Land Use Planning and Climate Adaptation Planning

    
2009 California Climate Adaptation Strategy
California’s Resource for Global Climate Change Information page 24-25 
   
Land use decisions are a central component of preparing for and minimizing climate change impacts. In order for California to succeed with its adaptation strategies, local and regional governments and planning efforts must be integral parts of the adaptation process.

Many, if not most, land use decisions in California are made at the local level and increasingly at the regional level. Decisions made by cities and counties through general plan and local planning processes direct local land uses. Given the long-range view of general plans, cities and counties should consider how a changing climate and environment will affect nearly all aspects of general plans and long-term development.

Through the implementation of Senate Bill 375 (Steinberg; Chapter 728, Statutes 2008) Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) will have greater influence on planning efforts and outcomes at the regional and local level. Regional Transportation Plans, due to SB 375, developed through a “Sustainable Communities Strategy” will have to take into account GHG reduction measures related to land use and transportation, identify the general location of uses, residential densities, and building intensities within the region, and identify areas within the region sufficient to house all the population of the region. The state plays a role in local development patterns through the development and funding of the state transportation system, the siting requirements for school facilities and other infrastructure projects and funding mechanisms.

Development decisions along the coast, in floodplains or at the wildland-urban interface will impact the ability of the state to adapt to climate change impacts. Decisions related to urban forestry, the connectivity of biological reserves, and the routing of roads and other infrastructure also play a role in implementing state adaptation strategies. Local land use planning should be cognizant of the growing risks from climate change as well as the land-use related needs to implement effective adaptation strategies. To the extent local land use is coordinated with regional, state and federal adaptation strategies, impacts from climate change are likely to be minimized, and in turn have less significant effects on local communities. The long-term vision and development goals of general plans should therefore address climate change as soon as possible. Coordination and consultation mechanisms need to be established or strengthened to ensure local, state, and other jurisdictions do not work at cross- purposes (see cross-jurisdictional coordination above).

In order to accurately address the vulnerability, resilience, and future growth of areas prone to climate change impacts, a city or county should take three distinct steps:

First, cities and counties should use information provided by state and federal agencies about where climate change could impact the human and natural systems including risks affecting public safety and emergency response. The CalAdapt mapping tools will offer a preliminary review of impacts by specific location. This could be used to focus local planning on areas vulnerable to climate change impacts such as floodplains, coastal areas, and fire hazard areas. Critical infrastructure such as roads, power lines, and water/wastewater pipelines that may be affected by climate change should be identified.

Second, planning organizations should recognize climate impacts that may affect federal, state or local parks, as these systems offer valuable recreational opportunities critical to the well being of all communities. Third, sources of water that may be reduced by increased temperatures and decreased Sierra snowpack-dependent reservoir storage should be identified.

Once these potential areas have been identified, cities and counties should focus, when appropriate, on areas that are particularly vulnerable to climate change. Using the best available resources, local governments should note which areas can or cannot withstand changes in sea level, water use, temperature, and other climate change impacts. Areas that cannot withstand changes can be prioritized by potential safety risks, potential biological or natural impacts, or other factors. The local government should determine which areas will need the most attention to avert these risks. The 2009 California Climate Adaptation Strategy can be a valuable resource in making these determinations if effective adaptation planning tools are continually developed.

There are a number of ways to address climate change impacts. For future land use decisions, general plan amendments may be needed. Safety risks may be outlined and mitigated in a Local Hazard Mitigation Plan. To address public infrastructure, a public works plan may be needed. A climate action plan may be used to prioritize actions that are immediately needed and which actions can be implemented over time.

One tool that has been successful in helping to bring together many levels of government to look at long range planning on the regional and local scale is the California Regional Blueprints Program. Through the development of scenario-based integrated plans, regions and local governments can develop different planning scenarios that achieve a variety of objectives and goals, including GHG reduction and climate change adaptation. Further, the blueprint planning process can help identify areas vulnerable to climate change and identify ways to address those vulnerabilities in an integrated and comprehensive manner. Another tool that can regionally integrate different levels of government around climate adaptation is through the Department of Conservation’s Statewide Watershed Program.

As the state works to meet its GHG reduction goals, adapt and plan for climate change impacts, and restore the economy, the entire state, including all levels of government, non-profits, businesses, private property owners and the general population should, when appropriate, evaluate how and where critical infrastructure is developed, what types of structures are allowed to be built in certain locations, and how to best protect natural resources.

Finally, more and more infrastructure projects will need to account for climate change impacts to the project. Currently, to the extent required by CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.2, all significant state projects, including infrastructure projects, must consider the potential impacts of locating such projects in areas susceptible to hazards resulting from climate change. Section 15126.2 is currently being proposed for revision by CNRA to direct lead agencies to evaluate the impacts of locating development in areas susceptible to hazardous conditions, including hazards potentially exacerbated by climate change. Locating state projects in such areas may require additional guidance that in part depends on planning tools that the CAS recommendations call for.

Near-Term Actions:

a.)  Revise Section 15126.2 of the CEQA guidelines to direct lead agencies to evaluate the impacts of locating development in areas susceptible to hazardous conditions, including hazards potentially exacerbated by climate change.

b.)  Incorporate climate adaptation considerations into the Strategic Growth Council and Sustainable Community Strategy processes to ensure incentives are provided to communities that are most vulnerable and are preparing for climate change impacts.


Impacts of Sea Level Rise on the California Coast: MAP 
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