Climate Action Plan 
Scorecard – GHG Reduction Actions Taken

Transportation & Land Use:
  • Adopted the Town of Fairfax Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Update in 2008 & update in 2016 - outlines future Town bicycle and pedestrian improvement programs and projects to promote increased bicycle and pedestrian travel and decrease the use of vehicles.  (Resolution #16-28, 11/2/2016) [TLU-9]
  • Installed electric car charging stations in the Parkade.  [TLU-15]
  • Town Council adopted  Ordinance No. 811 which created a streamlined, expedited permitting process for  Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (11/1/2017) (Town Code Chap. 15.04, section 15.04.065) [TLU-15]
  • Secured Safe Routes to Schools and Safe Paths to Schools grant money to construct the Bike Spine Project (2013 – completion  late 2014) [TLU-9]
  • Secured TAM grant funding  to complete design/construction of a Class I Bike Lane from Glen Drive to Lefty Gomez field along Sir Francis Drake to complete the Fairfax Bike Spine Project (Council approved completion 10/4/2017) [TLU-9]
  • Constructed bicycle and pedestrian improvements on Center Boulevard between Pastori Avenue and Pacheco Avenue, including new sidewalks, curb extensions, new and improved crosswalks and bicycle lane repaving.  [TLU-9]
  • Funded by the Non-Motorized Transportation Pilot Program, installed new sidewalks on Pastori Avenue and Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. The improvements are intended to increase the mode share of cycling and walking for everyday transportation.  [TLU-9]
  • Obtained grant funding for installation of 20 new bike racks throughout Town – installation completed 2015. (2014/2015) [TLU-1]
  • Purchased two hybrid and two fuel-efficient Town vehicles to optimize fuel utilization. The police department plans to phase in more fuel-efficient models into the police fleet as existing vehicles are replaced. [TLU-13]
  • Two electric scooters are available for Town staff for business-related errands.  [TLU-13]
  • Adopted trip reduction requirements and methods for specified employers (e.g., ride-sharing, transit, trip elimination, parking management, bicycle/pedestrian) (Ord. 619 – 1993, Town Code Chap. 10.32) [TLU-7; TLU-9; TLU-17]
  • Adopted amended Housing Element (October 2013, State - Certified November 2013); adopted amended 5th Cycle (2015-2023) Housing Element (9/17/2014; State Conditionally Certified August 11,2015) [TLU-2; TLU-3]
  • Continue to support Fairfax Farmer’s Market – Bolinas Park (Spring – Fall, Wed. evenings) (Year round, Sun. mid-day market approved by Marin County -  Fairfax Library; commencing 10/11/2015; due to limited participation on-hold 2017) [TLU-9] 
  • Town Council adopted sidewalk incentive program (waive $500 permit fee & provide $500 reimbursement grant to property owners who repair their sidewalks; updated in FY 2017/18 – waive $500 permit fee & provide $750 reimbursement; updated in FY2018/19 – waive $500 permit fee and provide $1,000 reimbursement) (2015, 2016, 2017-18, 2018/2019) [TLU-9]
  • Town Council approved Phase I of downtown sidewalks repair - Bolinas Road - for ADA compliance improvements (10/4/2017); Phase II & III approved conceptually in FY 2018/19 budget – Broadway – Pacheco to Bank & SFD downtown across from Parkade. Work to be conducted in Spring/summer 2020 [TLU-9]
  • Town Council adopted Resolution Supporting the Safe Routes to School Program & ongoing (4/6/2016) [TLU-9]
  • Town Council adopted Resolution approving the designation of US Bicycle Route 95 connecting San Anselmo to unincorporated Fairfax (February 6, 2019)- provides more notice for cyclists through signage {TLU-9]
  • Sustainable Fairfax launched Reduce by Two Initiative to reduce single-occupant car trips by 2 each week by carpooling/walking/biking/use of public transportation.  (Pilot 10/2015; full program launch April/May 2016) [TLU-9]
  • Adopted Ordinance No. 800 to allow and regulate Junior Second Units (2/3/2016) (Town Code, Chapter 17, several sections - 2016) [TLU-2]
