Draft Climate Change Element_webChapter 10: Climate Change
Chapter 100
10.1 Introduction
Climate Change
The City of Port Orchard is likely to face challenges due to climate change over the next twenty years,
including rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and ecological shifts that will directly affect the
City's existing businesses, residents and the environment. This chapter will begin the important process
of planning for climate change in the City of Port Orchard, focusing on reducing greenhouse gas
emissions and enhancing the City's resilience to the impacts of climate change.
Puget Sound Regional Council's (PSRC) Vision 2050
provides a roadmap for managing growth,
transportation, and economic development across our
region. By 2050, the Puget Sound region population is
projected to reach 5.8 million people.' Vision 2050 plays
an important role in addressing climate change as the
region grows by emphasizing clean energy, sustainable
transportation, and resilient communities. The
document serves as a guide for local jurisdictions,
including Port Orchard, to prepare for growth while
preserving the environment and promoting equity.
In 2023, the Washington State Legislature passed House
Bill 1181, enhancing the state's response to climate
change. This legislation amends the Growth Management Act (GMA), requiring cities and counties fully
planning under the GMA to incorporate a dedicated climate element into their comprehensive plan.
Within this element, two sub -elements must be addressed:
Reduction of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions:
• The City of Port Orchard commits to ambitious goals for reducing emissions, promoting cleaner
energy sources, and minimizing our carbon footprint, consistent with Washington State's GHG
goal of net zero emissions by 2050.
• The City seeks to explore innovative strategies to encourage sustainable transportation, energy
efficiency, and renewable energy adoption.
Climate Resiliency Planning:
The City of Port Orchard recognizes the inevitability of climate impacts and prioritizes resilience.
This chapter will outline strategies to enhance community preparedness, response, and
recovery efforts.
• The City aims to protect vulnerable populations, critical infrastructure, and natural systems from
climate -related disruptions.
During the course of 2024, this chapter will be a living document and will be updated as the City's
1 Puget Sound Regional Council Vision 2050
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Chapter 10: Climate Change
planning efforts progress. The development of a climate change element is anticipated to take
approximately one year of study and should incorporate input from stakeholders and the public. In
order to fully understand the impacts of climate change, the City must also have a baseline of current
greenhouse gas emissions and other climate change indicators. Some of this information is currently
available through the University of Washington Climate Impacts Group's (UW CIG) Climate Mapping for
a Resilient Washington (CMRW) webtool'. The City is awaiting baseline greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
from the Department of Commerce for Kitsap County, which will then need to be disaggregated down to
the City level for Port Orchard.
The City will also be seeking grants from the Department of Commerce to complete this work. This
chapter should be read as a first draft of the City's Climate Change element, with the expectation that
future study and planning work will be completed in the future as funding is available.
10.2 Greenhouse Gas Emissions
HB 1181 identifies three minimum requirements' that the GHG emissions reduction sub -element of this
chapter must address. These requirements can be met through the adoption of goals and policies that
identify actions to meet these requirements.
• Requirement 1: Result in reductions in overall greenhouse gas emissions generated by
transportation and land use within the City but without increasing emissions elsewhere in
Washington.
• Requirement 2: Result in reductions per capita vehicle miles traveled within the City but without
increasing greenhouse gas emissions elsewhere in Washington.
Requirement 3: Prioritize reductions that benefit overburdened communities in order to
maximize the co -benefits of reduced air pollution and environmental justice.
The Department of Commerce in its Intermediate Planning Guidance' has outlined three pathways that
the City may take to set emissions -reduction targets and goals and policies to achieve those targets. The
City of Port Orchard has elected to pursue Pathway 3, which the Department of Commerce has
recommended for jurisdictions that are required to create a GHG reduction sub -element.
Pathway 3 requires the City of Port Orchard to utilize the GHG emissions inventory provided by the
Department of Commerce to set mitigation goals and policies to satisfy the minimum requirements. The
City is required to adopt goals and policies from the transportation, buildings and energy, and zoning
and development sectors of the Menu of Measures provided by the Department of Commerce that
support achieving net -zero emissions by 2050. The City may also adopt goals and policies from the other
sectors of the Menu of Measures based on the emission inventory.
