This newsletter includes the following topics:

CARP Items at the Dec 6th Council Meeting

BayREN Multifamily Energy Efficiency Program

Streamlined Solar Permitting is Live!

Gas-powered leaf blowers prohibited in Alameda after Jan 1, 2023

CARP Items at the Dec 6th Council Meeting

Next Tuesday, the City Council will consider three items related to CARP implementation.

Item 5-P: Accept grant funding for the design phase of the Bay Farm Island Flood Protection and Coastal Resilience Project. (Staff report)

Recently, the City was awarded $1.5 million from the Congressional Community Project for the development of 100% design drawings and permitting for nature-based adaptation of Veterans Court and Lagoon System 1 outfall, as well as a long-term concept for the entire Bay Farm Island shoreline. Both of these locations are high-priority flooding locations identified in CARP. Staff has requested the City Council to accept these grant funds to begin the project.

Item 7-B: All-electric New Construction and Substantial Alteration Ordinance - 2022 update. (Staff report)

The City Council will consider adopting the 2022 California Building Code with local amendments for all-electric new construction and substantial remodels. Read an overview of the proposed amendments. and learn more about the the city's building decarbonization efforts at www.alamedaca.gov/buildingdecarb

Item 7-D: Active Transportation Plan at City Council. (Staff report)

The City Council will consider adopting the Final Draft Active Transportation Plan, an 8-year roadmap for making walking and biking safe and desirable everyday transportation options -- including the future of Slow Streets. This is the community's plan and is the result of three years of planning and engagement, including 50 public events and meetings. Read the final draft plan.

City Council Meeting (Agenda)

Tuesday, December 6, 7:00 pm

Zoom registration

Phone: 669-900-9128; enter Meeting ID: 841 6672 7843

Email written comments to[email protected]

Speak during public comment (read instructions)

BayREN Multifamily Energy Efficiency Program

Multifamily housing properties in Alameda are eligible to receive cash rebates and no-cost technical consulting for energy and water savings through the Bay Area Multifamily Building Enhancements (BAMBE) program. The program helps property owners plan for comprehensive energy efficiency retrofits and offers $750 per unit for projects that include measures such as building weatherization, lighting upgrades, and replacing outdated or inefficient appliances. In addition to lowering utility bills, these upgrades may improve resident health and comfort, build resiliency against extreme heat and wildfire smoke, and increase property values.

To learn more and get started, visit www.bayren.org/multifamily.

Streamlined Solar Permitting is Live!

SolarAPP+ is here

Alameda has launched a new streamlined solar permitting process. It works in conjunction with the building department’s new expedited same day permitting process for electrical service upgrades, heat pumps and EV chargers. With the new online permitting program, the time to get a solar permit in Alameda is reduced from a month or more to about an hour. Apply for your solar permit here.

New AMP Solar Incentives

As a commitment to bringing solar to the community, AMP is waiving the interconnection fee for residential customers in buildings built before January 1st, 2020. This fee waiver does not apply to commercial solar projects or installations greater than 50 kilowatts.

As of November 1, 2022 customers/contractors no longer need to pay the $330 interconnection application fee for installing new PV systems or new PV systems with battery storage.

For information on installing solar in your home, visit the Solar page of AMP's website.

Gas-powered leaf blowers prohibited in Alameda after Jan 1, 2023

Gas-powered leaf blowers pollute the air and make a lot of noise, two reasons why the City Council has banned their sale and use as of January 1, 2023. Purchase an electric or battery-powered blower or rake and make a difference!

Know a professional landscaper? CORE California is accepting voucher requests for professional landscape service equipment. Businesses can obtain a voucher to purchase eligible equipment at a 70% discount by contacting an approved dealer.

Read more: https://www.alamedaca.gov/leafblowerban