Environmental Policies

Since 2006, the El Cerrito City Council has consistently supported local, regional and state initiatives to cut the pollution that causes global warming and climate change. Below is a PARTIAL list of resolutions and actions taken by City access more information about each policy:

City Council Resolution 2006-20: Environmental Preferable Procurement Policy

City Council Resolution 2006-61: Endorses the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, in which local governments agree to take greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction measures, including the development of a Climate Action Plan.

City Council Resolution 2006-93: Endorses the reduction targets of the California Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32).

City Council Resolution 2007-63: Authorizing Priority Development Area Designation

City Council Resolution 2008-3: Bay Friendly Landscaping and Gardening Seven Principles Declaration

City Council Resolution 2008-23: Supporting Producer Responsibility and Product Stewardship

City Council Resolution 2008-33: Accepts the City's 2005 baseline GHG emissions inventory and directs the City to develop a Climate Action Plan.

City Council Resolution 2009-84: Healthy Eating Active Living Cities Campaign

City Council Resolution 2011-12 : Adopts GHG emissions reduction targets of 15% below 2005 levels by 2020 and 30% below 2005 levels by 2035.

City Council Resolution 2011-26: Approves the City's participation in the Institute for Local Government's (ILG) Beacon Award Program for "Local Leadership toward Solvings Climate Change."

City Council Ordinance 2013-03: Prohibits retailers from distributing single-use bags and encourages the use of reusable bags by consumers and retailers in El Cerrito.

City Council Ordinance 2013-04: Prohibits food service providers from distributing expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam food ware and to encourage the use of compostable, recyclable or reusable food ware by food providers and customers in El Cerrito.

Strategic Plan outlines key goal areas for El Cerrito to focus on in 2013–2017 in order to fulfill the City’s mission and achieve the City’s vision. Adopted April 2, 2013.

Climate Action Plan outlines how the City may reduce locally produced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and create a safer and more sustainable El Cerrito. Adopted May 21, 2013.

Transit First

Creek Protection Overlay District:
The City’s Zoning Ordinance includes a Creek Protection Overlay District to assure that development and activities in the City preserve, enhance and restore natural drainage ways; preserve riparian vegetation and protect wildlife; protect lands adjacent to riparian areas; protect property owners; increase access to creeks for maintenance purposes; ensure the projects are consistent with City Council adopted guidelines and resolutions for creek restoration and improvement; and further the Joint Watershed Goals Statement of restoring creeks where they can be enjoyed by people and wildlife.