10.3 Climate Resilience
HB 1181' identifies three minimum requirements that the climate resilience sub -element of this chapter
must address. These requirements can be met through the adoption of goals and policies that identify
actions to meet these requirements.
z https://cig-wa-climate.nkn.uidaho.edu/
3 RCW 36.70A.070(9)(e)(i)
' Department of Commerce Intermediate Planning Guidance, December 2023
5 RCW 37.70A.070(9)(d)(i)(A-C)
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Chapter 10: Climate Change
Requirement 1: Address natural hazards created or aggravated by climate change, including sea
level rise, landslides, flooding, drought, heat, smoke, wildfire, and other effects of changes to
temperature and precipitation patterns.
• Requirement 2: Identify, protect and enhance natural areas to foster climate resilience, as well
as areas of vital habitat for safe species migration.
Requirement 3: Identify, protect, and enhance community resilience to climate impacts,
including social, economic, and built -environment factors, which support adaptation to climate
impacts consistent with environmental justice.
The Department of Commerce in its Intermediate Planning Guidance' has outlined 11 sectors of climate
resiliency that the City's Comprehensive Plan should address, with potential climate -related impacts.
Not all of these sectors or climate -related impacts will affect Port Orchard, and at the time of the
development of this chapter, the City is currently beginning the process of studying the impacts of
climate change and assessing vulnerability and risk to the City's community assets (social, economic and
environmental assets). Once complete, the City will explore how changes in the climate could
exacerbate natural hazards and impact these assets and develop goals and policies to address these
impacts.
In 2020, Kitsap County, in coordination with the City of Port Orchard, prepared the Kitsap County
Climate Change Resiliency Assessment'. This assessment provides a comprehensive understanding of
climate impacts and risks specific to the City.
The Kitsap County Climate Change Resiliency Assessment highlights several specific risks that the City
faces due to climate change:
Sea Level Rise:
As global temperatures increase, sea levels are rising. This poses a significant risk to coastal areas,
including Port Orchard. Rising sea levels are expected to exacerbate challenges with flooding and
saltwater intrusion in the City's downtown area, which the City has addressed in its Downtown Subarea
Plan and Shoreline Master Program through policies that seek to address the impacts of sea level rise
through the raising of the elevation of Bay Street.
Extreme Heat Events:
More frequent and intense heatwaves are expected. Extreme heat impacts public health, especially
vulnerable populations. It strains energy systems, increases wildfire risk, and affects outdoor activities.
Ocean Acidification:
Acidification of marine waters due to increased carbon dioxide absorption harms shellfish, fish, and
other marine life. Healthy marine ecosystems play an important role in the City's economy, ecosystems,
and are critical to the cultural practices and way of life of the Suquamish Tribe who have inhabited
South Kitsap County for thousands of years.
Changing Precipitation Patterns:
Altered rainfall patterns affect water availability, agriculture, and stormwater management. Increased
precipitation intensity leads to flooding, landslides, and soil erosion. The City may expect to see impacts
' Department of Commerce Intermediate Planning Guidance, December 2023
' Kitsap County Climate Resiliency Assessment, 2020
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Chapter 10: Climate Change
to public infrastructure as a result of increased flooding, including disruption of transportation routes
and damage to ferry terminals, as well as damage to stormwater and wastewater infrastructure from
flood inundation and saltwater intrusion.
Health Impacts:
Climate change exacerbates respiratory illnesses, heat -related illnesses, and mental health issues.
Vulnerable populations, including the elderly and low-income communities, are at higher risk. More
frequent heat waves may result in increased deaths, and will require the investment in cooling centers
and/or public subsidies for low income households to install air-conditioning. Increased need for air
conditioning will also have an adverse impact on greenhouse gas emissions in the City.
Habitat Disruption:
Changing ecosystems affect wildlife migration, breeding patterns, and food availability. Protecting
habitats is critical for biodiversity and ecosystem services. Warmer stream temperatures and lower
summer flows will affect fish species that use these habitats. New invasive species and diseases could
also emerge due to changes in the climate.
Economic Disruptions:
Climate impacts can disrupt local businesses, tourism, and agriculture. Planning for economic resilience
is vital. The City has a large workforce employed in construction. Outdoor laborers are especially
vulnerable to extreme heat events and are likely to experience lost labor hours due to extreme heat and
poor air quality. Sea level rise and increased flooding may also affect property values within coastal
areas or floodplains.
Water Resources Challenges:
The City provides drinking water within the City supplied by six active wells and from additional planned
wells. Altered hydrology due to climate change will affect water supply, groundwater recharge, and
streamflow. Balancing water needs for residents, agriculture, and ecosystems is a priority.
