Climate Change

Goal CP-2:

A resilient and fossil fuel free energy system.

Intent:

To reduce energy related greenhouse gas emissions as well as improve local air quality and public health.

Policy CP-2.1: Maintain Peninsula Clean Energy membership.

Maintain City membership in Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE) and continue to work to maintain a high level of private property owner participation in PCE. 

Policy CP-2.2: Reduce emissions associated with natural gas infrastructure.

Partner with the Pacific Gas and Electric Company to develop options for reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with the existing natural gas grid. 

Policy CP-2.3: Develop community solar projects.

Explore the development of community solar projects.

Policy CP-2.4: Install energy resilience infrastructure.

Provide energy resilience via back-up energy systems, microgrids, and other measures that serve the community during emergency events, particularly supporting disadvantaged communities, including considering creating a financial incentive program for existing and new solar/battery backup system installations. 

Policy CP-2.5: Coordinate with Pacific Gas and Electric Public Safety Power Shutoffs.

Work with the Pacific Gas and Electric Company to minimize the impacts of Public Safety Power Shutoffs and to prevent utility shutoff during extreme heat events.

Goal CP-3:

Green buildings are the standard in South San Francisco for new construction and major renovations.

Intent:

To create sustainable high-performance buildings that operate using carbon-free electricity and consume fewer resources.

Policy CP-3.1: Building code maintenance for new and major renovations (energy efficiency).

Regularly update South San Francisco’s building codes to improve the energy performance of new construction and major remodels and to phase in requirements in predicable ways.

• Action CP-3.1.1: Incentivize energy efficient new construction.

  Provide incentives to encourage new construction to exceed California’s Building Energy Efficiency Standards outlined in Title 24, Part 6.

• Action CP-3.1.2: Require non-residential all-electric new construction.

  Adopt an ordinance (reach code) requiring all new nonresidential buildings to be all-electric and prohibit new gas infrastructure for new buildings.  Exempt occupancies must install electric building systems (e.g., space and water heating equipment) where feasible.

• Action CP-3.1.3: Retrofit all-electric in existing buildings during major renovations.

  Require residential major renovations to retrofit to all-electric.

• Action CP-3.1.4: Require installation of photovoltaic panels.

  Require installation of photovoltaic panels on multifamily and nonresidential new construction.

Policy CP-3.2: Building code maintenance for new and major renovations (water efficiency).

Regularly update the City’s building codes to improve the water efficiency of new construction and major renovation.

• Action CP-3.2.1: Require high-efficiency indoor water fixture.

  Require high-efficiency fixtures in all new construction, like CALGreen Tier 1 or 2.

• Action CP-3.2.2: Update landscaping water requirements.

  Require all new landscaping to use low-water plants and efficient irrigation, planting native and non-native species that provide valuable resources for native wildlife.

Policy CP-3.3: Encourage the addition of battery storage.

Establish a streamlined approval process for battery storage systems and reduce or eliminate permitting fees to encourage the addition of battery storage.

Policy CP-3.4: Adopt Electric Vehicle charging reach code.

Adopt higher electric vehicle charging requirements than CALGreen for multifamily and nonresidential new construction.

For related policies and implementation actions related to landscape design standards, see Goal ES-5.

Goal CP-4:

The performance of existing buildings in South San Francisco is improved.

Intent:

To reduce energy and water use in existing buildings, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions and utility costs.

Policy CP-4.1: Establish efficiency upgrade programs.

Establish an energy and water efficiency upgrade program for existing buildings, focusing resources on the most disadvantaged communities.

• Action CP-4.1.1: Energy audits for homes and businesses.

  Work with Peninsula Clean Energy, San Mateo County Energy Upgrade to provide free to low-cost energy audits.

• Action CP-4.1.2: Adopt Commercial Benchmarking ordinance.

  Adopt energy and water benchmarking ordinance for commercial buildings over 10,000 square feet to empower owners to control utility costs.

• Action CP-4.1.3: Retrocommissioning partnership.

