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HomeMy WebLinkAboutIVd_Workshops MemoAttachment No. 3 Upcoming Workshops Memo Community Development Department CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT 100 Civic Center Drive Newport Beach, California 92660 949 644-3200 newportbeachca.gov/communitydevelopment Memorandum To: Co-Chairs Evans and Greer, and GPAC Members From: Benjamin M. Zdeba, AICP, Planning Manager Date: September 26, 2024 Re: October 2, 2024, GPAC Meeting Agenda Item No. IV(d) – Upcoming Workshops ________________________________________________________________ At your previous regular meeting on September 4, 2024, the GPAC received and filed the Phase Two Outreach Plan. A major component is four workshops that are being planned for mid-November and early December. After the workshops, we will look to visit the Harbor Commission, as well as the Parks, Beaches, and Recreation Commission, and the Planning Commission for additional feedback. To facilitate meaningful input and engagement at the workshops that will inform the development of updated General Plan goals and policies, City staff has worked closely with Dudek and Kearns & West to create draft goal topics and policy topics. These draft goal topics and policy topics have been generated through the Phase One efforts and have a direct correlation to the input received from the GPAC, its subcommittees, the GPUSC, and the community. These are intended to be shared at the community workshop to present a goal topic and then to ask the community for feedback on the goal topic itself, as well as how best to achieve the goal topic (i.e., through policy topics or “actions”). This is the initial iteration. Refined draft goals and policies will return to the GPAC and its subcommittees for further review and discussion. The recommended, tentative workshop dates and topics are as follows: • Wednesday, November 13, 2024 – Recreation and Natural Resources • Thursday, November 14, 2024 – Coastal Resilience and Safety • Wednesday, December 4, 2024 – Land Use and Harbor, Bay, and Beaches • Thursday, December 5, 2024 – Arts and Culture, and Historical Resources Given the fast-approaching dates and the multiple topics and reach of each of the workshops, the enclosures for the November workshops are being provided to the full GPAC for consideration and feedback at the October 2, 2024, regular meeting. Enclosure: 1) Recreation and Natural Resources 2) Coastal Resilience and Safety Workshop 1: Natural Resources and Recreation SUMMARY The following goals reflect priorities of the General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) and General Plan Update Steering Committee (GPUSC), previous engagement and outreach feedback from community members, as well as certain State General Plan and other natural resources and recreation related requirements. As this workshop is focused on natural resources and recreation, these goals address environmental protection, ecosystem restoration and rewilding, water quality, energy, outdoor open space for recreation purposes, and recreation programs and facilities. The paragraph below each goal provides context into the importance of that goal. Topics and actions, listed below their associated goal, encompass a range of possible opportunities and strategies that may be taken to achieve these goals. Input received under each goal will be used to both refine the goals and develop draft policies for the General Plan Update. DRAFT GOALS AND POLICY TOPICS Natural Resources Goal 1: Ecosystems that are connected and expansive Ecosystems provide important services, such as filtering and storing water, storing carbon in vegetation and soil, purifying the air, providing habitat for wildlife, and creating visually appealing and enjoyable places for people. Well- functioning ecosystems include diverse native and naturalized non-invasive species which support complex food webs, a mix of habitats, and nutrient cycling. Creating and promoting native and climate adapted species across public and private land will create large and resilient ecosystems that support each other. • Native vegetation in parks and public spaces • Removal of invasive species on public lands to protect native habitats • Residential landscaping that contributes to ecosystems and wildlife habitat Goal 2: Ecosystems that are conserved and restored Ecosystem restoration and conservation are vital for maintaining unique grassland, woodland, marsh, dune, and other habitats. Large ecological reserves can serve as nurseries for native and climate-adapted species that support smaller ecosystems across Newport Beach. Further ecosystem restoration could restore additional habitats for protecting endangered species, building resilience to coastal flooding and sea level rise, and encouraging community involvement in environmental efforts. • Dune restoration to enhance coastal habitat and protect coastal development from flooding • Restoration of kelp beds • Education programming for community involvement in environmental protection Goal 3: Clean water in Newport Bay and the coast Clean water is necessary for human health, recreation, and aquatic habitat and organisms. Improving water quality in Newport Bay and in coastal waters can ensure safe enjoyment of these irreplaceable natural resources for residents and visitors, while continuing to support the businesses and employers that rely on close proximity to the coast. Reducing stormwater runoff, restoring floodplains, and preventing waste from entering waterbodies can improve water quality and realize the benefits of clean water. • Safe recreation and fishing • Green stormwater infrastructure to protect Newport Bay from runoff • Reduce paved surfaces Goal 4: Water that is Conserved and used responsibly Clean water is a precious resource in Southern California. Reduced indoor and outdoor water use can play an important role in conserving water. By implementing best practices for landscaping and irrigation on public property and offering incentives for residents and commercial businesses to conserve water on their property, the City can do its part in sustaining long-term water supply. • Drought tolerant landscapes and turf reduction • Increase graywater systems for outdoor irrigation • Rain gardens and rain barrels Goal 5: A city with clean air that prevents