  • Town Council adopted Ordinance No. 810 which: amended the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) and Junior ADU Town code sections by streamlining and expediting permitting processes, limiting parking requirements and creating a 10 year amnesty/incentive program to legalize ADUs/JADUs with 50% fees and waiving penalties (11/1/2017) (Town Code Chap. 17.48, sections 17.076, 17.080, 17.084, 17.088, 17.116 and 17.124) [TLU-2] 
  • Town Council adopted Ordinance 844 regarding Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Dwelling Units (ADUS/JADUs) on January 15, 2020 (takes effect 30 days after); this Ordinance updated the prior ADUs/JADUs ordinance, among other things, to be consistent with new state laws enacted in 2019.  Ordinance 844 also included the “amnesty provisions” of the prior ordinance and the 50% reduction in fees through 2027.  An urgency ordinance with the same provisions was adopted in December 18, 2019. [TLU-2] 
  • Adopted Ordinance No. 788 which amended 2015 Emergency Shelter ordinance (5/6/2016) (Town Code Chapter 17, several sections  - 2016) [TLU-2]
  • Town Council approved 1st  financial contribution for FY 16/17 to the Yellow School Bus program for the Ross Valley School District and ongoing FY 17/18; FY 18/19; FY19/20 (8/3/2016; 8/2017; 8/2018; 5/2019 increased contribution to $30,000 for FY19/20). Saves 2000 auto trips daily on SFD.  Town Council entered into a Joint Authority – JEPA - to manage the Yellow School Bus program in early 2019 [TLU-8, TLU-10]
  • Renter protections: On April 4, 2018, the Town Council adopted a Source of Income ordinance which is designed to prohibit discrimination solely on the basis of being a Section 8 or other 3rd party voucher holder (based on a Marin County ordinance).  Fairfax is the 1st town/city in Marin County to do so; the County adopted their ordinance in 2017. [TLU-2]
  • Renter protections: Town Council adopted an urgency ordinance for Just Cause Evictions (renter protection) on March 6, 2019 which required cause to terminate a residential tenancy (Ord. No. 828; adding Chapter 5.54) Fairfax is the 1st town/city in Marin County to do so; the County adopted their permanent ordinance in 2018.  [TLU-2]
  • Renter protections: Town Council conducted the 1st reading of a permanent ordinance for Just Cause Evictions on March 6, 2019; 2nd reading was conducted on April 3, 2019 (takes effect 30 days after) Fairfax is the 1st town/city in Marin County to do so; the County adopted their ordinance in 2018.  [TLU-2]
  • Renter protections: The Town Council conducted a 1st reading of a Mandatory Mediation Ordinance for rent increases greater than 5% in a twelve month period on April 3, 2019; the 2nd reading was held on May 1, 2019 (takes effect 30 days after). Fairfax is the 1st town/city in Marin County to do so; the County adopted their ordinance in 2018.  [TLU-2]
Green Building, Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy:
  • Installed energy-efficient lighting, double-paned windows and a new door in Town Hall. [En-11]
  • Installed a 25 KW solar electric system on the Pavilion roof. [EN-15]
  • Joined the Marin Energy Authority (now Marin Clean Energy) and opted up to Deep Green (100% renewable electricity) for all Town operations in 2012.  [EN-16]
  • U.S. EPA’s Green Power Challenge: Fairfax 3rd in the nation for its % use of renewable energy (Oct. 2016) [EN-16]
  • As of 11/2017, Fairfax had the highest % of sign-ups for Deep Green of all the MCE cities/counties (7.96%) [EN-8]
  • Adopted the CalGreen standards as part of the new California Building Code (Ord. 773 – 2013, Town Code Chap. 15.04; Ord. 803 – 2016, Town Code Chap. 15.04) & again with Ordinance 841 adopted December 4, 2019 [EN-1]
  • Town participated in the Energy Upgrade California program, which provides substantial rebates to homeowners to perform energy audits and “whole house” energy upgrade retrofits.