Resiliency planning will address these risks, ensuring Port Orchard remains adaptable and prepared for a
changing climate.
10.4 Baseline Conditions
Effective decision -making requires understanding baseline conditions, including greenhouse gas
emissions and climate resiliency indicators. This information will serve as a benchmark to measure the
effectiveness of any strategies or initiatives implemented towards achieving these goals.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Baseline Emissions (2022)
The baseline for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions represents the starting point against which we
measure progress. It encompasses historical emissions data, including those from energy production,
transportation, industry, and land use changes.
The Department of Commerce is creating emissions inventories for the 11 counties that are required to
include a GHG reduction sub -element in their comprehensive plan. The inventories use 2022 as a
baseline year but do not disaggregate emissions to the city level.
Once the GHG emissions inventory for Kitsap County is available, the City will need to hire a consultant
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Chapter 10: Climate Change
to complete the technical analysis required to disaggregate the emissions down to the city level
consistent with guidance published by the Department of Commerce.
Per Capita Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) (2022)
Per capita VMT serves as a critical indicator of transportation -related emissions. The baseline VMT
includes historical data on miles traveled by various vehicle types (cars, trucks, buses) over time. Future
analysis will be necessary to establish per capita vehicle miles traveled for the City.
Climate Resilience
The CMRW developed by the UW CIG has identified the following climate hazards that may pose a risk
to the City of Port Orchard. The following climate indicators have been identified based on the historical
normal for the period of 1980-2009 and provide a baseline for addressing the risk climate change poses
to the City under the high emissions scenario for the years 2020-2049 (30-year period).
Sector(s)
Climate
Indicator
Hazard
Climate Impacts
Notes
Agriculture &
Drought
29% chance any
Below normal summer
High emissions
Food Systems
given year will
precipitation indicates a
scenario. Increase
Emergency
have a total
greater likelihood of
in likelihood for
Management
summer
drought. Drought can
30-year period.
precipitation
affect the well-being of
Water
below 75% of the
people and water
Resources
historical normal
availability for crops and
summer
ecosystems. More
precipitation
frequent droughts is also
expected to increase need
for emergency services to
respond to water
shortages that may occur
due to voluntary or
mandatory conservation
requirements.
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Sector(s)
Climate
Indicator
Hazard
Climate Impacts
Notes
Agriculture &
Extreme
3.5° increase in
Warmer summers will
High emissions
Food Systems
Heat
average summer
directly impact the health
scenario. Increase
Economic
temperature
and well-being of people,
in likelihood for
Development
create stress for crops and
30-year period.
reduce water availability.
Ecosystems
Warmer summer
Human Health
temperatures could also
decrease opportunities for
warm season recreation
activities. Warmer summer
temperatures are
expected to reduce soil
moisture and increase
stress on plants and
animals.
Buildings and
Extreme
+177 degree-days
An increase in cooling
High emissions
Energy
Heat
during the 30-year
degree days will increase
scenario. Increase
period
energy demand for air
in likelihood for
conditioning in the
30-year period.
summer when regional
hydropower supply is
expected to decrease
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Chapter 10: Climate Change
Sector(s)
Climate
Indicator
Hazard
Climate Impacts
Notes
Cultural
Sea Level
.75' Likely Sea
Sea Level Rise will
High emissions
Resources and
Rise
Level Rise to 1.5'
inundate culturally
scenario. Increase
Practices
High Sea Level
relevant and important
in likelihood for
Economic
Rise
sites, such as traditional
the year 2050.
Development
fishing grounds. Sea level
rise may also intensify
Ecosystems
coastal flooding which can
Emergency
disrupt business
Management
operations, damage
property, reduce the land
Transportation
area suitable for
Water
development, impact
Resources
coastal transportation
infrastructure, and
Zoning and
increase need for
Development
emergency services to
recover from flooding. Sea
level rise can also increase
coastal erosion and
flooding reducing habitats
for some aquatic, wildlife
and plant species. Sea
level rise is also expected
to increase salt water
intrusion into groundwater
and coastal aquifers,
which could reduce water
quality.
Cultural
Extreme
14.3° increase in
Warmer stream
High emissions
Resources and
Heat
August stream
temperatures are
scenario. Increase
Practices
temperature
expected to reduce habitat
in likelihood for
Ecosystems
quality for salmonids,
2030-2059.
reducing abundance of
Zoning and
and access for Northwest
Development
Tribes. Warmer stream
temperature have the
potential to reduce the
ability to meet water
quality standards set on
wastewater treatment
facilities.
