HomeMy WebLinkAbout20 - A Newport Beach Sustainability Plan - MemoMemorandum
June 14, 2016
Agenda Item No. 20
CITY OF NEWPORT.
COMMUNITY
EWPORT.-
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach, California 92660
949 644-3200
newportbeachca.gov/communitydevelopment
To: Honorable Mayor Dixon and Council Members
From: Kim Brandt, Community Development Director
Date: June 13, 2016
Re: Additional Information for Newport Beach Sustainability Plan- Agenda
Item #20
Attached for your information is a matrix summarizing staff's preliminary review of
the various Sustainability Plan elements. An indication is made (yes or no) as to
whether there are existing State laws or City's practices that address the
proposal.
Preliminary Review of Sustainability Plan
Proposed Sustainability Plan Components
Existing State Requirement
Current City Practice
(Yes/No)
(Yes/No)
1. EDUCATION
GOAL: Enhance the availability of information on sustainability and engage
the community in sustainability efforts.
There is a big educational component in sustainability, with new information emerging all the
time. The more residents and businesses know about sustainability, the easier it is for them to
take the right steps.
BUILD THE CITY'S COMMUNICATION CAPACITY: The City is the natural information portal for
residents and businesses through its permit process and because of the diversity of skills and
knowledge represented in its workforce.
o IMPROVE WEB SITE ACCESSIBILITY: Newport Green on the City's website has a lot of
information and links but needs redesign to make it more accessible. Put the
Newport Green logo on the home page.
Identify and fill gaps in information. Continually refresh, augment and present the
information to show the City's commitment to sustainability and to connecting with
No
Yes- limited.
residents. Continue to update the Green Building Guidelines and publicize all rebate
programs and financial incentives.
o MAKE THE BUILDING/PLANNING DESK AN INFORMATION SOURCE: Highlight
Newport Green on materials and signs and provide shelf space for pertinent
No
Yes
brochures. Include relevant information on sustainability when giving out permits
and other City forms.
o CONTINUE OUTREACH PROGRAMS: Waterwise and other presentations by
knowledgeable City staff have been well received and should be continued and
No
Yes
expanded.
o PROVIDE UPDATES: List energy and financial savings accomplished through City
efforts.
No
No
o UTILIZE THE NEW MEDIA: Tap into the new ways people get information by inviting
No
No
students at local schools to create programming, apps --and new audiences.
SEEK OUT PARTNERS: Whether it is a grant application, a restoration program or a how-to
seminar, working with others can amplify City education efforts.
• WORK WITH UTILITIES: Our local utilities have a number of programs, and the
NO
Yes- Coordination
City should continue to partner with them and expand the partnerships where
possible.
• WORK WITH EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS: UCI can be a valuable resource for
City efforts, especially in data collection, and local elementary and high schools
NO
Yes- An informal process with
provide opportunities to educate and motivate future generations.
the Newport Bay Conservancy
June 13, 2016
Preliminary Review of Sustainability Plan
Proposed Sustainability Plan Components
Existing State Requirement
Current City Practice
(Yes/No)
(Yes/No)
• COORDINATE WITH NONPROFITS: Partnering with local environmental
to apply for water
nonprofits can enhance grant opportunities, and such organizations can be a
quality/restoration grants
resource for volunteers. Also, these organizations can be utilized in City efforts
to inform and engage the public.
• EXPLORE PRIVATE SECTOR ADVANCES AND PARTNERSHIPS: Many private
No
No
companies are on the cutting edge of sustainability programs and processes, and
the City should look for opportunities to benefit from their knowledge.
REWARD ACHIEVEMENT: Recognition motivates and educates.
No
Limited
• SALUTE AWARDS AND PRIZES: Support the efforts of businesses like Roger's
Gardens and others who recognize achievement in sustainability by inviting
winners for further recognition by the Council.
2. BUILDING/DEVELOPMENT
GOAL-- increase the use of green building techniques in new development
and remodels throughout the city.
Whether it is an alteration to a home or a brand new development, incorporating new
techniques makes for more efficient buildings and should be encouraged at every level.
MAKE IT EASY TO BUILD GREEN: The market is moving more and more toward energy-
efficient, green housing, and the City should do as much as it can to facilitate this market.
