10 - 20241017 Chapter 10 - Climate Change _ PCChapter 10: Climate Change
Chapter 10. Climate Change
10.1 Introduction
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.
Climate Change Vision
Port Orchard is an environmentally
resilient community, actively
participating in the reduction of
greenhouse gas emissions in alignment
with Washington State'sgoal of
achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
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
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. 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
' Puget Sound Regional Council Vision 2050
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Chapter 10: Climate Change
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.
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.
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 Department of Commerce Intermediate Planning Guidance, December 2023, Appendix L
6 RCW 37.70A.070(9)(d)(i)(A-C)
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Chapter 10: Climate Change
• 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 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 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
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.
' Department of Commerce Intermediate Planning Guidance, December 2023
8 Kitsap County Climate Resiliency Assessment, 2020
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Chapter 10: Climate Change
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
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.
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Chapter 10: Climate Change
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).
• Agriculture & Food
Systems
• Emergency
Management
• Water Resources
• Agriculture & Food
Systems
• Economic
Development
• Ecosystems
• Human Health
Sector(s)
• Buildings and
Energy
Climate Indicator Hazard
Drought 29% chance any given year
will have a total summer
precipitation below 75% of
the historical normal
summer precipitation
Climate Impacts
Notes
High emissions scenario.
Increase in likelihood for
30-year period.
Below normal summer precipitation indicates a greater likelihood of drought.
Drought can affect the well-being of people and water availability for crops
and ecosystems. More 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.
Climate Indicator
Extreme Heat
Climate Impacts
Hazard
3.5° increase in average
summer temperature
Notes
High emissions scenario.
Increase in likelihood for
30-year period.
Warmer summers will directly impact the health and well-being of people,
create stress for crops and reduce water availability. Warmer summer
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.
Climate Indicator
Extreme Heat
Climate
Hazard
+177 degree-days during
the 30-year period
Notes
High emissions scenario.
Increase in likelihood for
30-vear period.
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An increase in cooling degree days will increase energy demand for air
conditioning in the summer when regional hydropower supply is expected to
decrease.
Sector(s)
Climate Indicator
Hazard
Notes
• Cultural Resources
Sea Level Rise
.75' Likely Sea Level Rise to
High emissions scenario.
and Practices
1.5' High Sea Level Rise
Increase in likelihood for
• Economic
the year 2050.
Development
• Ecosystems
Climate Impacts
• Emergency
Sea Level Rise will inundate culturally relevant and important sites, such as
Management
• Transportation
traditional fishing grounds. Sea level rise may also intensify coastal flooding
• Water Resources
which can disrupt business operations, damage property, reduce the land area
• Zoning and
suitable for development, impact coastal transportation infrastructure, and
Development
increase need for 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
saltwater intrusion into groundwater and coastal aquifers, which could reduce
water quality.
Sector(s)
Climate Indicator
Hazard
Notes
• Cultural Resources
Extreme Heat
14.3° increase in August
High emissions scenario.
and Practices
stream temperature
Increase in likelihood for
• Ecosystems
2030-2059.
Climate Impacts
• Zoning and
Development
Warmer stream temperatures are expected to reduce habitat quality for
salmonids, reducing abundance of and access for Northwest Tribes. Warmer
stream temperature have the potential to reduce the ability to meet water
quality standards set on wastewater treatment facilities.
Sector(s)
Climate Indicator
Hazard
Notes
• Economic
Flooding
Return Interval of 25-yr
High emissions scenario.
Development
Peak Streamflow
Increase in likelihood for
• Ecosystems
Blackjack Creek — 9.8 years
30-year period.
• Emergency
Climate Impacts
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Chapter 10: Climate Change
Management
The 25-year peak streamflow is the streamflow that occurs on average every
• Transportation
25 years, heavier precipitation is anticipated to cause this to occur every 9.8
• Waste
years for Blackjack Creek, which could leak to increased flooding and impacts
Management
to homes and businesses, increased need for emergency services, as well as
• Zoning and
increased flood damage to roads, bridges, and railway. Increased flood zones
Development
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.
Sector(s)
Climate Indicator
Hazard
Notes
• Economic
Extreme
7% increase in the
High emissions scenario.
Development
Precipitation
magnitude of 2-year storm
Increase in likelihood for
• Transportation
30-year period.
• Waste
Management
Climate Impacts
• Zoning and
Development
Heavier precipitation is expected to intensify flooding in low-lying areas and
require higher capacity storm water drainage systems. Heavier precipitation
events may 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.
Sector(s)
Climate Indicator
Hazard
Notes
• Ecosystems
Drought
7.8% decrease in late
High emissions scenario.
• Water Resources
summer precipitation
Increase in likelihood for
30-year period.
Climate Impacts
A decrease in summer precipitation is expected to lower streamflows, reduce
water quality and 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.
Sector(s)
Climate Indicator
Hazard
Notes
• Emergency
Extreme Heat
+14.4 days above 90'
High emissions scenario.
Management
during the 30-year time
Increase in likelihood for
• Human Health
period
30-year period.
Climate Impacts
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Chapter 10: Climate Change
More frequent extreme heat event are expected to increase the demand for
emergency services. They 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 900 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
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
' Department of Commerce Intermediate Planning Guidance, December 2023, Appendix L
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Chapter 10: Climate Change
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 that 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 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
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
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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 and 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)
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
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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 and 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. Work with state and federal agencies to protect, enhance, and restore
ecosystems in order to meet tribal treaty rights and conserve culturally
important consumptive and non -consumptive resources including
foods, medicinal plants, and materials that could be adversely impacted
by climate change.
Policy CC-17b. 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
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
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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.
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,
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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
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
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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 and 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 DRAFT: October 2024