State and Local Policy Database

Cape Coral

City Scorecard Rank

98

Cape Coral, FL

4.50Scored out of 100Updated 10/2020
Community-Wide Initiatives
Score: 0 out of 15 points
Community-Wide Climate Mitigation and Energy GoalsList All

Climate Mitigation Goal

The city does not have a community-wide climate mitigation or greenhouse gas emissions reduction goal.

Energy Reduction Goal

We did not find information regarding a community-wide energy reduction goal for the city.

Renewable Energy Goal

We did not find information regarding a community-wide renewable energy goal for the city.

Last updated: September 2021

Equity-Driven Approaches to Clean Energy Planning, Implementation, and EvaluationList All

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: September 2021

Clean Distributed Energy ResourcesList All

We could not verify if the city has adopted a formal policy, rule, or agreement that supports the creation of clean distributed energy systems.

Last updated: September 2021

Adaptive Mitigation List All

UHI Mitigation Goal

We could not verify if the city has adopted a quantifiable urban heat island mitigation goal.

UHI Policies and Programs

We were unable to determine if the city has adopted specific policies or programs that incorporate requirements or incentives to mitigate the urban heat island effect. 

Last updated: September 2021

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Workforce DevelopmentList All

We could not verify if the city has programs committed to developing a dedicated energy efficiency and/or renewable energy workforce.

Last updated: July 2021

Buildings Policies
Score: 2.5 out of 30 points
Building Energy CodesList All

Overview

Effective December 31, 2020, Florida law requires that residential and commercial buildings comply with the 7th Edition Florida Building Code. The code is based on the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code with state amendments. Cities are not permitted to adopt codes more stringent than the state codes. To learn more about Florida’s building energy codes, please visit the State Policy Database.

Commercial

Commercial buildings must comply with the state code. The code uses a commercial zEPI score of 52.5.

Residential

Residential buildings must comply with the state code. The code uses a residential zEPI score of 60.7.

Solar-readiness policies

The city has not passed an ordinance mandating new construction to be solar-ready but it allows solar use in all zones

EV-charging readiness and infrastructure policies

The city has not passed an ordinance mandating new construction to be EV-ready.

Low-energy use requirements

We could not find information on whether the city sets low-energy use requirements for municipal or certain private buildings

Last updated: October 2021

Building Energy Code Compliance and EnforcementList All

Cape Coral requires plan reviews, site inspections, and performance testing to ensure code compliance. We could not find information on the number of full-time employees the city staffs to enforce the energy code. We could not find information regarding upfront support for code compliance.

Last updated: July 2021

Policies Targeting Existing BuildingsList All

The city does not implement any policies or programs targeting existing buildings. 

Last updated: October 2021

Transportation
Score: 1 out of 30 points
Sustainable Transportation Planning List All

Sustainable Transportation Plan

No data or the city is not pursuing. 

VMT/GHG Target and Stringency

The City of Cape Coral does not yet have a codified VMT reduction target.

Progress Achieved Toward VMT/GHG Targets

The City of Cape Coral is not yet tracking community GHG or VMT levels

Last Updated: October 2021

Location Efficiency List All

Location Efficient Zoning 

The purpose of the City's South Cape district is to promote redevelopment and enhancement of the traditional commercial center of Cape Coral into a more compact and walkable form of growth and to create a destination for residents and visitors. This district encourages mixed-use development. Existing commercial and professional buildings will be supplemented with entertainment activities and a wide diversity of housing types to create a vibrant work, live, shop, and play district that serves the entire city and region. (Article 4 - Zoning Codes - Section 4.1.2, C.6

Residential Parking Requirements

No data or the city is not pursuing. 

Location Efficiency Incentives and Disclosures

No data or the city is not pursuing. 

Last Updated: October 2021

Mode Shift List All

Mode Shift Target 

The Bike-Ped Master Plan outlines a comprehensive strategy to improve the safety, convenience, and enjoyment of walking and biking in Cape Coral.  Specific goals within the plan include: Doubling the combined walking, biking, and transit commute mode share to 3% within 5 years (Currently 1.5% for walking, biking, and transit in Cape Coral). 

Progress Toward Mode Shift Target

No data or the city is not pursuing. 

Complete Streets

No data or the city is not pursuing.

Last Updated: October 2021

Public Transit List All

Transportation Funding

We could not determine the transit funding per capita for Cape Coral. 

Access to Transit Services

The Transit Connectivity Index measures transit service levels. It is based on the number of bus routes and train stations within walking distance for households scaled by frequency of service. The City of Cape Coral Transit Connectivity Index value is 2.1, scoring 0 points in the City Scorecard.

Last Updated: October 2021

Efficient VehiclesList All

Vehicle Purchase Incentives

No data or the city is not pursuing. 

Incentives for EV Charging Stations

No data or the city is not pursuing. 

EV Infrastructure

We were unable to determine the number of charging ports per capita in Cape Coral.

Electric School Bus Goal

Akron does not have an electric school bus goal.

EV Transit Bus Goal

Akron does not have an EV transit bus goal.

Last Updated: October 2021

Freight System EfficiencyList All

Cape Coral does not have a sustainable freight transportation plan in place, nor does it have any policies that address freight efficiency.