• REVIEW FEES: In reviewing fees, consider not just city costs but what activities
the City wants to encourage when setting the fees for items like solar permits or
Yes- for solar AB 2188
Yes
alternative fuel pumps.
• REVIEW CODES AND PROVIDE MORE FLEXIBILITY: If codes lag or mandate only
one path, those who want to build green may have to seek variances, a process
which takes staff time as well as causing delays for applicants. As an example,
No
Yes
expanses of asphalt parking lots create heat islands, and the required 90%
compaction creates sterile soil. A simple solution: provide the option of
permeable paving and compaction of less than 90% where appropriate.
• CREATE A FAST TRACK FOR GREEN BUILDING: Creating two permitting paths
encourages --but doesn't mandate --green building. Create a checklist of desired
No
Yes
green features. If applicants can check off all the features, they get expedited
permitting. (NR 24.1 Incentives for Energy Conservation)
• ENCOURAGE STAFF MEMBERS TO BECOME LEED ACCREDITED OR THE
EQUIVALENT: The more expertise on staff, the more assistance can be provided
No
Yes
not just to applicants but to other staff members.
June 13, 2016
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Proposed Sustainability Plan Components
Existing State Requirement
(Yes/No)
Current City Practice
(Yes/No)
• EXPAND STAFF TRAINING AND AWARENESS: Provide sustainability education
Yes- SB 1473
Yes
for all City departments and all levels within departments to increase better city
coverage on these issues.
• INCORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY GOALS: Have departments set sustainability
goals for their departments and have regular reports on performance.
No
No
TAKE A LEADERSHIP ROLE: Show the City is committed to sustainability with public buildings
that can provide a healthier environment for workers.
o LEED BUILDINGS: Continue the policy that all City buildings must be LEED
No
Yes
qualified or the equivalent where financially feasible.
o RETROFIT: Regular maintenance and repair of City buildings should incorporate
Yes
Yes
sustainability practices, and there should be cost -benefit analyses of retrofitting
older buildings to make them more energy efficient.
o ENCOURAGE SUSTAINABLE NEIGHBORHOODS: When reviewing development
proposals, consider the surrounding neighborhood/area and encourage
Yes SB 375
Yes — where practical
development that looks beyond the individual parcel and appropriately
improves the public realm which may include pedestrian and bicycle access,
landscaping, and other improvements that promote the area's
sustainability. (LU 5.6.1 Compatible Development LU 5.6.4 Conformance with
the Natural Environmental Setting LU 6.1.2 Siting of New Development, CE 5.1.3
Pedestrian Improvements in New Development Projects, CE 5.1.4 Linkages to
Citywide Trail System and Neighborhoods)
o JOBS/HOUSING BALANCE: To the degree possible, work towards a jobs/housing
Yes- SB 375
Yes — pursuant to Housing
balance that reduces the need for long-distance commuting.
o HEALTHY TREES: Whether in parking lots or parkways, trees provide an
Element
aesthetic benefit as well as shade and habitat. Focus on trees that provide large
Unknown
Yes — pursuant to Municipal
canopies but also avoid root problems and are not heavy water users. To insure
Code
healthier trees, mandate BMPs for tree wells including deeper holes and better
soil arrangements.
o LOOK TO THE FUTURE: Changing major systems once a house/building is
No
No
completed can be disruptive, difficult and expensive, so it is more practical to
provide for future choices.
o FORWARD FIT: Where financially feasible, promote best practices by
encouraging all new development to provide solar -ready rooftops, gas pipe
Yes- California Green
Yes
outlets for major appliances, and outlets for plug-in vehicles, so that if users
Standards Code (CGSC) for
choose, they can make energy upgrades easily.
Residential Plug-in vehicles section
4.106.4.
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Existing State Requirement
Current City Practice
(Yes/No)
(Yes/No)
CGSC for Non -Res Plug-in vehicles
section 5.106.5.3.
California Energy Code (CEC) section
110.10 Res and Non -Res for solar
ready buildings
CEC section 150.0(n) for Water
heating adaptability
3. WASTE REDUCTION
GOAL --move toward a zero -waste model.