air pollution Poor air quality has numerous health consequences, especially for vulnerable populations, such as children, older adults, and people with asthma. Encouraging walking, biking, and transit and building more electric vehicle charging can help reduce air pollution caused by vehicles, and using landscape barriers along busy roadways or as a buffer between other potential pollutants can help clean the air before it reaches sensitive populations. • Barriers between high-traffic highways and roads and sensitive uses such as residences and schools • Increased electric vehicle charging infrastructure • Infrastructure to encourage alternative modes of transportation Goal 6: Viewpoints and corridors that are preserved Sweeping views of the beaches, harbor, and coast distinguish Newport Beach as a city with unparalleled natural beauty. Viewsheds often hold historic or scenic value and should be protected for current and future generations. Preserving viewpoints and corridors allows the public to appreciate the City’s beauty and character. • Standards to protect identified view sheds • Increase public amenities for public view points such as observation decks or plazas, benches, markers and signage, telescopes, lighting, and landscape Goal 7: A city that leverages alternative sources of energy Leveraging alternative and renewable energy sources can reduce emissions from vehicles and buildings to help meet California’s greenhouse gas reduction targets. Facilitating a transition to electric vehicles, including watercraft, promoting electrification of buildings, and utilizing public facilities to generate renewable energy can help reduce local air pollution and overall reliance on fossil fuels, increasing energy security in the community. • City vehicle fleet transition to electric and other alternative-fuel vehicles • Public electric boat charging infrastructure • Maintenance of public charging infrastructure Goal 8: A city with minimal impacts from oil and gas drilling activities Phasing out oil production can help achieve the State objective of phasing out extraction of oil and gas by 2045. Although the City already prohibits new gas and oil drilling, plans for phasing out oil extraction can help the City prioritize investments in clean energy and restore ecosystems. • A plan for phasing out extraction of oil and gas consistent with State goals • Prohibit and oppose new drilling activities • Support clean energy industry (i.e., electric vehicle infrastructure, clean City vehicle fleet, etc.) • Identification and allocation of alternative funding sources for the Tidelands Fund Recreation Goal 1: A community with high-quality recreation programs Recreation programs enrich community members’ lives by building social connections and providing opportunities for learning and physical activity. Recreation programs that are of high-quality and tailored to the community’s needs can foster an engaged and healthy community. • High-quality events and programming for residents, prioritizing families with children and older adults • Use of traditional and digital media to inform residents about upcoming events and programs • Partnerships with local organizations to identify program opportunities Goal 2: New parks and connections that increase resident access to recreation, parks, and open space opportunities Parks are a vital asset in any community, providing opportunities for refuge, recreation, and socialization, while offering physical and mental health benefits. Newport Beach’s varying landscape provides a variety of unique recreational opportunities for the community. Increasing park access and developing recreational opportunities throughout the community can ensure these benefits are available to all residents of all ages and needs. • Increased connectivity to create a connected park and open space network • A parks master plan to assess and plan for park needs across the city • Build new parks in conjunction with new residential development • Increase joint use park and facility agreements with schools Goal 3: Open space, park, and recreation facilities that are preserved, upgraded, and well-maintained The preservation and maintenance of open space and park facilities is essential to maintain community access to recreational opportunities. The maintenance and needed upgrades to these facilities can help protect City investments while ensuring that residents have continued access to high- quality recreational facilities that meet changing needs. • Park improvements based on localized neighborhood needs, such as shade structures, dog parks, etc. • Prioritization of areas with lower-than-average park access • Prevention of any loss of parkland or open space Goal 4: A City with established and maintained relationships to facilitate interagency and interorganizational coordination Coordination with internal departments and outside agencies and organizations creates opportunities to share resources, promotes effective communication, and can help facilitate the successful implementation of General Plan goals and policies. Moreover, coordination can increase the quality of and access to parks and open space through integrated strategies and efficient use of resources. • Continued collaboration with County and State agencies to maintain trails in public open space, such as Upper Newport Bay • Additional/enhanced joint use agreements with schools to provide public access to play areas, pool facilities, gymnasiums, sports fields, and other facilities • Interdepartmental coordination to identify recreational priorities Goal 5: Parks and recreation facilities that are adapted to meet a variety of needs for existing and future residents, including people with disabilities As the environment changes and the population shifts, it is important that open space continues to meet community needs and provides benefits to human health, well-being, and the environment. Adapting parks and recreation facilities to serve older adults and people with disabilities can help to serve all residents now and in the future. Furthermore, designing parks and recreation facilities to be resilient to extreme heat, flooding, and wildfire can ensure these amenities continue to function despite environmental changes. • Recreation facility enhancements that increase accessibility for those with