Resources

Environmental Programs

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The City operates many environmental programs related to air quality, clean water, climate action, renewable energy, energy efficiency, green building, mobility, recycling and organics, and water conservation, and land management. To learn more, click on the program area below that interests you.

Climate Action

The City’s Climate Action Pan provides a roadmap for reducing greenhouse gas emissions through the implementation of various strategies, goals, and measures. The plan set a target to reduce emissions by 44% below 2012 levels by 2030. The City's Sustainability Division is responsible for coordinating the implementation CAP measures and measuring progress towards achieving the emissions targets. Some measures that have been successfully implemented include: forming a community choice energy program, adopting local energy efficiency and green building codes, and launching a bikeshare program.

Coastal Zone Management

Coastal management is about maintaining balance in coastal communities. It is a process that takes into consideration many factors, including development, the biological environment, coastal commerce and recreation, hazardous weather impacts, aesthetics, quality of life, water quality, erosion, and more. The City of Encinitas’ coastal zone management program is a dynamic and evolving program, designed to adapt to the these changing conditions to maintain our coastline as a thriving ecological and recreational resource for generations to come.

San Diego Community Power

On September 18, 2019, Encinitas City Council voted unanimously to form a Community Choice Energy (CCE) program by ordinance. Encinitas joined the regional CCE JPA, called San Diego Community Power (SDCP), along with the cities of San Diego, Chula Vista, Imperial Beach, and La Mesa. A core goal of the new agency is to deliver green, renewable, carbon-free electricity to its customers. SDCP is aiming to deliver 100% renewable energy to its customers by 2035 or sooner.

Stormwater Management

cleanwater The City of Encinitas Clean Water Program’s mission is to protect and enhance the quality of local surface waters including our creeks, lagoons, and beaches. This comprehensive program includes water quality monitoring, watershed management, education and outreach, best management practice design and maintenance, inspection, and municipal code enforcement.

Parks, Beaches, Trails, & Open Space

The parks, beaches, and trails of Encinitas make up a core component of our community’s identity. They are assets to our native flora and fauna, and provide valuable space for exercise, enjoyment and reflection. The City maintains 20 unique community parks, three sports parks, a world-class skatepark and a 2-acre off-leash dog park. The City also manages 82 acres of open space, 45 acres of beaches, and 40 miles of trails.

Mobility

trnsptnandmobility The City’s 2017-2019 Strategic Plan, includes a Transportation & Mobility initiative to provide effective, safe and easy transportation for all modes of movement and for all demographics. In 2018, City completed the Coastal Mobility and Livability Study (CMLS), which included studies on active transportation like biking and walking, rail corridor needs, and coastal business district parking. The CMLS provides a long-term vision for potential projects within and adjacent to the rail corridor and throughout the city that support alternative transportation like biking, walking and public transit. The City’s Capital Improvement Program includes numerous projects that add bike and pedestrian infrastructure, calm busy streets, and construct safe rail crossings.

Urban Forest Management

The City’s urban forest enhances the health, safety, and quality of life for the residents of Encinitas. Our trees provide numerous valuable benefits to the community including cooling shade, carbon sequestration, erosion control, natural beauty, and wildlife habitat. To ensure residents receive the maximum benefits from our urban canopy, the City developed regulations, guidance, and best practices for the planting and maintenance of trees.

Waste, Recycling, & Organics

When sent to a landfill, waste from homes and businesses releases harmful pollutants that exacerbate climate change, reduce air quality, degrade ecological health, and negatively impact water quality. The City of Encinitas requires homes and businesses to recycle, but there are lots of other ways you can minimize your waste, from adopting waste reduction strategies to home composting.

Water Conservation

waterconservation The San Dieguito Water District and the Olivenhain Municipal Waster District both manage water conservation programs which encourage customers to reduce water user. Local development and climate change are beginning to put a strain on our water supply, leading to increased energy and costs to transport, store and treat water. It is important that we all do our part to ensure we conserve water in our yards, homes, and businesses. Visit the water district websites to learn about water conservation rebates, workshops, and events.