Policies

1. Policy H-1.5 RHNA transfers with annexation

   We work with the Southern California Association of Governments, Local Agency Formation Commission, and incorporated jurisdictions to develop agreements for the transfer of the regional housing need allocation as a precondition for annexations.

   GO TO POLICY

2. Policy H-1.6 Life-cycle costs

   We encourage energy-conservation techniques and upgrades in both the construction and rehabilitation of residential units that will reduce the life-cycle costs of housing.

   GO TO POLICY

Goals

1. GOAL NR-1 AIR QUALITY

   Air quality that promotes health and wellness of residents in San Bernardino County through improvements in locally-generated emissions

   GO TO GOAL

Policies

1. Policy NR-1.8 Construction and operations

   We invest in County facilities and fleet vehicles to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions. We encourage County contractors and other builders and developers to use low-emission construction vehicles and equipment to improve air quality and reduce emissions.

   GO TO POLICY

2. Policy NR-1.9 Building design and upgrades

   We use the CALGreen Code to meet energy efficiency standards for new buildings and encourage the upgrading of existing buildings to incorporate design elements, building materials, and fixtures that improve environmental sustainability and reduce emissions.

   GO TO POLICY

Goals

1. Goal RE-1 Energy Conservation and Efficiency

   The County will pursue energy efficiency tools and conservation practices that optimize the benefits of renewable energy

   GO TO GOAL

Policies

1. Policy RE-1.1

   Continue implementing the energy conservation and efficiency measures identified in the County of San Bernardino Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Plan.

   GO TO POLICY

2. Policy RE-1.2

   Optimize energy efficiency in the built environment

   • RE 1.2.1: Support low- to no-cost retrofits to improve energy efficiency of existing homes through grant and loan programs.
   • RE 1.2.2: Encourage property owners to participate in a PACE program for access to energy efficiency retrofit financing.
   • RE 1.2.3: Encourage utilities to expand free to low-cost audit and retrofit programs in the built environments.
   • RE 1.2.4: Work with utilities (Southern California Edison (SCE), Southern California Gas Company (SCG), etc.) to identify retrofit opportunities with short payback periods, such as variable-speed pool pumps, building air sealing, and attic insulation, for County use in conducting focused energy efficiency outreach.
   • RE 1.2.5: Collaborate with community partners to promote the benefits of energy efficiency to County residents, businesses, and industries.
   • RE 1.2.6: Encourage new development to comply with the optional energy efficiency measures of the CALGreen Code.
   • RE 1.2.7: Encourage passive solar design in subdivision and design review processes.
   GO TO POLICY

3. Policy RE-1.3

   Promote the local economic benefits of energy efficiency retrofits.

   • RE 1.3.1: Support workforce development and certification for green trades.
   • RE 1.3.2: Provide networking opportunities to connect local contractors with energy efficiency retrofit programs such as the PACE program and Energy Upgrade California.
   • RE 1.3.3: Encourage energy efficiency retrofit projects as components of adaptive re-use of historic structures.
   GO TO POLICY

4. Policy RE-2.5

   Support renewable energy systems that accelerate zero net energy (ZNE) through innovative design, construction, and operations of residences, businesses, and institutions that are grid-neutral and independent of centralized energy infrastructure.

   • RE 2.5.1: Allow and encourage construction of new buildings designed to ZNE standards consistent with state programs.
   • RE 2.5.2: Incorporate ZNE into outreach and educational strategies about renewable energy and energy efficiency.
   • RE 2.5.3: Allow and encourage construction of new buildings or developments in remote locations with stand-alone energy systems not connected to the grid.
   • RE 2.5.4: Encourage energy independence and resiliency, including zero net energy and stand-alone systems not connected to the grid, in County economic development presentations and outreach efforts.
   • RE 2.5.5: Collaborate with incorporated cities and other jurisdictions to create region-specific ZNE programs and Community Development toolkit tools tailored to the climates and characteristics of each region to provide consistency and leverage resources.
   GO TO POLICY

5. Policy RE-2.6

   Encourage energy efficiency through appropriate renewable energy systems.

   • RE 2.6.1: Pursue and consider development incentives such as density bonuses and streamlined permitting for projects that install accessory renewable energy facilities.
   • RE 2.6.2: Allow developers of nonresidential properties to reduce required on-site parking spaces below minimum standards when space equivalent to the parking space reduction is devoted to renewable energy generation and storage facilities designed to serve onsite energy needs.
   • RE 2.6.3: Encourage solar energy generation on rooftops and on covered parking as the first priority for on-site energy generation.
   GO TO POLICY

6. Policy RE-6.5

   Encourage pilot projects to demonstrate energy efficiency retrofit investments and renewable energy opportunities.

   • RE 6.5.1: Where feasible, install renewable energy projects on County facilities that provide visible, public examples of the County’s commitment to cost-effective renewable energy.
   • RE 6.5.2: Consider utilizing County lands or facilities for research and development or university exploration of new renewable energy technologies that seek to minimize adverse effects to the environment.
   • RE 6.5.3: Encourage development of a highly visible private property pilot project for the small-scale use of distributed renewable energy, such as projects at local tourist-serving uses.
   • RE 6.5.4: Identify opportunities to create revenue for the County by leasing the rights to renewable energy resources on County property for distributed energy storage or distributed generation through power purchase agreements or similar arrangements.
   GO TO POLICY

Policies

1. Policy HZ-1.11 Energy efficiency retrofits

   We encourage owners of existing residential and commercial properties to retrofit the walls, doors, windows, ceilings, roofs, ductwork, and other elements of their building envelopes, in order to improve energy efficiency and better protect occupants from extreme temperatures.

   GO TO POLICY

1. FOCUS STATEMENT C - Build human capital and promote enterprise, with a focus on environmentally friendly businesses, to strengthen the local economy and provide opportunities for residents and families to be self-reliant.

   Action Statement C.1

   Promote child and youth development, social and civic responsibility, and environmental stewardship by establishing a multigenerational community council with youth in leadership positions to advocate for and support activities that enrich our community and our environment.

   GO TO ACTION PLAN

1. FOCUS STATEMENT C - Improve public safety, health and welfare within the community.

   Action Statement C.1

   Promote, through a public education campaign, the effective use of private outdoor lighting that enhances resident and business safety, while protecting night sky views and resources.

   GO TO ACTION PLAN

1. FOCUS STATEMENT B - Maintain the rural desert lifestyle and character

   Action Statement B.2

   Prepare a landscaping and lighting guide to help current and new residents landscaping companies and construction and development companies either install or modify landscaping and lighting to meet the needs of the desert landscape and dark sky regulations.

   GO TO ACTION PLAN

1. FOCUS STATEMENT A - Maintain the rural character of the community

   Action Statement A.4

   Establish a landscaping and lighting guide to help current and new residents and businesses either install or modify landscaping and lighting to meet the needs of the desert and dark sky regulations.

   GO TO ACTION PLAN

2. FOCUS STATEMENT G - Strive to make Lucerne Valley energy self-sustainable

   Action Statement G.1

   Promote programs that assist home and business owners with financing energy-efficiency upgrades.

   GO TO ACTION PLAN