  Work with PG&E to expand deep retrofit and retrocommissioning programs in South San Francisco.

Policy CP-4.2: Prepare a Building Electrification Plan.

Develop a date certain, phased-in Existing Building Electrification Plan to retrofit existing homes and businesses to all electric.

• Action CP-4.2.1: Require electric panel upgrade at point of sale.

  Adopt an ordinance that requires electric panel upgrades upon sale and/or rental turnover.

• Action CP-4.2.2: Adopt Burnout Ordinance.

  Adopt a Burnout Ordinance that requires a gas appliance (e.g., stove or furnace) be replaced with an electric version when it stops working.

Goal CP-5:

Improve the environmental efficiencies and performance of municipal buildings, facilities, landscaping, and parks in South San Francisco.

Intent:

To promote the environmental health and capture economic co-benefits, the design, construction, and operations of all City-owned buildings and facilities including parks and landscapes to promote leadership in green building and site design practices.

Policy CP-5.1: Require minimum of LEED silver rating or equivalent for new buildings.

Require all new municipal buildings and facilities to meet a minimum LEED silver rating as certified by the US Green Building Council or equivalent green building rating system. Require feasibility studies for zero net energy use, on-site renewable energy generation, and on-site batteries.

Policy CP-5.2: Benchmark environmental performance of municipal buildings and facilities.

Regularly benchmark the environmental performance of municipal buildings, landscaping, parks and facilities. 

Policy CP-5.3: Municipal building retrofits and operational changes.

To reduce operating and maintenance costs, use the benchmarking data to identify opportunities for environmental performance improvements through audits, retro-commissioning, and building retrofits. 

Policy CP-5.4: Require75% waste diversion for municipal construction and demolition projects.

Require municipal construction projects to achieve 75% waste diversion from the landfill. 

Policy CP-5.5: Energy resilience of municipal buildings.

Require municipal building and facility new construction and major renovation projects to evaluate the feasibility of incorporating onsite batteries that store electricity from onsite renewable energy generation to supply the building and community with electricity in the event of a disaster. 

Policy CP-5.6: Electric vehicle chargers at municipal facilities.

Seek opportunities to install additional electric vehicle chargers at suitable public facilities, including Downtown parking structures and community and regional parks.

For related policies and implementation actions related to building and facility maintenance, see Goals ECS-3 and PR-8.

Goal CP-6:

The City continues to divert organics from landfill in accordance with State targets.

Intent:

To meet the requirements of SB 1383 Short-Lived Climate Pollutants Act and reduce greenhouse gas emissions related to landfilled waste as well as cultivate behavior change around resource consumption.

Policy CP-6.1: Maintain and update Waste Reduction Plan.

Maintain and regularly update the City’s waste reduction plans and programs to ensure consistency with California’s waste reduction goals. 

• Action CP-6.1.1: Adopt a Zero-waste plan.

  Adopt an SB 1383 compliant zero-waste plan for municipal operations and the community that includes: 

• Mandatory residential and commercial recycling and collection of organics/food waste.
• Mandatory commercial edible food recovery program (per MOU with San Mateo County Office of Sustainability).
• Update trash enclosure space and access requirements based on hauler recommendations to accommodate all waste streams (e.g., recycling, trash, and organics).

• Action CP-6.1.2: SSF Scavenger partnership.

  Continue to work with SSF Scavenger to ensure implement waste reduction targets.

• Action CP-6.1.3: Establish waste reduction compliance pathways.

  Establish compliance pathways and enforcement mechanisms for mandatory organics and food waste diversion. 

Policy CP-6.2: Educational outreach about waste diversion.

Develop education and technical assistance programs to help all residents and businesses to compost and recycle.

Policy CP-6.3: Modify waste rate structures.

Explore modifying waste rate structures to encourage efficiency in future franchise agreements.  

Policy CP-6.4: Establish City green purchasing program.

Establish a green purchasing program for City of South San Francisco.

