction Measures........................................................................................................................... 58 Chapter 4 Implementation................................................................................................................................................................... 98 Implementing the Climate Action Plan ...................................................................................................................................... 98 Implementation Measures .............................................................................................................................................................. 99 Work Plan ............................................................................................................................................................................................100 Glossary........................................................................................................................................................................................................106 Appendix 1: Technical Appendix: Methods and Assumptions..........................................................................................1-1 Appendix 2: CAP Measure Key Metrics.........................................................................................................................................2-1 Appendix 3: CAP Consistency Checklist........................................................................................................................................3-1 Appendix 4: Summary of Community Workshop....................................................................................................................4-1

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TABLE OF CONTENTS AND LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
ii City of San Mateo July 2023

TABLES
Table ES-1: Reductions from Existing and Planned Accomplishments 7 Table ES-2: Reductions by Measure 8
Table 1: California Climate Change Impacts 19
Table 2: San Mateo Population (2005 – 2019) 39
Table 3: San Mateo 2005 Community-Wide GHG Emissions 40 Table 4: San Mateo 2005-2019 Community-Wide Emissions 41 Table 5: San Mateo 2005 and 2019 Community Emissions (Per-Capita) 43 Table 6: San Mateo 2019, 2030, 2040, and 2045 Growth Indicators 43 Table 7: San Mateo Community-Wide BAU GHG Emissions Sector Totals 45 Table 8: San Mateo Emissions with CAP Implementation (2030 – 2045) 49 Table 9: Reductions from CAP Measures (2030 – 2045) 50
Table 10: San Mateo Community-Wide GHG Emissions Reductions from State Programs 53 Table 11: Emissions Reductions from Local and Regional Programs 57 Table 12: Emissions with Existing and Planned Efforts 57 Table 13: GHG Emissions Reductions by Measure Topic, 2030-2045 (MTCO2e) 95 Table 14: CAP Implementation Work Plan 102
Table 1-1: Emissions Coefficients for CAP Measures 1-2
Table 2-1: CAP Measure Key Metrics 2-2

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TABLE OF CONTENTS AND LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
July 2023 Climate Action Plan iii

FIGURES
Figure ES-1: CAP Timeline 3
Figure ES-2: GHG Inventory Sectors 4
Figure ES-3: 2019 GHG Emissions 5
Figure 1: The Greenhouse Effect 16
Figure 2: Potential Global Temperature Increases 18
Figure 3: Historic and Projected Snowpack Levels Impacting San Mateo’s Water Supply 20 Figure 4: Sea Level Rise in San Mateo (2100) 22
Figure 5: San Mateo 2005 Community-Wide GHG Emissions (MTCO2e) 40 Figure 6: San Mateo 2005-2019 Community-Wide GHG Emissions (MTCO2e) 42 Figure 7: CAP Co-Benefits 60
Figure 8: San Mateo GHG Emissions with Reduction Measures, 2030-2045 (MTCO2e) 96

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TABLE OF CONTENTS AND LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
iv City of San Mateo July 2023

Sidewalk art from the City’s 2014 Downtown Cleanup.

Photo by City of San Mateo

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TABLE OF CONTENTS AND LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
July 2023 Climate Action Plan v

List of Abbreviations
Acronym/Abbreviation Term
AB Assembly Bill
ABAG Association of Bay Area Governments
BAAQMD Bay Area Air Quality Management District
BAU business-as-usual
CALGreen California Green Building Standards
CAP Climate Action Plan
CARB California Air Resources Board
C/CAG City/County Association of San Mateo County
CEC California Energy Commission
CEQA California Environmental Quality Act
CO2 carbon dioxide
EIR environmental impact report
EMFAC CARB Emission Factor
GHG greenhouse gas
I- Interstate
kW kilowatt
kWh kilowatt-hour
MPO metropolitan planning organization
MTC Metropolitan Transportation Commission
MTCO2e metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent
OPR Office of Planning and Research
PCE Peninsula Clean Energy

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TABLE OF CONTENTS AND LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
vi City of San Mateo July 2023

Acronym/Abbreviation Term
PG&E Pacific Gas and Electric Company
RICAPS Regionally Integrated Climate Action Planning Suite RPS Renewables Portfolio Standard
SB Senate Bill
SCS sustainable communities strategy
SR- State Route
TDM Transportation Demand Management
TMA transportation management agency
TNC Transportation network company
TOD transit-oriented development
USEPA US Environmental Protection Agency
VMT vehicle miles traveled

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Executive Summary

PURPOSE OF THE CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
This Climate Action Plan (CAP) is San Mateo’s comp rehensive strategy to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It demonstrates the leadership of community members and the City on sustainability and GHG reduction. San Mateo’s General Plan directs the preparation, ongoing implementation and update of the CAP, providing the framework for San Mateo to reduce its community-wide GHG emissions in a manner consistent with state reduction targets and goals for 2030 and 2045. The CAP is prepared consistent with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines for Plans for the Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions (California Code of Regulations Section 15183.5). This allows th e CAP to support and possibly streamline environmental review of GHG emissions related to future development projects within the city.

This CAP is a direct update to the 2015 CAP. The CAP analyzes San Mateo’s progress to date in meeting its GHG reduction targets and contains new information to achieve more significant and longer-term GHG reductions. It also presents a work plan and monitoring program for the City to track progress over time and maintain the status of the CAP as a qualified GHG reduction strategy for the purposes of CEQA streamlining. Since the City’s adoption of the CAP in 2020, the State of California has accelerated its actions and commitments to reduce statewide GHG emissions. In addition to State targets, the CAP and General Plan must follow regional air district guidance and thresholds to serve as the City's qualified GHG reduction strategy. In 2022, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) approved new thresholds of significance to determine whether a proposed project, including general plans and CAPs, will have a significant impact on climate change. In response to these changes, the City completed this technical update to the 2020 CAP so that it is consistent with the Strive San

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
2 City of San Mateo July 2023

Mateo General Plan 2040 and continues to serve as the City’s qualified GHG reduction strategy, as it has since 2015.

Local Leadership
San Mateo has an extensive history of action on GHG re duction and other environmental sustainability actions.

This CAP allows community members, City staff and officials, and other stakeholders to understand San Mateo’s existing planning efforts and strategies to achieve its GH G reduction goals. It builds on several earlier efforts, including the 2007 Sustainable Initiatives Plan, the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Program, the Climate Action Plan for Operations and Facilities, the 2015 CAP, and many other local accomplishments to date.

Planning Process
The City prepared the CAP as a collaborative effort between City staff, City officials, members of the public, and agency partners. San Mateo’s existing GHG accomplishments is a core foundation of the CAP. From 2005 to 2019, San Mateo achieved a 22 percent decrease in GHG emi ssions. Programs such as Peninsula Clean Energy, composting and other waste reduction efforts, increased adoption of electric and more fuel-efficient vehicles, and improved energy efficiency and water conservation have all helped to achieve this reduction and will continue to reduce GHG emissions far into the future. By 2045, these local efforts are expected to reduce San Mateo’s GHG emission levels over 25 percent below where they would be without these actions.

Starting with these existing efforts, City staff and community members identified opportunities for new and expanded GHG reduction programs in San Mateo, touc hing on all major sources of GHG emissions in the community and leveraging new opportunities for GHG redu ctions that were not available when the City was preparing the 2015 CAP. Through conversations with other City staff members, a public open house meeting, and discussions with the Sustainability and Infrastruc ture Commission, the project team revised this list to produce a final list of GHG reduction measures and the volume of reductions they enable. The CAP allows San Mateo to meet and, in some instances, exceed the state-recommended targets for local communities. This CAP also includes an implementation and monitoring work plan for City staff to put these measures into effect and to track their effectiveness.

Figure ES-1 shows the timeline for the 2020 CAP.

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
July 2023 Climate Action Plan 3

Figure ES-1:CAP Timeline

KEY OUTCOMES OF THE CAP
The CAP includes two major sets of technical analyses. The first is an inventory of San Mateo’s recent GHG emissions and a forecast of how these emissions may change in the future. The second is a set of calculations (known as quantification) showing how the CAP measures, as well as existing and planned efforts, can reduce GHG emissions consistent with the City’s targets.

Community GHG Inventories
GHG inventories are assessments of San Mateo’s GHG emissions from a variety of sources over the course of a calendar year. San Mateo has several previous GHG inventories, including ones for the calendar years 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2017. As part of the 2023 technical update to the CAP, the project team prepared a fifth inventory, for the calendar year 2019. The project team chose to pr epare a 2019 GHG inventory as opposed to a 2020 GHG inventory so that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and shelter-in-place orders would not skew the data.

The project team made limited updates to the previous year inventories to use the same methods and data sources as the 2019 inventory, informed by State guidance and best practices. This ensures that all five inventories are consistent and provide an accurate assessment of how San Mateo’s GHG emissions have changed over time. •CAP 2023
Technical
update
2023/
2024
•Adopt
2020 CAP
Spring
2020
•Conduct
public
hearings
and
review
Winter
2019
•Draft 2020
CAP
Autumn
2019
•Finalize
GHG
reduction
measures
•Quantify
GHG
reduction
measures
Summer
2019
•Begin
developin
g GHG
reduction
measures
Spring
2019
•Complete
inventory
and
forecast
•Collect
data on
existing
and
planned
actions
Winter
2019
•Project
kick-off
•Begin
inventory
work
Autumn
2018

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
4 City of San Mateo July 2023

San Mateo’s GHG emissions are caused by activities that take place within the city limits, even if the emissions are physically emitted elsewhere. For example, GHG emi ssions caused by the decomposition of trash thrown away in San Mateo are counted in these inventories, even though the decomposition (and resulting emission of GHGs) occurs in a landfill that is not located in San Mateo. All measurements of GHG emissions are in the common unit of metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO
2e), which allows for the different strengths of various GHGs to be expressed in a single unit.

Figure ES-2 shows the 10 sources (sectors) of GHG emissions included in the inventories in this CAP.

Figure ES-2: GHG Inventory Sectors

* Informational item, not included in the total of San Mateo’s emissions.

In 2005, San Mateo’s GHG emissions totaled 666,410 MTCO2e. These emissions fell to 651,450 MTCO2e in 2010, 592,010 MTCO2e in 2015, 533,730 MTCO 2e in 2017, and 520,410 MTCO 2e in 2019, a decline of 2 percent, 11 percent, 20 percent, and 22 percent relative to 2005 levels respectively. In all years, the on-road transportation sector is the largest source of emissions, followed by emissions from the two built environment sectors, off-road equipment, solid waste generation, and point sources. La ndfill, rail, and water and wastewater emissions were On-road
transportation
Commercial and
industrial built
environment
Residential built
environment
Off-road
equipment
Solid waste
generation Point sources * Landfill Rail
Water and
wastewater
Land use and
sequestration

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
July 2023 Climate Action Plan 5
consistently the smallest sources. This CAP uses 2019 as the current year GHG inventory to present normal conditions, as the protocols suggest. Use of data from 2020 would represent an anomalous year as several sectors were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and related changes to day-to-day activities resulting from precautions and restrictions. Figure ES-3 shows emissions by sector for 2019.

Figure ES-3: 2019 GHG Emissions
* Point sources are included as an informational item and are not counted towards the total GHG emissions for the City.

On-road transportation:
51%
Residential built
environment:
21%
Commercial/ industrial
built environment:

Solid waste
generation:
4%
Point sources:
3%*
Off-road
equipment:
3%
Rail:
1%
Landfill:
1%
Water and
wastewater:
<1%
0 100,000 200,000 300,000 400,000 500,000 600,000
MTCO2e

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
6 City of San Mateo July 2023

Forecast
The forecast is a projection of future GHG emissions, showing how these emissions would change over time if no action is taken at the federal, State, or local level to reduce them. In the forecast, changes in emissions are caused by changes in population. As San Mateo is expected to continue to grow through 2045, the forecast projects an increase in emissions. The CAP projects emissions to grow to 605,240 MTCO 2e by 2030, 696,810
MTCO2e by 2040, and 750,400 MTCO 2e by 2045 if no action is taken, a total increase of 44 percent from 2019 levels.

Targets
The CAP sets substantial GHG reduction goals for San Mateo, consistent with the City’s role as a sustainability leader. The CAP relies on the recommended GHG reduction goals in the State’s Climate Change Scoping Plan to set targets for GHG reductions and support a path to achieving carbon neutrality by 2045, adapted to ensure that they are appropriate for San Mateo and meet the CEQA requirements for community-wide plans as well as individual development projects. These targets are:
x 2030: Reduce emissions to 40 percent below 1990 le vels (49 percent below base line 2005 levels), equal to 339,880 MTCO
2e.
x 2045: Reduce emissions to 85 percent below 1990 levels (87 percent below baseline 2005 levels), equal to 84,970 MTCO2e.

Existing and Planned Accomplishments
The forecast represents a “worst case” scenario if no action is taken to reduce GHG emissions. However, San Mateo, along with regional and State agencies, have already taken actions to reduce GHG emissions below their 2019 limit and to close the gap to the City’s GHG reduction targets. The CAP identifies the GHG reductions from these existing and planned accomplishments. Table ES-1 shows the reductions from these accomplishments and San Mateo’s projected future emissions affect taking these accomplishments into account.

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
July 2023 Climate Action Plan 7

Table ES-1: Reductions from Existing and Planned Accomplishments 2030 2040 2045
Forecasted Emissions 605,420 MTCO2e 696,810 MTCO2e 750,400 MTCO2e Reductions from State existing and planned
accomplishments -72,900 MTCO2e -147,970 MTCO2e -196,140 MTCO2e Reductions from local and regional existing
and planned accomplishments -23,980 MTCO2e -18,360 MTCO2e -4,950 MTCO2e Emissions with existing and planned
accomplishments 508,380 MTCO2e 530,510 MTCO2e 549,320 MTCO2e Reduction Measures
This CAP builds on the GHG reduction measures in the 2015 CAP, as well as the existing and planned accomplishments, to provide an updated suite of GHG reduction measures that meet the City’s targets. These measures are informed by several sources, including discussions with City staff, feedback from public engagement efforts, and direction from the Sustainability and Infrastructure Commission. This CAP contains 29 GHG reduction measures, all of which also provide additional community benefits such as financial savings and improvements to public health. Table ES-2 shows these measures and the GHG reductions they allow.

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
8 City of San Mateo July 2023

Table ES-2: Reductions by Measure
Measure 2030 2040 2045
BE 1: All-electric new construction -21,070 -38,450 -47,250 BE 2: All-electric existing buildings -102,210 -184,610 -221,260 RE 1: Peninsula Clean Energy -160 -170 0
RE 2: Renewable energy systems for new and existing
residences -70 -160 0
RE 3: Renewable energy systems for new and existing
nonresidential buildings -60 -90 0
EE 1: Residential energy efficiency retrofits -6,160 -7,020 -6,790 EE 2: Nonresidential energy efficiency retrofits -3,800 -8,860 -13,380 EE 3: Residential tree planting Less than -10 Less than -10 0 ME 1: Energy efficiency for new municipal buildings Supportive (no measurable GHG reductions) ME 2: Energy efficiency at existing municipal buildings -10 -30 -40 ME 3: All-electric municipal buildings -130 -200 -270
CF 1: Electric vehicle charging infrastructure -24,420 -49,390 -69,780 CF 2: Electric vehicle education and outreach -4,910 -8,030 -12,360 CF 3: Clean city fleet -130 -200 -270
CF 4: Clean fuel and vehicle emissions -4,210 -16,920 -26,360 ST 1: Bicycle mode share -80 -170 -180
ST 2: Pedestrian mode share -110 -120 -130
ST 3: Micromobility and shared mobility Supportive (no measurable GHG reductions) ST 4: Public transit service -3,610 -5,660 -6,910
ST 5: Commuter programs Less than -10 -70 -160
ST 6: Transportation Demand Management -2,010 -7,950 -13,410 ST 7: Transit-oriented development -10,200 -18,920 -23,700

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Measure 2030 2040 2045
SW 1: Composting program -1,030 -1,710 -1,850
SW 2: Expanded recycling service -6,070 -7,730 -8,820
SW 3: Waste awareness and source reduction -2,080 -4,050 -5,590 WW 1: Water efficiency retrofits for existing buildings -170 -300 -360 WW 2: Water-efficient landscaping Less than -10 -10 0
WW 3: Water efficiency in new construction Less than -10 -10 -20 OR 1: Alternative fuel lawn and garden equipment -3,660 -7,130 -9,890 Total -196,360 -367,960 -468,780
Note: Due to rounding, totals may not equal the sum of the component parts.

When the CAP is fully implemented, it is projected to reduce GHG emissions to meet or exceed San Mateo’s reduction targets:
x Projected 2030 emissions with the CAP are 311,990 MTCO 2e, below the reduction target of 339,880 MTCO2e.
x Projected 2045 emissions with the CAP are 80,550 MTCO 2e, below the City’s reduction target of 84,970 MTCO2e

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Implementation
Successfully achieving these GHG reductions depends on effective implementation of the CAP. The CAP includes a work plan to help identify the lead City department(s), timeframe, and estimated staff time for each of the GHG reduction measures, which will help prioritize the measures and identify a work program. City staff will monitor implementation of the CAP, report annually on CAP implementation, and will revise the work program as needed to ensure the best use of City and community resources. This approach will help ensure that San Mateo stays on track to meet or exceed its GHG reduction targets and will make it easier to update the CAP in future years, as necessary.

New and emerging technologies, such as systems that track real-time energy use and suggest ways to improve energy efficiency, can help San Mateo continue to reduce its GHG emissions.

Photo by Dennis Schroeder/NREL (22290)

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Addressing climate change will help provide numerous benefits to San Mateo community residents, including supporting the conservation of San Mateo’s outdoor resources.

Photo by City of San Mateo

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Chapter 1
Introduction
This Climate Action Plan (CAP) demonstrates the City of San Mateo’s leadership and commitment to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

This CAP is a comprehensive strategy to reduce GHG emissions and streamline the environmental review of GHG emissions of future development projects in the City of San Mateo, consistent with the Calif ornia Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15183.5(b). The CAP identifies a strategy, reduction measures, and implementation actions the City will use to achieve targets consistent with State recommendations of 85 percent below 1990 emissions levels by 2045.

GHG Reduction
Targets
This CAP implements a
key goal of the City’s
2040 General Plan by
achieving the City’s
adopted GHG
reduction targets for
2030 and 2045, which
align with State-
recommended GHG
reduction goals.

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PURPOSE
The City of San Mateo first adopted a CAP in 2015, based on a long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability. This CAP consolidated and updated multiple earlier plans, consistent with the City’s 2030 General Plan, including the Sustainable Initiatives Plan (adopted in 2007), Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Program (adopted in 2010), and the Climate Action Plan for Operations and Facilities (adopted in 2008). Regionally, the 2015 CAP drew on the City’s involvement with countywide climate action planning efforts. The 2015 CAP integrated early and ongoing efforts into a single plan that supported the General Plan and followed CEQA and air quality guidelines set by the State and BAAQMD.

The 2015 CAP recommended that the document be updated at least once every five years to address emerging issues and changing best practices related to GHG emissions, including new regulations, the availability of new technologies, and changes to development patterns. The City completed an update to the CAP in 2020 and again in 2023. This CAP preserves the structure and format of the 2015 document while providing updated information, an expanded set of GHG reduction measures, a longer-term planning horizon, and alignment with the goals of the Strive San Mateo General Plan 2040. As a result, this CAP provides a revised framework for addressing GHG emissions in the community, including an updated co nsolidated framework for the review and analysis of GHG emissions from new development activities.

Although the CAP was recently updated and adopted, th e City’s update to the Strive San Mateo General Plan 2040 and new State laws necessitate a technical update to the CAP so that the CAP will maintain consistency with the Strive San Mateo General Plan 2040 when adopted and can continue to serve as a qualified GHG reduction strategy.

Since the City’s adoption of the CAP in 2020, the State of California has accelerated its actions and commitments to reduce statewide GHG emissions with the passage of Assembly Bill (AB) 1279 codifying the State’s commitment to be carbon neutral by 2045. As part of this commitment to carbon neutrality, AB 1279 directs a minimum statewide reduction of GHGs to at least 85 percent below 1990 levels by 2045. In addition to State targets, the CAP and General Plan must follow regional air district guidance and thresholds to serve as the City's qualified GHG reduction strategy. In April 2022, the Bay Area Ai r Quality Management District (BAAQMD) approved new thresholds of significance to determine whether a proposed project, including general plans and CAPs, will have a significant impact on climate change. BAAQMD strongly recommends that cities and counties adopt a CAP that has been prepared consistent with CEQA Guidelines Section 15183.5(b) to demonstrate their ability to meet the State’s GHG reduction goals for 2030 and 2045. In response to these changes, the City completed a technical update to the 2020 CAP in 2023 so that it is consistent with Strive San Mateo General Plan 2040 and continues Warming of the climate
system is unequivocal,
and since the 1950s,
many of the observed
changes are
unprecedented over
decades to millennia.

The atmosphere and
ocean have warmed,
the amounts of snow
and ice have
diminished, sea level
has risen, and the
concentrations of
greenhouse gases have
increased.
– IPCC Fifth
Assessment Report

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July 2023 Climate Action Plan 15

to serve as the City’s qualified GHG reduction strategy, as it has since 2015. The approach for this technical update is consistent with the BAAQMD guidance available.

The CAP allows City decision makers and the community to understand the sources and magnitude of local GHG emissions, establish goals to reduce GHG emissions, and prioritize steps to achieve emissions reduction targets.

The CAP updates and expands the City’s goals, measures, and actions to reduce community-wide GHG emissions.

It also revises San Mateo’s implementation program and framework to monitor and report progress.

CLIMATE CHANGE SCIENCE
To make meaningful and effective decisions regarding GHG emissions reductions, it is important to understand the scientific and regulatory framework under which this Plan has been developed. This section provides a brief introduction to the scientific research efforts to understand how climate change occurs and its global implications, and describes the federal, State, regional, and local regulations that provide guidance and inform the development of this Plan.

Since the early 1990s, scientific consensus holds that the world’s population is releasing GHGs faster than the earth’s natural systems can absorb them. These gases are released as byproducts of fossil fuel combustion, waste disposal, industrial processes, land-use changes, and other human activities. While often used interchangeably, there is a difference between the terms “climate chan ge” and “global warming.” According to the National Academy of Sciences, climate change refers to any significant, measurable change of climate lasting for an extended period that can be caused by both natural factors and human activities. Global warming, on the other hand, is an average increase in the temperature of the atmosphere caused by increased GHG emissions. The use of the term “climate change” is more accurate becau se it encompasses all changes to climate, not just temperature.

Greenhouse Effect
The release of gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO 2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N 2O), creates a blanket around the earth that allows light to pass through but traps heat at the surface preventing its escape into space (Figure 1). These gases function similarly to the glass panes of a greenhouse, which allow sunlight to pass into the building but trap heat inside, hence the name for this process: the greenhouse effect. While the greenhouse effect is a naturally occurring process that is vital for the existence of life, human activities have accelerated the generation of GHGs beyond natural levels. The overabundance of the gases that cause this effect, known as greenhouse gases, in the atmosphere has led to an une xpected warming of the earth and has the potential to severely impact the earth’s climate system.

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Climate Change Impacts
The continued release of GHGs at or above the current rate will continue to increase average temperatures around the globe. These increases in global temperatures are likely to change our planet’s climate in ways that will have significant global, regional, and local long-term effects.

Figure 1:The Greenhouse Effect

Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Climatic Data Center. 2008. NOAA Satellite and Information Service.

Global Climate Change Impacts
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) Fifth Assessment Report summarizes the most recent scientific understanding of global climate change and projects future conditions using the most comprehensive set of recognized global climate models. The report, released in 2013, considers all impacts human activities have on global temperature, and states that there is at least a 95 percent probability that “human influence has been the dominant cause of the observed warming since the mid-20 th century.” The Fifth Assessment Report projects
four different temperature scenarios, all of which project 2016–2035 temperatures 0.54 to 1.26°F warmer than the 1986–2005 average temperature, and potentially over 7.2°F by 2100 under the most aggressive scenario.

It is extremely likely [at
least a 95% probability]
that human influence
has been the dominant
cause of the observed
warming since the mid-
20th century.
– IPCC Fifth Assessment
Report

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As asserted in the IPCC Fifth Assessment Report and other scientific studies, if trends remain unchanged, continued GHG emissions above current rates will induce further warming changes in the global climate system and pose even greater risks than those currently witnessed. Figure 2 shows the effects of additional warming on global temperatures. Given the scientific basis of climate change and expected trends, the challenge remains to prepare for and mitigate climate change through deliberate global and local action.

Emission Scenarios
The future severity of climate change depends on future GHG emission trends worldwide. If GHG emissions drop quickly and significantly, scientists project that there will be fewer substantial changes in future climate conditions. If emissions continue to increase, or only decline slowly and in the more distant future, severe climate change is more likely. These emission trends depend on political actions, economic conditions, individual behavior, and many other factors.

The global scientific community commonly uses four scenarios, called Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs). In California, the best available data is for two of these scenarios: RCP 4.5 (a medium-low emissions scenario) and RCP 8.5 (a high emissions scenario). For the sake of a conservative analysis that identifies the greatest potential range of climate change effects, this section presents results of the RCP 8.5 scenario.

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Figure 2: Potential Global Temperature Increases

Historic and potential future global temperatures, depending on different levels of future GHG emissions. The red line shows the expected temperature trend without significant worldwide action to reduce GHG emissions Source: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 2019 Climate Change Impacts to California and the City of San Mateo The City of San Mateo, like most communities in California, is expected to experience multiple direct impacts as a result of climate change, including potential flooding , sea level rise, wildfires, drought, extreme heat, and negative effects on public health and biodiversity. Research suggests that California will experience hotter and drier conditions, reductions in winter snow and increases in winter rains, sea level rise, significant changes to the water cycle, and an increased occurrence of extreme weather events. Such compounded impacts will affect transportation networks, water supplies, and economic systems throughout the state, with likely ramifications in the City of San Mateo. To refrain from action is costly and risky; the California Fourth Climate Change Assessment

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estimates that no action to address the potential impacts of climate change will lead to economic losses of “tens of billions of dollars per year in direct costs” and “expose trillions of dollars of assets to collateral risk.” Table 1 summarizes potential impacts in California due to climate change.

Table 1: California Climate Change Impacts
Climate Impact Historical Trends Future Direction
of Change
Confidence for
Future Change
Temperature Warming Warming Very High
Sea Level Rise Rising Rising Very High
Snowpack Declining Declining Very High
Annual Precipitation No Significant Trends Unknown Low
Intensity of Heavy Precipitation Events No Significant Trends Increasing Medium-High Frequency of Droughts No Significant Trends Increasing Medium-High Frequency and Intensity of Santa Ana
Winds No Significant Trends Unknown Low
Marine Layer Clouds Some Downward
Trends Unknown Low
Acres Burned by Wildfire Increasing Increasing Medium-High Source: Bedsworth, Louise, Dan Cayan, Guido Franco, Leah Fisher, Sonya Ziaja. (California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, California Energy Commission, California Public Utilities Commission). 2018.

Statewide Summary Report. California’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment. Publication number: SUMCCCA4-2018-013.

Decreased Supply of Fresh Water
The State’s water supply is already under stress and is anticipated to shrink under even the most conservative climate change scenario. Warmer average global temperatures cause more precipitation to fall as rain instead of snow, making the winter snowfall season shorter and accelerating the rate at which the snowpack melts in the spring. The Sierra snowpack is estimated to decline by at more than two-thirds below its historical average by 2050. Figure 3 shows anticipated changes in snowpack levels above the Hetch Hetchy reservoir watershed, the source of most of the water used in San Mateo, under a high GHG emissions scenario. With rain and snow events becoming less predictable and more variable, the rate of flooding could increase beyond what is currently considered flood-prone, and California’s ability to store and transport fresh water for consumption could decrease. Further, warmer weather will lead to longer growing seasons and increased agricultural demand for

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water throughout the state, as well as an increase in the prevalence of ticks, mosquitos, and other vectors for harmful diseases.

Figure 3: Historic and Projected Snowpack Levels Impacting San Mateo’s Water Supply Source: Cal-Adapt 2019.

Increased Severity and Frequency of Flood Events
Forecasts indicate more intense rainfall events, generating more frequent or extensive runoff, and flooding that may result from a changing climate. According to Cal- Adapt, these intense rainfall events historically occurred an average of 11 times per year and are projected to increase to an average of 13 times per year by 2050 and an average of 16 times by 2100. Localized flood events may in crease in periods of heavy rain. As explained by the California Fourth Climate Change Assessment, California’s water system is structured and operated to balance between water storage for dry months and flood protection during rainy seasons. Although climate change is likely to lead to a drier climate overall, risks from regular, more intense rainfall events can generate more frequent and/or more severe flooding that upsets this managed balance between storage and protection. Areas along creeks, including Laurel Creek and San Mateo Creek, and east of El Camino Real are at a higher risk of flooding. 0 10
20 30
40 50
60 1950
1957
1964
1971
1978
1985
1992
1999
2006
2013
2020
2027
2034
2041
2048
2055
2062
2069
2076
2083
2090
2097
Snow Water Equivalence (Inches)
Year
Snow Water Equivalence (Inches)

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INTRODUCTION
July 2023 Climate Action Plan 21
Climate change may increase the frequency and severity of storms and expand the parts of the city that are considered prone to flooding. Additionally, erosion may increase, and water quality may decrease because of increased rainfall amounts.

Rising Sea Levels
Sea level rise is attributed to the increase of average ocean temperatures and the resulting thermal expansion and the melting of snow and ice contributing to the volume of
water held in the oceans. While many effects of climate change will impact the region, sea level rise is one specific impact that has been extensively studied and quantified, and its effects mapped. The speed and amount of sea level rise will be influenced by the increase in average
temperatures and rate of melting of glacial ice. While there is a degree of uncertainty in projections, the actual rate of sea level rise is occurring more quickly than many previous projections had estimated.

The California Natural Resources Agency, in partnership with the California Ocean Protection Council, issued a 2018 update to the State of California Sea-Level Rise Guidance, which states that sea levels in the San Francisco Bay Area may rise between 1.1 and 2.7 feet by mid-century and between 3.4 and 10.2 feet by the end of the century.

Because it is in a low-lying coastal area, San Mateo is highly vulnerable to this threat. A sea level rise of 2 feet could inundate areas near Seal Point. If the level of San Francisco Bay rises 7 feet, water is projected to inundate all parts of San Mateo east of Highway 101, the area north of downtown, and large sections of the Hayward Park, Bay Meadows, and Laurie Meadows neighborhoods. Rising sea levels also threaten a significant portion of San Mateo’s housing, commercial buildings, essential infrastructure, and economic drivers, as low-lying land near the shoreline could be subject to more frequent flooding. Affected essential infrastructure includes US Highway 101, State Route (SR-) 92, and the Caltrain station and associated railroad infrastructure. Meanwhile, rising tides may increase groundwater levels, inundating contaminated soils. Given that some contaminated sites in San Mateo sit near the shoreline, rising groundwater may cause contaminated soils to leach into new, different areas.Figure 4 shows the parts of San Mateo that are expected to be inundated by sea level rise by 2100.

Shoreline areas of San Mateo, such as Ryder Park, may be vulnerable to sea level rise.

Photo by City of San Mateo

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Figure 4: Sea Level Rise in San Mateo (2100)

Source: Adapting to Rising Tides 2019, City of San Mateo 2019, San Mateo County 2019, ESRI 2019, PlaceWorks 2019

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Deteriorating Public Health
Heat waves are expected to have a major impact on public health, as well as decreasing air quality and increasing mosquito breeding and mosquito-borne diseases. Further, climate change is expected to alter the spread and prevalence of disease-carrying insects, organisms, or people, referred to as vectors, in addition to leading to a possible decrease in food quality and security. Vector control districts throughout the State are already evaluating how they will address the expected changes to California’s climate.

According to a report from the California Air Resource s Board (CARB), the warming climate will increase ozone levels in California’s major air basins, leading to upwards of 6 to 30 more days per year with ozone concentrations that exceed federal clean-air standards. The number of extreme heat days per year (when the daily average temperature exceeds 90 degrees) is also projected to double from mid-century to the end of the century.

Cost-effective measures to reduce GHG emissions and protect public health are important for local governments.

The new CARB study provides evidence of what is be coming known as the “climate penalty,” where rising temperatures increase ground-level ozone and airborne health-damaging particles, despite the reductions achieved by programs targeting smog-forming emissions from cars, trucks, and industrial sources. The elderly, young, and sensitive populations most likely to be impact ed by climate change are also those that often lack sufficient resources to adapt. Such vulnerable demographics are likely to need assistance to respond to climate change. Social equity issues related to the unequal di stribution of resources and increased costs to address community-wide health risks will need to be addressed proactively to reduce the potential for financial strain on local governments.

Increased Rate of Wildfires
Wildfire risk is based on a combination of factors in cluding rainfall, winds, temperature, and vegetation.

According to California Fourth Climate Change Assessm ent, higher temperatures, longer dry periods, and increased frequency of high velocity winds over a longer fire season will directly increase wildfire risk. Indirectly, wildfire risk will also be influenced by potential climate-related changes in vegetation and ignition potential from lightning. Historically, the annual average area burned in San Mateo was 50 acres. According to Cal-Adapt, under a higher emissions scenario, this could increase to an average annual burn area of 120 acres by 2050 and 132 acres by 2100. The hills behind San Mateo, east of Intersta te (I-) 280, are also expected to see an increase in wildfire frequency, and fires in this area could cause damage in the community or impact local air quality.

Negative Impacts on Wildlife
As temperatures rise, species are migrating north in Cali f o r n i a o r t o h i g h e r e l e v a t i o n s . T h i s e c o l o g i c a l s h i f t disrupts the food chain and prevents some plant specie s from being pollinated. Water and food supplies are expected to be more variable and to shift as the seas ons change. The California Office of Emergency Services and the California Natural Resources Agency note that those species that are unable to migrate face the danger

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of extinction: “The amount of future warming expected in California may likely exceed the tolerance of endemic species (i.e., those that are native to a specific location and that only occur there) given their limited distribution and microclimate.”
Reduction in soil moisture will result in early dieback of many plants, potentially leading to conflicts with animal breeding seasons and other natural processes. Many of the potential effects on wildlife are still being studied, but with a limited ability to adapt to new climates and the expected success of invasive species, pests, and pathogens in future climate conditions, there is a potential for severe species loss.

Several potential hydrological changes associated with gl obal climate change could also specifically influence the ecology of aquatic life in California and have several negative effects on cold-water fish. For example, if a rise in air temperature by just a few degrees Fahrenheit occurs, this change could be enough to raise the water temperatures above the tolerance of salmon and trout in many streams, favoring instead non-native fishes such as sunfish and carp. Unsuitable summer temperatures would be particularly problematic for many of the threatened and endangered fish that spend summers in cold-water streams, either as adults or juveniles or both.

Additionally, oak woodlands, a habitat found in San Mateo, is vulnerable to climate stressors that alter water availability or soil temperature.

LOCAL CONTEXT
The CAP has been an implementation program of the City ’s 2030 General Plan. The City of San Mateo adopted the 2030 General Plan in 2010. As part of the Genera l Plan update, the City prepared and adopted the 2010 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Program (Program). The 2010 Program was the City’s first step to consolidate City efforts into a framework for reducing GHG emissions consistent with the California Global Warming Solutions Act. The 2010 Program was based on the City’s Sustainable Initiatives Plan adopted in the early stages of the 2030 General Plan update. The City revised its approach four years later by developing the 2015 CAP, in response to evolving guidance and new protocols. This CAP supersedes the 2015 document. 2030 and 2040 General Plan
The 2030 San Mateo General Plan presents the City’s vision for establishing San Mateo as a diverse community with an exceptional quality and character. The General Plan envisions a preeminent City with balanced commercial and residential growth, with a distinguished downtown and viable, wholesome neighborhoods driven by a solid, healthy economic and financial base.

The City’s General Plan contains goals and policies wh ich regulate urban development, the protection of the natural environment, and public safety. It reflects the community’s long-term vision and provides a goal and policy framework to guide land use and planning-related decisions, and future funding decisions. The General Plan also enables citizens and those seeking to develop property to understand San Mateo’s values and

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July 2023 Climate Action Plan 25

objectives. The General Plan also establishes the City’s vision of serving as a leader in addressing the environmental effects of climate change with education, promotion, and fostering sustainable development.

The General Plan establishes a set of GHG reduction goal s and directs the City to reduce emissions to achieve these goals by developing a comprehensive GHG reduction strategy. The Sustainable Initiatives Plan initially fulfilled this role, followed by the 2015 CAP. This CAP will serve as the new GHG reduction strategy for San Mateo.

The City and community members are currently updating San Mateo’s General Plan and will replace it with the community’s 2040 General Plan called Strive San Mateo General Plan 2040. This process began in 2018 and the Strive San Mateo General Plan 2040 is set to be adopted in 2024. Future updates to the CAP will reflect any new policies or visions in Strive San Mateo General Plan 2040.

