To: Board of Supervisors
From: Supervisor Williams
Meeting Date: September 12, 2023
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Department Contact: |
Supervisor Williams |
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707-937-3500 |
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Item Type: Regular Agenda |
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Time Allocated for Item: 15 Minutes |
Agenda Title:
title
Discussion and Possible Action to Direct County Counsel to Prepare an Urgency Ordinance and Declaration of Emergency or Alternative Regarding Climate Change and Exempt or Provide Waiver for Rooftop Solar Panels from Planning Review in All Zoning, Maintaining Building Permit Requirement; and Direct Staff to Author and Send a Letter Requesting the California Coastal Commission Reform Coastal Act Implementation to Exempt Solar Panels
(Sponsors: Supervisor Williams and Supervisor Gjerde)
End
Recommended Action/Motion:
recommendation
Direct County Counsel to prepare an Urgency Ordinance and Declaration of Emergency or alternative regarding Climate Change and exempt or provide waiver for rooftop solar panels from planning review in all zoning, maintaining building permit requirement; and direct staff to author and send a letter requesting the California Coastal Commission Reform Coastal Act implementation to exempt Solar Panels.
End
Previous Board/Board Committee Actions:
None.
Summary of Request:
“Climate change is here. It is terrifying. And it is just the beginning. The era of global warming has ended; the era of global boiling has arrived,” United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres
In light of the changing climate and questionable electric grid, it’s imperative that we allow residents to install photovoltaic panels. At present, within the Coastal Zone, the process can require cost prohibitive Planning review, contrary to policy in Sonoma County. There is a strong public policy interest in waiving such review and simply requiring a building permit and compliance with state code. This change must be immediate and can be further reflected in the pending Local Coastal Plan update.
Counsel should prepare the findings for board approval, citing:
● Rapidly Escalating Climate Crisis:
● Increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as wildfires, floods, and heatwaves.
● Rising global temperatures leading to significant environmental disruptions, including glacial melt, sea level rise, and loss of biodiversity.
● Scientific consensus highlighting the human role in accelerating climate change through greenhouse gas emissions.
● Local Impact and Vulnerabilities:
● Recognizing potential harm to critical infrastructure, agriculture, natural resources, and overall community well-being.
● Health and Safety Risks:
● Growing threats to public health due to heat stress, air quality degradation, vector-borne diseases, and waterborne illnesses.
● Recognizing the disproportionate impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations, including low-income communities, the elderly, and children.
● Economic Disruption:
● Acknowledging the potential economic consequences of climate-related events, such as increased insurance costs, property damage, and loss of livelihoods.
● Recognizing the need to transition to a low-carbon economy to mitigate economic risks and capture emerging opportunities in renewable energy and sustainable technologies.
● International Commitments:
● Highlighting global agreements like the Paris Agreement, emphasizing the importance of local actions to contribute to broader climate goals.
● Demonstrating the county's commitment to fulfilling its role in addressing the climate crisis and achieving carbon neutrality.
● Necessity for Policy Flexibility:
● Recognizing that existing policies and regulations may hinder rapid and effective response to the climate emergency.
● Acknowledging the need to streamline and expedite the implementation of mitigation measures, such as renewable energy projects, green infrastructure, and emissions reduction initiatives.
● Collaboration and Public Engagement:
● Emphasizing the importance of involving community members, stakeholders, and experts in shaping and implementing effective mitigation strategies.
● Acknowledging the role of partnerships with neighboring jurisdictions, non-governmental organizations, and businesses to amplify collective efforts.
● Adaptive Management Approach:
● Recognizing the need for ongoing assessment and adjustment of mitigation strategies based on evolving scientific knowledge and real-world outcomes.
● Promoting a flexible and dynamic approach to policy-making that ensures responsiveness to changing climate conditions.
● Immediate Action Requirement:
● Declaring that the severity and urgency of the climate crisis necessitate swift action to protect the county's residents, environment, and future generations.
● Stating the intent to ease public policy constraints where appropriate to facilitate effective and expedited implementation of climate mitigation efforts.
Alternative Action/Motion:
Return to staff for alternate handling.
Does This Item Support the General Plan? Yes
Strategic Plan Priority Designation: A Prepared and Resilient County
Supervisorial District: All
vote requirement: Majority
Supplemental Information Available Online At: N/A
Fiscal Details:
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source of funding: existing general fund |
budgeted in current f/y: Yes |
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current f/y cost: budgeted |
if no, please describe: |
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annual recurring cost: N/A |
revenue agreement: N/A |
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budget clarification: N/A |
Agreement/Resolution/Ordinance Approved by County Counsel: N/A
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CEO Liaison: Executive Office |
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CEO Review: Yes |
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CEO Comments:
FOR COB USE ONLY
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Executed By: Atlas Pearson, Senior Deputy Clerk |
Final Status:Approved |
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Date: September 13, 2023 |
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