Goal CP-8:

The South San Francisco – San Bruno Water Quality Control Plant is a model for sustainable, resilient operations.

Intent:

To reduce municipal operational greenhouse gas emissions as well as provide capacity for organics diversion and generate renewable biogas.

Policy CP-8.1: Evaluate system efficiency.

Continuously evaluate and, as appropriate, replace systems at the wastewater treatment plant to reduce energy use. 

Policy CP-8.2: Explore renewable biogas production.

Explore additional capacity to generate, capture, and reuse biogas generated by the plant as power.

Policy CP-8.3: Explore recycled water supply.

Explore options for delivering non-potable, recycled water for cooling towers, processes, and irrigation in East of 101 (e.g., flow pipe water). 

Goal CR-1:

The City proactively advances community resilience and is prepared for all hazards, including climate disruption.

Intent:

To increase preparedness and resilience to respond to and recover from the shocks or stresses that impact South San Francisco through regional, countywide, and cross jurisdictional collaboration and proactive planning and assessment. To adopt the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan by reference, consistent with California Assembly Bill 2140.

Policy CR-1.1: Prioritize the needs of vulnerable populations.

Prioritize the needs of disadvantaged communities affected disproportionately by hazards and disasters. Engage disadvantaged communities in identifying potential hazards and program responses and priorities through the Community Emergency Response Team and promotores programs.

Policy CR-1.2: Participate in regional hazard planning initiatives.

Participate in collaborative hazard planning and preparedness work.

• Action CR-1.2.1: Continue funding regional sea level rise and flood protection agency.

  Continue to fund and contribute to the San Mateo County Flood and Sea Level Rise Resiliency District.

• Action CR-1.2.2. Coordinate utility redundancy.

  Continue to work with regional water and energy agencies to ensure redundant water and energy supplies in case of an emergency.

Policy CR-1.3: Mainstream municipal climate preparedness planning and assessment.

Implement climate preparedness planning across City departments, programs, and operations.

• Action CR-1.3.1: Participate in the countywide Hazard Mitigation Plan.

  Actively participate in the San Mateo County Hazard Mitigation Plan maintenance protocols and County-wide initiatives. Adopt the Hazard Mitigation Plan by reference upon update. Update emergency operations plans and protocols to account for regularly updated hazard information.

• Action CR-1.3.2: Conduct municipal building and facility sea level rise studies.

  Conduct site-specific vulnerability assessments of municipal buildings and facilities at risk to sea level rise and flooding, including the Water Quality Control Plant and Oyster Point Marina.

• Action CR-1.3.3: Require multi-hazard real estate disclosure.

  Enact an ordinance to require real estate disclosures of all hazards identified in the Hazard Mitigation Plan, including hazards associated with anticipatory sea level rise and flooding, geologic hazards, groundwater inundation, or wildfire for commercial and residential properties, including ownership and rental.

Policy CR-1.4: Develop and maintain resilient infrastructure standards.

Periodically adjust infrastructure design standards to address asset-specific vulnerabilities associated with the hazards.

Policy CR-1.5: Require capital projects in high hazard areas to adhere to risk assessment guidance.

As part of the capital planning and budgeting process, require all projects located within high hazard areas and sea level rise inundation zones to adhere to risk assessment guidance and identify appropriate resilience strategies.

Policy CR-1.6: Continually strengthen emergency management and operations.

Continually strengthen emergency management capacity and coordination with the San Mateo County Emergency Operations Center.

• Action CR-1.6.1: Develop a resiliency hub program.

  Develop a resiliency hub program to help community members with disaster planning assistance and supplies.

• Action CR-1.6.2: Upgrade the Emergency Operations Center.

  Add second floor to the City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and a warehouse to store supplies to support the city in the event of a disaster. Ensure the EOC has the necessary capabilities and can continue operations after all future hazards.

• Action CR-1.6.3: Establish a resilience education program.

  Establish a community resilience education program in collaboration with San Mateo County and local community partners. Work with the Community Emergency Response Team and promotores programs to disseminate the information.