Sustainable Initiatives Plan
Adopted in 2007, the Sustainable Initiatives Plan was pr epared by the City’s Sustainability Advisory Committee to the City Council, which was an ad hoc committee created for the sole purpose of developing the plan and has since been disbanded. The Sustainable Initiatives Plan provided the City’s overall commitment and framework for reducing GHG emissions and achieving sustainability. This document established the City’s first GHG emissions target of reducing emissions below 1990 levels by 2020 and to 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050, consistent with State-adopted targets and goals at that time. Strategies in the Sustainable Initiatives Plan included a commitment to incorporate sustainability into policies and foster GHG reductions throughout the community. Community strategies suggested in the Sustainable Initiatives Plan addressed a broad array of issues, from increasing bicycle and pedestrian mode share to facilitating energy efficiency and renewable energy throughout the community. The City implemented the Sustainable Initiatives Plan and its companion GHG Reduction Program (presented below), monitored progress, and presented annual updates on this document to the City Council.
2010 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Program
As part of the City’s General Plan update in 2010, the City prepared the 2010 Program. Adopted as an appendix to the General Plan and General Plan Environmental Impact Report (EIR), the Program supported the General Plan with an analysis of GHG emissions. Building on the 2007 Sustainable Initiatives Plan, the Program quantified strategies in the Sustainable Initiatives Plan for anticipated impacts on GHG reductions. An implementation plan in the Program also identified the City’s strategy to monitor GHG reductions and achieve the 2020 reduction target. Preparation of the Program included the develop ment of a monitoring and reporting tool to track progress over time.

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The Program sought to streamline the review of new development by demonstrating consistency with BAAQMD guidance. The City fully analyzed and adopted the Program in the General Plan EIR to facilitate streamlining of new development review. Accordingly, the City used the Program to review and consider new development applications for GHG emissions.

Climate Action Plan for Operations & Facilities
In 2008, San Mateo prepared a Climate Action Plan for Operations & Facilities, which includes a 2006 inventory of emissions from municipal operations and applies the ta rgets identified in the Sustainable Initiatives Plan to the City. It covers emissions from energy use in City buildings, fuel use of City vehicles and equipment, commute habits of City employees, and waste thrown away at City facilities. This plan contains policies and specific capital improvements to help achieve these targets, along with recommendations for adapting to the impacts of climate change and how to educate City staff about reducing emissions. In 2010, the Climate Action Plan for Operations & Facilities was incorporated into San Mateo’s General Plan as an appendix. 2015 Climate Action Plan
The City adopted a comprehensive CAP in 2015 that integr ated San Mateo’s earlier sustainability efforts into a single document. It provided an analysis of San Mateo’s community-wide GHG emissions for the years 2005 and 2010, forecasted these emissions out to 2030, and established a new GHG reduction target of 35 percent below 2005 levels by 2030. This target, along with the targets of 15 percent below 2005 levels (equivalent of 1990 levels) by 2020 and 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050, were included in the General Plan as part of the 2015 CAP adoption process. The 2015 CAP listed 28 GHG reduction measures to reduce the community’s emissions, as well as a set of implementation and monitoring efforts to help put the plan into effect. This CAP is an update to the 2015 CAP.

Regionally Integrated Climate Action Planning Suite
San Mateo has participated in the Regionally Integrated Climate Action Planning Suite (RICAPS) effort. The City/County Association of San Mateo County (C/CAG) has led this project as a countywide effort to support regional climate action planning. Originally funded by grants from BAAQMD and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), RICAPS provides tools and a forum for ongoing countywide efforts. Tools developed through the RICAPS effort include a template of workbooks and documents available for local use. RICAPS also facilitated preparation of recent year inventories for jurisdictions in San Mateo County, including 2010, 2015, 2017, and 2019 community-wide GHG inventories for each participatin g jurisdiction. Jurisdictions in RICAPS continue to coordinate for a regional approach to monitoring GHG emissions and progress to local climate action planning targets.

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While the City of San Mateo continues to participate in the RICAPS effort, the City has developed this CAP as an independent, customized CAP for the community shaped by the City’s unique background and locally adopted priorities.

REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
California law first addressed climate change in 1988, when AB 4420 directed the State to prepare a GHG inventory and study the impacts of climate change. Since then, California has adopted several laws to assess climate change, analyze GHG emissions and their effects, reduce emissions, and prepare for the impacts of climate change. Many of these laws and associated regulations affect local governments, although only some create specific requirements for individual communities.

Executive Order S-03-05 and Assembly Bill 32 – California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 In 2005, former Governor Schwarzenegger issued Executive Order S-03-05, which established the first statewide GHG reduction goals for California: reduce emissions to 2000 levels by 2010, reduce emissions to 1990 levels by 2020, and reduce emissions 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050.

AB 32, the California Global Warming Solutions Act, was approved by the legislature and signed by former Governor Schwarzenegger in 2006. The landmark legislat ion requires CARB to develop regulatory and market mechanisms that will reduce GHG
emissions to 1990 levels by 2020,
codifying the 2020 target in Executive
Order S-03-05. AB 32 also directed CARB
to identify early action items that could be
quickly implemented, to develop a
scoping plan to identify the most
technologically feasible and cost-effective
measures to achieve the 2020 target and
create and adopt regulations requiring
major emitters to report and verify their
emissions.

The Climate Change Scoping Plan (first
adopted in 2009 and then updated in
2014, 2017, and 2022) employs a variety
of GHG reduction measures that include
direct regulations, alternative compliance
mechanisms, incentives, voluntary actions,
0 50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
450
500
2000 2004 2008 2012 2016 2020
Millions of MTCO2e
Statewide emissions 1990 baseline emissions
California’s 2020 reduction goal under AB 32 is 431 million MTCO2e. In 2020, the State emitted approximately 970
million MTCO2e, reducing emissions below the State’s 2020

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and market-based approaches like a cap-and-trade program. The 2022 Scoping Plan identifies local governments as strategic partners to achieving the State goal of reducing human-caused emissions to 85 percent below 1990 levels and achieving carbon neutrality by 2045. ..

Senate Bill 375 – Sustainable Communities and Climate Protection Act of 2008 Senate Bill (SB) 375 builds off AB 32 and aims to reduce GHG emissions by linking transportation funding to land use planning. It requires metropolitan planning orga nizations (MPO) to create a sustainable communities strategy (SCS) in their regional transportation plans for reducing urban sprawl. Each SCS will demonstrate strategies each region will use to achieve the GHG emissions reduction target set by CARB for 2020 and 2035. In 2013, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) adopted Plan Bay Area, consisting of both the region’s first SCS and 2040 Regional Transportation Plan. The plan was updated in 2017 (Plan Bay Area 2040) and 2022 (Plan Bay Area 2050).

Executive Order B-30-15 and Senate Bill 32
In 2015, former governor Jerry Brown signed Executive Order B-30-15, which directed state agencies to take several steps to reduce statewide GHG emissions and adapt to changing climate conditions. One section of this executive order set GHG reduction goal for the state of 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030. In 2016, SB 32 was passed, codifying this GHG reduction goal into law as an official state target.

Executive Order B-55-18
In 2018, former governor Jerry Brown issued Executive Order B-55-18, which established an additional statewide goal of achieving carbon neutrality (no net GHG emissions) by 2045. Under this goal, any GHGs that are emitted by California must be fully offset by other activities by 2045. While this goal does not yet have the force of law, it does indicate the direction that the state is moving in and may be a reference point for future legislative action.

Assembly Bill 1279 – California Climate Crisis Act
In 2022, the California legislature passed AB 1279, the California Climate Crisis Act, which updated the State’s targets for mitigating GHGs. California must achieve net carbon neutrality for GHG emissions by 2045 and reduce emissions to at least 85 percent below 1990 levels. The 2022 update to the Scoping Plan identifies a path to achieving the AB 1279 target.

Bay Area Air Quality Management District CEQA Air Quality Guidelines Developing a CAP can also provide streamlined environmen tal review for new projects subject to CEQA. SB 97 directed the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) to amend the State CEQA Guidelines to address GHG emissions. OPR adopted the CEQA Guidelines in December 2009, and they went into effect on March 18,

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2010. The guidelines include provisions for local governments to use adopted plans for the reduction of GHG emissions to address the cumulative impacts of individu al future projects on GHG emissions (see State CEQA Guidelines Section 15183.5(b) (1)).

In 2022, BAAQMD adopted the Air District’s CEQA Guidelines, including CEQA Thresholds for Evaluating the Significance of Climate Impacts from Land Use Projects and Plans. Appendix B of the Guidelines, CEQA Thresholds for Evaluating the Significance of Climate Impacts , presents BAAQMD’s thresholds of significance for use in determining whether a proposed project will have a significant impact on climate change and provides the substantial evidence that lead agencies will need to support their use of these thresholds. The Strive San Mateo General Plan 2040 EIR will follow this guidance for the assessment of potential impacts related to buildout.

Appendix C, Guidance for Greenhouse Gas Reduction Strategies , assists public agencies with preparation of community-wide GHG reduction strategies and CAPs. BAAQMD strongly recommends that cities and counties adopt a CAP that has been prepared consistent with State CEQA Guidelines, Section 15183.5(b), to demonstrate their ability to meet the State’s GHG reduction goals for 2030 and 2045 and to be updated as needed to align with State targets and local and regional growth forecasts.

The City developed the CAP to consistent with CEQA Guidelines and BAAQMD’s guidance. The 2023 technical update to the 2020 CAP and accompanying environmental review included in the Strive San Mateo General Plan 2040 EIR are consistent with the guidance set forth by BAAQMD for plan-level review of climate impacts and preparation of community-wide GHG reduction strategies (which parallel and elaborate on criteria established in State CEQA Guidelines Section 15183.5(b) (1)).

This CAP continues to meet the requirements of the CEQA Guidelines and commitments in the Land Use Element of the General Plan, as outlined below.
x Quantify emissions, both existing and projected over a specified period, resulting from activities within a defined geographic area (see Chapter 2).
x Establish a level, based on substantial evidence, below which the contribution of emissions from activities covered by the plan would not be cumulatively considerable (see Chapter 2). This CAP identifies two targets, consistent with State guidance, that are further addressed in Chapter 2. x Reduce emissions to 40 percent below 1990 levels (49 percent below 2005 levels) by 2030. x Reduce emissions to 85 percent below 1990 levels (87 percent below 2005 levels) by 2045. x Identify and analyze the emissions resulting from spec ific actions or categories of actions anticipated within the geographic area (see Chapter 3 and Chapter 4). x 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 (see Chapter 4).

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x Establish a mechanism to monitor the plan’s progress toward achieving the level and to require amendment if the plan is not achieving specific levels (see Chapter 4). As referenced in the General Plan Land Use Element (page LU-29-40), the City has d eveloped a monitoring and implementation tool to track GHG emission changes over time. This CAP expands and updates the City’s monitoring framework with an implementation plan, updated monitoring tool, and a checklist for new development as described in Chapter 4 and Appendix 3.
x Adopt the GHG Reduction Strategy in a public process following environmental review. The 2020 CAP, as updated in 2023, is evaluated under the Strive San Mateo General Plan 2040 EIR.

Role of the Climate Action Plan in CEQA Implementation
Consistent with the State CEQA Guidelines, lead agencies may use adopted GHG reduction plans to assess the cumulative impacts of discretionary projects on climate change. In addition, the guidelines provide a mechanism to streamline development review of future projects.

Specifically, lead agencies may use adopted plans consistent with State CEQA Guidelines Section 15183.5 to analyze and mitigate the significant effects of GHGs under CEQA at a programmatic level by adopting a plan for the reduction of GHG emissions. Later, as individual projects are proposed, project-specific environmental documents may tier from and/or incorporate by reference that existing programmatic review in their cumulative impacts analysis. Project-specific environmental documents prepared for projects consistent with the General Plan and the CAP may rely on the programmatic analysis of GHGs contained in this document.

A project-specific environmental document that relies on this CAP for its cumulative impacts analysis must identify specific GHG reduction measures applicable to the project and demonstrate the project’s incorporation of the measures. Project applicants and City staff will identify specific measures applicable to each project during project review. If applicable measures are not otherwise binding and enforceable, they must be incorporated as mitigation measures for the project. If substantial evi dence indicates that the GHG emissions of a proposed project may be cumulatively considerable, notwithstanding the project’s compliance with specific measures in this CAP, an EIR must be prepared for the project. Th is CAP includes a Consistency Checklist, contained in Appendix 3, which City staff can use to keep track of which reduction measures an individual project complies with. This checklist also helps project applicants quickly identify which reduction measures may apply to their project.

CLIMATE ACTION PLANNING PROCESS
The City facilitated a collaborative process to prepare the CAP. City staff, the public, and an appointed advisory body, the Sustainability and Infrastructure Commission, provided ongoing input on CAP development.

Stakeholders in San Mateo vetted and recommended appr opriate strategies reflective of the community. The outreach process served to develop a plan that responds to community leadership and priorities. The strategies

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in this CAP reflect those community priorities and recommendations. Engaging the community also allowed the City to build and nurture partnerships necessary to implement the CAP.

Staff Engagement
Many measures in this CAP rely on the City of San Mateo taking action to reduce community-wide GHG emissions. Interdepartmental engagement was essential in the development of the CAP to ensure that goals are attainable and appropriate for each responsible department. Members of the CAP project team consulted with staff from multiple City departments, including Public Works, Community Development, and the City Manager’s Office. Drawing on the expertise of these departments helped define actions that the City was both capable and supportive of. Specific measures refined through staf f engagement include transit-oriented development, sustainable streets, transportation demand management , recycling and waste reduction, development review, and housing programs.

Sustainability and Infrastructure Commission
In 2014, City Council created the Sustainability Commission and appointed five San Mateo residents. In 2018, the City Council combined the Sustainability Commission with the Public Works Commission, forming the Sustainability and Infrastructure Commission. This body provides recommendations to the City Council for policies and programs related to environmental sustainability, transportation, and infrastructure. Throughout the CAP update process, the project team met with the City of San Mateo Sustainability and Infrastructure Commission five times to provide updates, answer questions, summarize quantitative analyses, and to collaborate on the development of new GHG reduction measures. The Sustainability and Infrastructure Commission was able to lend valuable insight into local priorities and concerns in the development of measures to meet reduction targets. This allowed for refinement of measures that focus on emissions sources and community values specific to San Mateo, helping to shape a CAP that improves the environmental, social, and economic health of the City.

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Public Engagement
Residents of San Mateo were invited to contribute ideas and concerns throughout the CAP development process. The project team hosted a community workshop at the San Mateo Public Library. Additionally, five public meetings with the Sustainability and Infrastructure Commission served as a platform for citizens to continue to voice their thoughts about the CAP update and related sustainability topics.

Community Workshop
The City hosted a community workshop at the San Mateo Public Library on June 6, 2019. The goals of the forum were for participants to:
x Become aware of the project and the community’s role in the planning process.
x Learn about the CAP and CAP update, and San Mateo’s
efforts to reduce GHG emissions.
x Learn about the City’s contributions to climate change and the threat climate change poses to the community.
x Engage with the CAP update team and share what they are doing to reduce GHGs, where they think more work by the City is needed, and what they think should be in the City’s strategy to address climate change.

Approximately 50 people attended the workshop. The event began with a half-hour presentation by members of the CAP update project team that reviewed the sources of San Mateo’s GHG emissions, an overview of the City’s efforts to implement the CAP since it was first adopted in 2015, and a review of the new opportunities to reduce San Mateo’s GHG emissions. After the presentation was an open house session. During this period, the pr oject team seven large posters around the room, and participants were provided with green, yellow, and red sticky dots. Six posters listed potential GHG reduction strategies for the CAP, and participants were asked to place sticky dots on the posters as a means of voting (green for policies that participants support, yellow for policies that participants would consider but have concerns about, and red for policies that participants do not support). The project team set up blank sheets of paper next to each poster and invited participants to leave more detailed comments. The seventh poster asked participants to write down a “big idea” for GHG reduction or share other open feedback.

San Mateo community members participate in the
June 6, 2019 CAP workshop.

Photo by PlaceWorks

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During the open house period, participants were free to visit any or all posters in any order. Members of the project team were positioned at the different posters to answer questions and help guide participants through the activity.

Appendix 4 summarizes the results of the community workshop.

San Mateo community members shared their big ideas for GHG reduction at a community workshop.

Photo by PlaceWorks

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Chapter 2
Greenhouse Gas
Inventories,
Forecasts, and
Reduction Targets

BACKGROUND
State, regional, and local laws, along with agencies ta sked with local regulatory oversight, have influenced common methods, and provided an impetus for identificati on of reduction targets in California. A greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventory and forecast lays the groundwork for this CAP, which seeks to align the City’s GHG reduction efforts with state-recommended targets. The City is committed to achieving a 40 percent reduction from 1990 emissions levels by 2030 (equivalent to a 49 percent reduction below 2005 levels by 2030), and an 85 percent reduction from 1990 levels by 2045 (equivalent to an 87 percent reduction below 2005 levels).

BASELINE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSION INVENTORY
A greenhouse gas inventory is a summary of the GHG emissions occurring as a result of activities that take place within a community. In some instances, the emissions themselves may be emitted within the jurisdiction, such as emissions from a car being driven within the community’s boundaries. In other cases, the emissions may occur elsewhere but are included because the activity responsible for generating the emissions took place within the jurisdiction, such as a community member using electricity generated by a power plant in another part of California. Inventories help allow elected officials, City staff, and members of the public to understand what activities generate GHG emissions.

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Protocols and Guidance
Reduction targets are developed based on a calculation of current and future GHG emissions, called the GHG inventory. The GHG inventory reflects the GHG emissions as sociated with everyday activities in the community of San Mateo, such as the electricity used in homes, miles traveled in vehicles, and waste sent to landfills.

Creation of the community inventories is based on emissions factors and methods in an evolving field of science.

Over the past several years, organizations in Californ ia and throughout the United States have established protocols to assist and guide communities in assessing GHG emissions from government operations and community activities. While these protocols are not regula tory, they identify relevant sources or activities, recommend methods to estimate GHG emissions from each source, and provide consistency in the identification, assessment, and presentation of emission results across multiple jurisdictions.

In California, and as recommended by the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research, many communities utilize the 2012 US Community Protocol for Accounting and Reporting of Greenhouse Gas Emissions, commonly referred to as the US Community Protocol, to identify and assess community activities. The protocol provides guidance on how to measure and report community-wide GHG emissions, including identification of relevant sources or activities, methods to estimate GHG emissions from each source, and consistency in the identification, assessment, and presentation of emissions results across multiple jurisdictions.

The City’s community-wide GHG inventory was prepared using protocols and best practices identified within the US Community Protocol, supported by methods in the Lo cal Government Operations Protocol (LGOP) v. 1.1 where appropriate.

Prior Inventories
The CAP relies on four existing GHG inventories, which were all revised for consistency with current recommended methods and best practices as part of this CAP:
1) A 2005 baseline inventory originally developed by ICLEI and revised during the preparation of the 2015 CAP,
2) A 2010 inventory prepared as part of the regional RICAPS program (as discussed in Chapter 1), 3) A 2015 inventory prepared as part of the regional RICAPS program (as discussed in Chapter 1), 4) A 2017 inventory prepared as part of the regional RICAPS program (as discussed in Chapter 1).

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To ensure accurate comparisons across all three existing inventories, the project team adjusted some of the methods of these past efforts to apply a consistent approach. This also helped ensure that all inventories were fully in compliance with the US Community Protocol. The project team made five key changes to the inventories:
x Updated Global Warming Potential (GWP) figures: Previous inventories used GWPs (measurements of how much heat is trapped by a unit of GHGs) reported in the IPCC’s Second Assessment Report, first released in 1995. The project team updated these values to use the most recent GWPs from the IPCC’s Fifth Assessment Report, which was released in 2013.
x ”Origin-destination” VMT methodology: In the past, inventories utilized the “in-boundary” methodology for estimating vehicle miles travelled (VMT) in San Mateo. This method includes all VMT that occur within the city boundary, including pass-through traffic, regardless of trip origin or destination.

An alternative method, the “origin-destination” meth od, has been determined to be a more accurate representation of VMT in a city. As a result, the inventories were updated to use this approach. The “origin- destination” VMT methodology only accounts for vehicle trips that begin and/or end within the city boundary and ignores “pass-through” trips that travel though San Mateo but begin and end elsewhere (for example, a person commuting from Redwood City to San Francisco on US-101). x Consistent off-road equipment method: Previous inventories used CARB’s OFFROAD2007 model to estimate total emissions from off-road equipment. The project team revised the off-road equipment emissions for all previous inventories using the up dated CARB Emission Factor (EMFAC) model and updated US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA ) emission factors to maintain consistency with previous inventory methodologies.
1 The EMFAC model provides more reliable information about off-road equipment types and fuel use in the region than the previous version. x Reporting of direct access electricity : In the past, data on total electr icity use associated with direct access customers (customers that purchase electricity directly from a power provider, rather than a utility such as PCE or PG&E) in San Mateo was not available. Historically, direct access electricity consumption was estimated based on County-level direct access elec tricity consumption data. In recent years, direct access electricity consumption data has become avai lable at the city level and the inventories were updated to reflect this.
x Reporting of transmission and distribution losses for electricity and natural gas : Transmission and distribution losses in electricity refer to the energy lo st as heat during the transportation of electricity from power plants to end-users through transmissi on and distribution networks. Similarly, methane emissions result from transmission and distributio n of natural gas and end-use leakage. Methane end-

1 EMFAC is a model developed by the California Air Resources Board to calculate statewide or regional emissions from vehicle activity data from all motor vehicles. More information can be found at: https://arb.ca.gov/emfac/.

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use leakage refers to the unintentional release of methane from the final use of natural gas, such as from pipelines, storage facilities, and appliances.
x Land use and sequestration : Land use decisions can result in the release of emissions through the development of previously undeveloped land, or the removal (or sequestration) of carbon from the atmosphere through the creation and protection of urban trees and open space. The project team calculated land use emissions and sequestration (negative emissions) for the 2005 and 2019 inventories. 2019 Inventory
The project team prepared a 2019 GHG inventory to provide the most up-to-date available measurement of how San Mateo’s GHG emissions have changed over time, including since the 2015 CAP. This inventory uses the same methods as the updated prior inventories, ensuring that all four inventories in the CAP are consistent with each other.

Inventory Results
The community-wide inventories in the CAP include the following sectors, consistent with guidance in the US Community Protocol:
x On-road transportation: on-road vehicle trips on local roads and State highways within the city limits. x Commercial/industrial built environment : electricity and natural gas used in nonresidential settings (e.g., industrial, commercial), including direct access electricity. x Residential built environment: electricity and natural gas used in residential settings. x Off-road equipment: the use of portable equipment and vehicles that do not travel on roads (e.g., construction or lawn and garden equipment).
x Solid waste generation : material produced by the community that is deposited in landfills which decompose and produce methane.
x Landfills: emissions that occur in the inventory year as a result of waste-in-place at a landfill that is within the community boundary or operated by the City.
x Rail: emissions resulting from Caltrain trips generated by passengers at three stations: San Mateo, Hayward Park, and Hillsdale, as well as emissions from freight trains. x Water and wastewater: energy used to treat and pump water used and wastewater created, along with emissions from the processing of wastewater.
x Land use and sequestration: emissions resulting from development of previously undeveloped land and sinks (negative emissions) from carbon sequestration of open space and urban trees.

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x Point sources: stationary source emissions resulting from fossil fuel combustion within the county as reported by BAAQMD. These emissions are included as an informational item and are not counted as part of the City’s total emissions based on guidance from BAAQMD as they are not under the jurisdiction of the City.

Table 2 shows the number of residents in San Mateo for the inventory years.

Table 2: San Mateo Population (2005 – 2019)
Indicator 2005
Value
2010
Value
2015
Value
2017
Value
2019
Value
Percentage
Change,
2005–2019
Source
Population 93,400 97,110 101,610 103,470 104,599 12% CA Dept. of Finance, ABAG

In the baseline year of 2005, the GHG emissions from the covered activities totaled 666,410 MTCO 2e, as shown in Table 3 and Figure 5. The sector with the largest portion of emissions was on-road transportation, which produced 282,370 MTCO 2e, or 42 percent of all community emissions. The next largest sector, commercial/industrial built environment, produced 169,000 MTCO2e, 25 percent of the total. The residential built environment was the third largest sector with 25 percent of total emissions (163,770 MTCO2e) followed by solid waste generation (22,180 or 3 percent), the off-road equipment (15,900 MTCO2e or 2 percent), and landfill (7,370 MTCO2e or 1 percent) sectors. Rail emissions totaled 4,350 MTCO 2e (1 percent) and water and wastewater emissions totaled 2,520 MTCO2e (less than 1 percent of total emissions). Finally, land use and sequestration were responsible for a reduction in emissions of 1,050 MTCO2e, equivalent to removing 1 percent of total emissions.

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Table 3: San Mateo 2005 Community-Wide GHG Emissions
Sector MTCO2e Percentage
On-road transportation 282,370 42%
Commercial/industrial built environment 169,000 25%
Residential built environment 163,770 25%
Solid waste generation 22,180 3%
Off-road equipment 15,900 2%
Landfill 7,370 1%
Rail 4,350 1%
Water and wastewater 2,520 0%
Land use and sequestration -1,050 -1%
Total 666,410 100%
Informational Items
Point sources 7,390 1%
Note: Due to rounding, totals may not equal the sum of the component parts.

Figure 5: San Mateo 2005 Community-Wide GHG Emissions (MTCO2e) * Point sources are included as an informational item and are not counted towards the total GHG emissions for the city.

On-road
transportation:

Commercial/
industrial built
environment:

Residential built
environment:

Off-road
Solid waste
generation:

Point sources:
1%*
Landfill:

Rail:

Water and
wastewater:
0 100,000 200,000 300,000 400,000 500,000 600,000 700,000 800,000 MTCO2e

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Interim Inventories
The 2010, 2015, and 2017 inventories show how San Mateo’s GHG emissions have changed over time. Total emissions declined from 666,410 MTCO 2e in 2005 to 520,410 MTCO 2e in 2019, a decrease of 22 percent.

Emissions from most sectors declined as well, except fo r emissions from point sources and rail activity. Overall, the relative proportion of emissions from different sect ors remained similar (on-road transportation emissions remained the largest source of emissions, followed by residential and commercial/industrial built environment, then off-road equipment, etc.). Tables 4 and 5 and Figure 6 show the change in San Mateo’s community-wide GHG emissions from 2005 to 2019.

Table 4: San Mateo 2005-2019 Community-Wide Emissions
Sector 2005
(MTCO2e)
2010
(MTCO2e)
2015
(MTCO2e)
2017
(MTCO2e)
2019
(MTCO2e)
Percentage
Change,
2005 to
2019
On-road transportation 282,370 287,550 280,570 269,110 276,560 -2% Commercial/industrial built
environment 169,000 151,200 137,350 101,720 83,660 -50% Residential built environment 163,770 165,800 131,660 118,980 114,630 -30% Off-road equipment 15,900 17,840 14,960 14,940 14,400 -9% Solid waste generation 22,180 16,580 15,860 17,890 21,910 -1% Landfill 7,370 6,670 6,030 5,800 4,180 -43%
Rail 4,350 4,480 4,410 4,520 4,440 2%
Water and wastewater 2,520 2,380 2,220 1,810 1,670 -34% Land use and sequestration -1050 -1,050 -1,050 -1,040 -1040 -1% Total 666,410 651,450 592,010 533,730 520,410 -22% Informational Item
Point sources 7,390 7,390 11,610 14,230 18,090 145%
Note: Due to rounding, totals may not equal the sum of the component parts.

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Figure 6: San Mateo 2005-2019 Community-Wide GHG Emissions (MTCO2e) The decrease in GHG emissions from most sectors is due to less resource use, less GHG-intensive resources, or both. For example, San Mateo buildings used approximat ely 10 percent less electricity in 2019 than in 2005.

Additionally, the electricity used in San Mateo also generated 77 percent fewer GHGs per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in 2019 than in 2005, causing emissions from building electricity use to fall by 80 percent. In another case, San Mateo community members drove 14 percent more miles in 2019 than 2005, but cars became 15 percent cleaner during this period, causing a 2 percent decline in emissions.

It is important for community members to see their role in producing, and therefore reducing, GHG emissions.

Table 5 presents the 2005 baseline and 2019 current-year inventory results in a per-capita format. In 2005, residents produced 7.14 MTCO2e per person. In 2019 residents produced 4.98 MTCO2e per person. -100,000
0 100,000
200,000
300,000
400,000
500,000
600,000
700,000
2005 2010 2015 2017 2019
On-road transportation Commercial/industrial built environment Residential built environment Off-road equipment
Solid waste generation Landfill
666,410 MTCO2e 651,450 MTCO2e
592,010 MTCO2e
533,730 MTCO2e 520,410 MTCO2e

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Table 5: San Mateo 2005 and 2019 Community Emissions (Per-Capita) 2005 2019
MTCO2e per-capita 7.14 4.98

GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS FORECAST
A forecast of future GHG emissions helps to ensure consistency with the guidelines for a Qualified GHG Reduction Strategy put forward by BAAQMD, as described in Chapter 1 . A forecast allows elected officials, City staff, and community members to identify the amount of reductions necessary in order to achieve future GHG reduction targets and can help support long-range community planning efforts. The CAP update includes a forecast for the calendar years 2030 2040, and 2045.

A GHG emissions forecast estimates how emissions would grow over time if no action is taken at the federal, State, or local level to reduce them. A set of indicators determines the extent of growth that could occur and how resulting emissions may change. An emissions forecast was prepared for San Mateo using the best available information regarding indicators and growth rates. The forecast relies on growth assumptions from the buildout projections in the Strive San Mateo General Plan 2040. Ac tivity data rates in the forecast, such as household energy use, vehicle miles travelled, or per person waste disposal, are based on the 2019 emissions inventory.

Table 6 presents data from 2019 and projections for the years 2030, 2040, and 2045.

Table 6: San Mateo 2019, 2030, 2040, and 2045 Growth Indicators Indicator 2019
Value
2030
Value
2040
Value
2045
Value
Percentage
Change,
2019–2045
Population 104,599 129,210 156,585 172,370 65%
Households 39,771 49,260 59,843 65,960 66%
Jobs 61,232 69,400 77,760 82,310 34%
Service population1 165,831 198,610 234,345 254,680 54% 1 Service population is the sum of the residential population and the number of jobs.

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Each indicator is used to project future emissions for the following sectors:
x Population: off-road equipment (lawn and garden equi pment, pleasure crafts, portable equipment, and recreational equipment).
x Households: Residential built environment.
x Jobs: Commercial/industrial built environment, off- road equipment (industrial equipment and light commercial equipment).
x Service population: On-road transportation, rail (Caltrain), off-road equipment (construction and mining equipment, transportation refrigeration units), solid waste generation, water and wastewater.

Emissions from direct access electricity, point sources, and freight trains are held constant, and are not projected to change over time. Construction and mining emissions, part of the off-road equipment sector, are forecasted by the change in service population. Landfill emissions are based on decomposition rates provided by CARB and are not forecasted by an indicator. Land use and sequestration emissions are based on the acreage of forested land, developed land, and urban areas, as projected by the Strive San Mateo General Plan 2040.

The project team applied these indicators to forecast future GHG emissions. Relative to 2019 emissions, San Mateo’s GHG emissions are expected to rise by more than 44 percent by 2045 if no action is taken. The forecast assumes that each person in San Mateo will continue to contribute the same amount of GHGs to the community’s total, so that the amount of GHGs increase as the demographics of the community change. Tables 7 and 8 show San Mateo’s forecasted community-wide GHG emissions

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Table 7: San Mateo Community-Wide BAU GHG Emissions Sector Totals Sector 2019
(MTCO2e)
2030
(MTCO2e)
2040
(MTCO2e)
2045
(MTCO2e)
Percentage
Change,
2019–2045
On-road transportation 276,560 308,930 351,730 375,310 36% Commercial/industrial built
environment 83,660 93,710 104,010 109,610 31%
Residential built environment 114,630 141,960 172,460 190,110 66% Off-road equipment 14,400 23,770 26,620 30,360 111%
Solid waste generation 21,910 26,240 30,960 33,650 54%
Landfill 4,180 4,470 3,660 3,310 -21%
Rail 4,440 5,220 6,080 6,560 48%
Water and wastewater 1,670 1,990 2,340 2,540 53%
Land use and sequestration -1,040 -1,050 -1,050 -1,050 0% Total 520,400 605,240 696,810 750,400 44%
Percentage Change from 2005 -22% -9% 5% 13%
Informational Item
Point sources 18,090 18,090 18,090 18,090 0%
Note: Due to rounding, totals may not equal the sum of the component parts.

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GHG EMISSIONS REDUCTION TARGETS
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15183.5(b) requires that a Qualified GHG Reduction Strategy contain a goal for substantive GHG reductions, although the guidelines do not set a specific level for what these goals should be. In the Climate Change Scoping Plan (Scoping Plan), the State provides its statewide GHG reduction targets and guidance for local communities. The CAP uses 2005 as a baseline year for measuring progress towards emission targets. In the 2015 CAP, the City adopted a GHG reduction target of 15 percent below the baseline 2005 GHG emission levels by 2020. The City chose this reduction target to remain consistent with the state-recommended target at the time, which was a reduction of 15 percent below existing levels by 2020, which is the local equivalent of the state’s own adopted reduction target of reducing emissions to 1990 levels. Although “existing emission levels” wa s not formally defined by the Scoping Plan, agencies throughout California have often interpreted it as referring to emissions occurring between 2005 and 2008. San Mateo’s GHG reduction strategies have used 2005 emissions as the “existing” levels and the State targets to inform the 2030 and 2045 targets listed below.

These statewide targets are:
x 2030: Reduce emissions 40 percent below 1990 levels, codified into law by SB 32 (2016) x 2045: Reduce emissions 85 percent below 1990 levels and achieve carbon neutrality, codified into law by AB 1279 (2022).

Based on the results of the quantification process to identify the GHG reduction potential from this CAP (see Chapter 3), the City determined that the statewide targets for 2030 and 2045 were appropriate for San Mateo.

To ensure that the CAP can continue to serve as a Qualified GHG Reduction Strategy, San Mateo has set its 2030 and 2045 targets to align with the State’s targets. In the quantification of the CAP measures, 2040 is used as an interim benchmark as it aligns with the horizon of Strive San Mateo General Plan 2040 and tracks progress towards the 2045 target. These targets are meant to serve as ceilings for future GHG emissions. As discussed in the following chapter, the City has the potential to achieve greater GHG reductions, decreasing emissions below these levels.

Previous versions of the Scoping Plan have recommended per-capita targets for community-wide plans, such as a CAP. The 2020 CAP, prior to the 2023 update, used per-capita targets as recommended by the most recently adopted version of the Scoping Plan at the time it was written. With the adoption of AB 1279 and the 2022 Scoping Plan, State guidance recommends that local governments use “absolute” GHG reduction targets consistent with statewide GHG reduction goals. This version of the CAP uses absolute GHG reduction targets.

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REDUCTION TARGETS
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Qualified GHG Reduction Strategies
These revised targets help ensure that the 2020 CAP will continue to serve as San Mateo’s Qualified GHG Reduction Strategy, which allows developments that are consistent with the CAP to streamline their environmental review. As noted in Chapter 1, the requirements for a Qualified GHG Reduction Strategy are:
x Quantify emissions, both existing and projected over a time period, from activities in a defined area. x Establish a level, based on substantial evidence, below which the contribution of emissions from activities covered by the plan would not be cumulatively considerable. x Identify and analyze the emissions resulting from specific actions or categories of actions anticipated within the geographic area.
x Specify measures or a group of persons that substantial evidence demonstrates, if implemented on a project-by-project basis, would collectively achieve the specified emissions level. x Establish a mechanism to monitor the plan’s progress toward achieving the level and to require amendment if the plan is not achieving specific levels. x Adopt the GHG reduction strategy in a public process following environmental review.

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The targets in the CAP can apply to individual development projec ts as well as the entire community, helping to streamline the environmental review projects that are consistent with San Mateo’s GHG reduction efforts.

Photo by City of San Mateo

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Chapter 3
Strategies to Achieve
the Targets
To understand the level of action necessary to achieve the City’s reduction targets this updated CAP analyzes existing, planned, and future actions. By first looking at these accomplishments, the City can understand progress achieved and outstanding opportunities. Existing and cu rrent efforts provide a foundation for this CAP. New measures can further close the gap and guide future programs. Together, these efforts serve as the City’s multipronged strategy to achieve reduction targets.

Table 8 shows the GHG emission levels that are expected to result when this CAP is fully implemented, based on the results of the analyses in this chapter, along with the GHG reduction targets.

Table 8: San Mateo Emissions with CAP Implementation (2030 – 2045) 2030 2045
Projected Emission level 311,990 MTCO2e 80,550 MTCO2e
Target 339,880 MTCO2e 84,970 MTCO2e
Target achieved? Yes Yes
Gap to target -27,890 MTCO2e -4,420 MTCO2e
The CAP achieves these reductions by accounting for th e GHG reductions from existing and planned State, regional, and local activities, along with the reduction measures in the CAP itself. Table 9 shows the reduction levels achieved by the individual measures in the CAP. More details about the measures and all other reductions are given below.

