Sonoma City Council
January 17, 2024

Two-Story Metal Office and Warehouse South of the Lynch Building aSingleStory Warehouse on the Sonorna Index-Tribune Building Parcel: For the following reasons. the Planning Commission finds that the rnetal wareho use/
office
building behind 235 VV. Napa Street and metal warehouse behind ln d
e
x
Building at 1 17 VVest Napa Street are not historically significant. The propos ed
project
calls for the demolition of a 7_690—sf two—story metal warehouse and of fi
ce
building
constructed in 1986 behind 135 VVest Napa Street (APN 018-251-051) and approximately 3.81 3-sf one—story, metal warehouse building constructed 1977 in behind the 1 928—constructed Sonorna lndex—Tribune building at 1 1 7 VVest Street (APN 018~251—O67). Page & Turnbull prepared a Historic Resource Study(HRS on ) the 1928—constructed Sonorna lndex—Tribune building at 117 VVest Nap a
'Street
2011. Page & Turnbull concluded that the building was eligible for t h
e
iaCalif
or Register under Criteria 1 and 2‘ However, this report focused on the north ern
portion
of the building that was originally constructed in 1928 and altered in 1958. The report did not attribute significance to the warehouse additions, constructed in 1the at 9 7
7 southern portion of the parcel (APN 018-251-067), and next door in 1986 O18— APN 251-051, because they were less than 50 years old at the time of recordation .

The HRE for the Hotel Project Sonorna Project prepared by Knapp Architects201 in5. addressed the warehouse additions even though they were less than 50 old at y e
a
r
s
the tirne, The RDEIR concluded that the warehouse additions are not hist oric
ally
significant because they were less than 50 years old and were constructed well after the lndex—Tribune was established, and that the additions should not beinc lud
ed
the designation of 1 17 West Napa Street as a historical resource.

Former Chateau Sonorna Building at 153 West Napa Street: For tfollow ing reasons, the Planning Cornrnission ‘finds that the former Chateau Sonoma atBui ldin
g
153 VV. Napa Street is not historically significant. The proposed project cthe for a
l
l
s
demolition of the single—story. former Chateau Sonorna Building located 153 Vvest Napa Street (APN 018-250-017) that was constructed circa 1910. Page &Turnbul l prepared a HRS in 201 1 that concluded the property is not individually e li
g
i
b
l
e
tohe
California Register under Criteria 1, 2, or 3 because it lacked historic signifi cance
and
only retained a rnoderate degree of integrity to its original date of constructio n.

The structure does not represent a unique and irreplaceable historic or resource;
As discussed above, the existing structures including the Chateau Sonorna Buildi ng. l.wo—story rnetal office and warehouse south of the Lynch Building and si n
g
le
-
warehouse on the Sonorna |ndex—Tribune Building Parcel are not eligible indivi dual listing in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) or the California Re of gis
ter Historical Resources (CRHR) because the properties lack significance integrit y. Therefore. the structures do not represent a unique and irreplaceable hist or oric architectural resource.

The community benefit of preserving the structure is out—weighed by thcost of e preservation and rehabilitation;
I2
Agenda Item #8.1:

VII.

The Project site is largely under—utilized. Construction of the Project would adeight d residential units, including two affordable housing units. a 62—roorn hotel, spa, and restaurant. These new businesses would generate taxes and potentially gen erat
e
funding that would support the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and the Ci ty
large. at As the exis g structures which are proposed to be demolished are not efor li
g
i
b
l
e
indi dual ll ng in the NRHP or the CRHR and have been found to withou t significant historical value, there are no community benefits of preserving these structures.

The adaptive re—use of the structure is infeasible or inappropriate, due toec on
om
ic
considerations, structural conditions or /and use incornpalibility; and The existing structures are not eligible for individual listing in the NRHF’ or CRHR.

There is no evidence indicating that any realistic. objective economic benefit woul or d could be derived from re—usirig these structures in their current condition. Ada ptiv
e
reuse would be of negligible benefit and may be physically infeasible.

The relocation of the structure is infeasible due to cost, structural conditions lack orf an interested taker.

As the existing structures are not eligible for individual listing in the National Regis ter of NRHF’ or the CRHR, relocation would have marginal bene?t. Additionally. there is no evidence that any person is interested in relocating these structures to other property.

Lot Line Adjustment Findings
Based on the findings below and in accordance with SMC Section 16.07040 ( or Denial of Adjustment) and Section ‘l9.52.03O (Concurrent Permit Processing ),
the
Planning Commission approves the lot line adjustment described below. Specifica lly.
the
Planning Commission hereby makes the following findings based on the facts in the Record as a whole, including, but not limited to those set forth below.

1. The adjustrnerit will not have the e?ect of creating a greater number of p ar
c
el
s
than
exist before adjustment."
The proposed lot line adjustment would adjust the boundaries of three lots of record with four Assessor Parcel Numbers (APNs). The associated addre sses
are
‘l 17 VVesl Napa Street (APN O18—25’l—O67): 135 Vvest Napa Street (APNS 018 -
251
-
O51 and -068), and 153 VVest Napa Street (APN O18—25’l»O17). As demonstr ated
by
Table 2 below, the proposed lot line adjustment would not create a greater nof um
be
r
parcels than exists before the adjustment. Three parcels would remain the lot line adjustment and the total property area would be the same.

Table 2: Proposed Lot Line Adjustment.

Address Existing Proposed
153 Vllest hlapa Street 7.5005!’ 54,813 SF
Agenda Item #8.1:

(Chateau Soncma) | (New Hotel Parcel)
135 West Napa Street 41.432 sf 7,437 SF
(Lynch Building) (Lynch Building)
117 Vtlest Napa Street 20,385 sf 7,017 SF Lsonorna Index Tribune) (Sonorna Index Tribun e)

2. VIII.

Total +I— 69,317 SF +I— 69,317 SF
Any parcel resulting from the adjustment will not con?icr with any appl icab
le
regulations of the development code:

The new parcels would comply with applicable standards contained in Section

19.34.02!) (Project Planning and Design Standards) as the lots would meet th required minimum lot size of 7,500 sf. Further, the new parcels would cause a conflict with building height, coverage. and or Floor Area Ratio for th e
rema
inin
g
structures.

The adjustment will not result in an increase in the number ofnonconforrning parcels.

The Project would not result in any non—conforming parcels and would increas e the total number of parcels. The minimum lot size for the Commercial zo ni
ng
district
in the Downtown Planning Area is 7,500 sf. All of the proposed parcels wo uld
or meet
exceed the minimum lot size.

Indemnity and Time Limits
The developer/applicant and any successor in interest, severally and shall defend, indemnify. and hold harmless the City and its agents, of?cers, att orn
eys
,
and
employees from any claim, action, or proceeding brought against the Cit its or y agents. officers, attorneys. or employees to attack, set aside, void, annu the l approvals at issue herein. This indemnification shall include damages or fe e
s
award
ed against the City, if any, costs of suit, attorney's fees, and other costs an d
expe
nses incurred in connection with such action whether incurred by the developer/ applicant. the City, and/or parties initiating or bringing such action.

The developer/applicant and any successor in interest, severally and shall defend. indemnify, and hold harmless the City, its agents, employees, an d
attorn
eys for all costs incurred in additional investigation of or study of, or for supp leme
ntin
g,
preparing, redrafting, revising. or amending any document, if made necessary bysaid legal ac ‘on and the developer/applicant desires to pursue securing such app rov
als,
after init‘ tion of such litigation, which are conditioned on the approval such of documents in a form and under conditions approved by the City Attorney. in the event that a claim, action, or proceeding described in subsection (above is brought, the City shall promptly notify the developer/applicant of the existe nce
of the
claim, action, or proceeding, and the City will cooperate fully in the defens e
such of
claim, action, or proceeding. Nothing herein shall prohibit the City from in the defense of any claim, action, or proceeding; the City shall retain th e
right () to
approve the counsel to so defend the City, (ii) approve all significant decis ions
I4
Agenda Item #8.1:

IX.
concerning the manner in which the defense is conducted, and (iii) approve anyd all settlements. which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. The Cit y
sha also
ll have the right not to participate in said defense. except that the City toag ree
s
cooperate with the developer/applicant in the defense of said claim, act or io
n,
proceeding. If the City chooses to have counsel of its own to defend any cl aim,
action,
or proceeding where the developer/applicant has already retained counsel todefend the City in such matters, the fees and expenses of the counsel selected the City b y shall be paid by the City.

The developer/applicant and any successor in interest. severally jointly, indemnifies the City for all the City's costs, fees, and damages which the Cincurs it
y
in enforcing the above indemnification provisions.

Unless a shorter limitation period applies, the time within which judicial re vi
ew
this of
decision must be sought is governed by California Code of Civil Procedure, Sectio n 1 094.6.

The conditions of project approval set forth herein include certain fees. d e
di
c
at
io
n
requirements, reservation requirements, and other exactions. Pu rs
ua
nt
to Government Code Section 66020(d)(1), the conditions constitute written anof o
ti
c
e
statement of the amount of such fees and a description of dedications, re s
er
v
at
io
n
s.
and other exactions. You are hereby further notified that the 90-day approv al
period
in which you may protest these fees, dedications. reservations. and other exa cti
ons
pursuant to Government Code Section 66020(a), has begun. If you fail to f i
l
e
aprotest
within this 90-day period complying with all of the requirements of Section you will be legally barred from later challenging such exactions.

Project Approval
Based on the ?ndings set forth in this Resolution. the Planning Commission hereb y
grants
approval of a Use Permit with modifications. Exception to Loading Space Requ ireme
nt,
Reduction of Residential Component. Design Review, Demolition Permit, and Lotine Adjustment. including approving the reduction of parking spaces for the Hote l
Projec
t Sonoma and as set forth in project narrative (dated September 27. 2023) and proj ect
plans
(dated September 20, 2023). subject to the modified Conditions of Approval Exhibitand “B” Mitigation Monitoring Program set forth in Exhibit “C", attached hereto and inc orp
ora
ted
herein by reference.
15 Agenda Item #8.1:

The foregoing Resolution is hereby passed and adopted by the Planning on October 1 9, 2023, by the following vote:

Ayes: Cornrns. Darnbach. O'Gorrnan~.Jenkins, O'Neill. VVirick, Vice Chair Barbose Noes: Cornrn. Vviilers Absent: Recuse: 3mrhz,!‘\-
Vice Chair Barbose
Atte
Matthew Courpet
Exhibit “A"
General Plan Consistency Review
Exh ..B..

Conditions of Project Approval
Exhibit "C"
Mitigation Measures
I6
Agenda Item #8.1:

EXHlBl'F A — HOTEL PI{()JECT SONOl\’IA GENERAL PLAN CONSISTENCY FIND INGS
\ in \4)lIl!ll 2021! I .t It I‘l.ui l’<:lu'\
( ‘-in~i~IL>v|t'\
coordinate development on sinall The Project represents a coordinated con guous lots to the extent possible. development address ng the design and (CD-4) development of three contiguous lots in t
downtown area in an integrated rnanner
Require pedestrian and bicycle access and The Project includes bicycle parking facilit ies
for
amenities in all development (CDE—4.4) employees and hotel guests and it will be required to contribute fair share costs to
pedestrian safety improvements at the
intersection ofFirst Street VS/est/VVest Nap
a Street. Internal walkways will connect to th
e public sidewalk. The Project includes ped
estri
an
enhancements along the west Napa street
frontage of the site, including street trees.

Preserve and continue to utilize historic The Project preserves the historically signi ?cant buildings as much as feasible (CDE—5.4) 1udex—Ti-ibune building. No historic buildin gs
are
proposed for demolition.

Promote higher density, in?ll development, The Project is an in?ll development that while ensuring that building mass, scale, and complies with the Developlnenl code stan dard
s
form are compatible with neighborhood and concerning moor Area Ratio, site coverage, town character (CDE—5.5) setbacks and building heights. The building design employs architectural elements tha
t
are
consistent with DD\Vl}tO\Nn vernacular and oth
er developinent within the vicinity of the Pr
oje
ct.

Elements include the use of gables, balconie
s, thick walls, the layering of arcades at the
sidewalk, and overhanging roofs. The lni
x
of
building materials includes hand-trov/eled
plaster, stained wood, board and batten si
d
i
n
g,
corrugated metal roo?ng and split—raced
stone. Building exte 'o|'s will include dee
p
set windows ?nished with thick sills and jarnb
s, Pursue design consistency, improved ‘I‘hc: Project will include bicycle parking pedestrian and bicycle access, and I'ighl—of‘» ror employees and hotel guests, and it wil l
be way beauti?cation along the Highway 12 required to implement pedestrian safety Corridor. (CDE—5.6) improvements at the intersection orlru-st s t
r
west/west ‘Napa street. The project inclu
des
a
variety of pedestrian Facilities. including
walkways that connect to the public sidewa
lk and pedestrian enhancements along the w
e
st
Agenda Item #8.1:

Focus on the retention and attraction of
businesses that r inforce Sonon1a’s
di tinotive quali ies— such as agriculture,
food and wine, history and art—- and that
offer high—pa ing jobs (LF.»l.1)
Napa street Frontage: of the site. including street
trees and other landscaping.

The Project enhances local businesses twould
contribute to Sonol-na’s distinctive qualiti
es, include the Sonoma 1ndex—Ti-ibute and
The hotel and restaurant uses complement the
attributes of Downtown sonoma.

Pron1ote and accommodate yeal'—roLlnd
tourism that is consistent with the historic,
small»town character or Sclnorna (LE4 .5)
The I‘-'roject is intended to support year—iound tourisrn consistent with this policy. The sof c
a
l
e
the Project complies with the Development Code
standards and its design employs architectur
al elewients that are representative ofhistorio
structures in the downtown and support tsn1all
h—
e
town character of Sonoma.
preserve and enhance the historic plaza
area as a unique, retail-oriented
corninercial and cultural center that
attracts both residents and visitors. (LE1.2)
The Project preserves the historically si
gn
i?
ca
nt
Index-t bune building is consistent wit
h
the Historic C)varlay Dist: Icl. Guidelines, an
d wou
ld enhance the Vicinity ofthe historic Plaza.

Prornote ground—?our retail uses in
cot-nrnercial areas as a means of generating
pedestrian activity. (LE— 1 . l 0)
‘The hotel and restaurant uses will generate
pedestrian activity consistent with this
Require new development to provide adequate
private and where appropriate, public open
space (ERE—1 .4)
The ProJect complies with the Development
code standards concerning the provision ofo
pen space in new commercial development.

Protect sonoma valley watershed resources,
including surface and ground water supplies
and quality (BR 2.4)
Best practices in posl:—constl-uciion stormw
ater
lnanagelnenl will be required in design
drainage improvements per the conditions of
approval.

Require erosion control and soil
conservation practices thatsupport watershed protection (ER 25) The P. oiect will incorporate erosion contr
ol
and
soil conservation practices that support watershed protection Agenda Item #8.1:

Preserve existing trees and plant new trees. (ER

2.5)
The Project would be developed consistent the
arborisl report and tee Colnmitte<>’s
reeominendatiens which include tree replace ment plantings.

Require development to avoid potential
ilnpacts l.o wildlire habil.aL. air quality, and
other gniticant biological resources, or to
adequately niitigatcsueh impacts ir
avoidance is not feasible (ER 2.9)
The site has been previously developed a
n
d
is
urban in nature. Potential ilnpacls on wild
lire and other biological were determined to less
than signi?cant (sec EIR section 4.4 Biolo
gical l~{Csources). in add: ion, Mitigation Measures
have been idcnti?cd to reduce potential i
on A Quality loalcss»lI1anesignlfioal1llevel (see
section 4.2 cflhe EIR).

Encourage construction, building maintenance.
landscaping, and transportation practices that
prornote energy and water conservation and
reduce greenhouse gas emissions (ER 3.2)
The Project will reduce vehicle Lrips by
providing lodging within the Downtown in
proximity to historic sites, shopping
opportunities, and the Plaza. The 1=~ro_iect be
constructed to LB 1) standards, and will
energy erticient. The Project will also be
to the California Green Building code an
d
the Ci(y’s WELD ordinance. which requires
water use landscaping and irrigation systems
. The Project complies with applicable local
policies aimed at reducing vehicle miles t
r
a
v
e
l
e
d
and GHG emissions (see section 4.7 orthe
RDEIR).

Agenda Item #8.1:

promote safety for all users or the street
system (C134 .2)
Design intersections to provide adequate
and safe access for all users including
pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists ofall
ages and abilities, and in a manner that is
appropriate for the surrounding land use
and cultural context (CE-—l.9)
lmprove pedestrian circulation and sarety
at rnajor intersections (CE2—4)
The Project will be required to implement
pedestr an safety improvements at Lhe
intersection ofF' st Street West/West
Street. The design of the l'nLerseclior| be
consistent Wit!) the direction established the in Clirculation Elelnent L-3 protect the historic character ofthe Plaza.

Ensure that new development contributes
its proportional share or the cost of
improvements necessary to address
curnulative lranspc)I'tation impacts on the multimodal circulation network (CE.—I.l I) Ensure that new development mitigates its
traffic impacts (CE 3.7)
he Project will provide mitigation for
transportation impacts (see page 4.7 or
revised Final EIR)
lra circulation improvement in—lieu reeisn
place prior to the issuance ofbuilding for
the Project, the Project will be required tpay
o applicable fees.

Incorporate bicycle facilities and
amenities in new development (cl3—2.s)
The Project includes bicycle parking fac
ilit
ies
for
employees and hotel guests.

Encourage a mixture or uses and higher
densities where appropriate to improve
the viability oftransil, pedestrian and
bicycle travel (CE—3. l)
The Project will promote pedestrian trav
el
and
bicycling by providing lodging withi t
downtown area, in proximity to historic si
te
s,
shopping and the Plaza.

Agenda Item #8.1:

Require develnplnent to be designed and
constructed in a rnanner that reduces the
potential for damage and injury rt-om natural
and human causes to the extent possible. (PS
I .l )
As required through the conditions of approv
al,
the
Project will colnply with all building and
engineering requirerrlents associated with s
ei
s
safety and other safety considerations. As
in section 2.2 of the EIR, the Project would n
ot result in a signi?cant safety or hazards impact
. Ensure that all development projecrs pi-ovide
adequate ?re protection. (PS L3)
The Project has been reviewed by the Sonoma Valley Fire and Rescue Authol'ity and has b e
e
n
designed to meet the requirelnents For ?re
protection. as required through the conditions of
proj cot approval.

Ensure that all operations that use. store, and/or
transport hazardous materials to comply with
all applicable regulations (l>s—l .o)
Apply the following standards for rnaxirnuln
I_.dn levels to citywide development: 45 Ldn:

For indoor environments in all residential
units. so Ldrl: For outdoor environrnents
around all residential developments and
outdoor public facilities. (‘NE 1 .l)
Fcrlner uses on the site (printing plan, gas s
t did make sue of hazardous materials which been
fully evaluated in the Phase I environmental sit
e assessment and related studies. Remediation has
already occurnad and additional reeornmendations
associated with new development will be im
pl
em
e
nt
as required through the conditions of project
roval.

A noise assessment was conducted as pain the
EIR for the Project. As indicated in section 4. of
3 the Elk, mitigation would be required to red
uc
e
indoor noise levels within hotel rooms close west to Napa street. An acoustical implementation p l
a
n
prepare by a quali?ed specialist will be requi
red
to
demonstrate compliance with the City’s ind
oor noise limits.

Require adequate mitigation ofpotential noise
from all proposed development. (NE 1.3)
The noise assessment in the EIR evaluated
construction and operation impacts. No ope
rati
onal
impacts would occur with the Project. Howe
ver, mitigation is included to reduce construction noi
se (see Table l ofthe Mitigation Monitoring a
n
d Reporting Prograrrl)
Evaluate proposed development using the Noise Assessment Guide and require an acoustical study when it is not certain that a
proposed project can adequately mitigate
potential noisein-lpacts. (NE. 1 .4)
A noise analysis was perforrned as part orth
e
EIR
prepared for the Project (Appendix J of the Agenda Item #8.1:

Encourage property owners to rnaintain rental The seven existing apartrnent units within Lynch t h
e
and ownership units in sound condition building will remain as part of the Project. through code enforcement and housing
rehabilitation prograrns 0-15-32.

Agenda Item #8.1:

D()VVN1‘OVVN DESIGN GUIDELINES CONSISTENCY
Downtown Design Guidelines Proieet
Preserve and enhance Ihe
historic character ofthe:
downtown and protrtote its
economic vitality.

The Project would preserve the historically ignirtcant
index.-rribunc Building and the project architecture is designed to complement and evoke tie historic character or the (IOVVHIOVVH.

In new construction, build upon
the established character of the
area and employ high—quality
and pedesti-ian—r endly design.

The architecture orthe building rronting on west Napa
street extends design elements orthc other buildings on the block and employs pedestriansfriendly features including walkways, sidewalk seating, a street—racing entrance, windows and new street trees and other landscaping.

Parking areas should be located
at the rear or along the side or
properties and should be
discouraged in rront clf
buildings. Parking areas shall
be screened froln adjacent
residential zoning districts and
land uses. Driveway cut shall
be minimized when possible.

Parking will be screened. Most orthe onsite parking will be underground and enta s scaling back existing surface parking lots. The site plan would substantially reduce
views or parking areas adjoining west Napa street and
First Street West. 'l‘he Project dues not increase the
number ordriveway cuts on either west Napa street or
First Street West. The Project access and parking have
been designed to accommodate multiple adjoining uses.

The building and improvements from west Naps street
provide for sidewalk seating, a street facing
signi?cant environmental
amenities should be preserved.

The Project site is substantially developed and does not contain any signi?cant environmental amenities.
site design and architectural
features that eontl-il-lute to
pedestrian con‘lf0l’t and interest,
such as awnings. recessed
entrances, paseos, alloys and
patios. are encouraged.

The building and improvements fronting west Naps street provide for sidewalk seating, a street—t‘acing entrance, a pedestrian arcade and new street trees and other
landscaping.

Reinforce the scale and ma-sing orsigni nt historic
buildings in the v nity.

The massing of larger
colrlrnercial and n1ix<:d—use
buildings should be broken
down to an appropriate scale
through the use of store-fronts
and breaks in the facade.

The building rronting west Napa street maintains
continuity with the height of second—noor build ng
elements and the root heights of other buildings on the block, including the Feedslore building and the historically signi?cant lndE:x—Tl'ibune building. ln addition, the west Napa street building extends common streetscape elements, including a covered, wood arcade along the street fl-ontage.

The Hotel massing is appropriate for tlns location. The Hotel is divided into wings, with varying setbacks rrom west Napa street and provides appropriate pedestrian
scale. There are setbacks, variations in materials and
design details, repeating breaks in the racadc. balconies and -hangcs in rootlines. Architectural styles and details
that rcncct the sonoma
vernacular should be used.
' he Hotel Project design uses gables, balconies, thick walls, arcades at the sidewalk, and overhanging roars consistent with sonoma vernacular nl hitecture. The nlix or building materials includes handetroweled plaster, stained wood, board and batten siding, corrugated metal rool-ing and split—raced cut stone. Building exteriors will include deep set window reveals rinished with thick sills Agenda Item #8.1:

and jambs.

Preserve and restore; historic
structures.

TI-n2: index—Tribune building, which has been identi?ed as historical1y—signi?cant vvauld be preserved. since the
application has been submitted, improvements have
occ rreci to the back wall or the index-Tribune building, which has been replaced, therefore, construc. I1 ufthis Prciect. would not inipact that the historic sti icture. Building types, arcl1itaclu|'al details and signs having 3
generic or corporate appearance
are strongly discouraged.

The Project has a custoin design, that is not corporate in nature. The design evokes local architectural patterns
through the use or traditional building fornis detailed with gables, balconies, thick walls, arcades at the sidewalk, and overhanging roofs.

Agenda Item #8.1:

Consislency with I-Iistoric Preservation and In?ll in the Historic Zone l\/lunici pal Code 1 9.42 Project New development should continue the funclional, on— its‘-
relationships ofthe surrounding
neighborhood. 170 example.
common patterns that should be
continued are cntries racing the
public right.ol=way. rront
porches, and garages/parking
areas located at the rear orthe
parcel.

The Project would preserve the historically-signi?cant
lrldex—Tribune Building and Ihe Project architecture is designed to colnplenlenl and evoke tit: historic character of the downtown. The architecture orthe building fronting on west Napa street extends design elements orthe other buildings on the block and employs pedcstriamrriendly
features including walkways, sidewalk seating, a streets facing entrance, windows and new street trees and other landscaping. The proposed underground g -age will
eliminate the current surface parking frcln-l w and is
colnpatible with the district.

Front setbacks ror new in?ll
development should follow
either of the following criteria:
i. Equal to the average Front
setback or all residences on
both sides or the street within
loo reet orthe property lines of
the new project; or
ii. Equal to the average rront
setback ofthc two immediately
adjoining structures on each
side or the new pro_ject..

The setbacks meet the Development Code and are
consistent with existing buildings setback on the block.

New in?ll struclures should
support the distinctive
architectural I:l1£n'ac1.erlstics of
developrnent in the surrounding
neighborhood, including
building mass, scale,
proportion, decoration/detail,
door and window
spacing/rhythm, exterior
lhaterialst ?nished-?oor height.
porches, and roof pitch and
style.

The building and improvements fronting west Napa street e far sidewalk seating, a street racing entry, street
balconies, architectural details compatible with the
district including mass, scale, proportion. door and window trirn.

Because new intill structures
are likely to be taller than one
story,
their bulk and height can
impose on sinaller—scale
adjoining structures. The height or new structures should be considered within the context or their surroundings.
structures with greater height
should consider providing
greater setbacks at the secondstory level, to reduce inlpacls __(e.g.z blqcking or screening or
'1"l1e building fronting west Napa street maintains
continuity with the height ofsccond—?oor building
elements and the t-oorheights or other buildings on the block, including the Feedstore building and the historically signi?cant ll1dex—"l -ibune building. In addition, the west Napa street building extends common streotscape elements, including a covered, wood arcade along the street frontage.

Agenda Item #8.1:

air and light. p acy, etc.) an
adjoining sing)e—story
structures.

The incorporation of balconies
and porches is cncouraged for
both przicticai and aesthetic;
reasons. ‘Fhese elexncnts should
be integrated to break up large
front fagades and add hurnan
scale to the slri.|clui'es.

The building and ilnprovelnents fronLing wesi Napa Street provide for sidewalk seating, a street—fac.ing entrance, a pedestrian arcade and new street Ireas and musilandscaping.

Color schexnes for in??
structures should consider the
color schclncs of existing
simcmres in the surrounding
nexighborhood in order to ma (ai compatibility and
harmony. Avoid sharp conlrasts with sxisting building colors.

The color SCHSITIE will be cornpatible with existing
buildings on the street and in the district.
10 Agenda Item #8.1:

City of Sonoma Planning Commission

CONDITIONS OF PROJECT APPROVAL
Use Perm , Exception to Development Code Loading Standard, Reductio n
of Residential Component. Design Review, Demolition Permit. and Lot L in
e Adjustment (Hotel Project Sonoma)
1 1 7. 135, and 153 West Napa Street
Assessor Parcel Numbers (APNS) 01 8—25‘l -067, 01 8-251 -051. 01 8-251 and 01 8-251 -017
October 1 9. 2023
The approval of the Use Permit. Exception to Development Code Loading Standar d.

Reduction of Residential Component, Design Review. Derrlolilion Perrrlif. and Lot Line Adjust ment allows the
applicant to construct a 65,606 square foot 62—guestroorn hotel, Bosseat restaurant and bar, spa with 6 treatment rooms, raised swimming pool veranda, 130 onsite parking spaces a(of consi
sting
52,110 square foot 111astal| basement parking garage, 9 surface parking spaces. and 8covered residential parking spaces), and a 21,221 sf s»unit residential building. The project islocate at 17. d 135, and 153 VVest Napa street. Building Permit Plans shall be in conformance with the project narrative (dated September 27. 2023) and project plans (dated September 20, 2except as 0 2
3 ),
modified by these conditions.
a. Signage shall be subject to a separate review and approval process. b. A Landscape Plan shall be prepared by a licensed landscape architect. The shall address site landscaping, the common open space area. fencing/walls. hardscape i and required tree plantings. Street trees and trees along the private driveway beconsistent with the City's Tree Planting Program, including the Master Tree List. Th e
lands plan
cape shall comply with City of Sonorna‘s Water Efficient Landscaping ordinance Code (Mu nic
ipa
l
§14.32) and Development Code Sections 19.40.1DO (Screening and B19.46 u
ff
e
ri
n
g
).
(Fences. Hedges, and VVal|s)_ 19.40.0713 (open space for Multi—Family Resi denti
al
Projects),
and 19.40060 (Landscape Standards).

Enforcement Responsibility.’ community Development Department Tirnirlg: Prior to Issuance ofa Building Perrnit
o. Exterior lighting shall conform to the California Energy Standards an d
stand and
ards guidelines contained under section 19.40030 of the Development Code Lighting). No light or glare shall be directed toward or allowed to spill onto any offsite aexterior All r
e
a
s
.
light fixtures shall be shielded to avoid glare onto neighporing properties anshall bethe d minimum necessary for site safety and security.

This approval may be appealed to the City council within 5 business days from the of date this approval pursuant to Chapter 19.84 (Appeals) of the Sonoma Municipal Code. Ap of the pro
val
entitlements specified in the first paragraph above becomes effective on the 9th day after this approval, provided no appeals are received. once effective. this approval is for two years unless a Building Permit has been issued and construction has commenced.