Last Updated: October 2021

Clean, Efficient Transportation for Low-Income CommunitiesList All

Affordable New TOD Housing Policy 

No data or the city is not pursuing. 

Connecting Existing Affordable Housing Stock to Efficient Transportation Options

No data or the city is not pursuing. 

Last Updated: October 2021

Community Energy Infrastructure
Score: 0.5 out of 15 points
Community Energy Infrastructure Summary List All

Lee County Electric Cooperative (LCEC), a not-for-profit electric distribution cooperative, is the primary electric utility for the City of Cape Coral. TECO Peoples Gas, an IOU, is Cape Coral’s primary natural gas utility. The State of Florida requires its utilities that post sales of 2,000 GWh or more to implement cost-effective energy efficiency programs and to conduct energy efficiency potential studies. Natural gas programs are required by orders and legislation. To learn more about the state requirements for electric and gas efficiency, please visit the Florida page of the State Database

The City of Cape Coral Utilities Department is the municipal utility that provides the City of Cape Coral with drinking water services, wastewater treatment, and stormwater management. 

Last Updated: June 2021  

 

Electricity and Natural Gas Efficiency SavingsList All

In 2019, according to EIA, Lee County Electric Cooperative achieved 3,241 MWh of net electric savings at the meter, which represents 0.08% of its retail sales across the utility’s entire service jurisdiction, not only Cape Coral. In 2019, LCEC spent $445,000 on energy efficiency programs, which represents 0.11% of its retail revenue. 

In 2019, TECO Peoples Gas reported 0.65 MMtherms of net natural gas savings at the meter, which represents 0.65% of its retail sales across the utility’s service territory. In 2019, TECO Peoples Gas spent $16,619,336 on energy efficiency, which equates to $45.97 per residential customer. These savings and spending figures cover the entire jurisdiction of both utilities, not just the City of Cape Coral. 

TECO Peoples Gas offers natural gas efficiency programs to residential and business customers. 

At this time, the City of Cape Coral does not have a formal partnership with LCEC or TECO in the form of a jointly-developed or administered energy saving strategy, plan, or agreement. 

Last Updated: June 2021  

Low-Income & Multifamily EE Programs List All

Low-Income Programs 

To our knowledge, Lee County Electric Cooperation and TECO Peoples Gas do not offer any energy efficiency programs targeted at low-income customers. 

Multifamily Programs 

To our knowledge, Lee County Electric Cooperation and TECO Peoples Gas do not offer energy efficiency programs targeted at multifamily units. 

Last Updated: June 2021  

Provision of Energy Data by UtilitiesList All

Neither Lee County Electric Coop nor TECO Peoples Gas provide building managers with automated benchmarking data through ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager for multitenant commercial or multifamily buildings. The City of Cape Coral does not provide community-wide energy usage information at the aggregate level. The City of Cape Coral does not advocate for better access to utility data for ratepayers or the establishment of data-sharing agreements between the city and its utilities. 

Last Updated: June 2021  

Decarbonization and Climate Change Mitigation Efforts of Cities and Energy UtilitiesList All

Utility Climate Mitigation Goal  

Lee County Electric Coop does not have a greenhouse gas reduction goal at this time. 

City-Led Efforts to Decarbonize the Electric Grid 

We were unable to determine the carbon emissions per capita from Lee County Electric Coop in 2019. 

Last Updated: July 2021  

Efficiency Efforts in Water ServicesList All

Citywide Water Efficiency and Goals 

The energy and water utilities do not currently offer joint energy and water efficiency programs. At this point, the City of Cape Coral and its water utility have not established a water savings target or goal. 

Water Plant Efficiency and Self-Generation 

The water utility has not yet set specific energy efficiency targets or strategies. The city’s water system does not self-generate its own energy. 

Last Updated: July 2021

Local Government Score:
0.5 out of 10 points
Local Government Climate and Energy Goals List All

Climate Mitigation Goal

Cape Coral does not have a climate mitigation or greenhouse gas emissions reduction goal for municipal operations.

Energy Reduction Goal

We were unable to find information regarding a goal to reduce municipal electricity use.

Renewable Energy Goal

We were unable to find information regarding a municipal renewable energy goal.

Last updated: June 2021

Procurement and Construction Policies List All

Fleet policies and composition 

We were unable to find information on Cape Coral’s fleet procurement policies or fuel-efficiency requirements. We were unable to find data regarding fleet composition.

Public lighting 

Cape Coral has an ordinance that requires the use of efficient outdoor lighting. We were unable to confirm if Cape Coral has an outdoor lighting upgrade program.

Onsite and offsite renewable systems 

We were unable to find information regarding onsite or offsite renewable energy systems in Cape Coral.

Inclusive procurement 

We were unable to verify if the city has inclusive procurement and contracting processes.

Last updated: June 2021

Asset Management List All

Building Benchmarking

We were unable to find information regarding Cape Coral's benchmarking practices.

Comprehensive Retrofit Strategy

We were unable to find information regarding a comprehensive retrofit strategy in Cape Coral. 

Last updated: June 2021