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Table 9: Reductions from CAP Measures (2030 – 2045)
Measure 2030 2040 2045
BE 1: All-electric new construction -21,070 -38,450 -47,250 BE 2: All-electric existing buildings -102,210 -184,610 -221,260 RE 1: Peninsula Clean Energy -160 -170 0
RE 2: Renewable energy systems for new and existing
residences -70 -160 0
RE 3: Renewable energy systems for new and existing
nonresidential buildings -60 -90 0
EE 1: Residential energy efficiency retrofits -6,160 -7,020 -6,790 EE 2: Nonresidential energy efficiency retrofits -3,800 -8,860 -13,380 EE 3: Residential tree planting Less than -10 Less than -10 Less than-10 ME 1: Energy efficiency for new municipal buildings Supportive (no measurable GHG reductions) ME 2: Energy efficiency at existing municipal buildings -10 -30 -40 ME 3: All-electric municipal buildings -130 -200 -270
CF 1: Electric vehicle charging infrastructure -24,420 -49,390 -69,780 CF 2: Electric vehicle education and outreach -4,910 -8,030 -12,360 CF 3: Clean city fleet -130 -200 -270
CF 4: Clean fuel and vehicle emissions -4,210 -16,920 -26,360 ST 1: Bicycle mode share -80 -170 -180
ST 2: Pedestrian mode share -110 -120 -130
ST 3: Micromobility and shared mobility Supportive (no measurable GHG reductions) ST 4: Public transit service -3,610 -5,660 -6,910
ST 5: Commuter programs Less than -10 -70 -160
ST 6: Transportation Demand Management -2,010 -7,950 -13,410 ST 7: Transit-oriented development -10,200 -18,920 -23,700 SW 1: Composting program -1,030 -1,710 -1,850

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Measure 2030 2040 2045
SW 2: Expanded recycling service -6,070 -7,730 -8,820
SW 3: Waste awareness and source reduction -2,080 -4,050 -5,590 WW 1: Water efficiency retrofits for existing buildings -170 -300 -360 WW 2: Water-efficient landscaping Less than -10 -10 0
WW 3: Water efficiency in new construction Less than -10 -10 -20 OR 1: Alternative fuel lawn and garden equipment -3,660 -7,130 -9,890 Total -196,360 -367,960 -468,780
Note: Due to rounding, totals may not equal the sum of the component parts.

Existing and Planned Accomplishments
Both State and local efforts have achieved additional progress toward the reduction target, reducing the outstanding gap of emissions to achieve the City’s reduction targets described in the previous chapter.

As mentioned in Chapter 2, the GHG emissions forecast is based on the results of the 2019 inventory and assumes that per-capita activity remains constant, so that changes in projected emissions are based on expected changes in San Mateo’s demographics. This approach means that any action taken through 2019 to reduce GHG emissions is already taken into consideration for the forecast. For example, if homes installed solar energy systems in 2018, the effect of that action (lower residential electricit y use) will already show up in the 2019 inventory, and by extension will be carried through into the forecast.

State Existing and Planned Accomplishments
Since passing AB 32, the State has enacted regulations and programs to reduce GHG emissions. Although statewide in scope, these actions affect several sources of San Mateo’s emissions, and so the local benefits of these State efforts can be “credited” to San Mateo even in cases where the community has not needed to take any action. This CAP includes the local benefits from five State policies:
x Renewables Portfolio Standard: The Renewables Portfolio Standard (RPS) was first established in 2002 and has been amended multiple times, most recently by SB 100 in 2018. It requires all electricity providers in the State to obtain at least 33% of their electric ity from eligible renewable resources by the end of 2020, 60% of their electricity from eligible renewable resources by the end of 2030, and all of their electricity from carbon-free (although not necessaril y eligible renewable) resources by the end of 2045.

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This policy reduces GHG emissions from electricity use, including electricity used to transport and process water and wastewater, and electricity used for electric vehicles.
x Clean Car Standards: In 2002, California adopted AB 1493, the New Passenger Motor Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emission
Standards or Pavley standard. It requires a reduction in tailpipe GHG emissions from new vehicles produced from 2009 to 2015.

In 2012 CARB adopted an extension of this policy, the Advanced Clean Car Standards, which require more stringent reductions in tailpipe GHG emissions from vehicles produced from 2016 to 2025. In 2022, CARB adopted a further extension, known as Advanced Clean Cars II, which apply to vehicles produced from 2026 to 2035, and require that all new light-duty vehicles sold in California be zero-emission by 2035. The Clean Car Standards (including the Advanced Clean Car Standards) reduce GHG emissions from on-road transportation.
x Title 24 Energy Efficiency Standards: Title 24 is California’s energy efficiency standards for new buildings, applied at the local level through the project review process. The standards are strengthened every three years, with the ultimate goal of making new buildings net-zero energy, meaning that they would
generate as much energy as they use. The most recent set of Title 24 standards went into effect on January 1, 2023. This policy will reduce GHG emissions from electricity and natural gas use in new homes and nonresidential buildings. x SB 1383: California’s SB 1383 aims to reduce GHG emissions from organic waste by requiring businesses and residents to separate their organic waste from other waste streams for recycling or composting. The law sets targets for reducing organic waste disposal in landfills by 75 percent by 2025 and requires local jurisdictions to implement organic waste recycling programs to meet these goals.

Collectively, the State reduction efforts are expected to reduce San Mateo’s GHG emissions below forecasted levels by 72,890 MTCO
2e in 2030, 147,970 MTCO2e in 2040, and 196,150 MTCO 2e in 2045. Table 10 shows the emission reductions from the individual State existing activities.

Renewable and
Carbon-Free
Electricity
California’s RPS establishes
requirements for both eligible
renewable and carbon-free
electricity. Eligible renewable
resources are those that are
specifically defined under state
law, and include solar, wind,
geothermal, small-scale
hydroelectric, and most forms of
bioenergy. Carbon-free sources
include eligible renewable
sources, as well as others that do
not emit GHGs but are not
officially defined as renewable,
including large-scale
hydroelectric and nuclear energy.

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Table 10: San Mateo Community-Wide GHG Emissions Reductions from State Programs Policy 2030 Emissions
(MTCO2e)
2040 Emissions
(MTCO2e)
2045 Emissions
(MTCO2e)
Forecasted emissions 605,240 696,810 750,400
Clean Car Standards -55,030 -95,730 -109,680
Renewables Portfolio Standard -4,720 -15,330 -39,860
Title 24 -9,380 -32,480 -41,790
SB 1383 -3,760 -4,430 -4,820
Total reductions from existing State programs -72,890 -147,970 -196,150 Emissions with existing State programs 532,340 548,840 554,260 Note: Due to rounding, totals may not equal the sum of the component parts.

There are other programs that reduce GHG emissions that State agencies have adopted or are planning to put into effect. These are not included in this section because of uncertainty about how these programs will be applied. In many cases, State programs may be implemented by local actions, and reductions associated with these programs are included in the local reduction measures discussed later in this chapter.

Existing and Planned Local and Regional Accomplishments The City of San Mateo has a successful history of developing and implementing sustainability policies. The City’s adopted plans, along with leadership from community members and businesses have been partially responsible for the decline in GHG emissions since 2005. Several policies are currently in place that are expected to further reduce San Mateo’s GHG emissions. Some of these accomplishments were established before the City adopted its first CAP in 2015, while others were implemented in response to the 2015 CAP.

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The project team identified the following existing local and regional efforts that are expected to reduce San Mateo’s future GHG emissions:
x Peninsula Clean Energy: Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE) is a community choice energy program run by the local
governments of San Mateo County that is the default
electric provider for the City of San Mateo and provided approximately 87 percent of the community’s electricity as of 2019 (expected to grow to more than 90 percent by
2020). First established in 2016, PCE provides electricity to community members from a higher proportion of
renewable and carbon-free sources than PG&E. As of
2021, PCE supplies 100 percent carbon-free electricity and plans to supply 100 percent renewable electricity by 2025. x Energy efficiency retrofits: A number of single-family homes, multi-family homes, and businesses in San Mateo have conducted energy efficiency retrofits. These retrofits involve replacing older appliances with more energy-efficient models, upgrading insulation, improved sealing around windows and doors, and other types of activities. From 2015 to 2019, over 1,600 single-family and multifamily homes and at least 66 businesses, have completed energy efficiency retrofits through programs such as Energy Upgrade California and the San Mateo County Energy Watch.
x Solar energy installation: Since 2016, San Mateo has required in its building code that all new residential and non-residential buildings install solar energy systems. Many existing building owners have also chosen to voluntarily install these systems on their properties, reducing their electricity bills and increasing the amount of renewable energy used by the community. Since the 2020 CAP was adopted, San Mateo has installed close to 700 solar energy systems, capable of generating almost 4 MW of power. x Municipal energy efficiency retrofits : In addition to the Smart Street Light program and retrofits by private property owners, San Mateo has conducted several energy efficiency retrofits at municipal properties. At the end of 2017, the City began working with PG&E to identify potential retrofit activities through the Sustainable Systems Turnkey program. San Mateo secured approximately $3.2 million in funding for energy-efficiency upgrades to municipa l facilities. Since 2020, San Mateo has conducted significant retrofits to City facilities, saving over 1,831,170 kWh and 22,871 therms annually. The City has also carried out lighting retrofits at small buildings such as public park restrooms and storage sheds, using a grant from the San Mateo County Energy Watch.

Peninsula Clean Energy provides most of San
Mateo’s electricity, and offers a cleaner mix o f
energy sources than PG&E by default.

Photo by City of San Mateo

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x Public-access EV chargers: The City of San Mateo has installed 55 publicly accessible EV charging stations in the community since 2020, including DC fast chargers that can recharge an electric vehicle in less than an hour. In
addition to helping to support EV adoption in San Mateo itself, the presence of publicly accessible EV chargers also helps boost EV adoption in the region, making it easier for people to use EVs for longer trips.
x Transportation Demand Management: San Mateo
requires that new significant developments along the
Caltrain corridor reduce the number of trips they generate relative to a conventional development project. Since
2017, there have been 895 residential units and
approximately 158,370 square feet of nonresidential space planned or under construction in San Mateo that are subject to trip reduction requirements. x Additional bicycle lanes: San Mateo published the 2020 Bicycle Master Plan, which proposes the development of an additional 45 miles of bicycle lanes to achieve a target of 101 bicycle lanes citywide.

Improved bike infrastructure and increased connectivity of the bicycle network can reduce VMT as residents are encouraged to replace vehicle trips with bicycle trips. Since its publication, approximately 6 miles of bicycle lanes have been completed.

There is also one planned action accounted for in this CAP:
x Caltrain electrification: This is a plan to install overhead power lines above the tracks on the Caltrain commuter rail line between San Francisco and San Jose, which will allow Caltrain to replace most of its diesel-powered locomotives with electric ones, significantly reducing GHG emissions from Caltrain operations. As of 2020, some electric lines have been installed, but electric trains are not expected to begin carrying passengers until at least 2024.

Some actions included in the initial version of the 2020 CAP are removed for the 2023 technical CAP update as they no longer produce additional GHG emission redu ctions beyond 2020. GHG emission savings from these programs are already accounted for in the 2019 GHG in ventory and projections of future emissions. These include:
x Upgraded streetlights program: San Mateo has replaced over 5,600 streetlights in the community with LED bulbs that use significantly less energy than older bulbs. This program is expected to save approximately 2 million kWh of electricity annually, equal to the yearly electricity use of almost 400 San Public electric vehicle charging stations at a
shopping center in San Mateo.

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Mateo homes. These LED bulbs also provide higher-quality lighting and reduce light pollution in accordance with the Dark Sky Objectives.
x Caltrain shuttles: The regional Peninsula Traffic Congestion Relief Alliance operates three public shuttles in San Mateo, transporting riders from the Hillsdal e Caltrain station to employment centers throughout the community. These three shuttles served approximately 58,900 people in 2018. Ridership of the shuttles decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic shelter-in-place period and is therefore not quantified as a GHG reduction measure.
x Composting: San Mateo first established a composting program in 2011, allowing participating residents and businesses to place organic waste in a dedicated waste bin to be picked up by the community waste hauler along with trash and recyclables. With the passage of SB 1383, any GHG emission reductions associated with composting are quantified as part of the State measure. x Electric vehicle adoption: San Mateo, like many other Bay Area communities, has been a leader in adopting EVs. When San Mateo’s original CAP was adopted in 2015, there were approximately 1,050 EVs registered in the community, including plug-in hybrids. San Mateo adopted requirements for new development that went into effect in 2017, mandating that multifamily and nonresidential developments install EV chargers at a set number of parking spaces. By the end of 2017, the number of EVs had more than doubled to approximately 2,290, making EVs appr oximately 2 percent of all cars registered in the community. San Mateo adopted a revised building standard code in 2020, which requires more EV chargers and EV-capable spaces at all types of new developments. Since the projected rate of EV adoption locally does not surpass the State level adoption projection, any GHG emission reductions associated with EV adoption are quantified as part of the State’s Clean Fuel Standards.

This is not a comprehensive list of all existing and planned local and regional accomplishments that may reduce GHG emissions. The City and its regional partners have implemented many other policies and programs that may contribute to GHG reductions. However, these efforts may not have clearly measurable reductions, or data on their effectiveness may not be available. In these cases, the project team is unable to credit a GHG reduction to these efforts.

As with the State reductions, the CAP credits reductions from local and regional efforts that go beyond the policies in place as of 2019, as conditions that existed in 2019 are already factored into the forecast. In addition, the CAP only credits local and regional reduction efforts if they go beyond State policy. For example, San Mateo received significant reduction credits from EV adoption in 2020 because the local numbers exceed what the State forecasts for the region. However, by 2030, State policies are expected to increase EV adoption to exceed San Mateo’s current rate, so the community does not receive any additional GHG reductions from local accomplishments.

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Collectively, San Mateo’s existing and planned local and regional accomplishments are expected to reduce emissions by 23,990 MTCO 2e in 2030, 18,360 MTCO 2e in 2040, and 4,950 MTCO 2e in 2045, in addition to the reductions achieved by State accomplishments. Table 11 shows the reductions from each local and regional accomplishment.

Table 11: Emissions Reductions from Local and Regional Programs Policy
2030 GHG
Emissions
(MTCO2e)
2040 GHG
Emissions
(MTCO2e)
2045 GHG
Emissions
(MTCO2e)
Emissions with Existing State Programs 532,340 548,840 554,260 Peninsula Clean Energy -20,000 -13,750 0
Energy efficiency retrofits -30 -30 -30
Solar energy installations -20 -10 0
Municipal energy retrofits -160 -160 -160
Public access EV chargers 0 0 0
Transportation Demand Management -220 -200 -190
Caltrain electrification (planned) -3,560 -4,200 -4,560 Total reductions from existing and planned local
and regional programs -23,990 -18,330 -4,940
Emissions with existing and planned local and
regional programs
508,380 530,510 549,320
Note: Due to rounding, totals may not equal the sum of the component parts.

Existing and planned local, regional, and State accomplishments reduce San Mateo’s forecasted GHG emissions by a significant amount. Table 12 shows the benefit of these accomplishments relative to San Mateo’s baseline.

Table 12: Emissions with Existing and Planned Efforts
Policy 2030 2040 2045
2005 (baseline) emissions (MTCO2e) 666,430 666,430 666,430 Emissions with existing and planned programs (MTCO2e) 508,380 530,510 549,320 Percent below baseline emissions -24% -20% -18%

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REVISED AND NEW GHG REDUCTION MEASURES
A central goal of the CAP update is to achieve additional GHG reductions to work toward the City’s 2030, 2040, and 2045 reduction target, recognizing that the reduction measures in the 2015 CAP are insufficient to meet these reductions. To identify these additional reductions, the project team began with the 28 GHG reduction measures in the City’s 2015 CAP. Some of these measures have been fully implemented, and do not need to be carried forward into the CAP update. Others are still a pplicable and can be revised or expanded to achieve additional GHG reductions. There are also opportunities to add entirely new measures to address new and emerging issues not covered in the 2015 CAP.

The project team based the revised and new GHG reduction measures on several sources, including:
x San Mateo’s inventory and forecast.
x The existing and planned State, regional, and local accomplishments. x Discussions with City staff to identify past succes ses and challenges, plans and opportunities, and goals and priorities related to GHG reduction efforts.
x An audit of energy-related strategies being recommended and implemented by communities throughout San Mateo County through the RICAPS program, working with staff from PCE and the San Mateo County Office of Sustainability
x Feedback and direction from Sustainability and Infrastructure Commission members, along with comments provided by members of the public at these meetings. x Comments and results of the priority voting activity at the June 6, 2019, community workshop.

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Calculating Credit
This CAP uses a process called quantification to determine the amount of GHG emissions reduced by each measure. The foundation for the quantification calculations is the baseline GHG inventory and forecast. Activity data from the inventory, such as vehicle miles traveled (VMT) or kilowatt-hours (kWh), are combined with participation rates and data about the reduction in activity data from each action to calculate the GHG reduction benefit of each measure. This approach ensures that the GHG reductions from San Mateo’s CAP measures are tied to current and future activities that are actually occurring in the community.

Calculations for reductions in activity data come from tools and reports provided by government agencies; these agencies include the US Environmental Protection Agenc y (EPA), the California Energy Commission (CEC), the California Air Resources Board (CARB), the California Air Pollution Control Officers Association, the US Department of Energy, and local air districts. If accu rate data are not available through these sources, the quantification uses case studies from comparable comm unities and applicable scholarly research. The specific quantification process for each measure is presented in Appendix 1, which includes a list of data sources and assumptions.

The project team was able to identify GHG reductions for most of the measures in this CAP. However, there are a few that do not have a specific reduction level due to missing data or the lack of a reliable method. These efforts are still expected to reduce GHG emissions, but the level cannot be accurately determined. These measures are labeled as supportive.

GHG Reduction Measures
Based on the results of this process, the project team identified a total of 29 GHG reduction measures to include in this CAP. These measures include a mix of education and outreach programs to encourage GHG reduction activities, financial subsidies, and other enticements to incentivize GHG reductions, and mandates to require GHG reduction efforts. These 29 measures are organized into 9 categories:
1) Building Electrification (BE)
2) Renewable Energy (RE)
3) Energy Efficiency (EE)
4) Municipal Energy Efficiency and
Electrification (ME)
5) Off-Road Equipment (OR)
6) Clean Transportation Fuels (CF)
7) Sustainable Transportation (ST)
8) Solid Waste (SW)
9) Water and Wastewater (WW)

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Each measure entry includes a description of the measure, the anticipated 2030, 2040, and 2045 GHG reductions achieved by the measure at the projected performance level, and the recommended actions necessary to implement it. Assumptions, projected performance levels, sources, and metrics used to calculate GHG reductions are given for each measure in Appendix 1. Each measure entry also identifies the co-benefits of the measure, which are advantages provided by the measure beyond GHG reduction. Figure 7 presents the co-benefits assessment for each GHG reduction measure.

Figure 7: CAP Co-Benefits
Conserves resources Enhances local economy Improves public health Promotes equity Reduces utility bills Saves energy
Building Electrification (BE)
Most buildings, both residential and nonresidential, use electricity and natural gas to operate appliances and other pieces of equipment. While sources of electricity have become much cleaner over time and will continue to become cleaner due to State law and utility policies, the GHG emissions associated with using a unit of natural gas has remained constant, as natural gas is a fossil fuel and cannot become a cleaner energy source. Buildings that receive most or all their energy from electricity instead of natural gas can significantly reduce their GHG emissions as a result. Buildings can be constructed to be mostly electric or all-electric, or existing buildings can be electrified as part of retrofit activities. Advances in electric appliances, such as those used for space heating, water heating, and cooking, have helped make building electrification easier and more cost-effective.

BE 1: All-electric new construction
As San Mateo property owners construct new residential and nonresidential buildings, they have the option to construct these buildings to receive most or all their energy from electricity rather than natural gas. Not having to install natural gas piping decreases the cost of cons truction. New buildings in San Mateo must also install solar panels to generate electricity, and so all-electric buildings with solar panels may be able to generate all the energy they need on-site.
2030 2040 2045
GHG reduction (MTCO2e) 21,070 38,450 47,250

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Recommended actions:
x For each three-year code cycle, adopt a reach code to encourage residential and commercial new construction to be built to an all-electric standard, including electric heating, cooling, and water heating. x Explore the feasibility of reducing permitting fees if builders elect to construct all-electric buildings instead of buildings that use natural gas.

Co-benefits:

Conserves resources Improves public health Promotes equity Reduces utility bills BE 2: All-electric existing buildings
Although most existing buildings already have natural gas infrastructure and natural gas devices installed, these systems can be converted to all-electric. Electric appliances that replace natural gas-powered models are highly efficient, readily available, and cost-effective. Many buildings can install these appliances with simple electric wiring and panel upgrades, if upgrades are required at all. The cost of converting existing buildings to mostly- or all-electric can be further reduced if the electrification is done as part of a larger retrofit activity. 2030 2040 2045
GHG reduction (MTCO2e) 102,210 184,610 221,260
Recommended actions:
x Encourage residents and businesses to purchase electric technologies (e.g., air source heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, electric dryers, and electric stoves). x Encourage residents and businesses to upgrade electric panels to accommodate electric technologies including solar PV, battery storage, air source heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, electric dryers, and electric stoves.
x Support training and outreach to residents, busine sses, contractors, vendors, and installers about preferable electric equipment replacement technologies.

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Co-benefits:

Conserves resources Improves public health Promotes equity Reduces utility bills

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Renewable Energy (RE)

While much of San Mateo’s electricity already comes from renewable or carbon-free sources, increasing the amount of energy in the community from renewable so urces not only further reduces GHG emissions but also has the potential to reduce the cost of electricity for residents and enhance the local economy. By incentivizing on-site electricity generation and storage and thereby decentralizing the creation of energy, the City of San Mateo also becomes more resilient to grid failures and power shutoffs and helps make the community less dependent on outside resources.

Renewable Energy Emissions Reductions in 2045
Measures that only reduce electricity use or increase renewable electricity supplies will show zero GHG reductions in 2045. This is because all electricity sold in California must be carbon-free by 2045, as required by the State’s Renewables Portfolio Standard (RPS). Since there will already be no emissions from electricity use in 2045, San Mateo cannot count additional reductions associated with electricity in this year. This CAP already credits reductions from the RPS as an existing State program.

While Peninsula Clean Energy supplies most of San Mateo’s electricity and is carbon-free as of 2021, some San Mateo customers are still expected to receive their electricity from PG&E or direct access providers. As these providers are not expected to be carbon-free until required by the State, measures that reduce electricity use or increase renewable electricity supplies will show some GHG reductions in 2030 and 2040, even though most of the community will already use carbon-free electricity.

Remember that local renewable energy systems and energy efficiency measures will continue to provide several co-benefits to the community, including lower electricity bills and increased resiliency against power disruptions, even if there are no measurable additional GHG reductions.

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RE 1: Peninsula Clean Energy
Since beginning operations in 2016, the county-wide Pe ninsula Clean Energy (PCE) program has been highly successful in increasing the amount of renewable and carbon-free electricity used by the community. As of 2019, more than 97 percent of San Mateo’s residents and businesses receive their electricity from PCE. San Mateo can achieve more GHG reductions with PCE by encouraging the remaining residents and businesses to participate in the program and by supporting efforts for customers to upgrade to PCE’s ECO 100 service, which provides all electricity from renewable sources.
2030 2040 2045
GHG reduction (MTCO2e) 160 170 0
Recommended actions:
x Encourage residents and businesses to participate in Peninsula Clean Energy. x Encourage residents and businesses participating in PCE to opt up to ECO 100. x Support PCE’s outreach to direct access customers to encourage use of carbon-free electricity.

Co-benefits:

Enhances local economy Reduces utility bills

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RE 2: Renewable energy systems for new and existing residences The addition of renewable energy systems to new residential buildings can often meet (and even exceed) the energy demand of the home. State and local regulations al ready require new homes to install solar panels of a particular size, but homeowners can choose to install larger systems to generate additional power. Existing homes not subject to this requirement can also benefit from installing renewable energy systems. Extra energy can meet any additional electricity needs of the home, or can be sold back to the grid, which helps reduce the amount of energy needed from nonrenewable sources and can help the homeowner finance the project. 2030 2040 2045
GHG reduction (MTCO2e) 70 160 0
Recommended actions:
x For each three-year code cycle, adopt reach codes to require residential developments to install renewable energy systems, including solar photovoltaic or solar water heating, as needed to exceed State requirements.
x Provide education and outreach to residents and contractors on the benefits of pairing battery storage with solar PV systems.
x Explore the feasibility of reducing or eliminating solar permitting fees. x Provide information to property owners about discounts, incentives, and financing programs for renewable energy systems, including solar bulk purch ase programs and financing programs that allow property owners to incrementally pay for renewable energy systems. x Provide education and outreach to stakeholders on the benefits of retrofitting existing residential buildings to be zero net energy.
x Promote the installation of renewable energy and energy storage systems as part of major home retrofit projects.

Co-benefits:

Conserves resources Enhances local economy Promotes equity Reduces utility bills

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RE 3: Renewable energy systems for new and existing nonresidential buildings The addition of distributed-generation renewable energy systems to nonresidential buildings helps reduce the amount of energy from nonrenewable sources the building requires, and in some cases may exceed the amount of electricity needed. While San Mateo requires that new nonresidential buildings include renewable energy systems, this requirement does not apply to existing bu ildings, which can still take advantage of the benefits provided by these systems. New nonresidential buildings can also install larger systems than local standards require, producing an additional amount of renewable ener gy that can either be used by the building or sold back to the grid. New construction that is built to include such systems helps reduce GHG emissions and may save businesses money on utility costs.
2030 2040 2045
GHG reduction (MTCO2e) 60 90 0
Recommended actions:
x For each three-year code cycle, adopt reach codes to require nonresidential developments to install renewable energy systems, including solar photovoltai cs or solar water heating, as needed to exceed State requirements.
x Promote financing programs that allow developers, property owners, and tenants to incrementally pay for renewable energy systems.
x Explore the feasibility of reducing or eliminating solar permitting fees. x Work with appropriate property owners to identify potential sites for a microgrid demonstration project.

Provide education and outreach to these property owners on the multiple benefits of developing a microgrid, including reliability, cleaner energy, and cost savings. x Encourage property owners to pair battery storage systems with solar PV systems. x Support development of a local rebate program for on-site renewable energy systems.

Co-benefits:

Conserves resources Enhances local economy Reduces utility bills

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July 2023 Climate Action Plan 67

Energy Efficiency (EE)
Electricity and natural gas are used to heat, cool, and light buildings, as well as to operate appliances and machinery. This goal seeks to provide opportunities for businesses and residents to conserve energy and maximize efficiency, which in turn reduces energy costs, supports the local economy, and further reduces GHG emissions.

EE 1: Residential energy efficiency retrofits
Older homes, especially those built before incorporation of energy efficiency and green building standards in local and State building codes (generally before 1980), are less energy efficient than newer buildings. Home retrofit programs address a variety of improvements in existing houses and include upgrades to insulation, windows, heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, lighting, and appliances, and may reduce the average home’s energy use by 33 percent or more. San Mateo residents have already completed a limited number of retrofits, as discussed in the Existing and Planned Accomplishments section, through programs such as Energy Upgrade California.

2030 2040 2045
GHG reduction (MTCO2e) 6,160 7,020 6,790
Recommended actions:
x Establish a time of sale residential energy conservation program that requires an energy audit by a certified energy professional. Audits would be disclosed to the buyer. x Educate homeowners, real estate agents, rental pr operty owners, and tenants about the benefits of residential energy retrofits, the availability of financing options, and how to participate. x Provide energy retrofit information to project applicants seeking permits for renovation or expansion work on existing houses.
x Host residential energy outreach events such as evening workshops and local learn-at-lunch sessions, provide energy retrofit information at community events, and distribute information on residential energy retrofits online and in public buildings.
x Promote financing programs that allow homeowners, rental property owners, and tenants to incrementally pay for energy efficiency retrofits.
x Provide funding to support energy efficiency education and low-cost retrofits for low-income households. x Offer low- or no-cost energy audits to rental pr operty owners who agree to disclose a unit’s energy efficiency results to tenants.
x Encourage property owners to participate in energy benchmarking efforts.

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x Work with tenant groups and property management companies to identify actions tenants can take within the bounds of their lease to improve energy efficiency. x Promote incentives such as direct subsidies and reduced fee permitting to rental property owners who make energy efficiency improvements to their units beyond any minimum actions required by the adopted energy code.
x Encourage property owners to consider installing cool roofs when reroofing buildings.

Co-benefits:

Conserves resources Enhances local economy Reduces utility bills Saves energy Home energy audits can identify opportunities to reduce electricity and natural gas use through both retrofit activities and low- or no-cost behavioral changes.

Photo by Dennis Schroeder/NREL (28533)

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EE 2: Nonresidential energy efficiency retrofits
As with residential buildings, many of San Mateo’s nonresidential buildings have been constructed before the adoption of modern energy efficient building codes. Energy-efficient retrofits can help the City reduce GHG emissions and save businesses money. Retrofits to these structures can reduce energy use by approximately 35% to 45%. Property owners who are substantially remodelin g their nonresidential buildings can also bring the structure up to current energy efficiency codes as part of the remodel, which can also significantly decrease the buildings’ electricity and natural gas use.
2030 2040 2045
GHG reduction (MTCO2e) 3,800 8,860 13,380
Recommended actions:
x Develop policy requiring reporting of energy use (ENERGY STAR performance score) by commercial and multifamily buildings. Apply benchmarking ordinance to smaller commercial and multifamily buildings, below the minimum size threshold for mandatory benchmarking under AB 802 and require commercial buildings to receive an energy assessment every five to ten years depending on size. x Educate property owners and tenants about energy efficiency retrofit programs and financing options. x Work with property owners to offer green leases for tenants, allowing tenants to specify energy efficiency improvements to the space or to finance energy efficiency retrofits in exchange for reduced occupancy fees. Promote a green lease addendum template that can be used by nonresidential property owners to incorporate green lease language into future leases.
x Support participation in demand response programs.
x Offer low-cost energy audits for business or office pa rks, including identification of most cost-efficient savings for weatherization or appliance upgrades.
x Offer reduced fee permitting to project applicants undergoing specifically defined energy retrofit measures, such as a retrofit to achieve Zero Net Energy in an existing building. x Promote the San Mateo County Green Business program to help encourage energy efficiency and sustainable actions in local businesses.
x Encourage property owners to consider installing cool roofs when reroofing buildings.

Co-benefits:

Conserves resources Enhances local economy Reduces utility bills Saves energy

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The windows in this airport building have been retrofitted to electronically darken in bright sunlight, helping to keep the inside of the building cool. Advances such as this can be applied to San Mateo office buildings, reducing the energy use for air conditioning.

Photo by Dennis Schroeder/NREL (54582)

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July 2023 Climate Action Plan 71
EE 3: Residential tree planting
Shade trees provide several benefits, including reducing the urban heat island effect, reducing runoff during flood events, and providing habitat for wildlife. When pr operly placed, they can also help keep home interiors cool, reducing the need for homes to run their air conditioners or other cooling equipment. San Mateo can promote tree planting to help decrease home cooling demands. 2030 2040 2045
GHG reduction (MTCO2e) Less than 10 Less than 10 0
Recommended actions:
x Establish a City program to provide free or subsidized shade trees for buildings with eastern, western, or southern exposure to reduce energy use associated with cooling homes. x Partner with community organizations and applicable professional associations to support education and outreach on the benefits and best practices of st rategic tree planting to provide shade and cooling.

Develop guidance on the preferred tree types and the recommended approach to selecting locations for tree plantings that support energy conservation and efficiency.

Co-benefits:

Improves public health Reduces utility bills Saves energy Street trees can help keep nearby buildings cool, reducing the need for air conditioning during hot days.

Photo by PlaceWorks

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Municipal Energy Efficiency and Electrification (ME)
The City of San Mateo strives to serve as an example of efficiency and to embody the commitment to reducing emissions citywide. Measures and actions under this goal save energy and reduce utility bills, which preserves valuable City resources and provides green building case studies for other developments in the community.

ME 1: Energy efficiency for new municipal buildings
The California Energy Commission is considering a goal of having all new nonresidential buildings be zero net energy by 2030. The City can work toward this goal by constructing new municipal facilities to be more energy efficient than State or local regulations require, including achieving zero net energy in advance of the State’s target.
2030 2040 2045
GHG reduction (MTCO2e) Supportive Supportive Supportive Recommended actions:
x Seek grant funding or low- or no-interest loans to implement energy saving efforts and renewable energy systems at municipal facilities at time of construction or substantial renovation.

Co-benefits:

Conserves resources Reduces utility bills Saves energy

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July 2023 Climate Action Plan 73
ME 2: Energy efficiency at existing municipal buildings While San Mateo has conducted significant retrofits to existing municipal properties, additional opportunities for reducing energy use exist at City-owned facilities. The Sustainable Solutions Turnkey (SST) program has identified multiple HVAC and lighting retrofits at several City properties, including the Police Department, City Hall, multiple fire stations, and many others. This measure goes beyond the SST program (which is already accounted for as a planned activity) and looks at opportuniti es for retrofits at additional facilities or for additional retrofits not covered as part of other programs.
2030 2040 2045
GHG reduction (MTCO2e) 10 30 40
Recommended actions:
x Implement energy efficiency upgrades (including lighting and HVAC systems) at municipal buildings as needed.

Co-benefits:

Conserves resources Enhances local economy Reduces utility bills Saves energy Although many City buildings have already been retrofitted, there are always opportunities to take advantage of new energy- saving technologies and practices. These municipal retrofits help reduce the amount of public money spent on utility bills, and also allow the City to pilot new ways to reduce energy use.

Photo by City of San Mateo

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ME 3: All-electric municipal buildings
Constructing new buildings or renovating existing ones to receive most or all their energy from electricity, as opposed to a mix of electricity and natural gas, has si gnificant GHG savings. As the City encourages private property owners to construct mostly electric or all-electric buildings, it can set an example by constructing its new buildings and renovating existing spaces to use electricity only. If these all-electric buildings also have renewable energy and battery storage systems, they ca n also be protected against power grid failures and intentional shutoffs.
2030 2040 2045
GHG reduction (MTCO2e) 130 200 270
Recommended actions:
x As feasible, design and build all-electric municipal buildings and facilities, including electric heating, cooling, and water heating.
x Evaluate existing buildings and facilities to identify opportunities for retrofitting them to be all-electric, including electric heating, cooling, and water heating. x During the development and construction of energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, also consider all-electric technology including electric heating, cooling, and water heating. x Explore the feasibility of establishing microgrids at new or existing municipal facilities to capture the multiple benefits of microgrids, including reliability, clean energy, and cost savings.

Co-benefits:

Conserves resources Enhances local economy Reduces utility bills

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July 2023 Climate Action Plan 75

Clean Transportation Fuels (CF)
The promotion of clean transportation fuels, such as electricity or hydrogen, can ease a transition away from reliance on vehicles fueled by gasoline or diesel fuel. Providing increased support for vehicles that use these clean transportation fuels through public and private infr astructure makes it easier for residents who want to purchase one of these vehicles.

CF 1: Electric vehicle charging infrastructure
Widespread availability of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations is critical to ensuring that EV drivers can quickly and easily charge up their vehicles. This helps reduce both real and perceived barriers to EV adoption, increasing the rate of EV ownership in the community. A large numbe r of appropriately located EV charging stations can also encourage EV drivers from other communities to stop in San Mateo, which can provide economic opportunities. The City can ensure that EV drivers are not challenged to find a charging station at both public and private facilities. With the passage of the Advanced Clean Trucks rule in 2020, the Advanced Clean Cars II rule in 2022 and the Advanced Clean Fleets rule in 2023, state regulations require all sales of new light-duty vehicles to be zero-emission by 2035 and sales of new medium-duty and heavy-duty vehicles to be zero-emission by 2036.

2030 2040 2045
GHG reduction (MTCO2e) 24,420 49,390 69,780
Recommended actions:
x For each three-year code cycle, update reach codes to exceed the state-mandated minimum percentage of EV parking spaces designed to accommodate the future installation of electric vehicle supply equipment in new residential and commercial development, including the installation of supply equipment for heavy-duty EVs at appropriate commercial development. x Promote incentives to encourage the expansion of EV charging infrastructure in existing public and private properties, including parking structures, hotels and motels, multi-unit dwellings, and workplaces. x Partner with other agencies to incentivize property owners to install EV charging stations for light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles as appropriate.
x Install additional public EV charging stations in desirable, high-volume, and prominent City-owned locations.
x Encourage the expansion of appropriate light-duty and heavy-duty EV charging infrastructure in existing buildings.
x Encourage pairing EV charging infrastructure with battery storage systems. x Explore options to reduce or eliminate permit fees for the installation of EV charging infrastructure.

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Co-benefits:

Conserves resources Enhances local economy Improves public health Promotes equity Dedicated areas for electric vehicle charging at residential complexes and businesses help encourage EV adoption, reducing GHG emissions from transportation.

Photo by Dennis Schroeder/NREL (26765)

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July 2023 Climate Action Plan 77
CF 2: Electric vehicle education and outreach
EVs, including plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) are becoming incr easingly widespread and co st-effective to California residents. San Mateo can improve the adoption of EVs among City residents by promoting these vehicles through media and in-person events. The City can encourage property owners who are not required to install EV chargers to do so and can publicize the availability of incentives. 2030 2040 2045
GHG reduction (MTCO2e) 4,910 8,030 12,360
Recommended actions:
x Provide information about the benefits of EVs and PHEVs through the City’s electronic media systems and at public events, including creating opportunities for public EV/PHEV test drives. x Conduct educational outreach to homeowners, commercial property owners, and developers about the benefits of EV charging stations.
x Identify and distribute resources to assist community members seeking to install an EV charging station on their properties.
x Work with local and regional partners to explore providing additional incentives to community members who purchase an EV or PHEV.
x Evaluate opportunities to regulate or incentivize transportation network companies (TNCs) to increase adoption of electric vehicles as regulatory conditions allow.

