Landscape Ordinance Update Project (CAP Measures W-1.2/A-1.2): Staff is currently preparing a Landscaping Ordinance update to implement 40% water conservation in outdoor landscaping from 2014 levels as described by CAP Measure W-1.2, and new requirements for tree planting in new single-family homes as described by CAP Measure A-1.2. This effort will include updates to the County’s Water Efficient Landscape Design Manual that will include information on water conservation strategies such as using recycled water and greywater to irrigate drought-tolerant and native landscaping. Public review of the proposed ordinance amendment and draft supporting documents will occur from February 14 - March 14, 2020. Documents are available here. 

Local Direct Investment Project (CAP Measure T-4.1): Staff are currently beginning the development of a County Local Direct Investment Program as described by CAP Measure T-4.1. This program may include projects in the transportation, energy, waste, water, conservation, and agriculture sectors and will provide the County with an adaptive management tool to reduce greenhouse gas emissions throughout the county in order to meet the established 2030 GHG reduction target.

Transportation Demand Management and Shared/Reduced Parking Ordinances (CAP Measures T-2.2 and T-2.4): Staff are researching the applicability of strategies that reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) by encouraging carpooling, vanpools, biking, telecommuting, and others, and increase the efficiency of parking in the unincorporated area. These strategies will be considered as staff develops the TDM and Shared Parking Ordinance which will ultimately reduce new non-residential development VMT in accordance with CAP Measures T-2.2 and T-2.4 and contribute towards the County’s 2030 emissions reductions targets.

Solid Waste Ordinance (Organics) Update (CAP Measure SW-1.1): To implement the County’s Strategic Plan to Reduce Waste and increase solid waste diversion to 80% by 2030, staff is working to revise the Regulatory Code and Zoning Ordinance to support the collection and processing of organic materials. This effort will contribute to diverting additional food and organic materials, construction and demolition materials, and other waste annually by 2025.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Update: Staff are preparing to collect data that will be used to update the County’s existing CAP Greenhouse Gas Inventory. This inventory update will provide information about emissions reductions achieved since the CAP’s 2014 baseline and can be compared to 2020, 2030, and 2050 emissions projections identified in the CAP.  

2019 CAP Annual Monitoring Report: The CAP team released the first CAP Annual Monitoring Report in September 2019 and right away began coordinating with several County departments to collect updated data and stories for the next report . The 2019 Annual Monitoring Report will include CAP implementation highlights and greenhouse gas reductions metrics for the ten CAP measures that contribute towards the County’s 2020 emissions reduction target and is expected to be published in the fall of 2020.