Trash is expensive. The more we can reduce the amount of waste we produce, the better it is
for our budget and also for the environment since landfills are a major source of methane. In
looking at programs and policies, the City should always consider the Zero Waste mantra:
Reuse, Recycle, Reduce.
Objective: Redirect 100% of the waste stream from within the city to the
best and most appropriate use.
IDENTIFY ALL WASTE STREAMS: To have a comprehensive program, we must know the
amount each segment produces.
NO
NO
• DATA ANALYSIS: Analyze the amount produced through
construction/demolition; households (mixed and recyclables); businesses (malls,
small and large shopping centers, restaurants, apartment buildings) to
determine the best BMP to reduce/reuse/recycle.
REDUCE CONSTRUCTION WASTE: Building material makes up 22% of landfill material
statewide.
o SUPPORT DECONSTRUCTION OVER DEMOLITION: Deconstruction provides for
the reuse of many elements. Consider incentives such as fast -tracking for those
No
No
who not only deconstruct but use the material on site.
PROVIDE FOR HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL: Because the hours and location of the sites for
hazardous waste disposal are not always convenient, hazardous materials tend to accumulate
in garages which is hazardous in itself.
o HAZARDOUS WASTE PICKUP: Work with the City's residential trash hauler to
No
No
better communicate the methods available for haz/mat pickups.
o DISCOURAGE SINGLE -USE MATERIALS: Plastic bottles and single use bags are a
No
No
major component of trash on beaches, in the harbor and in landfills.
o WATER REFILL STATIONS: Work with private sector/non-profit groups to
No
No
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Current City Practice
(Yes/No)
(Yes/No)
replace existing drinking fountains with water refill stations throughout the city.
o MULTI -USE BAGS: Encourage residents and businesses to use/provide multi -use
NO
NO
bags.
REDUCE OFFICE WASTE: Sustainable procurement and use practices save money and
encourage green businesses.
NO
Limited extent
o PAPER USE: Set a City reduction goal.
o GO ELECTRONIC: Within legal and practical boundaries, use electronic means for
NO
Yes — but `paper" notices
notices, etc., instead of paper whenever possible.
are required by State law.
o GOOD PACKAGING PRACTICES: To the degree possible, make packaging a
NO
NO
consideration when purchasing supplies.
REDUCE ORGANIC WASTE: Divert waste that can be reused from landfills.
o COMPOST: Look for opportunities to expand the City's compost program.
NO
Yes?
o STUDY A GREEN WASTE PROGRAM: Determine which gets a higher diversion of
green waste --implementing a green waste program for residents or increasing the
NO
?
diversion requirements with city haulers, and implement the better choice, taking
into consideration any additional cost.
o SEPARATION OF MATERIALS: Work with the residential trash hauler(s) to continue
educating residents on the benefits of separating and recycling. Be sure that
NO
Yes
separated trash is handled appropriately. Post the information on the city's website.
o CONSIDER BIO -COMPOSTING SYSTEMS: Such systems take organic waste including
food and compost it to produce a biogas that can be used as CNG fuel or to produce
NO
NO
electricity. Sites can be as small as 3,000 sq. ft. Form a task force to explore the
feasibility of such a system for the city.
o FOOD WASTE PROGRAMS: Encourage local restaurants to participate in food waste
programs from groups like Surfrider Foundation.
NO
NO
PROTECT THE HARBOR AND BEACHES: Beaches, parks and other sites are often overwhelmed
by the amount of trash produced by their visitors.
Unknown
Yes- ongoing
O ADD CANS AND ROUTES: Working with trash haulers, identify areas that need
more trash cans and/or pickups to eliminate escaped trash.
4. TRANSPORTATION
GOAL-- A transportation system with efficient traffic flow, convenient
alternatives to the automobile and which is friendly to pedestrians and
bicycles.
Probably the most common complaint from residents is about traffic. Whether it is a daily
June 13, 2016
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Proposed Sustainability Plan Components
Existing State Requirement
(Yes/No)
Current City Practice
(Yes/No)
commute along Coast Highway or trying to take the family to the beach in the summer,
congested roads mean longer trips, increased emissions, more frustration for drivers and
demand for new lanes/streets. By promoting alternative means of transportation, the city can
reduce the number of cars on the road, the amount of emissions produced, capital expenses,
and improve the quality of life for its residents.