  • Published information on Town Website about Marin Clean Energy (MCE) and link to MCE’s website. [EN-8]
  • Adopted Resolution 14-39 for the California First Program – Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Program available for residential and commercial customers; MCE designated as customer liaison. (9/2014) [EN-7]
  • Adopted Resolutions 15-38, 15-39, 15-40, 15-41, 15-42 to include four additional PACE Programs (California HERO, Ygrene Works, Figtree and CSDA’s Open PACE platform – AllianceNRG). MCE is the customer liaison for all PACE programs. (8/5/2015) [EN-7]
  • Town “changed out” all holiday lights to LED. (2014) [EN-12]
  • Fairfax Climate Action Committee initiative to have 100 additional households (HH)  sign-up for MCE Deep Green ( February  2015 initiated, tabling at events, banners ongoing) [EN-8]
  • Mayor Coler secured grant in Oct/Nov 2015 for Deep Green Incentive Program from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) - provides $5/month for 12 months to 100 new residential HH sign-up for MCE Deep Green.  (Council authorized MCE agreement 12/2/2015, launched  2/26/2016, as of 11/30/2017, 110 new HH had signed up for MCE Deep Green using the incentive program, combined with CAC tabling efforts prior, the new MCE Deep Green sign-ups is 157). [EN-8] NOTE: 100 HH switching to DG saves 73.1 MTCO2E annually – at 157 saving about 115 MTCO2E annually.  [EN-8]
  • Fairfax Climate Action Committee (CAC) developed GHG meter depicting Marin Clean Energy sign-ups and other energy usage to the extent available – hosted at Fairfax Town Hall monitor. (2015 & ongoing] [EN-18]
  • Adopted Ordinance 794, “Small Residential Rooftop Solar and Renewable Energy Systems to Provide a Permitting Process for Small Residential Rooftop Solar Energy Systems.” Permit fees are waived.  (10/7/2015) (Ord. 794, Town Code Art. 11, Chap. 17.138) [EN-5; EN-10]
  • Adopted Resolution 15-49 a Checklist and Standard Plan(s) which sets forth all requirements with which Small Residential Solar Energy Systems must comply to be eligible for expedited review.  (10/7/2015) [EN-10]
  • Forty-eight of 598 Town street lights retrofitted to LED (est. 2012).  Evaluation process to retrofit (up to 85% remaining) Town street lights to LED initiated with Town Council direction to continue evaluation with PGE on-bill financing plan.  (10/2015 initiated; Council approved retrofit plan for ~500 streetlights on 7/13/2016). Installation completed December 2017 of ~400 (some streetlight fixture types are N/A in LED). Town installed the lowest color temperature lights (3000K). [EN-12]
  • On September 15, 2018 the Marin IJ reported on a UC Berkeley study on carbon emission footprints in the Bay Area. In Marin County, Bolinas, Fairfax & Sausalito had the lowest carbon emissions (the study ws done per census block groups).  Fx was second after Bolinas at 41.38 MT of CO2 per household. Christopher Jones, director of Berkeley's CoolClimate Network developed the study with its interactive map. [EN-8]
  • CAC worked to complete an energy efficiency audit for Town operations in 2nd quarter 2019; Council allocated $20,000 to complete energy efficiency actions for Town operations in the FY19/20 Budget. [EN-11]
  • Town Council adopted Ordinance 832 on June 5, 2019 (takes effect 30 days after) which limits the maximum home size for single family and duplexes generally to 3,500 sq. ft. (smaller houses are more energy efficient and have fewer VMT). [EN-TBD#]
Waste Reduction, Recycling & Zero Waste:
  • Adopted a Zero Waste resolution that commits the Town to reaching a 94% diversion rate by 2020, and an ultimate goal of Zero Waste by 2024. (Res. 2479, March 2007) [WST-1]
  • Continue to conduct Town-sponsored electronic waste events. [WST-7; WST-9]
  • Continue to conduct Town-sponsored “Drug Take Back” days [WST-9]
  • In partnership with Marin Sanitary Service (MSS), implemented curbside food waste collection for residences. The program reduces methane emissions by composting food waste instead of depositing it into the landfill. Work to include businesses and restaurants in the program in process.  [WST-1; WST-7]