Agenda Item #8.1:

2. Indemnity, Fee Notice. and Time Limitations:
a. The applicant/developer and any successor in interest, severally and joi ntl
y,
.shall defend.
indemnify. and hold harmless the City and its agents, of?cers. attorneys, employ from ees any claim. action, or proceeding brought against the City or its agents. o ff
ic
er
s,
or attorneys,
employees to attack, set aside, void, or annul the Planning Commission's decis issue at ion herein, including any approval of any portion of the project or the en vir
onme
nta
l
review
document(s) for the Project, This indemnification shall include darnages fees awarded or against the City. if any, costs of suit, attorney’s fees, and other costs and exincurred pe
ns
es
in connection with such action whether incurred by the applicant/developer. the and/or City, parties initiating or bringing such action.

The applicant/developer and any successor in interest. severally and jshall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the City, its agents, employees, and atto rne
ys
costs for all
incurred in additional investigation of or study of. or for supplementing. p r
e
p
a
ri
n
g
,
redrafting,
revising. or amending any document (included but not limited to any environ mental document
or study), of made necessary by said legal action and the applicant/ developer
desires to
pursue securing such approval, after initiation of such litigation. which are oncothe nd
iti
on
ed
approval of such documents in a rorm and under conditions approved by tCity Atorney.

In the event that a claim. action, or proceeding described in subsection n u
baorbove
is brought. the City shall promptly notify the applicant/developer of the exi ste
nce
of the claim,
action, or proceeding, and the City will cooperate fully in the defense of s u
c
h
or action, claim.
proceeding. Nothing herein shall prohibit the City from participating in tdefense of any claim, action, or proceeding; the City shall retain the right to (i) approve sothe cunsel to defend the city, (ii) approve all significant decisions concerning the m a
n
n
er
which the in
defense is conducted, and (iii) approve any and all settlements, which a p
p
r
o
v
al
not shall be
unreasonably withheld. The City shall also have the right not to participate said defense, in except that the City agrees to cooperate with the applicant/developer in tdefense ofsaid clairn, action. or proceeding. If the City chooses to have counsel of its toodefend any claim, action, or proceeding where the applicantldeveloper has already rcounsel to e
t
a
i
defend the City in such matters, the fees and expenses of the counsel the City by shall be paid by the applicantldeveloper.

The applicant/developer and any successor in interest, severally and joint ly,
indernnl the
fies City for all the City's costs, fees, and damages which the City incurs in the above indern cation provisions.

Unless a shorter lirrlitation period applies. the time within which judicial rev iew
of this decision must be sought is governed by California code of Ci il l=-rocedure. section 1094 .6.

The conditions of project approval set forth herein include certain dedication fees, requirements, reservation requirements, and other exaotions, Pursuant t o
Code Go
ve
rnme
nt
section 66020(d)(1), the conditions constitute written notice of a statement amount of the such fees and a description of dedications, reservations. and other exactions. are You hereby further notified that the 90-day approval period in which you may fees, thse dedications, reservations, and other exactions pursuant to Government Code Section 66020(a), has begun. If you fail to file a protest within this 90-day period with all of the requirernents of Section 66020, you will be legally barred from late r
chall such
engin
g
exactions.

Community Development Departrrlent:
3, All Building Division requirements shall be met, including applicable Building cod e
require Aments. building permit shall be required,
Enforcement Responsibility.’ B LII"/ding Division
Agenda Item #8.1:

Timing.‘ Prior to construction
4 All construction equipment shall be maintained and operated so as not to generate unaccept able noise levels in the vicinity or the project site. stationary construction equipment ( e
g
..
compres
sors) shall be situated as far as possible from inhabited areas. and equipment not activel y
shall beinLise
shut down to reduce unnecessary noise. The contractor shall be responsible fo r
ens that all
urin
g
construction equipment is equipped with manufactureeapproved murrierslbariles . Mitigation Measures 4.1 1—1 and 4.1 1-5 of the approved Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Pr shall be og
ram
complied with and implemented throughout construction. Noise-producing construction activities and materials delivery shall comply with the limitations of the City's Noise Ordinance. inc limiting lud
ing
noise producing construction activities and deliveries to the following days and ho ur
s: MONDAY m FRIDAY: 8:00 a_rrL to 8:00 p,rr1.

SATURDAY: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

SlJNDAYIC|TY—DES|C3NATED 10:00 a.rI"l. to 5:00 pm. HOLIDAYS:

Enforoenienl Responsibility: Code Enforcernent; Building Division Timing: ongoing clunng construction

5. The following agencies must be contacted by the applicant to determine permit othe regulatory r requirements ofthe agency prior to issuance of a building permit, including the paym ent
of applicable
fees:
a) Alcoholic Beverage Control [For beer, wine. and liquor licenses] b) sonoma county water Agency [For sewer connections and modifications andinte rcep
tor
requirements. and for grading. drainage. and erosion control plans] :2) Sonoma County Permit Sonoma [For closure and removal of septic tanks and syst for ems
;
new water wells and abandonment of existing weIls.]
d) Sonorna County Department of Environmental Health [For food facilities and fhandling o
o
d
operations.)
e) Sonoma Valley Unified School District [For school impact fees.] f) caltrans [For encroachment permits and frontage improvements on state Hi ghwa
y

12.]
g) Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD)[ror full building demolitions ;
asbestos
abatement: stationary equipment that emits air emissions (pollutants) to the Enforcement Responsibility: Community Development Department; Public Works Depaliment Timing: Prior to the issuance ofany derrialiiion, gr
a
di
n
g
or building
perlnil. as applicable.

6. The following dust control measures shall be implemented as necessary during the constructio n phase of the project: 1) all exposed soil areas (i.e. building sites, unpaved access or roparking ad
s,
staging areas) shall be watered at least twice daily or as required by the City's constru ction
inspector;
2) exposed soil stockpiles shall be enclosed, covered, or watered twice daily; and 3) the of portion any street provi rig construction vehicle access to the project site shall be swept visible soil if material is deposited onto the road.

Enforcen-lent Responsibility: Building Inspector,‘ Public Works Timing: Ongoing during construction

7. No structures of any kind shall be constructed within the public easements dedicatedfor public use, except for structures for which the easements are intended.

Agenda Item #8.1:

Enforcement Responsibility: Building Division
Tirning: Prior to issuance ofa Building Permit an
d
Prior Building to Occupancy
Residential Component: Prior to issuance of a building permit, the applicantsubmit ashall Residential Component Plan ("RCIP") to the Community Development Director outl how the inin
g
project plans to provide a residential component totaling 43,414 square feet of flo or
area. poject The
proposes onslte residential development totaling 21 ,221 square feet, resulting aresidential in component deficit of 22.1 93 square feet of floor area ("22.’I93 square foot deficit") site. onthe project In its RCP. the applicant shall identify specific measures which it must take or satisfy to its obligation to satisfy the 22.1 93 square foot deficit. Among other things. the RC F’
identify shall also
the dates by when said measures must be taken or completed.

A Residential Component Fee shall be paid to the City equal to $2.21 9,300.00 byisderived multiplying 22,193 square feel: by $1 00 ($100 per square foot fee adopted by City CResolution o
u
n
ci
l
No. 35-20213), which the City shall deposit into the City's Housing Trust Fund. the foregoing to the contrary. said $2.21 9,300 liability shall be reduced by the number ofsquare feet floor area for housing converted, acquired. or purchased under subsections —below (c).a) multiplied by $100 within 5 years of building occupancy. The Residential Compon ent
Fee shall be
paid to the City to be placed in the Housing Trust Fund in equal orie—fifths installm ents
5over years
from the date of approval of building occupancy and on each anniversary of the date for o c
c
u
p
a
n
c
y
an additional 4 years. An escrow account will be established. The unpaid portion of the Residential Component Fee shall accrue interest at a rate offive percent per annum, which shall bepaid annually and allocated to the Housing Trust Fund. The RCP may include any cof the om
bi
n
at
io
n
following measures, but no others:
a. Conversion of seven existing market rate apartments at 135 West N ap
a
deed toStreet
restricted affordable housing units: one extremely low, two very low, two and low. o moderate income households. These units would convert as current tena nts
theirerminate
leases unless they qualify for an affordable unit. The units must remain affor dabl
e
perpetuity in
consistent with Sl\/IC Section 19.44.06D (Continued availability). A theoequal converted floor area, not to exceed 4,570 square feet will be given for the co nv
er
si
on
.
b. The purchase of existing deed restricted affordable housing units in the of Sonoma the affordability of which is scheduled to expire and will become market rate this Housing Element 6"‘ cycle. namely. on or before January 31, 2031 . The Applicant units enter the into new affordable housing agreements that renew at affordable level s
specifi the in
ed original affordable housing agreement between the applicant and the City with compli in ance SMC Section 19.44.0650 (Continued availability), subject to approval by th e
City Atorney and Community Development Director. The units must remain affordable in consistent with SNIC Section ‘l9.44.06O (Continued availability).

C, The purchase of current market rate apartments located within the City l i
and convening
them to deed restricted affordable housing units: 10 percent extremely l o
(ELI) 30percent
, very-low (VLI). 30 percent low (Ll), and 30 percent moderate income h o
u
se
h
ol
d.
?rst The
required unit shall be provided at the ELI household category, the second shal beVLI, third l required unit shall be LI, and the fourth unit shall be moderate income. Themust unit remain s affordable in perpetuity consistent with SIVIC Section 19.44.06O (Continued avail abilit
y). Enforcement Responsibility.‘ Planning Division; Building Division Timing: Prior to issuance ofa building permit an
d
date of appr
oval building occupancy and on each anniversar
y
of the
occupancy date for an additional 4 years. Agenda Item #8.1:

10,

11. condomi ium Requirements: If tne housing units are to be sold individually, tmust applic ant comply with sonorna Municipal Code Chapter 16.06 and rnake an application and approval rec eiv
e
for a tentative map and a final map.

Enforcement Responsibility: community Development Department Task: Approval by Planning Commission and
recordation
Tirrling.‘ Prior to issuance of a building permit
Affordable Housing: The tentative and final rnaps shall designate two affordable for sale units designated for households in the low— and moderate-income categories; one beshall deed restricted for low income and one unit for moderate income. The Applicant s h
a
ll
aninto eter Affordable Hou :3 Agreement for each of the two units assuring the continued of the designated units in perpetuity. consistent with SMC Section 1944.060 (Continued andva ilab
ilit
y),
establishing maximum rental/sales prices. Said Affordable Housing Agreements besubject to the review and approval of the Community Development Director and City Attorney.

Enforcement Responsibility.‘ community Development Department Task: Approval by Community Development Dir
ect
or
and City
Attorney and recordation
Timing: Prior to building permit
Lot Line Adjustment: In accordance with Section 66412(d) of the California Subd ivisi
on
l\/lap Act,
deeds reflecting this Lot Line Adjustment shall be recorded in the Office of the County Recor Nw der. legal descriptions reflecting the adjusted parcels shall be prepared to the satisfact ion
of the City
Engineer. Conformed copies of the recorded deeds shall be presented to the Community Development and Public Works Departments. Applicant shall othervvise compl y
with Sonorna Municipal Code cnapter 15.07. This approval will expire in tvvo years unless the cond ition
s
have been met or an extension has been approved by the authorized agency.

Colrirriunity Development and Public worksDepart
rnents Appmval by City Engineer and recordalion
Prior to issuance of a building permit
Enforcement Responsibility.-
Ta sk:

Timing:

Agenda Item #8.1:

12. Construction Management Plan: A Construction Management Plan shall be torsubject e
q
u
i
r
e
d
,
the review and approval of the City Engineer, the Building Official, and the Commun ity
Developmen
t Director. The Plan shall incorporate, at a minimum the following components:
a. Neighbor/Agency outreach and Coordination. Identification of procedu res
providing for written notification to potentially affected businesses, residences. scho ols,
andgencies
informing them in advance of construction activities and progress. aDes of ign
atio
n
responsible person (including contact information) for implementation the Construction Management Plan.

Construction Traffic Control. A traffic control plan, prepared by a li ce
ns
e
d
engineer, to
control traffic safety through all the construction phases. The plan shall inc not beu lud
e
limited to staging areas on the project site and traffic movement. cones, sign flagging. age, etc. in addition, the plan shall address temporary parking of construction vehicles and equipment, Including construction employees. on or adjacent to the projec t
site. Contractors
shall be required to maintain traffic flow on all affected roadways adjacent tohe project site during non—worl<ing hours, to minimize traffic restri tions during constructi on,
toavoid the
routing of trucks through residential areas, and minimize impacts on th e
on- avail of
abilit
y
street parking. Contractors shall notify all appropriate City of sonoma a n
d
sono County ma emergency service providers of planned construction schedules and ro adwa
ys
affected by
Izronstruction in W ng at least 48 hours in advance of any construction that could acti vity involve road closure or any significant constraint to emergency vehicle mov eme
nt
through the
project area or the adjacent neighborhoods. vehicles used in transporti ng
construction
equipment and materials shall be limited to City—approved haul routes.

Tree Protection Measures. The applicant shall identify all required tree measures identified by the arborist to protect the two scarlet oak trees. All recommended measure shall s be implemented and verified by a Certified arbclrist prior to construction.

Nesting Birds. To avoid disturbance of nesting birds protected by Sectio ns
3503.5, 3503.
and 3513 of the California Fish and Game Code (CFGC), activities rel ate
d
theoproject.
including, but not limited to, vegetation and/or tree removal shall occur ofuthe bird tsi
de
breeding season (February 1st through August 30th) if feasible. lf disturbance. vegetation removal or heavy equipment work must begin within the breedi ng
then aseason,
pre-construction nesting bird survey shall be conducted no more than days prior theo start of ground disturbance, site clearing and/or vegetation removal. Th e
nestin bird preg construction survey shall be conducted within the disturbance footprint a n
d
‘l50— buffer a
foot for passerines, and a 300—foot buffer for raptors as feasible. The survey sbeconducted h
a
ll
by a quali?ed biologist familiar with the identification and behavior of avian spe cies
. If nests are found. an avoidance buffer shall be established by a qualified The buffer shall be established to ensure nesting activity is not disturbed by constru ction
activity and
shall be determined by the qualified biologist based on the location of th e
nest torelation in
the work area (e.g. line of site to construction) and specific construction activities beto performed within the vicinity of the nest (e.g. level of noise and vibration) Tbuffer shall be h
e
demarcated by the biologist with bright construction fencing. flagging, c o
n
st
ru
ct
io
n
or lathe,
other means to mark the boundary. All construction personnel shall b e
astonotihe
fied existence ofthe avoidance buffer, and access into the avoidance bufferwhile nest isactive the is prohibited No construction activities shall occur within this buffer until t h
e
quali biologist
fied has confirmed that breeding/nesting is completed, and the young have the or nest, the nest has become othervvise inactive. Encroachment into the buffer sha ll
occurnly the at
discretion of the qualified biologist.

Enforcelrient Responsibility‘
Tim ing:

Community Development Director
Prior to issuance of a grading or building per mit Agenda Item #8.1:

1 3, Parking Management Plan: The applicant shall prepare and maintain a Parking Plan. subject to review and approval by the Community Development Director, that is u p
d
a
t
e
d
annually in
response to concerns from the public and includes an annual parking report docu menti
ng
potential
traffic and parking issues affecting the adjacent neighborhood. The Parking Manage ment Plan shll
include the following;
a.
b.

Shared Parking Allocation Plan showing all shared parking for all tenants l at 135 17. and 1 53 West Napa Street. An Agreement and Easement shall be recorded this effect. to The plan shall clearly identify Residential parking spaces designated for the 8units of housing orisite and 7 units of housing in the Lynch Building.

Employee Parking:
i. lmplementation of an employee car sticker program to facilitate monito ring
bythe hotel management staff and the public;
ii. Parking instruction for employees.
walking practices;
including directions to use cros
swal
ks
and safe
Identify public transportation options. ride share opportunities, etc.

The parking spaces in hotel plaza shall be marked for intended uses. These parki spaces ng shall not be used for vehicle display. marketing. or promotional events.

All required parking spaces shall be made available at no additional costs to t Valet Parking: Identify the location of valet parking spaces, valet routes, loc atio
n
valet of drop Off areas. and a plan descri ing how unretrieved vehicles will be addressed.

Peak Season Parking: Identify peak traffic season and specific days wisparking he
n
anticipated to be constrained. Identify strategies to address high traffic and demands. including potential offsite alternatives and employee incentives for offsite may bepar kin
g
submitted to the city for review and approval.

Offsite Parking Easement: The applicant shall provide the City with an ir r
e
v
o
c
a
b
le
Offer of Dedication subject to review and approval of the Community Development aDirector for parking access easement at 1 38 West Napa Street. The Offer of Dedication shhave aterm all of five years following occupancy within which time the City may choose exer itsn cise sole discretion. based on the City's evaluation of the parking demand as so
ci
at
e
d
with the
development. If the easement is ultimately required. a reciprocal parking e a
s
e
form ain
satisfactory to the Community Development Director shall be executed by t h
e
parti involved
es and by the owner ofthe property where the spaces are located and shall be the oninkefile pt community Development Department. such an agreement shall ensure the continued availability of the number of spaces designated for joint use at the periods indicated, time identify a designated employee responsible for overseeing the parking manag ement
plan and
ensuring employee compliance. including name. email, and phone number.

Preparation and distribution of a one-page summary of the parking man age ment
toplan
neighbors within a 500—foot radius that includes contact information to issues and Concerns.

Enforoernenl Responsibility: community Development Department Agenda Item #8.1:

14. ‘I5.

16. 17.

The ?rs! iteration of the Parking Managemen
t
Plan benust
submitted to the City and approved by tcomm
unity Development Director prior to and as a precedent
to issuance ofa building permit.‘ Thereafter, onr before the anniversary or the community Development Directofs
approval of the first iteration of the Plan. Ashall
p
pl
ic
a
nt
update and submit to the Community D
ev
el
opm
en
t
Director
for approval an updated Plan. The obliga
tion
toannually
subrrlit and secure approval of a Parking Ma Pln
na
geme
nt
shall continue in effect in perpetuity.

Tim ing:

Delivery Plan: The applicant shall submit a comprehensive delivery plan, subject tohe community Development Director’s approval. identifying all vendors and associated delivery vehi dlivery cles, schedules, and outline loadinglunloading plan for each vehicle. The plan shall i n
c
l
u
d
e
:
a. Required and prohibited delivery hours and locations; b. identify a designated employee responsible for overseeing the delivery pl and esuring an vendor compliance, including name. email, and phone number; community Development Department
Prior to any occupancy permit
Enforcement Responsibility."
Timing.-
Bike Parking Plan: The applicant shall prepare a bicycle parking plan to provide anosite fleet of bicycles for guests and employees. The plan shall include both short—term bicycle for par guests kin
g
and iong—term bicycle parking for employees. The plan shall include employee sand lockers to support bicycling to work. The plan shall be subject to the approval orthe communi ty
Developme
nt Director. secure employee bicycle parking will be provided in the basement park ing
garage. Public
bicycle racks will be provided at the front of the hotel.

Corrlrnurlily Development Department
Prior to any occupancy perrnit
Enforcement Responsibility:

Tim ing.'
Tree Replacement Plan: The applicant shall prepare a tree replacement pla n
trees for the 48
proposed for removal. The plan shall be subject to the approval of the Communit y Developm
ent Director. The Tree Committee recommended a minimum replacement ratio of ‘(15- box I2gallon
1 size) for each six inches of tree diameter removed, which requires 82 replacem ent
trees. Trees
proposed to be removed on adjacent properties shall require a new Tree application including property owner authorization. The tree replacement plan shall be prepa red
abycertified
arbclrist and shall identify:

Proposed replacement trees, including species and size, and planting mea sure
s. If the development site is inadequate in size to accommodate the replacement trees,he trees may be planted on public property with the approval of the public works d ir
e
c
t
o
r.
c. upon the request of the developer and the approval of the city council, the ancimay accept ty inslieu payment of $100.00 per 15—galIon replacement tree on condition that such all payments shall be used for tree»related educational projects and/or planting programs of the city.

Community Development Departme
nt
and Public Works Department
Prior to any occupancy permit
Enforcement Responsibility:

Tirn ing:

Pedestrian Crossing Improvements: in addition to any rlght—of~way improvements the applicant is required to install or construct as part of the project, the applicant shall contribute aof fair share the Agenda Item #8.1:

Cost of pedestrian crossing enhancements in the Vvest Napa Street/First Street Intersecti ifon the Public Works Department and Caltrans determine such enhancements or necessar y advisable prior to occupancy. The Public Vvorks Department and/or Caltrans shprovide the al
l
applicant with an estimate of the costs of such enhancements, and the applicant spay their fair share of that estimate to the City.
community Del/eloprrlent Deparlrnerlt and Public VI/orks Department Prior to any occupancy permit
Enforcement Respor7sibility.'
Tim in 51.‘
Department of Public works:

18. The following plans and agreements for Controlling stormwater runoff from the site sberequired:
h
al
l
a. An Erosion and Sediment Control Plan shall be prepared by a registered engineer and submitted to the City Engineer for review and approval. The applicant shall approval of the required plan prior to the issuance of a building or grading permit. The Manage ment Practices specified in the approved plan shall be implemented before and during anrainfall event y and implementation of protective BMPs and those anticipatory of spills bepresent throughout the life of the construction project. Grading shall not commence or re com
m
en
ce
during
the rainy season or the period oftime beginning when rains begin or October 15. comes w hi
c
h
e
v
er
first, and ending on the following April 15 or when rains cease. whichever last, unless erosion and sediment control measures have been installed, implemented. maintai on ned the site to the satisfaction of the public works director or his/her representative. Ele of the men ts
Erosion and Sediment Control Plan include but are not limited to:
i. Delineation of boundaries of project site and work. if different from boundary Reference in notes to Project compliance with City, State and laws and California State Water Resources Control Board Phase II NPDES Gen Permit eral Order No. 2013—ODO1—DWQ for Stormwater Discharges from Small Mu Storm nici
pal
sewer Systems (|VlS4s) to prevent pollutants from impacting Nathanson, Fryer, schell. and Sonoma Creeks and SF Bay.
iii, Inclusion of City of Sonoma Storrnwater Standard Notes iv. Stormwater Notes and Map of BMF's —where they will be implemented, scheduling any notes.

1. Erosion Control — Map and Notes to address scheduling. c r
e
e
k
setbacks (as
relevant to the project site and adjacent watenzvays). soil an d
stoc cover,
kpil
e
barriers. blankets. or other treatments. All drain inlets anstormwater d infrastructure shall be protected from impacts of construct ion
with best management practices (BNIPS). including ?lter bag ?ltration of drain storm inlets, sanlzlbag protection of debris.
a. All BMF’s to be maintained and any protective measuresnot adequate shall be replaced by end of each day.
b. Weekend coverage: All BMF’s that are not maintaine
d
and require
replacement over the weekends shall be replaced the responsible party(ies) on the same day the City of sonorna requests .

2. sediment Control -— Map and Notes to address tracking cont rols.
constructio
n entrances (two A one for deliveries and access, the optional for pedestrians), perimeter controls.

Agenda Item #8.1:

3. Good Housekeeping a Map and Notes to address concrete location wash out (or offsite). paint washouts, supply and material stockpi le
managemen
t, hazardous waste management. sanitary waste management and required secondary containment of facilities, equiplnent and ve
hi
cl
e
maintenance
policies, fueling locations to have secondary containment, waste litter and rrlanagernent
a. Garbage Service is required to be sonoma Garbage.the city of per Sonoma‘s service agreement.
v. The contact (Name and phone number) of the responsible party (ies)
onafter hous Weekends and Holidays (24/7 number and name) Enforcelrrerrt Responsibility: Public l/l/or/<5 Departrrlent Tirning: Prior to Issuance ofa grading permit or permit This project is considered a Regulated Project and a Stormwater Contr ol
Plan (scp) in
conformance with the standards in Provision E.12 of the City of Sonoma’s NPermit for PD E
S
stormwater discharges shall be prepared by a registered civil engineer and stohe City Engineer for review and approval. The plan shall be prepared in accordance wit the guidance h provided in the BASMAA Post-Construction Manual. The applicant shall secu re
approval of the
plan prior to the issuance of a building or grading permit. The sop must include and Operation Maintenance Plan for the Best Management Practices (BMPs) identified in th e
SCP
.
i. The Landscaping Plan is a required to align with the stormwater Plan. ii. The stormwater Control Plan must be updated to reflect any alteratio ns
that affect the maintenance of the post construction features included in the Land scapi
ng
Plan.

Enforcement Responsibility.‘ Public l/l/or/(s Department Tirning: Prior to Issuance ofa grading permit or permit The Applicant shall execute an agreement with the City which grants the City actoconduct ces
s
inspections of the BIVIPS identified in the SCP, and which requires the owner ofrperator the site to conduct a maintenance inspection at least annually and retain a record of inspection. the The agreement must contain provisions authorizing the City to perform require d
mainten of
ance the BNIPS and recover the cost of performing said maintenance in the event the owner's failure to perform required maintenance. The agreement shall be binding on future of the entire property or any subdivided potion thereof and shall be recorded at the Sonoma Recorders C ou
nt
y
Office.

Enforcerrrent Responsibility: Public l/l/orks Depadn?ent Tr‘/ning: Execution and recordation prior to Issuanc
e
ofa grding
permit or building permit
Post construction Best Management Practices to control the quality of surface water runoff from the site shall be used throughout the site to capture and filter surface runoff pr io
r
itsleaving theo
site or entering the storm drainage system. Acceptable methods of capturing water and filtering pollution can be found in the |3AS|\/IA/X guidelines. The bioretention areas sho uld
asurface have
area of at least 4% of the tributary impervious area. No stormwater featuresor landscaping features may cause stormwater issues including discharge of materials such mulch as downstream to other stormwater infrastructure. The civil engineer for the projectshall incorporate these measures into the engineering plans for the project site and shall be subj ect
theoapproval
of the city Engineer. In addition, the applicant shall comply with the city of stormwater Best Management Plan. The applicant shall submit a preliminary and final stor m water miigation
Agenda Item #8.1:

plan (SMP)
Engineer for review and approval.
in compliance with the 2019 BASIVIAA guidelines herein referenc ed
theoCity
Enforcement Responsibility:

Timing:

Public Works Department
Prior to Issuance of a grading permit or b
u
il
d
i
n
g
permit

19. The following shall be required, by the Public VVCJTKS Department, City Engineer. and /or
other affected
or applicable department or agency prior to approval of the grading plan, building issuance or of any occupancy permit, as applicable. All public improvement plans shall aprepar by ed registered civil engineer and shall be submitted to and approved by the City Eng inee
r
toprior the
issuance of the grading permit. Record drawings, on mylar_ shall be provided to tcity Engineer h
e
upon completion of the project and prior to final acceptance. a. A grading and drainage plan shall be prepared by a registered civil engineer submitte toadn d
the City Engineer and the Sonoma County Water Agency for review and appro val. A
hydrology and hydraulics report for the 10-, 25- and 100—year storm shall be ithen above submittal. The Design Criteria requires that the Finish Floor be 1.0efoot elev ation above the 100 year Hydraulic Grade Line.

A soils and geotechnical investigation and report, prepared by a licensed geot ech
nica
l
engineer, may be required prior to the issuance of a grading permit, as determi ned
the byCity
Engineer. Recommendations identified in the report shall be incorporated int o
the constructi
on plans for the project and into the building permit.

All major grading. including all swales, etc., shall be completed by ociober 1 5 .
unles
s othervvise approved by the City Engineer.

Construction of curb, gutter, and sidewalk along the frontage of the property. or any repair n
d
reconstruction of any street structural section as required by the City Engineer. sidewalk All and driveways Shall comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

A pedestrian safety plan throughout construction, but especially required durin g
the
construction of public improvements.

All required sidewa|k_ street, storm drainage, water, sewer and public utility shall be dedicated to the City of Sonoma or to other affected agencies ofjurisdiction, asrequired.

Water service to each unit. If already served by City water. water services s h
al
l
beupgraded
to current City standards.

Fire hydrants shall be installed in the number and at the locations specified Chief the Fire and the city Engineer. Fire hydrants shall be installed and in working condition prior to beginning combustible construction.

The driveway approach shall meet city Standard #1 12. Proposed driveway a p
p
r
o
a
c
h
shall
indicate line of sight provided in both directions at points of egress.

The main drive onto the property shall be designed, constructed. and maintained toabe rrlirlirrlurrl of 17.5-feet and 1 8—feet wide for ernergency vehicle access or as bythe Fire Department and the City Engineer.

Address rlurribers shall be posted on the public street. and on the individual ain manner visible from the driveway.

Street lighting shall comply with City Standards.

Agenda Item #8.1:

m. Street trees along the property frontages are subject to the review of the C om
m
un
ity
Development Director and the Public VVorks Director. All street trees shall consi with stent the City's Tree Planting Program, including the Master Tree List. and 20 % benative to California.

Enforceirlerlt Responsibility.‘ City Engineer,‘ Public I/VOI‘l(s,' Building D iv
is
io
n;
Fire Department
Timing: Prior to the issuance of any grading, buil
din
g,
orccupancy
permit, as determined by the applicable or dagency.
i
v
is
i
o
n

20. The Applicant shall submit frontage improvement plans for the review and approv al
of the City and
shall construct the improvements as part of the project. The Applicant sha ll
Install all public
improvements in accordance with the city-approved improvement plans as deter mine
d
bythe City
Engineer.