ENCOURAGE ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION MODES: The use of alternative transportation
can relieve congestion on the roads and take pressure off the busiest parking lots. (CE1.1.1
Comprehensive Transportation System, CE 6.2.1 Alternative Transportation Modes)
o BICYCLE MASTER PLAN: The adopted Bicycle Master Plan lays out
comprehensive steps for improving city streets and roads for bicycles and
Yes- General Plan law
Yes
pedestrians. It is critical that the plan's recommendations be enacted.
o BIKE SHARING: This provides an easy way to encourage the use of bikes,
particularly by visitors and beachgoers, so it would serve the city well to
No
No
bring in a bike -share program from a private vendor.
o BIKE VALET: Many residents and visitors would bicycle to events within the
No
No
city if they were sure of a place to leave their bikes. As part of the Special
Event permit, encourage bike valet programs at events held in the city.
o INCREASE WALKABILITY: Identify areas with incomplete sidewalk
Yes- General Plan law
Yes
connections and improve connectivity. (CE 5.1.2 Pedestrian Connectivity NR
6.1 Walkable Neighborhoods)
o PREFERRED PARKING: Provide preferred parking in city lots for car pools,
Yes - CGESC Non -Res Bike parking
Yes- New nonresidential
alternatively -fueled autos, golf carts.
section 5.106.4.
buildings
Low emitting, fuel efficient,
car/vanpool parking section
5.106.5.2.
Electrical Vehicle charging section
5.106.5.3
o MAKE BUS TRAVEL MORE ATTRACTIVE: Work with OCTA to improve the
comfort and utility of bus stops. Work with local businesses to provide
Yes- General Plan law
No
more links from the Newport Center hub to places of employment. (CE
1.2.4 Public Transit, CE 4.1.1 Public Transit Efficiency, CE 4.1.6 Transit
Support Facilities)
o EXPAND EXISTING SYSTEMS: Work with existing businesses and
institutions that already provide transportation such as UCI and the "bar"
No
No
cars on the Peninsula to develop additional routes and hours.
o GOLF CART ROUTES: Develop more routes for golf carts, especially ways to
No- require State law changes
No
get to major attractions like the beach and shopping centers.
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Current City Practice
(Yes/No)
(Yes/No)
o ALTERNATIVE FUELS: Continue to support and expand alternative fueling
Yes- see above
See above
stations --CNG, electric, hydrogen. NR 6.8 Accessible Alternative Fuel
Infrastructure)
o SHUTTLES: If a funding source can be identified, develop a program for free
No
Limited- Balboa Peninsula is
electric shuttles to and around areas like the Peninsula, CdM and Fashion
under review/funding
Island. Start with a summer program, and consider partnering with schools
for offsite parking locations. (CE 1.2.2 Shuttle Service, CE 4.1.2 Seasonal
Public Transit)
o SCHOOL TRAFFIC: Work with the school district to encourage carpooling
No
Ongoing
for those students who drive. Identify and improve safety issues to
encourage more students to bike and walk to school. (CE 4.1.7 School
Transit, CE 5.1.11 School Access)
IMPROVE TRAFFIC EFFICIENCY: More efficient streets mean better traffic flow and fewer
emissions.
o TRAFFIC LIGHT SYNCHRONIZATION: Continue to improve the synchronization of
traffic signals on all major thoroughfares. (CE 2.2.3 Traffic Control, CE 6.1.1
No
Yes
Traffic Signals, CE 6.1.2 Intelligent Transportation Systems, NB 6.6 Traffic Signal
Synchronization)
o SIGNAGE: Continue to review signs, whether directional or street identification,
to be sure they are easy to read and understand. (CE 1.2.1 Wayfinding, CE 7.2.2
No
Ongoing
Parking Signage, R 9.3 Sign Program)
o NEIGHBORING CITIES: Coordinate with abutting cities to maximize alternative
Yes- SB 375
Ongoing
transportation opportunities and to improve traffic efficiency. (CE 3.1.2
Integration of Transportation Systems with Adjoining Communities and the
Region, CE 6.1.3 Coordination with Adjacent Jurisdictions NR 6.5 Local Transit
Agency Collaboration)
HELP BUSINESS: The more residents shop within the city, the fewer miles they drive.
o BUY LOCAL CAMPAIGN: Work with the Newport Beach and Corona del Mar
No
Ongoing (BIDS, Restaurant
Chambers on a Buy Local campaign to support local businesses and eliminate
miles driven.
