Goal CR-2

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.