Co-benefits:

Conserves resources Improves public health Promotes equity

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CF 3: Clean City fleet
San Mateo can further demonstrate its leadership on GHG reduction by increasing the number of vehicles in the municipal fleet that use clean transportation fuels. The City has already purchased vehicles that run off biomethane, a substitute for compressed natural gas (CNG) generated from waste products at the San Mateo Wastewater Treatment Plant. As EVs become more widely available, the City has more opportunities to replace its gasoline and diesel-fueled cars and trucks.
2030 2040 2045
GHG reduction (MTCO2e) 130 200 270
Recommended actions:
x Purchase EVs or PHEVs as replacements for gasoline, diesel, or conventional hybrid City fleet vehicles that have not been converted to compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles, as available and cost-effective. x Update the Vehicle and Fleet Equipment policy and explore an “Electric Vehicle First” procurement policy.

Co-benefits:

Conserves resources Improves public health
Methane is produced as a by-product of treating the community’s wastewater. The City collects this methane and processes it to produce a natural gas substitute called biomethane, which is used to fuel municipal vehicles. The City can expand its use of biomethane, as well as other clean fuels, to operate its fleet.

Photo by City of San Mateo

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CF 4: Clean fuel and vehicle emissions
Beyond electricity and biomethane, other clean vehicle fuel s are available, such as hydrogen and biofuels from sustainable sources. Although these fuels are available in limited places and quantities, they are likely to become more widespread in coming years as California seeks to substantially cut GHG emissions from transportation. San Mateo can encourage adoption of these additional clean vehicle fuels by making it easier for fueling stations that supply them to locate in the community.
2030 2040 2045
GHG reduction (MTCO2e) 4,210 16,920 26,360
Recommended actions:
x Support efforts to build fueling stations in San Mateo for other clean fuels, including hydrogen and sustainably-sourced biofuels, as supported by market conditions. x Explore ways to reduce vehicle idling in selected areas with large numbers of vehicle drop-offs and pick- ups, such as schools.
x Explore signal light optimization to reduce vehicle idling at traffic signals.

Co-benefits:

Conserves resources Enhances local economy Improves public health Promotes equity

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Sustainable Transportation (ST)
Increasing the number of transportation modes available to San Mateo residents creates a healthier community, promotes equity, and reduces emissions. By providing individuals with a range of safe, reliable options to get to work, school, shopping, and other important destinations that are more sustainable than personal vehicles, the City can ensure that other modes of transportation ar e a feasible and effective alternative. This reduces dependence on personal vehicles in San Mateo, improving mobility options for all community members.

ST 1: Bicycle mode share
Bicycles currently make up an estimated 1.4 percent of San Mateo trips, using the approximately 62 miles of dedicated bike trails and lanes within the community. Efforts to increase this are currently under way, with the ongoing implementation of the Bicycle Master Plan, which was adopted in 2011 and updated in 2020. These efforts include dedicated bicycle parking, new bike lanes, and improvements to existing bicycle infrastructure, along with educational and outreach efforts. Such effo rts are supported by the 2015 Sustainable Streets Plan, which includes standards for complete streets, and the 2019 Green Infrastructure Plan, which supports beneficial landscaping and other green infrastructure components that can make bicycling a more safe and pleasant experience.
2030 2040 2045
GHG reduction (MTCO2e) 80 170 180
Recommended actions:
x Host bicycle safety and awareness efforts for bicyclists, pedestrians, and drivers. x Support bike-to-school commutes through the Safe Routes to School program. x Install bike racks and long-term bike storage lockers in the public right-of-way and at City facilities and transit facilities.
x Secure funding for design and construction of the infrastructure improvements identified in the updated Bicycle Master Plan.

Co-benefits:

Conserves resources Enhances local economy Improves public health Promotes equity

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ST 2: Pedestrian mode share
The San Mateo Pedestrian Master Plan, adopted in 2012, seeks to create a pedestrian-friendly environment throughout the community to encourage walking and contribute to the
community’s ambitious 2020 mode share target. By focusing new development in existing areas of higher density rather than low- density residential areas, San Mateo can support increased pedestrian activity by locating homes within walking distance of key facilities such as shops, offices, and schools. Such efforts are supported by the Sustainable Streets Plan and the Green Infrastructure Plan which includes standards for complete streets and pedestrian-friendly landscaping improvements such as low- impact development.
2030 2040 2045
GHG reduction (MTCO2e) 110 120 130
Recommended actions:
x Improve pedestrian safety through education and outreach efforts. x Support walk-to-school efforts through the Safe Routes to School program. x Secure funding for design and construction of the infrastructure improvements identified in the adopted Pedestrian Master Plan and Green Infrastructure Plan.

Co-benefits:

Conserves resources Enhances local economy Improves public health Promotes equity Pedestrian-friendly areas, such as Downtown San
Mateo, encourage people to walk rather than drive.

Photo by City of San Mateo

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ST 3: Micromobility and shared mobility
Micromobility refers to the use of electric scooters, uni-skates, etc. to travel short distances. It is a growing trend for individuals to own their own person al micromobility devices to connect to transit and job centers. Shared mobility options, such as a bike share program, allow community members an easy way to make shorter trips without owning their own devices. People who do not have access to a bike, scooter, or other mobility device of their own can rent one from various private shared mob ility operators. In 2019, San Mateo adopted a Shared Mobility Permit Program, establishing regulations that would allow these companies to begin operating in the community. Providing shared mobility devices helps make more sustainable transportation modes available to more people while ensuring that shared mobility companies operate in a safe and responsible manner. 2030 2040 2045
GHG reduction (MTCO2e) Supportive Supportive Supportive Recommended actions:
x Identify operators for a shared mobility program to provide first- and last-mile connections for residents and commuters.
x Work closely with shared mobility operator(s) to monitor program and encourage ridership. x Support infrastructure improvements that encourage the use of personal micromobility devices in alignment with the updated Bicycle Master Plan.

Co-benefits:

Conserves resources Enhances local economy Improves public health Promotes equity

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ST 4: Public transit service
Multiple public transit providers operate in San Mateo, including the county-wide SamTrans bus network, the Caltrain commuter rail line between San Francisco and San Jose/Gilroy, and AC Transit’s bus connections to Hayward and Castro Valley. In partnership with these regional service providers, San Mateo can support efforts to increase the frequency and speed of transit service, improve the quality of public transit infrastructure, and support additional service as needed. Educational and incentive programs can also encourage people to increasingly use public transit, helping to get cars off the road and reducing congestion while simultaneously decreasing GHG emissions.
2030 2040 2045
GHG reduction (MTCO2e) 3,610 5,660 6,910
Recommended actions:
x Support the development of new rapid bus transit routes. x Work with transit providers to improve the safety and comfort at transit stops. x Work with Caltrain to improve the frequency of Caltrain services, particularly to the Hayward Park station. x In partnership with transit providers, explore the feasibility of transit priority signals and other infrastructure improvements to speed up transit service. x Increase ridership for public transit by enhancing pedestrian and bicycle access to high-quality transit and encourage incentive programs to decrease reliance on single-occupancy vehicles.

Co-benefits:

Conserves resources Enhances local economy Improves public health Promotes equity Improvements to San Mateo’s public transit service
help reduce congestion as well as community GHG
emissions.

Photo by PlaceWorks

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ST 5: Commuter programs
San Mateo’s efforts to encourage walking, bicycling, and public transit use can work in concert with other transit services, such as private shuttles and vanpools, to reduce vehicle trips associated with employee commutes.

Existing businesses can encourage employees to adopt more sustainable commute options, including increased use of telecommuting, to reduce GHG emissions and congestion in the community. San Mateo’s existing Transportation Demand Management program can offer a model for how to reduce commute-related trips for existing businesses.
2030 2040 2045
GHG reduction (MTCO2e) Less than 10 70 160
Recommended actions:
x Conduct an outreach campaign to San Mateo residents and employees about available shuttle and vanpool options to support increased use of these existing programs. x Work with regional partners and employers to offer micro-transit services to provide first-mile and last- mile connections with key job and housing centers.
x Provide outreach for carpool incentive programs to San Mateo residents and employees. x Encourage existing employers to participate in Transportation Demand Management efforts. x Support efforts by employers to provide telecommuting as a viable option for appropriate employees.

Co-benefits:

Conserves resources Improves public health Promotes equity

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ST 6: Transportation Demand Management
Transportation Demand Management (TDM) is a suite of strategies intended to reduce the amount of single- occupancy vehicle trips generated and vehicle miles traveled, particularly during peak commute times. TDM can include increased use of public transit, non-motori zed transportation, carpools and ridesharing, and telecommuting, among many others. In San Mateo, new developments in the Hillsdale and Hayward Park transit- oriented development areas are required to reduce the number of trips they generate. The City is looking to establish similar requirements for significant new developments in the downtown area and can also encourage participation in TDM programs for developments in other parts of the communities. Developments implementing TDM measures generally have the freedom to choose the strategies that suit their needs. 2030 2040 2045
GHG reduction (MTCO2e) 2,010 7,950 13,410
Recommended actions:
x Require new developments of at least six multi-family units and/or 10,000 square feet of nonresidential space to implement a suite of TDM strategies to comply with the appropriate trip reduction target identified in applicable area plans.
x Require developments of at least 20 multi-family units and/or 50,000 square feet of nonresidential space undergoing additions or alterations (as defined in San Mateo Municipal Code Section 23.06.012) to implement TDM strategies consistent with the targets in relevant area plans. x Educate developers working on projects in San Mateo not located in a TDM area about ways to reduce vehicle miles traveled and the resultant benefits.
x Publicize developments and businesses with successful TDM programs. x Work with regional partners to fund successful TDM strategies for existing developments that can be implemented with little or no cost to property owners.

Co-benefits:

Conserves resources Improves public health Promotes equity

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ST 7: Transit-oriented developments
Transit-oriented developments (TODs) are development projects located in areas close to high-quality transit services, such as commuter rail stations or bus stops with rapid and frequent service and are designed to encourage community members living and working in these projects to use public transit as an alternative to driving. Many TODs in San Mateo are in areas already covered by TDM requirements that also support reduced vehicle use. The City can also encourage TODs in other parts of the community, further decreasing congestion on local roads and highways.
2030 2040 2045
GHG reduction (MTCO2e) 10,200 18,920 23,700
Recommended actions:
x Increase transit-oriented developments along El Camino Real, within one-half mile of Caltrain stations, and in the Rail Corridor Transit Oriented Development and Hillsdale Station Area Plan areas.

Co-benefits:

Conserves resources Enhances local economy Improves public health Transit-oriented developments encourage community members to use public transit for many of their trips.

Photo by City of San Mateo

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Solid Waste (SW)
Efforts to divert waste away from landfills not only reduce emissions, but also provide residents with an opportunity to focus on comprehensive sustainability an d exercising awareness of individual impact on the environment, including minimizing waste generation and encouraging source reduction. These measures build on the City of San Mateo’s active leadership to date reducing waste through innovative programs.

SW 1: Composting program
Decomposing landfill waste emits methane, which is a potent GHG. Diverting compostable materials from traditional waste streams may reduce these emissions. San Mateo and a number of other surrounding communities instituted a curbside composting program in 2011 in conjunction with the local waste hauler. This voluntary program allows residents and businesses to deposit food scraps into a green bin to be composted and turned into fertilizer. Previously, this material would have gone to the landfill, producing GHGs as it decomposed.

Virtually all of San Mateo’s single-family households currently participate in the program, along with some multi- family households and businesses. Increasing the participation rate of this program can decrease GHG emissions and help educate residents about waste generation.

2030 2040 2045
GHG reduction (MTCO2e) 1,030 1,710 1,850
Recommended actions:
x Provide educational outreach materials to multifamily residents about urging HOA/property managers to support composting programs.
x Work with Recology San Mateo County to include information about adding composting services in monthly garbage and recycling bills to existing BizSMART customers. x Work with food service facilities to understand barriers to using existing composting programs. Use this clearer perception of roadblocks to mitigate concerns and target incentives more specifically at high food-waste facilities.
x Work with multifamily and commercial property owners to minimize any potential health or cleanliness impacts associated with compost collection bins.
x Explore alternative off-site collection or sorting methods to capture compostable materials from multifamily units.
x Continue to provide a diversion discount to partic ipating commercial and multifamily users to properly incentivize and fully use compost services.

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Co-benefits:

Conserves resources
Food waste and other organics is one of the most common materials in California’s trash. Composting programs help keep this waste out of landfills, reducing GHG emissions and providing useful, nutrient-rich soil as a co-benefit.

Photo by U.S. EPA

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SW 2: Expanded recycling service
Beyond food waste and other organics, San Mateo residents can recycle many other types of materials. However, if materials are not placed in the correct bin, they ma y be accidentally landfilled, leading to increased GHG emissions. Proper sorting and other educational efforts can ensure that recyclable materials end up where they are supposed to. The City’s waste hauler may also be able to accept additional types of materials for recycling at a future time, depending on market conditions.
2030 2040 2045
GHG reduction (MTCO2e) 6,070 7,730 8,820
Recommended actions:
x Allow expanded recycling programs to accommodate ad ditional material types as economic conditions allow.
x Improve educational efforts around proper waste sorting.

Co-benefits:

Conserves resources

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SW 3: Waste awareness and source reduction
While it is important to sort waste properly and use re cyclable/compostable products whenever possible, it is also helpful for community members to minimize the amount of materials that they throw away at all, regardless of the bin it ends up in. These efforts to decrease the overall amount of waste produced in the community not only decrease GHG emissions but can help keep harmful materials out of the environment and provide an opportunity for increased community education.
2030 2040 2045
GHG reduction (MTCO2e) 2,080 4,050 5,590
Recommended actions:
x Work with partners to establish a source reduction program. x Work with partners to establish a materials reuse program. x Explore a ban on specific types of single-use or disposable plastics. x Work with waste haulers and the South Bayside Wa ste Management Authority to minimize recycling contamination.
x Continue to promote the Team Up to Clean Up program.
x Encourage local restaurants to partner with food rescue organizations to divert food that would otherwise be thrown away to non-profit organizations for distribution to those in need.

Co-benefit:

Conserves resources Enhances local economy

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Water and Wastewater (WW)
Increasing the efficiency of water usage reduces emissions and helps conserve valuable resources, saving money for the City and its residents, reducing dependence on outside resources, and increasing resilience to water shortages.

WW 1: Water efficiency retrofits for existing buildings Older buildings often have opportunities to improve water efficiency by replacing old fixtures (sinks, showerheads, toilets, etc.). Especially in periods of drought, optimizing indoor water efficiency may greatly reduce GHG emissions from conveyance and treatment of water. New buildings are required to use water-efficient fixtures under State law. These buildings can incorporate fixtures that exceed California standards to achieve additional water use reductions.
2030 2040 2045
GHG reduction (MTCO2e) 170 300 360
Recommended actions:
x Provide educational materials and outreach to encourage indoor water conservation. x Work with Cal Water and Bay Area Water Supply & Conservation Agency (BAWSCA) to promote rebate offerings for high efficiency toilets, washing mach ines, rain barrels, and other water-conserving appliances.
x Work with Cal Water to offer low-cost or free water audits to businesses and homeowners. Explore ways to encourage installation of greywater systems in existing buildings, especially as part of significant retrofits.

Co-benefits:

Conserves resources Reduces utility bills

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WW 2: Water-efficient landscaping
Treating and conveying water requires large amounts of energy. Minimizing the amount of water used for nonessential applications, such as landscaping and turf grass, helps reduce GHG expenditures and increases resiliency in periods of drought.
2030 2040 2045
GHG reduction (MTCO2e) Less than 10 10 0
Recommended actions:
x Provide educational materials to the community about drought-tolerant landscaping. x Host educational workshops on drought-tolerant and native landscaping x Partner with Cal Water and/or BAWSCA to host a tr ade-in program for inefficient sprinklers for more efficient drip irrigation systems.
x Retrofit City-owned landscapes to increase the amount of drought-resistant and/or native plant landscaping.

Co-benefits:

Conserves resources Reduces utility bills
Water-efficient landscaping is an increasingly common choice throughout San Mateo to reduce water use and improve resilience to drought conditions.

Photos by City of San Mateo

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STRATEGIES TO ACHIEVE THE TARGET
July 2023 Climate Action Plan 93
WW 3: Water efficiency in new construction
The California Building Standards Code already requires new buildings to be highly water efficient. The City can encourage new buildings to go beyond these requirements to meet the voluntary standards in the California Green Building Code, improving community-wide water efficiency. San Mateo can also promote the availability of greywater systems, allowing water to be reused in a safe and hygienic way to further improve water efficiency. 2030 2040 2045
GHG reduction (MTCO2e) Less than 10 10 20
Recommended actions:
x Adopt a reach code to require new developments to meet the voluntary indoor and outdoor water efficiency standards in the California Green Building Standards Code. x Encourage developers to install greywater systems in new buildings at time of construction.

Co-benefits:

Conserves resources

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Off-Road Equipment (OR)
Shifting to alternative fuel equipment across the community and promotes healthier air for all residents due to the reduction in gasoline or diesel fumes. This is especially important for sensitive populations such as children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic respiratory disease.

OR 1: Clean fuel lawn and garden equipment
Most lawn and garden equipment, such as lawn mowers, leaf blowers, chippers, etc., are fueled by gasoline or diesel. Many manufacturers produce hybrid and electric models, which use less fuel compared to a conventional model (or none at all). These models produce less pollution and may also be quieter to operate than gasoline or diesel equipment.
2030 2040 2045
GHG reduction (MTCO2e) 3,660 7,130 9,890
Recommended actions:
x Buy hybrid and alternative fuel models when purc hasing new City-owned landscaping equipment, as feasible.
x Conduct education campaigns and outreach events to property owners and landscaping companies about the availability of hybrid and alternative fuel landscaping equipment, including electric equipment, and available incentives such as the BAAQMD Lawn Mower Exchange.

Co-benefits:

Conserves resources Improves public health

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STRATEGIES TO ACHIEVE THE TARGET
July 2023 Climate Action Plan 95

Summary of Total GHG Emissions
Collectively, the measures in this chapter achieve substantial GHG reductions for the years 2030, 2040, and 2045.

Table 13 shows the reductions achieved by topic, and Figure 8 shows these reductions relative to San Mateo’s community-wide emissions.

Table 13: GHG Emissions Reductions by Measure Topic, 2030-2045 (MTCO2e)

2030 2040 2045
Building electrification -123,280 -223,060 -268,510
Renewable energy -290 -420 0
Energy efficiency -9,960 -15,880 -20,170
Municipal energy efficiency and electrification -140 -230 -310 Clean fuels -33,670 -74,540 -108,770
Sustainable transportation -16,010 -32,890 -44,490
Solid waste -9,180 -13,490 -16,260
Water and wastewater -170 -320 -380
Off-road equipment -3,660 -7,130 -9,890
Total -196,360 -367,960 -468,780
Note: Due to rounding, totals may not equal the sum of the component parts.

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Figure 8: San Mateo GHG Emissions with Reduction Measures, 2030-2045 (MTCO2e) In total, this CAP is projected to reduce San Mateo’s GHG emissions to 311,990 MTCO2e (45 percent below 1990 levels) by 2030, 162,530 MTCO2e by 2040 (71 percent below 1990 levels), and 80,550 MTCO2e (86 percent below 1990 levels) by 2045. These reductions allow San Mateo to meet its GHG reduction targets of 40 percent below 1990 levels (339,880 MTCO2e) by 2030, and 85 percent below 1990 levels (84,970 MTCO2e) by 2045.

It is likely that there will be new policies and regulations, technologies, personal and economic behaviors and preferences, and other factors that emerge in coming years. These factors cannot be accurately forecasted in this CAP, but they will likely be able to reduce GHG emissions beyond the level identified here. Future updates to the CAP will be able to better assess the GHG emission redu ctions from these factors and include them as part of San Mateo’s GHG reduction strategy as appropriate. Future revisions to the CAP may include more stringent GHG reduction targets as they are feasible and appropriate. 0 100,000
200,000
300,000
400,000
500,000
600,000
700,000
800,000
2030 2040 2050
Forecasted emissions Existing and planned efforts CAP measures

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STRATEGIES TO ACHIEVE THE TARGET
July 2023 Climate Action Plan 97

Technologies such as autonomous vehicles have the potential to significantly affect future GHG emissions, but the full effect o f this and other emerging technologies cannot be accurately forecasted at this time.Photo by PlaceWorks

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Chapter 4
Implementation

IMPLEMENTING THE CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
To ensure the success of the CAP, the City of San Mateo will integrate the goals and strategies of this plan into other local and regional plans, and implement the prog rams and activities identified herein. As the City moves forward with updating other planning documents such as the General Plan, the San Mateo Municipal Code, or specific plans, staff will ensure that these documents support and are consistent with the CAP.

Implementing the CAP will require City leadership to execute these measures and report progress. This plan identifies a work plan that includes responsible departments, time frames, and relative costs associated with each measure. Staff will monitor progress using an implementa tion and monitoring tool on an annual basis and will provide an annual update to City decision-makers. The measures in this CAP are accompanied by a list of recommended actions, selected by City staff, members of the Sustainability and Infrastructure Commission, and members of the public. The list of recommended actions represents suggested means of achieving the measure; however, these actions are not a prescriptive path to implementation. Furthermore, not all of the listed actions may be necessary for the City to achieve its target. Due to ongoing changes in technology and regulations, and the emergence of new best practices and funding opport unities, this approach enables the City to adapt and leverage new opportunities or partnerships without being constrained by a specific implementation pathway.

The City’s sustainability program manager will serve as an ongoing advisor for CAP implementation. As part of annual progress reports, the sustainability program manager and City staff will evaluate the effectiveness of each measure to ensure that anticipated emissions reductions are occurring. If reductions do not occur as expected, the City can modify and add additional measures to the CAP to ensure the reduction target is achieved.

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IMPLEMENTATION
May 2023 2020 Climate Action Plan 99

The following programs are designed to guide San Mateo in successfully implementing the CAP.

IMPLEMENTATION MEASURES
Implementation Measure 1: Monitor and report progress toward Climate Action Plan target achievement on an annual basis.

Actions to support Implementation Measure 1:
x Assign responsibility for facilitating and supporting CAP implementation to the City’s sustainability program manager.
x Identify key staff from each department responsibl e for supporting the sustainability program manager with information and updates for annual reporting and monitoring. x Continue to involve the Sustainability and Infras tructure Commission or other advisory bodies in reviewing and recommending CAP action items.
x Prepare an annual progress report on implementation of the recommended GHG reduction measures for review and consideration by the Sustainability and Infrastructure Commission and City Council. When information is available, provide updates on es timated GHG emissions reductions and current GHG emissions levels.
x Use the CAP implementation and monitoring tool to track GHG benefits from CAP implementation and identify progress toward the CAP reduction target.

Implementation Measure 2: Continue collaborative partnerships with agencies and community groups that support Climate Action Plan implementation.

Action to support Implementation Measure 2:
x Continue formal membership and participate in loca l and regional organizations that provide tools and support for energy efficiency, energy conservati on, GHG emissions reductions, adaptation, public information, and implementation of this Plan.
x Participate as a member of the Regionally Integrat ed Climate Action Planning Suite (RICAPS) climate action planning effort to monitor available resources, programs, and funding to leverage with City CAP efforts.
x At the direction of the City Council, commit to formal membership through joint powers authorities or other partnerships to implement high priority measures from the CAP. x Provide policy input to partner agencies (e.g., League of Cities) on policy barriers that need to be addressed at the state level.

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Implementation Measure 3: Secure necessary funding to implement the Climate Action Plan.

Actions to support Implementation Measure 3:
x Identify funding sources and levels for reduction measures as part of annual reporting. x Include emissions reduction measures in department work plans, the capital improvement program, and other plans as appropriate.
x Pursue local, regional, State, and federal grants to support implementation. x Explore dedicated funding sources for CAP implementation. x Explore opportunities to allocate a portion of revenues from revenue-generating measures to CAP allocation.

Implementation Measure 4: Continue to update the baseline emissions inventory and Climate Action Plan every five years.

Actions to support Implementation Measure 4:
x Prepare a 2021 emissions inventory no later than 2024. x Update the CAP no later than 2025 to incorporate new technology, practices, and other options to further reduce emissions.

WORK PLAN
The work plan in Table 14 contains information to support staff and community implementation of the measures to effectively integrate them into budgets, the capital improvement program, and other programs and projects.

Information about the sources of data to monitor implementation of each measure is given in Appendix 2. The measures of success included in Table 14 are defined as follows:

Code: The abbreviation that is used to refer to the measure in the CAP and all corresponding workbooks.

Measure: The language used to guide actions needed for reductions.

GHG Reductions (MTCO2e): Amount of GHG emissions reduced by 2020, 2030, and 2050.

City Staff Time: The estimated cost to the City (in staff hours) to complete implementation of the measure, ranked as follows:
x Low (less than 80 hours)
x Medium (80–500 hours)
x High (more than 500 hours)

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IMPLEMENTATION
May 2023 2020 Climate Action Plan 101

Time Frame: The year by which a measure should be effective by year’s end. The exact status of a measure will vary based on its actions, and many measures will be ongoing through and beyond 2030. An effective measure is one that will be actively on track to achieve its targeted GHG emissions reductions, support adaptation to climate change effects, or achieve long-term resilience. For a measure to be effective, the necessary programs and efforts should be active, and any infrastructure or other capital improvements should be in place. The effective year is not the end year, as many of the measures are programs that are intended to remain in effect for the foreseeable future, and so they do not have end dates. Time frames for effectively setting up the measures are described as follows:
x Immediate (by 2024)
x Near-Term (by 2025)
x Mid-Term (by 2027)
x Long-Term (by 2030)
Lead Department: The lead City department tasked with implementing the measure.

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Table 14: CAP Implementation Work Plan
Measure Measure
2030 GHG
Reduction
(MTCO2e)
2040 GHG
Reduction
(MTCO2e)
2045 GHG
Reduction
(MTCO2e)
City
Staff
Time
Time
Frame
Lead
Department(s)
BE 1 All-electric new construction -21,070 -38,450 -47,250 Medium Near-term City Manager’s
Office, Community
Development
BE 2 All-electric existing buildings -102,210 -184,610 -221,260 High Near-term City Manager’s
Office, Community
Development
RE 1 Peninsula Clean Energy -160 -170 0 Low Immediate City Manager’s Office
RE 2 Renewable energy systems for new and
existing residences -70 -160 0 Medium Immediate
City Manager’s
Office, Community
Development
RE 3 Renewable energy systems for new and
existing nonresidential buildings -60 -90 0 Medium Immediate City Manager’s
Office, Community
Development
EE 1 Residential energy efficiency retrofits -6,160 -7,020 -6,790 High Near-term City Manager’s
Office, Community
Development
EE 2 Nonresidential energy efficiency retrofits -3,800 -8,860 -13,380 High Near-term City Manager’s
Office, Community
Development
EE 3 Residential tree planting Less than -10 Less than -10 Less than -10 Low Mid-term City Manager’s
Office, Parks and
Recreation

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IMPLEMENTATION
May 2023 2020 Climate Action Plan 103

Measure Measure
2030 GHG
Reduction
(MTCO2e)
2040 GHG
Reduction
(MTCO2e)
2045 GHG
Reduction
(MTCO2e)
City
Staff
Time
Time
Frame
Lead
Department(s)
ME 1 Energy efficiency for new municipal
buildings Supportive Supportive Supportive Medium Mid-term City Manager’s
Office, Public
Works
ME 2 Energy efficiency at existing municipal
buildings -10 -30 -40 Medium Near-term
City Manager’s
Office, Public
Works
ME 3 All-electric municipal buildings -130 -200 -270 Medium Long-term City Manager’s
Office, Public
Works
CF 1 Electric vehicle charging infrastructure -24,420 -49,390 -69,780 High Immediate City Manager’s
Office, Community
Development,
Public Works
CF 2 Electric vehicle education and outreach -4,910 -8,030 -12,360 High Immediate City Manager’s
Office, Community
Development
CF 3 Clean City fleet -130 -200 -270 Low Near-term Public Works CF 4 Clean fuel -4,210 -16,920 -26,360 Medium Long-term City Manager’s
Office, Community
Development,
Public Works
ST 1 Bicycle mode share -80 -170 -180 Medium Mid-term
Community
Development,
Public Works

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Measure Measure
2030 GHG
Reduction
(MTCO2e)
2040 GHG
Reduction
(MTCO2e)
2045 GHG
Reduction
(MTCO2e)
City
Staff
Time
Time
Frame
Lead
Department(s)
ST 2 Pedestrian mode share -110 -120 -130 Low Near-term Community
Development,
Public Works
ST 3 Micromobility and shared mobility Supportive Supportive Supportive Low Near-term City Manager’s
Office, Public
Works
ST 4 Public transit service -3,610 -5,660 -6,910 Medium Near-term City Manager’s
Office, Public
Works
ST 5 Commuter programs 0 -70 -160 High Mid-term
City Manager’s
Office, Community
Development,
Public Works
ST 6 Transportation Demand Management -2,010 -7,950 -13,410 Medium Immediate Community
Development,
Public Works
ST 7 Transit-oriented development -10,200 -18,920 -23,700 Low Near-term Community Development
SW 1 Composting program -1,030 -1,710 -1,850 High Immediate Public Works SW 2 Expanded recycling service -6,070 -7,730 -8,820 High Near-term Public Works SW 3 Waste awareness and source reduction -2,080 -4,050 -5,590 Medium Near-term City Manager’s
Office, Public
Works

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IMPLEMENTATION
May 2023 2020 Climate Action Plan 105

Measure Measure
2030 GHG
Reduction
(MTCO2e)
2040 GHG
Reduction
(MTCO2e)
2045 GHG
Reduction
(MTCO2e)
City
Staff
Time
Time
Frame
Lead
Department(s)
WW 1 Water efficiency retrofits for existing
buildings -170 -300 -360 Medium Mid-term Public Works
WW 2 Water-efficient landscaping Less than -10 Less than -10 Less than -10 Low Near-term Public Works WW 3 Water efficiency in new construction 0 -10 -20 Medium Mid-term Community Development
OR 1 Alternative fuel lawn and garden
equipment -3,660 -7,130 -9,890 Medium Mid-term
City Manager’s
Office, Parks and
Recreation

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Glossary
Activity: Any action that directly or indirectly results in GHG emissions. Examples include electricity use, vehicle use, and solid waste disposal. Activity data are a discre te measure of how much of an activity occurred in San Mateo in a certain year (e.g., how much electricity was used in 2015). The measurement unit of activity data varies depending on the activity.

Assembly Bill (AB) 32, California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006: Establishes a comprehensive program of regulatory and market mechanisms to ac hieve real, quantifiable, cost-effective reductions of greenhouse gases (GHG) for the State of California. AB 32 designates the California Air Resources Board as the responsible agency for monitoring and reducing statewide GHG emissions to reduce emissions to 1990 levels by 2020.

Assembly Bill (AB) 1279, California Climate Crisis Act of 2022: Revises the GHG targets established in AB 32 and declares the policy of the state both to achieve net-zero GHG emissions as soon as possible, but no later than 2045, and achieve and maintain net negative GHG emissions thereafter, and to ensure that by 2045, statewide human-caused GHG emissions are reduced to at least 85 percent below 1990 levels.

Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG): The regional planning agency for the nine counties and 101 incorporated cities in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Baseline year: The year against which future changes are measured. Many communities in California use a baseline year of 2005 through 2008 for consistency with AB 32; the San Mateo inventory uses a baseline year of 2005.

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GLOSSARY
July 2023 Climate Action Plan 107

Building electrification: Replacing some or all of a building’s natural gas-powered appliances or machinery with models that run on electricity. Since electricity releases much fewer GHGs (and in some cases no GHGs at all), there is a significant GHG reduction benefit. Building electrification is also called “fuel switching”.

California Air Resources Board (CARB): A division of the California Environmental Protection Agency charged with protecting public health, welfare, and ecological resources through the reduction of air pollutants.

California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA): A State law requiring State and local agencies to regulate activities with consideration for environmental protection. If a proposed activity has the potential for a significant adverse environmental impact, an environmental impact re port (EIR) must be prepared and certified as to its adequacy before action can be taken on the proposed project. General plans require the preparation of a program EIR.

California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen, Title 24 Part 11): The California Green Building Standards Code, commonly referred to as the CALGreen Code, is a statewide mandatory construction code that was developed and adopted by the California Building Standards Commission and the Department of Housing and Community Development. The CALGreen standards require new residential and commercial buildings to comply with mandatory measures under the topics of planning and design, energy efficiency, water efficiency and conservation, material conservation and resource efficiency, and environmental quality. CALGreen also provides voluntary tiers and measures that local governm ents may adopt that encourage or require additional measures in the five green building topics.

Carbon dioxide (CO
2): A colorless, odorless gas that occurs natu rally in the earth’s atmosphere. Significant quantities are also emitted into the air by fossil fuel combustion.

Carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e): A metric measure used to compare the emissions from various greenhouse gases based on their global warming potential (GWP). Th e carbon dioxide equivalent for a gas is derived by multiplying the tons of the gas by the associated GWP.

Clean Car Fuel Standards (AB 1493, Pavley): Signed into law in 2002 and commonly referred to as Pavley standards. Requires carmakers to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from new passenger cars and light trucks beginning in 2011. An updated set of standards, called the Advanced Clean Car Standards, took effect in 2016 and requires further GHG reductions from new vehicles. A further set of standards, called the Advanced Clean Car II Standards, will take effect in 2026 and will lead to all new light-duty vehicles being zero-emission starting in 2035.

Climate Action Plan (CAP): Strategic plans that establish policies and programs for reducing (or mitigating) a community’s greenhouse gas emissions.

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GLOSSARY
108 City of San Mateo May 2023

Climate change: The term “climate change” is sometimes used to refer to all forms of climatic inconsistency, but because the earth’s climate is never static, the term is more properly used to imply a significant change from one climatic condition to another.

Co-benefit: An additional benefit occurring from the impl ementation of a greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction measure that is not directly related to reducing GHG emissions.

Complete streets: Complete streets policies ensure that transportation planners and engineers consistently design and operate the entire roadway with all potential users in mind. This includes private vehicles, bicyclists, public transportation vehicles and riders, and pedestrians of all ages and abilities.

Emissions factor: A number that describes the amount of greenhouse gases (GHG) released per unit of a certain activity (e.g., GHGs per unit of natural gas used). Factor s are provided by utility companies, State agencies, and guidance documents.

Energy conservation: Reducing energy waste, such as turning off lights, heating, and motors when not needed.

Energy efficiency: Doing the same or more work with less energy, such as replacing incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs or buying an Energy Star appliance to use less energy for the same or greater output.

Energy efficiency standards (Title 24 Part 6): California’s energy efficiency standards, also called the California Energy Code (Part 6 of Title 24, the California Building Standards Code), were first adopted in 1978 and established minimum energy efficiency standards for resi dential and nonresidential buildings. These standards are updated every few years by providing more stringent energy budgets for new buildings to reduce California’s energy consumption, eventually working toward a zero-net energy standard for new construction.

Energy Star: A joint program of the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Energy to provide consumers with information and incentives to purchase the most energy efficient products available.

Environmental Impact Report (EIR): A report required by the California Environmental Quality Act that assesses all the environmental characteristics of an area and determines what effects or impacts will result if the area is altered or disturbed by a proposed action or project. See California Environmental Quality Act.

Global warming potential (GWP): An index used to translate the level of emissions of various gases into a common measure to compare the relative potency of different gases without directly calculating the changes in atmospheric concentrations. Greenhouse gases are expres sed in terms of carbon dioxide equivalent. Global warming potentials are expressed in terms relative to carbon dioxide, which has a global warming potential of 1.

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GLOSSARY
July 2023 Climate Action Plan 109

Green building: Sustainable or “green” building is a holistic approach to design, construction, and demolition that minimizes the building’s impact on the environment, the occupants, and the community. See the California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) for green building regulations in California.

Greenhouse gas/gases (GHG): Gases that cause heat to be trapped in the atmosphere, warming the earth. GHGs are necessary to keep the earth warm but increasing co ncentrations of these gases are implicated in global climate change. GHGs include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, sulfur hexafluoride, and nitrogen trifluoride. The majority of GHGs come from natural sources, although human activity is also a major contributor.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory: Provides estimates of the amount of GHGs emitted to and removed from the atmosphere by human activities. A city or county that conducts an inventory looks at both community emissions sources and emissions from government operations. A base year is chosen and used to gather all data from that year. Inventories include data collection from such things as vehicle miles traveled, energy usage from electricity and gas, and waste.

Greywater: Wastewater collected from showers, bathtubs, dishwashers, bathroom sinks, and clothes washing machines that is reused on-site for irrigation and other non-potable (i.e., non-drinkable) purposes.

Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO): A federally funded transportation planning organization comprising representatives from local government agencies and transportation authorities.

Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC): The MPO for the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area. It is responsible for securing and distributing funding for transportation planning and construction projects, working with local and regional public transit providers to improve the effectiveness of service, and encouraging development within existing urbanized areas to minimize the loss of agriculture and open space. It also operates the region’s seven state-owned toll bridges and the Clipper transit fare card.

Micromobility: A mode of transportation that uses lightweigh t, usually powered, devices, such as electric scooters, electric-assist bicycles, and electric skateboards.

Mixed-fuel building: A building that uses multiple sources of energy to operate applies and devices. In most of California, including San Mateo, this refers to buildings that use both electricity and natural gas.

Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE): A community choice aggregation program run by the local governments of San Mateo County to provide electricity to San Mateo Count y community members. PCE purchases electricity on behalf of its customers and distributes it through existing power lines owned by PG&E. It is the default electricity supplier for San Mateo County.

