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Item C1 3.15 Energy & Climate Monroe County Comprehensive Plan Update 3.15. ENERGY AND CLIMATE GOAL 1501 Monroe County shall coordinate with the municipalities of Key West, Key Colony Beach, Islamorada, Layton and Marathon; regional, State, and federal government agencies, nongovernmental organizations and private organizations to exchange data and develop coordinated strategies to address energy conservation and impacts from climate change. Objective 1501.1 Monroe County shall coordinate and collaborate with municipalities and other public and private entities to address energy conservation strategies and unique climate change impacts, including adaptation and mitigation strategies. Policy 1501.1.1 Monroe County shall maintain existing mechanisms for exchange of ideas and data, and participate in new forums, to facilitate comprehensive and coordinated strategies promoting energy conservation and addressing climate change impacts. Policy 1501.1.2 Monroe County will participate in cooperative efforts such as the Southeast Florida Regional Climate Change Compact in order to maximize efforts to facilitate the exchange of ideas and data and coordinate policies promoting energy conservation and climate change resilience. Policy 1501.1.3 Monroe County will continue to coordinate with, and seek the support of, other counties and State agencies such as the South Florida Water Management District, South Florida Regional Planning Council, and State partners, to ensure that the latest data and approaches to energy conservation and climate change resilience are available to the County. Policy 1501.1.4 Monroe County shall seek the support of agencies, such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Department of Interior, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE), as well as universities and not - for - profit organizations to coordinate support for updating, exchanging and analyzing data regarding potential changes in climate change vulnerability. Policy 1501.1.5 Monroe County will support local and regional modeling and monitoring programs, as resources permit, to assure the most current locally specific data is considered in the 2030 Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code updates. This may include but is not be limited to programs designed to monitor surface water quality (including temperature), sea level rise, hydrologic and geologic conditions, groundwater quality and levels, precipitation and Energy and Climate 1 Keith and Schnars, P.A. Comprehensive Plan: July 2014 Monroe County Comprehensive Plan Update groundwater withdrawals from resources that the County depends upon (including those outside County lines). The County shall make such data available to the publ ic. <The Remainder of This Page Intentionally Left Blank> Energy and Climate 2 Keith and Schnars, P.A. Comprehensive Plan: July 2014 Monroe County Comprehensive Plan Update Objective 1501.2 Recognizing the critical role of Monroe County to promote awareness on energy and climate issues, the County shall encourage collaborative intergovernmental practices that serve as a model for the municipalities and other entities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGEs) by at least 20% below the 2005 levels by 2020. Monroe County shall measure progress towards achieving reductions for its own facilities and operations every five years. Policy 1501.2.1 Monroe County shall promote the adoption of policies and strategies across all County departments to reduce GHGEs and become more resilient to the impacts of climate change. Monroe County shall employ such strategies as establishing video conferencing capabilities to allow residents and employees to participate in meetings without having to drive long distances; evaluating the feasibility for installation of renewable energy systems on County owned facilities; and increasing the use of alternatively fueled vehicles. Policy 1501.2.2 Within one (1) year after the adoption of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan, Monroe County shall develop a procurement policy that incorporates energy saving principles for its own buildings, facilities and services. Policy 1501.2.3 Monroe County shall share information and technical data regarding the most efficient technologies to minimize GHGEs with other agencies and utilities operating within Monroe County. <The Remainder of This Page Intentionally Left Blank> Energy and Climate 3 Keith and Schnars, P.A. Comprehensive Plan: July 2014 Monroe County Comprehensive Plan Update GOAL 1502 Monroe County shall incorporate the best available data and science, into its policy and planning decisions for infrastructure, recognizing the uncertainty associated with long range climate change predictions. Objective 1502.1 In conjunction with future updates to the 2030 Comprehensive Plan and land development regulations, the County shall update the data and assumptions related to climate change impacts to infrastructure based on the latest scientific predictions and observed (monitored) impacts. Monroe County shall also consider climate change impacts such as increased temperatures, sea level rise, potentially shifting habitat and ecosystem types and the need to withstand increased storm surge in evaluating public infrastructure decisions. Policy 1502.1.1 Prior to incorporating a new project to the Capital Improvements Element, Monroe County shall assure that it is reviewed for recommendations to increase resiliency and account for the impacts from climate change, including but not limited to, sea level rise go sW rn stirtalMonroe County shall evaluate financial expenditures to fund repairs, reconditioning of deteriorating infrastructure and new infrastructure improvements within or proximate to vulnerable areas to manage public investments appropriately. Monroe County shall focus on level of service standards, as one of the points of analysis, to assure that infrastructure useful life and service expectations can be met in the face of climate change impacts. Policy 