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Sector(s)
Climate
Indicator
Hazard
Climate Impacts
Notes
Economic
Flooding
Return Interval of
The 25-year peak
High emissions
Development
25-yr Peak
streamflow is the
scenario. Increase
Ecosystems
Streamflow
streamflow that occurs on
in likelihood for
Blackjack Creek —
average every 25 years,
30-year period.
Emergency
9.8 Years
heavier precipitation is
Management
g
anticipated to cause this to
Transportation
occur every 9.8 years for
Blackjack Creek, which
Waste
could leak to increased
Management
flooding and impacts to
Zoning and
homes and businesses,
Development
increased need for
emergency services, as
well as increased flood
damage to roads, bridges,
and railway. Increased
flood zones could also
reduce the suitability of
some areas for
development. Increased
streamflows can also
cause juvenile salmonids
to be flushed downstream
prematurely, reducing
salmonid migration
returns. Flooding of waste
management facilities can
also release contaminants
and hazardous materials.
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Chapter 10: Climate Change
Sector(s)
Climate
Indicator
Hazard
Climate Impacts
Notes
Economic
Extreme
7% increase in the
Heavier precipitation is
High emissions
Development
Precipitation
magnitude of 2-
expected to intensify
scenario. Increase
Transportation
year storm
flooding in low-lying areas
in likelihood for
and require higher
30-year period.
Waste
capacity storm water
Management
drainage systems. Heavier
Zoning and
precipitation events may
Development
lead to flooding, landslides
and erosion which can
interrupt transportation
routes, damage
infrastructure and increase
maintenance and repair
costs. Storm damage may
also generate waste and
debris. Increased urban
flooding could also affect
zoning restrictions on new
buildings and require
revised building codes or
increased development in
frequently flooded areas.
Ecosystems
Drought
7.8% decrease in
A decrease in summer
High emissions
Water
late summer
precipitation is expected
scenario. Increase
Resources
precipitation
to lower streamflows,
in likelihood for
reduce water quality and
30-year period.
increase water
temperatures. Less
summer precipitation will
also contribute to drought
stress on plant growth and
will contribute to summer
water shortages. Water
quality may also decrease
with less summer
precipitation and warmer
water temperatures.
D^rf n,- k-1(^mnr knnc4" Diqn Adopted: XX 2024
Chapter 10: Climate Change
Sector(s)
Climate
Indicator
Hazard
Climate Impacts
Notes
Emergency
Extreme
+14.4 days above
More frequent extreme
High emissions
Management
Heat
900 during the 30-
heat event are expected to
scenario. Increase
Human Health
year time period
increase the demand for
in likelihood for
emergency services. They
30-year period.
may also impact
emergency services due to
transportation disruptions
such as warped and
buckling pavement on
roads. An increase in the
number of days above 90'
is also expected to
increase heat -related
deaths, illnesses and
hospitalizations.
10.5 Goals and Policies
In this Chapter the City has set forth its vision and commitment to a sustainable future. Recognizing the
challenges posed by a changing climate, these goals and policies are designed to steer the City towards
resilience and adaptability while also aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The goals and policies
contained within this iteration of the Climate Change element represent direction to complete this
Chapter as well as preliminary goals and policies adopted from the Department of Commerce's Menu of
Measures' to address the sectors and climate hazards identified from the CMRW in Section 10.4 above.
Goal 1. Complete this Climate Change Element.
Policy CC-1 Apply for funding from the Department of Commerce to complete the climate planning
related activities necessary to complete this Chapter and implement House Bill 1181.
Policy CC-Ia. When funding is available, hire a consultant to help complete the
technical analysis required to establish baseline greenhouse gas
emissions and VMT.
Policy CC-2 Complete a Community Assets Inventory and risk assessment of the City's social,
economic and environmental assets that the community wants to protect.
Policy CC-2a. Evaluate the current risk exposure and vulnerability of the city's
community assets against the impacts of climate change.
Policy CC-3 Complete an audit of the City's existing plans to identify gaps, opportunities and barriers
to building resilience to climate change.