disabilities (ramps, railing, ADA parking) • Design standards for parks as a place of refuge during extreme heat (shade, seating, water fountains, etc.) • Flood management standards/incentives • Identify resilience/cooling center needs for hot days Goal 6: A City that protects public beach access Beaches are one of the most important public open spaces for providing relief during hot summer days and access to the ocean. Maintaining physical access points and supportive facilities and services can help protect continued public beach access. • Assessment of beach access points that may be at risk of flooding or erosion • Beach access infrastructure and maintenance to be resilient to coastal hazards • Maintaining high sand quality • Regional coordination for sand nourishment Goal 7: Adequate support facilities in open space and recreation facilities Support facilities are an important aspect of providing parks and recreation spaces that are highly used and enjoyed by the community. Support facilities include but are not limited to, restrooms, showers, lifeguard towers, parking, and staffing. Providing and maintaining facilities needed to support varying recreational spaces in the City can help ensure parks and open spaces are enjoyed by the community and maintain a high-quality level of service. • Support facilities and services in coastal areas and parks for residents and visitors • Support facilities that are resilient to flooding, erosion, and other hazards • Identification of support facilities and service needs • Lifeguard pipeline program Workshop 2: Coastal Resilience and Safety SUMMARY The following goals reflect priorities of the General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) and General Plan Update Steering Committee (GPUSC), previous engagement and outreach feedback from community members, as well as certain State General Plan and other hazard-related requirements. As this workshop is focused on coastal resilience and safety, the following series of goals address flooding and sea level rise, erosion of sand and bluffs, wildfire, extreme heat, seismic and geologic hazards, hazardous materials, aviation hazards, extreme heat, and emergency preparation and response. The paragraph below each goal provides context into the importance of that goal. Topics and actions, listed below their associated goal, encompass a range of possible opportunities and strategies to reduce, adapt to, and prepare for these concerns. Input received under each goal will be used to both refine the goals and develop draft policies for the General Plan Update. DRAFT GOALS AND POLICY TOPICS Coastal Resilience A community that is resilient to coastal flooding. Coastal communities face additional challenges as it relates to flooding from tsunamis, rogue waves, king tides, storm surges, seiche, and precipitation that continues to intensify as sea-levels rise. With more frequent storms, it is important that the City and community are prepared for flood risks, especially along the coast. While infrastructure can protect the community in the event of flooding, it is also important that existing and planned development is modified and built to last and that the community is aware of how to best protect themselves and their property. Some examples of how this could be addressed include:  Preparation and maintenance of a sea-level rise plan  Flood management standards/incentives  Education on flood management best practices  Public facility vulnerability plan A community protected from floods through adequate and well-maintained infrastructure. Infrastructure is an essential component of a community and must be developed and maintained to adequately respond to flood hazards. Sufficient infrastructure can consist of both nature-based and gray solutions to protect the community during storms, king tides, and other potential flood events. As the extent of flooding changes, the type of infrastructure needed may also change. Therefore, this goal is intended to address changing needs associated with flooding and the steps needed to adequately plan for such infrastructure. Some examples of how this could be addressed include:  Nature-based solutions such as vegetated dunes or living breakwaters  Gray or human-made infrastructure solutions such as bulkheads or jetties  Regional coastal infrastructure programs Beaches that are maintained and protected from erosion. The City’s beaches are an essential part of the community, providing recreational opportunities and driving tourism, which contributes to the economy, as well as supporting natural ecosystems, and protecting inland areas from flooding. Efforts to minimize erosion and the loss of sand will help protect the shoreline and maintain beaches. Some examples of how this could be addressed include:  Regional coordination for shoreline management  Maintaining a high standard of sand quality  Sand nourishment and retention Stabilized bluffs to minimize erosion and prevent landslides in developed areas. Bluffs are an important part of the City’s landscape, providing valuable views, development of homes and other uses, and offering natural habitat for many plant and animal species. The land formations in and around Upper Newport Bay and the coastal cliffs and bluffs in and proximate to Corona del Mar are some of the most vulnerable. Development near coastal bluffs is vulnerable to damage from erosion or complete loss due to landslides. Some examples of how this could be addressed include:  Increase slope stability to prevent damage or loss of property  Landscaping and irrigation regulations to prevent cliff and bluff erosion Current and accessible data and information on flooding, beach erosion, and bluff erosion. Projects and programs to manage the shoreline require up-to-date data for flood-prone locations, the direction and rate of sand and bluff erosion, among other information on changing conditions. Current, high-quality data allows for a more tailored, responsive approach to managing the shoreline. Some examples of how this could be addressed include:  Monitor erosion and flooding  Assess secondary potential flood risks (i.e., saltwater intrusion, natural habitat preservation)  Partnerships with educational and research institutions Safety High quality public safety, emergency preparedness, and response services. Because no two