• Action CR-1.6.4: Identify locations for post-disaster emergency housing.

  Identify locations for emergency housing, siting locations in areas with lower hazard risk.

• Action CR-1.6.5: Maintain evaluation route plans.

  Maintain and communicate evacuation route plans for businesses and residents.

Policy CR-1.7: Expand Community Emergency Response Team.

Continue expanding the reach of the Community Emergency Response Team program to strengthen community cohesion and emergency preparedness through community engagement efforts.

Action CR-1.7.1: Foster Community Emergency Response Team – Promotores collaboration.

Work closely with the promotores program to deepen and expand relationships and partnerships with community members and organizations that serve diverse South San Francisco community members including those who do not speak English as their first language, the Latinx, and faith-based communities. Collaboration can serve to identify needs and solutions and communicate on programs.

• Action CR-1.7.2: Increase Community Emergency Response Team outreach in community.

  Target outreach for South San Francisco CERT offerings in specific South San Francisco neighborhoods, such as Downtown.

• Action CR-1.7.3: Expand Community Emergency Response Team outreach at the library.

  Partner with library to ensure that key populations have access to information about Community Emergency Response Team and other South San Francisco programs and resources.

Policy CR-1.8: Enhance post-disaster recovery planning.

Ensure the city is ready for post-disaster recovery through proactive planning.

• Action CR-1.8.1: Prepare a post-disaster recovery plan.

  Create a post-disaster recovery framework that establishes post-disaster policies and programs designating when, where, and how rebuilding will occur.

• Action CR-1.8.2: Adopt post-disaster repair standards for existing buildings.

  Develop and adopt special repair and upgrade standards for existing buildings, in the case of post-disaster reconstruction and/or conversion to mixed use or more compact residential use.

Policy CR-1.9: Assess needs and resources for future pandemic response.

Regularly assess needs and identify resources to prepare for pandemic response.

Goal CR-2:

A resilient community that protects existing and future development and people from sea level rise and flooding.

Intent:

Through a continuum of adaptation solutions, including constructing levees / seawalls, expanding green infrastructure, and elevating new development, the City collaborates with federal, State, and regional agencies to develop comprehensive solutions to sea level rise and flooding.

Policy CR-2.1: Use best available sea level rise projections.

Use the best available science for sea level rise projections from the State and regional efforts in accordance with the State of California Sea Level Rise Guidance. Define the lifespan of development for temporary structures, residential or commercial structures, and critical infrastructure. Identify the range of sea level rise projections for the site and evaluate the potential impacts based on the project type and risk tolerances.

Policy CR-2.2: Implement a variety of adaptation solutions.

Pursue a comprehensive shoreline management plan that uses a variety of adaptation solutions to protect the shoreline and enhance ecosystem resilience.

• Action CR-2.2.1: Pursue shoreline protection for existing and future development.

  Continue ongoing collaboration with the US Army Corps of Engineers to protect existing and future development by raising levees or seawalls in accordance with the Continuing Authorities Program Study. Implement any future City-prepared sea level rise adaptation plan for the Oyster Point Marina and landfill.

• Action CR-2.2.2: Use nature-based solutions for ecosystem resilience.

  Explore nature-based solutions appropriate for the South San Francisco shoreline, particularly at the mouth of Colma Creek, to provide protection for the built environment and ecosystems.

Policy CR-2.3: Use green infrastructure to reduce flooding.

Prioritize green infrastructure in the Colma Creek watershed to reduce flooding in developed areas through continually updated site-specific design guidelines, low impact development, and design standards for public infrastructure projects.

Policy CR-2.4: Site municipal buildings and facilities at higher elevations.

Site new municipal buildings, facilities, and critical infrastructure at higher elevations, consistent with the State of California Sea Level Rise Guidance.

• Action CR-2.4.1: Conduct Fire Station 61 and 62 relocation feasibility study.

  Evaluate the feasibility of relocating Fire Station 61 and 62 outside of the flood zone.

