Laserfiche WebLink
6.5.A. - Page 1 <br /> RE PO RT <br /> To the Honorable Mayor and City Council <br /> From the Cit Mana er <br /> March 25, 2013 <br /> SUBJECT <br /> An ordinance to promote sustainability by prohibiting the distribution of single-use <br /> carryout plastic bags <br /> RECOMMENDATION <br /> Waive Second Reading and Adopt an Ordinance Adding Article III ("Reusable Bags") to <br /> Chapter 13 (Environmental Health Code) of the Redwood City Municipal Code. <br /> BACKGROUND <br /> At the March 11, 2013 City Council meeting, an ordinance prohibiting the distribution of <br /> single-use carryout plastic bags was introduced and a March 25, 2013 second reading <br /> was scheduled. Also at that meeting, the Council adopted Resolution No. 15248, <br /> making CEQA findings for adoption of the ordinance. If adopted, this ordinance will be <br /> effective thirty (30) days after its adoption. However, the effective date for purposes of <br /> enforcement of this ordinance will be October 1, 2013. <br /> Consideration of this ordinance follows the 2012 preparation and adoption of a multi- <br /> agency Program Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and ordinance by the County of <br /> San Mateo. In late October, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors wrote a letter <br /> requesting that Redwood City (and other cities) adopt a similar reusable bag ordinance, <br /> indicating that the cities within the EIR's Study Area may rely upon the County's <br /> environmental analysis for consideration of local ordinances to ban the distribution of <br /> single-use carryout plastic bags. <br /> All 18 cities in San Mateo County that have retail establishments within their borders <br /> (Atherton and Hillsborough do not), including Redwood City, have either adopted or <br /> held a first reading for adoption of a reusable bag ordinance. The EIR, its Study Area, <br /> and its analysis includes these 18 cities, along with six cities in Santa Clara County. <br /> ANALYSIS <br /> The proposed ordinance, presented for a waiver of second reading, adoption, and <br /> adoption of a resolution making CEQA Findings, will: <br /> • Prohibit the free distribution of single-use carryout plastic bags by all retail <br /> businesses; <br />