Enforcement Responsibility’ City Engineer
Timing.‘ Prior (0 the final ofbul/ding permits or a
s
oth
erwis
e
authorized by the City Engineer fol/owing bon and
ding execution of a development agreement fthe installation of the required improvements.

21. The Applicant shall submit a Water conservation Plan to the City Engineer for r e
v
iew
andpproval. The Plan shall include conservation measures for indoor and outdoor water use and shall be consistent with the city's water conservation and landscape efficiency ordinances.

Enforcement Responsibility: City Engineer
Timing: Prior to issuance of any building permit

22.The Applicant shall pay any required increased water fees applicable to the use cin h
a
n
g
es
accordance with |l‘Ie latest adopted rate schedule.

Enforcement Responsibility: Public Vl/orks Dept.’ I/Vater Operations City Engineer
Timing: Prior to finallng any building permit; Prior tooperatio n

23.All existing and proposed utility distribution facilities for the project. inelectric. cl
u
di
n
g
telecommunications, cable TV. etc, shall be installed underground.

Enforcement Responsibility: City Engineer
Tirning: Prior to Issuance ofa Building Permit.

24. The applicant shall submit a utility capacity plan showing that all infrastructure inclu ding
not but limited
to sewer. water, electricity, and storm sewer have necessary capacity to serve th e
proj
ect.

Enforcement Responsibility.‘ City Engineer
Tirning: Prior to issuance ofa Building Permit.

25. The applicant shall be required to pay for all inspections prior to the acc epta
nce
of public
improvements. or within 30 days of receipt of invoice; all plan checking fees at time of the plan checks: and any other fees charged by the City of Sonoma, the Sonoma County or Wat Agency er other affected agencies with reviewing authority over this project.

Enforcement Responsibility: Public Vvorks [D5-pai1rner1t; Building Depart rnent; Affected Agencies Agenda Item #8.1:

26. 27.
28 29.

Timing: Prior to the acceptance of public invprovenven
ts,
plan or
check, 0/‘ within 30 days Of receipt of invoi
ce.
whichev
er Corrlas first, as specified above.

A written sewer clearance from sonoma County PRIVID shall be provided to the Engineer and Building Department verifying that all applicable sewer fees have been paid. Note: subs fees tanti
al may apply for new sewer connections and/or the use of additional ESDS from sewer existin g connection. The applicant is encouraged to check with the Sonoma County PRM D
and Sonoma
County Water Agency immediately to determine whether such fees apply.

Enforcement Responsibility:

Tirning:

City Engineer; Building Division
Pnor to the approval and recordation of t
h
e
Parce Map; Prior
l to issuance cfa Grading and Site Improveme
nt
Permit, prior
to issuance of building permits and prior appr of
oval Building Occupancy, as deterrriined by th
e
city Engineer and Building Departrnent.

Any wells on the site shall be abandoned in accordance with permit requirements of the Sonoma County Department of Environmental Health; or otherwise equipped with a bac kflow
prevention
device as approved by the City Engineer. wells that will remain shall be plumbed tirri system gati
on
only and not used for domestic potable water use.

Enforcement Responsibility:

Timing:

City Engineer
Prior to approval of the Grading and site IPlans
(show abandonment or backflow on plans) and Prior to Building Occupancy An encroachment permit from the Department of Transportation (Caltrans) shall brequire for all ed work within Highway 12 (VVest Napa street) righ(—of—way. The applicant shall pro vide
proof of both
the Caltrans encroachment permit and approved Ca|Trans Safety Plan prior toCity Engineer approval o improvement plans for frontage improvements. An encroachment permi t
isalso required
from the City of Sonoma for work in the public right ofway. and the C:a|Trans Safety Pla suffice may n for the needs of the City.

Enforcement Responsibility:

Timing.-
Caltrans, City Engineer, Building Department
Prior to approval of the public improvement plans
A preconstruction meeting with city of sonoma community Development Public Vvorks Department staff is required after grading permits have been approved and before commence s. The applicant is responsible for the calendar invitation to all staff, and staffwill sup port
the invitation
of additional required staff. Typically. Mondays and Wednesdays are the bes t
dates for such meetings with required staff.

Enforcement Responsibility:

Timing.-
City Department Directors, All Departments
Prior to commencement of construction
Sorlorrla Fire District:

30. All Fire Department and applicable CA Fire Code requirements shall be satisfied. Additional recommendations and/or requirements may be made upon ofmore detailed plans or site inspections.

En forcerrieri t Responsibility.‘
Tirning:

Fire Department
Prior to issuance ofa building perlrlit and topbuilding r
i
o
r
occupancy
Agenda Item #8.1:

sonoma County:
31 . Sanitation Conditions:
3)
D)
C)
d)
9)
h)
.i)
The Applicant shall pay fees to Permit Sonoma for Planning Referrals for Sewer or Water Systems Review at the current rates in effect at the time of sewer permit application sewer and permit creation to collect this fee.

Prior to the start of construction. the Applicant must obtain a permit to constr uct
public and/or
private sewer facilities from the Engineering Division of Permit Sonoma. When asewer obta inin
g
construction permit, the Applicant shall provide sewer construction improvement plans.

All sanitary sewer construction shall be in accordance with the "Design and Constructio n Standards for Sanitation Facilities" (latest revision) by Sonorna Vvater, and/or onspe details cifi
c
approved engineered plans.

All sewer work shall be inspected and accepted by the County Inspector fr om
the Engineering Division of Permit Soncrna prior to temporary occupancy, occupancy. and final. permit Sewer construction inspection will occur when the trench excavation for installation is completed. No bedding, pipe, backfill or other material shall be place in until the excavation has been inspected and accepted by the inspector.

Prior to the start of construction within the State Right-of—VVay of West Na pa
St/Hwy 12, the Applicant shall have a licensed general contractor in possession of a valid Enc roa
chme
nt
Permit. Encroachment Permits shall be issued by Caltrans.

Prior to demoli n of the e ting structure(s). the Contractor must obtain a Sew er
Permit Cappin
g from the Engineering Division of Permit sonoma. capping of the existing lateral toupper disconnect the existing structLlre(s) from the sewer main shall be inspected a n
d
bythe approv
ed Engineering Division of Permit Sonorna to ensure that disconnection is conducte d
compliance in with Health and Safety codes. and to preserve any sewer connection credit t h
at
currently bemay
assessed to the property.

All water lines and sewer lines running parallel to each other shall maintain a10' minimum horizontal separation and be 1' minimum vertically separation such that the line isabove the sewer line. These separation requirements shall be observed for both mai n
lines and service
lines.
ln accordance with Section 3.09, of the Sonoma Valley County Sanitation Distri ct
Sanitat Code
ion Ordinance when shared laterals are proposed, the owner shall write a letter the District/Zone t o requesting the sharing of the laterals. If the request is granted. a ‘Declaration ofRestricti and on Acknowledgment’. provide by the District shall be recorded at the Recorder's Of required as ?ce by the District.

Applicant shall obtain a Sonorrla Water Survey for Commercial or Indu stria
l
Vvastewater Discharge Requirements (survey) from Permit sonoma and shall submit the cSurvey, om
pl
et
e
d
along with copies of the project site plan. floor plan and plumbing plan to the Division of Permit sonoma. The issuance of building permits is contingent upon completi on
Survey, of the
and incorporation or any sonoma water requirements Into the building plans.

Modifications including sewer pretreatment, separate process and domestic was lines, tew
ater
and/or monitoring facilities, required by Sonoma Water per this Survey revie shall bew, implerrlented in accordance with the requirements of Sonoma water prior tthe ofcc upa
ncy
proposed Hotel complex with restaurant and spa. The issuance of building p e
r
iscontingent
upon completion of the survey, and incorporation of any sonoma Water re qu
ireme
nts
into the
building plans.

Agenda Item #8.1:

k) At the time of sewer construction permit issuance, the Applicant shall provid e
lhe Sanitation
Section of Permit Sonoma with data related to the intended use for the pur pos
e
ofCorrectly
calculating sewer use fees, as de?ned by Sonoma Water Sanitation Codes. D at
a
include but is
s not limited to project site plan, floor plan and plumbing plan det ling sanitary s e
connectio
ns, floor area of the building, including tables. Chairs. bar area, kitchen, kitchen areas, sinks. bathrooms. office. etc.
l) Sewer Connection Fees and Sewer Annual Service fees (collectively Sewer shall beFees) paid prior to building permit final and temporary occupancy. No building permit or fitemporary n
a
l
occupancy shall be allowed until sewer use fees are paid. rn) Sewer Use Fees for sewer service shall be Calculated at the prevailing Sewer Con and nect
ion Annual Sewer Service Charge rates in effect at the time of sewer permit issuance. ri) All Sewer Fees per Sonoma Valley County Sanitation District Ordinances ( late
st
revision) shall
be paid to Permit Sonoma prior to building permit final or occupancy (including teofhe m p
or
ar
y)
proposed building.

Enforcement Responsibility‘ City Engineer.’ Building Department Timing: Prior to issuance cifa Grading and Site Im
pr
o
v
em
e
nt
Perrnit,
prior to issuance ofbuilding permits and of toapproval
Building Occupancy, as determined by th
e
City Engineer and Building Departrnenl.

32. Health Department: The applicant shall obtain necessary approvals from the SoCounty noma Health Depanment for commercial food production, food services or food handling use s.

Enforcement Responsibility.‘ Planning Division; Building Division Tirning: Prior to issuance of occupancy permit

33. Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan: The Mitigation Monitoring and Prograin (l\/IIVIRF‘). as set forth and approved in Resolution No. herein referenced. shal l
beimplemen
ted by the project applicant or developer within the time frames specified in the MMRP. Agenda Item #8.1:

Exhibit C

HOTEL PROJECT S
o Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Prog
ram
Agenda Item #8.1:

Agenda Item #8.1:

This page le? intentionally blank
Agenda Item #8.1:

Agenda Item #8.1:

Hotel Project S
on
or
na
Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Pr
og
ra
m
City ofS
t¢201505204 So
C1Hn
o
m
a
Agenda Item #8.1:

Agenda Item #8.1:

This page le? intentionally blank
Hotel Project Sunorna FEIR AECOM
City of Sonnma A-1 Mitigation Moniloring a
n
d
Program Rep
orti
ng
Agenda Item #8.1:

MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAI
VI

CALIFORNIA ENVIRONIVIENTAL QUALITY ACT REQUIREIVIENT
Where a California Environrnental Quality Act (CEQA) document has identi?ed signi?cant enviioninontal effects.

Public Resoul'ccs code Section 21081.6 requires adoption ofa “repoi 'ng or monitoring program the changes o
r
to the project which it has adopted oi- made a condition ofa project appi oval to lnitigate or avoid si g
ni
?c
a
nt
effects
on the onvit-oninent.”
This I\/litigation l\/lonitoring and Reporting Program (NIIVIRP) has been prepared to piovide for th e
ofmo
nito
ring mitigation measures required of the Hotel Project sonoma (project or proposed projecl), as set r o
r
t
h
the Final in
Environmental lmpact Report (Final EIR).

The City of sonoma (city) is the Lead Agency that tnusl adopl the IVHVIRP For development and of the project. This report will be kept on rile with the city or sonorna l>lani lng Depal1rr|cnI_ No.The Plaza, I sonoma, CA 95476.

The CEQA Statutes and Guidelines provide direction For clarifying and rnarlaging Ihe complex relati onshi
ps between a lead agency and other agencies with implementing and monitoring lnitigatiorl ineasui-cs. accordan in ce vvith CEQ/\ Guidelines Section 1S097(d). “each agency has the discretion to choose ils own approach rnonitor Io ing
or reporting; and each agency has its own special expertise." This discretion will be exercised b y
imp
lem
enti
ng
agencies at the tirnc they undertake any ofporlion OF the project, as identi?ed in the ETR.

PURPOSE OF IVIITIGATION IVIONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRA M
'I‘he intent ofihe I\/Ii\/[RP is to ensure the effective irnplelnentalion and enforcerncnt ofadoputd rrliliga lion
tncasurcs.

The FVIIVIRP is intended to be used by City staff and others responsible For projecl ilnplenlentation.

This d0x:LIIncnt identi?es the individual mitigation ineasiii-es, the party responsible for monitoring i ofthc measure, the timing oriii-iplcnientation, and space to conririn in-ipletneiitation ortlie mitigation rneasu res.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The city will oversee rrionitoring and documenting the irnplentcnlation of mitigation rneastires. Th e
andppl
ican
t
its construction contractor are responsible for fully understanding and errectively implementing all mitigatio n rneasLn(.s contained within this MMRP. cenain mitigation i-iieasures also will require that the applic ant
coordinat
e or consult with one oi- more other public agencies in implementing mitigation measures speei lied

CHANGES TO MITIGATION NIEASURES
Any substantive change in the IVIIVIRP is required to be reported in writing, Modi?cations to the mitig ation
measures
xnay be n1ade by the City, subject to one of the following ?ndings. and documented by evidence inthe cl
u
d
e
d
public record:
a. The rnitigation Incasurc included in the Final EIR and [he IVIIVUKP is no longerre.c[uirec1 because signi? cant envir()nit1enla| ilnpacl identi?ed in the Final . R has been found not to exist, or to Dccur at a levelmakes whi ch
AECOM Hoiel Pr
oj
ec
t
Surlorrla FEIR Miligalion Monitoring and Reporting Program A42 sonoma of Clty Agenda Item #8.1:

the lmpaet less lh-an signi?cant as a result orelianges in the project, changes in enviionment co nd
ili
orl
s,
orther
factors.

OR,
h. The lnodi?ed or substitute mitigation meast e provides a level oFcrlvirrn1xncntaI protection equ al
or to, geater
than that afforded by the mrligation measure Included in the Final EIR and the MMRP; and. e. The modi?ed or substitute mitigation measu -e oi neasul s do not have signi?cant adverse err eer
s
onthe
environment in addition to, or greater than those which were considered by the responsible hea. ring
parties in
their decisions on the Final EIR and the proposed project; and, d. The lnodi d 0!‘ subs '(ule n1iI.igaLiorl rneasures are Feasible, and the City. through rneasures inc lud
ed
the in
lVllVll{P or other Cily prL1cedul'cs, can ensure ilnplclncnlalion.

SUPPORT DOCUMENTATION
Findings and related docurnentalion supporting the ?ndings involving n1odi?cl<IlioI1s to mitigation shall measu res be maintained in the project ?le vvith this lvl_Mlu> and shall be made available to the pulolie upon r This ]VH\/1l'{P will be kept on ?le at:

City or sonoma
Planning Departrnem
No. l The Plaza
sonoma, CA 95476
(707) 938-3681
Hotel Project Sunorrla FEIR AECOM
Cily of sonorna A»3 Mlligalion Monitoring an
d
Re Program
por
llrl
g
Agenda Item #8.1:

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AECOM Hot
el
Proj Sonoma
ect Miligaliun Monitoring and Reporting Program A»2S 0! Sonoma City Agenda Item #8.1:

Agenda Item #8.1:

Agenda Item #8.1:

Kenwood Investments
144 West Napa Street
Sonoma, CA 95476
November 17, 2023
Mayor Sandra Lowe
Members of the City Council
City of Sonoma
No. 1 The Plaza
Sonoma, CA 95476
Re: Appeal of Planning Commission Decision – Hotel Project Sonoma Dear Mayor and City Council:

On behalf of the Applicant, we are appealing the in-lieu housing fees assigned to the project Use Permit condition of approval for Hotel Project Sonoma. We are requesting a full waiver of the housing requirements based on site considerations and the significant financial impact associated with these fees on the project. While we provided alternatives to a complete waiver in our application, our preference was for a full waiver of this requirement.

When the project was proposed 12 years ago, the community was just coming out of a significant recession. Jobs and city tax revenue were the focus of the project proposal. During the history of the project review, substantial cost increases associated with escalating construction costs, multiple building code changes, interest rates and the fees related to housing have put the financial feasibility of the project at risk. The current estimated housing fees include the following.

Housing Related Fees
Commercial Impact Fee ($17 per square foot) $1,115,302
Housing In-Lieu Fee $2,219,300
Total Fees $3,334,602
Adoption of EIR Alternate 4 – Hotel Only Option
In addition to the fees, the Applicant proposed an 8-unit luxury condominium building located on the First Street West side of the project site. The condominium building was proposed in response to earlier Planning Commission comments that the project needed housing. As an alternative, the project Environmental Impact Report considered the impacts of the project without the housing. The EIR concluded that impacts would be reduced by eliminating the housing. We have prepared site plans (attached) indicating the EIR Alternate 4 Hotel Only alternative would create a superior, economically viable hotel development for the site. Adopting Alternate 4 would provide additional open space along First Street West and Improved off-street trash pickup and delivery facilities should the luxury condominium building be removed.

Agenda Item #8.1:

Jobs Housing Nexus Analysis
In 2018 the City of Sonoma hired an outside firm to do an analysis of the number of jobs created by nonresidential uses. The study concluded that office uses create more jobs per square foot than hotels.

Specifically, it was determined that an office development creates one job per 300 square feet while a hotel creates one job per 1,000 square feet. In the case of a 65,000 square foot hotel the study estimated that 65 jobs would be created while the same size office would create 216 jobs.

The City Council at the time did the opposite of the Nexus Study findings and established a fee that is now $17 per square foot for hotels while only charging $4 per square foot for offices.

Housing Element
The City’s recently updated Housing Element outlines the framework for meeting the future needs of housing in Sonoma. The document identifies vacant and underutilized sites that are available for housing. The list provides a realistic capacity for 564 new housing units reflecting an excess capacity of 253 units to accommodate the Regional Housing Needs Allocation. The Sonoma Hotel Project site is not listed in the city’s housing site inventory. Of the 109 properties listed in this inventory, only 2 were zoned commercial. The plan clearly provides enough housing sites without using the limited commercial zoning available in Sonoma.

Tax Revenue for Sonoma
For the City of Sonoma, the substantial long term tax benefit of the project is at risk due to the residential requirements approved by the Planning Commission. Over the initial 30 Year operation of the hotel, it is estimated that the City will receive in excess $82 million from TOT, TID and its portion of sales and property taxes. The average annual taxes in the first 10 Years will exceed $1.5 million per year.

Sonoma Hotel Project
Forecast Tax Revenue (Cumulative)
10 Years 20 Years 30 Years
TOT Tax 13% of Lodging Revenue $14,046,298 $33,980,207 $60,769,715 TID Tax 2% of lodging revenue $ 2,160,969 $ 5,227,724 $ 9,349,187 Sales Tax Direct 1.5% of Food, Beverage and Spa $ 1,012,284 $ 2,379,109 $ 4,216,007 Sales Tax External 1.5% of spending outside hotel $ 82,787 $ 1,666,337 $ 2,980,053 Property Tax 18% of tax assessed by county $ 1,276,246 $ 2,831,982 $ 4,728,415 Total Taxes $18,578,583 $46,085,359 $82,043,377
Per Year Average $ 1,548,215 $ 3,840,447 $ 6,836,948
Agenda Item #8.1:

Request for Reconsideration
We respectfully request the City Council to reconsider the Planning Commission imposition of the fees and approve the project with the following changes:

1. Reduce the Commercial Impact Fee to $4 per square foot.

2. Grant a housing waiver and eliminate all In-Lieu fees.

3. Consider eliminating the condominiums and approve the hotel only consistent with Alternate 4 studied in the EIR.

The waiver of the housing requirement should be based on the site conditions of the project being incompatible and infeasible for a residential development. The project site is not located in a residential area and is surrounded by commercial uses. Further, having housing on the project site crowds the property and limits deliveries from First Street West to street parking.

We appreciate your consideration of our appeal.

Sincerely,
Bill Hooper
Kenwood Investments
Agenda Item #8.1:

DN
UP
-
-
A3.01- -AI
1 A3.02-AI
2 -

RESTAURANT
ENTRY
(E) LYNCH BUILDING
(E) SONOMA

INDEX-TRIBUNE

BUILDING
(E) FEED STORE
(N) MAIN HOTEL

BUILDING
(N) HOTEL

RESTAURANT

BUILDING
(N) SWIMMING

POOL DECK
HOTEL

COURTYARD
PLAZA

RAMP TO PARKING
(N) COURTYARD
HOTEL
ENTRY

MECHANICAL
WELL

MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT

MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT
-

MECHANICAL

EQUIPMENT

SPA PLAZA

KITCHEN AIR AND

EXHAUST EQUIPMENT
(E) KRUG EVENT CENTER

BEST WESTERN SONOMA VALLEY INN

SOLAR PANEL ARRAY

SOLAR PANEL ARRAY

SOLAR PANEL ARRAY
(E) PARKING LOT (NIC)

WEST NAPA STREET

FIRST STREET WEST
(NIC)
(NIC)
(NIC)
(NIC)
(NIC)
MONITORED 12' W X 40' L
X 14' H LOADING SPACE.

STANDARD DELIVERY

PROTOCOLS WILL BE

THROUGH VAN DELIVERY
IN BASEMENT.

STANDARD

STANDARD

STANDARD

STANDARD

COMPACT

ADA VAN

STANDARD

COMPACT
1 VALET SPACE

DIRECT FIRE

FIGHTER ACCESS

TO ROOF VIA

STAIRWELL

DIRECT FIRE

FIGHTER ACCESS

TO ROOF VIA

STAIRWELL

DIRECT FIRE

FIGHTER ACCESS TO

ROOF VIA

STAIRWELL

NO PARKING, TEMPORARY

DELIVERY ZONE NO PARKING

NO PARKING ZONE

DECORATIVE
PAVING.

POOL
ROOF
DECK

LOADING SPACE

RAMP UP

VALET VALET

STAFF PARKING
(N) 1,687 SF UTILITY

BUILDING W/ EXTERIOR

ROOF TOP POOL DECK
Drawing No.

If this drawing is not 24" x 36", it is a reduced print - scale accordingly. All rights reserved. Material may not be reproduced in any form without permission from RossDrulisCusenbery Architecture, Inc.

Drawn By
Date:

Scale:

Checked By
Sheet Title
Not For Construction
Project No.
1/16" = 1'-0"
10/18/2023 10:12:34 AM C:\Users\tharr\OneDrive\Documents\Sonoma Hotel Only ALT 4_gwenstanley.rvt A4.01
HOTEL ONLY ALTERNATE #4

PROPOSED SITE ROOF PLAN
09/20/2023

HOTEL PROJECT
SONOMA

HOTEL ONLY OPTION
SEPTEMBER 20, 2023
Project Number
Author Checker
Kenwood
Investments LLC
Sonoma, CA
N
S
W E

TRUE PROJECT NORTH
1/16" = 1'-0" 2

FIRST FLOOR PLAN

REVISIONS
No. Description Date
ALT #4
Use Permit Submittal 08/05/2021
Rev Use Permit Submittal 09/26/2022
Rev Use Permit Submittal 03/13/2023
Rev Use Permit Submittal 05/03/2023
Agenda Item #8.1:

S
P

EMPLOYEE

FACILITIES

SERVICE PATH OF TRAVEL

SERVICE CORRIDOR

WINE / FOOD

STORAGE

HOUSEKEEPING /

LAUNDRY

STORAGE

RAMP UP TO HOTEL PLAZA
TRASH
BIN
VAN
DELIVERY 2 SPACES

COILING
DOOR
GARAGE

MECHANICAL
P
S

WEST NAPA STREET

FIRST STREET WEST
TENANT

ELEVATOR
MECH./ ELEC.

ELEV
M
W

LOCKERS

LOCKERS

KITCHEN
DRY

STORAGE

TEL/COM
MPOE
MAIN

ELECTRICAL

ROOM (POE)

SERVICE CORRIDOR

STORM WATER

PUMP ROOM
ELEC,

TEL, DATA ELEVATOR EQUIPMENT

EMERGENCY

GENERATOR ROOM

SERVICE CORRIDOR

WALL-MOUNT BICYCLE PARKING

RAMP UP TO
1ST STREET WEST
RAMP FROM UNDERGROUND PARKING AUXILIARY 6 VALET

PARKING SPACE ON RAMP
V4
V5
V6
V8
V7
V9
V10
V11
V12
V13
V15
V16
V17
V18
V19
V21 V22 V23 V24 V25 V26 V27 V29 V30 V31 V32 V33
V35
V20
V28 V34
TRASH
CARTS

RECYCLE

SORTING
V36
24' - 0"
24' - 0"
22' - 0"

DIRECT FIRE FIGHTER

ACCESS TO ROOF VIA THIS

STAIRWELL
4' - 0"
V14
22' - 0"
V3
V2
V1
1 2
3 4
5 26' - 2"

SUBSURFACE

STORMWATER RETENTION

STRUCTURES
BASEMENT WALL @ 0 LOT
LINE

TRENCH DRAIN AND SUMP

PUMP SYSTEM
57 HOTEL

BICYCLE

STORAGE
TRASH
BIN
26' - 2"
26' - 2"
10' - 0" 10' - 0" 12' - 0" 9' - 0"

DIRECT FIRE

FIGHTER ACCESS

FROM BASEMENT

TO ROOF VIA

STAIRWELL

DIRECT FIRE FIGHTER

ACCESS TO ROOF VIA

THIS STAIRWELL
MECH
54 55
MECH

TO UTILITY BUILDING AND

POOL DECK
EIR ALTERNATE #4 - HOTEL ONLY ALTERNATE
6 7
8 9
10 11
12 23
24 25
26 27
28 29
30 31
13 14
15 16
17 18
19 20
21 22
33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 MC 56 MC
32 64 63 62 61 60
58 59

ONSITE PARKING CALCULATION
Basement
Standard Spaces: 64
Valet Spaces: 36
Delivery Spaces: 2
Auxiliary Spaces: 6
Sub Total 108
1st Floor Surface Parking
Staff Spaces: 6
Staff Spaces: 1
Loading Spaces : 2
Lynch Valet Spaces: 8
Sub Total 16
Total onsite parking 125
Overflow Off Site Staff Parking 25
TOTAL PARKING 150 Spaces
PERSUENT TO CALGREEN THE FOLLOWING EV CHARGING OR SUPPLY SPACES WILL BE PROVIDED:
35% (3 SPACES) OF RESIDENT PARKING MUST BE EQUIPPED WITH LEVEL 2 EV CHARGING RECEPTACLES. 10% (1 SPACE) OF RESIDENT PARKING MUST BE EQUIPED WITH LEVEN 2 EV SUPPLY EQUIPMENT. 35% (43 SPACE) OF HOTEL PARKING MUST BE EQUIPED WITH LEVEL 2 EV CHARGING RECPETACLES. 10% (13 SPACES) OF HOTEL PARKING MUST BE EQUIPPED WITH LEVEL 2 EV SUPPLY EQUIPMENT.

PERSUANT TO CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE HOTEL PARKING SHALL BE EQUIPPED WITH: SPACE # 1 VAN ACCESSIBLE 144" WIDE ELECTRICAL VEHICLE CHARGING SPACES (EVACS) PLUS AN ACCESS AISLE 62 2 STANDARD ACCESSIBLE 108" WIDE EVCS PLUS AN ACCESS AISLE 60 + 61 2 AMBULATORY 120" WIDE EVCS 63 + 64
LEVEL 2 EV SUPPLY OR CHARGING STATION

TOTAL SPACES
58 SPACES EV

SUPPLY OR

RECEPTACLES

INCLUSIVE OF HOTEL

COURTYARD SPACES
Drawing No.

If this drawing is not 24" x 36", it is a reduced print - scale accordingly. All rights reserved. Material may not be reproduced in any form without permission from RossDrulisCusenbery Architecture, Inc.

Drawn By
Date:

Scale:

Checked By
Sheet Title
Not For Construction
Project No.

As indicated
10/18/2023 10:12:54 AM C:\Users\tharr\OneDrive\Documents\Sonoma Hotel Only ALT 4_gwenstanley.rvt A4.02
HOTEL ONLY ALTERNATE #4

BASEMENT PLAN
09/20/2023

HOTEL PROJECT
SONOMA

HOTEL ONLY OPTION
SEPTEMBER 20, 2023
Project Number
Author Checker
Kenwood
Investments LLC
Sonoma, CA
1/16" = 1'-0" 1

BASEMENT PLAN
N
S
W E

TRUE PROJECT NORTH

REVISIONS
No. Description Date
ALT #4
Use Permit Submittal 08/05/2021
Rev Use Permit Submittal 09/26/2022
Rev Use Permit Submittal 03/13/2023
Rev Use Permit Submittal 05/03/2023
Agenda Item #8.1:

UP
DN
UP
UP

ONSITE PARKING CALCULATION
Basement
Standard Spaces: 64
Valet Spaces: 36
Delivery Spaces: 2
Auxiliary Spaces: 6
Sub Total 108
1st Floor Surface Parking
Staff Spaces: 6
Staff Spaces: 1
Loading Spaces : 2
Lynch Valet Spaces: 8
Sub Total 16
Total onsite parking 125
Overflow Off Site Staff Parking 25
TOTAL PARKING 150 Spaces

RESTAURANT
BAR

KITCHEN
HOTEL
LOBBY
WOMEN
MEN

DISPLAY KITCHEN

MEETING
ROO
M
STAF
F WC

SERVICE CORRIDOR

STORM WATER RETENTION A AREA COURTYARD
GUEST

MEETING
ROOM
GUEST

MEETING
ROOM
WOMEN
MEN

COVERED
ENTRY
S

RAMP TO UNDERGROUND

PARKING

STAIR TO

BASEMEN
T
HOTEL

COURTYARD
PLAZA

RESTAURANT
EXIT

CORRIDOR
LOUNGE

FIREPLACE FIREPLACE

PEDESTRIAN CROSSWALK WITH WARNING LIGHTS
6 SPACES
HOST

OFFICE /

BAGGAGE

SWIMMING
POOL
RAMP
S
P
SPA

TREATMENT

TREATMENT

TREATMENT

COUPLES

TREATMENT
STOR.

