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CC - ACTION ITEM: (1) Discussion of Culver City Becoming a Climate Emergency City and a C40 Member; (2) Discussion of Building Safety Codes and Emergency Preparedness in Response to Recent Wildfires; and (3) (If Desired) Direction to the City Manager as Deemed Appropriate.
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Meeting Date: March 10, 2025
Contact Person/Dept.: Christopher Evans/Public Works Department/Engineering Division
Troy Evangelho/Planning and Development Department/Advance Planning
Asst. Chief Roger Braum/Fire Department
Phone Number: (310) 253-5621
Fiscal Impact: Yes [ ] No [X] General Fund: Yes [ ] No [X]
Attachments: Yes [X] No [ ]
Public Notification: E-Mail: Meetings and Agendas - City Council (03/06/2025)
Department Approval: Yanni Demitri, Public Works Director/City Engineer (03/03/2025); Mark Munezer, Planning and Development Director (03/03/2025); Ken Powel, Fire Chief (03/03/2025)
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council (1) discuss the possibility of Culver City becoming a Climate Emergency City and a C40 member; and (2) discuss building safety codes and emergency preparedness in response to recent wildfires; and (3) if desired, provide direction to the City Manager as deemed appropriate.
BACKGROUND:
On November 11, 2024, the City Council discussed becoming a Climate Emergency City and a C40 member, with no action taken. The City Council requested this item be re-agendized for further discussion.
At the January 13, 2025 City Council meeting, the City Council requested that staff incorporate a discussion on improvements to the building safety code related to wildfires, as well as potential measures to incentivize homeowners to harden their homes against wildfires.
Additionally, the City Council asked staff to explore ways to better prepare for catastrophic events, allowing for increased mobility and more efficient evacuation of congested areas within the City.
DISCUSSION
C40 Organization and Membership
In reviewing both the C40 organization and information regarding the cities becoming Climate Emergency Cities, staff found that both are related to cities taking the lead to implement measures to reduce the effects of climate change.
C40 is an organization of approximately 96 large cities throughout the world, including Los Angeles (https://www.c40.org/). The mayors of C40 cities are committed to the goal of reducing their city’s greenhouse gas emissions to avoid having the earth’s temperature rise more than 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit), along with promoting environmental justice and sustainability.
Staff contacted C40 and were informed that membership is limited to cities with 3 million or more in population and that they cap their membership by region. Therefore, Culver City is ineligible due to its population size.
Climate Emergency Cities
Staff researched what would be involved in becoming a Climate Emergency City, and below is a summary of that research:
Some cities in the US and worldwide have declared “Climate Emergencies”. There isn’t one set definition for a “Climate Emergency City”. A climate emergency city is a city that has acknowledged the need to take action on the causes and effects of climate change. Climate emergency cities may have plans in place to reduce their carbon emissions and increase their resilience to climate change, or both.
For example, Portland, Oregon's Climate Emergency Workplan for 2022-2025 includes goals to reduce carbon emissions by 50% by 2030 and to net zero by 2050. In Napa, California, their Climate Emergency Resolution aims to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions from public and private operations by 2030. Some of the strategies Napa is using to achieve this goal include using energy more efficiently, increasing access to zero-emission transportation, and harnessing renewable electricity.
Much like the examples provided above, the City’s General Plan 2045 adopts similar measures, including achieving net zero greenhouse gases by 2045.
General Plan 2045
The General Plan 2045 is the City’s long-range plan that guides growth and development through 2045. This plan addresses how the city will manage climate change, safety, and sustainability through goals, policies, and actions.
The General Plan 2045 establishes sustainability as one of the City’s core values and highlights relevant sustainability goals throughout the plan. Furthermore, the General Plan has several elements that focus on climate change and sustainability. For discussion purposes, staff is providing the following information regarding those elements contained in the recently adopted General Plan (www.culvercity.org/files/content/public/v/11/have-your-say/general-plan-2045/general-plan-2045.pdf <http://www.culvercity.org/files/content/public/v/11/have-your-say/general-plan-2045/general-plan-2045.pdf>) that focus on the City’s future climate action efforts.
• Element 9: Greenhouse Gas Reduction -This Element establishes a workplan to address sustainability, the environmental, social equity, and economic impacts from climate change.
o For example, this section includes the goal for the City to develop a plan, and achieve several Greenhouse Gas emission reduction targets; including becoming carbon neutral by 2045.
• Element 1 Community Health and Environmental Justice - This Element identifies priority districts in the City and addresses the unique and compounded health risks in these neighborhoods.
o For example, this section sets the goal of all residents and workers to breathe clean air and not be exposed to hazardous materials.
• Element 10: Conservation -This Element addresses the stewardship and conservation of cultural and natural resources.
o For example, this section includes the goal that Ballona Creek continue to mitigate flooding, its native ecologies are to be restored, and for it to become a scenic multi-purpose open space and recreational corridor.
• Element 11: Safety -This Element evaluates and mitigates the risk of climate change and natural hazards such as seismic and geologic activity, wildfires, and flooding.
o For example, this section includes the goal to support resilient building design by helping residents weatherize homes to keep them cooler/warmer, to become energy efficient, and to improve indoor air quality.
In addition, the General Plan includes a robust “Evacuation Route Capacity and Viability Study” (Attachment 1), which considers impacts from climate change, as well as other natural hazards.