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GLOSSARY
110 City of San Mateo May 2023

Quantification: The process of determining the amount of greenhouse gas emissions reduced by each measure.

Recycled water: Wastewater from tubs, toilets, and sinks inside homes and offices that is cleaned through a treatment process, producing non-potable water that is safe for landscapes, raw vegetable crops, and agricultural crops.

Reduction measure: A goal, strategy, program, or set of actions that target and reduce a specific source of greenhouse gas emissions.

Regional Transportation Plan (RTP): A long-term blueprint of the region’s transportation systems. The RTP is a federally mandated comprehensive long-range region al planning document that identifies the region’s transportation needs, sets forth an action plan of projects, determines actions and programs to address the needs and issues, and documents the financial resources needed to implement the RTP. Plan Bay Area, the combined RTP and SCS for the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area, was last adopted in 2017.

Renewable energy: Energy from sources that regenerate and are less damaging to the environment, such as solar, wind, biomass, and small-scale hydroelectric power.

Renewables Portfolio Standard (RPS): A regulation requiring utility companies in California to increase the production of renewable energy from solar, wind, or biomass, or geothermal sources.

Sector: A category of activities responsible for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, such as transportation, water use, or energy use. Sectors may comprise multiple GHG sources and activities.

Senate Bill (SB) 97: Requires lead agencies to analyze greenhouse gas emissions and climate change impacts under the California Environmental Quality Act.

Senate Bill (SB) 375: Directs the metropolitan planning organizati ons in California to create a sustainable communities strategy (SCS) as part of the regional transportation plan. The SCS will demonstrate how the region will achieve the 2020 and 2035 greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets for the region set by the California Air Resources Board.

Senate Bill (SB) 1383: Requires businesses and residents to separate their organic waste from other waste streams for recycling or composting with a target for reducing organic waste disposal in landfills by 75 percent by 2025. Requires local jurisdictions to implement organic waste recycling programs to meet these goals.

Shared mobility: A means of transportation using shared devices, such as bicycles and scooters, that users rent for short periods of time.

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GLOSSARY
July 2023 Climate Action Plan 111

Sustainability: Community use of natural resources in a way that does not jeopardize the ability of future generations to live and prosper.

Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS): The land use element of each metropolitan planning organization’s regional transportation plan as required by Senate Bill 375. The SCS will demonstrate how the region will achieve the 2020 and 2035 vehicle miles traveled and greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets for the region set by the California Air Resources Board. Plan Bay Area, the combined RTP and SCS for the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area, was last adopted in 2017.

Sustainable development: Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Transit-oriented development (TOD): A mixed-use residential or commercial area designed to maximize access to transit options.

Transportation demand management (TDM): A voluntary or mandatory program developed by local agencies, large employers, or high traffic commercial services to limit the amount of congestion and pollution related to transportation demand. TDM plans may include incentives, regulations, and education about transportation alternatives.

Transportation network company (TNC): A company whose service allows users to request an on-demand ride from drivers using their own personal vehicles to transport users. Lyft and Uber are the most prominent examples.

Vehicle miles traveled (VMT): A key measure of overall street and highway use. Reducing VMT is often a major objective in efforts to reduce vehicular congestion and achieve regional air quality goals.

Water conservation: Reducing water use, such as by turning off taps, shortening shower times, and reducing outdoor irrigation demand.

Water-efficient landscape: Native or low-water-using landscapes. Wa ter-efficient landscapes are required by law in all cities and counties in California to conserve water.

Water use efficiency: Replacing older technologies and practices in order to accomplish the same results with less water, for example, by replacing toilets with new high efficiency models and by installing “smart controllers” in irrigated areas.

Zero net energy: Generating as much energy as is used, over the course of a year. For example, a zero net energy building will generate as much energy on-site as it uses annually.

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GLOSSARY
112 City of San Mateo May 2023

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Works Cited
This list is a general list of sources used to broadly inform preparation of the CAP. Appendix A lists the sources used to specifically quantify individual GHG reduction measures.

Bay Area Air Quality Management District. 2022. “California Environmental Quality Act: Pre-release Version of Appendix C Guidance for GHG Reduction Strategies.”
———. 2022. “Justification Report: CEQA Thresholds for Evaluating the Significance of Climate Impacts From Land Use Projects and Plans.”
California Air Pollution Control Officers Association. 2021. “Handbook for Analyzing Greenhouse Gas Emission Reductions, Assessing Climate Vulnerabilities, and Advancing Health and Equity.” California Air Resources Board. 2011. “Local Government Operations Protocol for Greenhouse Gas Assessments.” https://ww3.arb.ca.gov/cc/protocols/localgov/localgov.htm. ———. 2022. “AB 32 Scoping Plan.” https://ww3.arb.ca.gov/cc/scopingplan/scopingplan.htm.

California Energy Commission. “Cal-Adapt.” https://cal-adapt.org/.

California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, California Energy Commission, and California Natural Resources Agency. “California’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment.” http://www.climateassessment.ca.gov/.

City of San Mateo. 2015. San Mateo 2015 Climate Action Plan . https://www.cityofsanmateo.org/DocumentCenter/View/65426/San-Mateo-CAP---Adopted?bidId=.

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WORKS CITED
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———. 2020, 2021, and 2022. “CAP Progress Updates.” https://www.cityofsanmateo.org/3962/CAP-Progress- Updates.

County of San Mateo. 2019. “RICAPS Program.” https://performance.smcgov.org/stories/s/RICAPS/xzkp-fn3v/.

ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability USA. 2012. US Community Protocol for Accounting and Reporting of Greenhouse Gas Emissions. http://www.icleiusa.org/tools/ghgprotocol/community-protocol.

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. 2013. IPCC Fifth Assessment Report: Climate Change 2013: The Physical Science Basis. http://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar5/wg1/.

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Appendix 1:

Technical Appendix:

Methods and
Assumptions

GHG REDUCTION MEASURE QUANTIFICATION
This appendix summarizes data sources, assumptions, and performance metrics used to calculate greenhouse gas emissions reductions for the City of San Mateo Climate Action Plan. The sources and metrics are organized by measure and rely on four primary types of data an d research: (1) San Mateo’s GHG emissions inventory and forecast, (2) government agency tools and reports, (3) ca se studies in similar jurisdictions, and (4) scholarly research.

Further, the quantification approaches are consistent with guidance provided by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) for development of a Qualified GHG Reduction Strategy. The baseline GHG inventory and forecast serve as the foundation for the quantification of the City’s GHG reduction measures.

Activity data from the inventory form the basis of measure quantification, including vehicle miles traveled (VMT), kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity or therms of natural gas consumed, and tons of waste disposed. Activity data were combined with the performance targets and indicators identified by the City and consultants. The activity data and performance targets and indicators were used throughout the quantification process to calculate the

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APPENDIX 1
1-2 City of San Mateo July 2023

emissions reduction benefit of each measure. This approach ensures that San Mateo’s GHG emissions reductions are tied to the baseline and to future activities occurring within the City.

Emissions Factors
Table 1-1 lists the emissions factors used to quantify emissi ons reductions in the CAP. These emission factors reflect the GHG reductions from existing and planned acco mplishments, as well as PCE, to the extent feasible.

They do not reflect the average emission factors with full implementation of this CAP.

Table 1-1: Emissions Coefficients for CAP Measures
Source 2005 2019 2030 2040 2045 Source
MTCO2e per mile
driven (with Pavley) 0.000464 0.000392 0.000312 0.000277 0.000269 EMFAC 2021 MTCO2e per Caltrain
passenger mile 0.004371 0.002506 0.000629 0.000627 0.000626 Caltrain, US
Community
Protocol
MTCO2e per kWh
(PCE) - 0.000045 0.000000 0.000000 0.000000 PCE, US EPA MTCO2e per kWh
(PG&E) 0.000223 0.000002 0.000002 0.000001 0.000000 PG&E, US EPA MTCO2e per kWh
(direct access) 0.000057 0.000212 0.000152 0.000095 0.000000 CEC, US EPA MTCO2e per kWh
(weighted
community average)

0.000160 0.000054 0.000010 0.000006 0.000000 PCE, PG&E, CEC, US EPA
MTCO2e per therm 0.005292 0.005319 0.005319 0.005319 0.005319 US Community Protocol
MTCO2e per ton of
waste 0.207521 0.253266 0.236134 0.236134 0. 236134
CARB Landfill
Emissions Tool
v1.3

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TECHNICAL APPENDIX: METHODS AND ASSUMPTIONS
July 2023 Climate Action Plan 1-3

These emissions coefficients were calculated as follows, using data from the GHG inventory and forecast:
x MTCO2e per mile driven: Divide the emissions from on-road transportation by the number of on-road vehicle miles traveled.
x MTCO2e per passenger mile : For Caltrain, divide the emissions from Caltrain activities related to San Mateo by the number of passenger miles attributed to San Mateo. x MTCO2e per kWh: Divide the sum of the emissions for residential and commercial electricity use by the sum of the kWh for these two sources, for each electricity provider. x MTCO2e per therm: Divide the sum of the emissions from residential and commercial natural gas by the sum of the therms used by these two sources.
x MTCO2e per ton of waste: Divide the sum of the emissions from landfilled waste and waste in place by the sum of the tons of waste in these sources.

TECHNICAL DATA FOR EXISTING AND PLANNED LOCAL AND REGIONAL ACTIVITIES Data sources, methods, and assumptions for the quantification of the existing and planned local and regional activities are provided below. Note that some existi ng and planned local activities may not have assumptions and/or performance metrics. The GHG reductions shown fo r existing and planned local and regional activities are only in addition to any reductions achieved by existing or planned State efforts.

Peninsula Clean Energy
GHG Reduction

2030 2040 2045
Emissions reduction (MTCO2e) 20,000 13,750 0
Performance Indicators

2030 2040 2045
Electricity supplied by PCE (kWh) 495,153,490 487,569,650 501,096,050 PCE electricity supplied to ECO100 customers (kWh) 27,614,500 27,614,500 27,614,500

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GHG Method
For overall electricity supplied by PCE, the project team identified the current fraction of community electricity supplied by PCE and applied this ratio to future projections of electricity use. The team subtracted the amount of PCE-supplied electricity in 2020 from this future projec tion to obtain the increase in PCE electricity supplies, then multiplied this value by an emissions factor that reflects PCE’s future energy procurement plans. For ECO100, the project team identified how much electricity is served to ECO100 and applied an emissions factor that reflects the community’s weighted average of electricity sources to determine the overall amount of averted emissions.

GHG Sources
California Energy Commission. 2023. 2019 Power Content Label: Peninsula Clean Energy . https://www.energy.ca.gov/filebrowser/download/3244.

Doubrovskaia, M. 2023. Peninsula Clean Energy. Personal communication to A. Chow, City of San Mateo. April

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July 2023 Climate Action Plan 1-5

Energy-efficiency retrofits
Activity and GHG Reductions

2030 2040 2045
Electricity savings (kWh) 136,470 136,470 136,470
Natural gas savings (therms) 5,910 5,910 5,910
Emissions reduction (MTCO2e) 30 30 30
GHG Method
The project team collected data on the savings from energy efficiency retrofits, as reported by the San Mateo County Energy Watch and BayREN. The team then multiplied these values by the appropriate emissions factor in order to calculate GHG reductions.

GHG Sources
City of San Mateo. 2021. Climate Action Plan Progress Report . https://sanmateo.primegov.com/Portal/viewer?id=4766&type=2

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Solar energy installation
Activity and GHG Reduction

2030 2040 2045
Electricity savings (kWh) 5,695,620 5,695,620 5,695,620 Emissions reduction (MTCO2e) 20 10 0

GHG Method
The project team obtained data on the number and generation potential of new solar energy installations in San Mateo. The team then used a National Renewables Ener gy Laboratory tool to determine how much electricity can be produced in San Mateo, on average, per kilo watt of generation potential, and calculated the total electricity generated annually from these installations. The project team applied a weighted average community electricity emissions factor to this total to determine GHG reductions.

GHG Sources
California Solar Initiative. 2023. “California Distributed Generation Statistics.” https://www.californiadgstats.ca.gov/downloads/
City of San Mateo. 2022. Climate Action Plan Progress Report . https://sanmateo.primegov.com/Portal/viewer?id=6472&type=2 National Renewable Energy Laboratory. n.d. “PVWatts Calculator.” https://pvwatts.nrel.gov/.

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TECHNICAL APPENDIX: METHODS AND ASSUMPTIONS
July 2023 Climate Action Plan 1-7

Municipal energy-efficiency retrofits
Activity and GHG Reduction

2030 2040 2045
Electricity savings (kWh) 1,831,170 1,831,170 1,831,170 Natural gas savings (therms) 22,870 22,870 22,870
Emissions reduction (MTCO2e) 160 160 160
GHG Method
The project team reviewed the results of the energy efficiency analysis provided by PG&E, which identifies anticipated electricity and natural gas savings from im plementing the SST retrofits. The team applied the appropriate electricity and natural gas emissions factor to determine the overall GHG reduction.

GHG Sources
City of San Mateo. 2021. Climate Action Plan Progress Report . https://sanmateo.primegov.com/Portal/viewer?id=4766&type=2

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Public-access EV chargers
GHG Reduction

2030 2040 2045
Emissions reduction (MTCO2e) Less than 10 Less than 10 Less than 10 Performance Indicators

2030 2040 2045
Net increase in EV VMT 258,720 258,720 258,720
Net increase in electricity use (kWh) 87,960 87,960 87,960 GHG Method
The project team collected information on the number of public EV chargers in San Mateo and used factors about the average charging use of public EV chargers to estimate how many VMT of EV use the public chargers in the community support annually. The project team then estimated the electricity use from these EV chargers.

Next, the team applied the appropriate emissions factors to the VMT and electricity use figures and took the difference between the two as the net reduction in GHG emissions.

GHG Sources
Chow, A. 2023. City of San Mateo. Personal communication to E. Krispi, PlaceWorks. April 14.

ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability. n.d. Climate and Air Pollution Planning Assistant v 1.5.

US Environmental Protection Agency. n.d. “Interactive Version of the Electric Vehicle Label.” https://www.epa.gov/fueleconomy/interactive-version-electric-vehicle-label.

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TECHNICAL APPENDIX: METHODS AND ASSUMPTIONS
July 2023 Climate Action Plan 1-9

Transportation Demand Management
Activity and GHG Reduction

2030 2040 2045
Transportation savings (VMT) 725,620 700,370 687,710
Emissions reduction (MTCO2e) 190 170 160
GHG Method
The project team obtained information from the San Ma teo Rail Corridor Area Transportation Management Agency to identify the mandatory reductions in trip generation as a result of existing and under-construction developments subject to TDM provisions and combined this information with results from the inventory and forecast to estimate the decrease in VMT resulting from TDM. The project team applied the community-wide VMT emissions coefficient to this figure to determine the GHG reductions.

GHG Sources
Lim, L. 2019. City of San Mateo. Personal communication to A. Chow, City of San Mateo. January 3.

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Additional Bicycle Lanes
Activity and GHG Reduction

2030 2040 2045
VMT savings 97,990 111,570 119,050
Emissions reduction (MTCO2e) 30 30 30

Performance Indicators

2030 2040 2045
Additional bicycle lanes (miles) 6.4 6.4 6.4
GHG Method
The project team reviewed the Bicycle Master Plan showing the increase in bicycle lanes planned for 2020 along with the number of bicycle lanes that have been constructed since the 2019 inventory. The team used this information and the proposed methodology from the Cali fornia Air Pollution Control Officers Association to calculate the percentage decrease in VMT associated with an increase in bicycle lanes and applied the VMT emissions factor for personal vehicles to determine the GHG reductions associated with this existing accomplishment.

GHG Sources
California Air Pollution Control Officers Association. 2021. “Handbook for Analyzing Greenhouse Gas Emission Reductions, Assessing Climate Vulnerabilities, and Advancing Health and Equity.” Chow, A. 2023. City of San Mateo. Personal communication to E. Krispi, PlaceWorks. April 14 U.S. Census Bureau. 2023. 2014 – 2019 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, B08006: Sex of Workers by Means of Transportation to Work [data table].

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TECHNICAL APPENDIX: METHODS AND ASSUMPTIONS
July 2023 Climate Action Plan 1-11

Caltrain electrification
Activity and GHG Reduction

2030 2040 2045
Electricity use increase (kWh) 11,852,700 11,852,700 11,852,700 Emissions reduction (MTCO2e) 3,560 4,200 4,560
GHG Method
The project team reviewed information from the Caltrain electrification project EIR to estimate decreases in diesel use and increases in electricity use from electrification. The team combined these data with information from the inventory to scale these changes in activity data spec ifically to San Mateo. The team applied the Caltrain emissions factors from the inventory to determine net GHG reductions from electrification.

GHG Sources
Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board. 2014. Peninsula Corridor Electrification Project Draft Environmental Impact Report.
http://www.caltrain.com/projectsplans/CaltrainModernization/Modernization/PeninsulaCorridorElectrificatio nProject/PCEP_DEIR_2014.html.

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TECHNICAL DATA FOR QUANTIFIED MEASURES
Data sources, methods, and assumptions for the quantification of CAP measures are provided below.

BE 1 All-electric new construction
Assumptions

2030 2040 2045
Cumulative % of residential construction influenced by energy efficiency reach code: 90% 95% 95%
Cumulative % of office commercial construction influenced by energy efficiency reach code: 85% 90% 95%
Cumulative % of non-office commercial construction influenced by energy efficiency reach code: 40% 60% 90%
Cumulative % new non-residential buildings that are office space: 59% 64% 64% Activity and GHG reductions

2030 2040 2045
Electricity savings (kWh) -8,588,290 -15,674,440 -19,303,790 Natural gas savings (therms) 3,099,740

5,653,260

6,936,870

Emissions reduction (MTCO2e) 21,070 38,450 47,250

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TECHNICAL APPENDIX: METHODS AND ASSUMPTIONS
July 2023 Climate Action Plan 1-13

Performance indicators

2030 2040 2045
Number of all-electric
new construction
residential housing units
8,280 new construction
residential housing units
built all-electric.
19,360 new construction
residential housing units
built all-electric.
25,500 new construction
residential housing units
built all-electric.

Square feet of all-electric
new construction non-
residential buildings
837,280 square feet of
new construction non-
residential buildings built
all-electric.
2,264,130 square feet of
new construction non-
residential buildings built
all-electric.
3,424,010 square feet of
new construction non-
residential buildings built
all-electric.

GHG Method
The project team obtained data from Strive San Mateo General Plan 2040 Land Use Element on projected buildout of nonresidential buildings in San Mateo and da ta from Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) Plan Bay Area on projected buildout of households in San Mateo out to 2045, and used these data to estimate the number of new buildings that would be impacted by an all-electric new construction reach code. The team identified the average amount of natural gas used per household are per nonresidential square foot and data on the equivalent amount of electricity that would be requir ed in an all-electric version of similar buildings and applied this information to the projected number of ne w buildings built in order to estimate the projected reduction in natural gas consumption and the projected increase in electricity consumption resulting from the policy. The team then applied the emission factor for avoided natural gas consumption to estimate the emissions reduction associated with reduced natural gas consumpt ion, and the emission factor for electricity use to estimate the emissions increase associated with increased electricity consumption. The net resulting emissions is the estimated emissions avoided from the policy.

GHG Sources
California Energy Commission. 2006. "California Commercial End-Use Survey.” https://ww2.energy.ca.gov/ceus/2006_enduse.html
California Energy Commission. 2009. "2009 California Residential Appliance Saturation Study.” https://ww2.energy.ca.gov/appliances/rass/previous_rass.html

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BE 2 All-electric existing buildings
Assumptions

2030 2040 2045
Cumulative percent of commercial buildings that are office space 59% 64% 64% Cumulative percent of residential gas equipment reaching end of life replaced with electric due to panel incentive 35% 40% 50% Cumulative percent of residential electrical panel upgrades resulting in EV purchase 50% 35% 20%
Cumulative percent of office gas equipment reaching end of life replaced with electric due to panel incentive 70% 75% 90% Cumulative percent of office electrical panel upgrades resulting in EV charging installation 40% 30% 20%
Cumulative percent of EV purchases replacing gasoline vehicle 98% 97% 96% Cumulative percent of EV purchases replacing diesel vehicle 3% 3% 4% Activity and GHG reductions

2030 2040 2045
Electricity savings (kWh) -80,105,780 -125,747,100 -133,624,540 Natural gas savings (therms) 5,002,490 11,459,340 17,775,000 Emissions reduction (MTCO2e) 102,210 184,610 221,260

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TECHNICAL APPENDIX: METHODS AND ASSUMPTIONS
July 2023 Climate Action Plan 1-15

Performance indicators

2030 2040 2045
Existing residential gas
to electric HVAC
conversions
9,890 existing residential
gas HVAC systems
replaced with electric
HVAC systems.
22,620 existing residential
gas HVAC systems
replaced with electric
HVAC systems.
35,340 existing
residential gas HVAC
systems replaced with
electric HVAC systems.

Existing residential gas
to electric water heating
conversions
14,840 existing residential
gas water heaters
replaced with electric
HVAC systems.
33,920 existing residential
gas water heaters
replaced with electric
HVAC systems.
53,000 existing
residential gas water
heaters replaced with
electric HVAC systems.

Existing residential gas
to electric clothes drying
conversions
7,420 existing residential
gas clothes dryers
replaced with electric
clothes dryers.
16,960 existing residential
gas clothes dryers
replaced with electric
clothes dryers.
26,500 existing
residential gas clothes
dryers replaced with
electric clothes dryers.

Existing residential gas
to electric cooking
conversions
5,940 existing residential
gas ranges and ovens
replaced with electric
ranges and ovens.
13,570 existing residential
gas ranges and ovens
replaced with electric
ranges and ovens.
21,200 existing
residential gas ranges
and ovens replaced with
electric ranges and ovens.

Existing residential
electrical panel
upgrades
19,050 existing residential
electrical panels
upgraded.
43,530 existing residential
electrical panels
upgraded.
68,020 existing
residential electrical
panels upgraded.

Square feet of existing
offices receiving gas to
electric HVAC
conversions
5,523,120 square feet of
existing office buildings
replace existing gas
HVAC systems with
electric HVAC systems.
12,778,100 square feet of
existing office buildings
replace existing gas
HVAC systems with
electric HVAC systems.
19,167,150 square feet of
existing office buildings
replace existing gas
HVAC systems with
electric HVAC systems.

Square feet of existing
offices receiving gas to
electric water heating
conversions
8,284,680 square feet of
existing office buildings
replace existing gas water
heaters with electric
water heaters.
19,167,150 square feet of
existing office buildings
replace existing gas water
heaters with electric
water heaters.
28,750,730 square feet of
existing office buildings
replace existing gas water
heaters with electric
water heaters.

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1-16 City of San Mateo July 2023

2030 2040 2045
Square feet of existing
offices receiving gas to
electric cooking
conversions
6,627,740 square feet of
existing office buildings
replace existing gas
ranges and ovens with
electric ranges and ovens.
15,333,720 square feet of
existing office buildings
replace existing gas
ranges and ovens with
electric ranges and ovens.
23,000,580 square feet of
existing office buildings
replace existing gas
ranges and ovens with
electric ranges and ovens.

Square feet of existing
offices receiving
electrical panel
upgrades
10,217,770 square feet of
existing office buildings
electrical panels
upgraded.
23,639,490 square feet of
existing office buildings
electrical panels
upgraded.
35,459,230 square feet of
existing office buildings
electrical panels
upgraded.

Number of electric
vehicles
purchased/leased to
replace internal
combustion engine (ICE)
vehicles
16,750 electric vehicles
purchased or leased by
residents or commuters
to replace internal
combustion engine
vehicles.
27,780 electric vehicles
purchased or leased by
residents or commuters
to replace internal
combustion engine
vehicles.
26,150 electric vehicles
purchased or leased by
residents or commuters
to replace internal
combustion engine
vehicles.

Existing office parking
spaces with EV charging:
8,170 EV charging ports
installed at existing office
buildings.
14,180 EV charging ports
installed at existing office
buildings.
14,180 EV charging ports
installed at existing office
buildings.

Existing residential
parking spaces with EV
charging:
9,520 EV charging ports
installed at existing
residential buildings.
15,240 EV charging ports
installed at existing
residential buildings.
13,600 EV charging ports
installed at existing
residential buildings.

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TECHNICAL APPENDIX: METHODS AND ASSUMPTIONS
July 2023 Climate Action Plan 1-17

GHG Method
The project team used data from Strive San Mateo Gener al Plan 2040 Land Use Element on projected buildout of residential and nonresidential buildings in San Ma teo and data from Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) Plan Bay Area on projected buildout of households in San Mateo out to 2045 to estimate the number of existing buildings that would be impacted by a policy aimed at providing incentives to encourage residents and businesses to upgrade electric panels and adopt all-elec tric technologies. The team identified the percent of natural gas equipment (e.g., water heaters) that would be replaced at end of life if this policy existed, using the average life of natural gas equipment to estimate the number of each type of equipment type that would be replaced per year. Next, the project team consulted reports on the average amount of natural gas consumed by each type of equipment to estimate the natural gas consumption avoided through electrification of natural gas equipment. The team used data on energy factors by equipment type to estimate the resulting increase in electricity use resulting from the replacement of natural gas equipment with electric equipment. The team also identified performance indicators for the percent of EV chargers that would be installed as a result of this policy and the resulting number of EVs that would be purchased due to accessibility of charging. The team used data on the average VMT by a passenger vehicle, average efficiency of gasoline vehicles, average efficiency of diesel vehicles, and average efficiency of electric vehicles to estimate the resulting gasoline and diesel consumption avoided and increase in electricity use resulting from the replacement of gasoline and diesel vehicles with electric vehicles. Last, the team applied the appropriate emission factors for natural gas consumption, electricity use, gasoline consumption, and diesel consumption to estimate the emissions reduction associated with a reduction in natural gas consumption, gasoline consumption, an d diesel consumption and the increase in emissions associated with an increase in electricity consumption. The net resulting emissions is the estimated emissions avoided from the policy.

ASHRAE, 2017. "ASHRAE Technical FAQ". https://www.ashrae.org/technical-resources/technical-faqs.

US Department of Energy. 2019. www.fueleconomy.gov. https://www.fueleconomy.gov/.

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1-18 City of San Mateo July 2023

California Air Resources Board. 2022. “EMFAC2021 Web Database”. https://arb.ca.gov/emfac/.

National Renewable Energy Laboratory. 2018. "CEC EV Infrastructure Projection Tool (EVI-Pro)." https://afdc.energy.gov/evi-pro-lite.

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TECHNICAL APPENDIX: METHODS AND ASSUMPTIONS
July 2023 Climate Action Plan 1-19

RE I Peninsula Clean Energy
GHG Assumptions

2030 2040 2045
Percent of residents enrolling in PCE 98% 99% 99.5%
Percent of businesses enrolling in PCE 98% 99% 99.5%
Percent of direct access customers switching to PCE 2% 4% 5% GHG Reductions

2030 2040 2045
Emissions reduction (MTCO2e) 160 170 0
Performance Indicators

2030 2040 2045
PCE opt-out rate 1.0% 1.0% 0.5%
kWh supplied by ECO 100 32,959,210 43,792,410 55,425,750

GHG Method
The project team identified the amount of electricity from San Mateo customers projected to switch from PG&E to PCE service, and PCE customers upgrading to ECO100. The team next applied the difference in PG&E and PCE emissions factors for both regular and ECO100 service to identify the decrease in GHG emissions.

GHG Sources
California Energy Commission. 2018. 2017 Power Content Label: Peninsula Clean Energy . https://ww2.energy.ca.gov/pcl/labels/2017_labels/PCE_2017_PCL.pdf.

City of San Mateo. 2020. 2020 Climate Action Plan Annual Progress Report . https://www.cityofsanmateo.org/3962/CAP-Progress-Updates.

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RE 2 Renewable energy systems for new and existing residences GHG Assumptions

2030 2040 2045
Percent of existing homes installing solar energy systems 15% 25% 30% Percent of existing homes with solar energy systems installing battery storage systems 20% 35% 50%
Percent of new homes installing battery storage systems 25% 40% 60% GHG Reduction
2030 2040 2045
Emissions reduction (MTCO2e) 70 160 0
Performance Indicators

2030 2040 2045
Number of homes built before 2018 with solar panels 4,960 8,540 10,530 Number of total homes (existing and new) with battery energy systems 1,500 12,040 22,710
GHG Method
For solar energy systems, the project team identified the number of existing homes in San Mateo that could be projected to have a solar energy system. Using data from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the team identified how much electricity these solar energy systems could generate annually and applied the community- wide electricity factor to identify electricity savings. For battery systems, the team identified the number of new and existing homes installing solar energy systems and determined the number of these homes that could install a battery energy system. Assuming that battery systems fully charge and discharge once a day, the team identified how much additional renewable energy storage capacity would be enabled by the batteries. The project team then again applied the community-wide electricity factor to identify electricity savings.

GHG Sources
National Renewable Energy Laboratory. n.d. “PVWatts Calculator.” https://pvwatts.nrel.gov/.

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July 2023 Climate Action Plan 1-21

Regional Climate Action Planning Suite. 2019. RICAPS Menu of Measures version 4.1 [data table].

RE 3 Renewable energy systems for new and existing nonresidential buildings GHG Assumptions

2030 2040 2045
Percent of existing businesses installing solar energy systems 6% 10% 15% Percent of existing businesses with solar energy systems installing battery storage systems 15% 25% 40%
GHG reductions

2030 2040 2045
Emissions reduction (MTCO2e) 60 90 0
Performance indicators

2030 2040 2045
Number of businesses built before 2018 with solar panels 180 340 550 Number of existing businesses with battery energy systems 40 100 240 GHG Method
The project team identified the number of existing busi nesses in San Mateo that could be projected to have a solar energy system. Using data from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the team identified how much electricity these solar energy systems could generate annually and applied the community-wide electricity factor to identify electricity savings. Next, the team identified the number of existing businesses installing solar energy systems and determined the number of these businesses that could install a battery energy system. Assuming that battery systems fully charge and discharge once a day, the team identified how much additional renewable energy storage capacity would be enabled by the batteries. The project team then again applied the community- wide electricity factor to identify electricity savings.

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APPENDIX 1
1-22 City of San Mateo July 2023

GHG Sources
National Renewable Energy Laboratory. n.d. “PVWatts Calculator.” https://pvwatts.nrel.gov/.

Regional Climate Action Planning Suite. 2019. RICAPS Menu of Measures version 4.1 [data table].

EE 1 Residential energy efficiency retrofits
Assumptions

2030 2040 2045
Percent of existing homes conducting standard retrofits (not including fuel-switched homes) 15% 18% 20%
Percent of existing homes retrofitting to current Title 24 standards (not including fuel-switched homes) 20% 25% 30%
Activity and GHG reductions
2030 2040 2045
Electricity savings (kWh) 9,137,050 7,303,020 6,039,130 Natural gas savings (therms) 903,660 1,030,250 996,860
Emissions reduction (MTCO2e) 6,160 7,020 6,790

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TECHNICAL APPENDIX: METHODS AND ASSUMPTIONS
July 2023 Climate Action Plan 1-23

Performance indicators

2030 2040 2045
Number of
homes
retrofitted
2,290 single-family homes
and 1,840 multifamily homes
undergoing standard
retrofits, and 3,060 single-
family homes and 2,450
multifamily homes being
upgraded to current Title 24
standards
2,540 single-family homes
and 2,040 multifamily homes
undergoing standard
retrofits, and 3,530 single-
family homes and 2,830
multifamily homes being
upgraded to current Title 24
standards
2,350 single-family homes
and 1,890 multifamily homes
undergoing standard
retrofits, and 3,530 single-
family homes and 2,830
multifamily homes being
upgraded to current Title 24
standards
GHG Method
The project team looked at reports from retrofit programs throughout California to identify the typical electricity and natural gas savings from single-family and multi-fa mily home retrofits and applied these savings to the energy use patterns of residences in San Mateo. The team next reviewed current and projected future Title 24 standards against the current energy performance of San Mateo homes and projections of future San Mateo Title 24 retrofits to determine the typical electricity and natural gas savings. The team then applied the appropriate emissions factors to the energy savings estimates to determine GHG reductions.

GHG Sources
California Energy Commission. 2014. Impact Evaluation of the California Comprehensive Residential Retrofit Programs.

EE 2 Nonresidential energy efficiency retrofits
Assumptions

2030 2040 2045
Percent of existing businesses conducting standard retrofits (not including fuel-switched businesses) 25% 35% 10%
Percent of existing businesses retrofitting to current Title 24 standards (not including fuel-switched businesses) 15% 40% 75%

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Activity and GHG Reduction

2030 2040 2045
Electricity savings (kWh) 22,252,780 60,968,630 93,592,880 Natural gas savings (therms) 535,400 1,266,570 1,964,000 Emissions reduction (MTCO2e) 3,800 8,860 13,380
Performance Indicators

2030 2040 2045
Number of
businesses
retrofitted
590 businesses undergoing
standard retrofits, and 360
businesses upgraded to
current Title 24 standards.
740 businesses undergoing
standard retrofits, and 840
businesses upgraded to
current Title 24 standards.
170 businesses undergoing
standard retrofits, and 1,300
businesses upgraded to
current Title 24 standards.

GHG Method
The project team looked at reports of the energy savings from different types of nonresidential energy efficiency retrofits to identify the typical electricity and natural gas savings from these activities and applied these savings to the energy use patterns of San Mateo businesses. The team next reviewed current and projected future Title 24 standards against the current energy performance of San Mateo businesses and projections of future San Mateo Title 24 retrofits to determine the typical electric ity and natural gas savings. The team then applied the appropriate emissions factors to the energy savings estimates to determine GHG reductions.

GHG Sources
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. 2011. Advanced Energy Retrofit Guides: Office Buildings. https://www.pnnl.gov/main/publications/external/technical_reports/PNNL-20761.pdf.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. 2011. Adva nced Energy Retrofit Guides: Retail Buildings. https://www.pnnl.gov/main/publications/external/technical_reports/PNNL-20814.pdf.

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TECHNICAL APPENDIX: METHODS AND ASSUMPTIONS
July 2023 Climate Action Plan 1-25

EE 3 Residential tree planting
Assumptions

2030 2040 2045
Percent of households with shade trees 10% 25% 35%
Activity and GHG reduction

2030 2040 2045
Electricity savings (kWh) 793,560 1,889,740 2,837,540
Emissions reduction (MTCO2e) Less than 10 Less than 10 0 Performance Indicators
2030 2040 2045
Number of households with shade trees 4,240 13,130 22,330 GHG Method
The GHG inventory and reports from PG&E were used to identify per business energy use in San Mateo, while data from the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, the California Energy Commission, and academic studies were used to determine reductions per home. These results were combined with participation rates to calculate total reductions in energy use from this measure. The outcome was then combined with emissions factors from the inventory to determine GHG reductions.

GHG Sources
The project team reviewed studies about the typical electricity savings from reduced air conditioning demand associated with tree planting. The team then applied this information to projections of future participation and the energy use patterns in San Mateo to identify total electricity reduction. Next, the team converted this to GHG emission savings using the appropriate emissions factors.

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APPENDIX 1
1-26 City of San Mateo July 2023

ME 1 Energy efficiency for new municipal buildings
GHG Assumptions, Reductions, and Performance Indicators This measure is supportive due to the lack of informat ion about future municipal construction. There are no assumptions, activity or GHG reductions, or performance indicators for supportive measures.

GHG Method
Supportive measures do not produce direct, measurable GHG reductions, so no calculations were made.

GHG Sources
Supportive measures do not produce direct, measurable GHG reductions. There are no sources for GHG reduction calculations for supportive measures.

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TECHNICAL APPENDIX: METHODS AND ASSUMPTIONS
July 2023 Climate Action Plan 1-27

ME 2 Energy efficiency at existing municipal buildings
Assumptions

2030 2040 2045
Percent of existing municipal square footage retrofitted 10% 25% 35% Note that these retrofits go beyond those included as part of the Sustainable Solutions Turnkey program, as those are already accounted for as a planned action.

Activity and GHG Reductions

2030 2040 2045
Electricity savings (kWh) 67,260 168,140 235,400
Natural gas savings (therms) 1,860 4,640 6,500
Emissions reduction (MTCO2e) 10 30 40
Performance Indicators

2030 2040 2045
Square footage of retrofitted municipal buildings 9,440 23,610 33,050 GHG Method
The project team looked at the typical energy efficiency savings that can be achieved with retrofits to office buildings and applied this reduction to the projected amount of retrofitted City square footage to calculate the total electricity and natural gas savings. The team then used the appropriate emission factors to identify the GHG reductions from these retrofits.

GHG Sources
City of San Mateo. 2007. City of San Mateo Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Report . https://www.cityofsanmateo.org/DocumentCenter/View/5262/APPENDIX-S-October24-2007?bidId= Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. 2011. Advanc ed Energy Retrofit Guides: Office Buildings. https://www.pnnl.gov/main/publications/external/technical_reports/PNNL-20761.pdf.