TREATMENT WAITING.

FITNESS
2 SPACES
1 VALET SPACE
STOR.

STOR.

WINE

DISPLAY
P
WOMEN
MEN
WOMEN
MEN

TREATMENT
TREATMENTSTOR.

RAMP EASEMENT FROM

LYNCH BUILDING

RECEPTION

CONCIERGE

SPA DESK
ELEC.

TEL/
DATA

TWO ACCESSIBLE GUEST ROOMS

STAIR STAIR
STAIR
STAIR

SPA PLAZA

TRANSFORMERS
POOL
EQUIP.

HOTEL
TRASH

RAMP FROM UNDERGROUND PARKING
AUXILIARY, SPEPCIAL EVENT, 6 VALET PARKING

SPACES ON THE RAMP

COMBINED PASSENGER /

FREIGHT ELEVATOR

HOTEL ENTRY SIGN
STAIR

DECK DECK DECK
+ 2' - 6"
STONE
WALL
24' - 0"

EXTERIOR SERVICE

YARD WITH HOTEL

FIRE RISER AND

RESTAURANT
GREASE

INTERCEPTOR

FIRE SPRINKLER
RISER

SERVICE
ENTRY

TEMPORARY LOADING
SPACE

NO PARKING ZONES FOR

PEDESTRIAN VISUAL SAFETY
EV CHARGER TYP.
24' WIDE RAMP

READILY AVAILABLE

EMERGENCY ACCESS &

SERVICE CORRIDOR

DIRECT FIRE

FIGHTER ACCESS

FROM BASEMENT

TO ROOF VIA

STAIRWELL

FIRST STREET

PROVIDE LEVEL AREA

AT TOP OF RAMP

VEHICLE

APPROACHING

PEDESTRIAN

WARNING SYSTEM

GUEST SHORT TERM
BICYCLE PARKING.

R 35' - 0" FIRE FIGHTER EMERGENCY ACCESS AND SERVICE CORRIDOR R 35' - 0"

DIRECT FIRE

FIGHTER ACCESS

FROM BASEMENT

TO ROOF VIA

STAIRWELL

DIRECT FIRE

FIGHTER ACCESS

FROM BASEMENT

TO ROOF VIA

STAIRWELL
DN

NO PARKING, TEMPORARY

DELIVERY ZONE NO PARKING

NO PARKING ZONE
+0" +56"
S
+0"

POOL BAR

RECEIVING
RAMP

LOADING
SPACE

LOADING

RAMP UP SPACE

VALET VALET

STAFF PARKING
POOL CABANAS TYP.

Storage

GUESTROOM CALCULATION
1st Floor
Standard Guest Room 1
ADA Guest Rooms: 2
Sub Total 3
2nd Floor
Standard Guest Rooms: 22
ADA Standard Room: 1
Suites: 4
Double Queen: 3
Sub Total 30
3rd Floor
Standard Guest Rooms: 22
ADA Suite: 1
Suites: 3
Double Queen: 3
Sub Total 29
TOTAL GUESTROOMS 62

RESTAURANT SEATS COUNT
INDOOR SEATS 80
OUTDOOR SEATS 20
TOTAL SEATS COUNT 100
Drawing No.

If this drawing is not 24" x 36", it is a reduced print - scale accordingly. All rights reserved. Material may not be reproduced in any form without permission from RossDrulisCusenbery Architecture, Inc.

Drawn By
Date:

Scale:

Checked By
Sheet Title
Not For Construction
Project No.

As indicated
10/18/2023 10:13:24 AM C:\Users\tharr\OneDrive\Documents\Sonoma Hotel Only ALT 4_gwenstanley.rvt A4.03
HOTEL ONLY ALTERNATE #4

FIRST FLOOR PLAN
09/20/2023

HOTEL PROJECT
SONOMA

HOTEL ONLY OPTION
SEPTEMBER 20, 2023
Project Number
Author Checker
Kenwood
Investments LLC
Sonoma, CA
1/16" = 1'-0" 1

FIRST FLOOR PLAN
N
S
W E

TRUE PROJECT NORTH

REVISIONS
No. Description Date
ALT #4
Use Permit Submittal 08/05/2021
Rev Use Permit Submittal 09/26/2022
Rev Use Permit Submittal 03/13/2023
Rev Use Permit Submittal 05/03/2023
Agenda Item #8.1:

Drawing No.

If this drawing is not 24" x 36", it is a reduced print - scale accordingly. All rights reserved. Material may not be reproduced in any form without permission from RossDrulisCusenbery Architecture, Inc.

Drawn By
Date:

Scale:

Checked By
Sheet Title
Not For Construction
Project No.
10/18/2023 10:13:45 AM C:\Users\tharr\OneDrive\Documents\Sonoma Hotel Only ALT 4_gwenstanley.rvt A4.04
HOTEL ONLY ALTERNATE #4

EXTERIOR ELEVATIONS - NORTH /
EAST
09/20/2023

HOTEL PROJECT
SONOMA

HOTEL ONLY OPTION
SEPTEMBER 20, 2023
Project Number
Author Checker
Kenwood
Investments LLC
Sonoma, CA

REVISIONS
No. Description Date
ALT #4
Use Permit Submittal 08/05/2021
Rev Use Permit Submittal 09/26/2022
Rev Use Permit Submittal 03/13/2023
Rev Use Permit Submittal 05/03/2023

FIRE FIGHTER ROOF ACCESS FIRE FIGHTER ROOF ACCESS

FIRE FIGHTER ROOF ACCESS

FIRE FIGHTER ROOF ACCESS

FIRE FIGHTER ROOF ACCESS
Agenda Item #8.1:

City of Sonoma
Agenda Item Summary
Meeting: City Council - 17 Jan 2024
Department
Planning and Community Services
Staff Contact
Jennifer Gates, AICP, Community Development
Director
Agenda Item Title
Discussion, Consideration, and Possible Action to Adopt a Resolution Accepting the Climate Action Strategies
Summary
In 2019, the City hired a Sustainability Coordinator to support implementation of climate actions. On November 2, 2020, the City Council adopted a Climate Emergency Resolution, which set a target of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 for government operations and the community. Net zero refers to the state where GHGs released into the atmosphere are balanced by removal out of the atmosphere and captured. To achieve this target, a threeprong climate action strategy is necessary: (1) a significant reduction of GHG emissions, (2) the sequestration of carbon, and (3) preparing for a rapidly warming climate. The Sustainability Coordinator hired in 2019 oversaw the implementation of climate actions, including the development of a climate action plan identified in the Resolution.

In April 2022, the City Council created the Climate Action Commission. In accordance with SMC 2.50.030(A), the Climate Action Commission (CAC) acts in an advisory capacity to the City Council in matters pertaining to the development, updating, implementation, and communication of the city’s climate action plan, among others.

At the CAC’s inaugural meeting on February 8, 2023, staff presented a draft climate action plan. Throughout 2023, the CAC reviewed this plan and discussed its priority climate actions within Transportation, Buildings and Solid Waste, Water and Carbon Sequestration, Government Operations, and Community Engagement Ad Hoc Subcommittees. At the August 9, 2023, CAC meeting, the key strategies that were identified by each ad-hoc subcommittee were discussed and incorporated into the renamed Climate Action Strategies document.

In September, staff finalized the public draft of the Climate Action Strategies and opened a public comment period that ended on October 20, 2023. Staff sent notices to multiple community partners that announced the Climate Action Strategies Community Meeting and the availability for the document for public comments.

In addition, staff and CAC Commissioners presented the key strategies to the Parks Recreation and Open Space and Planning Commissions in September, focusing on those aspects that pertain to each Commission. Each Commission provided comments and feedback on the strategies, mostly providing support for moving forward with the document.

On October 13, 2023, the Climate Action Strategies Community Meeting was held at the City Council Chambers. Staff and CAC Commissioners presented an overview of the plan to attendees. This was followed by an opportunity for the public to give comments and ask questions. At the meeting, there were 15 attendees in person and 5 attendees via Zoom.

During the meeting, eight individuals made public comments, which supported microgrids, Agenda Item #9.1:

improved bicycle trails and parking, supporting the dark sky movement, carbon sequestration, expanded Cash for Turf program, expedited and lower cost EV charging permits, and environmental justice.

The City received seven written comments, which included comments and recommendations on vehicle parking, the proposed cool corridor project, expanded tree canopy, supporting environmental justice, and general comments. All comments were considered and incorporated into the revised Climate Action Strategies document.

At the November 8, 2023, regular meeting, the CAC reviewed the revised draft Climate Action Strategies document. With one minor clarification, the CAC voted unanimously (5-0) to recommend the City Council the adopt the Climate Action Strategies document.

Climate Action Strategies Overview
The City of Sonoma’s Climate Action Strategies (CAS) are designed to reduce net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from community activities and City government operations. This CAS provides a roadmap and list of recommended actions to achieve the City’s GHG emissions reduction target of net zero GHG emissions by the year 2030. The recommended actions in this CAS are also designed to achieve multiple co-benefits such as improving public health and safety, reducing air pollution, protecting vulnerable communities, lowering energy costs, supporting local economic development, and improving quality of life.

The recommended priority climate actions include:

Transportation
Expand Bicycle and Pedestrian Infrastructure
Electrification of Personal Transportation
Improved Public Transportation
Ban New Fossil-Fueling Stations
Reduce Idling
Buildings
Reduce Reliance on Natural Gas
Increase Community Energy Efficiency
Expand PV Solar
Community Microgrids
Solid Waste
Increase Organic Materials Segregation
Decrease Use of Plastic Shopping Bags
Reduce Single Use Plastic Water Bottles
Increase Use of Compliant Food Serviceware
Water
Reduce Use of Irrigation
Install Real Time Monitoring of Water Usage
Government Operations
Energy Conservation in City Buildings
Upgrade and Expand PV Solar
Electrification of City Vehicles and Equipment
Agenda Item #9.1:

Replace Natural Gas Fired Equipment
Carbon Sequestration
Soil-Based Carbon Sequestration
Increase Planting of Trees
Tree Protection Offsets
Recommended Council Action
Adopt a "Resolution of the City Council of the City of Sonoma Accepting the Climate Action Strategies and Finding that the Action is Not A Project Subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)."
Alternative Actions
Council discretion.

Financial Impact
There are no financial impacts at this time. Financial considerations will be addressed through the budget update in 2024 after consideration by City Council.

Environmental Review Status
Environmental Impact Report
Negative Declaration
Exempt
Not Applicable
Approved/Certified
No Action Required
Action Requested
Under Section 15060(c)(2) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, the proposed activity is not subject to CEQA because accepting the Climate Action Strategies, in and of itself, will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment. Alternatively, the proposed activity is exempt from CEQA review under CEQA Guidelines sections 15061(b)(3) (common sense exemption) and 15308 (actions by regulatory agencies for the protection of the environment). All projects identified that may require a decision by the Planning Commission and/or City Council will require compliance with CEQA.

Attachments
Attachment 1 - Draft Resolution Adopting Climate Action Strategies Attachment 2 - Resolution 59-2020 Climate Emergency
Attachment 3 - Draft Climate Action Strategies
Attachment 4 - CC Climate Strategies Presentation
Alignment with Council Goals:

Compliance with Climate Action 2020 Target Goals:

CC:

Agenda Item #9.1:

n/a
Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma
RESOLUTION # _______ - 2024

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SONOMA ACCEPTING THE CLIMATE

ACTION STRATEGIES AND FINDING THAT THE ACTION IS NOT A PROJECT SUBJECT TO THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA).

WHEREAS, the Sonoma City Council adopted Resolution 59-2020 declaring a climate emergency and identifying immediate actions; and
WHEREAS, the Sonoma City Council created a Climate Action Commission to act in an advisory capacity to the City Council in matters pertaining to climate action and sustainability; and WHEREAS, the Sonoma City Council charged the Climate Action Commission on the development, updating, implementation, and communication of the city’s climate action plan; and WHEREAS, the City’s Sustainability Coordinator, in collaboration with the Climate Action Commission, prepared the draft Climate Action Strategies to reduce net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from community activities and city governmental operations; and WHEREAS, the Climate Action Strategies summarizes the City of Sonoma’s 2020 GHG inventory by (a) identifying the major sources and quantities of GHG emissions produced in Sonoma and (b) detailing the city’s progress in reducing its GHGs since 1990; and WHEREAS, the recommended strategies in this Climate Action Strategies are designed to achieve multiple co-benefits such as improving public health and safety, reducing air pollution, protecting vulnerable communities, lowering energy costs, supporting local economic development, and improving quality of life; and
WHEREAS, the Climate Action Commission reviewed the Draft Climate Action Strategies and provided comments at the regularly scheduled meeting on August 9, 2023; and WHEREAS, the City circulated the Draft Climate Action Strategies for a public comment period from September 27, 2023 to October 20, 2023; and
WHEREAS, city staff and two Climate Action Commissioners presented at the Parks Recreation and Open Space Commission meeting on September 13, 2023 and the Planning Commission meeting on September 21, 2023; and
WHEREAS, city staff and two Climate Action Commissioners presented at a Community Meeting on October 13, 2023; and
WHEREAS, city staff incorporated the comments received into the Final Climate Action Strategies which was presented to the Climate Action Commission at the regularly scheduled meeting on November 8, 2023 at which they recommended City Council approval.

Agenda Item #9.1:

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

Section 1. The above recitations are true and correct.

Section 2. Pursuant to Section 15060(c)(2) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, the proposed activity is not subject to CEQA because approval of the Climate Action Strategies, in and of itself, will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect foreseeable physical change in the environment. Alternatively, the proposed activity is exempt from CEQA review under CEQA Guidelines sections 15061(b)(3) (common sense exemption) and 15308 (actions by regulatory agencies for the protection of the environment). All projects identified that require a discretionary decision by the Planning Commission and/or City Council will require compliance with CEQA.

Section 3. The Climate Action Strategies is hereby accepted and shall take effect immediately.

RESOLVED AND ADOPTED this ___________________, 2024 by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:
_________________________________
John Gurney, Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________________
Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk
Agenda Item #9.1:

Q?ityof énuunta
RESOLUTION #_? 2020

RESOLUTION ENDORSING THE DECLARATION OF A CLIMATE EMERGENCY AND IMMEDIATE ACTIONS TO RESTORE A SAFE CLIMATE:

WHEREAS in October 2018 the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the largest collaborative, consensus-based effort among the world's scientific community, released a Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C‘ stating that “human activities are estimated to have (already) caused approximately 1°C of global warming above pre—industriallevels; WHEREAS an increase in global average surface temperature is already resulting in numerous secondary effects2including: rising sea levels; decreased snowpack; accelerated melting of ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica; accelerated melting of Arctic permafrost; increased incidence and intensity of extreme weather events such as heat waves, droughts, hurricanes, and tornadoes; increasing incidence and intensity of wildfires; spread of diseases; and more;
WHEREAS the /PCC’s Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5° C states that in order to have a likely chance of limitingglobal warming to 1.5° C, our remaining “carbon budget” is equal to only 10 years of current greenhouse gas emissions;
WHEREAS restoring a safe and stable climate requires a climate mobilization at all levels of government and society on a scale, scope and speed not seen since World War II; WHEREAS the current pace and scale of national, state and local action is far less than adequate to avert substantial damage to our economy, environment and human health over the coming decades; WHEREAS wildfires in Northern California in 2017, 2018, and 2019 destroyed over 38,000 structures, killed 118, displaced thousands, and caused serious declines in our area's air quality; WHEREAS the current pace of sea level rise is already impacting Callfornia’s coastlines, with the possibility of 6 feet or more of total sea level rise by 2100; WHEREAS climate change and the global economy's overshoot of sustainable ecological limitsare driving the sixth mass extinction of species;
WHEREAS all the nations ofthe world have signed the 2015 Paris Agreement? vowing to keep warming this century well below 2°C above pre—industriallevels’’ and to “pursue efforts to limitthe temperature increase even further to no more than 1.5°C;”
WHEREAS the lPCC’s warnings are echoed by both California’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment‘ report released in August 2018 and the Fourth National Climate Assessment5 report issued in November 2018, which underscored the need for immediate climate emergency action at all levels of government; WHEREAS on September 12, 2018, Governor Jerry Brown signed "Executive Order B—55—18to Achieve Carbon Neutrality‘ committing California to economy-wide “carbon neutrality as soon as possible, and no later than 2045, and achieve and maintain net negative emissions thereafter”; WHEREAS on November 5, 2019, more than 11,000 researchers from around the world issued a grim warning of the "untold suffering" that will be caused by climate change if humanity doesn't rapidly change 1 IPCC Special Report 2018 (\vww,ipcc.ch/sr15/). 32www.nrdc.orzystories/are-effects-gIobal—warmimz—reaIIy—bad 2015 Paris Agreement (www.unfccc.int/sites/default/files/english paris agreementpdt) or 5https://unfccc.int/resource/docs/2015/cop21/eng/IO9r01.pdf 4w\v\v.c1imateassessment.ca.gov www.nca20 18.gIobaIchange.gov 7www.cnn.com>2019/1 6www.ca.gov/archive/rzov39/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/9.10.18—ExecutiveOrder.pdf 1/O5>wor1d>climate-emergency-scientists Agenda Item #9.1:

WHEREAS the United States has contributed greatly to these climate and ecological crises and bears an extraordinary responsibility to help solve them;
WHEREAS marginalized communities worldwide — including people of color, indigenous communities, low-income people, those with disabilities, and the homeless —~ are already disproportionately affected by climate change;
WHEREAS a just transition to a safe climate must encourage the active participation and protection of marginalized communities and work to ensure that they benefit first from a sustainable and equitable economy;
WHEREAS it is inexcusable to do too little, too late — knowingly subjecting our fellow humans now and in the future to societal breakdown, shortages of food and clean water, economic collapse, vast refugee movements, and life on an increasingly uninhabitable planet; WHEREAS the City of Sonoma has often seen itself as a leader in addressing environmental issues including human—caused climate change, having made bold commitments in its Resolution 44-2005 establishing GHG emissions reduction targets for the City by 2015 and later in its participation in the greenhouse gas reduction efforts set forth in the Regional Climate Protection Authority’s (RCPA) Climate Action 2020 Plan; and
WHEREAS the City of Sonoma needs to do everything in its power to convert at emergency speed to a truly sustainable community — economically, socially and ecologically — and participate effectively in a regional just transition through climate mobilization efforts; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Sonoma declares that a climate emergency threatens our city, our Sonoma Valley, our region, our state, and all life on Earth; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Sonoma commits to a city-wide climate emergency mobilization in alignment with current and evolving climate science that includes: (1) mitigation: reduce city-wide greenhouse gas emissions to net zero no later than 2030; (2) drawdown/sequestration:
supporting effective carbon negative actions to place carbon underground where itwillremain for virtual perpetuity plus supporting similar steps that remove carbon from the atmosphere; and (3) adaptation/resilience: implementing and/or supporting measures to prepare for the inevitable consequences and impacts of a rapidly warming planet; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Sonoma will begin an evaluation of all existing and emerging policies, plans, projects, purchases, and priorities in accordance with our critical goals of mitigation, drawdown, and adaptation; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Sonoma willwork in partnership with the RCPA to immediately make a comprehensive update to the latest data on citywide GHG emissions — including those associated with residents’ consumption of goods and services — and to request RCPA to thereafter track our city’s GHG emissions and publicly report annually on our progress towards the goal of net zero emissions; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Sonoma will, during the update of its General Plan, evaluate and include the goals of net zero emissions by 2030 (mitigation), carbon negative action (drawdown), and management of climate~affected impacts (adaptation); and contractors, consultants, residents, and independent community groups in alignment with the adopted emergency goals of mitigation, drawdown, and adaptation; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council has established an ad hoc subcommittee tasked with creating a standing Joint Climate Action Subcommittee with two members of the City Council and two members of the Community Services and Environment Commission (CSEC) tasked with determining best courses of action to pursue implementation of the climate emergency mobilization; and Agenda Item #9.1:

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Sonoma willensure that its Sustainability Coordinator will be responsible for overseeing city climate—related efforts and have the authority to form teams as needed to address the climate emergency successfully. Under the direction of the City Council, City Manager, and City Planning Director, in meeting these responsibilities, the Sustainability Coordinator shall work closely with the city’s Community Services and Environment Commission (CSEC); and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Sonoma acknowledges that full public participation of its residents is essential to the success of this effort; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Sonoma commits to contributing to RCPA’s development of a countywide 2030 Climate Emergency Mobilization Strategy focused on identifying key local actions — including RCPA’s 10-year Emergency Policy Directive setting out priorities for the most-effective local policies and programs that will drive systems change and identify the key areas for state—|evel advocacy; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Sonoma willsupport the RCPA coalition of local governments mobilizing for effective and rapid regional climate action; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Sonoma, to set a clear example for the community, commits to reduce the carbon footprint of its municipal operations to net zero no later than 2030; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Sonoma joins a nationwide call for a broaderjust transition and emergency mobilization at all levels of government to restore a safe climate, and will partner with local, regional and state agencies to implement immediate actions —— including implementation of the climate actions adopted by the city in 20163and the Climate Action and Environmental Sustainability 2020- 2021 Work Plan.

APPROVED FOR IMPLEMENTATION BY:

City of Sonoma Community Services and Environment Commission: 11 December 2019 City of Sonoma City Council: November 2, 2020
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Sonoma at its regular meeting held on November 2, 2020 by the following vote:

AYES: AGRIMONTI, HARRINGTON, HUNDLEY, HARVEY
NOES:

ABSENT: COOK
ABSTAIN:

Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk
8 City of Sonoma Resolution 40-2016 (adopted 11/21/2016).

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Climate Action Strategies
City of Sonoma
January 2024
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City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 What Can You Do?

LOW CARBON TRANSPORTATION
• Drive an all-electric, plug-in hybrid, or 100% green hydrogen vehicle. • Bike, walk, carpool, or take public transit whenever possible. • Reduce commuting miles by working from home.
• Shut your vehicle off when waiting at the school pick up/drop off lane.

RENEWABLE ENERGY & LOW CARBON ELECTRICITY
• Switch to Sonoma Clean Power’s EverGreen or CleanStart or PG&E’s 100% Solar Choice programs.
• Install a solar energy system and consider battery storage. • Replace natural gas-fired appliances with electric appliances. • Electrify your lawn care/landscaping equipment.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY
• Have an energy audit conducted for your home or business. • Consider heat pump technology for your heating, cooling, and hot water needs. • Replace lights with LED bulbs and turn them off when not in use. • Upgrade insulation, seal leaks, and install a programmable thermostat. • Purchase only Energy Star appliances and equipment.

WASTE REDUCTION
• Repair, repurpose, and reuse items.
• Place all food scraps into the green organics container or compost them at home. • Donate extra food, used clothing, and housewares.
• Avoid single-use plastics and bring your own bag.

WATER CONSERVATION
• Replace your lawn with drought-tolerant plants.
• Install a drip irrigation system, program it to run early in the morning, and check it regularly for leaks.
• Install low water flow faucets, showerheads, and toilets. • Install water-efficient dishwashers and washing machines.

CARBON SEQUESTRATION
• Plant appropriate trees that will also increase beneficial shade. • Continuously add compost to your soil.
• Purchase local carbon offsets for airplane flights and vehicle trips. • Protect trees and replace them when necessary.
• Consider “no-mow” areas for your landscaping.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
• Join a Climate Action Team, participate in Climate Action Commission meetings. • Calculate your carbon footprint and commit to making it smaller. • Have your business become prepare a Climate Transition Plan or become a Certified California Green Business.

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City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 0 Table of Contents
List of Acronyms.............................................................................................................. 4 Executive Summary ........................................................................................................ 5 E-1 Sonoma’s GHG Emissions ....................................................................................... 5 E-2 GHG Emissions Reduction Target and Climate Actions ........................................... 6 E-3. Recommended and Priority Climate Actions ........................................................... 6 E-4 Organization of this Climate Action Strategies Document ........................................ 9 E-5 Community Engagement .......................................................................................... 9

1. Introduction ............................................................................................................... 11

1.1 Basics of Climate Change ....................................................................................... 11

1.2 Need for Climate Action .......................................................................................... 12

1.3 Adoption of Climate Emergency Resolution ............................................................ 12

1.4 Climate Actions Already Undertaken by City of Sonoma......................................... 13

1.5 Climate Action Strategy Planning Process .............................................................. 14

2. Inventory of Greenhouse Gas Emissions .................................................................. 17

2.1 Communitywide GHG Inventory.............................................................................. 17

2.2 Government Operations GHG Inventory ................................................................. 22

2.5 Categories of Actions to Achieve Emissions Reduction Target............................... 23

3. Transportation ........................................................................................................... 24

3.1 State and Federal Actions ....................................................................................... 25

3.1.1 California’s Fossil-Fuel Vehicle Ban..................................................................... 25

3.1.2 Federal Subsidies for EVs.................................................................................... 25

3.2 Sonoma’s Electric Vehicle Infrastructure................................................................. 26

3.3 Existing Bicycle and Pedestrian Infrastructure ........................................................ 28

3.3.1 Currently Planned Future Trails............................................................................ 28

3.3.2 Currently Planned Bicycle Parking ....................................................................... 28 Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 1 3.3.3. Recent Pedestrian Infrastructure Improvements ................................................. 29

3.4 Recommended Transportation Actions ................................................................... 29

3.4.1 Expand Bicycle and Pedestrian Infrastructure...................................................... 30

3.4.2 Electrify Personal Transportation ......................................................................... 32

3.4.3 Improve Public Transportation ............................................................................. 33

3.4.4 Consider Banning New Fossil-Fuel Filling Stations.............................................. 33

3.4.5 Reduce Idling ....................................................................................................... 34

3.5 Implementation of Climate Actions for Transportation............................................. 34

4. Buildings.................................................................................................................... 37

4.1 Federal Financial Credits and Rebates ................................................................... 39

4.2 Increased PV Solar Installations.............................................................................. 39

4.3 Recommended Building Actions.............................................................................. 40

4.3.1 Reduce Reliance on Natural Gas......................................................................... 41

4.3.2 Increase Community Energy Conservation and Efficiency................................... 41

4.3.3 Increase Installations of PV Solar......................................................................... 43

4.3.4 Explore Feasibility of Community Microgrids and Multi-Family Solar Systems .... 43

4.4 Implementation of Climate Actions for Buildings ..................................................... 43

5. Solid Waste ............................................................................................................... 46

5.1 Mandatory Organics Separation and Recycling ...................................................... 48

5.2 Minimization of Solid Waste/Zero Waste................................................................. 50

5.3 Recommended Solid Waste Actions ....................................................................... 51

5.3.1. Increase Organic Materials Segregation ............................................................. 51

5.3.2 Decrease Consumption of Plastic Shopping Bags ............................................... 52

5.3.3 Reduce Single Use Plastic Water Bottles............................................................. 53

5.3.4 Increase the Use of Compliant Food Serviceware ............................................... 53

5.4 Implementation of Climate Actions for Solid Waste................................................. 54

6. Water......................................................................................................................... 57 Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 2 6.1 Water Conservation Efforts ..................................................................................... 57

6.2 Recommended Water Related Actions ................................................................... 58

6.2.1 Reduce Use of Irrigation....................................................................................... 59

6.2.2 Install Real Time Monitoring of Water Consumption ............................................ 60

6.3 Implementation of Climate Actions for Water .......................................................... 61

7. Government Operations ............................................................................................ 63

7.1 Using Low Carbon Electricity Supply....................................................................... 63

7.2 Energy Efficient Lighting Upgrades ......................................................................... 63

7.3 PV Solar Power Installation..................................................................................... 64

7.4 Environmentally Preferable Procurement Policy ..................................................... 64

7.5 Recommended Actions for Government Operations ............................................... 64

7.5.1 Implement Energy Conservation Measures in City Buildings ............................... 65

7.5.2 Upgrade and Expand PV Solar ............................................................................ 67

7.5.3 Electrify City Vehicles and Equipment.................................................................. 68

7.5.4 Replace Natural Gas Fired Equipment................................................................. 68

7.6 Implementation of Climate Actions for Government Operations.............................. 69

8. Carbon Sequestration ............................................................................................... 72

8.1 Sonoma’s Land and Open Space Protection .......................................................... 72

8.2 Annual Procurement of Compost ............................................................................ 73

8.3 Recommended Carbon Sequestration Actions ....................................................... 73

8.3.1 Increase Soil-Based Carbon Sequestration ......................................................... 74

8.3.2 Increase Planting of Trees ................................................................................... 74

8.3.3 Establish the Sonoma Carbon Offset Program .................................................... 75

8.4 Implementation of Carbon Sequestration Actions ................................................... 76 Appendix I. Environmental Emergency Resolution ..........................................................

Appendix II. Sonoma’s Climate Actions and Data as of April 2020 ...................................