Building Safety Code Standards and Incentives for Hardening Homes
Culver City has adopted the California Building Standards Code (CBSC). The CBSC’s requirements for development in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ) include special standards for ignition-resistant construction and building materials, roofing, vents, exterior coverings (such as stucco, concrete or steel), windows (made of tempered glass), doors, decking, accessory structures, and vegetation management. These requirements are already in effect for new construction in Culver City’s VHFHSZ (Attachment 2).
Although the CBSC standards are quite comprehensive, and among some of the most stringent in the nation, a potential local enhancement to these standards could include a requirement for a remote monitoring rooftop sprinkler system featuring on-site water storage tanks, pumps, and backup power.
Potential incentives for homeowners to make this or other enhancements might involve prioritizing the review and permit process and/or temporarily reducing related fees. In July, 2025, an update to the CBSC will be published, which will reflect the latest safety standards. Subsequently, the CBSC will be presented to the City Council for adoption and will take effect in January 2026.
Emergency Preparation for Catastrophic Events
Fire Department
Catastrophic events, which have increased in frequency and intensity with the acceleration of climate change, are a reality across all parts of the City. This risk is heightened in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ). The increased risk in certain areas of the City has been a key focus for the Fire Department and the Office of Emergency Preparedness when updating the Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) (Attachment 3). Additionally, an updated evacuation plan has been added as an annex to the EOP (Attachment 4). This annex involved most City departments, including the Transportation Department, which, in coordination with the Fire Department, will assist with mobility as directed by the on-scene incident commander, the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), the Culver City Fire Department, or the Culver City Police Department. The Fire Department's work plans for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 include a review of mitigation and response procedures, as well as improvements to programs focused on educating residents in the VHFHSZ.
Police Department
Public safety evacuations in the context of climate emergencies are critical in protecting the community from the dangers posed by extreme weather events and other climate-related hazards. These evacuations are often prompted by events such as wildfires, floods, heatwaves, or storms, all of which are increasingly influenced by climate change. The following is an overview of key elements involved in public safety evacuations in relation to climate emergencies:
• Purpose of Evacuations: Evacuations are implemented to prevent loss of life, reduce injuries, and safeguard property during climate-related disasters. When conditions become too dangerous for people to remain in affected areas-due to floods, fires, storms, etc.-evacuations are ordered by local authorities.
• Some of the types of Climate Emergencies requiring evacuations:
§ Wildfires: Wildfires can spread rapidly, especially in hot, dry conditions. Evacuations are essential when fire danger is imminent.
§ Flooding: River, urban, and coastal floods can cause widespread destruction, especially during heavy rains or rapid snowmelt. Evacuations are needed when floodwaters are expected to overrun safe levels.
§ Heatwaves: Prolonged heatwaves, especially when combined with other extreme weather events, can pose significant health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations, prompting evacuations or sheltering strategies.
• Evacuation Planning and Coordination: Effective evacuation requires careful planning and coordination across multiple levels of government and agencies:
§ Emergency Management Agencies: These organizations coordinate the evacuation efforts, issue warnings, and direct resources for transportation, shelter, and medical aid.
§ Local Authorities: Local governments are typically the first to respond, working with state and federal agencies to implement evacuations.
§ Communication: Early and clear communication is essential. This can include TV, radio, social media, and emergency alerts (e.g., reverse 911) to inform residents of evacuation orders and procedures.
§ Transportation and Shelter: Special transportation options are provided for people without access to private vehicles, and emergency shelters are set up for evacuees.
• Vulnerable Populations: Evacuation plans must account for vulnerable groups, including:
§ Elderly individuals and those with disabilities may need additional assistance.
§ Low-income communities might lack transportation or resources to evacuate.
§ Children and pets require specific evacuation plans and care during emergencies.
§ Healthcare facilities, including hospitals and nursing homes, must have specialized evacuation procedures.
• Technological Innovations: New technologies play a key role in enhancing evacuation efforts:
§ Mobile Alerts: Smartphone apps and text message alerts allow authorities to send urgent warnings and evacuation orders directly to residents.
§ The Hi-Lo Audible Warning (HLAW) System: The Hi-Lo Audible Warning (HLAW) system within the Culver City Police Department is a critical tool for emergency evacuations and must be used in strict compliance with department guidelines and California Vehicle Code 27002. The HLAW system has been added to patrol vehicle siren/light control panels as a dedicated “Hi-Lo” button. This system is intended exclusively for emergency evacuation orders. The HLAW alerts the public to imminent danger and conveys the need for immediate evacuation. The HLAW System is a critical step in enhancing public safety during emergency evacuations and its’ use ensures clear and effective communication with the community.
Public safety evacuations in response to climate emergencies are a crucial component of disaster response. As climate change continues to influence the frequency and severity of extreme weather, there will be an increasing need for well-prepared and coordinated evacuation plans, especially for vulnerable populations. These efforts must be adaptable, inclusive, and supported by effective communication and technology to ensure the safety of all citizens during these increasingly common and devastating events.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
There is no fiscal impact to discussing this issue however, a fiscal impact may occur as a result of the direction City Council gives to staff.
ATTACHMENTS
1. 2025-03-10_ATT - Evacuation Route Study
2. 2025-03-10_ATT - Culver City VHFHSZ
3. 2025-03-10_ATT - Emergency Operations Plan
4. 2025-03-10_ATT - Evacuation Annex
MOTIONS
That the City Council:
1. Discuss Culver City becoming a “climate emergency city.”
2. Discuss building safety codes and emergency preparedness in response to the recent wildfires.
3. If desired, provide direction to the City Manager as deemed appropriate.