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APPENDIX 1
1-28 City of San Mateo July 2023

ME 3 All-electric municipal buildings
Assumptions

2030 2040 2045
Cumulative building area of existing municipal building/s electrified (square feet): 40,000 60,000 80,000
Cumulative number of police stations & fire stations electrified: 0 0 1 Cumulative building area of new municipal building/s electrified (square feet): 40,000 60,000 80,000
Activity and GHG Reductions

2030 2040 2045
Electricity savings (kWh) -157,380 -236,070 -314,760
Natural gas savings (therms) 19,760 29,640 39,520
Emissions reduction (MTCO2e) 130 200 270
Performance Indicators

2030 2040 2045
Square feet of
existing municipal
building/s electrified:
40,000 square feet of
existing municipal
buildings retrofitted to all-
electric.
60,000 square feet of
existing municipal
buildings retrofitted to all-
electric.
80,000 square feet of
existing municipal
buildings retrofitted to all-
electric.

Number of police
stations & fire
stations electrified:
0 existing police stations
or fire stations retrofitted
to all-electric.
0 existing police stations
or fire stations retrofitted
to all-electric.
1 existing police stations
or fire stations retrofitted
to all-electric.

Square feet of new
municipal building/s
electrified:
40,000 square feet of new
municipal buildings built
all-electric.
60,000 square feet of new
municipal buildings built
all-electric.
80,000 square feet of new
municipal buildings built
all-electric.

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TECHNICAL APPENDIX: METHODS AND ASSUMPTIONS
July 2023 Climate Action Plan 1-29

GHG Method
The project team to inputs from City staff to project the total square footage of new municipal construction that is built all-electric and existing municipal construction that is retrofitted to be all-electric. The team estimated annual gas use associated with the existing municipal buildings to be retrofitted and the newly constructed municipal buildings (assuming they were built with na tural gas equipment), based on energy use intensity information from the California Energy Commission Commercial End-Use Survey. The team used this estimate on "business as usual" natural gas consumption for these buildings to calculate the natural gas consumption avoided from retrofitting to all-electric or building to all-electric. The team looked at data on the average amount of natural gas consumed by each type of equipment to estimate the natural gas consumption avoided through electrification of natural gas equipment and used data on energy factors by equipment type was used to estimate the resulting increase in electricity use resulting from the replacement of natural gas equipment with electric equipment. The team applied emission factors for natura l gas consumption and electricity use to estimate the emissions reduction associated with a reduction in natural gas consumption and the increase in emissions associated with an increase in electricity use and took the net resulting emissions as the estimated emissions avoided from the policy.

GHG Sources
California Energy Commission. 2009. "2009 California Residential Appliance Saturation Study.” https://ww2.energy.ca.gov/appliances/rass/previous_rass.html

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APPENDIX 1
1-30 City of San Mateo July 2023

CF 1 Electric vehicle charging infrastructure
Assumptions

2030 2040 2045
Cumulative average square feet of new commercial building space per parking spot 300 300 300
Target percent of new workplace parking to have EV charger installed 20% 20% 25% Target percent of new multi-unit dwelling residents with EV charger access 15% 25% 30%
Target percent of new single-family homes to have EV charger outlet installed 15% 25% 35%
Cumulative percent commercial buildings that are office space with parking 59% 64% 64%
Cumulative average square feet of existing commercial building space per parking spot 600 600 600
Target percent of existing workplace parking to have EV charger installed 7% 8% 10%
Target percent of existing multi-unit dwelling residents with access to EV charging 7% 8% 10%
Cumulative target additional public parking spaces with EV charging 38 55 60 Cumulative percent of EV purchases that replace a gasoline vehicle 98% 97% 96% Cumulative percent of EV purchases that replace a diesel vehicle 2% 3% 4% Target percent of heavy-duty vehicle converted to EV 5% 20% 25%

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TECHNICAL APPENDIX: METHODS AND ASSUMPTIONS
July 2023 Climate Action Plan 1-31

Activity and GHG Reduction

2030 2040 2045
Electricity savings (kWh) -22,561,870 -36,502,430 -51,974,960 Emissions reduction (MTCO2e) 24,420 49,390 69,780
Performance Indicators

2030 2040 2045
New non-residential
parking spaces with EV
charging
1,570 EV charging ports
installed at new non-
residential buildings.
3,160 EV charging ports
installed at new non-
residential buildings.
5,010 EV charging ports
installed at new non-
residential buildings.

New multi-unit dwelling
residential parking
spaces with EV charging
810 EV charging ports
installed at new multi-
family residential
buildings.
3,380 EV charging ports
installed at new multi-
family residential
buildings.
5,290 EV charging ports
installed at new multi-
family residential
buildings.

New single-family
residential parking
spaces with EV charger
outlet
680 EV charging outlets
installed at new single-
family residential
buildings.
1,970 EV charging outlets
installed at new single-
family residential
buildings.
3,600 EV charging outlets
installed at new single-
family residential
buildings.

Existing non-residential
parking spaces with EV
charging
1,540 EV charging ports
installed at existing
non-residential
buildings.
2,100 EV charging ports
installed at existing non-
residential buildings.
2,770 EV charging ports
installed at existing non-
residential buildings.

Existing multi-unit
dwelling residential
parking spaces with EV
charging
1,850 EV charging ports
installed at existing
multi-family residential
buildings.
2,570 EV charging ports
installed at existing multi-
family residential
buildings.
3,530 EV charging ports
installed at existing multi-
family residential
buildings.

Existing additional public
parking spaces with EV
charging
38 EV charging ports
installed at existing
public locations.
60 EV charging ports
installed at existing public
locations.
60 EV charging ports
installed at existing public
locations.

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APPENDIX 1
1-32 City of San Mateo July 2023

2030 2040 2045
Number of light-duty
electric vehicles
purchased or
leased
5510 light-duty electric
vehicles purchased or
leased
10,840 light-duty electric
vehicles purchased or
leased.
16,110 light-duty electric
vehicles purchased or
leased

GHG Method
The project team relied on data from the Strive San Mateo General Plan 2040 Land Use Element for the projected buildout of nonresidential buildings in San Mateo, along with data from Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) Plan Bay Area on projected buildout of households in San Mateo out to 2050, to estimate the number of new buildings that would be impacted by an electric vehicle charging infrastructure new construction reach code.

The team used permit data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to estimate the percent of new residential units that will be single family or duplex vs. 3+ unit multifamily. Using assumptions regarding the building square footage per new development parking space, the team identified the total number of parking spaces associated with multi-family residential and commercial development, assuming an increasing percentage of new development parking spaces will be required to be built electric vehicle (EV) capable to accommodate electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE). The team looked at how the deployment of EVSE in new development is projected to increase the rate at which residents and employees will replace gasoline vehicles with EVs, and estimated how the increased adoption of EVs is likely to decrease the VMT (and associated gasoline and diesel consumption) from gasoline and diesel vehicles and increase the VMT (and associated electricity use) from EVs. The team then applied emission factors for avoided gasoline and diesel consumption, and increased electricity use, and took the difference as the net reduction in GHG emissions.

GHG Sources
California Air Resources Board. 2022. "EMFAC2021 Web Database.” NREL, 2018. "CEC EV Infrastructure Projection Tool (EVI-Pro)." U.S. Census Bureau. 2017. "American Community Survey."
U.S. Department of Energy. 2019. "www.fueleconomy.gov." U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. 2019. "State of the Cities Data Systems."

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TECHNICAL APPENDIX: METHODS AND ASSUMPTIONS
July 2023 Climate Action Plan 1-33

U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Ad ministration. 2016. "Average miles driven per year by state."

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APPENDIX 1
1-34 City of San Mateo July 2023

CF 2 Electric vehicle education and outreach
Assumptions

2030 2040 2045
Target percent of total community Transportation Network Company (TNC) VMT from electric vehicles 30% 45% 60%
Target percent total community VMT from electric vehicles 30% 60% 70% Activity and GHG Reduction

2030 2040 2045
Electricity savings (kWh) -4,334,040 -6,786,810 -10,211,980 Emissions reduction (MTCO2e) 4,910 8,030 12,360
Performance Indicators

2030 2040 2045
Annual additional
VMT travelled by
EV TNCs
17,528,180 vehicle miles
travelled by internal
combustion engine
transportation network
companies vehicles
replaced with electric
vehicles.
30,375,160 vehicle miles
travelled by internal
combustion engine
transportation network
companies vehicles
replaced with electric
vehicles.
45,704,900 vehicle miles
travelled by internal
combustion engine
transportation network
companies vehicles
replaced with electric
vehicles.

GHG Method
The projected team relied on forecasted total community VMT from passenger vehicles and estimates from the City of San Francisco on the percent of total communi ty VMT from Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) to estimate the total annual VMT from TNCs in City of San Mateo. The team assumed that the policy or program aimed at regulating or incentivizing TNCs to increase adoption of EVs will results in a specific percent of TNCs being EVs by a given target year, and then estimated how the increased adoption of TNC EVs will decrease the VMT (and associated gasoline consumption) associat ed with gasoline vehicles and increase the VMT (and

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TECHNICAL APPENDIX: METHODS AND ASSUMPTIONS
July 2023 Climate Action Plan 1-35

associated electricity consumption) associated with EV s. The team applied the emission factor for avoided gasoline consumption, and an emissions factor for increased electricity use. The difference between the two results is the net GHG reduction from this measure.

GHG Sources
California Air Resources Board, 2022. "EMFAC2021 Web Database." San Francisco County Transportation Authority. 2017. “T NCs Today: A Profile of San Francisco Transportation Network Company Activity.”
US Department of Energy. 2019. www.fueleconomy.gov.

CF 3 Clean City fleet
GHG Assumptions

2030 2040 2045
Percent of City vehicles replaced with EVs 25% 45% 60%
Percent of City vehicles fueled by biomethane 15% 20% 25% Activity and GHG Reductions

2030 2040 2045
Electricity savings (kWh) -105,540 -212,500 -319,750
Emissions reduction (MTCO2e) 130 200 270
Performance Indicators

2030 2040 2045
Fleet EV VMT 610,020 1,250,360 1,779,020
Fleet biomethane VMT 366,010 555,720 741,260

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APPENDIX 1
1-36 City of San Mateo July 2023

GHG Method
The projected team looked at State projections for regi onal increases in electric and natural gas (including biomethane) vehicles and applied these proportions to the City municipal fleet. The team then took the local projections for increases in electric and natural gas vehicles in the municipal fleet and identified the increase in electric and natural gas VMT resulting from local policies. The team then adjusted the natural gas VMT to account for the different energy density of natural gas and gaso line/diesel and calculated the increase in electricity resulting from greater municipal EV adoption. Lastly, the team applied emission factors, taking the net difference between decreased VMT emissions from electric and natural gas vehicle adoption and increased electricity use as the overall GHG benefit.

GHG Sources
City of San Mateo. 2007. City of San Mateo Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Report . https://www.cityofsanmateo.org/DocumentCenter/View/5262/APPENDIX-S-October24-2007?bidId= ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability USA. 2012. US Community Protocol for Accounting and Reporting of Greenhouse Gas Emissions. http://www.icleiusa.org/tools/ghgprotocol/community-protocol.

Gable, C., and Gable, S. 2019. “G asoline Gallon Equivalents (GGE).” https://www.thoughtco.com/fuel-energy- comparisons-85636.

CF 4 Clean fuel
GHG Assumptions

2030 2040 2045
Target % total community VMT from hydrogen vehicles 8% 30% 45% Activity and GHG Reductions

2030 2040 2045
Electricity savings (kWh) -2,186,300 -8,413,180 -13,430,770 Emissions reduction (MTCO2e) 4,210 16,920 26,360

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TECHNICAL APPENDIX: METHODS AND ASSUMPTIONS
July 2023 Climate Action Plan 1-37

Performance Indicators

2030 2040 2045
Number of heavy-duty
hydrogen vehicles
purchased or
leased
260 hydrogen fuel heavy-
duty cell vehicles
purchased or leased .
1,110 hydrogen fuel cell
heavy-duty vehicles
purchased or leased .
1,770 hydrogen fuel cell
heavy-duty vehicles
purchased or leased .

GHG Method
The project team estimated how the deployment of hydrog en fueling stations will increase the rate at which residents and employees will replace heavy-duty gasoline and diesel vehicles with hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCVs). The team analyzed how the increased adoption of FCVs is likely to decrease the VMT (and associated gasoline consumption) associated with heavy-duty gasoline diesel vehicles and increase the VMT (and associated hydrogen consumption) associated with FCVs. The team us ed data from the U.S. Department of Energy on the efficiency of the electrolysis process to estimate the amount of electricity required to produce hydrogen. The team then applied an emission factor for avoided gaso line and diesel consumption to estimate the emissions reduction associated with reduced gasoline and diesel consumption, and an emission factor for electricity consumption to estimate the emissions increase associat ed with increased electricity use. The net resulting emissions is the estimated emissions avoided from the policy.

GHG Sources
California Air Resources Board, 2022. "EMFAC2021 Web Database.” California Air Resources Board, 2023. “Final 2022 Scop ing Plan – AB 32 GHG Inventory Sectors Modeling Data Spreadsheet.” https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/ab-32-climate-change-scoping-plan/2022-scoping- plan-documents.

US Department of Energy, 2019. www.fueleconomy.gov.

U.S. Department of Energy, 2019. "DOE Technical Targets for Hydrogen Production from Electrolysis."

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APPENDIX 1
1-38 City of San Mateo July 2023

ST 1 Bicycle mode share
GHG Assumptions

2030 2040 2045
Additional miles of bike lanes 22 45.2 45.2
Activity and GHG Reduction

2030 2040 2045
Travel savings (VMT) 300,960 704,120 751,370
Emissions reduction (MTCO2e) 80 170 180
Performance Indicators

2030 2040 2045
Total miles of bike lanes 78 101 101
GHG Method
The project team identified projected increase in bike lanes from implementation of the Bicycle Master Plan.

Based on the proposed additional miles of bike lanes in San Mateo, the team followed the recommendations of the California Air Pollution Control Officer’s Association to estimate the projected decrease in VMT as a result.

The team then applied the appropriate emissions factors to calculate the GHG reduction.

GHG Sources
California Air Pollution Control Officers Association. 2021. “Handbook for Analyzing Greenhouse Gas Emission Reductions, Assessing Climate Vulnerabilities, and Advancing Health and Equity.” City of San Mateo. 2019. City of San Mateo Bicycle Master Plan . https://www.cityofsanmateo.org/3944/Bicycle- Master-Plan-Update.

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TECHNICAL APPENDIX: METHODS AND ASSUMPTIONS
July 2023 Climate Action Plan 1-39

ST 2 Pedestrian mode share
GHG Assumptions
It is assumed that all new development occurs in infill areas (areas with existing development) Activity and GHG Reduction

2030 2040 2045
Travel savings (VMT) 436,590 497,160 530,520
Emissions reduction (MTCO2e) 110 120 130
Performance Indicators
There are no performance indicators associated with this measure.

GHG Method
Using the Pedestrian Master Plan, the project team identified the existing and planned miles of sidewalks and pedestrian pathways in San Mateo. The team applied a method recommended by the California Air Pollution Control Officers Association to determine the VMT reduction, and then applied the appropriate emissions factor to calculate GHG reductions.

GHG Sources
California Air Pollution Control Officers Association. 2021. “Handbook for Analyzing Greenhouse Gas Emission Reductions, Assessing Climate Vulnerabilities, and Advancing Health and Equity.” City of San Mateo. 2012. “Citywide Pedestrian Master Plan.” https://www.cityofsanmateo.org/2218/Pedestrian- Master-Plan

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APPENDIX 1
1-40 City of San Mateo July 2023

ST 3 Micromobility and shared mobility
GHG assumptions, activity and GHG reductions, and performance indicators.

This is a supportive measure, due to the lack of sufficient data or a feasible method of quantification that would avoid double-counting reductions with other measures. As a result, there are no assumptions, activity or GHG reductions, and performance indicators associated with this measure.

GHG Method
Supportive measures do not produce direct, measurable GHG reductions, so no calculations were made.

GHG Sources
Supportive measures do not produce direct, measurable GHG reductions. There are no sources for GHG reduction calculations for supportive measures.

ST 4 Public transit service
GHG Assumptions

2030 2040 2045
Bus coverage 15% 20% 20%
Percent increase in Caltrain service 25% 40% 50%
Activity and GHG Reduction

2030 2040 2045
Electricity savings (kWh) -10,253,31 -23,468,340 -31,189,470 Travel savings (VMT) 13,770,100 23,451,790 29,098,510
Emissions reduction (MTCO2e) 3,610 5,660 6,910
Performance Indicators

2030 2040 2045

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TECHNICAL APPENDIX: METHODS AND ASSUMPTIONS
July 2023 Climate Action Plan 1-41

Bus commute share 15% 20% 20%
Average Caltrain daily ridership in San Mateo 8,070 12,900 15,720 GHG Method
For increases in the bus coverage network, the project team made an assumption regarding the percentage increase in bus network miles. Using methods from the California Air Pollution Control District, the project team determined the VMT reduction that would occur given this increase in network coverage, and then applied the appropriate GHG emissions factor. For an increase in Ca ltrain service frequency, the project team reviewed Caltrain’s existing business plan and projected increases in service under the “Moderate Growth” scenario, then applied this increase to San Mateo. Using factors from the inventory and existing/planned activity calculations, the team determined the VMT reduction from increased Caltrain service as well as the increase in electricity use due to Caltrain becoming a mostly electric system. Th e team applied the appropriate emissions factors to the difference in VMT to calculate a reduction in emissions.

GHG Sources
California Air Pollution Control Officers Association. 2021. “Handbook for Analyzing Greenhouse Gas Emission Reductions, Assessing Climate Vulnerabilities, and Advancing Health and Equity.” Caltrain. 2020. Caltrain Business Plan Summary Report.
https://www.caltrain.com/media/24042/download?inline.

Caltrain. 2019. Caltrain Business Plan: Developing a Long-Range Vision for Caltrain. https://caltrain2040.org/wp- content/uploads/CBP_CIA_R2_Booklet_SanMateo-2.pdf.

U.S. Census Bureau. 2023. 2014 – 2019 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, B08006: Sex of Workers by Means of Transportation to Work [data table].

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APPENDIX 1
1-42 City of San Mateo July 2023

ST 5 Commuter programs
GHG Assumptions

2030 2040 2045
Percent of existing employers (pre-2006) participating in TDM 5% 20% 30% Average trip reduction from voluntary TDM participation, beyond other CAP measures 8% 30% 40%
Activity and GHG Reduction

2030 2040 2045
Travel savings (VMT) 15,290 278,640 669,000
Emissions reduction (MTCO2e) Less than 10 70 160
Performance Indicators

2030 2040 2045
Existing (pre-2006) businesses participating in TDM efforts 130 540 810 GHG Method
The project team identified the amount of commute-related VMT from personal vehicles associated with existing businesses and applied the projected metrics from voluntary participation in Transportation Demand Management (TDM) programs to determine the total VMT reduction from implementation of this measure. The team then used the appropriate emissions factors to ca lculate GHG reductions. It is assumed that these TDM standards would go beyond trip reductions associated with other measures in the CAP, as the goal of TDM efforts is to reduce trip generation below the level that would otherwise occur if the TDM requirement was not in place.

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TECHNICAL APPENDIX: METHODS AND ASSUMPTIONS
July 2023 Climate Action Plan 1-43

ST 6 Transportation Demand Management
GHG Assumptions

2030 2040 2045
Percent of new developments subject to TDM rules 90% 90% 90% Average trip reduction from new development
subject to TDM rules, beyond other CAP measures 10% 15% 20% Activity and GHG Reduction

2030 2040 2045
Travel savings (VMT) 7,646,580 32,944,170 56,484,350
Emissions reduction (MTCO2e) 2,010 7,950 13,410
Performance Indicators

2030 2040 2045
Service population in new development (2018 and later)
subject to the TDM ordinance 29,940 65,680 86,010
GHG Method
The project team determined the number of new people and jobs in developments that would be subject to TDM rules, excluding those already identified through the existing and planned activities assessment. Using projections of future TDM standards, the project team determined the amount of VMT that would be reduced by future TDM requirements, then converted this reduction to a decrease in GHG emissions. It is assumed that these TDM standards would go beyond trip reductions associated with other measures in the CAP, as the goal of TDM efforts is to reduce trip generation below the level that would otherwise occur if the TDM requirement was not in place.

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APPENDIX 1
1-44 City of San Mateo July 2023

2030 2040 2045
Percent of new units in areas supporting transit-oriented development 95% 95% 95%
Percent of new nonresidential square footage in areas supporting transit-oriented development 90% 90% 90%
Activity and GHG Reduction

2030 2040 2045
Travel savings (VMT) 38,865,630 78,398,130 99,833,910
Emissions reduction (MTCO2e) 10,200 18,920 23,700
Performance Indicators

2030 2040 2045
New development in
TOD zones
9,610 households and
7,350 employees
20,330 households and
14,880 employees
26,520 households and
18,970 employees
GHG Method
The project team identified the anticipated development in areas that support transit-oriented development and used geospatial analysis to obtain a reasonable estimate of the new growth potential in these areas. The team then used resources from the California Air Pollution Control Officers Association to determine the VMT reduction associated with transit-oriented development in these ar eas, then applied the appropriate emissions factors to calculate GHG reductions.

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TECHNICAL APPENDIX: METHODS AND ASSUMPTIONS
July 2023 Climate Action Plan 1-45

City of San Mateo. 2018. SMRoadCenterline [GIS file].

Metropolitan Transportation Commission. 2017. Major_Transit_Stops_2017 [GIS file].

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APPENDIX 1
1-46 City of San Mateo July 2023

SW 1 Composting program
GHG Assumptions

2030 2040 2045
Residential composting participation rate 90% 93% 95%
Nonresidential composting participation rate 85% 88% 90% Activity and GHG Reduction
2030 2040 2045
Waste savings (tons) 2,350 3,900 4,220
Emissions reduction (MTCO2e) 1,030 1,710 1,850
Performance Indicators

2030 2040 2045
Composting
participation levels
47,270 households and
3,890 businesses
59,020 households and
4,510 businesses
66,800 households and
4,880 businesses
GHG Method
The project team reviewed the number of future projected residences and nonresidential buildings participating in the community’s composting program, removing the currently participating customers to only focus on growth in the composting program. The team used results of a statewide waste characterization study to estimate the total amount of organic waste generated by the participants and combined this information with technical factors for waste decomposition by materials to identify the total reduction in GHG emissions.

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TECHNICAL APPENDIX: METHODS AND ASSUMPTIONS
July 2023 Climate Action Plan 1-47

California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery. 2020. 2018 Disposal-Facility-Based Characterization of Solid Waste in California. https://www2.calrecycle.ca.gov/Publications/Details/1546.

City of San Mateo. 2022. 2022 Climate Action Plan Annual Progress Report . https://www.cityofsanmateo.org/3962/CAP-Progress-Updates SW 2 Expanded recycling service
GHG Assumptions

2030 2040 2045
Target diversion rate 85% 88% 90%
Activity and GHG Reduction

2030 2040 2045
Waste savings (tons) 9,860 12,570 14,330
Emissions reduction (MTCO2e) 6,070 7,730 8,820
Performance Indicators
2030 2040 2045
Total tons of recyclables recovered (curbside bins only) 22,450 27,420 30,480 GHG Method
The project team looked at projections of how San Mateo’s diversion rate from curbside recycling may increase in future years and used statewide waste characterization studies to identify the amounts of various material types that could be recovered from this increase. The team then applied the results of technical studies about waste decomposition to determine the total GHG reductions that would result from increased waste collection.

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APPENDIX 1
1-48 City of San Mateo July 2023

California Air Resources Board. 2011. Landfill Emissions Tool version 1.3. https://ww3.arb.ca.gov/cc/landfills/landfills.htm
California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery. 2020. 2018 Disposal-Facility-Based Characterization of Solid Waste in California. https://www2.calrecycle.ca.gov/Publications/Details/1666.

Chow, A. 2023. City of San Mateo. Personal communication to E. Krispi, PlaceWorks. April 24.

SW 3 Waste awareness and source reduction
GHG Assumptions

2030 2040 2045
Decrease in non-organic and non-recyclable waste tonnage 5% 20% 50% Activity and GHG Reduction

2030 2040 2045
Waste savings (tons) 15,420 30,110 41,510
Emissions reduction (MTCO2e) 2,080 4,050 5,590
Performance Indicators

2030 2040 2045
Decrease in non-organic and non-recyclable waste tonnage sent to landfills 15,420 30,110 41,510
GHG Method
The project team looked at statewide waste characterization studies to determine the amount of materials being produced in San Mateo that could not be recycled or composted (including construction and demolition wastes) and used technical studies about waste characterization to determine the GHG emissions associated with a ton of this waste material. The project team then examined projections about waste awareness potential to identify how much of this waste could be reduced in future years and combined these two outcomes to determine the total GHG savings.

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TECHNICAL APPENDIX: METHODS AND ASSUMPTIONS
July 2023 Climate Action Plan 1-49

GHG Sources
California Air Resources Board. 2010. Local Government Operations Protocol for the Quantification and Reporting of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventories version 1.1 .
https://ww3.arb.ca.gov/cc/protocols/localgov/pubs/lgo_protocol_v1_1_2010-05-03.pdf California Air Resources Board. 2011. Landfill Emissions Tool version 1.3. https://ww3.arb.ca.gov/cc/landfills/landfills.htm
California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery. 2020. 2018 Disposal-Facility-Based Characterization of Solid Waste in California. https://www2.calrecycle.ca.gov/Publications/Details/1666.

WW 1 Water-efficiency retrofits for existing buildings
GHG Assumptions

2030 2040 2045
Percent of existing homes retrofitting water fixtures 50% 70% 80% Percent of existing businesses retrofitting water fixtures 40% 70% 80% Percent of existing homes with greywater systems 5% 15% 20% Percent of existing businesses with greywater systems 3% 10% 15% Activity and GHG Reduction

2030 2040 2045
Electricity savings (kWh) 411,310 777,100 914,320
Water savings (millions of gallons) 160 280 340
Emissions reduction (MTCO2e) 170 300 360

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APPENDIX 1
1-50 City of San Mateo July 2023

Performance Indicators

2030 2040 2045
Number of water
efficiency retrofits
19,890 existing homes and
1,610 existing businesses
with water efficiency
retrofits.
27,840 existing homes and
2,820 existing businesses
with water efficiency
retrofits.
31,820 existing homes and
3,230 existing businesses
with water efficiency
retrofits.

Number of
greywater system
installations as part
of retrofit activities
2,120 homes and 120
businesses with greywater
systems installed.
6,360 homes and 400
businesses with greywater
systems installed.
8,480 homes and 610
businesses with greywater
systems installed.

GHG Method
Working on the assumption that half of greywater syst ems are laundry-to-landscaping, and that the other half uses greywater from additional sources such as wash basins and showers, the project team identified the water savings resulting from greywater systems for an individu al home or business. The project team then used the water savings to determine the decrease in electricity use and direct process emissions associated with this effort per building, and then applied the projections of greywater installations at existing San Mateo buildings as part of retrofit activities to identify the total water, electr icity, and direct process emissions. The team applied the appropriate electricity emissions coefficients to identify the additional GHG savings.

GHG Sources
Alliance for Water Efficiency. 2009. Making Every Drop Work: Increasing Water Efficiency in California’s Commercial, Industrial, and Institutional (CII) Sector . https://www.allianceforwaterefficiency.org/resources/publications/making-every-drop-work-increasing- water-efficiency-california%E2%80%99s-commercial.

California Department of Water Resources. 2013. California Water Plan 2013 Update, Volume 3, Chapter 3: Water Use Efficiency.
http://toolbox.calwep.org/wiki/California_Water_Plan_2013_Update_(selections)#tab=Vol__3_Ch__3_- _Water_Use_Efficiency.

California Department of Water Resources. 2017. Making Water Conservation a California Way of Life:

Implementing Executive Order B-37-16. https://water.ca.gov/-/media/DWR-Website/Web-

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TECHNICAL APPENDIX: METHODS AND ASSUMPTIONS
July 2023 Climate Action Plan 1-51

Pages/Programs/Water-Use-And-Efficiency/Make-Water-Conservation-A-California-Way-of-Life/County- Drought-Planning/Files/Making-Water-Conservation-a-CA-Way-of-Life-EO-B-37-16.pdf.

WW 2 Water-efficient landscaping
GHG Assumptions

2030 2040 2045
Reduction in total outdoor water use 10% 20% 25%
Activity and GHG Reduction

2030 2040 2045
Electricity savings (kWh) 374,760 827,380 1,086,620
Water savings (millions of gallons) 260 570 750
Emissions reduction (MTCO2e) Less than 10 10 0
GHG Method
The team estimated the total water use that occurs outdoors in San Mateo and determined the amount that would be reduced based on assumed participation levels. The project team then used the water savings to determine the decrease in electricity use associated wi th this effort and applied the appropriate electricity emissions coefficients to identify the GHG savings.

GHG Sources
There are no sources for this measure beyond the inventory and forecast.

WW 3 Water efficiency in new construction
GHG Assumptions

2030 2040 2045
Percent of new homes installing greywater systems 8% 20% 25% Percent of new businesses installing greywater systems 5% 15% 20%

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APPENDIX 1
1-52 City of San Mateo July 2023

Activity and GHG Reduction

2030 2040 2045
Electricity savings (kWh) 7,620 40,580 66,320
Water savings (millions of gallons) 10 30 50
Emissions reduction (MTCO2e) Less than 10 10 10
Performance Indicators
2030 2040 2045
Number of new homes with greywater systems 810 4,280 6,980 Number of new businesses with greywater systems 30 160 280 GHG Method
Working on the assumption that half of greywater syst ems are laundry-to-landscaping, and that the other half uses greywater from additional sources such as wash basins and showers, the project team identified the water savings resulting from greywater systems for an individu al home or business. The project team then used the water savings to determine the decrease in electricity use and direct process emissions associated with this effort per building, and then applied the projections of greywater installations at new San Mateo buildings to identify the total water, electricity, and direct process emissions. The team applied the appropriate electricity emissions coefficients to identify the additional GHG savings.

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TECHNICAL APPENDIX: METHODS AND ASSUMPTIONS
July 2023 Climate Action Plan 1-53

California Department of Water Resources. 2017. Making Water Conservation a California Way of Life:

Implementing Executive Order B-37-16. https://water.ca.gov/-/media/DWR-Website/Web- Pages/Programs/Water-Use-And-Efficiency/Make-Water-Conservation-A-California-Way-of-Life/County- Drought-Planning/Files/Making-Water-Conservation-a-CA-Way-of-Life-EO-B-37-16.pdf.

OR 1 Alternative fuel off-road equipment
GHG Assumptions

2030 2040 2045
Percent of landscaping equipment that uses electricity 20% 45% 60% Percent of other off-road equipment that uses electricity 15% 25% 30% Activity and GHG Reduction

2030 2040 2045
Electricity savings (kWh) -2,201,600 -4,633,000 -6,091,990 Emissions reduction (MTCO2e) 3,660 7,130 9,890
GHG Method
The team used data from the California Air Resources Board and the inventory to identify the reduction in direct emissions per percent of landscaping equipment and non-landscaping off-road equipment converted to electricity traded in. The team then estimated the decrease in gasoline and diesel fuel resulting from this effort and used information about energy density to determine the increase in electricity needs. The team estimated the GHG increase from greater electricity needs and subtracted this from the emission reduction from decreased fuel use to determine the net GHG reduction.

GHG Sources
Alternative Fuels Data Center. 2014. Alternative Fuels Data Center – Fuel Properties Comparison . https://afdc.energy.gov/fuels/fuel_comparison_chart.pdf/ California Air Resources Board. 2022. "EMFAC2021 Web Database."

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APPENDIX 1
1-54 City of San Mateo July 2023

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Appendix 2:

CAP Measure Key
Metrics
This appendix summarizes the items that the City will us e to track implementation of the CAP. As part of San Mateo’s ongoing CAP monitoring and implementation efforts, the City will track progress on the implementation of individual measures. The City will collect specific pieces of data, known as key metrics, for each measure, including the planned actions. These key metrics will be used to identify the implementation status of each measure. City staff, utility companies, and state and regional agencies collect the key metrics to track CAP implementation. Some data may be collec ted through the Development Checklist in Appendix 3 .S p e c i f i c information about the sources of each key metric is given in the monitoring tool. The key metrics are shown in Table 2-1.

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APPENDIX 2
2-2 City of San Mateo July 2023

Table 2-1: CAP Measure Key Metrics
Measure Time
Frame
Lead
Department Key Metric
BE 1 All-electric new
construction Near-term
City Manager’s
Office, Community
Development
- Number of all-electric new
construction residential housing units.
- Square feet of all-electric new
construction non-residential
buildings.

BE 2 All-electric existing
buildings Near-term
City Manager’s
Office, Community
Development
- Number of existing homes with gas
to electric HVAC conversions.
- Square feet of existing office
buildings with gas to electric HVAC
conversions.
- Number of parking spaces at existing
office buildings with EV charging.

RE 1 Peninsula Clean
Energy Immediate City Manager’s Office - PCE opt-out rate. - kWh supplied by ECO 100
RE 2
Renewable energy
systems for new
and existing
residences
Immediate
City Manager’s
Office, Community
Development
- Number of homes built before 2018
with solar panels.
- Number of total homes (existing and
new) with battery energy systems.

RE 3
Renewable energy
systems for new
and existing
nonresidential
buildings
Immediate
City Manager’s
Office, Community
Development
- Number of businesses built before
2018 with solar panels.
- Number of existing businesses with
battery energy systems.

EE 1 Residential energy
efficiency retrofits Near-term
City Manager’s
Office, Community
Development
- Number of homes retrofitted.

EE 2
Nonresidential
energy efficiency
retrofits
Near-term
City Manager’s
Office, Community
Development
- Number of businesses retrofitted.

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CAP MEASURE KEY METRICS
July 2023 Climate Action Plan 2-3

Measure Time
Frame
Lead
Department Key Metric
EE 3 Residential tree
plantings Mid-term
City Manager’s
Office, Parks and
Recreation
- Number of households with shade
trees.

ME 1
Energy efficiency
for new municipal
buildings
Mid-term City Manager’s
Office, Public Works None – supportive measure.

ME 2
Energy efficiency
at existing
municipal
buildings
Near-term City Manager’s
Office, Public Works
- Square footage of retrofitted
municipal buildings.

ME 3
All-electric
municipal
buildings
Long-term City Manager’s
Office, Public Works
- Square feet of existing municipal
buildings electrified.
- Square feet of new municipal
buildings electrified.

CF 1
Electric vehicle
charging
infrastructure
Immediate
City Manager’s
Office, Community
Development, Public
Works
- Number of parking spaces at new
nonresidential buildings with EV
charging.
- Number of parking spaces at existing
nonresidential buildings (not
including offices) with EV charging.
- Number of parking spaces at existing
multifamily units with EV charging.

CF 2
Electric vehicle
education and
outreach
Immediate
City Manager’s
Office, Community
Development
- Estimated number of TNCs operating
in San Mateo that are EVs.
- Number of residents contacted with
EV marketing materials.

CF 3 Clean City fleet Near-term Public Works - Fleet EV VMT. - Fleet biomethane VMT.

CF 4 Clean fuel Long-term
City Manager’s
Office, Community
Development, Public
Works
- Number of hydrogen vehicles
registered.

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APPENDIX 2
2-4 City of San Mateo July 2023

Measure Time
Frame
Lead
Department Key Metric
ST 1 Bicycle mode
share Mid-term
Community
Development, Public
Works
- Total miles of bike lanes.

ST 2 Pedestrian mode
share Near-term
Community
Development, Public
Works
- Percent increase in pedestrian
sidewalks and pathways.

ST 3 Micromobility and
shared mobility Near-term City Manager’s
Office, Public Works None – supportive measure.

ST 4 Public transit
services Near-term City Manager’s
Office, Public Works
- Bus network coverage.
- Caltrain service frequency.

ST 5 Commuter
programs Mid-term
City Manager’s
Office, Community
Development, Public
Works
- Pre-2006 businesses participating in
TDM efforts.

ST 6
Transportation
Demand
Management
Immediate
Community
Development, Public
Works
- Service population in new
development subject to the TDM
ordinance.

ST 7 Transit-oriented
development Near-term Community
Development - New development in TOD zones.

SW 1 Composting
program Immediate Public Works - Composting participation levels.

SW 2 Expanded
recycling service Near-term Public Works - Total tons of recyclables recovered.

SW 3
Waste awareness
and source
reduction
Near-term City Manager’s
Office, Public Works
- Decrease in non-organic and non-
recyclable waste tonnage sent to
landfills.

WW 1
Water efficiency
retrofits for
existing buildings
Mid-term Public Works
- Number of water efficiency retrofits.
- Number of greywater system
installations in existing buildings.

WW 2 Water-efficient
landscaping Near-term
City Manager’s
Office, Parks and
Recreation
- Estimated outdoor water use

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CAP MEASURE KEY METRICS
July 2023 Climate Action Plan 2-5

Measure Time
Frame
Lead
Department Key Metric
WW 3 Water efficiency in
new construction Mid-term Community
Development
- Number of new homes with
greywater systems.
- Number of new businesses with
greywater systems.

OR 1
Alternative fuel
lawn and garden
equipment
Mid-term
City Manager’s
Office, Parks and
Recreation
- Estimated percent of landscaping
equipment that uses electricity.
- Estimated percent of non-landscaping
equipment that uses electricity.