1502.1.2 In the capital improvements planning process infrastructure decisions shall consider the most energy efficient technologies available. This analysis shall include the useful life of the infrastructure and the cost savings related to reduced energy needs, operations and maintenance saved from such efficiency goals. Polio 1502.1.3 Within five (5) ve after the adoption of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan, Monroe County shall identify actions to promote and support increased energy efficiency measures and the proportion of electricity generated by alternative and renewable energy, including, but not limited to solar, wind, biofuels and other sources. Monroe County shall incorporate these actions into its facilities and operations as well as its fleet. Monroe County shall coordinate with Florida Keys Electric Cooperative and Keys Energy. Polio 1502.1.4 after the adoption of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan, Monroe County shall identify criteria to define adaptation action areas (AAA), or a similar concept to be defined by the County, which may include infrastructure. Within five (5) years after the adoption of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan, Monroe County Energy and Climate 4 Keith and Schnars, P.A. Comprehensive Plan: July 2014 Monroe County Comprehensive Plan Update shall identify proposed adaptation action areas (AAA), or a similar concept to be defined by the County. Pursuant to Chapter 163, F.S., AAA are those areas that experience coastal flooding due to extreme high tides and storm surge, and that are vulnerable to the related impacts of rising sea levels for the purpose of prioritizing funding for infrastructure needs and adaptation planning. In the AAAs, strategies will be developed to address vulnerabilities from these effects as well as the rate of impact and available adaptation options. In conjunction with later updates to the 2030 Comprehensive Plan, Monroe County shall update existing, or map new, potential impacts of sea -level rise for consideration in long - termplanning decisions. Itv .150.2 Within five (5) years after the adoption of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan, Monroe County shall initiate an inventory of existing and planned infrastructure up to the 2030 horizon, based upon the vulnerability mapping identified in Policy 1502.1.4, for capacity to accommodate projected sea -level rise over the life expectancy of that infrastructure. Monroe County shall identify the infrastructure within those areas, its useful life and any retrofits or capital projects necessary to address the impacts of sea level rise. These state ies ma include defense, accommodation, or and retreat projects, to address the impacts of sea level rise. Monroe County will consider developing design criteria, in conjunction with a broader asset management planning process. W ithin five (5) years after the adoption of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan, Monroe County shall consider incorporating a planning, design and permitting standard for infrastructure and public facilities that may include a sea level rise assumption of 3 " -7" b 2030 as develo ed by the Southeast Re ional Climate Com act. Monroe County shall ensure that new, renovated and replacement public facilities and infrastructure, such as streets and bridges, water and wastewater treatment plants, police stations and fire stations, and any other public facilities that the County has authorit over, are desi ed in a manner which considers life of The County shall also consider the potential impacts from climate change, including rising sea levels and shoreline stabilization needs, on its infrastructure and public facilities. Policy 1502.1.8 Monroe County shall exchange data regarding locally - specific vulnerable areas and land use strategies /policies with the Florida Department of Transportation, the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration relative to ferry, airport, transit, bridges and transportation systems. Energy and Climate 5 Keith and Schnars, P.A. Comprehensive Plan: July 2014 Monroe County Comprehensive Plan Update Policy 1502.1.9 Monroe County shall coordinate with appropriate agencies to monitor changes to minimum road elevation standards which may be specific to Monroe County due to its unique exposure to climate change and sea level rise impacts. This could also include enhanced stormwater management requirements and resurfacing requirements for certain transportation segments. Policy 1502.1.10 Within five (5) years after the adoption of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan, Monroe County shall review land development regulations that address stormwater management considerations for sea level rise impacts. To the extent practicable, Monroe County shall incorporate green infrastructure or passive alternatives that maximize land preservation over impervious or "active" infrastructure. Such alternatives could include the reconditioning and reuse of septic tanks, increased use of rainwater harvesting techniques, such as cisterns and other water storage techniques. Monroe County shall determine if land development regulation amendments are needed to address increased retention requirements and other topographic or infiltration considerations which may influence stormwater management requirements. Monroe County shall also consider the ability to meet water quality requirements related to stormwater management regulations and if there are any impacts from climate change that may jeopardize the County's ability to meet those requirements. <The Remainder of This Page Intentionally Left Blank> Energy and Climate 6 Keith and Schnars, P.A. Comprehensive Plan: July 2014 Monroe County Comprehensive Plan Update GOAL 1503 Monroe County shall address energy and climate issues in the built environment by: encouraging green development practices; reducing waste; enhancing transportation choices; and educating the community about the need to reduce energy use and prepare for climate change impacts. Objective 1503.1 To address the impacts of GHGEs and climate change, Monroe County shall promote energy efficiency across all sectors of energy use, public and private sector, in the built environment. 