Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Jim Eggemeyer, Director, Office of Sustainability
Subject: Resolution Adopting the Sea Level Rise Policy for County-Owned Assets
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution approving the County of San Mateo Sea Level Rise Policy for County-Owned Assets.
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BACKGROUND:
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the leading international scientific body on climate change, states that global greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced to net zero by 2050 to protect the earth from severe impacts, including substantial sea level rise. Sea level rise impacts include flooding, stronger waves, rising groundwater tables and saltwater intrusion, and increased erosion of the shoreline, all of which are exacerbated by coastal storms. In addition, high water levels can prevent water from draining to the bay or ocean, which can cause flooding, further inland far from the shore.
To address this challenge, the County has already implemented a Green Building Policy, which aims to achieve net zero emissions at new facilities and a Climate Emergency Declaration requiring the County to develop and enact resiliency policies and plans to ensure continuous operation of County services and facilities. The Board of Supervisors and the Office of Sustainability also launched the "Sea Change SMC" initiative, finalized a Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment in 2018, and launched Climate Ready SMC to share best practices for climate change preparedness.
DISCUSSION:
Creating a more resilient infrastructure to sea level rise and flooding is an important, and complementary next step in the County's efforts to address climate change. A Sea Level Rise Policy for County-Owned Assets is expected to increase the useful life of County facilities; protect residents and staff today and assure County operations will be continuous; reduce the current and future risks f...
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