Policy CC-4 Refine the goals and policies contained within this first iteration of the City's Climate
8 Department of Commerce Intermediate Planning Guidance, December 2023, Appendix L
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Chapter 10: Climate Change
Change element, either adapting the goals and policies, developing new goals and
policies, or adopting a hazard mitigation plan (see Climate Resilience Pathways in the
Department of Commerce's Intermediate Planning Guidance).
Policy CC-5 Conduct robust public engagement on the development of this Chapter.
Policy CC-6 Set incremental emissions reduction targets that lead to achieving net zero emissions in
2050.
Goal 2. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions within the City consistent
with the Washington State target of net -zero emissions by
2050.
Buildings and Energy
Policy CC-7 Maximize solar access of site design, where practicable, for new solar -ready residential
and commercial buildings.
Policy CC-7a. Encourage solar panels on buildings with large rooftops, as well as
within or over parking areas.
Policy CC-8
Encourage buildings use renewable energy, conservation, and efficiency technologies
and practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Policy CC-8a. Encourage energy efficient housing types that conserve non-renewable
energy and help minimize impact on air quality and climate. (Policy HS-
25)
Policy CC-8b. Encourage the retrofit of buildings for energy efficiency.
Policy CC-8c. Incentivize green building certification to improve energy and
environmental performance.
Policy CC-9
Encourage the adaptive reuse of buildings, recognizing the emission -reduction benefits
of retaining existing buildings.
Policy CC-9a. Encourage the preservation and weatherization of housing in
overburdened communities, particularly at higher densities, to reduce
emissions and increase resilience.
Ecosystems
Policy CC-10
Increase tree canopy cover to boost carbon sequestration, reduce heat islands, and
improve air quality, prioritizing overburdened communities.
Policy CC-10a. Require the retention and replacement of significant trees in the
City.(Policy NS-9)
Policy CC-10b. Adopt a canopy coverage target for the City and monitor progress on a
regular basis to determine if policy changes are necessary to reach the
City's target. (Policy NS-10)
Policy CC-10c. Identify parks and open spaces in the City where tree canopy coverage
could be increased. (Policy NS-11)
Policy CC-10d. Use trees and vegetation to mitigate erosion potential, meet drainage
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Chapter 10: Climate Change
needs and reduce the impacts of development. (Policy NS-12)
Policy CC-10e. Establish programs and policies that maintain and increase forests and
vegetative cover and prioritize the connectivity of forests that provide
valuable wildlife corridors within the City. (Policy NS-14)
Transportation
Policy CC-11 Convert public fleets to zero emission vehicles and develop supporting infrastructure
and programs (e.g., charging stations and dedicated lanes for electric cars and buses).
Policy CC-11a. Require electric vehicle charging infrastructure in new and retrofitted
buildings.
Policy CC-12 Implement multimodal transportation planning to reduce single -occupancy vehicle
dependence and greenhouse gas emissions.
Policy CC-12a. Emphasize moving people rather than vehicles by providing a variety of
ways to commute to work. (Policy TR-45)
Policy CC-12b. Provide preferential treatments for transit, such as queue bypass lanes,
traffic signal modifications, and safe, convenient, transit stops. (Policy
TR-20)
Policy CC-12c. Create a safe, well connected, and attractive bicycle and pedestrian
transportation network to encourage active transportation.
Policy CC-13 Reduce vehicle miles traveled to achieve greenhouse gas reduction goals.
Policy CC-13a. Implement travel demand management (TDM) programs and strategies.
Prioritize, develop, and maintain mobility hubs in transportation -
efficient locations — especially in overburdened communities
experiencing a scarcity of transportation alternatives.
Policy CC-13b. Shorten commutes by concentrating housing and employment in
strategic locations, which provides residents opportunities to live and
work in the same neighborhood. (Policy CN-3)
Policy CC-13c. The City shall ensure that higher density development in Centers is
either within walking or biking distance of jobs, schools, and parks and is
well -served by public transit. (Centers Goals 1,2,3,4,5,6; Housing, Parks,
Economic Development, Transportation, and Capital Facilities Elements)
(Policy CN-11)
Policy CC-13d. Prioritize permitting for transit -oriented development (TOD) proposals.
Zoning & Development
Policy CC-14 Increase housing diversity and supply within urban growth areas to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions and support environmental justice.