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City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 4 List of Acronyms
AMI - Advanced Metering Infrastructure
CAC – Climate Action Commission
CSEC – Community Services and environment Commission
CAS – Climate Action Strategies
CBSM – Community Based Social Marketing
CCA – Community Choice Aggregator
CER – Climate Emergency Resolution
CO2 – Carbon dioxide
CO2/MWh - Carbon dioxide per 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity consumption CSEC – Community Services and Environment Commission
EV – Electric vehicle
Ft – Feet
GHG – Greenhous gas(es)
HOA - Homeowner association
IPCC – Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
JCAS – Joint Climate Action Subcommittee
JPA – Joint Powers Authority
LB – pound
L1 – Level 1 EV charger
L2 – Level 2 EV charger
L3 – Level 3 EV charger
JCAS – Joint Climate Action Subcommittee
MSW – Municipal Solid Waste
MTCO2e - metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent
O&M – Operation and maintenance
PACE – Property Assessed Clean Energy
PG&E – Pacific Gas and Electric Company
PV – Photovoltaic
RCPA – Regional Climate Protection Authority
SCEIP – Sonoma County Energy Independence Program
SCP – Sonoma Clean Power
SCT – Sonoma County Transit
SCTA – Sonoma County Transportation Authority
V2G – Vehicle-to-grid
V2H – Vehicle-to-home
VMT – Vehicle Miles Travelled
ZNE/C – Zero Net Energy/Carbon
ZWS – Zero Waste Sonoma
Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 5 Executive Summary
The City of Sonoma’s Climate Action Strategies (CAS) are designed to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from community activities and city government operations. This CAS provides a roadmap and list of recommended and priority actions to achieve the city’s GHG emissions reduction target of net zero GHG emissions by 2030. The recommended actions in this CAS are also designed to achieve multiple co-benefits such as lowering energy costs, reducing air pollution, supporting local economic development, and improving public health and quality of life.

E-1 Sonoma’s GHG Emissions
The City of Sonoma’s 2020 GHG inventory (a) identifies the major sources and quantities of GHG emissions produced in Sonoma and (b) tracks the city’s progress in reducing its GHGs since 1990. In 2020, Sonoma emitted approximately 75,085 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent GHG emissions (MT CO2e). As shown in Figure ES-1, the categories of GHG emission sources are transportation (66.05%), buildings (27.69%), and solid waste (5.55%).

Other minor categories are government operations (0.4%) and water and wastewater (0.26%).

In 2020, Sonoma’s per capita GHG emissions were 7.0 MT CO2e, third highest among Sonoma County’s jurisdictions and 20% higher than the per capita average (5.81 MT CO2e) in Sonoma County.

Figure ES-1. Sonoma’s communitywide GHG emissions, 2020.

Transportation
66%
Buildings
28%
Solid Waste
5%
Other
1%
Transportation Buildings Solid Waste Other
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City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 6 E-2 GHG Emissions Reduction Target and Climate Actions In 2020, the City Council adopted a target of net zero GHG emissions by 2030. Net zero refers to the state where GHGs released into the atmosphere are balanced by removal of carbon out of the atmosphere and captured and sequestered. To achieve this target, a three-prong climate action strategy is necessary: (1) a significant reduction of GHG emissions, (2) the generation of “excess” zero carbon electricity (PV solar) to compensate for remaining GHGs, and (3) the sequestration of atmospheric carbon.

To implement the three-prong strategy, the CAS presents a recommended variety of climate actions. The actions selected were based on their low cost/high reduction potential, have potential co-benefits, and have been successfully implemented by other jurisdictions. These actions are organized into the following GHG sources:
• Transportation,
• Buildings,
• Solid Waste,
• Water,
• Government Operations, and
• Carbon Sequestration.

E-3. Recommended and Priority Climate Actions
The top climate actions recommended for Sonoma to achieve the city’s GHG reduction target are presented below. The actions presented in italics are considered priority climate actions by the City of Sonoma’s Climate Action Commission1.

Recommended and Priority Climate Actions
Transportation
Expand Bicycle and Pedestrian
Infrastructure
• Prepare Master Plan for Bicycle and Pedestrian
Infrastructure
• Connect Sonoma City Trail to Plaza
• Increase Downtown Bicycle Parking
• Create Cool Corridors for Bicycle and Pedestrian Trails Electrification of Personal
Transportation
• Increase EV Charging at Multi-unit Dwellings.
• Expand Publicly Accessible EV Charging
Improve Public Transportation • Establish an Electric Downtown Shuttle • Expand the #32 Sonoma Shuttle
Consider Ban on New Fossil- • Explore Banning Construction of New Fossil-Fuel Filling 1 At the April 12, May 31, and August 9, 2023, meetings of the CAC, the commission considered and voted to approve the list of priority climate actions.

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City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 7 Recommended and Priority Climate Actions
Fueling Stations Stations
Reduce Idling • Explore Banning New Drive Through Windows Buildings
Reduce Reliance on Natural
Gas
• Encourage Increased Electrification and Energy Efficiency in Residences and Commercial Buildings
• Adopt All-Electric or Electric Preferred Reach Code
Increase Community Energy
Efficiency
• Sponsor Lighting Efficiency Giveaway Events
• Offer Energy Efficiency Workshops
• Energy Benchmarking
• Deploy Local Energy Conservation Teams
Expand PV Solar • Increase Use of PV Solar
Explore Community Microgrids • Explore Feasibility of Community Microgrids Solid Waste
Increase Organic Materials
Segregation
• Offer Discounted Residential Backyard Composters
• Update the Solid Waste Franchise Agreement
• Increase Zero Waste Practices
Decrease Consumption of
Plastic Shopping Bags
• Adopt Plastic Bag Ordinance
• Enforce State Bag Fee Requirement
Reduce Single Use Plastic
Water Bottles
• Increase the Number of Water-Bottle Filling Stations
Increase Use of Compliant
Food Serviceware
• Increase Use of Compliant Items at Special Events
• Enforce City’s Ban on Disposable Food Serviceware
Water
Reduce Use of Irrigation
• Expand and Modify the Cash for Turf Program
• Encourage Use of Rainwater Capture Systems on Private and Public Properties
• Prepare and Implement a Community Based Social
Marketing Plan
• Encourage Water Conservation by High Users
Install Real Time Monitoring of
Water Consumption • Install Advanced Water Metering Infrastructure Government Operations
Energy Conservation Measures
in City Buildings
• Conduct Energy Conservation Audits
• Replace Ineffective Window Sash Locks
• Install Vacancy Lighting Sensors
• Install HVAC Zones in City Hall and Carnegie Library
Upgrade and Expand PV Solar
on City Buildings
• Upgrade Current PV Solar Arrays
• Expand PV Solar on Municipal Buildings
• Assess Potential Areas to Install PV Solar Parking
Canopies
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City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 8 Recommended and Priority Climate Actions
Electrification of City Vehicles
and Equipment
• Prepare City Fleet and Equipment Electrification Plan • Install EV Workplace Charging for City Employees
Replace Natural Gas Fired
Equipment at City Buildings
• Replace Gas-Fired Water Heaters
• Replace Gas-Fired HVAC System at the Police
Department
Carbon Sequestration
Soil-Based Carbon
Sequestration
• Expand the Application of Compost
• Explore Application of Biochar
Increase Planting of Trees
• Assess and Expand Urban Tree Shade Canopy
• Install Green Pocket Forests
• Seek Tree City USA Designation
Local Carbon Offset Program • Establish a Local Carbon Offset Program Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 9 E-4 Organization of this Climate Action Strategies Document As shown in Figure ES-2, the CAS builds on the many years of multiple environmental sustainability actions taken in the city, county, region, state, and nation. Community actions by city residents, businesses, and visitors to Sonoma are all necessary as we move ahead successfully. Each action envisioned in this document will build on all the other related efforts to achieve our critical goal.

Figure ES-2: Organization of Sonoma’s Climate Action Strategies.

E-5 Community Engagement
The overwhelming majority of GHG emissions in Sonoma are from the community, which prompts the following questions:
• How can the community best participate in Climate Strategy Planning? • What actions does the community consider priority?
• What actions are possible and feasible for community-level implementation? These are important questions to help build the foundations for impactful change. This means that the community needs to be involved in the formation and implementation of Sonoma’s CAS to ensure success in the coming years.

Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 10 Enhancing awareness and building capacity is an essential foundation to the City’s approach to climate action. Community engagement brings together key community stakeholders and municipal decision-makers to shape the CAS. And, through community engagement, Sonoma’s community and government can collectively and collaboratively co-create a CAS that is equitable, actionable, effective, and sustainable.

Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 11 1. Introduction
Goals:
• Understand the impacts of climate change and need for action. • Examine Sonoma’s climate actions to date.
• Develop a strategy for climate action.

The need for local governments in California to act on climate change is increasingly becoming more urgent as demonstrated by the recently extensive drought coupled with the devastating wildfires in 2017 and 2020 and serious flooding in 2017 and 2019. Sonoma has been an environmental leader, and the climate actions contained in this document continue this legacy by incorporating new approaches and ambitious targets to address climate change. The actions presented in this document outline a path towards reducing Sonoma’s greenhouse gas emissions through the year 2030 and beyond.

1.1 Basics of Climate Change
Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are gases that trap heat within the Earth’s atmosphere increasing surface and ocean temperatures2. Although GHGs are naturally occurring, anthropogenic (human caused) emissions from burning fossil fuels, industrial processes, landfills, and raising livestock are responsible for the dramatic increase in the atmospheric concentration of GHGs.

While we depend on a minimum concentration of GHGs to keep Earth habitable, certain human activities emit excessive quantities of GHGs that increase their concentration in the atmosphere to damaging levels that traps heat, resulting in an increase in Earth’s average temperature.

Each year we experience the increasing deleterious effects of climate change locally, nationally, and globally with more volatile and unpredictable weather; record-breaking heat days, droughts and fires; storm surges and sea level rise; ecosystem degradation; species extinction; ocean warming and acidification; climate-related human deaths; and economic and demographic disruption.
2 GHGs include water vapor, carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and ozone (O3).

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City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 12 1.2 Need for Climate Action
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the United Nations’ body for assessing the climate change science, human activities have already caused approximately

1.1°C of global warming above pre-industrial levels.3 The IPCC also estimates that global warming will likely reach 1.5°C between 2030 and 2052 if warming continues to increase at the current rate and may exceed this threshold. If so, this will result in potentially catastrophic effects.4
The ecological, social, and economic impacts to Sonoma Valley and the North Bay are significant, consequential, and innumerable—several of which we already face. A strong consensus is emerging in California, Sonoma County, and the City of Sonoma on the need to take effective and sustained action to reduce emissions of human produced GHGs, the major factor in human-caused climate change. Local governing bodies (including the City of Sonoma) have already adopted emergency climate resolutions; deciding how to act effectively and efficiently remains our primary challenge. Working together, we are making a difference for our collective future and future generations.

1.3 Adoption of Climate Emergency Resolution
In 2016, the Regional Climate Protection Authority (RCPA), published its Climate Action 2020 and Beyond5, setting out a regional framework for the entire Sonoma County community to reduce GHG emissions. This report’s overarching goal was to present a plan to reduce GHG emissions 40% by 2020 compared to 1990 levels. By 2018, countywide GHG emissions had been reduced by only 13% below 1990 levels. While in 2020 GHG emissions decreased by

22.5% compared to 1990 levels, the inventory was conducted during the Covid-19 public health emergency. Consequently, it is likely that this dramatic drop was anomalous. The next GHG inventory will cover 2022 but will not be released by the RCPA until the spring 2024.

In September 2019, the RCPA released its model Climate Emergency Resolution (CER) for potential adoption by jurisdictions in Sonoma County. This model was the basis for the City of Sonoma’s CER adopted on November 2, 2020 (Resolution No. 59-20206). In this CER, the City Council committed to reduce the carbon footprints of both government operations and communitywide activities and established a target of net zero GHG emissions no later than 2030.
3 https://report.ipcc.ch/ar6wg2/pdf/IPCC_AR6_WGII_SummaryForPolicymakers.pdf (p. SPM-7) 4 https://www.ipcc.ch/sr15/chapter/spm/
5 https://rcpa.ca.gov/projects/climate-action-2020
6 https://www.sonomacity.org/documents/climate-emergency-resolution Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 13 In April 2022, the City Council created the Climate Action Commission (CAC)7. Regarding the CAC, its charge includes acting in an advisory capacity to the City Council on the following:
• The development, updating, implementation, and communication of the city’s Climate Action Plan;
• Policies and programs intended to implement provisions of the Climate Action Plan; and • Policies and programs intended to preserve and enhance the natural environment.

In addition, the CAC is charged with presenting a GHG reduction scorecard annually to the City Manager prior to the adoption of the budget by the City Council.

1.4 Climate Actions Already Undertaken by City of Sonoma Over the past 15 years, the city government has already taken many important actions in reducing GHG emissions. These include adopting and promoting low-carbon electricity, energy efficiency, renewable energy, low-carbon transportation, zero waste activities, and water conservation. (For a complete list of actions and accomplishments, refer to Appendix I - Sonoma’s Climate Actions and Data as of April 2020.) Some of our city’s major climate actions include:
• September 2003, the city completed its first municipal GHG Inventory. • August 2005, the city set ambitious GHG reduction goals:
o Communitywide: 25% below 1990 by 2015
o Municipal: 20% below 2000 by 2010
• February 2008, the city adopted its first GHG Emissions Reduction Action Plan. • September 2010, the city installed solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on its Police Station and the administrative building at the Corporation Yard. • July 2013, the city joined Sonoma Clean Power’s (SCP) Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) to increase consumption of low carbon electricity. • October 2016, Sonoma was the first municipality in Sonoma County to adopt SCP’s 100% renewable, low-carbon EverGreen electricity option for government operations. • November 2016, the City Council adopted the 22 measures contained in the Regional Climate Protection Authority’s (RCPA) Climate Action 2020 report. • June 2017, Sonoma joined the Mayors’ National Climate Action Agenda and reaffirmed its commitment to reducing communitywide GHG emissions to 25% below 1990 by the year 2020, and 80% below 1990 levels by 2050.
7 Prior to the creation of the CAC, climate action was under the purview of the former Community Services and Environment Commission (CSEC) and the Joint Climate Action Subcommittee (JCAS). In April 2022, the City Council dissolved the CSEC and the JCAS and created two new commissions: the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Commission (PROS) and the CAC.

Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 14 • July 2017, the city replaced 1,100 streetlights with energy efficient LED fixtures. • December 2019, the city hired its first-ever, part-time Sustainability Coordinator with responsibilities that included climate action.
• April 2020, the city published a comprehensive report: Sonoma’s Climate Action and Environmental Sustainability Accomplishments (see Appendix I). • May 2020, the City Council adopted a work plan to implement specific climate and environmental sustainability actions.
• October 2020, the City Council adopted a resolution for Sonoma to achieve a goal of zero waste by 2030.
• November 2020, the City Council adopted a resolution declaring a Climate Emergency and set a target of net zero GHG emissions by 2030 and created the Joint Climate Action Subcommittee (JCAS).
• April 2021, the City Council adopted an ordinance that prohibits the use and sale of non-recycled and non-compostable single use food serviceware in Sonoma. • November 2021, the City Council adopted an ordinance that mandates separation and collection of organics from the solid waste stream.
• April 2022, the City Council dissolved the JCAS and created the new five-member Climate Action Commission.
• February 2023, the first meeting of the new Climate Action Commission was held. • August 2023, the CAC finalized its list of recommended priority climate actions that was presented to the community.
• October 2023, a community meeting was held to solicit comments on the draft climate strategies, which was coupled with a written public comment period. • November 2023, the CAC voted unanimously to recommend to the City Council the adoption of the draft climate strategies.

1.5 Climate Action Strategy Planning Process
To achieve the net zero GHG emissions target, a CAS is needed. The CAS will serve as a framework to aid the city in responding to the climate emergency and reaching net zero GHG emissions by 2030. In this CAS, “net zero” refers to the state where GHGs released into the atmosphere are balanced by removal of carbon out of the atmosphere and captured and sequestered. This means that GHG emissions must be reduced to the greatest extent possible coupled with the capture and sequestration of carbon. Because there will still be GHG emissions remaining, carbon free energy (e.g., PV solar) will need to be produced to compensate for remaining GHG emissions. As shown in Figure 1-1, the City of Sonoma’s Climate Strategy Planning process consists of 6 major steps. This draft CAS reflects completion of Steps 1 through Step 3.

Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 15 Figure 1-1: Steps in the city’s climate strategy planning process.

1. Inventory GHG Emissions (completed and ongoing): An emissions inventory creates a baseline from which to measure progress in reducing GHG emissions. The most current emissions inventories cover government operations (2018) and communitywide emissions (2020)
8 .

2. Establish Reduction Target (completed): This step involves setting a target to identify how much emissions will be reduced and by when. In November 2020, the City Council set a target of net zero GHG emissions by 2030 for both government operations and communitywide.
8 Communitywide emissions for 2022 are scheduled to be released in the spring of 2024.

Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 16 3. Identify Actions to Achieve Target (drafted): This step involves identification of viable and feasible actions to achieve the reduction target. A recommended array of actions is presented in this document.

4. Adopt Actions to Achieve Target (not completed): Using the list of recommended actions, they need to be (1) evaluated based on relevant criteria including cost, effectiveness, technical and legal feasibility, timeline, and GHG emission reduction potential and (2) based on this evaluation, a prioritized list of actions needs to be adopted as part of the final CAS. The CAC reviewed the draft CAS and identified their priority climate actions to be recommended to the City Council.

5. Implement Actions (not completed): Based on the results of Step 4, the actions will be prioritized and request for funding will be submitted for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. Based on the need and availability of funding, the actions will begin to be implemented on an ongoing basis.

6. Evaluate Actions (not completed): As the actions are implemented, they need to be tracked, monitored, and evaluated to assess GHG reductions achieved, costs, cobenefits, technological issues, and barriers to determine if adjustments or modifications are necessary. This will require annual or biennial GHG emissions inventories.

As noted above, the city has completed Steps 1, 2, and 3. This draft CAS presents the list of identified actions and CAC recommended priority actions for consideration by the City Council.

Upon the council’s adoption, Step 4 will be completed, and additional actions will be implemented and evaluated. After the completion of the General Plan, the CAS will be revaluated, and additional actions may be identified.

Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 17 2. Inventory of Greenhouse Gas
Emissions
Goals:
• Prepare an inventory and biennial updates of GHGs for Sonoma’s community. • Identify the major sources and contributors to GHG emissions. • Monitor progress of GHG emissions reductions.

Critical to developing actions to eliminate/reduce (mitigate) GHG emissions is to establish and maintain an inventory of GHG emissions. The inventory serves as a baseline and identifies the major sources of GHG emissions and documents progress toward the city’s target of no net GHG emissions by 2030. This document contains two separate baseline GHG inventories:
communitywide and government operations.

2.1 Communitywide GHG Inventory
Presented in Table 2-1 and Figure 2-1 are the inventories of the City of Sonoma’s communitywide GHG emissions in five different periods from 1990 to 2020; these data include emissions from government operations.
9 It is important to note that the significant decrease in total GHG emissions reported for 2020 were significantly impacted by the Covid-19 Public Health Emergency due primarily to reduced vehicle use, although its precise impact on GHG emissions has not been measured.
9 Sonoma County Greenhouse Gas Inventory: 2020 Update. Regional Climate Protection Authority, September 6, 2022.

Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 18 Table 2-1: City of Sonoma’s communitywide GHG emissions (MT CO2e)10, 1990-2020.

Sector 1990 2010 2015 2018 2020 1990-2020
Change
Transportation 51,970 59,486 63,823 64,121 49,934 -4%
Buildings 31,750 37,331 26,278 23,280 20,790 -35%
Solid Waste 10,110 10,653 14,599 11,700 4,168 -59%
Water/Wastewater 3,060 371 190 193 193 -94%
Total 96,890 107,841 104,890 99,294 75,085 -22.5%
10 The unit MTCO2e refers to metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. It represents an amount of a GHG whose atmospheric impact has been standardized to that of one unit mass of carbon dioxide (CO2), based on its global warming potential.

Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 19 Figure 2-1: City of Sonoma’s communitywide GHG emissions (MT CO2e), 1990-2020. 51,970
59,486
63,823 64,121
49,934
3,060
371
190 193
193
31,750
37,331 26,278 23,280
20,790
10,110
10,653
14,599
11,700
4,168
96,890
107,841
104,890
99,294
75,085
0 20,000
40,000
60,000
80,000
100,000
120,000
1990 2010 2015 2018 2020
MT CO2e
Transportation Water/Wastewater Buildings Solid Waste
Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 20 Between 1990 (96,890 MT CO2e) and 2020 (75,085 MT CO2e), total net GHG emissions decreased by 22.5%. Although the impact from the Covid 19 Public Health Emergency on the total GHG emissions cannot yet be determined, it is known to have reduced GHG emissions, especially in the transportation sector. (GHG emissions between 1990 and 2018 had increased by 2%.) It is not clear to what degree the GHG emissions will change in 2022; the next inventory year is scheduled to be released in the spring of 2024.

As expected, (see Figure 2-2), the transportation sector is the largest source of GHGs (66.5%).

Building-related GHGs, Sonoma’s second-largest source (27.69%), decreased by 35% between 1990 and 2020. In addition to the increased efficiency of lighting, appliances, and heating and cooling (HVAC) equipment, the most significant reductions were due to access to the lowcarbon electricity provided by Sonoma Clean Power as discussed below.

Figure 2-2: Composition of Sonoma’s communitywide GHG emissions in 2020.

GHG emissions from solid waste management in 2020 were 5.6% of the total. While there was an increase of 16% between 1990 and 2018, by 2020, the emissions had decreased by 59% from 1990 levels. The significant decrease between 2018 and 2020 was likely because of Covid restrictions. GHG emissions generated by solid waste are especially important because they consist primarily of methane from the landfilling of organic materials. This powerful gas has 28 times greater greenhouse warming potential than CO2 but has a significantly shorter lifespan in the atmosphere meaning. Therefore, it is an especially important GHG to reduce in the nearterm.

0.26% 66.50%

27.69%

5.55%
Transportation Water& Wastewater Buildings Solid Waste
Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 21 While water- and wastewater-related GHGs have decreased by 94% between 1990 and 2020, they represent only 0.3% of total emissions in 2020. This decrease is due in part to significant water conservation efforts since 1990.

As shown in Figure 2-3, there has been a steady decrease in per capita GHG emissions.

Between 1990 and 2018 (pre-covid), per capita GHG emissions decreased by 25.9% and decreased 41.4% between 1990 and 2020. Per capita measurements are important because they allow for the control of population changes in the data. In 2020, the Sonoma’s per Capita emissions were 6.99 MT CO2e, 15% higher than the countywide average. The City of Sonoma had the third highest per capita emissions among all Sonoma County jurisdictions in 2020.

Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 22 11.93

10.11 9.53

8.84 6.99
1990 2010 2015 2018 2020
MT CO2e
Figure 2-3: Sonoma’s per capita GHG emissions, 1990-2020.

2.2 Government Operations GHG Inventory
The Sonoma Valley Climate Coalition, a local non-profit organization, with support from the city, volunteered to conduct an inventory of 2018 GHGs specifically from government operations.

Their June 2020 report showed 2018 GHG emissions from Sonoma’s government operations totaled 311 MT CO2e11, which accounts for less than 0.5% of total GHG emissions communitywide. As shown in Figure 2-4, between 2000 and 2018, Sonoma’s GHG emissions from government operations decreased significantly—53.5%. The 2018 GHG emissions were dominated by transportation (91% of the total)—both employee commuting and fleet operations.

In contrast, buildings, streetlights, and water/sewer together accounted for only 9% of total GHG emissions from government operations in 2018. Figure 2-5 presents the composition by source of 2018 government operations’ GHG emissions.
11 Inventory of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from City of Sonoma Municipal Operations for 2018.

Prepared by the Sonoma Valley Climate Coalition, June 10, 2020.

Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 23 Figure 2-4: Sonoma government operations GHGs, 2000 v. 2018.

2.5 Categories of Actions to Achieve Emissions Reduction Target The following sections present a range of actions with the potential, collectively, to achieve our stated target of net zero GHG emissions by 2030. These actions have been adopted and implemented by other municipalities throughout the country as part of their municipal climate action plans. These actions are listed and discussed under the following six respective categories:
• Transportation,
• Buildings,
• Solid Wastes,
• Water,
• Government Operations, and
• Carbon Sequestration.

To help promote community engagement, the city should continue to publicize its actions and progress in reducing GHG emissions through a GHG reduction dashboard. This information will also serve as the basis of the CAC’s required annual GHG reduction scorecard. 261.3
28 133.1
87 277.3
196
671.7
312
0 100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
2000 2018
MT CO2e
Buildings, street lights, water/sewer Commute Fleet Employee Air Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 24 3. Transportation

66.5% of Sonoma’s GHG Emissions
Climate Strategy Goals:
• Increase use of electrified transportation.
• Decrease reliance on motor vehicles for short trips.
• Expand and enhance bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure.

Transportation is the single largest source of GHG emissions in Sonoma, accounting for almost two-thirds (66.5%) of all GHG emissions in 2020. While reducing transportation emissions is one of the most important tasks, it is the most challenging task. GHG emissions from transportation are primarily a result of our continuing reliance on fossil-fueled vehicles, currently the most dominant form of transportation. Sonoma also faces additional transportation challenges, including limited access to convenient regional public transportation and not being a commercial center. Residents must rely on personal vehicles to work and shop in nearby commercial centers including Napa, Petaluma, and Santa Rosa.

In addition, the city also does not have well connected bike and pedestrian paths to the adjacent populations in the Springs. Data from the Sonoma County Transportation Authority for Sonoma (SCTA) show that 79% of all motor vehicle trips are less than 5 miles, which is the lowest among the county jurisdictions. This means Sonomans heavily rely on motor vehicles to drive within the city and adjacent communities. In 2020, there were 66,000 daily trip origins in Sonoma and the average trip length was 4.2 miles in 2020. Figure 3-1 depicts the percentage of the trip lengths.

Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 25 Figure 3-1: Distribution of trip lengths in Sonoma (2020).

While reducing reliance on personal, fossil-fueled motor vehicles is important to reduce GHGs, it will require major changes including behavior modifications, improved parking management, and increased bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. However, the more cost effective and impactful solution to reduce GHG emissions currently resides in technology with increased electrification of transportation.

3.1 State and Federal Actions

3.1.1 California’s Fossil-Fuel Vehicle Ban
The state’s current GHG reduction targets are to reduce emissions by 40% from 1990 levels by 2030 and reach carbon neutrality by 2045. Governor Gavin Newsom signed Executive Order N79-20 that seeks to ban the sale of new fossil-fueled vehicles in California by 2035. The Executive Order required the California Air Resources Board to develop implementing regulations, which were promulgated in August 2022. The Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC2) regulations require all in-state sales of new passenger cars and trucks be zero-emission by 2035.
12 3.1.2 Federal Subsidies for EVs
At the federal level, passage of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act adds point-of-sale rebates for new (up to $7,500) and used (up to $4,000) EV vehicles and provides tax credits and subsidies for auto manufactures to lower EV production costs.
12 In October 2022, the European Union adopted similar legislation that all auto makers must achieve a 100% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2035. This would mean a de facto ban on selling new fossil fuelpowered vehicles in the 27-country bloc. This action is likely to increase the availability of EVs in the US. <1 mile,
19%
1-2 miles,
28%
2-5 miles,
32%
Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 26 EV Chargers
• Level 1 (L1): the least expensive to
purchase and operate, L1 charging
occurs through a standard household
outlet (110 volt) at a rate of about 4-5
miles range per hour. It is designed for
overnight charging.
• Level 2 (L2) is the most common
public charger. It requires 240-volt
power and provide 11-25 miles range
per hour. It is ideal for workplace,
visitor, and customer charging.
• DC Fast Chargers (L3) (or Tesla
SuperChargers) are the most
expensive to purchase and operate
but provide rapid charging with up to
80% of an EV’s capacity in 30-45
minutes.

California leads the nation in the sale of new zero emissions vehicles (ZEVs).13 In the first half of 2023, 25.4% (223,298) of all new cars sold in California were ZEVs resulting in 1,623,211 total ZEV sales in California to date.14 And 40% of ZEVs sold in the U.S. are sold in California.

The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program will provide $5 billion in formula funding to states to expand the EV charging infrastructure along highway corridors to fill gaps in rural, disadvantaged, and hard-to-reach locations.

3.2 Sonoma’s Electric Vehicle Infrastructure
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 80% of EV drivers charge at home due to convenience and lower energy costs.15 To encourage at-home charging, in 2017, the city adopted an expedited permit process for residential
and commercial EV chargers with the time period of
three to five business days for permit approval. In
2020, the city adopted the California Green Building
Code (CALGreen), which requires L2 EV charging
infrastructure—conduit and circuit sizing—for new
construction. Additional CALGreen updates have
further increased EV capability and readiness for
new construction at commercial and multi-family unit
dwellings.

In November 2020, city staff gave a presentation to
the City Council, Possible Action for Options to Site
Public Electric Vehicle Charging Stations. The City
Council established an initial goal of Sonoma to
have 12 additional, publicly available EV charger
ports by 2024. The staff’s presentation and
subsequent City Council’s discussion and
recommendations formed the basis of the city’s 2020 Electric Vehicle Charging Station Implementation Action Strategies, which was presented in March 2021. The EV charging station strategy plan provided a recommended plan of action to support installation of publicly accessible EV charger ports and meet the City Council’s initial goal of 12 additional EV chargers. This included the following recommendations:
13 Zero emission vehicles include battery EVs, plug-in hybrids, and fuel cell powered vehicles. 14 www.energy.ca.gov/data-reports/energy-almanac/zero-emission-vehicle-and-infrastructurestatistics/new-zev-sales 15 https://www.energy.gov/eere/electricvehicles/charging-home Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 27 • Identify charging opportunities on the Plaza;
• Develop a city-funded cost sharing program to support installation of publicly accessible EV chargers on private property;
• Install EV chargers at Depot Park; and
• Install workplace chargers for City employees.

