April 1, 2025
Gre e n Stu d y Se s s ion
In t r o d u c t io n – Sin g le Us e Pla s t ic s /Food w a re State and local governments are implementing
measures to address the environmental impacts
of single-use plastics. These initiatives range
from statewide legislation to community-specific
ordinances, with the shared goal of managing
waste and encouraging the use of recyclable and
compostable materials.
As these efforts continue to evolve, the Town of
Yountville is exploring potential policy options to
align with broader regulatory trends and
support local sustainability objectives.
Ba c k g rou n d – Sin g le Us e Pla s t ic s /Food w a re Several jurisdictions in Napa County have adopted local ordinances aimed at reducing single-use plastic waste.
• The City of Napa implemented a single-use carryout bag reduction ordinance in 2014, which prohibits retail stores from providing single-use plastic bags, with limited exceptions. • Napa County adopted a plastic bag reduction ordinance for unincorporated areas in 2016, banning single-use plastic carryout bags in retail establishments. • City of Calistoga has passed a comprehensive ordinance restricting polystyrene foodware and single-use plastic items, promoting the use of reusable or compostable alternatives.
These efforts reflect a regional commitment to environmental sustainability and provide useful models for alignment as the Town of Yountville advances its own initiatives.
The Town of Yountville is committed to sustainability and reducing environmental impacts associated with single-use plastics and disposable foodware. Town Council created an ad-hoc committee at the March 14, 2024 meeting to explore the development of a draft ordinance to reduce single-use plastics and promote the use of reusable and compostable alternatives.
Op tion s – Sin g le Us e Pla s t ic s /Food w a re
1. Move forward with the proposed local ordinance.
Adopt the ordinance as drafted to begin reducing single-use plastics in Yountville.
2. Modify the proposed ordinance.
Ajust the scope, timeline, or specific provisions based on community or business feedback.
3. Pause and wait for implementation of state legislation.
In t r o d u c t io n – RCAAP
Napa County jurisdictions participating in the
Regional Climate Action Committee (CAC) have
collaborated to formulate a Regional Climate Action
and Adaptation Plan (RCAAP) to coordinate regional
efforts to mitigate climate change impacts and
enhance resilience.
The committee aims to foster collaboration
among local governments, community
stakeholders, and relevant agencies to develop
and implement regionally aligned climate
strategies.
Ba c k g rou n d – RCAAP
RCAAP
PURPOSE:
Facilitating coordinated climate adaptation and
mitigation strategies across Napa County.
Enhancing communication and information sharing
among local jurisdictions.
Aligning regional efforts with state climate action
mandates and goals.
Identifying funding opportunities and collaborative
initiatives to address climate resilience.
Yo u n t v ille – Clim a te Action Pla n
The Town of Yountville Climate Action Plan
(2016) outlines a strategic approach to
reducing greenhouse gas emissions and
promoting long-term environmental
sustainability within the community.
Building on the Town’s 2010 Greenhouse Gas
Emissions Inventory, the plan outlines
strategies to improve energy efficiency,
reduce automobile dependence, and
promote clean, renewable energy.
Op tion s – RCAAP
1. Recommend preparation of an Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) for the RCAAP.
This option would cost approximately $90,000 and would take 6 to 9 months to complete (Yountville’s share would be approximately $6,750 for a total of $21,607 including the CAC budget for FY 25/26).
2. Agree with the County’s recommended approach of preparing a Program-level Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) for the RCAAP.
This option would take approximately 1 year with an estimated cost of $400,000. County Counsel support to review documents involved with preparation of the PEIR is estimated to be an additional $66,800.
Yountville’s share of the total $466,800 would be approximately $35,010, for a total of $49,867 including the CAC budget for FY25/26.
3. Recommend against preparing a CEQA document for the RCAAP. Failing to prepare and adopt a CEQA document would leave the RCAAP open to legal challenges and the plan would not meet the minimum criteria specified in the CEQA Guidelines to provide streamlining options for future projects.
The proposed FY 25/26 budget for the CAC without environmental review for the RCAAP is $198,098 (Yountville’s share would be $14,857).
In t r o d u c t io n – Tr e e Or d in a n c e
It is the goal of the Town to foster a vibrant and healthy mixed-species urban forest. The preservation of trees enhances the natural beauty of the community, sustains the long-term potential increase in property values, helps create and retain the identity and quality of the Town which is necessary for successful business to continue, improves the attractiveness of the town to residents and visitors and maintains the natural ecology, and retains the tempering effect of extreme temperatures, prevents the erosion of topsoil, provides protection against flood hazards, and it contributes to the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
For these reasons, the Town has adopted standards and policies to preserve and manage its urban forest.
Ba c k g rou n d – Tr e e Or d in a n c e
July 18, 2023 Town Council Direction:
• Update ordinance to clarify process and make easier to understand (do’s & don’ts) • Have a strong introduction and purpose statement
• Hire a Town arborist and require their review of removal permits • Add a neighbor notification process for removal permits October 3, 2023 Town Council: Intro & first reading of code amendments to require public notice and comment period for tree removal permits, require an arborist report by Town Arborist for tree removal permits.
Further Direction:
• Town Arborist to review ordinances adopted in other jurisdictions and bring back recommendations. • Code update should include:
o Comprehensive definitions
o Strong introduction and purpose statements
o Clarity on process and exceptions (i.e., emergency vs. non-emergency removals, what trees can and can’t be removed, etc.).
o All trees over a certain Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) should be reviewed Op tion s – Tr e e Or d in a n c e
1. Confirm direction to proceed with updating the Tree
Ordinance.
2. Provide direction on whether code changes should be brought back in pieces (i.e., introduction and purpose statement first, followed by technical sections) or whether a complete
redline/strikeout version should be brough forth all at once.
3. Offer any additional guidance or priorities regarding the content of the updated Tree Ordinance.