11.61 after the adoption of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan, Monroe County shall include more energy efficiency requirements into the Land Development Code as appropriate. These practices may include climate change impacts as a factor in determining appropriate levels of development in vulnerable areas. L hin seven AM after the adoption of the Comprehensive Plan, Monroe Count) ma include climate change impacts as a factor in determining appropriate levels of development. Policy 1503.1.3 Within (5) years after the adoption of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan, Monroe County shall update the Land Development Code to increase bicycle and pedestrian - friendly development with more transportation options and increase the construction of energy efficient and climate resilient structures. Monroe County shall review the most updated FEMA maps IIIMM and evaluate floor elevation requirements, as necessary, for all new construction in vulnerable areas. Policy 1503.13 moved under Obj 1502.1 renewable energy, including, but not limited to solar, wind, biofuels and other seurees. Monroe County shall incorporate these actions into its facilities and iiiiiiiiiiiiiiitiNiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiik Policy 1503.1.5 Consistent with the Lower East Coast Regional Water Supply Plan, Monroe County shall encourage FKAA to continue expanding water auditing programs to Energy and Climate 7 Keith and Schnars, P.A. Comprehensive Plan: July 2014 Monroe County Comprehensive Plan Update increase the scope of the audits and identify opportunities to reduce system leaks and promote water conservation retrofitting. Policy 1503.1.6 Within one (1) year after the adoption of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan, Monroe County shall develop policies to increase water conservation, which may include the adoption of a recognized standard such as the South Florida Water Management District's "Water Star" or EPA's "Water Sense" programs. Policy 1503.1.7 Within five (5) years after the adoption of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan, Monroe County shall determine the appropriate climate change considerations (including but not limited to, emergency management, flood risk, storm surge, threats to potable water supply, the potential for changing habitat and landscapes, the need for shoreline stabilization and the potential impacts to infrastructure necessary to serve proposed uses) to evaluate when reviewing land use amendments. Policy 1503.1.8 Within five (5) years after the adoption of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan, Monroe County shall develop a shoreline stabilization strategy to protect and enhance the built and natural environments from erosion and sea level rise impacts prioritizing natural green infrastructure approaches. Monroe County shall assure shoreline stabilization strategies are found to be in the public interest in light of that area's vulnerability to climate change impacts. Monroe County shall also consider public access to beaches, minimizing adverse impacts to coastal processes and resources, impacts to neighboring properties, and the values and functions of beaches and coastal /marine systems, relative to shoreline stabilization strategies, <The Remainder of This Page Intentionally Left Blank> Energy and Climate 8 Keith and Schnars, P.A. Comprehensive Plan: July 2014 Monroe County Comprehensive Plan Update Objective 1503.2 Monroe County shall work cooperatively with municipalities and transportation agencies to identify and evaluate transportation strategies to address energy and climate issues. Policy 1503.2.1 Within five (5) years after the adoption of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan, Monroe County shall evaluate the need and opportunities for additional policies to reduce vehicle miles traveled ( "VMT ") by 2030. Such policies could include offering a range of transportation choices in new development or redevelopment projects; incentivizing connectivity between differing modes of transportation to increase modal split and linking residential and employment center land uses to reduce the need for single vehicle trips. Policy 1503.2.2 Within five (5) years after the adoption of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan, Monroe County shall determine Upper and Lower Keys publicly accessible locations appropriate for electric vehicle charging stations and encourage a mix of alternative fuel sources such as electricity and biodiesel for vehicles. Monroe County shall also encourage the inclusion of such charging stations in appropriate zoning categories. Policy 1503.2.3 Monroe County shall continue to coordinate with the City of Key West to increase ridership and reduce wait times on the Lower Keys Shuttle with the goal ofpromoting energy conservation and reducing GHGEs. <The Remainder of This Page Intentionally Left Blank> Energy and Climate 9 Keith and Schnars, P.A. Comprehensive Plan: July 2014 Monroe County Comprehensive Plan Update Objective 1503.3 With the objective of becoming more resilient to climate impacts and promoting new green industries, Monroe County shall promote public awareness of the relationship between energy conservation and addressing climate impacts and economic benefits derived from them. Policy 1503.3.1 Monroe County shall work with the construction industry to assure input on green and energy efficiency standards so that local contractors are informed and can participate in their implementation through development, redevelopment and public infrastructure projects. The County will seek opportunities to partner with other local governments and agencies to implement this policy. Policy 1503.3.2 Within one (1) year after the adoption of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan, Monroe County shall incorporate appropriate green