Belmont Planning Commission Study Session on Safety Element and Climate Action Plan – April 21, 2026

The Belmont Planning Commission held a study session on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, to review the draft Safety Element update and the draft Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAP) measures and actions. The meeting began with roll call, with Commissioners Takahashi, Kramer, Chair Coolidge, and Majeski present; Commissioners Adam Kevich, Twig, and Jadala were absent. The commission approved three sets of minutes from previous meetings on the consent calendar and then delved into the two major study items.

Consent Calendar

• Approved meeting minutes from November 18, 2025, December 2, 2025, and February 3, 2026, unanimously (4-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made in person or via Zoom for either the community forum or the study session items. One written public comment was received for the CAP item but was not read aloud; it was noted for the record.

Discussion Items

Draft Safety Element Update (Item 6A)

• Principal Planner Adrian Smith and consultant Eli Crispy (Placeworks) presented the safety element update, part of the Peninsula Resilience Planning Project with nine jurisdictions. The update addresses new state requirements for climate resilience, aligns with the 2021 Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, and incorporates the city’s Emergency Operations Plan.
• Key hazards identified: wildfire, evacuation, sea level rise, and emergent groundwater. The element includes new sections on climate change impacts, sea level rise, severe weather, and human health hazards.
• Community engagement highlighted concerns about communication gaps during emergencies, infrastructure improvements (roadways, storm drainage, power grid), and the need for equitable distribution of resources.
• Commissioner Takahashi asked about enforcement of fire-resistant building standards for existing structures in fire hazard zones. Staff clarified that requirements apply primarily during redevelopment or major renovations. She also inquired about the condition of Belmont’s 80% clay storm drain pipes; staff noted potential risks from tree roots and seismic activity but deferred to public works for specifics.
• Commissioner Kramer asked about the practical application of the safety element in planning decisions. Staff explained that it is used for general plan conformance checks, future policy guidance, and SEQA analysis, and that a compliant safety element improves eligibility for FEMA and state disaster relief funding.
• Chair Coolidge asked about coordination with neighboring jurisdictions not participating in the joint effort. Staff confirmed that the element is consistent with countywide frameworks and mutual aid agreements, and that the document has been reviewed by the State Office of Emergency Services.

Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAP) – Draft Measures and Actions (Item 6B)

• Project manager Karen Clark and Olivia Mendoza (Rincon Consultants) presented the CAP update, which combines mitigation (reducing greenhouse gas emissions) and adaptation (preparing for climate impacts). The plan builds on the 2017 CAP and aligns with state targets (SB 32: 40% below 1990 by 2030; AB 1279: carbon neutrality by 2045).
• Emission sources: transportation and natural gas dominate; electricity is only 1% due to Peninsula Clean Energy’s carbon-free supply. Key measures include:
  • Healthy and Resilient Buildings: Cut natural gas 18% by 2030, 90% all-electric new construction, support Bay Area Air District rules for zero-NOx appliances.
  • Mobility: Increase public transit mode share from 4.4% to 7% and active transportation from 0.5% to 1.5% by 2030.
  • Electric Vehicles: Reach 30% passenger EV adoption by 2030, add 200 public chargers, phase out gas-powered city lawn equipment by 2027.
  • Urban Ecosystems: Reduce organic waste to landfills by 75% below 2014 levels, plant 125 trees per year.
• Community engagement: 75% concerned about wildfire, 51% about air quality; 62% open to electrification with financial incentives; 84% willing to separate organic waste.
• Commissioner Kramer questioned whether the measures are sufficient to meet the 2045 carbon neutrality goal, noting that only about a third of the needed reductions are addressed. Staff acknowledged that the CAP is a 5-10 year plan and that state law limits local building code amendments, but noted that Bay Area Air District rules will phase out gas appliances in the late 2020s. They emphasized that the strategies (electrification, EV adoption) are the same needed for long-term goals, but full achievement depends on continued state and community action.
• Commissioner Takahashi raised concerns about educating residents on electrification and sustainable practices. Staff described existing outreach via newsletters, social media, and regional programs (Peninsula Clean Energy’s Electrification Concierge).
• Commissioner Majeski suggested incorporating LEED for city buildings, but Commissioner Kramer cautioned against using a private certification system, recommending instead the highest tier of the state green building code. Other suggestions included: adding sidewalks during street improvements, banning gas leaf blowers, expediting permits for EV chargers, and creating a downtown zone to reduce vehicle trips.
• Chair Coolidge noted that many actions rely on voluntary citizen behavior and that the city can only create incentives and educate, given regulatory constraints.

Key Outcomes

• The consent calendar was approved unanimously (4-0).
• No formal votes were taken on the study session items; the discussion will inform staff revisions.
• For the Safety Element: the public review period ends May 14, 2026. The City Council will hold a study session on April 28, and the Planning Commission is scheduled to consider a recommendation for adoption on June 2, 2026.
• For the CAP: staff will refine measures and actions based on feedback, complete quantification, and draft the plan. A public review period will follow, with adoption hearings anticipated in fall 2026. The CAP will also be presented to the City Council on April 28, 2026.
• Other business: reminders about the State of the City event on May 6, 2026, and testing of the city’s new website chatbot. The next Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for May 5, 2026.