Assoc., etc)
o SHORTEN COMMUTES: The closer people are to work, the less they have to
Yes- Senate Bill 375
Yes
drive.
o SUPPORT WORKPLACE HOUSING: Work with major employers like Hoag and
create incentives for workplace housing.
Yes- Senate BIII 375; Housing
Limited extent
Element Law
IMPROVE PARKING AND ROAD INFORMATION: Neighborhoods near the beach suffer from
cars circling endlessly, trying to find parking.
o BEACH LOT SIGNAGE: Have strategically -placed signs well before the destination
announcing when beach lots are full and suggesting alternatives.
No
No
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Current City Practice
(Yes/No)
(Yes/No)
o HIGHLIGHT ALTERNATIVE ROUTES: Take some of the pressure off local roads,
particularly Coast Highway, by pointing out alternatives with signs. Commission
NO
Yes
a study of the proposed bypass option to use Newport Coast Drive as an
alternative to Coast Highway through Corona del Mar.
DECREASE EMISSIONS: Big trucks can be a major source of emissions.
o REPLACEMENT: Continue to replace City vehicles fueled by gasoline. Set a goal for
NO
Yes
the City fleet to be completely alternative fuels by the earliest practical date, taking
into account the financial considerations. (NR 6.7 City Fleet Vehicles)
O CONSOLIDATE WASTE PICKUP: Improve the efficiency of waste pickup and reduce
NO
Yes
the number of large trucks on streets and in alleys by working with the franchised
haulers.
5. ENERGY
GOAL --make the city as energy-efficient as possible.
Energy providers have struggled to keep up with population growth, and resulting power
outages are not just inconvenient --they can be disastrous. Reducing usage will help protect the
grid while utilities work to augment their capacity. To this end, the City has an excellent Energy
Action Plan (EAP) that should continue to be followed diligently.
Objective --review, update and adopt the City's Energy Action Plan. (NR 24)
CONSERVE ENERGY: One of the most inexpensive ways to reduce energy usage is through
conservation.
o PARTNER WITH UTILITIES: Our local utilities have a number of programs to help
residents and businesses reduce energy usage, and the City should help promote
NO
Limited extent
these programs.
o PROMOTE EFFICIENCY: Encourage where feasible the most energy -conserving
Yes
Yes — consistent with State
insulation, windows, etc. in new building and remodels. (NR 24.2 Energy Efficient
Design Features)
law
PRODUCE ENERGY: Energy savings translate into dollar savings while relieving stress on the
grid.
o SOLAR TREES: In parking lots, solar trees provide both welcome shade for cars and
energy for other uses. Develop a plan to install solar trees in City parking lots where
NO
NO
it is aesthetically compatible and financially feasible. Provide incentives for solar
trees in private lots.
o SOLAR PANELS, BUILDINGS: Solar panels can provide a significant portion of a
building's energy requirements. Develop a plan to phase in solar power for City
NO
Yes
buildings where financially feasible.
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Existing State Requirement
Current City Practice
(Yes/No)
(Yes/No)
o SOLAR POWER, HARBOR: Look for sites in the harbor to use solar panels to provide
No
No
power.
NO
Yes
o OTHER SOLAR OPPORTUNITIES: Work with agencies and businesses to encourage
solar -powered pay stations, signage and bus stop accoutrements.
o BIOCOMPOSTING: (as discussed in Waste) Create a site for bio -composting to
No
No
convert organic waste to gas and electricity.
MONITOR ENERGY: The EAP has a number of recommendations for monitoring energy use.
o ENERGY AUDITS: Conduct regular energy audits of City buildings to insure efficiency.
No
Yes
Report findings on the City website.
o ENERGY STUDIES: Use the Enterprise Energy Management Information System and
the EPA Portfolio Manager. to monitor City Hall and other City LEED (or the
No
No
equivalent) buildings to see how they perform vs. how they are supposed to perform
to provide information for better buildings in the future.