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Appendix 3:

CAP Consistency
Checklist
The following checklist assists project applicants and City staff to determine whether a proposed project complies with the City of San Mateo CAP. The CAP is an implementation tool of the General Plan, demonstrating the City’s strategy to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions co nsistent with Section 15183.5 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines. New projects deemed consistent with the CAP are eligible for streamlining the analysis of GHG emissions. Projects inco nsistent with the CAP may refer to this checklist for informational purposes but may have to submit a separate GHG analysis for the project. Examples of projects inconsistent with the City’s forecast include:
x Stationary source emissions regulated by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. x General Plan amendments.
x New specific plans, amendments to specific plans, or new development agreements that would increase the population and nonresidential land use expectatio ns beyond those anticipated in the General Plan buildout scenario.

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APPENDIX 3
3-2 City of San Mateo July 2023

Development Checklist
Project Description Characteristics
Please identify the applicable land uses included in the proposed project and provide a brief description of the proposed project (or the project description to be used for the associated environmental document). 1) What is the size of the project (in acres)?

2) Identify the applicable land uses:

Residential
Commercial
Industrial
Manufacturing
Other
3) If there is a residential component to the project, how many units are being proposed? Single-family residences: :

Multi-family residences: :
4) Please provide a brief project description, including the square footage of conditioned space by land use:

5) Does the project require any amendments to the General Plan or specific plans? Yes No
If yes, please explain:

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CAP CONSISTENCY CHECKLIST
July 2023 Climate Action Plan 3-3

6) Is the project located in a specific plan area?
Yes No
If so, which one? _______________
7) Please complete the following table to identify project compliance with any applicable CAP measures.

Standards for CAP Consistency – New Development
Reduction Measure and Applicable Standard Does the Project Comply? Notes & Comments
BE 1: All new development: The project does
not have natural gas connections, and does not
have any natural gas appliances or other
equipment installed
Yes
No
N/A
Additional notes:

RE 2. All new developments with residential
units: The project includes an on-site renewable
energy system that meets or exceeds the
minimum requirements of the California State
Building Code
Yes
No
N/A
If yes, what is the kW potential of the
renewable energy system?

Additional notes:

RE 2. All new developments with residential
units: The project includes an on-site energy
storage system, such as a battery.

Yes
No
N/A
If yes, how much electricity does the
system store?

Additional notes:

RE 3. All new developments with
nonresidential space: The project includes an
on-site renewable energy system that meets or
exceeds the minimum requirements of the
California State Building Code
Yes
No
N/A
If yes, what is the kW potential of the
renewable energy system?

Additional notes:

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APPENDIX 3
3-4 City of San Mateo July 2023

Reduction Measure and Applicable Standard Does the Project Comply? Notes & Comments
RE 3. All new developments with
nonresidential space: The project includes an
on-site energy storage system, such as a
battery.

Yes
No
N/A
If yes, how much electricity does the
system store?

Additional notes:

EE 3. All new developments with residential
units: The project includes trees that provide
shade to residences.

Yes
No
N/A
If yes, how many residences are
shaded by newly planted trees?

Additional notes:

CF 1. All new development with dedicated
off-street parking: The project includes
parking spaces with installed EV chargers or are
pre-wired for EV chargers, consistent with state
and any local regulations.

Yes
No
N/A
If yes, how many spaces include
installed EV chargers?

If yes, how many spaces are pre-
wired for EV chargers?

Additional notes:

CF 1. All new development with dedicated
off-street parking: The project includes
parking spaces with installed EV chargers that
are accessible by members of the public beyond
those who live and/or work at the project.

Yes
No
N/A
If yes, how many spaces with
installed EV chargers are accessible
by members of the public?

If yes, how many Level 3 chargers
installed as part of this project are
publicly accessible?

Additional notes:

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CAP CONSISTENCY CHECKLIST
July 2023 Climate Action Plan 3-5

Reduction Measure and Applicable Standard Does the Project Comply? Notes & Comments
ST 6. New developments of at least six multi-
family units and/or 10,000 square feet of
nonresidential space: Implement TDM
strategies to comply with the appropriate trip
reduction target identified in applicable area
plans and San Mateo Citywide TDM Plan.

Yes
No
N/A
If yes, what is the trip reduction
target for the project?
% s h o r t - t e r m c o m m u t e t r i p
reduction
% l o n g - t e r m c o m m u t e t r i p
reduction
What strategies will the project use
to achieve these trip reduction
targets?

Additional notes:

ST 6. Projects of at least 20 multi-family units
and/or 50,000 square feet of nonresidential
space undergoing additions or alterations (as
defined in San Mateo Municipal Code
Section 23.06.012): Implement TDM strategies
consistent with the targets in relevant area plans
and the San Mateo Citywide TDM Plan.

Additional notes:

ST 7. All new development: Be located along
El Camino Real, within one-half mile of any
Caltrain station, or in the Rail Corridor Transit
Oriented Development or Hillsdale Station Area
Plan areas.

Yes
No
N/A
Additional notes:

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APPENDIX 3
3-6 City of San Mateo July 2023

Reduction Measure and Applicable Standard Does the Project Comply? Notes & Comments
SW 1. All developments with multifamily
units or nonresidential space: Provide an area
of sufficient space to store and allow access to a
compost bin.

Yes
No
N/A
Does the project participate in any
composting programs?

Does the project compost on-site?

Additional notes:

WW 3. All new development: Include a
greywater system.

Yes
No
N/A
If yes, is the greywater system
“laundry-to-landscape” or another
type of system?

Additional notes:

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Appendix 4:

Summary of
Community Workshop
The City, with support from the PlaceWorks and DNV GL consultant team, hosted a community meeting for the Climate Action Plan (CAP) update on Thursday, June 6, 2019, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the San Mateo Public Library.

The purpose of this workshop was to provide community members with an overview of the 2015 CAP and the CAP update process, the results of the new and updated GHG inventory, and the new and revised GHG mitigation measures that will be included in the updated CAP. This workshop offered an opportunity to receive feedback on the measures and suggest additional reduction measures for the CAP.

City staff and members of the consultant team facilitated the workshop. Approximately 50 community members attended and participated. The workshop included a presentation about the CAP update and a summary of work- to-date, a question-and-answer period, and an open house that allowed participated to review draft GHG reduction measures, provide input, and engage with staff, consultants, and other community members.

Community members reviewed the proposed measures by placing colored dots next to each measure: green for measures they supported, yellow for measures they supported with some reservations or concerns, and red for measures they did not support.

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APPENDIX 4
4-2 City of San Mateo July 2023

The following results are organized by poster topic and present the number and type of dots for each measure (green, yellow, or red) and any open comments received on sticky notes and easel pads. No comment cards were submitted during the meeting, although some additional comments were submitted later via email.

BOARD 1: RENEWABLE ENERGY
Measure Greens Yellows Reds
Measure 1: Continue to support Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE) and encourage residents and businesses not already participating in PCE, especially large energy users, to join.
17 1 0
Measure 2: Continue promoting renewable energy systems for new homes and businesses with education and incentives. 12 2 0
Measure 3: Continue to encourage property owners to install renewable energy systems on existing homes and businesses. 12 2 0 Measure 4: Renew San Mateo’s requirement for new buildings to include solar panels, going beyond state requirements. 11 2 1
Measure 5: Promote battery storage systems as a part of renewable energy installations. 8 6 0
Measure 6: Set up microgrid demonstration projects. 5 5 1 Renewable Energy Open Comments
Measure 4: We need a way to store power from PV to use at night, check out Sandford’s [sic] Central Energy Facility’s thermal storage/heat recovery.

Measure 4: More infill to reduce VMT.

Measure 6: There are a lot of bigger things we can do.

Measure 5: Batteries – What level of support will this provide? For whom? How rapidly will today’s batteries become obsolete if the technology is evolving rapidly?
Will microgrid demonstration have a significant impact?

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SUMMARY OF COMMUNITY WORKSHOP
July 2023 Climate Action Plan 4-3

On/Off grid solar installs - reduce fees if install option to supply power when PCE down to house/buildings.

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APPENDIX 4
4-4 City of San Mateo July 2023

BOARD 2: ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION
Measure Greens Yellows Reds
Measure 1: Continue to provide education about energy efficiency retrofits to residents and businesses, including information about financing. 9 2 1 Measure 2: Provide incentives for energy efficiency retrofits. 11 1 0 Measure 3: Establish a program to require home energy assessments at the time of sale. 12 2 0
Measure 4: Provide incentives for all-electric new construction. 7 1 0 Measure 5: Encourage upgrades to existing buildings to support all- electric operations. 9 0 0
Measure 6: New municipal buildings and facilities will be all-electric or will use alternative fuels. 9 1 0
Measure 7: Establish a commercial and multi-family energy conservation benchmarking program and offer low- or no-cost energy audits to rental properties and business.
11 0 0
Measure 8: Continue to conduct energy efficiency retrofits for existing municipal buildings. 7 0 0
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Open Comments
Require Net Zero on existing homes.

Cut energy use everywhere else in the US that is hotter and/or colder than San Mateo: urban infill.

Urge people to wear sweaters etc.

Incentivize cleaner emission leaf blowers (continuing the work sustainability commission started in 2018 then halted).

Make a contest, who can reduce their emissions? Or compare vs. an average.

Require by law, plus shift housing to the public sector.

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SUMMARY OF COMMUNITY WORKSHOP
July 2023 Climate Action Plan 4-5

Prioritize PCE 100 – how does it compare to home retrofits? Ban military recruiters so our citizens don’t participate in the world’s worst institutional emitter: the US military.

Incentivize won’t save us. If we want to stop Armageddon, we must require sustainable to its fullest extent, right now!
BOARD 3: ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION
Measure Greens Yellows Reds
Measure 1: Expand the public shuttle system in San Mateo, including using microtransit to provide first-mile and last-mile connections. 23 0 0 Measure 2: Continue to support reduction of commuter-related vehicle trips through the City’s Transportation Demand Management program and other employer-focused programs.
11 1 0
Measure 3: Expand carpool options for San Mateo residents and commuters. 3 4 1
Measure 4: Implement the Bicycle Master Plan and continue to support additional shared mobility options. 22 0 1
Measure 5: Continue to make walking a safe and easy way to get around San Mateo. 27 0 0
Measure 6: Increase transit-oriented developments along El Camino Real and near Caltrain stations. 22 3 0
Measure 7: Support new rapid bus transit routes. 14 1 0 Measure 8: Improve the frequency of Caltrain services, particularly to the Hayward Park station. 17 1 0
Alternative Transportation Open Comments
Increase penalty for stealing bicycles.

Encourage mixed-use development to reduce SOV.

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APPENDIX 4
4-6 City of San Mateo July 2023

Close B Street to car traffic and institute shuttle to encourage less driving in City core.

Help change mindset of Peninsula re: BART/Bus Service.

Spend more on GHG Reduction than road maintenance and more truck free roads (weight and potholes) and more car free walking streets.

Eliminate traffic deaths for pedestrians and bicyclists with Vision Zero. New York City is good example.

Sierra Club recommends dividend account parking.

San Mateo needs to be much more bike friendly. 1) more dedicated lanes, 2) lights triggered by bike, 3) Require businesses like Safeway to have bike racks. (1 green)
Citywide mobility targets: Portland does it with target mode share (1 green) Increase buses and vans use. Incentivize use, increases status of transit use.

More east-west transit opportunities shuttles, scooter, etc.! Increase bike boulevards and bike infrastructure.

Work from home!!
Need bus-only lanes and transit signal priority. (2 greens) Bike Streets work North/South (Claremont, Edinburg, Flores).

Create bus routes that allow access to natural public spaces like Laurelwood park and Purisima Creek. This will create love for nature and drive action.

Ridesharing kills public transit, congest streets, and abuses workers. The City must impose a heavy cap on Uber & Lyft vehicles to save our streets.

Light intersections that are triggered by bikes.

Educate residents and visitors on their impacts while driving.

What can the City do to reduce people idling in their cars? (1 green)

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SUMMARY OF COMMUNITY WORKSHOP
July 2023 Climate Action Plan 4-7

Affordable housing = reduced GHGs (2 greens)
Fewer cars, more public transit! Increased frequency in bus service, other non-car modes.

Affordable housing for workers = fewer trip = lower GHG where is housing in the CAP? Change the topic/sector name – alternative to what?
BOARD 4: ALTERNATIVE FUELS
Measure Greens Yellows Reds
Measure 1: Require all new buildings to have EV charging infrastructure. 15 5 0 Measure 2: Continue to encourage EV charging infrastructure in existing homes and businesses. 8 0 1
Measure 3: Continue to install EV charging infrastructure in public parking lots and garages. 17 0
1 Measure 4: Transition San Mateo’s municipal fleet to electric and other clean-energy vehicles. 15 1 0
Measure 5: Continue to educate community members about the availability of hybrid and clean-fuel landscaping equipment. 13 4 4 Measure 6: Buy hybrid and clean-fuel landscaping equipment for municipal use as options are available. 11 0 0
Alternative Fuels Open Comments
Measure 3: Battery Ready
Measure 5: Very low hanging fruit compared to something as important as diet, which is not even mentioned so far. Topic 4, Measure 5
Measure 5: Start with large properties like churches, help them through issues like extension cord length limits (if they exist).

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APPENDIX 4
4-8 City of San Mateo July 2023

Measure 5: Go beyond education. Need a competitive “g reen yard” program for homeowners. Need to incentivize or network commercial properties and church es to transitions them ASAP. The landowners already have equipment for Menlo Park and Atherton!
Measure 5: Ordinance to restrict gas landscape equipment.

EVs are great but often not affordable could there be financial incentives and subsidy? More community charging stations are needed. Will Measure 1 create charging stations that can be shared by the public? Even by registering them with the building or something? Measure 2: Provide incentives!!
Measure 5: This will work as well as abstinence-only sex ED Biodiesel incentives? Can reduce net carbon emissions and use waste oil.

You always mention El. Cars = No!!! Go hydrogen!
Change the topic/sector name – alternative to what?

BOARD 5: SOLID WASTE
Measure Greens Yellows Reds
Measure 1: Continue to expand San Mateo’s composting
program to businesses and multi-family homes. 25 0 0
Measure 2: Accept new types of materials in recycling bins as economics allow. 8 5 0
Measure 3: Create a materials reuse program and educate community members about ways to make unwanted items
available for reuse.
11 2 1
Measure 4: Explore a ban on single-use plastics. 22 6 (Do it! Just do it!) 0 Measure 5: Work with waste haulers to reduce contamination of recyclables. 12 1 0

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SUMMARY OF COMMUNITY WORKSHOP
July 2023 Climate Action Plan 4-9

Solid Waste Open Comments
Multi-family composting opportunities are a must!! You can also put the collection points in parks and around the community!
If composting in multi-family units is problematic, at least offer compost drop off points through the City! Recycling info keeps changing. We need way better educations.

Create a mass distribution program for reusable bottle, paid for through business tax hikes.

My condo association will be charged if we get composting so we don’t compost.

Solid waste = 3% of the GHG. These programs are good but please do not use a lot of $$.

More guidance is needed about good vs. poor recycling habits. (what plastics are good) Be able to recycle black plastic or don’t allow it to be used. (1 green) I wish we could get more compost delivered to our houses.

Biweekly recycling and garbage pickup instead of weekly? Other cities have tried this. Since San Francisco/Recology has one of the best recycling/zero waste programs in the USA, why not excel at it here in San Mateo! If pickups were fewer, folks might be motivated (or forced) to decrease their waste. Fewer pickups also means less fuel/energy wasted by the trucks.

Tax consumers for clamshells in packaging – like plastic bags.

Measure 4: reusable bags require more energy to produce… causing more production.

Stop selling chemicals – pass an ordinance.

People are either uneducated or lazy/noncompliant RE putting items in the correct bins. Adding different/more bins won’t work because of this. (2 greens)
Work with Trader Joes, Safeway, etc. to reduce clamshell packaging.

New accurate recycle bin labels for everyone.

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APPENDIX 4
4-10 City of San Mateo July 2023

Offer better rates for very low trash creation. Smaller waste cans? Alternate week collection? Reduce uses at the source, require take back of packaging (3 greens) Be able to recycle plastic bags that have the recycle symbol.

Encourage reduce purchases consumption. (1 green)
Encourage stores like Costco to put (business + social) pressure on their venders to use recyclable packaging (not plastics). When venders figure out recyclable packaging, they should let their customers know about the efforts they have made to solve a problem that affects everyone. Mae it a win-win-win situation.

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SUMMARY OF COMMUNITY WORKSHOP
July 2023 Climate Action Plan 4-11

BOARD 6: WATER AND WASTEWATER
Measure Greens Yellows Reds
Measure 1: Continue to work with water providers and regional agencies to encourage water-efficient retrofits of existing buildings. 21 2 0 Measure 2: Require new developments to meet higher water efficiency standards. 19 1 0
Water and Wastewater Open Comments
The current CAP should be renamed “Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan” The CAP should include water and waste conservation, recycle, reduction mechanisms. (1 green) Green lawn/yard competition among homeowners.

We need a water committee to implement best practices.

Is there local support for existing greywater systems?
I wish that there was information to have domestic greywater. (Help in putting it in) (5 greens) Recycle water from treatment plant. (4 greens)
Can the City investigate rainwater collection for use by City and residents? Are there incentives for lawn replacement/xeriscaping/use of native landscaping? Lawns are a huge source of water use. They should be abolished! Large lots and sprawl leads to wasted water for irrigation.

Ban green lawns. (1 green, 1 yellow)
Provide realistic incentives for homeowners to get rid of lawns. Too expensive right now. (1 green) Can the wastewater treatment plant be run on a schedule that helps address duck curve?

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APPENDIX 4
4-12 City of San Mateo July 2023

Educate people with sprinklers to not water the sidewalks! Looks like real problem is behavior of individual’s free will.

Follow best practices from more arid places (landscaping water, recycle water, flow meters on faucets, fix leaks) Eliminate garbage disposals in new construction and retrofits.

Incentivize water reuse, especially in new development and public buildings (Use SFPUC model). (1 green).

Adopt better water demand management, including conservation, like SFPUC’s programs. Reduce outdoor irrigation by 70%.

Aim for 5% reduced imported water by 2024.

BOARD 7: WHAT’S YOUR BIG IDEA?
Open comments
Plant more trees.

Plant trees and gardens, every $1 in trees returns $2.5 in value to the community. California Billion Tree Initiative. (10 greens)
Build housing here and plant trees elsewhere. (1 green) Increase the urban tree canopy where possible. (2 greens) Do not allow wood burnings in fireplaces or building FP in new buildings. (1 green) Explore rainwater collection for use by city and residents.

To reduce traffic and auto emissions on Hillsdale A ve, employ The Boring Company to put a tunnel under Hillsdale Avenue (2 greens, 5 reds)
Local public free telecommuting centers, reduce VMTs from commuters, keep people and money in San Mateo.

Affordable housing reduced worker trips where is that in CAP? (1 green)

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SUMMARY OF COMMUNITY WORKSHOP
July 2023 Climate Action Plan 4-13

More communication/educations on climate change and CO2 emissions.

Allow for micro units and affordable housing.

Don’t let people cut and trim existing trees and shrubs for view.

Require more from residents (instead of “encourage”). (2 greens) Bring back recycling stations at Safeway.

The US Military is one of the largest institutional GHG emitters worldwide. Ban military recruiters from San Mateo and stop the rolling war machine in our City.

Include a program for carbon sequestration and offsets.

Ban leaf blowers and gas-powered landscape equipment. (3 greens, 1 red) x Need a way to transition this would hurt all the gardeners.

No Amazon infrastructure in San Mateo.

Annual reporting of GHG: Mountain View does this an d allocates $10k/year. Sectors can be adjusted for compliance.

Promote the local “I heart rakes and brooms” campaign.

Send a link to all San Mateo residents that helps them calculate their carbon footprint.

Encourage competition among homeowners to use electric lawn equipment to “lose your lawn”, to practice permaculture/plant native plants/use IPM methods. Create a City competition! Determine San Mateo’s “earth overshoot” day to raise awareness.

Public housing for all! (With solar panels) (1 green)
City government should fund clothing and farming co-ops in our community to reduce reliance on global trade.

Encourage cooperative businesses (worker owned). Expansion isn’t profit seeking drive our crisis and must stop.

Please design new housing near transit centers to have at most car space. Maybe happening already.

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APPENDIX 4
4-14 City of San Mateo July 2023

Count on per capita basis and not a total basis.

To avoid 2 degree C temperature rise, there must be a robust system of carbon capture by 2030! (1 green) Raise the height limit on buildings. (5 greens)
Take advantage of our volunteer hours needed by master composter participants – 40 hours each.

Urban infill: UC Berkeley rates urban infill in the Ci ty of San Mateo #1 among all rated measures visit:
coolclimate.berkeley.edu/ca-scenarios/index.html. (2 greens) When we add jobs but not housing, we should count 100% of those commute emissions.

Make GHG’s info public => competitions in neighborhoods to retrofit/reduce fossil energy use? Smart Meters? Charge new businesses setting up shop in San Mateo a “sustainability” tax to fund all these projects. (1 green) Pedestrian overpass at Hillsdale/Highway 101. (3 greens) More density causes miserable traffic. (1 red)
San Mateo to provide water barrels at cost and volunteer installers too much water is lost.

According to many studies, reaching greenhouse reduction goals without the world adapting a plant-based diet is impossible. Many people in San Mateo are not aware that they can contribute greatly to GHG lowering by modifying their diet. San Mateo should encourage diet change. (3 greens, 1 red) Increased densities in SFH and transit-oriented areas. Infill housing helps to reduce VMTs. (3 greens) Implement UN Agenda 21.

Please ban leaf blowers!! Exhaust + PM in the air! (1 green) Encourage infill development instead of greenfield development.

Figure how to encourage plant-based diet education? (w/ groceries, schools, etc.) Taxes on meat? Don’t’ just say we have no control over that. (2 greens)
Meatless Monday or eating 1x per day instead of twice. Could this be worked into schools or civic buildings?

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SUMMARY OF COMMUNITY WORKSHOP
July 2023 Climate Action Plan 4-15

Composting toilets save water, reduce methane, turn waste into resources. Make legal, they don’t stink! To reduce commutes and traffic, subsidize ADUs in neighborhoods w/ larger lots, houses, and parking available. (1 green)
Way more outreach to non-English speakers. (1 green)
Make sure to do outreach to non-English speakers and people not on City email lists.

MISCELLANEOUS COMMENTS
Clarifications on process of accounting GHGs, timeline, state vs local actions.

Solar panels – why need in light of PCE? What about city buildings.

Cement emissions- embedded emissions of development.

Data – on implementation measures for example – cool climate Berkeley .edu – consumption based calcs – concerns on highest impact including embedded emissions (infill as example).

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APPENDIX 4
July 2023 Climate Action Plan 4-16

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STRIVE SAN MATEO
General Plan 2040 and
Climate Plan Update Final EIR
SCH: 2022010160 | January 18, 2024

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STRIVE SAN MATEO
General Plan 2040 and
Climate Plan Update Final EIR
SCH: 2022010160 | January 18, 2024
Prepared By: PlaceWorks
2040 Bancroꢀ Way, Suite 400
Berkeley, California 94704
t 510.848.3815
In Associaꢀon with:

ECORP Consulꢀng, Inc.

Forget Me Not History
Kiꢁelson & Associates, Inc.

O R A N G E C O U N T Y • B AY A R E A • S A C R A M E N T O • C E N T R A L C O A S T • L O S A N G E L E S • I N L A N D E M P I R E placeworks.com

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Tabl e of Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .................................................................................................................1-1

1.1 1.2

1.3 Report Organization......................................................................................................1-1 Summary of the Proposed Project...............................................................................1-2 Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures .........................................................1-2 INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................2-1

2.1 2.2

2.3 Proposed Project ...........................................................................................................2-1 EIR Scope........................................................................................................................2-1 Environmental Review Process.....................................................................................2-2 REVISIONS TO THE DRAFT EIR ......................................................................................................3-1 Chapter 4.1 Aesthetics ..........................................................................................................3-1 Chapter 4.2 Air Quality ..........................................................................................................3-2 Chapter 4.3 Biological Resources.........................................................................................3-5 Chapter 4.4 Cultural Resources............................................................................................3-6 Chapter 4.5 Energy ................................................................................................................3-8 Chapter 4.6 Geology and Soils.............................................................................................3-9 Chapter 4.7 Greenhouse Gas Emissions............................................................................3-12 Chapter 4.8 Hazards And Hazardous Materials................................................................3-12 Chapter 4.9 Hydrology and Water Quality .......................................................................3-14 Chapter 4.10 Land Use and Planning..................................................................................3-17 Chapter 4.11 Noise.................................................................................................................3-19 Chapter 4.12 Parks And Recreation.....................................................................................3-21 Chapter 4.13 Population And Housing ................................................................................3-21 Chapter 4.14 Public Services.................................................................................................3-23 Chapter 4.15 Transportation .................................................................................................3-24 Chapter 4.17 Utilities and Service System............................................................................3-31 Chapter 4.18 Wildfire..............................................................................................................3-33 Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Alternatives......................................................................................................3-38 CEQA-Required Assessment Conclusions....................................................3-41 Appendices ..........................................................................................................................3-41 LIST OF COMMENTERS.................................................................................................................4-1

4.1 4.2

4.3 4.4
Governmental Agencies ..............................................................................................4-1 Non-Governmental Organizations and Private Companies...................................4-1 Members of the Public..................................................................................................4-1 Public Hearing Oral Comments ...................................................................................4-2 P L A C E W O R K S i

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
RESPONSE TO COMMENTS .........................................................................................................5-1

5.1 5.2
Master Responses ..........................................................................................................5-1 Comments and Responses...........................................................................................5-7

APPENDICES
Appendix B: REVISED Projects Included in Buildout Projections Appendix G: Comments Received on the Draft EIR
Appendix H: Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program Appendices A, C, D, E, and F are located within the Draft EIR

LIST OF TABLES
Table 1-1
Table 4.11-8 Proposed General Plan Noise-Sensitive Land Use Compatibility Guidelines .......3-20 Table 5-1 Responses to Comments Received on the Draft EIR ................................................5-8 Summary of Significant Impacts and Mitigation Measures......................................1-3

LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 4.6-5
Figure 4.9-2
Earthquake Zones of Required Investigation ...........................................................3-10 Potential Flood Hazards ..............................................................................................3-15 Figure 4.15-1 Existing Street Classification........................................................................................3-27 Figure 4.18-5 Potential Evacuation Routes ......................................................................................3-34 ii J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4

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Ex ecutive Summary
This Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) has been prepared to provide an assessment of the potential environmental consequences of approving and implementing the proposed Strive San Mateo General Plan 2040 (General Plan 2040 or proposed General Plan) and proposed Climate Action Plan (CAP) update, hereinafter referred to together as “proposed project.” This EIR has been prepared pursuant to the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA; California Public Resources Code, Division 13, Section 21000, et seq.) and the CEQA Guidelines (Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, Division 6, Chapter 3, Section 15000, et seq.) to determine if approval of the identified discretionary actions and related subsequent development could have a significant impact on the environment. This executive summary includes the conclusions of the environmental analysis contained in the Draft EIR and presents a summary of impacts and mitigation measures identified. The remainder of this Final EIR contains corrections and clarifications to the text and analysis of the Draft EIR, where warranted, along with a response to comments matrix and a list of commenters. For a complete description of the proposed project, see Chapter 3, Project Description, of the Draft EIR. For a complete discussion of alternatives to the proposed project, see Chapter 5, Alternatives, of the Draft EIR.

1.1 REPORT ORGANIZATION
This Final EIR is organized into the following chapters:
. Chapter 1: Executive Summary. Summarizes environmental consequences that would result from implementation of the project, recommended mitigation measures, and the level of significance of environmental impacts before and after mitigation. Underline text in Table 1-1, Summary of Significant Impacts and Mitigation Measures, represents language that has been added to the impacts and mitigation measures in the EIR; text in strikethrough has been deleted from the EIR. .
.

Chapter 2: Introduction. Provides an overview describing the use and organization of this Final EIR.

Chapter 3: Revisions to the Draft EIR. Contains corrections to the text and graphics of the Draft EIR.

Underline text represents language that has been added to the EIR; text in strikethrough has been deleted from the EIR.
.
.

Chapter 4: List of Commenters. Lists the names of agencies, organizations, and individuals who commented on the Draft EIR.

Chapter 5: Comments and Responses. Presents comments received from agencies and the public on the Draft EIR alongside responses to each comment. Also contains “master responses” that provide comprehensive responses to key issues raised by several comments. . Appendix: The appendix for this Final EIR contains the following:
.
.

Appendix B: REVISED Projects Included in Buildout Projections Appendix G: Comments Received on the Draft EIR
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
. Appendix H: Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program Appendices A, C, D, E, and F are located within the Draft EIR and have not been revised. All appendices are available on the City’s webpage for the proposed project.

The Draft EIR is available online and incorporated here by reference. It constitutes part of the Final EIR.

1.2 SUMMARY OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT
The proposed project includes replacing the City’s existing General Plan 2030, which has a buildout horizon to 2030, with an updated General Plan 2040. The proposed project would build off the existing General Plan 2030 to provide a framework for land use, transportation, and conservation decisions through the horizon year of 2040. The proposed project would also update the buildout projections used in the City’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) to be consistent with the updated General Plan 2040.

Development within the city would largely be focused within the ten General Plan Land Use Study Areas.

The Study Areas include areas near transit; areas where current buildings are aging, vacant, or not maintained; or areas where property owners have expressed interest in considering redevelopment of the property. Refer to Figure 3-3, Study Area Boundaries, in Chapter 3, Project Description, of the Draft EIR for the proposed project’s ten General Plan Land Use Study Areas.

The proposed CAP update does not include any substantive updates to the strategies in the existing CAP.

1.3 SUMMARY OF IMPACTS AND MI TI GATI ON MEASURES
As determined in the Draft EIR, the proposed project has the potential to generate significant environmental impacts in a number of areas. Pursuant to Section 15126.2(b) of the CEQA Guidelines, an EIR must describe any significant impacts that cannot be avoided, even with the implementation of feasible mitigation measures. As shown in Table 1-1, Summary of Significant Impacts and Mitigation Measures, all significant impacts would remain significant and unavoidable, even with adoption and implementation of the mitigation measures identified in the Draft EIR. As described in detail in Chapter 6, CEQA-Mandated Sections, of the Draft EIR, the proposed project would have no significant impact on agricultural or mineral resources, due to existing conditions in the project area. Accordingly, these topics were not analyzed further in the Draft EIR.

Table 1-1 summarizes the conclusions of the environmental analysis contained in this Draft EIR and presents a summary of the significant impacts and mitigation measures identified. It is organized to correspond with the environmental issues discussed in Chapters 4.1 through 4.18. The table is arranged in four columns: (1) significant environmental impacts, (2) significance without mitigation, (3) mitigation measures, and (4) significance with mitigation. For a complete description of the proposed project’s potential impacts, please refer to the specific discussions in Chapters 4.1 through 4.18. 1-2 J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
TABLE 1-1 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES Significance
without
Significance
with
Environmental Impact Mitigation Mitigation Measures Mitigation

AESTHETICS
No significant impacts

AIR QUALITY
AQ-2: Construction of development projects that
could occur from implementation of the proposed
project would generate emissions that would exceed
the Bay Area Air Quality Management District’s
regional significance thresholds and cumulatively
contribute to the nonattainment designations of the
San Francisco Bay Area Air Basin.

S AQ-2: Prior to discretionary approval by the City for development projects subject to CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) review (i.e., nonexempt projects), future project applicants shall prepare and submit a technical assessment evaluating potential project construction-related air quality impacts to the City for review and approval. The evaluation shall be prepared in conformance with Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) methodology for assessing air quality impacts identified in BAAQMD’s CEQA Air Quality Guidelines. If construction-related criteria air pollutants are determined to have the potential to exceed the BAAQMD-adopted thresholds of significance, the City shall require feasible mitigation measures to reduce air quality emissions. Measures shall require implementation of the BAAQMD Best Management Practices for construction-related fugitive dust emissions, including; examples of best management practices include:

SU
. Water all exposed surfaces (e.g., parking areas, staging areas, soil piles, grading areas, and unpaved access roads) at least twice daily or as often as needed to control dust emissions.
.
.

All haul trucks transporting soil, sand, or other loose material off-site shall be covered.

All visible mud or dirt trackout onto adjacent public roads shall be removed using wet power vacuum street sweepers at least once per day. .
.

All vehicle speeds on unpaved roads shall be limited to 15 mph.

All roadways, driveways, sidewalks to be paved shall be completed as soon as possible. Building pads shall be laid as soon as possible after grading unless seedling or soil binders are used.
.
.

All excavation, grading, and/or demolition activities shall be suspended when average wind speeds exceed 20 mph.

All trucks and equipment, including their tires, shall be washed off prior to leaving the site.

S = Significant; SU = Significant and Unavoidable
P L A C E W O R K S 1-3

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
TABLE 1-1 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES Significance
without
Significance
with
Environmental Impact Mitigation Mitigation Measures Mitigation .
.

Unpaved roads providing access to sites located 100 feet or further from a paved road shall be treated with a 6- to 12-inch layer of compact layer of wood chips, mulch, or gravel.

Prior to the commencement of construction activities, individual project proponents shall post a publicly visible sign with the telephone number and person to contact at the City regarding dust complaints. This person shall respond and take corrective action within 48 hours. The BAAQMD phone number shall also be visible to ensure compliance with applicable regulations.

Measures shall be incorporated into appropriate construction documents (e.g., construction management plans) and shall be verified by the City.

AQ-3: Operation of development projects under the
proposed project would generate operational
emissions that would exceed the Bay Area Air Quality
Management District’s regional significance
thresholds for volatile organic compounds (VOC) and
nitrogen oxides (NOX).

S AQ-3: Prior to discretionary approval by the City for development projects subject to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review (i.e., nonexempt projects), future project applicants shall prepare and submit a technical assessment evaluating potential project operational air quality impacts to the City for review and approval.

The evaluation shall be prepared in conformance with Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) methodology in assessing air quality impacts identified in BAAQMD’s current CEQA Air Quality Guidelines at the time that the project is considered.

SU
If operation-related air pollutants are determined to have the potential to exceed the BAAQMD-adopted thresholds of significance, the City shall require the project applicant(s) to incorporate mitigation measures to reduce air pollutant emissions during operational activities. The identified measures shall be included as part of the conditions of approval or a mitigation monitoring and reporting plan adopted for the project as part of the project CEQA review. Possible mitigation measures to reduce long-term emissions could include, but are not limited to the following:
. Implementing commute trip reduction programs.

Unbundling residential parking costs from property costs.

Expanding bikeway networks.

Expanding transit network coverage or hours.

Using cleaner-fueled vehicles.
.
.
.
.
. Exceeding the current Title 24 Building Envelope Energy Efficiency Standards.

S = Significant; SU = Significant and Unavoidable
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Requiring all-electric buildings.

Replacing gas-powered landscaping equipment with zero-emission alternatives.

Implementing organics diversion programs.

Mitigation
.
.
.
.
. Expanding urban tree planting.

AQ-4: Construction emissions associated with
development under the proposed project could
expose air quality-sensitive receptors to substantial
toxic air contaminant concentrations and exceed the
Bay Area Air Quality Management District’s project-
level and cumulative significance thresholds.

S AQ-4: Prior to discretionary approval by the City, project applicants for new industrial or warehousing development projects that 1) have the potential to generate 100 or more diesel truck trips per day or have 40 or more trucks with operating diesel- powered transport refrigeration units, and 2) are within 1,000 feet of a sensitive land use (e.g., residential, schools, hospitals, nursing homes) or Overburdened Community (as defined by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District [BAAQMD] Community Air Risk Evaluation Program), as measured from the property line of the project to the property line of the nearest sensitive use, shall submit a health risk assessment (HRA) to the City for review and approval. The HRA shall be prepared in accordance with policies and procedures of the state Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD). If the HRA shows that the cumulative and project-level incremental cancer risk, noncancer hazard index, and/or PM2.5 exceeds the respective threshold, as established by BAAQMD (all areas of the City and Sphere of Influence) and project- level risk of 6.0 in Equity Priority Communities (as defined in the City of San Mateo General Plan) at the time a project is considered, the project applicant will be required to identify best available control technologies for toxics (TBACTs) and appropriate enforcement mechanisms, and demonstrate that they are capable of reducing potential cancer, noncancer risks, and PM2.5 to an acceptable level. T-BACTs may include but are not limited to:

SU
. Restricting idling on-site beyond Air Toxic Control Measures idling restrictions Electrifying warehousing docks
Requiring use of newer equipment
Requiring near-zero or zero-emission trucks for a portion of the vehicle fleet based on opening year.
.
.
.
.
.

Truck Electric Vehicle (EV) Capable trailer spaces.

Restricting off-site truck travel through the creation of truck routes.

S = Significant; SU = Significant and Unavoidable
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
TABLE 1-1 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES Significance
without
Significance
with
Environmental Impact Mitigation Mitigation Measures Mitigation T-BACTs identified in the HRA shall be included as part of the conditions of approval or a mitigation monitoring and reporting plan adopted for the project as part of the project CEQA review.

AQ-6: Implementation of the proposed project
would generate a substantial increase in emissions
that exceeds the Bay Area Air Quality Management
District’s significance thresholds and would
cumulatively contribute to the nonattainment
designations and health risk in the San Francisco Bay
Area Air Basin.

