Implementation
Amend the County Zoning Code (Table 5.2) to require 50 percent shade tree coverage regardless of parking lot size for new development projects that include parking, revise the parking lot shading standards to provide larger minimum sizes for tree planters to improve tree health, and emphasize priority for tree species that maximize carbon sequestration potential.
Enforce existing standards for tree shading and landscaping in existing parking lots not in compliance and establish a compliance program to ensure that trees are maintained properly.
Establish rebate programs, permit fee reductions, or tax deductions to incentivize the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) carports in existing and future parking lots. Solar PV carports provide shade in parking lots while simultaneously converting solar energy into electricity that can be used to charge electric vehicle and plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles.
Amend the County Zoning Code to allow solar PV carports to fulfill a portion or all the existing parking lot shading requirements and provide guidance on the appropriate mix between the use of trees and PV carports.
Develop standards for the inclusion of solar PV carports in County-owned parking lots.
Collaborate with CRCRC, the Sacramento Tree Foundation, SMUD, PG&E, or other regional partners to identify incentives, grants, or other resources for the purposes of commercial and residential greening actions, including, but not limited to, planting of parking lot or street trees, maintaining tree health, and establishing community gardens.
Benefits: Increasing the minimum shade tree coverage and enforcing County standards regarding shading requirements for parking lots, minimum standards for planter box sizes, incorporation of solar PV on carports, and urban greening programs will provide shade during extreme heat events and further reduce the effects of the UHIE, which will lower temperatures in urban areas and improve air quality. Additional shade tree coverage will also provide greater opportunities for carbon sequestration in urban areas.
Co-benefit
This measure supports GHG reduction measures GHG-02, GHG-04, and GHG-05.
Timeframe: Midterm
