This document discusses sustainability in discretionary review processes. It highlights the environmental risks of climate change and over-reliance on fossil fuels. It examines how sustainable various cities are and provides tools for conducting sustainability reviews of plans, policies, regulations and development projects. These include impact modeling, checklist and guidelines. The document also outlines best practices for adapting to changing conditions, becoming self-sufficient and solving larger problems. It provides examples from the City of San Diego's general plan and sustainability efforts.

1. Sustainability in Discretionary Review Greening Our Decisions Nancy Bragado, AICP Kathleen A. Garcia, FASLA LEED AP

3. Increasing threats to local communities posed by climate change and economic instability

4. Degradation of natural resources caused by urbanization and land development practices

7. Review of existing plans, policies, and regulations

8. Evaluation of land use patterns and infrastructure systems

9. Level 2(Quantitative):Impact modeling of existing land use, zoning, and future land use plans (e.g., INDEX by Criterion Planners)

10. Carbon footprint /greenhouse gas emissions

11. Energy consumption

12. Stormwater runoff and nonpoint source pollution

13. Traffic impact modeling

14. Fiscal impact modeling

16. Effects of Climate Change How do planners deal with…. Sea Level rise, land use vulnerability Migration of disease, increased ailments Habitat loss and shift of temperature & rainfall zones affecting growing areas Increased pests and pathogens Wildfire and hurricanes increase Source: http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/sustainability/images/greenhouse_effect.jpg

17. Effects of Hydrologic Change How do planners deal with…. Flooding vulnerability Glacial and snowpack retreat Drought increases Drinking water loss Shift of rainfall zones affecting growing areas science.hq.nasa.gov/oceans/images/water_cycle.jpg

18. Effects of Biomass Change How do planners deal with…. Loss of valuable habitat Loss of critical species Increased impervious surfaces Lack of natural cover Windstorms, sandstorms, dustbowl effect

19. How do we….? Adapt to changing conditions Influence trends to improve practice

20. Discretionary Review Process

21. Discretionary Review Tools The Comprehensive or General Plan Zoning Codes, Development Codes Conditional Use Permits & Variances Planned Unit Development Development Agreements Design Review Environmental Documentation (NEPA or local equivalent)

25. Promote transit oriented development

26. Permit narrow streets

27. Limit parking maximums

28. Address streetscape or building designLocal Government Commission

29. Sustainable Community Development Code Framework Rocky Mountain Land Use Institute / Clarion Associates http://www.clarionassociates.com

30. Remove obstacles – Incentives - Standards Rocky Mountain Land Use Institute / Clarion Associates

31. Design Review policy review “Nautilus Earthship”, Taos, NM

32. Green Buildings Rating System LEED US Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design Rating System

33. policy review LEED ND – Neighborhood Development Smart Location & Linkages Neighborhood Pattern & Design Green Construction and Technology Innovation and Design Process Quarry Falls, Sudberry Properties

34. best practices Sustainable Project Attributes Adapting to conditions and influencing best practice Self sufficiency in regard to resources Solving larger urban problems outside of project boundaries

35. 1. Adapting to Conditions Sea level change and coastal erosion Protection from floods and levee stresses Increased wildfire risk Growing demands for water supply

36. 2. Self Sufficiency best practices Water and Energy harvesting Storm water management Appropriate horticulture Wise materials (local, renewable, recycled) Wise systems (low water, low energy)

37. 3. Solving Larger Urban Problems Heat island reduction Carbon sequestration through urban forests Public Health – no child left inside Environmental justice and equity for all Economic stimulus

38. Planning for Sustainability Nancy Bragado City of San Diego Principal Planner

39. City of San Diego General Plan Comprehensive plan for growth and development Smart growth approach tailored for San Diego Relies on infill development to meet City’s needs Sustainability policies integrated throughout plan

40. General Plan Addresses California’s Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 Reduce state’s global warming emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 Will help implement 2008 legislation (SB 375) Reduce GHG through land use and transportation planning

41. GHG Inventory Project Results www.sandiego.edu/epic

42. GHG Inventory Project Results www.sandiego.edu/epic GHG Emissions for San Diego County (2006)

43. General Plan: Land Use as a Sustainability Strategy Population is growing How to plan for growth responsibly and to achieve sustainability goals? City of Villages strategy Links land use and transit planning Distinctive, mixed use villages Pedestrian oriented Interconnected streets Local destinations (stores, services, parks, schools) Connected to transit Distinctive public places