S AQ-6: Implement Mitigation Measures AQ-2, AQ-3, and AQ-4. SU

BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
No significant impacts

CULTURAL RESOURCES
No significant impacts
ENERGY
No significant impacts

GEOLOGY AND SOILS
No significant impacts

GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
No significant impacts

HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
No significant impacts

HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY
No significant impacts

LAND USE AND PLANNING
No significant impacts
S = Significant; SU = Significant and Unavoidable
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TABLE 1-1
NOISE

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES
Significance
without
Significance
with
MitigationEnvironmental Impact Mitigation Mitigation Measures NOISE-1: Buildout under the proposed project is
anticipated to result in unacceptable traffic noise
with an increase of more than 5.0 dBA Ldn over
existing conditions along one roadway segment (1st
Avenue west of B Street) within the EIR Study Area.

NOISE-64: Buildout under the proposed project is
anticipated to result in unacceptable cumulative
traffic noise within the EIR Study Area.

S None available.

None available.

SU
S SU

PARKS AND RECREATION
No significant impacts

POPULATION AND HOUSING
No significant impacts

PUBLIC SERVICES
No significant impacts

TRANSPORTATION
No significant impacts

TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES
No significant impacts

UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS
No significant impacts

WILDFIRE
WILD-2: Development under the proposed project
would increase population, buildings, and
infrastructure in wildfire-prone areas, thereby
exacerbating wildfire risks.

WILD-5: Potential development under the proposed
project could, in combination with other surrounding
and future projects in the State Responsibility Areas,
Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, or Wildland
S
S
None available.

None available.

SU
SU
S = Significant; SU = Significant and Unavoidable
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
TABLE 1-1 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES Significance
without
Significance
with
Environmental Impact Mitigation Mitigation Measures Mitigation Urban Interface, result in cumulative impacts
associated with the exposure of project occupants to
pollutant concentrations from a wildfire or
uncontrolled spread of a wildfire due to slope,
prevailing winds, or other factors.

S = Significant; SU = Significant and Unavoidable
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I ntroducti on
Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, Chapter 14 California Code of Regulations, Section 15378[a], the Strive San Mateo General Plan 2040 (General Plan 2040 or proposed General Plan) and proposed Climate Action Plan (CAP) update are considered a “project” subject to environmental review as its implementation is “an action [undertaken by a public agency] which has the potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.” The assessment in this Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) is intended to inform the City’s decision-makers, other responsible agencies, and the public-at-large of the nature of the proposed project and its effect on the environment.

2.1 PROPOSED PROJECT
The proposed project includes replacing the City’s existing General Plan 2030, which has a buildout horizon to 2030, with an updated General Plan 2040. The proposed project would build off the existing General Plan 2030 to provide a framework for land use, transportation, and conservation decisions through the horizon year of 2040. The proposed project would also update the buildout projections used in the City’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) to be consistent with the updated General Plan 2040.

Development within the city would largely be focused within the ten General Plan Land Use Study Areas.

The proposed CAP update does not include any substantive updates to the strategies in the existing CAP.

2.2 EIR SCOPE
This Final EIR identifies and analyzes program specific potential impacts of the project which were determined in the Draft EIR. The analysis of the Draft EIR discloses the specific short-term impacts (construction) and long-term impacts (operation) that would occur as a result of project approval and implementation.

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2.3 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW PROCESS

2.3.1 DRAFT EIR
Pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080(d)1 and CEQA Guidelines Section 15063,2 the City determined that the proposed project could result in potentially significant environmental impacts and that an EIR would be required. In compliance with CEQA Section 21080.4, the City circulated the Notice of Preparation (NOP) of a Draft EIR for the for the City of San Mateo General Plan Update to interested agencies and persons on January 12, 2022 for a 30-day review period. The scoping period for this Draft EIR was between January 12 and February 11, 2022, during which, interested agencies and the public could submit comments about the proposed project. The scope of the Draft EIR was established by the City of San Mateo through the EIR scoping process and includes an analysis of both the proposed project’s impacts and cumulative impacts in the following issue areas:
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Aesthetics
Air Quality
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Public Services
Recreation
Transportation
Tribal Cultural Resources
Utilities and Service Systems
Wildfire
Biological Resources
Cultural Resources
Energy
Geology and Soils
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Hazards and Hazardous Materials
Hydrology and Water Quality
Land Use and Planning
Noise
CEQA-Mandated Assessment Conclusions:
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Impacts Found Not to Be Significant
Significant Unavoidable Impacts
Significant and Irreversible Changes
Growth Inducement
Population and Housing
The Draft EIR was available for review by the public and interested parties, agencies, and organizations for a 45-day comment period starting on August 11, 2023, and ending on September 25, 2023. During the comment period, the public was invited to submit written comments on the Draft EIR via mail or e- mail to the City of San Mateo Community Development Department.

2.3.2 FINAL EIR
Upon completion of the 45-day review period for the Draft EIR, the City reviewed all comments received and prepared written responses for each comment. These letters are included in Appendix G, Comments Received on the Draft EIR, of this Final EIR. This Final EIR includes written responses for each comment received during the public review period. This Final EIR consists of the Draft EIR, the comments received on the Draft EIR, and the responses to those comments, and describes any changes to the Draft EIR that have resulted from the comments received.
1 The CEQA Statute is found at California Public Resources Code, Division 13, Sections 21000 to 21177. 2 The CEQA Guidelines are found at California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 6, Chapter 3, Sections 15000 to 15387. 2-2 J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4

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Upon recommendations by the Planning Commission at a public hearing, the City Council will review the Final EIR as the decision-making body for the proposed project. A City Council public hearing will be scheduled to concurrently consider certification of the Final EIR and a decision on the project. If the City Council determines that the project may be approved, the City Council will adopt and incorporate into the project all feasible mitigation measures identified in the EIR and may also require changes to the proposed project.

In some cases, the City Council may find that certain mitigation measures are outside the jurisdiction of the City to implement, or that there are no feasible mitigation measures for a given significant impact. In that case, the City Council would have to adopt a statement of overriding considerations that determines that economic, legal, social, technological, or other benefits of the proposed project outweigh the unavoidable, significant effects on the environment.

The City Council may also find that the project does not satisfy the required findings for approval and decide to reject the project on that basis. Community input is encouraged at all Planning Commission and City Council public hearings.

2.3.3 MI TI GATI ON MONITORING
Public Resources Code Section 21081.6 requires that the lead agency adopt a monitoring or reporting program for any project for which it has made mitigation findings pursuant to Public Resources Code 21081. Such a program is intended to ensure the implementation of all mitigation measures adopted through the preparation of an EIR. The Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the proposed project will be completed and available to the public prior to certification of this EIR.

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Revis i ons to the Draft EIR
This chapter presents changes to the Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) that resulted from preparation of responses to comments, or from staff-directed changes, including corrections and clarifications. In each case, the page and location on the page in the Draft EIR is presented, followed by the text or graphic revision. Underlined text represents language that has been added to the EIR; text with strikethrough has been deleted from the EIR. The revisions in this chapter do not require recirculation of the Draft EIR because they do not constitute “significant new information” under Section 15088.5 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines. All changes to Draft EIR Table 1- 1, Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures, are included in Chapter 1, Executive Summary, of this Final EIR.

CHAPTER 4.1 AESTHETICS
The following General Plan policies and action referenced in impact discussion AES-1 on pages 4.1-12 to 4.1-14 of the Draft EIR are hereby amended as follows:
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Policy CD 1.3: Scenic Corridors. Require new development adjacent to designated scenic corridors within San Mateo County’s General Plan to protect and enhance the visual character of these corridors to the extent feasible.

Policy CD 6.107.6: Nighttime Lighting. Require nighttime lighting to be energy efficient, be and designed to minimize light pollution and light spillage to on adjacent properties, while protecting public safety.

Action CD 7.67: Objective Design Standards. Develop and adopt Implement the City’s objective design standards to ensure that clearly outline the City’s design expectations for new single- family and multifamily and mixed-use projects with a residential component meet required standards and streamline the development review process.

The following General Plan policy and action referenced in impact discussion AES-3 on pages 4.1-15 to

4.1-16 of the Draft EIR are hereby amended as follows:
. Policy CD 8.3: Respect Existing Scale and Rhythm. Encourage nNew mixed-use and commercial development should have context sensitive design that incorporates architectural styles and elements that relate to respect the scale and design rhythm of surrounding buildings, including by providing breaks in the building face at spacings common to buildings in the area and by stepping back upper floors.
. Action CD 8.6: Objective Design Standards. Develop and adopt objective design standards for new mixed-use and commercial development to provide a clear understanding of the City’s expectation for new project design, including context appropriate architectural styles and pedestrian-friendly design.

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The following General Plan policy referenced in impact discussion AES-4 on pages 4.1-16 to 4.1-18 of the Draft EIR is hereby amended as follows:
. Policy CD 6.107.6: Nighttime Lighting. Require nighttime lighting to be energy efficient, be and designed to minimize light pollution and light spillage to on adjacent properties, while protecting public safety.

CHAPTER 4.2 AIR QUALITY
The following General Plan goal and policies referenced in Section 4.2-3, Impact Discussion, under the “Methodology” subheading on pages 4.2-35 to 4.2-38 of the Draft EIR are hereby amended as follows:
. Goal COS-4: Goals, policies, and actions focused on equity priority communities can be found throughout the General Plan. The Land Use Element also includes goals and policies on environmental justice under Goal LU-8. All San Mateo residents should have the ability to breathe safe, clean air.
. Policy COS 4.3: BAAQMD Planning for Healthy Places. Require new development to adhere to BAAQMD’s Planning for Healthy Places guidance when warranted by local conditions warrant. . Policy COS 4.9: Air Pollution Exposure. For new development that is located within 1,000 feet from US Highway 101 and State Route 92, require installation of enhanced ventilation systems and other strategies to protect people from respiratory, heart, and other health effects associated with breathing polluted air in both indoor and outdoor spaces.

The following General Plan actions referenced in impact discussion AQ-1 on pages 4.2-38 to 4.2-53 of the Draft EIR are hereby amended as follows:
. Action LU 8.3: Health Disparities. Coordinate with the San Mateo County Public Health Department to promote healthier communities through education, prevention, intervention programs, and other activities that address the health disparities and inequities that exist in San Mateo.
. Action LU 8.4: City Investment. Use funds collected by from the park impact fee and other sources to invest in programs and public improvements that connect residents with opportunities to increase their physical activity and improve their physical and mental health, especially in equity priority communities with higher risk of negative public health outcomes.

Identify new funding sources for programs and public improvements, if needed. .
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Action LU 8.8: Streetscape and Safety Improvements. Work with residents in equity priority communities to identify sidewalk, lighting, landscaping, and roadway improvements needed to improve routes to parks, schools, recreation facilities, and other destinations within the community. Prioritize investments to that address health disparities in equity priority communities in the annual Capital Improvement Program.

Action LU 8.12: Neighborhood Beautification. Support and promote neighborhood clean-up and beautification initiatives in equity priority communities, including street tree planting and maintenance, through in partnerships with neighborhood organizations. 3-2 J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4

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Mitigation Measure AQ-2 on page 4.2-55, continuing onto page 4.2-56, of the Draft EIR is hereby amended as follows:

Mitigation Measure AQ-2: Prior to discretionary approval by the City for development projects subject to CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) review (i.e., nonexempt projects), future project applicants shall prepare and submit a technical assessment evaluating potential project construction-related air quality impacts to the City for review and approval. The evaluation shall be prepared in conformance with Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) methodology for assessing air quality impacts identified in BAAQMD’s CEQA Air Quality Guidelines. If construction- related criteria air pollutants are determined to have the potential to exceed the BAAQMD-adopted thresholds of significance, the City shall require feasible mitigation measures to reduce air quality emissions. Measures shall require implementation of the BAAQMD Best Management Practices for construction-related fugitive dust emissions, including; examples of best management practices include:
. Water all exposed surfaces (e.g., parking areas, staging areas, soil piles, grading areas, and unpaved access roads) at least twice daily or as often as needed to control dust emissions. .
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All haul trucks transporting soil, sand, or other loose material off-site shall be covered.

All visible mud or dirt trackout onto adjacent public roads shall be removed using wet power vacuum street sweepers at least once per day.
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All vehicle speeds on unpaved roads shall be limited to 15 mph.

All roadways, driveways, sidewalks to be paved shall be completed as soon as possible. Building pads shall be laid as soon as possible after grading unless seedling or soil binders are used. . All excavation, grading, and/or demolition activities shall be suspended when average wind speeds exceed 20 mph.
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All trucks and equipment, including their tires, shall be washed off prior to leaving the site.

Unpaved roads providing access to sites located 100 feet or further from a paved road shall be treated with a 6- to 12-inch layer of compact layer of wood chips, mulch, or gravel. . Prior to the commencement of construction activities, individual project proponents shall post a publicly visible sign with the telephone number and person to contact at the City regarding dust complaints. This person shall respond and take corrective action within 48 hours. The BAAQMD phone number shall also be visible to ensure compliance with applicable regulations.

Measures shall be incorporated into appropriate construction documents (e.g., construction management plans) and shall be verified by the City.

The following General Plan policy and actions referenced in impact discussion AQ-3 on pages 4.2-56 to

4.2-63 of the Draft EIR are hereby amended as follows:
. Policy C 1.1: Sustainable Transportation. Reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from transportation by increasing mode share options for sustainable travel modes, such as walking, bicycling, and public transit.

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Action C 1.1415: Transit-Oriented Development Pedestrian Access Plan. Coordinate with interagency partners and community stakeholders to seek funding opportunities to design, construct, and build the priority projects identified in the Transit-Oriented Development Pedestrian Access Plan to improve access to and from the Caltrain Stations.

Action C 2.7: New Development Shuttle Services. Encourage new developments to provide shuttle services and shuttle partnerships as an option to fulfill TDM requirements. Shuttles should serve activity centers, such as the College of San Mateo, Caltrain stations, dDowntown, the Hillsdale Shopping Center, or other areas and should accommodate the needs and schedules of all riders, including service workers.

Mitigation Measure AQ-3 on page 4.2-61 of the Draft EIR is hereby amended as follows:

Mitigation Measure AQ-3: Prior to discretionary approval by the City for development projects subject to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review (i.e., nonexempt projects), future project applicants shall prepare and submit a technical assessment evaluating potential project operational air quality impacts to the City for review and approval. The evaluation shall be prepared in conformance with Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) methodology in assessing air quality impacts identified in BAAQMD’s current CEQA Air Quality Guidelines at the time that the project is considered.

If operation-related air pollutants are determined to have the potential to exceed the BAAQMD- adopted thresholds of significance, the City shall require the project applicant(s) to incorporate mitigation measures to reduce air pollutant emissions during operational activities. The identified measures shall be included as part of the conditions of approval or a mitigation monitoring and reporting plan adopted for the project as part of the project CEQA review. Possible mitigation measures to reduce long-term emissions could include, but are not limited to the following:
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Implementing commute trip reduction programs.

Unbundling residential parking costs from property costs.

Expanding bikeway networks.

Expanding transit network coverage or hours.

Using cleaner-fueled vehicles.

Exceeding the current Title 24 Building Envelope Energy Efficiency Standards.

Establishing on-site renewable energy generation systems.

Requiring all-electric buildings.

Replacing gas-powered landscaping equipment with zero-emission alternatives.

Implementing organics diversion programs.

Expanding urban tree planting.

Mitigation Measure AQ-4 on page 4.2-67 of the Draft EIR is hereby amended as follows:

Mitigation Measure AQ-4: Prior to discretionary approval by the City, project applicants for new industrial or warehousing development projects that 1) have the potential to generate 100 or more diesel truck trips per day or have 40 or more trucks with operating diesel-powered transport refrigeration units, and 2) are within 1,000 feet of a sensitive land use (e.g., residential, schools, hospitals, nursing homes) or Overburdened Community (as defined by the Bay Area Air Quality 3-4 J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4

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Management District [BAAQMD] Community Air Risk Evaluation Program), as measured from the property line of the project to the property line of the nearest sensitive use, shall submit a health risk assessment (HRA) to the City for review and approval. The HRA shall be prepared in accordance with policies and procedures of the state Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD). If the HRA shows that the cumulative and project-level incremental cancer risk, noncancer hazard index, and/or PM2.5 exceeds the respective threshold, as established by BAAQMD (all areas of the City and Sphere of Influence) and project-level risk of 6.0 in Equity Priority Communities (as defined in the City of San Mateo General Plan) at the time a project is considered, the project applicant will be required to identify best available control technologies for toxics (T-BACTs) and appropriate enforcement mechanisms, and demonstrate that they are capable of reducing potential cancer, noncancer risks, and PM2.5 to an acceptable level. T- BACTs may include but are not limited to:
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Restricting idling on-site beyond Air Toxic Control Measures idling restrictions Electrifying warehousing docks
Requiring use of newer equipment
Requiring near-zero or zero-emission trucks for a portion of the vehicle fleet based on opening year.
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Truck Electric Vehicle (EV) Capable trailer spaces.

Restricting off-site truck travel through the creation of truck routes.

T-BACTs identified in the HRA shall be included as part of the conditions of approval or a mitigation monitoring and reporting plan adopted for the project as part of the project CEQA review.

CHAPTER 4.3 BI OLOGI CAL RESOURCES
The following General Plan policies referenced in impact discussion BIO-1 on pages 4.3-20 to 4.3-23 of the Draft EIR are hereby amended as follows:
. Policy COS 1.2: Interjurisdictional Coordination. Coordinate with adjacent jurisdictions and regional, State, and federal agencies to protect critical wildlife habitat, including by participating in comprehensive habitat management programs.
. Policy COS 1.4: Avoidance of Nesting Birds. Disturbance of active Nnative bird nests in active use should shall be avoided in compliance with when required by State and federal regulations.

For new development sites where nesting native birds may be present, vegetation clearing and construction should must be initiated outside the bird nesting season (March 1 through August 31) or preconstruction surveys should be conducted by a qualified biologist in advance of any disturbance. If active nests are encountered, appropriate buffer zones should shall be established based on recommendations by the qualified biologist and remain in place until any young birds have successfully left the nest.
. Policy COS 1.5: Surveys for Sensitive Natural Communities. Require that sites with suitable natural habitat, including creek corridors through urbanized areas, be surveyed for the presence or absence of sensitive natural communities prior to development approval. Such surveys should shall be conducted by a qualified biologist and occur prior to development-related vegetation removal or other habitat modifications.

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Policy COS 1.6: Surveys for Regulated Waters. Require that sites with suitable natural habitat, including creek corridors through urbanized areas, be surveyed for the presence or absence of regulated waters prior to development approval. Such surveys should shall be conducted by a qualified wetland specialist and occur prior to development-related vegetation removal or other habitat modifications.

Policy COS 3.1: Aesthetic and Habitat Values – Public Creeks. Preserve and enhance the aesthetic and habitat values of creeks, such as San Mateo, Laurel, and Beresford Creeks, and other City-owned channels in all activities affecting these creeks, including revegetation, rewilding, erosion control, and adequate setbacks for structures.

CHAPTER 4.4 CULTURAL RESOURCES
The section under the “Historic Resources” subheading on pages 4.4-8 to 4.4-9 of the Draft EIR is hereby amended as follows:

The history of San Mateo is represented in the almost 200 recognized historic resources and two historic districts, as identified in the 1989 Historic Building Survey.13 Approximately 37 of these structures are individually eligible for the National Register. They range from historic buildings in the downtown area to single-family homes from the late nineteenth century. Within the EIR Study Area, six historic resources are listed in the National Register and six historic resources are listed in the California Register, as shown in Table 4.4-1, Federal- and State-Recognized Historic Resources. In addition, the Yoshiko Yamanouchi House—which includes the main residence, two additional buildings, three structures, and three gardens—was listed as a historic property in the National Register in late 2023 and was subsequently also listed on the California Register.14
TABLE 4.4-1 FEDERAL- AND STATE-RECOGNIZED HISTORIC RESOURCES National Register of California Register of
Historic Resource Location Historic Places Historic Resources Baywood Elementary School (1939)
Ernest Coxhead House
600 Alameda de las Pulgas
37 East Santa Inez Avenue
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XEugene De Sabla J. Jr. Teahouse and Tea
Garden 70 De Sabla Road X
Hotel St. Matthew 215-229 Second Avenue
164 South B Street
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National Bank of San Mateo
US Post Main Office – San Mateo
Vollers House
210 South Ellsworth Street
353 North Claremont Street
1007 East 5th AvenueYoshiko Yamanouchi House X
Source: National Park Service, 2023, National Register of Historic Places, https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalregister/database-research.htm; California State Parks, Office of Historic Preservation, 2023, California Historical Resources, https://ohp.parks.ca.gov/ListedResources/?view=county&criteria=41.

The 1989 Historic Building Survey also identified two National Register-eligible historic districts, the Downtown Historic District and the Glazenwood Historic District.1415 Contributing resources in the Downtown Historic District are primarily concentrated along B Street and Third Avenue and were largely 3-6 J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4

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constructed from the late nineteenth century to the late 1930s. The Glazenwood Historic District is a residential subdivision that includes a distinctive concentration of 1920s Spanish Colonial Revival homes.

The 1989 Historic Building Survey undertook preliminary documentation of several neighborhoods located on the east side of El Camino Real. These neighborhoods were subject to an intensive survey and include Central, East San Mateo, Hayward Park, San Mateo Heights, and North Central. Other than the Glazenwood Historic District, which is located within the Hayward Park neighborhood, the 1989 Historic Building Survey did not formally evaluate these neighborhoods as historic districts. The neighborhoods with high concentrations of older homes on the west side of El Camino Real, including Aragon, Baywood, Baywood Knolls, and San Mateo Park, were subject to a visual (windshield) survey. The 1989 Historic Building Survey recommended that future historic resources surveys be undertaken to comprehensively document and evaluate these neighborhoods as historic districts.

In October 2023, a privately prepared National Register nomination form for the Baywood Historic District was submitted to the California OHP. The draft nomination form states that the potential district includes 350 contributing buildings and six structures. The contributing buildings are single-family residences constructed from 1927 to 1949, primarily in revival styles of the 1920s and 1930s, including Spanish Colonial Revival, Tudor Revival, Colonial Revival, and Mediterranean Revival. The draft nomination form is currently under review by the California OHP.16 The remaining individual properties listed in the 1989 Historic Building Survey as eligible or potentially eligible for listing in the National Register or as locally significant are considered potential historic resources but are not formally listed or landmarked. In subsequent decades, many other properties in San Mateo have been determined to be eligible historic resources through the development of Historic Resource Evaluations as part of the environmental review process. Documentation on these properties is maintained by the city.
14 Denise Bradley and Ward Hill, Yoshiko Yamanouchi House National Register of Historic Places Registration Form, 1007 East 5th Avenue, San Mateo, California, prepared by Denise Bradley Cultural Landscapes, November 2022, Revised June 2023; California Office of Historic Preservation, October 30, 2023, California State Historical Resources Commission to Consider 14 Properties for Action at November 3 Meeting, https://www.parks.ca.gov/NewsRelease/1223, accessed October 31, 2023; California Office of Historic Preservation, 2023 Actions Taken, https://ohp.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=31364. State of California Department of Parks and Recreation, Office of Historic Preservation, January 4, 2024, letter to Mayor Amourence Lee Re:

Yoshiko Yamanouchi House Listing in the National Register of Historic Places. 1415 San Mateo County Historical Association, September 1989, City of San Mateo Historic Building Survey Final Report. 16 Page & Turnbull, 2023, Draft Baywood Historic District National Register of Historic Places Registration Form, San Mateo, California, October 16, 2023.

The following General Plan policies and action referenced in impact discussion CULT-1 on pages 4.4-10 to 4.4-13 of the Draft EIR are hereby amended as follows:
. Policy CD 5.1: Comprehensive Approach to Historic Preservation. Implement a comprehensive approach to historic preservation based on community input and best practices from State and federal agencies, to find an appropriate balance between preservation with other important priorities, such as affordable housing production and supporting local businesses. . Policy CD 5.12: Historic Preservation. Actively Iidentify and preserve historic resources and concentrations of historic resources which convey the flavor of local historical periods, are culturally significant, or provide an atmosphere of exceptional architectural interest or integrity, P L A C E W O R K S 3-7

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as feasible, when they meet national, State, or local criteria. Historic resources, includeing individual properties, districts, and sites to that maintain San Mateo’s sense of place and special identity, and to enrich our understanding of the city’s history and continuity with the past. .
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Policy CD 5.2: Historic Resources Preservation. Actively identify and preserve concentrations of historic resources, which convey the flavor of local historical periods, are culturally significant, or provide an atmosphere of exceptional architectural interest or integrity, when they meet national, State, or local criteria.

Action CD 5.108: Historic Preservation Ordinance. Update the City’s Historic Preservation Ordinance to create a framework for the designation of historic resources and districts, establish review and permitting procedures for historic alterations, demolitions or relocations, be consistent with federal and State standards and guidelines, and align with the other goals and policies outlined in this Element.
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Action CD 5.89: Historic Resources Context Statements. Prepare a citywide historic context statement to guide future historic resource survey efforts to identify individually eligible resources and historic districts. If a neighborhood is identified as a historic district, prepare a more detailed historic context statement for that individual neighborhood.

Action CD 5.910: Historic Resources Survey. Establish and maintain an inventory of architecturally, culturally, and historically significant buildings, structures, sites, and districts.

Proactively maintain an up-to-date historic resources inventory by seeking funding opportunities to update the historic survey. Prepare neighborhood-specific historic context statements prior to updating the historic resources survey.
. Action CD 5.12: Historic Resources Design Standards. Create objective design standards for alterations to historic resources and contributors to a designated historic district, and new development adjacent to historic resources within historic districts. Use the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards as the basis for these objective design standards to ensure projects have a contextual relationship with land uses and patterns; spatial organization; visual relationships; cultural and historic values; and the height, massing, design, and materials of historic resources.

CHAPTER 4.5 ENERGY
The following General Plan policies referenced in impact discussion ENE-1 on pages 4.5-19 to 4.4-27 of the Draft EIR are hereby amended as follows:
. Policy C 1.1: Sustainable Transportation. Reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from transportation by increasing mode share options for sustainable travel modes, such as walking, bicycling, and public transit.
. Policy C 3.1: Pedestrian Network. Create and maintain a safe, walkable environment in San Mateo to increase the number of pedestrians. Maintain an updated recommended pedestrian network for implementation. Encourage “superblock” or similar design in certain nodes of the city, such as the dDowntown, that allows vehicle access at the periphery and limits cut-through vehicles to create pedestrian-focused, car-light spaces. 3-8 J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4

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. Policy C 4.87: Interjurisdiction Coordination. Continue to coordinate with adjacent jurisdictions and regional partners in the development of connected bicycle and pedestrian facilities and regional trails, as identified in adopted City plans.
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Policy C 5.1: Increase Transit Ridership. Support SamTrans and Caltrain in their efforts to increase transit ridership and frequency of transit services.

Policy LU 3.78: Visitor Economy. Collaborate with other Peninsula cities and the San Mateo County/Silicon Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau to support the continued development of the visitor economy of both the city and the region, including lodging, entertainment, cultural, recreation, retail, and local events; encourage uses that attract visitors. Incentivize through fee reduction and visitor perks, sustainable modes of travel to and from the city to reduce both the use of air travel and gas-powered vehicles.

CHAPTER 4.6 GEOLOGY AND SOI LS
The text under the “Liquefaction” subheading on page 4.6-10 of the Draft EIR is hereby amended as follows:

Liquefaction typically occurs in areas where moist, fine-grained, cohesionless sediment or fill materials are subjected to strong, seismically induced ground shaking. Under certain circumstances, the ground shaking can temporarily transform an otherwise solid material to a fluid state, which can result in the horizontal movement of soils on gentle slopes, called lateral spreading. Liquefaction is a serious hazard and may result in buildings that subside and suffer major structural damage. Liquefaction is most often triggered by seismic shaking, but it can also be caused by improper grading, landslides, or other factors.

In dry soils, seismic shaking may cause soil to consolidate rather than flow, a process known as densification. Liquefaction in the EIR Study Area ranges from very low in the hillsides of the city to very high in the marshland and tidal marshes on the eastern side of the EIR Study Area, as shown on Figure

4.6-4, Seismic Hazard Zones. Additionally, as required by the Seismic Hazards Mapping Act, CGS provides maps of Earthquake Required Zones of Investigation. As depicted in Figure 4.6-5, Earthquake Zones of Required Investigation, San Mateo contains liquefaction zones and earthquake-induced landslide zones.

Figure 4.6-5, Earthquake Zones of Required Investigation, as shown on the following page, is hereby added after page 4.6-11 of the Draft EIR.

The text under the “Liquefaction” subheading on page 4.6-12 of the Draft EIR is hereby amended as follows:

The northeastern portion of the EIR Study Area located along the San Francisco Bay is predominantly unconsolidated soils, which consist of soft, unconsolidated, water-saturated, silty clay with shell fragments. These low-lying areas that front the Bay are particularly susceptible to liquefaction. In the western portions of the EIR Study Area, the soils consist of colluvium and bedrock, which have a low susceptibility to liquefaction. As shown on Figure 4.6-4 and Figure 4.6-5, the majority of the liquefaction susceptibility areas in the EIR Study Area are in urbanized, low-lying areas near creeks or the waterfront.

Many of the open space areas and hillside neighborhoods are in low or very low liquefaction susceptibility areas.

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GEOLOGY AND SOILS

EARTHQUAKE FAULT ZONES
Earthquake Fault Zones

SEISMIC HAZARD ZONES
Liquefaction Zones
Zone boundaries are delineated by straight-line segments; the boundaries define the zone encompassing active faults that constitute a potential hazard to structures from surface faulting or fault creep such that avoidance as described in Public Resources Code Section 2621.5(a) would be required.

Areas where historical occurrence of liquefaction, or local geological, geotechnical and ground water conditions indicate a potential for permanent ground displacements such that mitigation as defined in Public Resources Code Section 2693(c) would be required.

Active Fault Traces Earthquake-Induced Landslide Zones
Faults considered to have been active during Holocene time and to have potential for surface rupture: Solid Line in Black or Red where Accurately Located; Long Dash in Black or Solid Line in Purple where Approximately Located; Short Dash in Black or Solid Line in Orange where Inferred; Dotted Line in Black or Solid Line in Rose where Concealed; Query (?) indicates additional uncertainty.

Evidence of historic offset indicated by year of earthquake- associated event or C for displacement caused by fault creep.

Areas where previous occurrence of landslide movement, or local topographic, geological, geotechnical and subsurface water conditions indicate a potential for permanent ground displacements such that mitigation as defined in Public Resources Code Section 2693(c) would be required.
1906 C
?

OVERLAPPING EARTHQUAKE FAULT AND SEISMIC HAZARD ZONES
Overlap of Earthquake Fault Zone and Liquefaction Zone
Areas that are covered by both Earthquake Fault Zone and Liquefaction Zone.

Overlap of Earthquake Fault Zone and Earthquake-Induced Landslide Zone Areas that are covered by both Earthquake Fault Zone and Earthquake- Induced Landslide Zone.

Note: Mitigation methods differ for each zone –
AP Act only allows avoidance; Seismic Hazard Mapping Act allows mitigation by engineering/geotechnical design as well as avoidance. 0 1
Scale (Miles)
Source: California Geological Survey, www.conservation.ca.gov/cgs. Shaded topographic relief derived from USGS 10 meter NED, 2013. Topographic base map from USGS 1956, photorevised, 1980. Street data from US Census Bureau TIGER/Line, 2017.

Figure 4.6-5
Earthquake Zones of Required Investigation

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REVISIONS TO THE DRAFT EIR
The text under the “Liquefaction” subheading on page 4.6-12 of the Draft EIR is hereby amended as follows:

As shown in Figure 4.6-4 and Figure 4.6-5, landslides have the potential to occur in the EIR Study Area, most notably on the steeper slopes that lie on the western edge of the EIR Study Area. In these areas, landslides are commonly associated with slopes underlain with Franciscan sheared rock (mélange) and pre-existing landslide deposits, which indicate unstable underlying materials.

The text under the “Liquefaction” subheading of impact discussion GEO-1 on page 4.6-17 of the Draft EIR is hereby amended as follows:

The EIR Study Area contains a range of geological and soil profiles. Within the EIR Study Area, liquefaction susceptibility ranges from low in steeply sloped areas to moderate and very high in the marshland and tidal marshes on the eastern side of the EIR Study Area, as shown on Figure 4.6-4 and Figure 4.6-5. As discussed in Chapter 3, Project Description, of this Draft EIR, future development under the proposed project is expected to occur in existing urban areas and would be largely concentrated on a limited number of vacant parcels and in the form of infill/intensification on sites either already developed and/or underutilized, and/or in close proximity to existing residential and residential-serving development. These urban areas are generally located in portions of the EIR Study Area that have low liquefaction susceptibility. However, some existing urban areas in the EIR Study Area are built atop soil materials which have a high liquefaction susceptibility.

The text under the “Liquefaction” subheading of impact discussion GEO-1 on page 4.6-18 of the Draft EIR is hereby amended as follows:

In the event that future development is proposed on areas with potential liquefaction susceptibility, the development would be required to comply with existing regulations in of the Seismic Hazards Mapping Act and the CBC and undergo a geotechnical review in accordance with SMMC regulations. Compliance with the Seismic Hazards Mapping Act, CBC, SMMC, and proposed General Plan goals, policies, and actions would minimize the risk of loss, injury, or death involving liquefaction after a seismic-related ground failure, and impacts would be less than significant.

The text under the “Landslide” subheading of impact discussion GEO-1 on page 4.6-18 of the Draft EIR is hereby amended as follows:

Furthermore, new development or redevelopment in any of the portions of the EIR Study Area deemed to be within landslide-susceptible areas would be required to comply with grading, erosion, and sediment control regulations in the CBC and the provisions in of the Seismic Hazards Mapping Act and the SMMC for geotechnical investigations. Compliance with the Seismic Hazards Mapping Act, CBC and SMMC, as well as the proposed General Plan goals, policies, and actions discussed above, would minimize the risk of loss, injury, or death involving landslide after a seismic-related ground failure and ensure that impacts would be less than significant.

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CHAPTER 4.7 GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
The following General Plan policies and actions referenced in impact discussion GHG-1 on pages 4.7-25 to 4.7-29 of the Draft EIR are hereby amended as follows:
. Policy C 1.1: Sustainable Transportation. Reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from transportation by increasing mode share options for sustainable travel modes, such as walking, bicycling, and public transit.
. Action C 1.1415: Transit-Oriented Development Pedestrian Access Plan. Coordinate with interagency partners and community stakeholders to seek funding opportunities to design, construct, and build the priority projects identified in the Transit-Oriented Development Pedestrian Access Plan to improve access to and from the Caltrain Stations. .
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Policy C 3.1: Pedestrian Network. Create and maintain a safe, walkable environment in San Mateo to increase the number of pedestrians. Maintain an updated recommended pedestrian network for implementation. Encourage “superblock” or similar design in certain nodes of the city, such as the dDowntown, that allows vehicle access at the periphery and limits cut-through vehicles to create pedestrian-focused, car-light spaces.

Action C 3.7: Pedestrian Connectivity. Incorporate design for pedestrian connectivity across intersections in transportation projects, including the El Camino Real corridor, to improve visibility at crosswalks for pedestrians and provide safe interaction with other modes. Design improvements should focus on increasing sight lines and removing conflicts at crosswalks. .
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Policy C 4.65: Bicycle Improvements. Require new developments to construct or contribute to improvements that enhance the cyclist experience, including bicycle lanes and bicycle parking.

CHAPTER 4.8 HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
The following General Plan goal, policies, and action referenced in impact discussion HAZ-1 on pages

4.8-17 to 4.8-19 of the Draft EIR are hereby amended as follows:
. Policy S 1.2: Local Hazard Mitigation Plan. Incorporate by reference the San Mateo County Multi-jJurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, approved by the Federal Emergency 3-12 J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4

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REVISIONS TO THE DRAFT EIR
Management Agency (FEMA) in 2021, along with any future updates or amendments, into this Safety Element in accordance with Government Code Section 65302.6. . Goal S-65: Protect the community’s health, safety, and welfare relating to the use, storage, transport, and disposal of hazardous materials.
. Policy S 65.1: County Cooperation. Cooperate with the County of San Mateo and San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department in the regulation and transportation of hazardous materials in San Mateo. Share hazardous materials management enforcement with San Mateo County and San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department.
. Policy S 65.2: County Hazardous Waste Management Plan. Adopt the San Mateo County Hazardous Waste Management Plan by reference into the Safety Element. Make amendments, as necessary, to suit local needs and issues.
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Policy S 65.3: Transportation Routes. Restrict the transportation of hazardous materials and waste to designated truck routes and limit such transportation to non-commute hours.

Policy S 65.4: Hazardous Waste Management Facilities Location. Regulate the location and operation of new hazardous waste management facilities.

Policy S 65.5: Design of Hazardous Waste Management Facilities. Require the following features and mitigation measures in the design of proposed hazardous waste management facilities, including life sciences buildings, to minimize potential health, safety, and aesthetic impacts on surrounding properties and occupants:
. For sites in areas subject to flooding or inundation as shown on Figures S-5 and S-6, require facilities to have a surface elevation at least 1.5 feet above the maximum flood water level for areas containing hazardous substances or to be flood-proofed in some other manner suitable to the City.
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Require facilities to provide for full on-site containment of maximum permitted quantities of hazardous substances, including protection of storm drain or sanitary sewer inlets from accidental entry of hazardous materials.

Require facilities to provide separate storage and/or treatment of potentially reactive substances, including separate spill containment vessels. Require that storage of hazardous gases provides adequate filtration and neutralization devices to prohibit accidental release of toxic substances.
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Require that all storage and treatment occur within an enclosed structure.

San Mateo City CouncilMarch 4, 2024

San Mateo City Council
March 4, 2024