Ordinance 3454-15 with Exhibits A- C

EVERETT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 10 CLIMATE CHANGE AND SUSTAINABILITY I. Introduction A Climate Change and Sustainability Background Report prepared for the Comprehensive Plan update provides the basis for the goals and policies in this element. It is available at https://everettwa.gov/DocumentCenter/HomeNiew/2756. The report includes excerpts from recent reports addressing climate change; describes actions the City, other local jurisdictions, the state, and others have taken to address climate change; and includes the regional and countywide policies related to climate change. See this document for more information about existing adopted policies / plans that address climate change impacts and adaptation, including but not limited to the City of Everett Hazard Mitigation Plan, Comprehensive Water Plan, Comprehensive Sewer Plan, Surface Water Comprehensive Plan, and Ordinance No. 2995-07 Adopting a Sustainable Building and Infrastructure Policy. This element addresses actions the City can take to plan for climate change, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. Note that the federal and state governments have the potential to have a much greater impact with adoption of tools such as emissions taxes, cap and trade programs, and vehicle fuel economy standards. Everett's greatest impact on emissions reductions will likely be through promoting a dense, compact land use pattern with mixed -uses that support walking, bicycling, and transit use with open space conservation. Compact land use patterns have great potential to reduce GHG emissions related to vehicles and building energy use. The Land Use and Transportation Elements of the Comprehensive Plan set the stage for this vision by directing new development to centers and arterial corridors served by transit, promoting a balanced multi -modal transportation system, and reducing the need to travel by car. In order to achieve the desired land use pattern, the City must compete with other less dense communities and areas closer to Seattle to attract people of all ages to live here. The goals, objectives, and policies in other Elements of the Comprehensive Plan are key to creating a community where people want to live, work and play. Examples include the Urban Design and Historic Preservation Element (preserving historic structures and creating a vibrant, livable community), the Parks Element, and the Economic Development Element (economic health and quality of life policies). Goals, objectives and policies that specifically address climate change and sustainability are located throughout other elements. For example the Land Use Element contains policies protecting critical areas and air quality, encouraging clean up and redevelopment of brownfields sites, and providing access to healthy food. The Capital Facilities and Utilities Element contains policies for water and energy conservation, solid waste reduction, upgrading the stormwater and combined sewer systems to accommodate increased flows from more frequent extreme storm events, and the use of green stormwater infrastructure to reduce flows and support, enhance and restore natural habitats. Many of the actions identified in this element benefit multiple city goals. For example, trees, vegetation, and green roofs can reduce heating and cooling energy use and associated air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, remove air pollutants, sequester and store carbon, help CLIMATE CHANGE AND SUSTAINABILITY ELEMENT