building or climate resilient specifications into competitive bids which may include sustainable building or green building code accredited individuals on design teams and incorporation of green building practices, as appropriate, for all projects relying upon County funds. Policy 1503.3.3 Monroe County shall seek ways to enhance sustainable business development opportunities focusing on sustainable tourism, educational and institutional research -based tourism, green technologies and construction strategies. <The Remainder of This Puke Intentionally Left Blank> Energy and Climate 10 Keith and Schnars, P.A. Comprehensive Plan: July 2014 Monroe County Comprehensive Plan Update Objective 1503.4 In coordination with the next update to the County's emergency management policies, Monroe County shall coordinate with municipalities, the Florida Division of Emergency Management, and other applicable agencies to further review and incorporate sea -level rise considerations and climate change. Policy 1503.4.1 Within five (5) years after the adoption of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan, Monroe County shall review its post- disaster redevelopment plan and land development regulations to include, as appropriate, consideration of climate change impacts, repetitive loss structures and shoreline stabilization needs. Policy 1503.4.2 In coordination with the next update to emergency management policies, Monroe County shall determine any impacts to hurricane evacuation timeframes exacerbated by a 3 " -7" increase in sea -level rise by 2030 on transportation facilities. <The Remainder of This Page Intentionally Left Blank> Energy and Climate 11 Keith and Schnars, P.A. Comprehensive Plan: July 2014 Monroe County Comprehensive Plan Update GOAL 1504 Monroe County shall further protect natural systems and habitats by incorporating climate adaptation and mitigation strategies in its land acquisition policies. This goal will include consideration of the need to address natural resource protection and restoration requirements, the likelihood of natural resource impacts such as shifting habitats from a rising sea, potential threats and loss of marine ecosystems and habitat, ecosystem -based approaches to exotic species and vegetation management and the need to protect, manage and restore native habitat. Objective 1504.1 Within five (5) years after the adoption of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan, the County shall revise its land acquisition and preservation policies to consider the climate change - related values of natural areas for sequestering carbon and providing climate adaptation and mitigation benefits such as the resource's strategic capacity to absorb floodwaters and address coastal ecosystem migration. Policy 1504.1.1 Within five (5) years after the adoption of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan, Monroe County shall identify and evaluate natural resources, including coastal and marine environmental, resources that may be vulnerable to climate change impacts and consider mitigation and adaptation management strategies to address those vulnerabilities. Policy 1504.1.2 Within five (5) years after the adoption of the Plan, Monroe County shall determine if any additional or revised land acquisition or land development regulations are needed to implement land acquisition or preservation programs that prioritize the benefits gained from protecting and enhancing natural lands in mitigating the impacts of erosion of shorelines. Monroe County shall encourage the state and federal government to acquire lands which provide natural resource protection for listed species and which address natural resource impacts such as shifting habitats from a rising sea. Recognizing the unique impacts that climate change has on the County's reef system, primarily warming ocean temperatures, ocean acidification and changes in marine estuaries and brackish systems affecting juvenile species, Florida's reef fish and invertebrate populations and associated fisheries, Monroe Coun shall coordinate on an ongoing basis with , a tint res onsible for monitorin im acts to c . Monroe County shall vtiork with these agencies to implement land -based strategies to mitigate those impacts such as minimizing sedimentation, storm water runoff, and other water quality impacts to the Florida reef system. The County will also participate in updates to existing programs and strategies (e.g. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Water Quality Protection Program and the existing marine protected areas in the Florida Reef System) to optimize their effectiveness H:nergâ–  and Climate 12 Keith and Schnars, P.A. Comprehensive Plan: July 2014 Monroe County Comprehensive Plan Update and make them more robust in the context of creating resilience to climate change. Policy 1504.1.4 In coordination with relevant agencies, including the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, the County will contribute to and participate in the development and implementation of a marine zoning plan(s) or other appropriate tool(s) which incorporate resilience -based concepts to provide maximum protection for all reef types and associated habitats in the Florida Reef System with consideration of the connectivity between reefs and their associated nursery habitats. Polic 1504 i fter the adoption of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan, Monroe County shall consider revising its natural resource restoration policies based on identification of vulnerable areas to encourage planting and proper long -term maintenance of native flora throughout the County. This will include, but not be limited to, a review of current County buffer requirements within the Land Development Code to encourage a balance of trees, understory, shrubs, and groundcover, reducing pea -rock and turf grass on rights of way whenever possible and utilizing native ground cover, plants, and trees. <The Remainder of This Puj e Intentionally Left Blank> Energy and Climate 13 Keith and Schnars, P.A. . Comprehensive Plan: July 2014