IMPROVE INFORMATION ACCESSIBILITY: Older style meters provide little information to users
and require drive -to reading.
No
Yes
o MODERN METERS: Work with utility companies to install state -of -the art meters so
that residents have timely information on usage and on-site meter reading is
eliminated.
o REPORT CARDS: Have annual updates on usage so that residents know how the city
No
No
is doing on energy savings. Post on the City website.
6a. WATER CONSERVATION
GOAL --make the city as self-sufficient in its water supply as possible
while increasing conservation efforts.
The city is fortunate not to have to depend on a single source for its water, and it should
continue to seek additional sources. At the same time, conservation efforts should be
expanded.
Objective --meet and exceed State -mandated requirements for conservation.
CAPTURE WATER: Runoff is wasted water that also impacts water quality.
o CURB CUTS: Where practical and financially feasible, mandate that streets and
Yes
Yes- Water Quality
parking lots be designed to direct runoff to landscaped areas.
o STORAGE TANKS: Where practical and financially feasible, infiltrate or capture and
Management Plans (WQMP)
reuse on landscape via storage tanks on site complying with low impact
See above
development.
See above
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(Yes/No)
o RECYCLE WATER: The more recycled water replaces potable water for landscape, the
more potable water is available.
Yes
Yes
o INCREASE RECYCLED WATER SUPPLY: The City has identified all purple pipe (recycled
water) outlets within and immediately adjacent to the city. Determine where
extensions of the pipes would create the most benefit (parks, golf courses). Seek
private partners, and develop an implementation program to extend the pipes to
these areas as part of the Facilities Finance Plan and budget. Permanently tie into
CdM High School playing field irrigation to use recycled water on a permanent basis.
NR 2.1 Recycled Water use)
Yes
Yes — Allowable use of Alternate
o GRAY WATER: Simplify the requirements for gray water system installation as much
Water - California Plumbing Code
as possible while remaining consistent with state standards.
(CPC) section 1601.1.1
Yes
o GROUNDWATER RECHARGE: Look for new sites for recharge. Work with IRWD and
Yes
Newport Bay Conservancy to determine the feasibility of a site below San Joaquin
Marsh. Install infiltration galleries at the outfall of Buck Gully. ( NR 2.2 Advanced
Water Treatment Processes)
IMPROVE LANDSCAPES: Plantings suitable to our climate save water and can also contribute
to water quality by reducing runoff.
o DEMONSTRATION GARDENS: Support demonstration gardens, both by the City and
by other groups, that showcase plants that use less water. Have photos on the City's
No
Limited extent
web site and also in the Building/Planning area.
o TURF REMOVAL: Look at playing fields and other areas in the city for the
No
Yes
replacement of grass with artificial turf where practical and financially feasible.
Provide incentives for turf removal by residents and businesses.
o SMART IRRIGATION SYSTEMS: The City should continue its successful program to
Governor Executive Order B-
Yes
provide incentives for residents to change to smart systems, particularly in areas
29-15
adjacent to sensitive habitat.
STRENGTHEN THE MESSAGE: Utilize a variety of ways to get the conservation message out.
o REACH RENTERS: Work with landlords to develop reliable and regular ways to
No
Yes
communicate with renters about conservation.
o IMPLEMENT TIERED RATES: These can work as both encouragement to save and
discouragement to waste. With the guidance of the City Attorney and in conformity
No
No
with state law, implement a tiered rate plan that is tailored to individual
requirements as much as possible. (NR 1.3 Tiered Water Rates)
10
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(Yes/No)
6b. WATER QUALITY
GOAL --have a healthy ocean, bay and harbor as evidenced by high water
quality.
The harbor and ocean are major financial engines for the city which has enacted many
programs over the years to protect water quality. These efforts must be continued and
expanded where possible to maintain the high reputation the city enjoys.
Objective --have all beaches receive no lower than a B grade from Heal
the Bay and have zero postings in the harbor and elsewhere.