Policy CR-2.5: Require floodproofing for new development in sea level rise inundation zones.

Require new development to account for sea level rise in all project applications. This includes:

• Identifying areas of a parcel subject to flooding by type of flooding, including inundation, creek, and groundwater and by the potential depth of flooding. 
• Raising base floor elevation above the Federal Emergency Management Agency Base Flood Elevation to include sea level rise projections expected for the lifetime of the project. 
• Locating mechanical equipment, such as boilers, chillers, and air handlers for ventilation on the roof to ensure operation during flooding.
• As needed, implement additional adaptation measures or pathways based on the sea level rise projections, project type, and risk tolerance.

Policy CR-2.6: Require redevelopment in sea level rise inundation zones to adhere to sea level rise policies.

For redevelopment where demolition, renovation, or replacement is greater than 50% and the project is within a sea level rise inundation zone, allow additions and improvements if an entire structure is brought into conformance with the City’s current sea level policies.

Policy CR-2.7: Require rebuilding of flood-damaged properties to meet sea level rise policies.

Allow redevelopment of properties that have sustained damage and for which a flood insurance claim has been filed if brought into conformance with the current sea level rise policies.

Policy CR-2.8: Partner with public and quasi-public agencies to minimize the impacts of sea level rise.

Partner with regional agencies to evaluate and address sea level rise and flooding on critical infrastructure, including but not limited to:

• With Pacific Gas & Electric and Peninsula Clean Energy to assess vulnerability of electricity and natural gas infrastructure.
• With Caltrans and neighboring jurisdictions on measures to protect US-101.
• With Caltrain and BART on measures to protect the rail corridors.
• With the regional groundwater study to understand how and where groundwater change may impact future development and infrastructure.

Policy CR-2.9: Prioritize landward relocation of the Bay Trail realignment after flooding.

In the event of damage to the San Francisco Bay Trail, prioritize landward relocation of the trail’s alignment and avoid the installation of any types of hard shoreline protection structures.

Policy CR-2.10: Explore sea level rise adaptation financing options.

Explore financial incentives and fee programs to implement nature-based and conventional physical adaptation, including a Development Impact Fee Program, Community Facilities District, and repeat flooding buyout program.

Goal CR-3:

A transformed Colma Creek.

Intent:

To improve Colma Creek through a comprehensive strategy that mitigates flooding and sea level rise, restores native ecologies, and increases access to and along the creek.

Policy CR-3.1: Develop Colma Creek adaptation solutions.

Continue to work with San Mateo County Flood and Sea Level Rise Resiliency District on developing and implementing adaptation options for Colma Creek. Restore creek ecologies and create transitional habitat zones to build resilience and ecosystem services.

• Action CR-3.1.1: Implement Colma Creek adaptation pilot.

  Develop a program to work with public and private landowners to decrease the risk of flooding by implementing engineered and nature-based shoreline protection projects in coordination with watershed management projects that reduce and/or store runoff during rainfall events and improve the condition of the flood plain.

• For related policies and implementation actions related to Colma Creek resilience, see Goal ES-3.

Goal ES-1:

The City supports nature in South San Francisco to encourage healthy ecosystems, improve air and water quality, improve public health, and adapt to a changing climate.

Intent:

To foster urban ecology in South San Francisco including open space and connectivity, habitat diversity, urban forestry, planting and vegetation, and land and vegetation management. 

Policy ES-1.1: Develop a connected open space network.

Continue to develop a system of well-connected parks and open spaces to support biodiversity, enable the movement of wildlife, and increase climate resilience.

Policy ES-1.2: Strive for habitat diversity across the city.

Strive for habitat diversity ranging from coastal wetlands and marshes to upland habitats.

Policy ES-1.3: Create a connected network of wildlife corridors.

Transform Colma Creek, implement the City’s Urban Forest Master Plan, and manage the Bay Trail and Centennial Way to create a connected network of wildlife corridors.

