Glendale commission reviews 2026 sustainability work plan, seeks clarity on heat‑pump reach code and 'Zone 0' rules
Summary
The Glendale Sustainability Commission reviewed a proposed 2026 work plan on Dec. 15, pressing staff for technical briefings on the state heat‑pump reach code and newly designated 'Zone 0' wildfire setbacks and asking Glendale Water & Power for updates on EV charging and a new demand‑response program.
The Glendale Sustainability Commission reviewed its proposed 2026 work plan on Dec. 15 and directed staff to return with technical briefings on a state heat‑pump reach code and on so‑called "Zone 0" wildfire setback rules that many residents say they do not yet understand.
Staff presented the draft 2026 work plan and said it would carry forward uncompleted items from 2025, allow for a six‑month review to add three to five new items, and align projects with the adopted Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAP). Staff asked the commission for input that would be incorporated before the commission is asked to adopt the work plan in January. "Our submission date is December 18," staff said of the city's final documentation for the heat‑pump reach code submitted to the California Energy Commission and the California Building Standards Council. Staff added the Building Standards Council will wait for the Energy Commission's response and estimated state approval could be around February.
Commissioners pressed staff on several follow‑ups. They asked Glendale Water & Power (GWP) to provide a full report on EV charging infrastructure; staff said GWP plans to take an item to City Council in April 2026 and will present to the commission beforehand. Commissioners also learned that the city's prior demand‑response program was discontinued; staff reported GWP is working on a new program and will brief the commission when there are concrete plans.
A point raised repeatedly was the recent statewide implementation of so‑called "Zone 0" setbacks that affect the first 0–5 feet from structures in newly designated high fire hazard areas. Commissioners said thousands of residents received mailings about the changes and many have asked whether they must remove vegetation, which could worsen urban heat‑island effects and slope stability on hillsides. They asked staff to invite a subject‑matter expert — for example, a fire chief or a CAL FIRE/Firewise official — to explain definitions (what counts as a "structure"), enforcement authority, and options for local flexibility.
The commission also discussed continuing outreach and implementation projects: GWP's turf‑replacement program (referred to in the meeting as "Lose the Lawn"), installation of recycled‑water irrigation signs on medians, expansion of the leaf‑blower ordinance education program for landscapers, and an update on a single‑use plastics effort. Staff noted a Dec. 6 Caltrans‑partnered community cleanup had 12 volunteers and said future cleanups within city jurisdiction will allow younger volunteers; Caltrans requires freeway cleanup participants to be 21 and older.
Commissioners asked for more regular, substantive reporting so their recommendations are recorded in staff reports to City Council. Staff advised that specific recommendations be included as motions or amendments at the time of adoption so they can be explicitly transmitted to council.
Votes at a glance: the commission moved and seconded approval of the Nov. 6, 2025 minutes; roll call recorded Commissioners Takarian and Bazemore and Chairperson Warner voting "Yes." No other formal decisions were recorded in the excerpt; staff said the work plan will return for formal adoption in January.
The commission requested specific next steps: staff will (1) provide the timeline and outcome of the state's reach‑code review once available, (2) schedule briefings with subject‑matter experts on Zone 0 implementation and enforcement, (3) request GWP present on EV charging and the new demand‑response program, and (4) return a revised work plan for adoption at the January meeting.