REDUCE RUNOFF: Water coming from streets and storm drains is the major conveyor of
pollutants to the ocean and bay.
o GREEN STREETS: Require street design to minimize runoff with curb cuts and bio
swales wherever possible. Where possible, retrofit existing streets to utilize
Yes
Yes
parkways and medians to capture runoff. (HB 8.2 Water Pollution Prevention, HB
8.15 Street Drainage Systems, NR 3.2 Water Pollution Prevention, NR 3.15 Street
Drainage Systems)
o NATURAL TREATMENT SYSTEMS: Look for opportunities to create systems,
Yes
Yes WQMP design for
particularly where water quality problems are occurring downstream. (HB 8.13
private property
Natural Wetlands, NR 3.13 Natural Wetlands)
o PERMEABLE PAVEMENT: Look for opportunities such as the repaving of alleys and
No
parking lots to use a permeable surface.
Yes WQMP design for
private property
REDUCE TRASH: Trash is not only unsightly but impacts water quality.
o DEBRIS BOOMS: Identify additional areas for debris booms and install them in order
No
Yes
to capture trash before it reaches the bay and ocean. Have a regular maintenance
program not just for the trash removal but for site access.
o UPSTREAM PARTNERS: The Newport Bay Watershed Executive Committee is a group
No
Yes
of cities, the county and private entities that works together financially and otherwise
to solve problems affecting the bay. It is critical that the City play a major role in both
the Executive and Management (staff) committees to insure that all those who
contribute to the problem continue to be part of the solution.
o CDs UNITS AND MARINA TRASH SKIMMERS: Continue to expand both programs
No
Yes
using OCTA grants to fund the program.
o CATCH BASINS: Catch basins can be a major source of pollutants, particularly when
they are never cleaned or cleaned irregularly. The City already cleans a number of
Yes
Yes
basins annually for private entities and should extend this program so that all catch
basins are cleaned annually.
11
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(Yes/No)
(Yes/No)
o SANTA ANA DELHI TRASH REMOVAL PROJECT: Support this project and work with
partners to look for maintenance funding opportunities.
No
Yes
UTILIZE DIVERSIONS: Although not usually a first choice, diversion can be a solution to difficult
water quality problems where treatment methods have failed. It can also be a source of water
for groundwater replenishment.
o IDENTIFY HOTSPOTS: Identify water quality hotspots and determine where it is
No
Yes
feasible to divert the source of pollution.
o UTILIZE RUNOFF: Many golf courses and other entities use recycled water. Explore
NO
Yes
the possibility of having them accept diverted runoff to dilute the higher salt content
of recycled water.
ENCOURAGE CLEAN BOATING: An important part of our marine community, boats are also a
source of pollution from things like hull cleaning and older, inefficient engines.
s PROMOTE BETTER METHODS AND PRODUCTS: Task the Harbor Commission to
develop proposals to lessen the impact of boats on air and water quality.
No
Yes
SUPPORT SCIENCE : Science can provide new methods of dealing with water quality problems.
It can also provide the basis for challenging water quality standards that appear arbitrary or
ineffective.
e UCI OCEANS: The City should take advantage of UCI Oceans which is committed to
establishing new partnerships.
No
Yes
o KERKHOFF MARINE LAB: The City should promote and help fund this unique facility,
both in its location and the fact that it has an ocean -intake pipe, something that
would be virtually impossible to get permitted today. UC Irvine is committed to
No
Yes
partnering with the California Institute of Technology, owner of the facility, on
revitalization of the lab, both for marine science studies and as a resource for marine
education for youth.
o GUTTER BUDDIES: The City should encourage the State Water Board to accept a
natural exclusion clause for bacterial TMDLs, as proposed in the biofilm study by
No
Yes
residents (Dr. and Mrs. Jack Skinner) and staff (John Kappeler). Such an exclusion
would mean lower testing costs and fewer beach closures while not negatively
impacting swimmers' health.
7. URBAN OUTDOORS
GOAL -- protect and enhance recreational and natural open space.
From the Upper Bay to the beaches, Sunset Ridge Park to Buck Gully, the city's open spaces
provide recreation, solace and habitat within an increasingly urban environment. Protecting
these resources helps maintain the city's life style as well as property values and tourism. (LU
1.3 Natural Resources, NR 13.1 Wetland Protection)
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Preliminary Review of Sustainability Plan
Proposed Sustainability Plan Components
Existing State Requirement
Current City Practice
(Yes/No)
(Yes/No)
CLEAN, HEALTHY BEACHES AND PARKS: Our parks and beaches are major attractions for both
residents and visitors and must be maintained at the highest level.
o PARTNERSHIPS: Work with community groups on clean up and beautification
programs such as adopt -a -beach and adopt -a -park.