Policy ES-1.4: Plant for biodiversity.

Discourage the use of invasive non-native plantings in landscape areas across the city, working with regional agencies and local nurseries to educate residents and employers in removing non-native plant species and instead using native species. 

• Action ES-1.4.1: Manage vegetation at parks and open space for biodiversity.

  Manage vegetation at parks and open spaces in South San Francisco to support biodiversity by reducing pesticide use, reducing light pollution, reducing non-native species, and planting native species that provide valuable resources for native wildlife and to increase resilience. 

Policy ES-1.5: Conduct equity assessments for conservation efforts.

Assess conservation efforts for distributions of benefits and burdens to diverse and marginalized communities (both geographically bounded and identity-based), including implications for environmental and public health. Engage communities in decision-making about programs and priorities.

For related policies and implementation actions related to urban forestry, landscape design, and recreational programming about ecology and environmental stewardship, see Goals ES-4, ES-5, and PR-9.

Goal ES-5:

Landscape design standards for new development enhance habitat quality, reduce water use, and support a diverse ecosystem.

Intent:

To discourage the use of invasive, non-native plantings in landscape areas across the city, encourage waterwise planting, and encourage innovation and ecosystem resilience in landscape design.

Policy ES-5.1: Remove invasive species.

Prohibit invasive species identified on the California Invasive Plant Council list in new construction and landscape renovations.

Policy ES-5.2: Control and manage invasive plants found on site.

Use best management practices during construction and subsequent site maintenance to manage and control invasive species found on site, including clearing infested areas prior to construction, planting native seed from a local source, and avoiding seed dispersal through construction equipment use.

Policy ES-5.3: Use a waterwise planting palette during new construction

During new construction and landscape renovations, prioritize xeriscaping, low-water-use plants, and native plants, minimizing the total area of high-water-use plants (e.g., turf and water features). 

• Action ES-5.3.1: Update the planting guidelines.

  Evaluate and update existing guidelines for landscape design and planting to support native species and non-native species that provide valuable resources for native wildlife and reduce water use. 

Policy ES-5.4: Preserve native plants during construction.

During new construction or landscape renovations, preserve portions of a lot largely occupied by native species. Replace non-native vegetation with natives except when the non-native vegetation support habitat particularly useful to native wildlife.

Policy ES-5.5: Plant using a multi-layered cluster to support wildlife.

Design plantings in multi-layered clusters, placing groundcover, shrub, and tree canopy layers in the same area to support wildlife.

Policy ES-5.6: Create pollinator habitats in medians and landscapes.

Continue to create pollinator habitats in medians and landscapes to act as pollinator islands to give respite to wildlife going from the coastal range to San Bruno Mountain.

Policy ES-5.7: Discourage herbicide and pesticide use.

Discourage the use of herbicides and pesticides.

Policy ES-5.8: Design irrigation systems for water conservation.

Install weather- or soil moisture-based irrigation controllers in all new development. Cluster plants together with similar water requirements to conserve water. Use the Water Use Classification of Landscape Species (WUCOLS) ratings to establish watering needs. 

Policy ES-5.9: Encourage alternative irrigation water sources.

Encourage on-site rainwater harvesting and graywater systems for irrigation. Periodically study feasibility for delivering non-potable, recycled water from the South San Francisco – San Bruno Water Quality Control Plant, Orange Memorial Park Stormwater Capture Project, or similar. 

Goal ES-8:

Clean and sustainable groundwater.

Intent:

To promote sustainable city practices that alleviate water shortages and ensure access to a clean and sustainable groundwater supply. 

Policy ES-8.1: Optimize groundwater recharge in new development.

Continue to optimize groundwater recharge from new and redevelopment projects by infiltrating stormwater in accordance with State, regional, and local requirements.

Policy ES-8.2: Implement potable water demand reduction measures.

Continue to update and implement the South San Francisco Urban Water Management Plan demand reduction measures to reduce groundwater pumping in the Westside Basin and to increase resilience to climate change.