Policy CC-14a. Within centers, set minimum building densities that enable lively and
active streets and commercial destinations. Such limits may take the
form of: minimum floors or building height, floor -area -ratios, and lot
coverage; and maximum street setbacks and parking spaces. (Policy LU-
11)
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Policy CC-14b. Evaluate a range of incentives to encourage compact development to
preserve open space throughout the city, possibly to include density
credits, incentive zoning, and transfer of development rights. (Policy LU-
15)
Goal 3. Strengthen the City's resilience against the impacts of
climate change.
Buildings and Energy
Policy CC-15 Ensure that energy infrastructure — including generation and transmission — is able to
accommodate renewable energy opportunities and to withstand and recover quickly
from the impacts of extreme weather and other natural hazards worsened by climate
change.
Policy CC-15a. Plan and build facilities, utilities, and infrastructure projects to avoid or
withstand flooding from rising sea levels and associated climate
impacts.
Policy CC-15b. Work with energy utilities to improve the safety and reliability of
infrastructure vulnerable to climate change.
Policy CC-16 Ensure that buildings are designed and built sustainably to reduce environmental
impacts and remain resilient to extreme weather and other hazards worsened by
climate change.
Policy CC-16a. Require the design and construction of commercial and residential
buildings and their surrounding sites to reduce and treat stormwater
runoff and pollution.
Policy CC-16b. Develop or modify design standards to integrate exterior building
features that reduce the impacts of climate change and increase
resilience.
Cultural Resources & Practices
Policy CC-17 Ensure that cultural resources and practices — including significant historic sites and
culturally important traditional foods and natural resources — are resilient to the
impacts of extreme weather and other natural hazards worsened by climate change.
Policy CC-17a. Protect, enhance, and restore ecosystems in order to meet tribal treaty
rights and conserve culturally important consumptive and
nonconsumptive resources including foods, medicinal plants, and
materials that could be adversely impacted by climate change.
Policy CC-17b. Establish and maintain government -to -government relations with
Native American tribes for the preservation of archaeological sites and
traditional cultural properties that are vulnerable to climate impacts.
Policy CC-18 Ensure environmental justice by providing all residents an equitable opportunity to
learn about climate impacts, influence policy decisions, and take actions to enhance
community resilience.
Policy CC-18a. Create and implement culturally contextualized outreach and education
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initiatives and materials that will inform the community about near -
term and longer -term climate change threats and build resilience.
Economic Development
Policy CC-19 Ensure that the local economy is resilient to climate disruptions and fosters business
opportunities associated with climate mitigation and adaptation.
Policy CC-19a. Support local businesses' efforts to bolster climate preparedness and
continuity of operations.
Ecosystems
Policy CC-20 Ensure the protection and restoration of streams, riparian zones, estuaries, wetlands,
and floodplains to achieve healthy watersheds that are resilient to climate change.
Policy CC-20a. Implement actions identified in restoration and salmon recovery plans
to improve the climate resilience of streams and watersheds.
Policy CC-20b. Increase the climate resilience of native fish species and aquatic
ecosystems by reducing the threat of aquatic invasive species (e.g., fish,
plants, invertebrates).
Policy CC-20c. Protect and restore watershed -scale processes to maximize the
ecological benefits and climate resilience of riparian ecosystems.
Policy CC-20d. Protect and restore riparian vegetation to reduce erosion, provide
shade, and support other functions that improve the climate resilience
of streams.
Policy CC-20e. Increase aquatic habitat resilience to low summer flows by increasing
water residence time, storing water on the landscape, conserving water,
protecting groundwater, keeping waters cool, and protecting water
quality.
Policy CC-21 Protect and restore coastal ecosystems to increase the resilience of species, habitats,
and communities to climate change.
Policy CC-21a. Consider sea -level rise in coastal and nearshore habitat restoration
projects.
Policy CC-21b. Identify, protect, and restore submerged aquatic vegetation (eelgrass,
kelp, etc.) that provides aquatic habitat, "blue" carbon storage, and
other ecosystem services.
Emergency Management
Policy CC-22 Develop and maintain local government staff members' technical expertise and skills
related to climate change and environmental justice so as to improve communitywide
policy implementation, equity, and resilience.
Policy CC-22a. Create evacuation plans and outreach materials to help residents plan
and practice actions that make evacuation quicker and safer.
Policy CC-23 Enhance emergency preparedness, response, and recovery efforts to mitigate risks and
impacts associated with extreme weather and other hazards worsened by climate
change.
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Policy CC-23a. Map transportation infrastructure that is vulnerable to repeated floods,
landslides, and other natural hazards, and designate alternative travel
routes for critical transportation corridors when roads must be closed.