  • Through the partnership between MSS and Central Marin Sanitary Agency, implemented program for restaurants and other commercial business participation in waste-to-energy program which converts composted food scraps to energy. [WST-1; WST-7]
  • Adopted first “plastic bag ban” in Marin County (Ord. 722 & 726 - 2007/voters November 4, 2008, Town Code Chap. 8.18); adopted ordinance for mandatory charge for paper bags (Ord. 784 – 2014, Town Code Chap. 8.19)
  • Prohibited polystyrene foam food packaging for restaurants & prohibited Town of Fairfax from purchase or use polystyrene food packaging (Ord. 623 – 1993, Town Code Chap. 8.16) [WST-1]
  • Required recycling for development projects (Ord. 717 – 2006, Town Code Chap. 8.60)
  • Established mandatory commercial and multifamily residential recycling (Ord. 772 – 2013, Town Code Chap. 8.08.130) [WST-5]
  • Required mandatory construction, demolition and renovation projects debris recycling (2013/Ord. 783 – 2014, Town Code Chap. 8.14) [WST-4]
  • Continue working with Sustainable Fairfax for waste diversion/sorting at Town events. [WST-11]
  • Adopted Ordinance No. 784, Reduction of Paper Bag Waste by imposing ten cent point of sale charge. (10-2014/Ord. 784, Town Code Chap. 8.19) [WST-1]
  • Annual “take-back” days are held to collect e-waste & provide paper shredding [WST-9]
  • Adopted Resolution 15-32, Support of Marin County Ordinance (Safe Drug Disposal) requiring and producer of prescription & OTC drugs to participate in an approved drug-stewardship program for collection/disposal of such. (8/5/2015) [WST-9]
  • Town contracts with Sustainable Fairfax to assist the Town and work with Marin Sanitary Services (MSS) to conduct waste reduction, recycling and reuse activities (initiated 3/7/2012 & ongoing).  Activities include: education/outreach (E/O) RE: mandatory commercial recycling/commercial composting programs (“food to energy”); programs RE: residential & pilot White Hill school green waste; E/O RE: DEA drug take back day; hosting an annual one-day/year “Take Back Day” with MSS for: paper shredding; battery take-back; e-waste recycling.  Also coordinate w/the Town and others on waste diversion/zero waste at the yearly Fairfax Festival; develop a volunteer base for zero waste.  (3/2012 & ongoing) [WST-3, WST-7]
  • Fairfax Climate Action Committee (CAC) developed GHG meter depicting waste metrics including diversion/recycling/disposal) – hosted at Fairfax Town Hall monitor. (2015 & ongoing) [WST-8]
  • Town Council approved purchase of 26 recycling and trash cart stations to replace existing stations and add stations – can be collected weekly/biweekly by Marin Sanitary Service.  (1/13/2016; installed 5/2016) [WST-13]
  • Town Council adopted Ordinance No. 813 which requires source separation of recyclable and compostable materials from landfill (solid waste) containers (12/6/2017, Town Code Chap. 8.08, section 8.08.050) [WST-1].
  • Town Council adopted Ordinance 838 which added Chapter 8.72 to Title 8 of the Fairfax Municipal Code, Regulating Single-Use Foodware (10/3/2019); it will be effective July 1, 2020.  Among other things, it prohibits food vendors from providing non-compostable single-use food service ware and prohibits the Town from purchasing disposable food service ware for use at events.  It also imposes a 25 cent charge for disposable cups by food vendors. [WST-1]
  • Water & Wastewater:
  • Implemented Marin Municipal Water District’s Ordinance 421 which added, amended, and repealed certain sections of MMWD’s Title 13 Water Code. The revisions were necessary to further meet conservation measures within the District’s service area, meet the 2010 CalGreen standards, improve the effectiveness of the District’s water waste prevention program, and increase efficiency standards.  [Towards WAT-1]
  • Required water conservation measures prior to issuance of building permits (or similar authorizations) for landscaping & toilets and MMWD verification of water availability for the project (Ord. 615 – 1992, Town Code Chap. 17.132) [Towards WAT-1]
  • Adopted California Plumbing Code which allows grey water systems installations for residential and commercial without a permit (Town Code, Chap. 15.040.010(A)(6) [WAT-8] – NOTE: CA Plumbing Code (Chapters 16, 16A, 17) contains these provisions.