Simultaneous to this plan, the city has supported the expansion of public EV charging on noncity property (see Figure 3-2). In October 2021, eight new Tesla Superchargers plus two L2 universal EV chargers (the L-2 chargers were paid for by the city) were installed at the Sonoma Community Center. These 10 new chargers greatly expanded EV charging opportunities for residents, Sonoma Community Center patrons, visitors to the city, and commuters. These eight fast chargers (currently usable only by Tesla vehicles) complement four existing ElectrifyAmerica’s DC Fast Chargers located at the Bank of America’s parking lot at 35 West Napa Street. These publicly available EV chargers are well-located near the Plaza and are accessible by all types of EVs, not just Teslas. In July 2022, the city replaced its two, inoperable L2 (J 1772) chargers at the public parking lot (Lot B) at 152 East Napa Street.

Figure 3-2. Location of Publicly accessible EV Chargers in Sonoma.

Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 28 3.3 Existing Bicycle and Pedestrian Infrastructure
Expanded bicycle paths are another core element of the city’s climate strategy. Sonoma has created dedicated Class I pathways (3.91 miles), Class II bike lanes (1.99 miles), and Class III bike routes (2.41 miles).16 Although dedicated paths are the safest and most popular infrastructure components for bicycles, the city has limited available land resources to create more dedicated paths.

3.3.1 Currently Planned Future Trails
Sonoma’s primary Class I path is the Sonoma City Trail, a paved, 1.5 mile east-west, multi-use trail that extends from Highway 12/Sonoma Highway across from Maxwell Regional Park to 4th Street East. Sonoma County Regional Parks has proposed a 4-mile, Class I bike and pedestrian trail that will connect the Sonoma City Trail to Highway 121 and 8th Street East in Schellville.17 When completed, this combined Class I trail will be 5.5 miles and would provide future connectivity to Sonoma County Regional Park’s proposed Central Sonoma Valley Trail.18 This trail will be a 2.76-mile bike/pedestrian pathway consisting of bike paths, bike lanes, and bike routes that parallels Highway 12 is partially constructed and will better connect the Springs with the City of Sonoma. The entrance to this proposed trail will be a short distance from the Sonoma City Trail entrance. In addition, Sonoma County Regional Parks has a long-term plan for a Class I bike and pedestrian trail (the Sonoma Valley Trail) from Santa Rosa to the Springs.19
The recently completed Fryer Creek Pedestrian & Bicycle Bridge project improves access for residents on both sides of Fryer Creek and improves the connectivity to the citywide bicycle and pedestrian system. This means a safer route to local schools, workplaces, residential areas, and parks. The new paved bicycle and pedestrian path extends from the eastern bridge approach to the existing residential street on the north side of Newcomb Street.

3.3.2 Currently Planned Bicycle Parking
The adopted Downtown Parking Management Plan identifies improved and strategic bicycle parking near the Plaza as a component of reducing vehicle parking demands.20 This includes 16 Sonoma Bicycle & Pedestrian Master Plan (2008, updated 2014). 17 https://parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/learn/planning-projects/project-directory/all-active-projects/sonomaschellville-trail 18 https://parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/learn/planning-projects/project-directory/all-active-projects/centralsonoma-valley-trail 19 https://parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/learn/planning-projects/project-directory/all-active-projects/sonomavalley-trail 20 https://www.sonomacity.org/documents/public-draft-downtown-parking-management-plan/ Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 29 more secure and appropriate concentrated parking (e.g., corrals) and placement near path and lane entry and exit points.

3.3.3. Recent Pedestrian Infrastructure Improvements
In 2021 and 2022, CalTrans completed multiple pedestrian safety enhancements on Highway 12 (Broadway and West Napa Street), which included:
• Installing pedestrian crosswalk signs,
• Restriping pedestrian crossings with high visibility crosswalk markings, • Installing pedestrian-activated crosswalk lights, and • Upgrading ADA curb ramps.

The city has recently improved pedestrian crossings on Broadway. The project provided enhanced pedestrian safety improvements that included the installation of Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacons at Patten Street, France/Andrieux Streets, Malet Street, and at a relocated crosswalk north of Traintown at Clay Street along with new curb ramps.

3.4 Recommended Transportation Actions
Table 3-1 lists recommended climate actions that have been adopted by other jurisdictions for transportation that are appropriate for Sonoma.

At the April 12, May 31, and August 9, 2023, meetings, the CAC voted to approve a list of priority climate actions related to transportation. The climate actions that appear in blue italics in Table 3-1 (in the Action column), are CAC-recommended priority climate actions.

Table 3-1: Recommended actions for transportation.

Category Action Summary
T-1. Expand Bicycle
and Pedestrian
Infrastructure
Prepare Master Plan
for Bicycle and
Pedestrian
Infrastructure
Prepare master plan to improve and expand
bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure.

Connect the Sonoma
City Trail to the Plaza
Enhance pedestrian and bicycle access to the
Plaza area by connecting the Sonoma City Trail to
the Plaza via a Class I or II trail.

Increase Downtown
Bicycle Parking Create high visibility concentrated bicycle parking.

Create Cool Corridors
for Bicycle and
Pedestrian Trails
Increase shade and passive cooling on bicycle and
pedestrian trails.

T-2. Electrify Personal
Transportation
Increase EV Charging
at Multi-unit Dwellings
Increase availability of L2, EV chargers at multi-unit
dwellings.

Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 30 3.4.1 Expand Bicycle and Pedestrian Infrastructure
Prepare Master Plan for Bicycle and Pedestrian Infrastructure - Appropriate and sufficient infrastructure is needed to increase people-powered transportation. It is recommended that the city prepare a master plan to identify where and how to expand bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure beyond existing trails. The plan would focus on identifying and ameliorating physical barriers to walking and bicycling (e.g., safety, secure parking, transit shelters, lighting, path/trail stripping, etc.) where appropriate. It should identify and explore opportunities to increase access by expanding or creating new bike/pedestrian lanes and trails where appropriate and to improve connections to sidewalks, paths, walks, and parks throughout the city.

Connect the Sonoma City Trail to the Plaza – A critical element of improving the use of bicycles and pedestrians is to ensure connection to and between main trails and destination locations for residents, workers, and visitors. A primary destination location in Sonoma is the Plaza, yet there is an inadequate connecting trail between the Sonoma City Trail and the Plaza.

The city should create a Class I path or Class II bike lane that directly connects the existing multi-use Sonoma City Trail to the Plaza.

Improve Downton Bicycle Parking - A key component of increasing and improving bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure is to improve bicycle parking, especially near the Plaza. Rather than the current approach of scattering individual bicycle parking options around the downtown, the current trend to promote significant use by bicycles is to use concentrated parking, such as corral parking. A common approach is to convert an existing motor vehicle parking space to corral parking with space for 10-12 bikes; this can be more cost effective than multiple standalone racks scattered about. Corral spaces are highly visible, which is an important visual Category Action Summary
Expand Publicly
Accessible EV
Charging
Add additional publicly accessible L2 EV chargers
at Depot Park parking lot.

T-3. Improve Public
Transportation
Establish Electric
Downtown Shuttle Establish an electric-powered downtown shuttle.

Expand the #32
Sonoma Shuttle Expand the run times for the #32 Sonoma Shuttle.

T-4. Ban New FossilFueling Stations
Explore Banning New
Fossil-Fuel Filling
Stations
Consider adoption of an ordinance to prohibit
construction of new fossil-fuel filling stations.

T-5. Reduce Idling
Explore Banning New
Drive Through
Windows
Consider adoption of an ordinance to prohibit
construction of new drive-through windows.

Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 31 prompt for potential users and are easier for bicyclists to identify and use. They need to be located at key points of entrance and exit for desirable places and transportation links such as the Plaza.

Create Cool Corridors for Bicycle and Pedestrian Trails - To maximize use of bicycle and pedestrian trails, it is important to identify potential barriers to their use. One barrier is high daytime temperatures during late spring, summer, and early fall. Dark colored pavement has low solar reflectance (albedo) and thus absorbs and retains heat from the sun; “black top” absorbs 80-95% of sunlight. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has found that conventional paving materials can reach peak summertime temperatures of 120–150°F. Heating of the pavements subsequently heats the pedestrian/bicyclist zone. After sundown, heating continues through environmental radiation where the thermal energy (heat) emanates from asphalt that had absorbed sunlight throughout the day (the urban heat island effect).

The city’s bicycle and pedestrian trails should become “cool corridors.” Cool corridors offer residents, commuters, and visitors of all ages and abilities relief from hot weather by creating and promoting natural and engineered shade, reducing the use of heat absorbing materials to lower daytime air temperature, increasing the availability of strategically located benches, and installing bottle-water filling stations or drinking water fountains to support rest and recovery in a cooler location. This approach would increase the use of trails during warmer months. A cobenefit of this action would be to decrease the urban heat island effect that would help lower cooling costs.

The most effective and lowest cost strategy is to increase the natural shade enhancement (trees) of the trail, specifically at existing benches. Benches, especially when coupled with shade, provide attractive and cooler rest stops. As presented in Table 3-2, the Sonoma City Trail has 39 benches, more than 40 percent of the benches lack shade. Following the installation of natural shade at benches lacking shade, the next step would be to increase shade throughout the trail.

Table 3-2: Inventory of existing benches and lack of shade on the Sonoma City Trail.

Section Area Existing
Benches
Benches
Lacking
Shade
Percent
Lacking
Shade
Section 1* Highway 12 to 4th St. West 8 3 37%
Section 2 4
th Street West to 1st Street West 9 4 44%
Section 3 1
st Street West to 1st Street East 7 1 14%
Section 4 1
st Street East to 4th Street East 15 9 60%
Total 39 17 43%
*In Section 1, there is one additional bench without shade, which is technically in Olsen Park, thus, it is not included.

Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 32 3.4.2 Electrify Personal Transportation
Workplace charging for EV vehicles in Sonoma is very limited (only one workplace charger is currently known). The U.S. Department of Energy notes that 80% of EV drivers charge at home because of convenience and lower energy costs.21 However, EV charging at home is not generally possible for residents of multi-unit dwellings such as apartments and condominiums or residents who lack garages, driveways, or off-street parking adjacent to their home. Table 3-3 summarizes the breakdown of housing units in Sonoma as of 2021.

Table 3-3: Housing units in Sonoma, 2021.
22 Housing Unit 2021 Percent
Single-family detached 3,186 55.7%
Single family attached 583 10.2%
2 to 4 units 558 9.7%
5 units or more 914 10.6%
Mobile homes 484 8.5%
Total 5,725
Increase EV Charging at Multi-unit Dwellings - As indicated by the above data, 20.3% of Sonoma’s housing units are two or more units, which typically are apartment and condominium buildings. This percentage represents the minimum number of residential units likely without access to EV charging. Because the lack of charging opportunities is a barrier to EV ownership, increasing the availability of L2, EV chargers at or near multi-unit dwellings is a critical climate action. This would include the exploration of concentrated EV charging pods designed for residences and by exploring the use of non-utility owned light poles to install chargers.

While the city will continue to encourage existing multi-unit dwelling owners to install EV chargers for their residents, the city also should amend the building code to expand EV charging requirements for multi-family and non-residential properties as part of an EV reach code. For example, instead of requiring EV ready installations, the city could require actual EV charger installations.
21 https://www.energy.gov/eere/electricvehicles/charging-home 22 www.sonomacity.org/documents/hcd-review-draft-of-the-6th-cycle-housing-element-background-reportpart-2/ Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 33 Expand Publicly Accessible EV Charging - As noted above, staff recommended installing two L2 bollard post mounted chargers at the city-owned portion of the Depot Park parking lot. This action would provide 4 additional EV charger ports. While availability of public land suitable for EV chargers is extremely limited in the city, staff continue to explore additional candidate sites.

An alternative to the city purchasing, installing, operating, and servicing L2 EV chargers on public property, it is recommended that the city fund a five-year, cost sharing program for the siting and construction of publicly accessible EV chargers on non-city property. Entities would also be able to apply for CALeVIP rebate programs or other state or federal grants or rebates to significantly reduce their costs. In addition, private entities may be able to take advantage of tax deductions or credits that are not available to the city. This action eliminates the need for the incurring operational and maintenance costs and electricity costs for the city while achieving the goal of increasing the number of publicly accessible EV chargers. Under this option, assuming a $10,000 per L2 charger port cost and a 50% (or $5,000 per port cost sharing), the city would need to budget $25,000 per year for 5 years to increase the number of publicly accessible L2 chargers by 25. This option could also be used to increase the number of EV chargers at multiple dwelling units.

3.4.3 Improve Public Transportation
Establish Electric Downtown Shuttle - An electric-powered shuttle service that connects, for example, senior housing to local shopping, the Sonoma County Transit bus stop at the Plaza, and public parking areas, would decrease reliance on personal vehicles for short trips. This action would require grant funding to purchase or lease an electric vehicle and ongoing funds to operate the route(s). In addition, an appropriate operator/partner would have to be determined (e.g., Sonoma County Transit, non-profit organization, etc.). At the Plaza, riders can use the Fare-Free Sonoma Shuttle (Route 32), subsidized by the city, which services Sonoma Valley.

Route 32 has a north and south segment extending to Agua Caliente Road/Highway 12 to the north and to Temelec to the south. Riders can also use intercity buses to travel to Petaluma (Route 40) or to Oakmont and downtown Santa Rosa (Routes 30 and 34).

Expand the #32 Sonoma Shuttle – The city subsidizes the “Fare-Free” Sonoma Shuttle (Route 32). The shuttle runs Monday through Saturday, the last bus departing from the Plaza to the Springs leaves at 4:25 pm and the last bus that departs the Paza for Temelec also leaves at 4:25. These times do not necessarily correlate to standard work hours and thus could limit ridership and increase personal vehicles. Therefore, it is recommended that the city explore options to expand the #32 service by adding additional departure times.

3.4.4 Consider Banning New Fossil-Fuel Filling Stations The city should consider adopting an ordinance to ban new fossil-fuel filling stations (i.e., gasoline and diesel). A co-benefit of this action would be to prevent future sources of Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 34 contamination and pollution by reducing air emissions and soil, groundwater, and surface water contamination from leaking and spiled fossil fuels. However, this action would not have any direct impact on GHG emissions. Currently there are five fossil-fuel filling stations located in city limits with additional stations located nearby in the Springs. An ordinance to prohibit construction of new fossil fuel stations (including any expansion of existing stations’ capacity) should exempt hydrogen fueling and electric charging infrastructure.

3.4.5 Reduce Idling
The city should consider adopting an ordinance to ban construction of new drive-through windows. Customers who wait in idling cars release more carbon emissions than those who park and walk-up or visit inside. A co-benefit of this action would include improved traffic flow and reduced traffic congestion.

3.5 Implementation of Climate Actions for Transportation This section outlines a strategy to implement each category of transportation related climate actions. Regarding costs, the tables below present preliminary, estimated costs. Additional costs will include initial start-up, ongoing administration, and compliance monitoring and enforcement costs. While some actions and supporting measures will only require funding from public entities, others will result in increased costs for businesses and residents.

The implementation timeframe presents a probable time to begin implementation of the action as either short-term (within 12 months), medium-term (12-24 months) and long-term (more than 24 months). Regarding GHG reduction potential, in the absence of specific reduction data, relative, qualitative categories for potential reduction in GHG emissions relative to the specific category (not total community GHG reductions) are used for comparison purposes including none (0%), low (1-10%), moderate (11-24%), and high (25% or greater).

T-1 Expand Bicycle and Pedestrian Infrastructure
Starting in Fiscal Year 2024-25, expand and improve opportunities and connections for people-powered transportation.

Target Year Performance Metric GHG Reduction Potential
2023 Added Downtown bicycle parking Medium
2024 Create cool corridor bicycle and pedestrian trails Medium 2025 Master plan for bicycle & pedestrian infrastructure Low 2025 Connect Sonoma City Trail to the Plaza Low-Medium
Implementation Details
Implementation Timeline Medium to
Long
Start
Year 2023 Completion Year 2027
Co-Benefits • Reduced traffic and parking needs for Plaza area • Improved public health
Basic Implementation
Steps

1. Suitable locations for bicycle parking at the Plaza have been identified, a preliminary cool corridor plan has been prepared, and a potential connection to the Plaza has been identified.

Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 35 T-1 Expand Bicycle and Pedestrian Infrastructure

2. Estimate site-specific costs for options and a master plan.

3. Issue an RFP for consulting services for plan preparation.

4. Prepare site-specific plans.

5. Complete cost estimates.

City Costs
• Staff time required to develop detailed costs for the cool corridor program and the connection to the Sonoma City Trail.
• Constructing a connection trail to the Plaza would cost about $300,000. • Staff time needed to identify grants to support tree planning for the cool corridor project.
• Purchase of bicycle parking corrals for the Plaza and their installation would cost approximately $2,000.
• Hiring a consultant for a master plan for bicycle & pedestrian infrastructure for the city will cost approximately $50,000.

Community Costs No known community costs at this time.

Funding Opportunities USDA Urban & Community Forestry
T-2 Electrification of Personal Transportation
Starting in Fiscal Year 2024-25, increase the availability of publicly accessible EV charging.

Target Year Performance Metric GHG Reduction Potential
2024 Fund a cost sharing program to add 25 L2 charger ports Medium/High 2026 Add 20 L2 EV charger ports for multifamily units. Medium 2026 Add 4 L2 EV charger ports for public charging Low
Implementation Details
Implementation Timeline Short-term,
then Ongoing
Start
Year 2024 Completion Year 2026, then ongoing
Co-Benefits • Cost-savings for EV owners/lessees
• Equitable access to charging for all residents
Basic Implementation
Steps

1. Identify suitable charger locations for multifamily dwellings, private partners, and/or public property.

2. Estimate site-specific costs for options.

3. Explore city-funded cost sharing program.

City Costs
• Staff time required to update the 2021 EV Charger Implementation Strategy. • To add 4 L2 EV charger ports on public property, capital costs will be approximately $50,000, annual operation and maintenance costs will be approximately $500.
• If city funds a cost-sharing program for a private-public partnership for existing structures, $100,000 would result in ~25 EV charger ports with no annual operation and maintenance costs to the city.

Community Costs
Residents and businesses would pay for the electricity costs to charge. Using the cost sharing program, building owners would pay a portion of capital costs, installation, and operation and maintenance.

Funding Opportunities CALeVIP
Federal BIF/IRK
Sonoma Clean Power
Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 36 T-3 Improve Public Transportation
Starting in Fiscal Year 2024-25, increase availability of public transportation.

Target Year Performance Metric GHG Reduction Potential
2024 Expand operational times for the free #32 Sonoma Valley Shuttle. Low
2025 Establish a downtown circular electric shuttle Low Implementation Details
Implementation Timeline Short-term,
then ongoing
Start
Year 2024
Completion
Year 2028, then ongoing
Co-Benefits
• Reduced traffic and parking demands.
• Reduced traffic congestion around the Plaza area.
• Reduced ground-level ozone.
• Increased equitable access for Sonoma Valley residents.

Basic Implementation
Steps

1. Contact Sonoma County Transit to discuss feasibility and funding requirements for expanded shuttle operations.

2. Develop a downtown shuttle feasibility study with potential routes, cost estimates, and identification of potential contractor/partner to provide service.

City Costs
• Increase in funding contribution for expanded shuttle operations. • Development of a feasibility study.
• Cost of a downtown electric shuttle is unknown.

Community Costs No known community costs as this time.

Funding Opportunities None known at this time.

T-4 Ban New Fossil-Fueling Stations
Consider a ban on construction of new fossil-fueling stations.

Target Year Performance Metric GHG Reduction Potential
2024 Effective date of a new ordinance. None/Low
Implementation Details
Implementation Timeline Short-term Start
Year 2024 Completion Year 2024, ongoing
Co-Benefits • Reduced potential for future threats to soil, surface water, and groundwater from spilled and leaked fossil fuels.

Basic Implementation
Steps

1. Research regional, model ordinances.

2. Write Sonoma-specific ordinance.

City Cost Staff time required to write proposed ordinance and supporting materials.

Community Cost No known community costs as this time.

Funding Opportunities None
T-5 Reduce Idling
Consider ban on construction of new drive-through “windows.” Target Year Performance Metric GHG Reduction Potential
2024 Effective date of a new ordinance. Low
Implementation Details
Implementation Timeline Short-term Start
Year 2024 Completion Year 2024, ongoing
Co-Benefits
• Reduced traffic congestion.
• Improve flow of traffic.
• Reduced ground-level ozone.

Basic Implementation
Steps

1. Research regional, model ordinances.

2. Write Sonoma-specific ordinance.

City Cost Staff time required to write proposed ordinance and supporting materials.

Community Cost No known community costs as this time.

Funding Opportunities None
Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 37 At 27.69% of Sonoma’s GHG emissions in 2020, buildings are the second largest category of GHG emissions. GHG emissions from buildings include direct (from combustion of natural gas) and indirect emissions (from electricity) to heat, cool, and light buildings. And, from the energy consumed to power appliances (e.g., washers, dryers, hot water, dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers, televisions, and stoves) and office equipment (e.g., computers and printers). A building’s envelope, the physical separator between the conditioned and unconditioned environment also can be a source of indirect emissions where it has insufficient insulation, leaks, and gaps.

Electricity-generated GHGs in Sonoma County are far lower than GHGs from combustion of natural gas used for heating and certain appliances (hot water, stoves, and dryers) due to our local supply of low carbon-intensity electricity. Moreover, improving the efficiency of electric heating and cooling systems (e.g., using heat pumps) and appliances reduces GHG emissions.

In July 2013, Sonoma joined the Sonoma Clean Power (SCP) consortium, a Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) program. The CCA program authorizes qualifying governmental entities to purchase and/or generate electricity for their residents and businesses. SCP serves the

4. Buildings

27.69% of Sonoma’s GHG emissions
Climate Strategy Goals:
• Increase the electrification of buildings.
• Expand adoption of Sonoma Clean Power’s CleanStart and Evergreen options. • Improve energy efficiency of heating, cooling, and appliances. • Increase the conservation of energy in buildings.
• Decrease consumption of natural gas.
• Increase interior and exterior lighting efficiency.
• Expand installation of PV solar systems.
• Explore the feasibility of microgrids and multi-family solar systems.

Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 38 residents and businesses in Sonoma and Mendocino counties by purchasing low-carbon energy from renewable resources, such as geothermal, wind, and solar. With SCP, the default electricity service is called CleanStart which is 49% renewable and 93% carbon free (this service relies heavily on hydropower, which the state does not classify as renewable).

Customers can also choose SCP’s EverGreen option, which is 100% renewable energy from local, low carbon sources (solar and geothermal). As the system is structured, all new customers in the SCP service area are automatically enrolled into CleanStart. Customers have to opt-out of CleanStart and either opt-in to the EverGreen program or a Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) option with varying carbon emissions. In 2022, the carbon emissions rate for EverGreen was 70 lbs. CO2/MWh and for CleanStart was 112 lbs. CO2/MWh.

As shown in Figure 4-1, Sonoma has a total of 6,436 electrical power meters used by 5,614 customers: residential (83.8%), commercial & industrial (16%), state government (0.2%), and agriculture (0.1%). Of the total eligible meters in 2023, 87% use SCP (CleanStart and Evergreen) while only 13% opted out. Of the SCP customers in Sonoma, only 1.5% subscribe to EverGreen, which is ranked seventh out of the nine Sonoma County jurisdictions.

Figure 4-1: Percent of Sonoma customers using Sonoma Clean Power.

Using low carbon power from SCP, especially Evergreen, is critical for meeting the city’s climate targets and can be combined with expanded installation of photovoltaic (PV) solar systems and solar water heaters. In addition, installing battery storage allows for the capture, storage, and later consumption of excess solar-generated power. With a battery system, a

86.6% 85.1% 84.6% 85.5% 85.6% 85.7% 86.2% 86.3% 85.7%

0.4% 1.2% 1.3% 1.4% 1.4% 1.5% 1.4% 1.4% 1.5%

0.0%

10.0%

20.0%

30.0%

40.0%

50.0%

60.0%

70.0%

80.0%

90.0%
100.0%
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Percent of eligible meters
CleanStart EverGreen
Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 39 house or building can be powered during the evening and overnight without drawing power from the grid. EVs (many models) can have a bidirectional charger installed, which allows the EV to power a building using some of the energy stored in its battery (also known as vehicle-togrid [V2G] or vehicle-to-home [V2H] charging. In this way, an EV can reverse the process of taking power from the grid with the EV battery supplying energy back to the grid or to a building. They can also serve as a backup system during power outages. For example, a 70 kWh EV battery (the average size in a vehicle) can power an average home for 2 days (depending on its energy load).

4.1 Federal Financial Credits and Rebates
Through the 2022 federal Inflation Reduction Act, the federal government has created numerous federal rebates and tax credits to increase the generation of zero carbon electricity, install energy efficient equipment, and involve energy conservations actions. For example, the installation of home solar panels is eligible for a 30% tax credit through 2032, which drops to 26% in 2033, and 22% in 2034. Installing energy efficient heat pumps for climate control is eligible for rebates of up to $8,000. Installing electric heat pump water heaters can receive $1,750 rebates. Additional consumer subsidies include $840 for an electric induction cooktop and up to $9,100 for improvements to electric panels, wiring, and home insulation.

4.2 Increased PV Solar Installations
There have been significant installations of PV solar in zip code 95476 (the data is collected based on zip code rather than jurisdictional boundaries).23 For example:
• Between 2002 and 2023, 2,066 residential accounts in zip code 95476 (51% increase since 2019) installed PV solar units for a total of 14,209 kW DC installed capacity (61.8% increase since 2019); an average of 6.88 kW DC per installation. • Between 2002 and 2023, 105 commercial accounts in zip code 95476 installed PV solar units with 5,031 kW DC total installed capacity for an average of 47.92 kW DC per installation.
• Between 2016 and 2023, 5 non-profit accounts in zip code 95476 installed PV solar units with 162.5 kW DC installed capacity.
• Between 2016 and 2023, 3 industrial accounts in zip code 95476 installed PV solar units with 1,134.7 kW DC total installed capacity.
23 California Energy Commission & California Public Utilities Commission, 2023, www.californiadgstats.ca.gov/downloads
Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 40 The California Energy Commission introduced the California New Solar Mandate, which is a building code that requires new home construction to have a solar PV system as an electricity source. This code, in effect from January 1, 2020, applies to both single-family homes and multifamily homes that are up to three stories high. While this supports solar in new construction, the vast majority of buildings in Sonoma are not subject to the New Solar Mandate because they are existing buildings. However, the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act increased and expanded tax credits for installation of solar power. Also under this act, domestic manufacturers of solar equipment are eligible for subsidies and tax credits, which are designed to lower the cost of PV solar. Consequently, increasing an individual’s ability to afford, while simultaneously decreasing the cost of equipment, will have a significant positive impact of the installation of PV solar on existing buildings.

The installation of PV solar in the city requires a permit. To reduce the time requirements for permitting for PV solar, the city adopted an expedited PV solar permitting for single- and dual unit residential buildings. SolarAPP+ is the city’s automated application for permitting new residential rooftop solar and storage systems that result in instantaneous plan review.

Also in 2015, the city initiated an expedited permit process for battery energy storage systems, which now takes 2 to 4 days.

4.3 Recommended Building Actions
Table 4-1 lists recommended climate actions that have been adopted by other jurisdictions that are applicable for buildings in Sonoma.

The climate actions that appear in blue italics in Table 4-1 (in the Action column), are recommended by the CAC as priority climate actions for transportation.

Table 4-1: Recommended actions for buildings.

Category Action Summary
B-1. Reduce
Reliance on
Natural Gas
Encourage Increased
Electrification and
Energy Efficiency in
Residences and
Commercial Buildings
Promote and educate property owners on energy
efficiency programs and benefits.

Adopt All-Electric or
Electric Preferred
Reach Code
Adopt all-electric or electric preferred reach code that would ban or discourage future natural gas hookups.

B-2. Increase
Community Energy
Efficiency
Sponsor Lighting
Efficiency Giveaway
Events
Sponsor giveaway events that focus on energy efficient
lighting and smart power strips.

Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 41 4.3.1 Reduce Reliance on Natural Gas
Encourage Increased Electrification and Energy Efficiency in Residences and Commercial Buildings – The city could partner with Sonoma Clean Power and Sonoma County Administrator’s Office, Climate Action and Resiliency, to promote and educate property owners on energy efficiency programs and benefits.

Adopt All-Electric or Electric Preferred Reach Code - Appliances and buildings that use natural gas, a carbon-based fuel, remain a significant source of Sonoma’s GHG emissions, second only to transportation. “All electric” buildings generate fewer emissions in Sonoma because the community’s electricity provided by Sonoma Clean Power is very low carbon.

It is recommended that the city enact an ordinance to
adopt an all-electric reach code that would ban all new natural gas hookups in residential and non-residential construction. Or the city should adopt an ordinance that would encourage all electric units and discourage use of most new natural gas hookups. For example, these ordinances could include requiring electric water heaters, heating and air conditioning systems, ovens/stove tops, clothes dryers, and fireplaces.

4.3.2 Increase Community Energy Conservation and
Efficiency
Sponsor Lighting Efficiency Events - The city should
sponsor, with a community partner (e.g., non-profit), periodic or Category Action Summary
Offer Energy Efficiency
Workshops
Sponsor local energy efficiency workshops to provide
information and demonstrations of energy efficient
equipment.

Deploy Local Energy
Conservation Teams
Work with a local partner (non-profit) to install energy and water efficient items at senior, lower-income, and
multi-family residents.

Promote Building
Energy Benchmarking
Promote the adoption of building energy benchmarking
for smaller commercial buildings.