For related policies and implementation actions related to urban forestry, see Goal ES-4.

Goal MOB-4:

South San Francisco’s land use and transportation actions reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and greenhouse gas emissions.

Intent:

To curb greenhouse gas emissions and support mode shift to transit, active transportation, and carpooling.

Policy MOB-4.1: Increase substantially the proportion of travel using modes other than driving alone.

• Action MOB-4.1.1: Use site plan review to improve connectivity.

  Use the development review process to identify opportunities to enhance bicycle, pedestrian, and transit connectivity.

• Action MOB-4.1.2: Expand transit service.

  Continue collaboration with Caltrain, SamTrans, Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA), and shuttle providers to scale service levels in growing areas. Consider independently operated transit services to fill regional transit gaps.

• Action MOB-4.1.3: Leverage employee transit subsidies.

  Leverage private sector subsidies of transit fares to support BART, Caltrain, SamTrans, and Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA) ridership.

• Action MOB-4.1.4: Incorporate first/last-mile connections.

  Incorporate first/last mile bus, shuttle, and active transportation connections between employment hubs and regional transit stations.

Policy MOB-4.2: Embrace innovation.

Prepare the City for changes to transportation technology (such as autonomous vehicles and micromobility) and incorporate such innovations into projects when appropriate and where feasible.

Goal PE-4:

Infrastructure investments support job access, job growth, and address climate hazards impacting South San Francisco businesses.

Intent:

To ensure that transportation and other infrastructure investments support South San Francisco’s workforce and major employment destinations by expanding accessibility and reducing the impacts of sea level rise and other hazards on industrial and commercial lands.

Policy PE-4.1: Improve regional access to quality jobs.

Support improvements to the transit and transportation network that increase access by South San Francisco residents to middle- and high-wage jobs within the city and region. Refer to the Mobility Element of the General Plan for related policies and actions.

Policy PE-4.2: Encourage growth near transit.

Encourage job and housing growth near the BART and Caltrain stations. Refer to the Mobility Element and Land Use Element of the General Plan for related actions.

Policy PE-4.3: Provide enhanced multimodal commute options.

Continue collaborating with other City departments and regional transportation agencies to provide enhanced multimodal commute options.

• Action 4.3.1: Expand transit and active transportation alternatives.

  Maintain efforts to coordinate across departments and agencies to share business concerns about the need for expanded alternatives to automobile access to businesses, including improved bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure and support for regional public transportation improvements.

Policy PE-4.4: Mitigate the risk of sea level rise.

Explore funding mechanisms to make investments to mitigate the risk of sea level rise.

• Action 4.4.1: Partner with impacted property owners.

  Partner with impacted property owners to explore potential mitigations and funding mechanisms for mitigating the risk of sea level rise; communicate property owner responsibilities to protect their own properties.

• Action 4.4.2: Regional collaboration.

  Monitor and join (as appropriate) regional/state efforts to fund and address mitigations for the impacts of climate change and sea level rise.

Goal SA-24:

Colma Creek is transformed and new open spaces are created to provide opportunities for social interaction, recreation, flood protection, and urban ecology.

Intent:

To create a vibrant, walkable Colma Creek that is usable by everyone in South San Francisco.

Policy SA-24.1: Transform Colma Creek into a walkable amenity.

Transform Colma Creek into a walkable amenity for all users by improving sidewalk conditions and incorporating lighting, public art, street furniture, street trees, and landscaping.

Policy SA-24.2: Create development standards for construction adjacent to Colma Creeks.

Maintain standards and guidelines for new construction within 150 feet of the inner edge of the Colma Creek canal. This includes: 

• Requiring no net new impervious areas.
• Maintaining (or increasing) building setbacks to support habitat areas.
• Encouraging new construction to construct bioswales or similar features to treat runoff before it enters the creek:
• Using a planting palette consisting of native species and species that provide valuable resources for native wildlife.

Policy SA-24.3: Promote high-quality building design.

Promote high-quality building design along Colma Creek.