No
Yes
o FEWER PESTICIDES: Continue to reduce the use of and find alternatives to chemical
No
Yes
pesticides and herbicides in city parks and open space. (HB 8.1 Chemical Uses
Impacting Water Quality, NR 3.1 Chemical Uses Impacting Water Quality)
o GREEN LINKAGE: Develop a green linkage plan that connects the city's parks and
No
Yes
beaches with green corridors and pedestrian/bike ways.
URBAN FOREST: Newport Beach is a TreeCity/USA recipient. Our trees are a vital part of our
neighborhoods.
o URBAN FOREST MASTER PLAN: Finalize a master plan for the replacement of trees
that insures a good percentage of mature trees in every area of the city at all times.
Set a specific goal for the number of replacement and additive trees each year
o PARKWAY TREES: Provide longer irrigation periods by the City to insure the survival
of new trees. Provide more information to homeowners on the care of trees in their
parkways.
o ADDITIONAL SELECTION CRITERIA: In addition to site suitability, in selecting trees
include criteria for species that support birds, bees and other important fauna.
o USE EXISTING PLANS: Make good use of plans already prepared by staff and
community.
o HAMP AND HARBOR ELEMENT: Task the Harbor Commission with oversight of the
Harbor Area Management Plan and Harbor Element of the General Plan, and have
the Commission present an annual report on how well the City is implementing them.
No
Limited extent
SANTA ANA RIVER TRAIL VISION: Task the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission with
No
No
oversight of this plan, and have the Commission present an annual report on progress.
CONTINUE TO PROVIDE OPEN SPACE AREAS: While most of the city is built out, there are still
areas that have been ignored and with care will provide new recreational resources and
habitat.
o ORANGE COAST RIVER PARK: Continue to support the efforts of Orange Coast River
No
No —Could use FEMA
Park, Inc. to facilitate more coordination among landowners in improving this area.
regulations for Open Space
o BIG CANYON NATURE PARK/JOHN WAYNE GULCH/NEWPORT CANYON: Follow the
No
Preservation
plans created by staff and look for new opportunities to move efforts forward. (NR
No — See comment above
16.2 Big Canyon Creek Restoration Project)
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June 13, 2016
Preliminary Review of Sustainability Plan
Proposed Sustainability Plan Components
Existing State Requirement
(Yes/No)
Current City Practice
(Yes/No)
PROTECT RESOURCES: The growth of population and accompanying development have
impacted our most sensitive areas.
o TIDEPOOLS: Work with Orange County Marine Protected Area Council to expand
programs protecting the sensitive rocky areas from Big Corona to Crystal Cove.
Yes
Yes
o UPPER BAY: Work with other landowners and the Newport Bay Conservancy to
implement recreation and restoration plans. (HB 7.2, HB 7.3, NR 16.3, NR 16.4
No
Yes
Management of UNSER; HB 7.4, NR 16.5 Public Uses within UNSER; HB7.5, NR 16.6
Water Related Education and Research within UNBER; NR 15.1 Funding Support for
UNBER)
o WESTERN SNOWY PLOVER: Continue to work with both residents and the California
Yes
Yes
Department of Fish and Wildlife to protect breeding areas for the plover.
o SEA LEVEL RISE: While there has been a lot of discussion of the bay, particularly
Balboa Island, the ocean -facing areas have been largely ignored.
Yes — FEMA —National Flood
Yes — NFIP through the
Insurance Program (NFIP) —
Community Rating System
Voluntary by City
(CRS)
DEVELOP AN OCEAN PLAN: Develop a plan to deal with sea level rise along the ocean front
Yes
Yes
that avoids armoring and supports natural treatments including deep beaches and dunes. The
plan should include a schematic for the use of dredging spoils, particularly from the Santa Ana
River. (NR 5.1 Dredging Projects)
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June 13, 2016