45. Village Propensity Map Village Propensity Map

46. Mobility StrategiesCars and trucks produce 46% of GHG emissions in San Diego County Transit/Land Use Coordination Multi-modal solutions Walkable communities Bicycle facilities Streets and freeways Transit and transit-orientation Parking management Transportation management Toolboxes allow for tailored solutions Regional Collaboration

48. Parking Toolbox:Supply and Demand Strategies Supply Re-stripe streets for diagonal parking Community parking facilities Adjust zoning regulations Car lifts and mechanized garages Code enforcement Demand Parking meter districts Residential permit parking districts Transit upgrades Car sharing Parking fees Safe pedestrian and bicycle routes Employee parking programs

49. Conservation Element Electricity use accounts for 25% of San Diego County GHG emissions Specifically addresses climate change Reduce carbon footprint Green buildings/sustainable development Conserve and manage resources Water conservation Energy efficiency and renewables Waste management Wastewater collection and treatment Urban forestry

50. Conservation Element Open Space Protections Smart Growth Ecosystem Services Urban Form Benefits San Diego Multiple Species Conservation Program Comprehensive habitat conservation planning 49,230 acres (93% of City’s goal) are conserved or are obligated to be conserved.

51. Urban Design Element Respect distinctive neighborhoods and enhance character Create diverse, walkable, mixed-use villages Design vibrant public spaces and prominent civic architecture

52. Economic Prosperity Element

53. City of San Diego Land Development Code Commercial/Mixed-Use zones Pedestrian-Oriented Design standards Parking reductions for mixed-use, transit proximity Tandem parking in some areas Small lot and townhouse zones Landscape Standards Street trees required Turf limited Water conservation mandates Community Gardens code changes underway

54. Project Review: Transit-Oriented Design

55. Project Review: Traffic Multi-modal LOS standards and impact thresholds Traffic impact study guidelines consideration of alternative modes Street Design Manual

56. Internal City Collaboration Climate Protection Land Use, Housing, Open Space Mobility Clean Tech and the Economy Energy Water Waste Management Storm Water

57. 42 Regional CollaborationSANDAG 2004 – Regional Comprehensive Plan (RCP) 2006 – Smart Growth Concept Map 2007 – Smart Growth Tool Box 2010 – Regional Climate Action Strategy 2010 – Urban Area Transit Strategy and Regional Transportation Plan Update Includes Sustainable Communities Strategy Environmental review will address greenhouse gas emissions

58. The General Plan Action Plan Identifies actions (implementation measures) derived from General Plan goals and policies Organized by GP Element and timeframe Sets key implementation priorities Helps to inform the budget process Will be used for annual monitoring of the General Plan Adopted July 2009

59. General Plan Monitoring Report Annual overview of progress Detailed Action Plan matrix Key Actions Community Plan Updates Climate Initiatives

60. General Plan: http://www.sandiego.gov/planning/genplan/index.shtml General Plan Action Plan: http://www.sandiego.gov/planning/genplan/index.shtml Final Program Environmental Impact Report: http://www.sandiego.gov/planning/genplan/peir.shtml

62. Reduce fossil fuel usage and carbon emissions through the planning and design of communities, sites, and buildings

63. Resiliency

64. Reduce vulnerability to external environmental and economic threats through planning, design, and increased reliance on local resources, goods, and services

65. Mobility

66. Locate and design transportation systems to reduce reliance on the automobile and promote alternative modes

67. Stewardship

68. Preserve and restore natural, cultural, and built resources. Integrate natural and human ecological systems in the planning and design of communities

69. Equity

71. Do your plans encourage transit and pedestrian mobility over the automobile?

72. Do you conduct environmental reviews on all projects?

73. Do your ordinances address habitat protection, water management, and resource protection?

74. Do you have green building standards?

76. Is the project in a threat zone for flood, hurricane, earthquake or other natural disaster?

77. Does the site reutilize already-developed land?

78. Has the project optimized non-motorized mobility and reduced vehicle miles travelled?

79. Is this a transit-oriented development?

81. Are natural habitats preserved and enhanced?

82. Does the project build to green building standards?

83. Will the project promote a green economy?

84. Will the project provide affordable housing?

86. Kathleen A. Garcia, FASLA LEED AP Nancy Bragado, AICP Sustainability in Discretionary Review www.wrtdesign.com