  • Adopted Resolution 14-39 for the California First Program – Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Program available for residential and commercial customers; MCE designated as customer liaison  (9/2014) [WAT-6]
  • Adopted Resolutions 15-38, 15-39, 15-40, 15-41, 15-42 to include four additional PACE Programs (California HERO, Ygrene Works, Figtree and CSDA’s Open PACE platform – AllianceNRG).  MCE is the customer liaison for all PACE programs. (8/5/2015) [WAT-6]
  • Adopted updated Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Regulations (Ord. 791 – 6/2015, Town Code Chap. 8.32) (6/2015) [Towards WAT-1]
  • Fairfax Climate Action Committee (CAC) developed GHG meter depicting water usage to the extent data are available – hosted at Fairfax Town Hall monitor. (2015 & ongoing] [WAT-9]
  • Adopted Ordinance amending Fairfax Town Code RE: Water Conservation, to reduce the effective flush volumes for newly installed toilets or for toilets involved in property sales or transfers from 1.6 to 1.28 gallons (4/8/2016) (Ord. 796 – 2016, Town Code Chap. 17.132 - 2016) [Towards WAT-1]
Green Purchasing:
  • Town purchased numerous pieces of Energy Star-rated computer equipment to phase-out older, less energy efficient equipment. [PUR-1]
  • Prohibited use of pesticides on Town property (including aerial and ground applications) with requirements for “neighbor notification” prior to pesticide use on private property (Ord. 686 – 2001, Town Code Chap. 8.52) [PUR-1]
  • Adopted Resolution 14-41 for Town operations, Environmental Purchasing and Practices Policy (a.k.a. “Green Purchasing Policy”). (Nov 2014) [PUR-1; PUR-3; PUR-4]
  • Worked with Town business to continue their policies of phasing out toxics and using non-toxic solutions for insecticides/herbicides – Mayor’s letter encouraging phase-out of glyphosates. (2015) [PUR-5]
Natural Systems & Carbon Sequestration:
  • Creation of Town of Fairfax Open Space Committee (Resolution 2323, 2004) [NAT-4]
  • Acquisition and preservation of open space (e.g., Egger Grove, Upper Ridgeway, Scenic Trail parcel donation, Sky Ranch – completed 2015) [NAT-4]
  • Prohibited building on ridgelines or within ridgeline scenic corridors (Ord. 352 - 1973/Ord. 476 - 1980/Ord. 764 - 2012, Town Code Chap. 17.060) [NAT-4]
  • Enacted ordinance governing tree preservation/removal , creation of Tree Committee, and  permit requirements for tree removal (Ord. 743 – 2009, Town Code Chap. 8.36) [NAT-1]
  • Community Gardens – CG have been developed and maintained at the Women’s Club, initiated near the Youth/Senior Center & developed near the Library. [NAT-5]
  • Town provides financing for plantings and materials for Fairfax Gardner’s Alliance– focus is on plantings in downtown area. (2015 and ongoing) [NAT-5]
Adaptation to the Effects of Climate Change:
  • Begin opening pedestrian trails for fire egress & recreation; and begin commitment to overall trail maintenance program  (2014/2015 and ongoing) [ADPT-1]
  • Continue participation in the Countywide Public Disaster & Education Planning committee – coordination with neighboring municipalities, agencies, NGOs and utilities for disaster planning (2014-2015) [ADPT-1]
  • Adopted Fairfax Climate Action Plan (Res. 14-10 - February 2014) [ADPT]
  • Established Town of Fairfax Climate Action Committee (February 2014) [ADPT]
  • Established Town of Fairfax Climate Action Committee as an independent Town Committee (Resolution 15-26, 7/15/2015) [ADPT]
  • Convened Fairfax Disaster Council and updated Town Emergency Operations Plan. (Completed 11/4/2015) [ADPT-1]
  • Town Council endorsed ballot Measure AA San Francisco Bay Clean Water, Pollution Prevention, and Habitat Restoration Program (5/4/2016) [ADPT-3]
Other:
  • Mandated replacement with cleaner wood-burning devices to mitigate black carbon and PM2.5; encourage adherence to “Winter Spare the Air Days” (Ord. 720 – 2007, Town Code Chap. 8.64)
  • Prohibited use of pesticides on Town property (including aerial and ground applications) with requirements for “neighbor notification” prior to pesticide use on private property (Ord. 686 – 2001, Town Code Chap. 8.52) [PUR-1]
  • Restricted smoking and second-hand smoke (Ord. 754 – 2011, Town Code Chap. 8.44)
  • Restricted e-cigarettes, second-hand smoke and banning smoking in retail tobacco stores (Ord. 790 –6/2015, Town Code Chap. 8.44)
  • Town Council adopted Ordinance No. 814 which prohibits smoking in unenclosed (outdoor) service areas; adds a town tobacco retailer licensing requirement for local retailers; bans the sampling of tobacco products; bans pharmacies from selling tobacco products; prohibits flavored tobacco products except for tobacco or menthol; and establishes a minimum pack size for cigars. Retailers will have until January 1, 2019 to comply with the amendments. (12/6/2017, Town Code Chap. 8.44).
  • On January 24, 2018, the American Lung Association released its 2018 “State of Tobacco Control” report; Fairfax received an “A” for its smoke free regulations which represents its efforts to the protect the public health of it residents and visitors.
  • Town Council adopted Resolution 14-45, requesting CalPers and MCERA to divest their holdings of fossil fuels investments and setting a schedule for compliance (12/4/2014)
  • Town Council adopted Resolution 15-36, supporting the goals of SB 350 which would codify three of Governor Brown’s targets to reduce GHG: increase renewable energy requirements to 50%; reduce petroleum use in cars/trucks by up to 50%; double the energy efficiency of existing buildings.  (8/5/2015)
  • Town Council adopted Resolution 15-37, in support of the closure of Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant.  (8/5/2015)
  • Town of Fairfax partners with the Marin Climate Energy Partnership to develop the Town Climate Action Plan and continues MCEP participation. (2013 & ongoing)
  • Fairfax Climate Action Committee partners with Resilient Neighborhoods and Rising Sun (RS conducts free home energy efficiency – EE - audits and installs EE light bulbs, water aerators, etc.). (2015/2016 & ongoing)
  • Sustainable Fairfax established the Community Seed Exchange - a free seed bank located in the Fairfax Branch library and maintained by Sustainable Fairfax. The Seed Exchange supports the community with pesticide free, non-GMO seeds. (Est. late 2014)
  • Town Council adopted Resolution No. 17-23 in support of bee habitat and pollinator friendly vegetation in Town parks and open space (6/6/2017)
  • The Town Council authorized the Mayor to sign on to the Bay Area Air Quality Management District’s Diesel Free by ’33 Statement of Purpose (8/1/2018)
  • Town Council adopted Resolution 19-04 Endorsing the Declaration of a Climate Emergency and Requesting Regional Collaboration on an Immediate Just Transition and Emergency Mobilization Effort to Restore a Safe Climate. (March 6, 2019)
  • Town Council approved joined the national Climate Mayors Network and designating the Planning Director/designee to participate in monthly coordination calls & forwarded Res. 19-04 (May 1, 2019)
  • Town Council approved use of Town logo by Drawdown Marin (May 1, 2019)
  • Town Council adopted Resolution 19-18 which calls on the Federal Government to pass a Green New Deal.  (June 5, 2019)
  • Town Council authorized then Mayor Coler to endorse San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo’s proposal for restructure of PGE from an investor- owned utility to a customer-owned utility.  (December 1, 2019)
 
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