B-3 Expand PV
Solar
Increase Installation of
PV Solar
Expand education and outreach and work with the
Sonoma County General Services on offering free PV
solar workshop.

B-4. Consider
Community
Microgrids
Explore Feasibility of
Community Microgrids
and Muli-family Solar
Systems
Conduct feasibility assessment with local partner to pilot a microgrid in city limits.

Energy Efficiency v. Energy
Conservation
Energy efficiency and energy
conservation are related and
often complimentary approaches
to reduce energy consumption,
but there is a difference. Energy
efficiency refers to the same or
improved performance of
reduced energy consumption
(switching to LED lights). Energy
conservation refers to actions
taken to reduce the amount of
energy consumed (turning off a
light when not in use).

Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 42 annual energy efficiency events where free or greatly reduced LED lightbulbs and smart power strips could be given away to city residents. LED lighting is about 75% more efficient than fluorescent lighting and has a longer life, thus fewer replacements are needed. In addition, fluorescent lamps contain merry, a powerful neurotoxin. With smart power strips, some of the outlets on the strip are always “hot” while designated outlets will shut off when the control outlet is triggered (e.g., when a computer enters sleep mode). This reduces unnecessary standby and ghost power consumption (e.g., monitors, printers, and other peripherals). Staff could attend these events to answer questions and distribute energy efficiency and conservation information.

Offer Energy Efficiency Workshops - The city should partner with Sonoma County’s Energy and Sustainability Division and/or Sonoma Clean Power, to hold annual or semi-annual workshops in the city on energy efficient equipment and strategies. These workshops would include presentations and demonstrations on ductless heat pumps, hot water heat pumps, whole house fans, and other energy efficient HVAC devices. In addition, the importance and value of energy audits would be discussed.

Deploy Energy Conservation Teams - Energy conservation is always the priority with regard to energy reduction projects because it seeks to eliminate “wasted” energy. With buildings, wasted energy occurs from leaks in the building envelope typically through poor or missing caulk or weather stripping around windows, doors, electrical outlets, HVAC vents, and insufficient or old roof and wall insulation.

It is recommended that area non-profits be contracted to deploy bilingual Energy Conservation Teams in Sonoma to lower-income, senior housing, and multi-family households.

During these visits the teams could distribute and demonstrate energy and water conservation and efficiency actions and distribute efficiency kits (e.g., LED light bulbs, a smart power strip, high-efficiency bathroom and kitchen faucet aerators, and toilet leak detection tablets). Teams would also conduct basic testing (IR thermometer and kill-o-watt meters) to identify and remediate any easy-to-solve problems.

Promote Building Energy Benchmarking Program - Energy benchmarking programs are a mechanism to publicize buildings’ energy efficiency status. The California Energy Benchmarking Program requires large commercial buildings (over 50,000 sq. ft.) to make their energy scores available to the public. The recommendation is to work with commercial building (less than 50,000 sq. ft) owners and operators to promote energy benchmarking. For example, the U.S.

EPA’s Energy Star Portfolio Manager is a free, interactive energy management tool that allows building owners and operators to securely track and assess energy and water consumption across a building’s portfolio. The Portfolio Manager can help identify energy consumption problems and verify efficiency improvements.

Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 43 4.3.3 Increase Installations of PV Solar
Switching to localized clean renewable sources of electricity to power homes and businesses is critical for meeting the city’s climate targets. One approach is to expand the installation of PV solar and solar water heaters (primarily for pools). According to Project Sunroof, 85% of Sonoma’s 15,600 roofs are solar-viable.24 These 15,600 roofs could generate over 373 million kWh per year. Based on Project Sunroof’s estimates, if all of Sonoma’s roofs had PV solar, 160,00 MT of CO2 would be avoided, which is more than twice the amount of all the GHGs emitted by Sonoma in 2022. The city should work with the Sonoma County Energy and Sustainability Division to promote their delivery of free and unbiased consultations on PV solar potential for residential and commercial structures.

4.3.4 Explore Feasibility of Community Microgrids and Multi-Family Solar Systems A microgrid is a locally controlled power source that can integrate multiple energy resources, including clean energy supplies such as solar and wind, to provide independent, localized power. Moreover, when a traditional power grid goes down, a microgrid can continue serving its included load. By matching local energy demand to local sourcing, microgrids reduce energy loss in transmission thereby creating a more efficient system of electricity delivery.

The city should seek a local partner to explore the feasibility of a pilot project to demonstrate a neighborhood microgrid. Locating a solar array with batteries in a location where its solar electric output can be shared by neighbors without crossing a road, the new multi-family system could negate the need to coordinate with PG&E except for grid connection. This scenario would reduce costs and provide battery back-up if, or when, there is a PG&E outage.

Another possible connection/pilot is a municipal building, such as the Police Department, which houses the city’s Emergency Operations Center, where the benefits of the lowered costs and emergency back-up would benefit the community.

4.4 Implementation of Climate Actions for Buildings
This section outlines a potential strategy to implement each category of buildings-related climate actions. Regarding costs, the tables below present preliminary, estimated costs.

Additional costs will be likely including initial start-up, ongoing administration, and compliance monitoring and enforcement costs. While some actions and supporting measures will only require funding from public entities, others will result in increased costs for businesses and residents.

The implementation timeframe presents a probable time to begin implementation of the action as either short-term (within 12 months), medium-term (12-24 months) and long-term 24 https://sunroof.withgoogle.com/data-explorer/place/ChIJEWh46T2nhYARa1V1vP0_Qs0/ Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 44 (more than 24 months). Regarding GHG reduction potential, in the absence of specific reduction data, relative, qualitative categories for potential reduction in GHG emissions relative to the specific category (not total community GHG reductions) are used for comparison purposes including none (0%), low (1-10%), moderate (11-24%), and high (25% or greater).

B-1 Reduce Reliance on Natural Gas
Consider adoption of all-electric or electric preferred reach code that would ban or discourage future natural gas hookups.

Target Year Performance Metric GHG Reduction Potential
2024 Effective date of a new ordinance. Low
Implementation Details
Implementation
Timeline
ShorttermStart
Year 2024 Completion Year 2024
Co-Benefits • Reduced energy costs.

Basic
Implementation
Steps

1. Research model ordinances.

2. Write Sonoma-specific ordinance.

3. Work with Sonoma Clean Power on potential incentives.

4. Promote and educate property owners on energy efficiency programs and benefits.

City Cost Staff time required to write proposed ordinance and supporting materials.

Community Cost No known community costs as this time.

Funding
Opportunities
None known at this time.

B-2 Increase Community Energy Conservation and Efficiency Starting in calendar year 2024, initiate energy efficiency events and initiatives to increase energy conservation and efficiency practices by residents and businesses.

Target Year Performance Metric GHG Reduction Potential
2024 Significant participation by residents and
businesses Medium
Implementation Details
Implementation
Timeline
ShorttermStart
Year 2024 Completion Year 2024, and ongoing
Co-Benefits • Reduced energy costs.

Basic
Implementation
Steps

1. Develop programs including outreach goals.

2. Work with partner organizations to co-sponsor or co-host events.

3. Explore incentives for residents and businesses to upgrade the electricity to Sonoma Clean Power’s all-renewable Evergreen program.

City Cost
• Staff time required to develop programs and coordinate with potential partners. • Approximately $5,000 to support cost-sharing of energy conservation and efficiency devices.

Community Cost
Voluntary costs for participants who lease or purchase energy efficiency items and equipment.

SCP rebates and state and federal government rebates, grants, and tax credits are available to customers.

Funding
Opportunities
BayRen
Sonoma Clean Power
Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 45 B-3 Expand Installation of PV Solar Systems
Increase use of PV Solar Systems
Target Year Performance Metric GHG Reduction Potential
2024 Attendance by participants and installation
of PV systems Medium
Implementation Details
Implementation
Timeline
ShorttermStart
Year 2024 Completion Year 2024, and ongoing
Co-Benefits • Reduced energy costs.

Basic
Implementation
Steps

1. Expand education and outreach and work with the Sonoma County Office of Climate and Resiliency to offer free PV solar workshops.
a. Contact Sonoma County Office of Climate and Resiliency and Sonoma Clean Power to develop workshop schedule.
b. Determine location.
c. Advertise and promote workshop.
d. Hold workshop and conduct follow-up.

City Costs
• Staff time required to coordinate, conduct outreach, attend workshop, and conduct followup. • Approximately $500 to support advertising and promotion.

Community Cost None known at this time.

Funding
Opportunities State of California and US Department of Energy Grants B-4 Explore Feasibility of Community Microgrids and Muli-family Solar Systems Explore the feasibility of community microgrids and community solar systems in Sonoma.

Target Year Performance Metric GHG Reduction Potential
2024 Effective date of a new ordinance. Medium
Implementation Details
Implementation
Timeline
ShorttermStart
Year 2024 Completion Year 2024, and ongoing
Co-Benefits • Reduced energy bills.
• Increased resiliency from PSPS’s and natural disasters Basic
Implementation
Steps

1. Determine candidate location(s) with PG&E.

2. Find an appropriate consultant or vendor.

3. Obtain quote(s) from vendors on the number of solar panels, location, costs, other variables, and timing of implementation.

4. Obtain quote from the vendor on batteries, locations, and battery installation.

City Costs Staff time required to conduct research and coordinate with potential partners.

Community Cost None known at this time.

Funding
Opportunities
BayRen
Sonoma Clean Power
Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 46 Solid waste is the third largest source of GHG emissions in Sonoma, accounting for 5.5% of GHG emissions in 2020. While there is no landfill within the city, the GHG emissions from landfilling our solid wastes in the county count toward our total GHG emissions. As shown in Figure 5-1, the city’s quantities of municipal solid waste (MSW) generated have declined by

8.8% since 2014.25 Figure 5-2 depicts the average daily per capita MSW generation for Sonoma between 2014 and 2022, which has decreased 7% since 2014.26 Most of the solid-waste related GHG emissions are generated when organic materials (e.g., food scraps, yard waste) and compostables are landfilled. In a landfill, organic materials generate methane, a potent GHG. In contrast, organic materials that are sorted and then composted through properly controlled aerobic processes do not create methane. Composting through controlled anerobic processes produces methane (or biogas), which is captured and used as a fuel source. Both processes convert the materials into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. Compost also has co-benefits when applied to soil as it increases water retention, improves soil health, and supports plant growth that can increase carbon sequestration. 25 In Figure 5-1, municipal solid waste categories combine all materials generated by residents and commercial customers (this includes multi dwelling units). C&D refers to waste generated from the construction and demolition of buildings.
26 The daily per capita generation rate includes residential and commercial customers combined and trash, recycling, organics, and commercial food waste divided by the city’s population obtained from the California Department of Finance.

5. Solid Waste

5.5% of Sonoma’s GHG emissions
Climate Strategy Goals:
• Reduce consumption of single-use plastics.
• Increase segregation of organic materials.
• Expand recycling and organics segregation in public spaces. • Increase backyard composting.

Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 47 Figure 5-1. Sonoma’s combined municipal solid waste generation, 2014-2022. 6,696 6,736 6,820 6,766 6,624 6,627
6,215 6,055
5,087
2,697 2,708 2,744 2,664 2,674 2,556
2,285 2,356
2,542
2,166 1,846 1,953 1,913 2,040 2,309
2,628
2,357
3,189
291
377 230
161 164 171
127
123 164
609
337 442
501 602
945
671
592 378
12,458
12,004 12,189 12,005 12,104
12,609
11,925
11,483 11,360
-
1,000
2,000
3,000
4,000
5,000
6,000
7,000
8,000
9,000
10,000
11,000
12,000
13,000
14,000
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Tons
Trash Recycling Organics Food Waste C&D
Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 48 Figure 5-2. Sonoma’s daily per capita municipal solid waste generation (in lbs.), 2014-2022.

Single-use plastics including plastic bags, wraps, films, and food serviceware are energyintensive to produce—plastic production accounts for more than 3% of total U.S. energy consumption. Despite their high embodied energy consumption, most plastics are landfilled or released in the environment as only about 7-9% of all plastics are currently recycled, most of which are “downcycled,” or repurposed into low-value products. Avoiding the use of single use plastics has many environmental benefits in addition to reducing GHG emissions.

5.1 Mandatory Organics Separation and Recycling
On December 1, 2021, the City Council adopted a new mandatory organics separation and recycling ordinance in accordance with the statewide requirements of SB 1383, the Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Act. The law’s goals seek to reduce total amounts of organic materials sent to landfills by 75% by 2025 and to reduce landfill-generated methane, a powerful GHG.

To support this ordinance, city staff developed an education and outreach program that included creating and launching our new Sort It Sonoma! program, which included the creation of a dedicated website. In addition, staff developed public service announcements for KSVY radio and TV and produced videos that have been posted on the Sort It Sonoma! website.27 27 https://www.sonomacity.org/sort-it-sonoma

6.00 5.85 5.88 5.75 5.68 5.73 5.73 5.55 5.58

0.00 1.00

2.00 3.00

4.00 5.00

6.00 7.00
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Daily per capita total MSW in lbs.

Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 49 In the summer of 2022, the city received a state
grant to help support the education and
outreach aspects of SB 1383, which was
administered through our Joint Powers
Authority (JPA), Zero Waste Sonoma. The city
partnered with the majority of other Sonoma
County jurisdictions to bulk purchase 2,700
kitchen pails designed to collect residential food
scraps and to transfer these scraps to the
curbside organics cart. The city launched its Compost It Sonoma! campaign in September 2022 to distribute these pails. The city partnered with Sonoma Garbage Collectors, Refill Madness Sonoma, Sonoma Community Center, and City Hall to distribute the free pails. The campaign included PSAs, print and online advertisements in the Sonoma Valley Sun and Sonoma Index Tribune, two staff written editorials, and free giveaway events at Friedman’s Home Improvement in December 2022 and the Tuesday Farmer’s Market in July 2023. By November 2023, the city had distributed 94% of its kitchen pails.

As shown in Figure 5-3, the state law, city ordinance, and education and outreach campaign collectively have provided positive results. The landfill diversion rate, which is the total weight of segregated recycling and organics (no longer being landfilled) divided by the total amount of MSW generated, has increased by 19.2% since 2014. The city’s landfill diversion rate is shown in Figure 5-3. The increase in organics (food waste and yard waste combined) collected between 2021 and 2022 increased by 873 tons (35%) while the amount of trash collected simultaneously decreased by 967 tons (16%).

Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 50 Figure 5-3. Sonoma’s landfill diversion rate, 2014-2022.

5.2 Minimization of Solid Waste/Zero Waste
On October 19, 2020, the City Council adopted a resolution to achieve a goal of zero waste by 2030. The resolution called for reducing the daily per capita amount of solid waste disposed of by at least 10% each year. In addition, it called for expanding and developing ordinances to reduce distribution of single-use products such as plastic bags not covered by current policy.

On April 19, 2021, the City Council adopted a new disposable food serviceware ordinance, which became effective on October 16, 2021. The ordinance requires covered businesses to stop using or selling food serviceware that is not recycled or composted in the city. This ordinance is intended to further help reduce landfilling of organics (paper-based packaging) and thus the associated methane GHG emissions as well as petroleum-based single use packaging.

Also, chopsticks, napkins, plastic straws, plastic lids, and condiments packets may be provided to customers only upon their request, which is designed to reduce distribution of unnecessary or unwanted single use items. Events requiring a permit for the Plaza or Depot Park must adhere to the Special Events Policy, which also includes an additional prohibition on the distribution of plastic straws and plastic water bottles.

46.3%

43.9% 44.0% 43.6% 45.3% 47.4% 47.9% 47.3%

55.2%

0.0%

10.0%

20.0%

30.0%

40.0%

50.0%

60.0%
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Percent of waste diverted from landfilling
Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 51 5.3 Recommended Solid Waste Actions
Table 5-1 lists recommended climate actions that have been adopted by other jurisdictions that are applicable for solid waste minimization in Sonoma for.

The climate actions that appear in blue italics in Table 5-1 (in the Action column), are recommended by the CAC as priority climate actions.

Table 5-1: Recommended actions for solid waste.

5.3.1. Increase Organic Materials Segregation
Offer Discounted Residential Backyard Composters – Expanding backyard composting would decrease the amount of organic materials transported for offsite composting and then transported back to the city as compost. This would also decrease transportation related GHGs.

To expand backyard composting, the city would offer discounted backyard composters to city residents. For example, the average retail price for a standard backyard composter is about $130. The city could bulk purchase these containers for delivery to Sonoma for a discounted Title Action Summary
SW-1 Increase
Organic Materials
Segregation
Offer Discounted
Residential Backyard
Composters
Increase backyard composting by offering
discounted home composters and composting
workshops.

Update the Solid Waste
Franchise Agreement
Modify the city solid waste franchise agreement to
improve segregation through improved signage,
labels, colored containers, and education and
outreach.

Increase Zero Waste
Practices
Adopt and implement measures to reduce the
generation of solid waste and increaser recycling
and composting.

SW-2 Decrease
Consumption of
Plastic Shopping Bags
Adopt a Plastic Bag
Ordinance
Close loopholes in the state single-use plastic bag
law.

Enforce State Bag Fee
Requirement
Enforce state fee requirement for distribution of
plastic shopping bags.

SW-3 Reduce Single
Use Plastic Water
Bottles
Increase the Number of
Water-Bottle Filling
Stations
Install water-bottle filling stations at the Plaza,
Depot Park, Petanque/Bocce Courts, and Olsen
Park.

SW-4 Increase Use of
Compliant Food
Serviceware
Increase Use of
Compliant Items at
Special Events
Require all food serviceware items used for Special
Events to be purchased through a city contract.

Enforce City’s Ban on
Disposable Food
Serviceware
Enforce city’s ordinance banning non-recycled and
non-compostable food serviceware.

Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 52 $70 each when purchasing 100 composters. In this case, the only cost to the city would be administrative costs to purchase, distribute, receive, and process the payments. To reduce city costs in implementing the program, the city could partner with a local retailer to distribute subsidized composters through a residential coupon program. Advertising the program would be through trash bill inserts, which is an added cost.

To support this effort and improve composting practices for current composters, the city should sponsor a series of hand-on composting workshops. An approximate cost for four workshops would be $1,000.

CalRecyle will be providing $75,000 in grant funds to support SB 1383 in the spring of 2024. It would be appropriate to use some of these funds to further decrease the cost of composters and/or support delivery of backyard composting workshops.

Update the Solid Waste Franchise Agreement – The city should modify the solid waste franchise agreement to require the franchised hauler to improve segregation of organic materials, and recyclable materials, through improved signage, labels, and colored containers.

In addition, there should be an increase in active education and outreach as well and improvements to the hauler’s website and social media outreach to promote the Sort It Sonoma! program.

Increase Zero Waste Practices – The city should continue to adopt and implement practices to reduce the generation of waste and increase recycling and composting.

5.3.2 Decrease Consumption of Plastic Shopping Bags
Adopt a Plastic Bag Ordinance - In 2016, California passed Proposition 67 that bans the distribution of single use plastic bags (less than 2.25 mm thick). However, stores may distribute “reusable” plastic bags if they charge customers a separate and visible fee (¢10) for each bag (the ¢10 fee also applies to distributing paper bags). The ban was temporarily suspended by the governor during the Covid 19 public health emergency but has been reinstated. However, reports and direct observations have noted that stores continue to distribute “reusable” plastic bags while continuing to waive the fee. Research also indicates that fewer than 1% of customers reuse the thicker “reusable” plastic bags. Plastic bags can only be recycled if they are returned to a store and placed into the dedicated plastic bag recycling container (they are prohibited from being placed into the blue recycling carts), but only a small portion of bags is collected, otherwise they are landfilled.

The 2.25 mm standard has been found to be a loophole. To close this loophole, the city should pass an ordinance that bans the distribution of any plastic bag less than 4 mm. Nationally, local ordinances increasingly have been establishing 4 mm as the minimum for a reusable plastic bag Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 53 as a means to close the “reusable” loophole.
28 It should be noted that in September of 2022,
Governor Newsom signed SB 1046 that bans the thin “pre-checkout” plastic produce bags statewide starting in 2025. These bags will instead have to be compostable or paper. The city should adopt this requirement sooner than 2025.

Enforce State Bag Fee Requirement – Currently there is no state enforcement of the staterequired bag fee under California Proposition 67. Under this law, cities, counties, and the state have authority to enforce the bag ban. Currently, neither Sonoma County, our JPA, nor the City of Sonoma are enforcing this law. It is recommended that the city start enforcing this law. In doing so, there is a direct benefit to retailers as the law allows them to keep the collected fees.

5.3.3 Reduce Single Use Plastic Water Bottles
Add More Water-Bottle Filling Stations – The use of conveniently located water bottle filling stations decreases generation and disposal of single-use plastic water bottles. Currently, the city has only one bottle-filling station on public property-- the west side of the Plaza. The city has grant funds available from Zero Waste Sonoma to increase the number of bottle-filling stations.

The recommendation is to install water bottle filling stations in front of the public restrooms on the Plaza, near the public restrooms in Depot Park, at the Petanque/Bocce Courts, and in Olsen Park adjacent to the Sonoma City Trail.

5.3.4 Increase the Use of Compliant Food Serviceware
Increase Use of Compliant Items at Special Events – It is recommended that all vendors permitted to operate at Special Events be required to purchase all food serviceware items through the city. By controlling purchasing, the city can ensure all food serviceware is compliant with the city’s ordinance and the Special Events policy. It is recommended that the city work with a food serviceware supplier to develop a list and negotiate a bulk purchase price. Vendors would be required to only purchase items from the list. In addition, the city can seek to lower vendor’s cost through the bulk purchase negotiation.

Enforce City’s Ban on Disposable Food Serviceware – Currently, the city is not enforcing its ordinance banning the distribution of non-recycled and non-compostable food serviceware. It is recommended that the city commence enforcement.
28 Wagner, T. P. (2017). Reducing single-use plastic shopping bags in the USA. Waste Management, 70, 3-12.

Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 54 5.4 Implementation of Climate Actions for Solid Waste This section outlines a potential strategy to implement each category of solid waste-related climate actions. Regarding costs, the tables below present preliminary, estimated costs.

Additional costs will be likely including initial start-up, ongoing administration, and compliance monitoring and enforcement costs. While some actions and supporting measures will only require funding from public entities, others will result in increased costs for businesses and residents.

The implementation timeframe presents a probable time to begin implementation of the action as either short-term (within 12 months), medium-term (12-24 months) and long-term (more than 24 months). Regarding GHG reduction potential, in the absence of specific reduction data, relative, qualitative categories for potential reduction in GHG emissions relative to the specific category (not total community GHG reductions) are used for comparison purposes including none (0%), low (1-10%), moderate (11-24%), and high (25% or greater).

SW-1 Increase Organic Materials Separation
Develop a discounted residential backyard compost program and update the solid waste franchise agreement.

Target Year Performance Metric GHG Reduction Potential
2024 • Distribute 100 backyard composters
• Increase organics diversion by weight
• Low
• Medium
Implementation Details
Implementation
Timeline Short-term Start Year 2024 Completion Year 2024, and ongoing Co-Benefits • Reduced fuel costs and tipping fees for solid waste hauler.

Basic
Implementation
Steps

1. Coordinate with Zero Waste Sonoma on the SB 1383 grant. Assess potential for bulk purchase of composters with other Sonoma County jurisdictions.

2. Draft and submit to hauler organics separation requirements for solid waste franchise agreement.

City Costs
• Staff time required to write, administer and distribute composters. • Staff time to modify and negotiate solid waste franchise agreement.

Community Cost There will be a small fee (~$25-$70) for backyard composters. Solid waste fees will increase after incorporating SB 1383 related requirements.

Funding
Opportunities
CalRecycle will be provide the city with a $75,000 grant to support organics diversion projects.

SW-2 Decrease Consumption of Plastic Shopping Bags
Adopt a plastic bag ordinance and commence enforcement of the state bag fee requirement.

Target Year Performance Metric GHG Reduction Potential
2024 Reduction in single-use plastic bags distributed by retailers. Low Implementation Details
Implementation
Timeline Short-term Start Year 2024 Completion Year 2024, and ongoing Co-Benefits • Reduced ground and surface water litter.
• Improved recycling quality and reduced tipping fees for solid waste hauler.

Basic
Implementation
Steps

1. Research model ordinances that ban distribution of “reusable” plastic bags that are not reused.

2. Write Sonoma-specific ordinance.

3. Develop a work plan for code enforcement to begin enforcement of the state bag fee Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 55 SW-2 Decrease Consumption of Plastic Shopping Bags
requirement.

City Cost • Staff time to research and prepare modifications to ordinance. • Staff time for Code enforcement time to begin enforcement.

Community Cost There are no known community costs.

Funding
Opportunities None known at this time.

SW-3 Reduce Single Use Plastic Water Bottles
Starting in calendar year 2024, install 5 additional water bottle filling stations on public property Target Year Performance Metric GHG Reduction Potential
2024 Active use of water bottle filling stations.

Decrease in plastic water bottles generated. Low
Implementation Details
Implementation
Timeline Short-term Start Year 2024 Completion Year 2024, and ongoing Co-Benefits • Reduced ground and surface water litter.
• Reduced tipping fees for solid waste hauler.

Basic
Implementation
Steps

1. Identify suitable locations.

2. Obtain grant funds from Zero Waste Sonoma and purchase water bottle filling stations.

3. Install stations.

City Costs
• Staff time to research and select water bottle filling station. • Additional funds may be needed for installation if the grant cannot cover full cost.

Community Cost There are no known community costs.

Funding
Opportunities Zero Waste Sonoma
SW-4 Increase Use of Compliant Food Serviceware
Starting in calendar year 2024, increase use of compliant food serviceware at special events and begin enforcement of the city’s ban on disposable food serviceware.

Target Year Performance Metric GHG Reduction Potential
2024
• Reduced distribution of non-compliant food serviceware. • Begin enforcement of city’s ban on non-compliant food serviceware
• Low
• Low
Implementation Details
Implementation
Timeline Short-term Start Year 2024 Completion Year 2024, and ongoing Co-Benefits
• Reduced ground and surface water litter
• Reduced tipping fees for solid waste hauler
• Potentially lower costs to vendors through bulk purchase of food serviceware Basic
Implementation
Steps

1. Identify compliant food serviceware.

2. Develop a purchase and distribution system for vendors.

3. Explore the suitability of the Zero Waste Sonoma grant.

4. Develop a work plan for code enforcement to begin enforcement.

City Costs
• Staff time to research and select compliant food serviceware and staff time to administer program.
• Code enforcement time to begin enforcement.

Community Cost There are no known community costs.

Funding
Opportunities
Zero Waste Sonoma Reuse Grants
CalRecycle SB 1383 Organics Separation Grant
Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 56 Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 57 Although water/wastewater accounts for a very small amount of GHG emissions in Sonoma (<%1) reducing the consumption of water has a significant co-benefit of conserving a scarce resource in Sonoma County.

6.1 Water Conservation Efforts
The city has had an extensive water conservation program in place for many years. For example, the city has issued “leak letters” to customers when a potential leak is indicated.

These can be accompanied by an optional in-person visit to provide water conservation recommendations. Since 2009, the city has been giving away water conservation devices and kits that include low-flow shower heads, faucet aerators, shower timers, shower buckets, and leak detection dye tablets. The city has had a turf removal rebate program since 2014, which seeks to remove turf and reduce the need for irrigation.

Figure 6-1 depicts the water consumption in the City of Sonoma (in acre feet) by single family residents, multi-family residents, commercial and institutional customers, landscape irrigation, and other (fire protection and street cleaning). Since 2018, the per capita consumption of water has increased by 1.85%. In 2022, single family residential customers accounted for 80% of all water consumed. Starting in 2021, recycled water was used as part of the supply (<0.1%) specifically for irrigation.

6. Water

0.26% of Sonoma’s GHG emissions
Climate Strategy Goals:
• Reduce water leaks.
• Reduce irrigation use.
• Harvest and use rainwater.

Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 58 Figure 6-1. Sonoma’s water consumption, 2018-2022.

6.2 Recommended Water Related Actions
Table 6-1 lists recommended climate actions that have been adopted by other jurisdictions for water that are applicable in Sonoma.

The climate actions that appear in blue italics in Table 6-1 (in the Action column), are recommended by the CAC as priority climate actions.
3,545 3,550 3,598 3,592 3,599
278 278 276 288 280
294 293 373 374 370 72 76
200 203 89 93 92
152 167 164
-250
250
750
1,250
1,750
2,250
2,750
3,250
3,750
4,250
4,750
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Acre Feet
Single Family Res. Multi-Family Res. Commercial Landscape Irrigation Other Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 59 Table 6-1: Recommended actions for water.

6.2.1 Reduce Use of Irrigation
Expand and Modify Cash for Turf Program - The city offers cash rebates for customers who remove turf thereby reducing the need for irrigation. Residential rebates are $1.00 per ft2 of removed turf for a maximum of $1,000; commercial customers and homeowner associations (HOAs) can receive rebates of $1.00 per ft2for a maximum of $3,000. While the program has been successful, this program should be improved by adopting a progressive fee schedule. For example, instead of a flat per ft2fee, the city would adopt a progressive fee (e.g., $1 per ft2for 1- 299 ft2removed, $1.25 for each ft2 when 300-499 ft2 are removed, and $1.50 for each ft2 when 500-999 ft2 are removed, and so forth). Another option would be to modify the program to offer rebates on linear footage of irrigation systems removed.