disasters are ever the same, high quality public safety requires significant planning and preparation to support a variety of needs in a variety of conditions. Public safety must consider needed facilities, equipment, staff, training, public education, planning, and post disaster recovery. Adequate planning and preparation leads to strong response and recovery in events including fire, flooding, coastal hazards such as tsunamis and rogue waves, earthquakes, geologic hazards such as landslides, and extreme heat. Some examples of how this could be addressed include:  A buddy system for older adults for evacuation during disasters  Junior lifeguard program  Local housing for first responders Evacuation routes and centers that are maintained to provide functionality during hazardous conditions. Evacuation strategies are important to help ensure public safety and prevent injuries in an emergency. The need for evacuation could arise as a result of a hazard event and could involve either small or large numbers of people, depending on the type and extent of a hazard event. Therefore, effective evacuation is key to protecting public health and safety and providing efficient access for first responders. Some examples of how this could be addressed include:  Update evacuation routes as conditions change  Prioritize road maintenance along evacuation routes Tested and effective communication systems for emergency preparedness and response. Communication systems are an essential component of emergency preparedness and response. Effective communication systems can help facilitate response efforts, connect people to resources, and educate people about emergency preparedness and response. Some examples of how this could be addressed include:  Promotion of a single-source alert system, such as Newport Notified, as an emergency communications channel  Expansion of early warning alarm system for hazards Reduced and well-managed urban and wildland fire hazards. As urban and wildfire hazards can impact communities across Newport Beach, mitigation strategies and limits to new or redevelopment may be necessary. Many hillside communities in the eastern portion of the City, in and surrounding Newport Coast are in a very high fire hazard severity zone. Homes, businesses, and other structures in these areas must be adapted to prevent the spread of fire. Some examples of how this could be addressed include:  Incentives to reduce fire hazards on properties with greatest risk through methods such as defensible space  Tree maintenance in urbanized areas to prevent spread of fire  Maintain Fire Department’s high score - ISO (Insurance Services Office) Public Protection Classification A community that is resilient to and protected from inland flooding. While minimal, some areas of the City that are not along the coast are still vulnerable to flooding. Inland flooding can occur in flood plains and low-lying areas when rainfall exceeds the amount that can be absorbed by the ground or accommodated by channels. While most flood risks exist in areas closest to the shoreline, it is important that inland flooding potential is also considered for the protection of existing and planned development. Some examples of how this could be addressed include:  Consider flood risks when identifying placement of planned public facilities  Public facilities and infrastructure that are designed to withstand flooding  Monitor updates to flood maps to maintain up-to-date information A built environment adapted to provide relief from extreme heat. As summer temperatures continue to get hotter and heat waves become more common, the City must adapt to changing temperatures and protect the health of residents and visitors, particularly vulnerable populations. Strategies such as air conditioning, home weatherization, and increased shade in public areas can help the community stay cool on hot days. Some examples of how this could be addressed include:  Network of cool zones and corridors through shade trees and structures  Incorporate reflective pavements, green roofs, shade structures, and misters in public projects  Identify cooling centers for community members Buildings and utilities that are protected from seismic and geologic hazards. While difficult to predict, seismic and geologic events pose a risk to physical structures. While new buildings are held to higher standards to be resilient to such events, existing buildings can be modified to minimize structural damage. Some examples of how this could be addressed include:  Retrofit of existing utilities and critical facilities in areas subject to geologic hazards  Locate new utilities or critical facilities, including hospitals, schools, outside geologic hazard areas  Resources for home repair/rebuilds in areas prone to geologic hazards A community protected from aviation-related hazards. John Wayne Airport produces noise in the vicinity of the airport and its general aviation flight path. Additionally, the Airport Area experiences high rates of pollution including air pollution and drinking water contaminants. To the extent practicable, and consistent with the Settlement Agreement, there are actions the City can take to influence airport operations and help protect future residents from noise, air pollution, and airport-related hazards. Some examples of how this could be addressed include:  Limit airport expansion or operational changes that could increase noise or pollution  Hold new development to high standards (building code) to minimize noise such as requiring central air conditioning and indoor amenities  Proactive regulation of emerging technologies such as drones and aerial taxis A community protected from impacts of hazardous materials. Hazardous materials produced from manufacturing and industrial facilities have the potential to negatively impact public health and safety and degrade the environment if not properly managed. Although hazardous materials are primarily regulated by state and federal agencies, local governments play a pivotal role in hazard mitigation planning, enforcement and inspection of hazardous waste generators, and increasing public awareness. Some examples of how this could be addressed include:  Public education on hazardous waste risks and disposal practices  Monitor flooding of sites with hazardous materials for water quality impacts