Policy CC-23b. Incorporate sea -level rise information, along with tsunami hazard
mapping, into critical area delineation for siting critical infrastructure,
land -use planning, and emergency management.
Policy CC-23c. Develop resilience hubs — community -serving facilities that are
designed to support residents, coordinate communication, distribute
resources, and reduce carbon pollution while enhancing quality of life.
Policy CC-23d. Factor climate impacts into the planning of operations and coordination
of preparedness, response, and recovery activities among first -
responders and partners, including public health, law enforcement, fire,
school, and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel.
Health & Well -Being
Policy CC-24 Protect community health and well-being from the impacts of climate -exacerbated
hazards — prioritizing focus on overburdened communities — and ensure that the most
vulnerable residents do not bear disproportionate health impacts.
Policy CC-24a.
Promote the use of health impact assessments and other tools to
address the potential impacts of health, equity, and climate change on
vulnerable communities.
Policy CC-24b.
Prioritize the development of anti -displacement programs in
overburdened communities when increasing densities.
Policy CC-24c.
Review land use maps and identify opportunities or barriers to
responding to rapid population growth or decline, rebuilding housing
and services after disasters, and other extreme climate impact
scenarios.
Policy CC-24d.
Provide overburdened communities subsidies to offset potential cost
increases associated with conversion to non -fossil -fuel energy sources.
Policy CC-24e.
Develop and maintain a program to distribute cooling units and install
heat pumps, prioritizing households with residents (e.g., low-income
seniors) most vulnerable to extreme temperature events.
Transportation
Policy CC-25 Ensure that the local transportation system — including infrastructure, routes, and
travel modes — is able to withstand and recover quickly from the impacts of extreme
weather events and other hazards exacerbated by climate change.
Policy CC-25a. Design and site new and expanded roads to have the least possible
adverse effect on the shoreline, account for sea level rise projections,
not result in a net loss of shoreline ecological functions, or adversely
impact existing or planned water -oriented uses, public access, and
habitat restoration and enhancement projects.
Water Resources
Port Orchard Comprehensive Plan Adopted: XX 2024
Chapter 10: Climate Change
Policy CC-26 Protect and preserve water quality and quantity from drought, extreme heat, and other
hazards exacerbated by climate change.
Policy CC-26a. Utilize water conservation methods and technologies in development of
irrigation infrastructure within parks and recreation areas so as to foster
climate resilience.
Policy CC-26b. Develop and implement a comprehensive drought resilience strategy
that factors in projected climate impacts and sets action levels for
different drought stages.
Policy CC-26c. Identify and implement strategies to prepare for and mitigate the
effects of saltwater intrusion into aquifers and drainage systems.
Policy CC-26d. Require the use of green infrastructure and low -impact development to
address increased storm intensities and stormwater runoff.
Policy CC-26e. Evaluate the long-term adequacy of water delivery infrastructure to
ensure that changes in hydrological patterns (e.g., increases in flooding
frequency or reduction of late -summer water availability associated
with climate change) can be anticipated and managed effectively.
Zoning & Development
Policy CC-27 Establish land use patterns that increase the resilience of the built environment,
ecosystems, and communities to climate change.
Policy CC-27a. Restore and maintain critical areas and open space areas to maximize
the climate resilience benefits they provide.
Policy CC-27b. Direct new development into areas where exposure to climate hazards
is low.
Policy CC-27c. Identify and implement strategies to increase the resilience of the
shoreline environment to sea -level rise and other climate hazards, while
also protecting shoreline ecological functions, allowing water -
dependent uses, and providing public access.
Policy CC-28 Ensure that development and redevelopment projects are resilient to the impacts of
climate change.
Policy CC-28a. Establish development regulations that incorporate best practices for
reducing the risk of wildfire, extreme heat, flooding, and other climate -
exacerbated hazards.
Policy CC-28b. Consider future climate conditions during siting and design of capital
facilities, including changes to temperature, rainfall, and sea level, to
help ensure they function as intended over their planned life cycle.
Policy CC-28c. Identify and plan for climate impacts to valued community assets such
as parks and recreation facilities, including relocation or replacement.
Policy CC-28d. Consider climate change, including sea -level rise, extreme precipitation,
increased winter streamflow, and other impacts, in floodplain
management planning.
Port Orchard Comprehensive Plan Adopted: XX 2024