Offer Discounted Residential Rain Capture Barrels - Rain barrels allow residents to collect and store up to 55-gallons per rainwater barrel to be used at a later time. This action reduces the consumption of public water, conserving both water and energy. The harvested rainwater can be used for lawn and garden watering, topping off pools, and washing vehicles. As a cobenefit, rainwater harvesting helps to divert rain from storm drains thereby reducing the impact of stormwater runoff.

A typical 55-gallon rain barrel costs about $140. The city would bulk purchase (e.g., 200 units) rain barrels (at a lower retail cost) and offer them at approximately 50% less than the retail price (e.g., $70). This would cost the city only minimal administrative costs to order and manage Title Action Summary
W-1. Reduce Use of
Irrigation
Expand and Modify Cash for
Turf Program
Expand the cash for turf program to increase
the replacement of irrigated turf in the city.

Encourage Use of Rainwater
Capture Systems on Private
and Public Properties
Offer rain barrels to residents at a discounted
price to increase the capture of rainwater.

Install effective rainwater capture and reuse
systems at city facilities.

Offer Discounted Residential
Rain Barrels
Offer rain barrels to residents at a discounted
price to increase the capture of rainwater.

Prepare and Implement a
Community Based Social
Marketing Plan
Develop a community based social
marketing plan to achieve behavior change
with water conservation.

Encourage Water
Conservation by High Users
W-2. Install Real Time
Monitoring of Water
Consumption
Install Advanced Water
Metering Infrastructure
Advanced Metering Infrastructure uses new
generation meters to provide real time data
on water consumption.

Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 60 distribution and collect and process payments. To reduce city costs in implementing the program, the city could partner with a local retailer to distribute subsidized rain capture barrels through a residential coupon program. Advertising the program would be through water bill inserts, an added cost.

Rainwater Capture Systems at Government Buildings – To reduce irrigation, the city should install largescale rainwater capture and reuse systems at select city buildings. The highest priority locations are the Police Department/City Council Chambers and Corporation Yard.

Prepare and Implement Community Based Social Marketing Plan - The premise of Community Based Social Marketing (CBSM) is that traditional education and outreach are ineffective in achieving behavior change (e.g., an action, practice, or purchase) for two primary reasons: (1) Status quo bias—the default behavior for people remains the status quo with education alone insufficient to overcome this barrier. (2) The 20-60-20 rule states that on average, 20% of the community is supportive of water conservation actions and just need information, 20% will not change their behavior for a variety of reasons, and 60% are interested and/or sympathetic but only if the action is convenient and/or there are economic incentives to act to overcome perceived inconvenience. To reach 60%, CBSM combines psychology and social marketing to achieve the specific desired behavior change by employing multiple behavior change tools to overcome inconvenience and other barriers while also offering incentives.

CBSM plans have been used successfully throughout the world for water and energy conservation, recycling, and to achieve other pro-environment actions. The city should consider developing a CBSM plan focused on a specific water conservation action, such as reduced lawn irrigation. (A preliminary draft CBSM for water conservation has been prepared.) The first steps in CBSM planning are to identify the goal, target population, objective, and desired action (e.g., no irrigation, irrigate every other day, switching to a smart automatic watering system, etc.). The next step is to identify barriers to action: Why do people not engage in the desired water conservation action? Finally, a plan is prepared and implemented using CBSM strategies including commitments, nudging, social norms, social diffusion, prompts, incentives, and convenience.

Encourage Water Conservation by High Users – The city should continue to conduct education and outreach to focus on water conservation for customers that use high amounts of water.

6.2.2 Install Real Time Monitoring of Water Consumption Install Advanced Water Metering Infrastructure – Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) uses new generation meters that provide remote, real-time access to water use data, allowing customers to monitor their water usage without having to rely on quarterly water bills.

Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 61 Notification messages can be sent automatically to identify usage spikes or possible leaks and provide early leak detection for quicker repairs thus reducing wasted water.

6.3 Implementation of Climate Actions for Water
This section outlines a potential strategy to implement each category of water-related climate actions. Regarding costs, the tables below present preliminary, estimated costs. Additional costs will be likely including initial start-up, ongoing administration, and compliance monitoring and enforcement costs. While some actions and supporting measures will only require funding from public entities, others will result in increased costs for businesses and residents.

The implementation timeframe presents a probable time to begin implementation of the action as either short-term (within 12 months), medium-term (12-24 months) and long-term (more than 24 months). Regarding GHG reduction potential, in the absence of specific reduction data, relative, qualitative categories for potential reduction in GHG emissions relative to the specific category (not total community GHG reductions) are used for comparison purposes including none (0%), low (1-10%), moderate (11-24%), and high (25% or greater).

W-1 Reduce Use of Irrigation
Institute a program to reduce the use of irrigation.

Target Year Performance Metric GHG Reduction Potential
2024
• Expand and modify the Cash for Turf program.
• Offer discounted residential rain capture barrels.
• Install largescale rainwater capture systems at
government buildings.
• Prepare and implement a community based social
marketing program for water conservation.
• Low
• Low
• Low
• Low
Implementation Details
Implementation
Timeline Short-term Start Year 2024 Completion Year 2024, and ongoing Co-Benefits
• Increased conservation of water
• Reduced water supply costs
• Reduced stormwater runoff
Basic
Implementation
Steps

1. Develop plan and strategy to expand Cash for Turf program.

2. Develop plan and seek potential partner to distribute discounted rainwater capture barrels.

3. Develop and issue RFP for construction of largescale rainwater capture systems.

4. Complete development of the draft CBSM plan and pilot test strategy. Based on the pilot test, finalize and implement the CBSM plan.

City Costs
• Staff time required to revise Cash for Turf program.
• Staff time to research, implement, and administer the rain barrel program, $12,000 estimate to purchase and distribute discounted barrels.
• Staff time to prepare and issue an RFP. Installation of 2 largescale rainwater capture systems would be approximately $50,000.
• Staff time to prepare and implement a community based social marketing plan.

Community Cost A reduced cost (~$70.00) for those interested in purchasing a rain capture barrel.

Funding
Opportunities EPA Water Quality Grants
Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 62 W-2 Install Real Time Monitoring of Water Consumption Install advanced water metering infrastructure.

Target Year Performance Metric GHG Reduction Potential
2024 • Percentage of water meters with Advanced Water Meter • Low Implementation Details
Implementation
Timeline Medium-Term Start Year 2024 Completion Year 2026, and ongoing Co-Benefits
• Increased conservation of water
• Fewer water leaks
• Reduced water supply costs
• Improved billing for water service
Basic
Implementation
Steps

1. Prepare and publish RFP for installation of the system.

2. Begin installation.

City Cost • Staff time to prepare and administer RFP for purchase and administration of contract. • $2,000,000 in capital costs to install the Advanced Water Metering Infrastructure.

Community Cost None known at this time.

Funding
Opportunities None known at this time.

Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 63 Sonoma’s government operations totaled 311 MT CO2e. While this accounted for a very small proportion (only about 0.35%) of total GHG communitywide emissions, the City Council included government operations as part of city’s target of no net GHG emissions by 2030. Similar to communitywide emissions, municipal government 2018 GHG emissions were dominated by transportation (91% of the total). In contrast, buildings, streetlights, and water/sewer together accounted for only 9% of these emissions but decreased 89% decrease between 2018 and 2000. During the same time period transportation GHGs decreased 30.8%.

7.1 Using Low Carbon Electricity Supply
Sonoma’s government operations switched to Sonoma Clean Power’s EverGreen program—the first jurisdiction in Sonoma County to do so. This program is 100% local renewable power (geothermal and solar) that produced 70 lbs CO2/MWh in 2022, 90% less than the state average.

7.2 Energy Efficient Lighting Upgrades
In 2015, the city replaced 1,100 energy inefficient streetlights with energy efficient LED fixtures reducing annual CO2 emissions by 180,000 lbs. In May 2022, the city completed another lighting efficiency upgrade project replacing older, inefficient interior and exterior lighting in city-owned buildings with higher efficiency LED lighting. This was done at the City Hall, Carnegie Library, Police Department, and Corporation Yard. The upgraded lighting will save an estimated 50,000 kWh per year and its associated GHGs. In addition, the lighting will save the city approximately

7. Government Operations

0.35% of Sonoma’s GHG emissions
Climate Strategy Goals:
• Improve energy conservation and efficiency of government buildings. • Increase electrification of government buildings.
• Electrify municipal vehicle fleet and equipment.
• Expand and enhance PV solar production on government buildings.

Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 64 $14,000 per year in energy costs while also reducing future labor costs as LED lights last significantly longer thereby reducing the labor needed to replace lamps. Finally, the mercury contained in the replaced fluorescent lighting was safely removed and managed.

In addition to free technical assistance to assess energy efficient projects at municipal buildings, the lighting upgrade project was financed through a zero-interest, bill-neutral loan. This means the monthly savings in the city’s energy bill from the more efficient lighting will be applied to repaying the loan. After the loan is repaid, in about 4 years, the city will benefit from the ongoing cost savings through reduced energy bills.

7.3 PV Solar Power Installation
In 2010, a PV Solar system was installed on the Police Department Building with a listed output of 52.4 kW. Between 2017 and 2020, the average power produced by this system has been

82.47 MWh. (The Envoy reporting unit on this PV system is no longer operational.) In 2011, a PV Solar system was installed on the Public Works Building at the Corporation Yard with a listed output of 20.2 kW. Between 2016 and 2018 (the Envoy reporting unit here ceased operating in early 2019), the average power produced by this system was 30.47 MWh.

Assuming a standard 1% annual degradation in electricity generation for the PV solar systems, the city currently has an estimated, combined 65.3 kw of electrical output; by 2030, the current system will be producing an estimated 58 kw. If a larger system were to be installed or current panels and inverters upgraded this action could compensate for GHG emissions from buildings, municipal fleet, and employee commuting. However, with a general life expectancy of PV panels of about 20-25 years, the 72.6 kw installed in 2010 will be close to the end of its operating life in 2030, meaning this production will have to be replaced.

7.4 Environmentally Preferable Procurement Policy
In November 2021, the City Council adopted a new Environmentally Preferable Procurement Policy to comply with state-imposed requirements (SB 1383) to annually procure recovered organics (e.g., compost and mulch) and recycled paper and paper products. In addition, the policy seeks to reduce upstream and downstream emissions through smart purchasing, reduce energy consumption in municipal buildings, and promote electrification of the city’s on-road and off-road vehicle fleet. Annual procurement of recovered organics by the city as mandated by the state under SB 1383 supports carbon sequestration.

7.5 Recommended Actions for Government Operations
Table 7-1 presents a list of recommended actions that have been adopted by other jurisdictions for government operations and are appropriate for Sonoma.

Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 65 The climate actions that appear in blue italics in Table 7-1 (in the Action column), are recommended by the CAC as priority climate actions for government operations.

Table 7-1: Recommended actions for government operations.

Title Action Summary
G-1. Implement
Energy
Conservation
Measures in City
Buildings
Conduct Energy
Conservation Audits of City
Buildings
Contract with an energy company to conduct an
investment-grade energy
conservation/weatherization audit of municipal
buildings.

Replace Ineffective Window
Sash Locks
Replace the ineffective window sash locks in City
Hall and seal leaks in the building envelope.

Install Vacancy Lighting
Sensors
Install vacancy lighting sensors in all appropriate
rooms in municipal buildings.

Install HVAC Zones in City
Hall and Carnegie Library
Install zones in the heating and cooling systems of
City Hall and Carnegie Library.

G-2 Upgrade and
Expand PV Solar
Upgrade Current PV Solar
Arrays
Examine current operational status of the existing
PV solar arrays at the Police Station and Corp
Yard to assess replacement and upgrade of nonworking microinverters to increase power production.

Expand PV Solar on
Municipal Buildings
Assess expansion of rooftop PV solar on all
appropriate municipal buildings.

Assess Potential Areas to
Install PV Solar Parking
Canopies
Assess potential to construct solar parking
canopies at the Corp Yard and Police Department
parking lots.

G-3. Electrify City
Vehicles and
Equipment
Prepare City Fleet and
Equipment Electrification Plan
Develop a plan to electrify the city’s fossil-fuel
powered fleet and equipment.

Install EV Charging at City
Facilities
Install EV charging for city employees and fleet
vehicles.

G-4. Replace
Natural Gas Fired
Equipment
Replace Gas-Fired Water
Heaters
Replace the gas-fired water heaters at City Hall,
Carnegie Library, Corp Yard, and Fire Station with
efficient electric hot water systems.

Replace Gas-Fired HVAC
System at the Police
Department
Replace the gas-fired HVAC system at the Police
Department with a high efficiency all-electric
system (e.g., zoned heat pumps).

7.5.1 Implement Energy Conservation Measures in City Buildings Conduct Energy Conservation Audits of City Buildings - A critical step in reducing a building’s energy consumption is to conduct an investment-grade energy audit specifically to Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 66 identify feasible energy conservation opportunities. This action would require the services of a professional energy auditor and would entail identification and assessment of energy losses and include remediation steps and their estimated costs. An investment-grade building energy conservation audit typically includes an examination of windows, doors, walls, attics, crawlspaces, and eaves, to identify any leaks in the building envelope that are causing avoidable losses or gains of heat or cooled air and include the following:
• Use infrared cameras and blower doors to identify leaks, thermal bridges, and insufficient insulation.
• Visually inspect insulation on all piping, ducting, and equipment for damage including tears, compression, stains, and so forth.
• Identify and plug air leaks with weather stripping, foam insulation, and caulking. • Calibrate thermostats to ensure their ambient temperature readings are correct and to adjust temperature set points for seasonal changes.
• Analyze the efficacy of blocking direct heat gain from the sun shining through glass with solar screens, solar films, and awnings.
• Assess and repair damaged wall and attic insulation and replace missing insulation with the thickness calculated for the operating and ambient conditions of the mechanical system.
• Install reflective roof coatings to reduce energy consumption.

Replace Ineffective Window Sash Locks - The improperly installed window sash locks in City Hall should be replaced with “tight seal” sash locks. Approximately 45 single-hung windows in City Hall have noticeable gaps between the two panels because of inadequate locking.

Replacement of the sash locks would cost about $275 plus labor (about 4 hours) and save approximately 5% in heating and cooling costs. In addition, visible gaps can be seen around some of the arch windows in City Hall, which can be sealed with caulk. This action could eliminate the need for the currently used electrical space heaters in the downstairs restrooms.

Two other co-benefits of this action would be to reduce outside noise penetration during working hours and reduce dust and dirt intrusion, which are visible on the windowsills. Other municipal buildings have not been assessed for the adequacy of their window sash locks but should be.

Install Lighting Vacancy Sensors - Vacancy sensors require users to turn lights on manually but automatically shut off when users exit the room. These are appropriate for offices, storage rooms, bathrooms, meeting rooms, and other low-traffic areas. Occupancy sensors can save between 15-20% on lighting related electricity consumption. While some buildings have occupancy sensors, a staff-led audit would be conducted to identify additional suitable locations.

For example:

Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 67 • City Hall - Interior lighting is controlled by manual switches. • Carnegie Library - Interior lighting is controlled by manual switches. • Corp Yard, Main Building- Lighting in all spaces is controlled by manual switches. • Corp Yard, Office – Lighting in offices, restrooms, and conference room lighting is controlled by occupancy sensors, the lobby area is manually controlled. • Police Department - Office spaces have Wall Mount Occupancy sensors, but the remaining spaces are manually controlled.

Install HVAC Zones in City Hall and Carnegie Library - Currently there are too few thermostats/zones in City Hall and Carnegie Library. For example, the top floor of the Carnegie Library is shared between the Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau and the City’s Finance Department. The Finance Department’s offices are in a suite that is physically separated (locked doors) from the Visitors Bureau, but the thermostat is located in the Visitors Bureau area, which results in one side being too hot or too cold. Installing a separate zone with a dedicated smart thermostat would reduce the comfort imbalance and reduce the consumption of energy as closed offices would not be heated or cooled. (While the Visitors Bureau is open during the weekend, the Finance Department is not.) This same heating/cooling imbalance occurs in City Hall, which means some unoccupied or under-used spaces are heated or cooled.

7.5.2 Upgrade and Expand PV Solar
Upgrade Current PV Solar - As presented earlier in this document, the PV solar systems installed at the Police Department and Corp Yard are now nearly 13 years old. Generally, PV systems degrade (loss of power production) by 1% per year. In addition, because of nonfunctioning Envoy units, which record and report power production and the operational status of the microinverters, staff is unable to assess the systems’ power production status. (The first step would be to replace the Envoy units at a cost of $1,500 for the two systems.) At present, these PV systems may not be producing their rated output because of malfunctions.

It is recommended that the city contract with a solar company to examine the current operational status of the existing PV solar arrays at the Police Station and Corp Yard to assess replacement/upgrade of non-working or inefficient microinverters to increase power production.

An estimate of the potential need for replacement and upgrading of the existing system is necessary.

Expand PV Solar on Municipal Buildings - Based on a preliminary report prepared under the BayREN’s Municipal Zero Net Energy/Zero Net Carbon Technical Assistance Program, the city has additional capacity for PV solar panels on existing building roofs at the Police Department, Corp Yard, Fire Department, and Carnegie Library. Expanding the number of PV solar panels would increase onsite, zero carbon energy. The city should assess expansion of rooftop PV Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 68 solar on all appropriate municipal buildings, which would require the services of a professional solar company.

Assess Potential Areas to Install PV Solar Parking Canopies - An assessment should be made for the potential to construct solar canopies, similar to those installed at Sonoma Valley High School, at the Corp Yard, Fire Department, and Police Department parking lots. A significant co-benefit of canopies is that they provide shade during summer months for vehicles, which reduces the demand for air conditioning and reduces the solar gain and temperature of parking surfaces (thereby reducing the heat island effect). An additional co-benefit of installing parking solar canopy structures is their ability to provide EV charging opportunities, which is especially relevant for the eventual electrification of the city’s fleet (see below).

7.5.3 Electrify City Vehicles and Equipment
Prepare City Fleet and Equipment Electrification Plan - In November 2021, the City Council adopted a new Environmentally Preferable Procurement (EPP) Policy, which applies to all government operations, employees, and vendors. In Section 8 of the EPP Policy, Fleet Electric Vehicles, Off-Road Equipment, and Maintenance Equipment, the city committed to procure battery electric, hydrogen fuel cell, or plug-in hybrid vehicles, in-lieu of fossil fuel consuming internal combustion vehicles and other specified vehicles (through purchase or leasing), when available in a comparable vehicle class where programmatically and financially feasible. While a fleet electrification plan has not yet been developed, staff recently completed an inventory of the city’s vehicles and equipment and the expected service life of each vehicle and piece of equipment. The next step is to create a plan to replace fossil fuel-powered vehicles and equipment with electric battery EV, plug-in hybrid, or hydrogen fuel cell powered. A critical step is to simultaneously assess the charging infrastructure requirements and capabilities of the Corp Yard and Police Department.

Install EV Charging at City Facilities - The city should install non-networked, L2 workplace chargers at city facilities for city employees, authorized visitors on city business, and for the municipal fleet. Installing non-networked chargers restricted to employees/official visitors at the Corp Yard, City Hall, and Police Station would cost much less than installing public EV stations because of reduced features needed to track and process payments. Installing EV chargers at city facilities would also support electrification of the city’s own vehicle fleet as EV chargers would serve a dual purpose of serving employees during the day would charge city-owned onroad and off-road vehicles during non-business hours.

7.5.4 Replace Natural Gas Fired Equipment
Replace Gas-Fired Water Heaters - The city has three small natural gas-fired water heaters at City Hall and the Carnegie Library and larger natural gas hot water heaters at the Corporation Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 69 Yard and Fire Department. The restroom faucets in the Corp Yard are currently served by a 27- gallon, gas-fired domestic water heater. These gas-fired water heaters should be replaced with either an on-demand, electric water heater (for small bathrooms) or a heat pump hot water system for the Corp Yard, which is significantly more efficient. Rebates available from Sonoma Clean Power and BayREN would significantly reduce the purchase costs.

Replace Gas-Fired HVAC System at the Police Department - The Police Department gasfired HVAC system is the largest user of natural gas in the municipal building stock. A study should be conducted to assess the feasibility and cost/benefits of replacing this system with a high efficiency all-electric system. Replacing this system would be a major capital expenditure of approximately $250,000.

7.6 Implementation of Climate Actions for Government Operations This section outlines a potential strategy to implement each category of government operations-related climate actions. Regarding costs, the tables below present preliminary, estimated costs. Additional costs will be likely including initial start-up, ongoing administration, and compliance monitoring and enforcement costs. While some actions and supporting measures will only require funding from public entities, others will result in increased costs for businesses and residents.

The implementation timeframe presents a probable time to begin implementation of the action as either short-term (within 12 months), medium-term (12-24 months) and long-term (more than 24 months). Regarding GHG reduction potential, in the absence of specific reduction data, relative, qualitative categories for potential reduction in GHG emissions relative to the specific category (not total community GHG reductions) are used for comparison purposes including none (0%), low (1-10%), moderate (11-24%), and high (25% or greater).

G-1 Implement Energy Conservation Measures in City Buildings Complete energy conservation audits of all city buildings and implement energy conservation measures.

Target Year Performance Metric GHG Reduction Potential
2024 • Reduction in energy consumed in city buildings • Low Implementation Details
Implementation
Timeline Medium-Term Start Year 2024 Completion Year Ongoing Co-Benefits • Lower energy costs.
• Increased worker comfort.

Basic
Implementation
Steps

1. Prepare and publish an RFP for commercial energy conservation audits.

2. Purchase and replace the ineffective window sash locks.

3. Purchase and install vacancy lighting sensors.

4. Prepare and publish an RFP for the installation of HVAC zones.

City Costs
• Staff time to prepare and administer two RFPs.
• $10,000 to conduct energy audits, $400 to replace window sash locks, $3,000 to install vacancy lighting sensors, and $25,000 to install HVAC zones.

Community Cost None known at this time.

Funding California Energy Commission’s Energy Conservation Assistance Act Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 70 G-1 Implement Energy Conservation Measures in City Buildings Opportunities California Energy Commission’s Energy Partnership Program G-2 Upgrade and Expand PV Solar
Begin thorough assessment of existing and future PV solar potential on government buildings and begin upgrading and expanding.

Target Year Performance Metric GHG Reduction Potential
2024 • Percent increase in electricity generated by PV • Medium Implementation Details
Implementation
Timeline Medium-Term Start Year 2024 Completion Year 2026 Co-Benefits • Lower energy costs
• Ability to electrify city’s fleet
Basic
Implementation
Steps

1. Prepare and publish RFP for PV solar consulting services.

2. Based on consultant’s report, prioritize recommended actions.

City Costs
• Staff time to prepare and administer two RFPs.
• $1,500 to replace two Envoy units.
• $25,000 for a professional PV solar assessment.

Community Cost None known at this time.

Funding
Opportunities
California Energy Commission’s Energy Conservation Assistance Act California Energy Commission’s Energy Partnership Program G-3 Electrify City Vehicles and Equipment
Develop a plan to electrify the city’s fleet and vehicles and install EV charging for city employees.

Target Year Performance Metrics GHG Reduction Potential 2024
• Percent of city fleet electrified.
• Percent of city’s equipment electrified.
• Hours of charging used for city employees.
• Medium
Implementation Details
Implementation
Timeline
Short-,
Medium-, and
Long-Term
Start
Year 2024 Completion Year 2025, and ongoing.

Co-Benefits
• Lower fueling, operation, and maintenance costs.
• Increased life of vehicles and equipment.
• Reduced operational vehicle noise in the community.

Basic
Implementation
Steps

1. Complete fleet and equipment life expectancy and replacement plan.

2. Contact area jurisdictions for recommendations.

3. Contact PG&E to assess grant potential for charging infrastructure options and costs.

City Costs
• Staff time to investigate grant options and prepare infrastructure and fleet/equipment electrification.
• Cost for equipment and fleet replacement costs, which would occur anyways. • Costs for infrastructure upgrades and chargers, which may be covered by grants.

Community Cost None known at this time.

Funding
Opportunities
PG&E Fleet Electrification Program
Sonoma Clean Power
Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 71 G-4 Replace Natural Gas-Fired Equipment
Create replacement plan for natural gas fired equipment with high efficiency electric equipment.

Target Year Performance Metrics GHG Reduction Potential 2024
• Decreased number of natural gas fired items.
• Decreased amount of natural gas consumed by city
operations
• Low to high
Implementation Details
Implementation
Timeline
Medium- to
Long-Term
Start
Year 2024 Completion Year 2026, and ongoing.

Co-Benefits • Decreased energy costs.

Basic
Implementation
Steps

1. Purchase and install new energy efficient, electric hot water heaters.

2. Prepare and publish an RFP for replacing the natural gas-fired HVAC system at the Police Station.

City Costs
• $8,000 plus staff time to replace the hot water heaters. • $250,000 to replace the HVAC system at the Police Department.

Community Cost None known at this time.

Funding
Opportunities None known at this time.

Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 72 Regardless of the actions taken to reduce GHG gases, there will still be emissions. Consequently, to reach the city’s target of reaching net zero GHG emissions by 2030, biological carbon sequestration (carbon storage in vegetation and soils) will be a critical component to the GHG emissions reduction actions. Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing, securing, and storing carbon dioxide and/or elemental carbon from the atmosphere, which can offset GHG emissions.

8.1 Sonoma’s Land and Open Space Protection
Sonoma has 14 parks encompassing 79.15 acres and 2 open space preserves encompassing

98.75 acres. In addition to supporting recreation, these protected areas have varying degrees of habitat protection and enhancement. As discussed below, these protected areas also present opportunities to sequester carbon through tree plantings, designated “no-mow” areas, and the application of mulch and compost. Sonoma’s inventory of parks and opens spaces include:
• Armstrong Park
• Depot Park
• Field of Dreams
• Hertenstein Park
• K.T. Carter Park
• MacArthur Park

8. Carbon Sequestration
Climate Strategy Goals:
• Create a local, voluntary carbon offset program.
• Increase distribution and application of compost.
• Expand and increase tree planting communitywide.
• Protect and enhance forested habitats.
• Explore emerging carbon sequestration technologies.

Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 73 • Madera Park
• Montini Open Preserve
• Nathanson Creek Park
• Nathanson Creek Demo. Garden
• Olsen Park
• Pinelli Park
• The Plaza
• Sonoma Garden Parks
• Sonoma Overlook Trail
• Sonoma Valley Oaks Park

8.2 Annual Procurement of Compost
State law (SB 1383) mandates that each jurisdiction annually procures compost based on the established target of 0.08 tons of compost per person in the city’s population. For Sonoma, this is currently about 880 tons/year. Initially, concerns arose in Sonoma County that jurisdictions would compete with each other and with local agricultural and winery operations for limited supplies of compost. Moreover, the city has limited physical space to apply this large amount of compost each year. Consequently, the all the jurisdictions of Sonoma County collectively agreed to serve as a primary procurement entity for compost though our JPA, Zero Waste Sonoma (ZWS). To avoid competing with or raising costs for agricultural and winery operations while still meeting the mandated procurement target, ZWS is subsidizing their procurement costs while retaining procurement credits for each jurisdiction.

8.3 Recommended Carbon Sequestration Actions
Table 8-1 presents a list of recommended actions that have been adopted by other jurisdictions for carbon sequestration and are appropriate for Sonoma.

The actions that appear in blue italics in Table 8-1 (in the Action column), are recommended by the CAC as priority actions for carbon sequestration.

Agenda Item #9.1:

City of Sonoma Draft Climate Action Strategies January 2024 74 Table 8-1: Potential carbon sequestration actions.

Title Action Summary
C-1. Increase SoilBased Carbon
Sequestration
Expand Application of
Compost
Increase use of compost on public and private
property.

Explore Application of Biochar Support the application of biochar.

C-2 Increase
Planting of Trees
Assess and Expand Urban
Tree Shade Canopy
Conduct an inventory and measurement of
city’s existing shade tree canopy to assess its
expansion.

Install Green Pocket Forests Plant dense pocket forests on public property.

Seek Tree City USA
Designation
Assess potential to achieve designation of
Tree City USA.

C-3. Establish the
Sonoma Carbon
Offset Program
Establish a Local Carbon
Offset Program for Sonoma
Create a local, voluntary carbon offset program
for residents, businesses, and visitors.

8.3.1 Increase Soil-Based Carbon Sequestration
Expand Application of Compost - The city should expand the application of compost (and mulch) within the city limits through two options: (a) create an annual event to apply compost at appropriate city parks and public spaces and (b) through partnership with the Sonoma Garbage Collectors, Sonoma Ecology Center, and ZWS, create a quarterly free compost giveaway for Sonoma residents. The annual procurement of compost is mandated by state law SB 1383 and giveaway efforts count towards the city’s mandatory quota.

Support Application of Biochar - Biochar is the residual material (charcoal) composed of elemental carbon and ashes that remains after the pyrolysis of biomass in the absence of oxygen. It is best when it is produced from scheduled tree removal and trimmings using low carbon fuels for the pyrolysis phase. Biochar can be used as a soil amendment. Its use for carbon sequestration is an emerging technology. It is recommended that its application be supported through education and outreach.

8.3.2 Increase Planting of Trees
Conduct Urban Tree Shade Canopy Assessment - An urban tree canopy (shade) assessment measures a community’s tree canopy cover. Shade canopies increase natural cooling thereby reducing building energy consumption and decreasing solar gain on surfaces (e.g., sidewalks, driveways, and streets), which reduces the heat island effect. Neighborhoods with trees are typically 7 to 9oF cooler in summer months. Trees can reduce cooling costs up to 25% by shading buildings during warmer months. Expanding the tree canopy would also result in increased carbon sequestration.

Agenda Item #9.1: