Community-Wide Summary
The clustering of unvegetated, impermeable surfaces in cities leads to a phenomenon known as the urban heat island effect. Urban heat islands increase the demand for cooling energy, and also result in negative environmental and public health impacts. Cities can take steps to mitigate the urban heat island effect through policies and programs including those to increase city-wide vegetation and the presence of “cool” surfaces such as reflective roofs and pavements.
This sub-category includes information on two topics: existence of programs, goals, or incentives related to urban heat islands; and the existence of policies or mandates, such as cool-rood requirements or tree-planting ordinances, that enable continual implementation of mitigation strategies.
Heat Island Mitigation 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.
Resilience Hubs
We were unable to determine if the city has supported the creation of resilience hubs that incorporate clean energy resources and are sited in disadvantaged communities.
Last updated: August 2023
Heat Island Mitigation Policies and Programs
Section 4-3(B)(2) of the Integrated Development Ordinance allows cluster house zoning if the development preserves at least 30% of the project area’s space or 100% of the space achieved through lot reductions.
Resilience Hubs
We were unable to determine if the city has supported the creation of resilience hubs that incorporate clean energy resources and are sited in disadvantaged communities.
Last updated: August 2023
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
UHI Mitigation Goal
We could not verify if the city has adopted a quantifiable urban heat island mitigation goal.
UHI Policies and Programs
Arlington has a stormwater management ordinance in place for the protection of the Chesapeake Bay. Arlington also has a tree ordinance in place that protects existing trees.
Last updated: August 2020
Heat Island Mitigation Policies and Programs
Atlanta's Post Development Storm Water Management Ordinance requires green infrastructure on new and redevelopment projects for both public and private projects. Atlanta has passed a private tree protection ordinance. The city allows for conservation subdivisions and transfer of development rights that permanently preserves greenspace.
Resilience Hubs
The Fulton County Resilience Hub is located at the Atlanta Metro Library. The resilience hub includes solar and storage and is used as a layer of community climate resilience during and after extreme weather events and emergencies.
Last updated: January 2024
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
Heat Island Mitigation 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.
Resilience Hubs
We were unable to determine if the city has supported the creation of resilience hubs that incorporate clean energy resources and are sited in disadvantaged communities.
Last updated: August 2023
Heat Island Mitigation Policies and Programs
In Austin, development bonuses are available for private development projects that incorporate green roofs into new projects or that permanently preserve open space. Austin also adopted the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code that requires cool roofs on buildings. Buildings with vegetative roofs, roof top pools, or permanently integrated solar panels on a roof surface are exempt from this requirement. The city’s tree ordinance protects trees on private land designated as heritage trees and trees with a substantial diameter at breast height.
Resilience Hubs
We were unable to determine if the city has supported the creation of resilience hubs that incorporate clean energy resources and are sited in disadvantaged communities.
Last updated: August 2023
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
Heat Island Mitigation Policies and Programs
Baltimore adopted several policies and programs which mitigate the city’s urban heat island effect. In carrying out its obligations under the Maryland Forest Conservation Act, the city has adopted a land conservation policy that requires sites undergoing development to preserve land with at 20,000 square feet of forest, steep slopes, streams, and wetlands. The TransForm Baltimore Zoning Code also provides development bonuses for the permanent preservation of open space. Baltimore’s Variance Policy for Specimen Tree Removal protects trees that are at least 20 inches diameter at breast height.
The city’s Office of Sustainability created the Baltimore Green Network Plan to increase green spaces that achieve more equitable and resilient outcomes for the city.
Resilience Hubs
Baltimore's Community Resiliency Hub Program aims to outfit Community Resiliency Hub partner organizations with solar power and battery back-up capabilities. This helps increase access to renewable energy and back-up power in LMI (low to moderate income) communities, reduces the utility cost burden for community organizations, and provides community training and workforce development opportunities.
Last updated: August 2023
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
UHI Mitigation Goal
We could not verify if the city has adopted a quantifiable urban heat island mitigation goal.
UHI Policies and Programs
As part of its Zoning Ordinance, the city has conservation subdivisions that encourage the protection of land alongside residential development patterns. The City of Birmingham has adopted a post-construction stormwater ordinance that requires developers to include green infrastructure and stormwater management practices in their site design and construction.
Last updated: September 2021
Heat Island Mitigation Policies and Programs
Boise is a partner of Idaho Power's Shade Tree Program.
Resilience Hubs
We were unable to determine if the city has supported the creation of resilience hubs that incorporate clean energy resources and are sited in disadvantaged communities.
Last updated: August 2023
Urban Heat Island Mitigation Policies and Programs
BPDA’s Article 80 Development Process requires developments over 100,000 square feet to install green infrastructure to retain 1.25 inches of rainfall on site.
Boston adopted a private tree protection ordinance.
Boston's Local Wetland Ordinance requires the Boston Conservation Commission to consider climate impacts such as rising sea levels in applications for developments, construction, or special events. It expands the Commission's authority to fully protect certain wetland resources that provide critical ecological services.
Resilience Hubs
We were unable to determine if the city has supported the creation of resilience hubs that incorporate clean energy resources and are sited in disadvantaged communities.
Last updated: August 2023
UHI Mitigation Goal
We could not verify if the city has adopted a quantifiable urban heat island mitigation goal.
UHI Policies and Programs
Boulder has an urban forestry program whose activities include a ten-year pruning rotation, planting trees, and a public education campaign on proper tree selection and maintenance of public trees. Also, the city has a tree planting requirement for new and re-developments and the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan has policies to mitigate the heat island effect, including a strategy to promote environmentally sensitive urban design.
Last updated: August 2020
Heat Island Mitigation 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.
Resilience Hubs
We were unable to determine if the city has supported the creation of resilience hubs that incorporate clean energy resources and are sited in disadvantaged communities.
Last updated: August 2023
UHI Mitigation Goal
We could not verify if the city has adopted a quantifiable urban heat island mitigation goal.
UHI Policies and Programs
The city’s Green Code requires that new developments incorporate green infrastructure as the first option for stormwater management. Developments may pursue other stormwater management strategies only if green infrastructure proves infeasible.
The Green Code also includes a private tree protection ordinance for trees larger than 6 inches in diameter at breast height.
Last updated: September 2021
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. However, the city is working to increase green space and plant trees as a heat mitigation strategy. The city is also creating a Parks Master Plan to guide future maintenance, development, and resiliency of city parks.
Last updated: October 2015
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
UHI Mitigation Goal
We could not verify if the city has adopted a quantifiable urban heat island mitigation goal.
UHI Policies and Programs
Carrboro has begun to address urban heat islands through the town’s Land Use Ordinance, which limits the impacts from new development. The most important provision is a 40% open space requirement for residential development. Since 2010, Carrboro has maintained a 58% tree canopy.
Last updated: April 2014
Heat Island Mitigation 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.
Resilience Hubs
We were unable to determine if the city has supported the creation of resilience hubs that incorporate clean energy resources and are sited in disadvantaged communities.
Last updated: August 2023
Heat Island Mitigation Policies and Programs
Charlotte has adopted a private tree protection ordinance. The city's Unified Development Ordinance includes green area requirements.
Resilience Hubs
We were unable to determine if the city has supported the creation of resilience hubs that incorporate clean energy resources and are sited in disadvantaged communities.
Last updated: January 2024
UHI Mitigation Goal
We could not verify if the city has adopted a quantifiable urban heat island mitigation goal.
UHI Policies and Programs
Charlottesville developed an Urban Forest Management Plan to ensure city trees are appropriately managed and earned a “Tree City USA” designation by the National Arbor Day Foundation for its efforts. The city has adopted an incentive to encourage the installation of green roofs on commercial and residential properties.
Last updated: October 2015
Heat Island Mitigation 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.
Resilience Hubs
We were unable to determine if the city has supported the creation of resilience hubs that incorporate clean energy resources and are sited in disadvantaged communities.
Last updated: August 2023
Heat Island Mitigation Policies and Programs
Chicago’s Sustainable Development Policy requires new construction projects to integrate low impact development measures or restore natural lands. The city's policy also provides expedited green permits for construction involving a green roof, rainwater harvesting, or a similar measure. The Chicago Energy Efficiency Conservation Code requires new low-sloped roofs to have a minimum 3-year reflectance of 0.5 and medium sloped roofs to have a reflectance of 0.15. Chicago has not adopted a private tree protection ordinance.
Resilience Hubs
We were unable to determine if the city has supported the creation of resilience hubs that incorporate clean energy resources and are sited in disadvantaged communities.
Last updated: August 2023
Heat Island Mitigation Policies and Programs
The City adopted a Shade Tree policy that includes a 50% tree coverage requirement for parking lots and 10% coverage for landscaped land. If a development project is not able to meet this requirement, it can install light colored surfaces as an alternative.
Resilience Hubs
We were unable to determine if the city has supported the creation of resilience hubs that incorporate clean energy resources and are sited in disadvantaged communities.
Last updated: August 2023
Heat Island Mitigation Policies and Programs
A joint program by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati, and the Cincinnati Office of Environmental Quality provides green roof loans. Title XIV of the city's zoning code allows cluster house zoning in all districts.
Resilience Hubs
We were unable to determine if the city has supported the creation of resilience hubs that incorporate clean energy resources and are sited in disadvantaged communities.
Last updated: August 2023
Heat Island Mitigation Policies and Programs
The city participates in the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District’s Green Infrastructure Grant Program which has provided grants for incorporating low impact development techniques in site design. The city has a private tree protection ordinance.
The city’s Municipal Building Policy encourages the installation of sustainable roofs on city-owned buildings.
Resilience Hubs
We were unable to determine if the city has supported the creation of resilience hubs that incorporate clean energy resources and are sited in disadvantaged communities.
Last updated: August 2023
UHI Mitigation Goal
The COS 150 Tree Challenge established a goal of planting 18,071 new trees in Colorado Springs by 2021.
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
UHI Mitigation Goals
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
Heat Island Mitigation Policies and Programs
The city also offers stormwater service fee credits for private properties that install green infrastructure. The Parkland Dedication Ordinance promotes the preservation of land.
Resilience Hubs
We were unable to determine if the city has supported the creation of resilience hubs that incorporate clean energy resources and are sited in disadvantaged communities.
Last updated: January 2024
Heat Island Mitigation Policies and Programs
Dallas adopted the Green Building Program Ordinance which encourages the construction of sustainable buildings through two implementation phases. The first phase focused on encouraging energy efficiency, water conservation and reduction of the heat island effect through cool roofs. The second phase will expand to implement a comprehensive green building standard for all new construction. Newly proposed commercial projects with less than 50,000 square feet of floor area will be required to meet energy efficiency, water conservation, cool roof, and outdoor lighting requirements.
The city has adopted a private tree protection ordinance, but it does not apply to single family residential land. The city has not adopted policies that require or incentivize conservation of private land
The city created the Branch Out Dallas program, which provides trees native to Texas to single family residential properties. The program does not account for energy savings from tree plantings.
Resilience Hubs
Dallas is piloting the use of solar photovoltaics and battery storage at one of the sheltering facilities in a front-line community that lost both power and water in the winter storm of 2021.
Last updated: August 2023
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
Heat Island Mitigation Policies and Programs
The city has also passed a private tree protection ordinance.
In 2018, the city adopted a Green Buildings Ordinance that required all new developments over 25,000 square feet to install a cool roof. The ordinance also requires all existing developments of the same size undergoing roof replacements to install a cool roof.
Resilience Hubs
Denver's Renewables and Resilience Program funds up to 100% of the costs associated with installing solar panels, battery storage and EV charging for non-profit critical service providers.
Last updated: August 2023
Heat Island Mitigation 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.
Resilience Hubs
We were unable to determine if the city has supported the creation of resilience hubs that incorporate clean energy resources and are sited in disadvantaged communities.
Last updated: August 2023
Heat Island Mitigation 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, but the city’s Water and Sewer Department proposed a stormwater infrastructure ordinance.
Resilience Hubs
Detroit supported the creation of the a community resilience hub at A.B. Ford Park.
Last updated: August 2023
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: October 2013
Heat Island Mitigation 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.
Resilience Hubs
We were unable to determine if the city has supported the creation of resilience hubs that incorporate clean energy resources and are sited in disadvantaged communities.
Last updated: August 2023
UHI Mitigation Goal
We could not verify if the city has adopted a quantifiable urban heat island mitigation goal.
UHI Policies and Programs
The city grants development bonuses for permanent protection of area wetlands as part of its transfer of development rights policy.
Last updated: September 2021
Urban Heat Island Mitigation 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.
Resilience Hubs
We were unable to determine if the city has supported the creation of resilience hubs that incorporate clean energy resources and are sited in disadvantaged communities.
Last updated: August 2023
UHI Mitigation Goal
The city adopted an urban tree canopy coverage goal of 30% through Ordinance 18615-05-2009. The ordinance also protects trees on private property.
UHI Policies and Programs
Fort Worth has adopted a tree protection ordinance.
Last updated: September 2021
Heat Island Mitigation 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.
Resilience Hubs
We were unable to determine if the city has supported the creation of resilience hubs that incorporate clean energy resources and are sited in disadvantaged communities.
Last updated: August 2023
Heat Island Mitigation Policies and Programs
The city’s Vital Streets program incorporates low impact development techniques into street planning and design.
The city has a private tree protection ordinance.
Resilience Hubs
We were unable to determine if the city has supported the creation of resilience hubs that incorporate clean energy resources and are sited in disadvantaged communities.
Last updated: August 2023
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
Heat Island Mitigation Policies and Programs
The City of Hartford’s zoning code includes both incentives and provisions for low impact development. Zoning Code 4.3.2.E.(5) allows density bonuses for developments that include a green roof. Chapter 4 of the Zoning Code also places impervious surface limitations based on the development type. Zoning Code 6.14 requires low impact development on private construction projects, and prohibits developers from altering the project site in a way that would increase the volume of stormwater runoff. Zoning Code 6.14.1.B also requires developments restore the floodplain to its natural purpose where feasible.
Resilience Hubs
We were unable to determine if the city has supported the creation of resilience hubs that incorporate clean energy resources and are sited in disadvantaged communities.
Last updated: August 2023
UHI Mitigation Goal
We could not verify if the city has adopted a quantifiable urban heat island mitigation goal.
UHI Policies and Programs
Though the use of green infrastructure is not guaranteed, the city does require builders to integrate sustainable elements into the developments, which may include low-impact development and/or land conservation.
Last updated: September 2021
Heat Island Mitigation Policies and Programs
Though it has not yet been used to inform policy or programs, the city worked with NOAA and CAPA Strategies to conduct a heat-mapping survey. The city developed a report and a heat-mapping tool with the results. The city has not adopted a private tree protection ordinance, however the city runs the Exceptional Tree Program.
Resilience Hubs
We were unable to determine if the city has supported the creation of resilience hubs that incorporate clean energy resources and are sited in disadvantaged communities.
Last updated: August 2023
Heat Island Mitigation Policies and Programs
The Energy Conservation Code requires cool roofs on all commercial buildings, and residential buildings with low-sloped roofs must have a minimum solar reflectance of 0.70 and a thermal emittance of 0.75.
The city provides development incentives for the preservation of open space.
The city's Incentives for Green Development plan developed recommendations for incentives to encourage greater implementation of green stormwater infrastructure in private development projects. The stated goal is to implement the plan's recommendations by 2022.
Resilience Hubs
Houston supported the creation of the Kashmere Gardens resilience hub.
Last updated: January 2024
Heat Island Mitigation Policies and Programs
The city has allowed for conservation subdivisions as part of its Consolidated Zoning / Subdivision Ordinance that encourages the permanent protection of land alongside dense residential development patterns. The city also requires that new developments be rated on a Green Factor Scale that assigns points for various low-impact development techniques in site design.
Resilience Hubs
We were unable to determine if the city has supported the creation of resilience hubs that incorporate clean energy resources and are sited in disadvantaged communities.
Last updated: August 2023
UHI Mitigation Goal
We could not verify if the city has adopted a quantifiable urban heat island mitigation goal.
UHI Policies and Programs
Jacksonville has adopted a private tree protection policy.
Last updated: September 2021
Heat Island Mitigation Policies and Programs
In 2023, the Kansas City adopted a private tree protection ordinance. The city adopted the Stream Buffer Ordinance to promote land conservation.
Resilience Hubs
The Tony Aguirre Community Center and Brush Creek Community Center have both rooftop solar and charging stations for electric cars and both community centers are located within disadvantaged communities in Kansas City. These community centers are also cooling centers during extreme heat events.
Last updated: January 2024
Heat Island Mitigation Policies and Programs
The city has specific zones that require the use of low-impact development strategies, such as permeable pavement and cool roofs.
Resilience Hubs
We were unable to determine if the city has supported the creation of resilience hubs that incorporate clean energy resources and are sited in disadvantaged communities.
Last updated: August 2023
UHI Mitigation Goal
We could not verify if the city has adopted a quantifiable urban heat island mitigation goal.
UHI Policies and Programs
Lakeland requires a permit for private tree removal.
Last updated: September 2021
Heat Island Mitigation 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.
Resilience Hubs
We were unable to determine if the city has supported the creation of resilience hubs that incorporate clean energy resources and are sited in disadvantaged communities.
Last updated: August 2023
Heat Island Mitigation Policies and Programs
The city requires all non-residential developments greater than one acre in size to use low impact development techniques in site design. The city has not adopted a private tree protection ordinance or policies that require or incentivize conservation of private land.
Resilience Hubs
We were unable to determine if the city has supported the creation of resilience hubs that incorporate clean energy resources and are sited in disadvantaged communities.
Last updated: January 2024
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: August 2020
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. However, the city allows mixed-use/clustered residential development in some zones.
Last updated: September 2021
Heat Island Mitigation Policies and Programs
The City of Long Beach has passed a Low-Impact Development Ordinance, which requires all new developments and redevelopments that replaces more than 50% of the existing structure to incorporate low-impact development techniques.
Chapter 5.7 of the Southeast Area Specific Plan offers density bonuses to properties in exchange for land conservation measures.
Resilience Hubs
We were unable to determine if the city has supported the creation of resilience hubs that incorporate clean energy resources and are sited in disadvantaged communities.
Last updated: August 2023
Heat Island Mitigation Policies and Programs
In October 2020, the City Council approved changes to the existing cool roof ordinance to require all new roofs to be cool roofs and to have more stringent requirements for cool surfaces.
The city’s Sustainable City pLAn has set a goal to reduce the local urban-rural temperature differential by at least 1.7 degrees Fahrenheit by 2025 and 3 degrees Fahrenheit by 2035. The city adopted this target because average temperatures in Los Angeles are nearly six degrees hotter than surrounding areas.
The city has adopted requirements for buildings to include cool roofs and low impact development techniques in site design. The city also awards development bonuses for permanent protection of open space through a transfer of development right program.
The city passed a tree protection ordinance to prevent the removal or relocation of certain native tree species.
Mayor Garcetti appointed the city's first Forest Officer in 2019.
The Cool Streets program combines multiple strategies to reduce the urban heat island effect in the city's most vulnerable neighborhoods, including cool pavement, street trees, and shade structures.
Resilience Hubs
We were unable to determine if the city has supported the creation of resilience hubs that incorporate clean energy resources and are sited in disadvantaged communities.
Last updated: January 2024
Heat Island Mitigation Policies and Programs
The city’s Land Development Code allows for conservation subdivisions that encourage the permanent protection of land alongside dense residential development patterns.
Louisville Metro Government offers a Cool Roof Rebate Program for residential and commercial properties. The city also offers dollar-for-dollar incentives for projects incorporating green infrastructure in development.
Resilience Hubs
We were unable to determine if the city has supported the creation of resilience hubs that incorporate clean energy resources and are sited in disadvantaged communities.
Last updated: August 2023
Heat Island Mitigation Policies and Programs
Madison created a wetland overlay district to conserve natural land.
Resilience Hubs
We were unable to determine if the city has supported the creation of resilience hubs that incorporate clean energy resources and are sited in disadvantaged communities.
Last updated: August 2023
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
Heat Island Mitigation 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.
Resilience Hubs
We were unable to determine if the city has supported the creation of resilience hubs that incorporate clean energy resources and are sited in disadvantaged communities.
Last updated: August 2023
Heat Island Mitigation Policies and Programs
Mesa allows for the transfer of development rights in certain zones.
Resilience Hubs
We were unable to determine if the city has supported the creation of resilience hubs that incorporate clean energy resources and are sited in disadvantaged communities.
Last updated: January 2024
Heat Island Mitigation Policies and Programs
In October 2022, a resolution proposed by the Committee, R-22-0419, was adopted by unanimously City Commission directing the City to adopt a policy to require stormwater capital projects to include resilience criteria, such as green infrastructure. Miami requires cool roofs, per Section 3.13 of the city’s Development Code. Additionally, the city has a private tree protection ordinance.
Though it has not yet been used to inform policy or programs, the city is working with NOAA and CAPA Strategies to develop a high-resolution heat map of the city.
Resilience Hubs
We were unable to determine if the city has supported the creation of resilience hubs that incorporate clean energy resources and are sited in disadvantaged communities.
Last updated: January 2024
Heat Island Mitigation Policies and Programs
For both public and private developments, Milwaukee requires developers to install green infrastructure to capture the first half-inch of rainwater on-site. The city also provides incentives for commercial property owners for the installation of green infrastructure such as a credit on the quarterly stormwater management charge.
Resilience Hubs
We were unable to determine if the city has supported the creation of resilience hubs that incorporate clean energy resources and are sited in disadvantaged communities.
Last updated: August 2023
Heat Island Mitigation Policies and Programs
Minneapolis has adopted land conservation requirements which mandate that real estate developers permanently preserve open space if a residential development results in a net increase of residential dwellings for the city. The Minneapolis Stormwater Utility Fee Credit System allows credits for various low impact development practices such as green roofs, vegetated swales and rain gardens.
Resilience Hubs
Minneapolis is piloting resilience hubs that incorporate solar energy and energy storage technologies in three disadvantaged communities.
Last updated: January 2024
UHI Mitigation Goal
We could not verify if the county has adopted a quantifiable urban heat island mitigation goal.
UHI Policies and Programs
We were unable to determine if the county has adopted specific policies or programs that incorporate requirements or incentives to mitigate the urban heat island effect.
Last updated: December 2019
Heat Island Mitigation Policies and Programs
The city has adopted a private tree protection ordinance. The city requires that sites undergoing construction use low-impact development measures in accordance with the city’s Low Impact Development Manual. The city also allows for cluster subdivisions that encourage the permanent protection of land alongside dense residential development patterns.
Resilience Hubs
We were unable to determine if the city has supported the creation of resilience hubs that incorporate clean energy resources and are sited in disadvantaged communities.
Last updated: January 2024
Heat Island Mitigation Policies and Programs
New Haven requires public plazas to use design materials that are highly reflective and/or pervious pavement or vegetative pavers.
Resilience Hubs
We were unable to determine if the city has supported the creation of resilience hubs that incorporate clean energy resources and are sited in disadvantaged communities.
Last updated: August 2023
Heat Island Mitigation Policies and Programs
The city has incorporated urban heat island mitigation policies into the city’s zoning code. Article 5.8.C requires project sites to incorporate low-impact development techniques and grants development bonuses for such. Article 23.10 requires private trees to be protected in development sites. Article 5.5.B promotes the protection of land along with dense residential developments. The Finance Authority of New Orleans recently changed its business model to only provide loans to properties that install green infrastructure resilience upgrades (or energy efficiency measures or solar).
Resilience Hubs
New Orleans supported the creation of resilience hubs throughout the city. The hubs feature solar energy and storage technologies. Some of the hubs are sited in disadvantaged communities.
Last updated: August 2023
Heat Island Mitigation Policies and Programs
The city installs cool roofs at no cost to qualifying building owners through the NYC CoolRoofs Program. The city also provides cash and property tax incentives to property owners that agree to permanently protect undeveloped land through the city’s Conservation Easement Program.
Resilience Hubs
We were unable to determine if the city has supported the creation of resilience hubs that incorporate clean energy resources and are sited in disadvantaged communities.
Last updated: August 2023
UHI Mitigation Goal
The city’s Sustainability Action Plan includes a goal to double the city’s tree canopy.
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
Heat Island Mitigation Policies and Programs
Title 16 of Oakland’s code and Oakland’s Creek Protection, Stormwater Management & Discharge Control Ordinance addresses stormwater management and tree protection.
Resilience Hubs
We were unable to determine if the city has supported the creation of resilience hubs that incorporate clean energy resources and are sited in disadvantaged communities.
Last updated: August 2023
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. However, policy area G-29 of planOKC, the City’s comprehensive plan, includes actions to reduce the urban heat island effect such as establishing a minimum canopy coverage over paved surfaces, creating a “continuous canopy” requirement for new infrastructure developments, and emphasizing green building and roofing materials and practices.
Last updated: September 2021
UHI Mitigation Goal
We could not verify if the city has adopted a quantifiable urban heat island mitigation goal.
UHI Policies and Programs
The city requires developers to use low-impact development best management practices to capture the first half-inch of runoff.
Last updated: September 2021
Heat Island Mitigation Policies and Programs
The city provides development bonuses for buildings that exceed the minimum environmental sustainability requirements, such as energy efficiency enhancements, stormwater design, and solar and/or other renewable energy installation.
The city has adopted a private tree protection ordinance. The Southeast Orlando Sector Plan Development Guidelines and Standards protect urban wetlands from development beyond what is currently required by state law.
Resilience Hubs
We were unable to determine if the city has supported the creation of resilience hubs that incorporate clean energy resources and are sited in disadvantaged communities.
Last updated: January 2024
Heat Island Mitigation Policies and Programs
Oxnard allows for the transfer of development rights in order to protect coastal areas.
Resilience Hubs
We were unable to determine if the city has supported the creation of resilience hubs that incorporate clean energy resources and are sited in disadvantaged communities.
Last updated: August 2023
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: October 2013
Heat Island Mitigation Policies and Programs
Philadelphia offers green roof incentives to support private use of green roofs, which can also be used to meet stormwater regulations. The city passed Bill 090923 requiring certain new buildings to have highly reflective cool roofs. The city also provides building height bonuses in exchange for preservation of open space.
The Beat the Heat Hunting Park plan outlines community-led recommendations for reducing the urban heat island effect in the Hunting Park neighborhood to make the community more resilient. The city will use lessons learned in Hunting Park to begin a citywide planning process to address other heat-vulnerable neighborhoods.
Resilience Hubs
We were unable to determine if the city has supported the creation of resilience hubs that incorporate clean energy resources and are sited in disadvantaged communities.
Last updated: August 2023
Heat Island Mitigation Policies and Programs
The City of Phoenix updated its complete streets policy to increase green infrastructure in 2018.
The city and Salt River Project operate a private tree planting program. Through the program, residents are offered free shade trees to be planted in energy-saving locations. Participants are also required to attend a workshops on tree maintenance.
Resilience Hubs
We were unable to determine if the city has supported the creation of resilience hubs that incorporate clean energy resources and are sited in disadvantaged communities.
Last updated: August 2023
Heat Island Mitigation Policies and Programs
The city requires development projects receiving more than $1 million in public funds (or developments not receiving public funds but that are greater than 10,000 square feet) to incorporate low impact development practices in their site design and construction.
Resilience Hubs
We were unable to determine if the city has supported the creation of resilience hubs that incorporate clean energy resources and are sited in disadvantaged communities.
Last updated: August 2023
Heat Island Mitigation Policies and Programs
The City has a stormwater manual that requires all new development to manage 100% of stormwater onsite. Green infrastructure strategies such as rain gardens, ecoroofs and bioswales are key compliance methods.
The city has adopted a private tree protection ordinance and other polices for new construction that require tree planting.
The City’s Green Building Policy requires ecoroofs on public projects.
Resilience Hubs
We were unable to determine if the city has supported the creation of resilience hubs that incorporate clean energy resources and are sited in disadvantaged communities.
Last updated: January 2024
Heat Island Mitigation Policies and Programs
The city has adopted a development incentives policy that awards building height bonuses in the downtown area to real estate developers that preserve open space. The city has also adopted a private tree protection ordinance for trees measuring 32-inches or more at diameter at breast height. The city is working to establish an Urban Forest Master Plan.
Resilience Hubs
We were unable to determine if the city has supported the creation of resilience hubs that incorporate clean energy resources and are sited in disadvantaged communities.
Last updated: August 2023
UHI Mitigation Goal
We could not verify if the city has adopted a quantifiable urban heat island mitigation goal.
UHI Policies and Programs
Provo allows the creation of open space subdivisions and grants density bonuses for the preservation of open space in those subdivisions.
Last updated: September 2021
Heat Island Mitigation Policies and Programs
The city has adopted a private tree protection ordinance. The city has also allowed for conservation subdivisions as part of its Unified Development Ordinance that encourages the permanent protection of land alongside dense residential development patterns.
Resilience Hubs
We were unable to determine if the city has supported the creation of resilience hubs that incorporate clean energy resources and are sited in disadvantaged communities.
Last updated: August 2023
Heat Island Mitigation 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.
Resilience Hubs
We were unable to determine if the city has supported the creation of resilience hubs that incorporate clean energy resources and are sited in disadvantaged communities.
Last updated: August 2023
Heat Island Mitigation Policies and Programs
The city has passed Ordinance 2012-201-199 that fast tracks building and related permits for development projects that include a green roof.
Resilience Hubs
We were unable to determine if the city has supported the creation of resilience hubs that incorporate clean energy resources and are sited in disadvantaged communities.
Last updated: August 2023
Heat Island Mitigation Policies and Programs
The city’s zoning code requires the preservation of existing trees with a trunk of 6 inches or more and requires private property owned to plant shade trees. The zoning code also includes a subdivision conservation ordinance that developers can use for conservation purposes.
Resilience Hubs
We were unable to determine if the city has supported the creation of resilience hubs that incorporate clean energy resources and are sited in disadvantaged communities.
Last updated: August 2023
Heat Island Mitigation Policies and Programs
The city does not have any policies or programs that mitigate the urban heat island effect, but the city has developed the “Sustainable Practices for Building Owners and Occupants” guidebook and the “Green Infrastructure Retrofit Manual” and is considering policies and incentives.
The Climate Action Plan identifies trees, parks, and open space as general strategies to mitigate the urban heat island effect. The Climate Change Resilience Plan suggests similar strategies, though these have not been implemented yet.
Resilience Hubs
We were unable to determine if the city has supported the creation of resilience hubs that incorporate clean energy resources and are sited in disadvantaged communities.
Last updated: August 2023
Heat Island Mitigation Policies and Programs
The City Code includes a private tree protection ordinance.
SMUD offers free private tree plantings through the Free Shade Tree Program. The program provides homeowners with free trees only if the tree meets a baseline energy savings goal.
The city is a member of the Urban Heat Island - Capital Region technical advisory committee, which is exploring how the urban heat island effect will impact the region, develop a blueprint of solutions and analyze which will be most effective to the region's unique climate and heat island pattern. The project will create a regional UHI model to identify highly-impacted areas, incorporate community input, and offer specific recommendations for policies and programs.
The 2035 General Plan's Land Use and Urban Design chapter includes numerous goals and policy recommendations, many of which have already been implemented. Additionally, the city is updating its Urban Forest Master Plan. The city's Stormwater Quality Design Manual (adopted in 2018) sets limits on allowable impervious surface and requires pervious surface materials in new developments.
Resilience Hubs
We were unable to determine if the city has supported the creation of resilience hubs that incorporate clean energy resources and are sited in disadvantaged communities.
Last updated: August 2023
Heat Island Mitigation Policies and Programs
St. Paul does not have any urban heat island mitigation policies or programs, but the city has released the Strategic Framework for Community Resilience, which states the intention to address stormwater management through green infrastructure, and parking lot design standards require green space, in part to reduce heat effects and provide areas for stormwater retention.
Resilience Hubs
We were unable to determine if the city has supported the creation of resilience hubs that incorporate clean energy resources and are sited in disadvantaged communities.
Last updated: August 2023
Heat Island Mitigation Policies and Programs
The city does allow for cottage development zoning within its form based zoning code that encourage the permanent protection of land alongside dense residential development patterns. Salt Lake City has also adopted a private tree protection ordinance.
Resilience Hubs
We were unable to determine if the city has supported the creation of resilience hubs that incorporate clean energy resources and are sited in disadvantaged communities.
Last updated: August 2023
Heat Island Mitigation Policies and Programs
The city has a private tree preservation ordinance and has committed to planting 15,000 trees as part of the Compassion Tree project.
The city grants density bonuses for developments that preserve open space.
Resilience Hubs
We were unable to determine if the city has supported the creation of resilience hubs that incorporate clean energy resources and are sited in disadvantaged communities.
Last updated: August 2023
Heat Island Mitigation 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.
Resilience Hubs
We were unable to determine if the city has supported the creation of resilience hubs that incorporate clean energy resources and are sited in disadvantaged communities.
Last updated: August 2023
Heat Island Mitigation Policies and Programs
The city has adopted a Better Roofs Ordinance which requires new residential, commercial, and municipal buildings to have either green roofs or roofs with solar systems. The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission’s Stormwater Management compliance guidelines require developments of over 2,500 square feet to use green infrastructure.
Resilience Hubs
Through the Neighborhood Empowerment Network, the city supports the creation of resilience hubs in disadvantaged communities. The resilience hubs feature clean energy technologies.
Last updated: August 2023
Heat Island Mitigation Policies and Programs
San José passed two policies pertaining to low-impact development requirements. Policy 6-29 requires new and redevelopment projects that create or replace 5,000 square feet or more of impervious surfaces must incorporate low impact development techniques. Policy 8-14 requires that projects that are both greater than one acre in size and in proximity to creeks ensure post-development flow rates are equal or less than pre-development flow rates. San José's Green Stormwater Infrastructure Plan provides guidance for implementing green stormwater infrastructure such as permeable pavements in municipal projects.
The city has also adopted requirements for the protection of private trees.
Resilience Hubs
The City's Biblioteca Latinoamericana Library was selected to participate in BayREN's Resilient Library Network program, through which the library will receive technical assistance to plan how to retrofit the library for both energy efficiency and to serve as a community resilience center
Last updated: August 2023
UHI Mitigation Goal
We could not verify if the county has adopted a quantifiable urban heat island mitigation goal.
UHI Policies and Programs
We were unable to determine if the county has adopted specific policies or programs that incorporate requirements or incentives to mitigate the urban heat island effect.
Last updated: August 2020
Heat Island Mitigation Policies and Programs
Seattle incorporated the Green Factor into its city code. The Green Factor is a score-based landscaping standard that requires new developments to integrate green infrastructure practices such as green roofs, rain gardens, and swales into the development.
The city has adopted a private tree protection ordinance.
The city grants floor area bonuses for developments that preserve and/or provide open space amenities as part of a transfer of development rights policy.
Resilience Hubs
We were unable to determine if the city has supported the creation of resilience hubs that incorporate clean energy resources and are sited in disadvantaged communities.
Last updated: August 2023
Heat Island Mitigation Policies and Programs
Spokane offers incentives to developers to incorporate low-impact development.
Resilience Hubs
We were unable to determine if the city has supported the creation of resilience hubs that incorporate clean energy resources and are sited in disadvantaged communities.
Last updated: August 2023
Heat Island Mitigation 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.
Resilience Hubs
We were unable to determine if the city has supported the creation of resilience hubs that incorporate clean energy resources and are sited in disadvantaged communities.
Last updated: August 2023
Heat Island Mitigation Policies and Programs
St. Louis is a member of the Green City Coalition, which runs the Urban Greening Program. The Program has a budget of $13.5 million to spend on demolishing vacant and abandoned buildings as a means to reduce impervious surfaces while also restoring the Bissel Point Watershed.
Resilience Hubs
We were unable to determine if the city has supported the creation of resilience hubs that incorporate clean energy resources and are sited in disadvantaged communities.
Last updated: August 2023
Heat Island Mitigation Policies and Programs
St. Petersburg has adopted a private tree protection ordinance.
The city also banned any alterations of wetlands, excluding restoration projects. The city requires developments that destroy wetlands to create a new wetland that is at least twice the size of the previous wetland.
Resilience Hubs
We were unable to determine if the city has supported the creation of resilience hubs that incorporate clean energy resources and are sited in disadvantaged communities.
Last updated: August 2023
UHI Mitigation Goal
We could not verify if the city has adopted a quantifiable urban heat island mitigation goal.
UHI Policies and Programs
Stockton grants density bonuses for developments that donate land to the city.
Last updated: September 2021
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
Heat Island Mitigation Policies and Programs
The city has adopted a private tree protection ordinance. The city also allows for cluster residential subdivision zoning that permanently protects land alongside dense residential development patterns as part of its Site Plan Zoning District Procedures Ordinance.
Resilience Hubs
We were unable to determine if the city has supported the creation of resilience hubs that incorporate clean energy resources and are sited in disadvantaged communities.
Last updated: January 2024
Heat Island Mitigation Policies and Programs
Toledo allows cluster housing for developments that reserve some land for common open space.
Resilience Hubs
We were unable to determine if the city has supported the creation of resilience hubs that incorporate clean energy resources and are sited in disadvantaged communities.
Last updated: August 2023
Heat Island Mitigation Policies and Programs
The city adopted a Green Streets Policy that requires the use of green infrastructure whenever feasible.
Resilience Hubs
We were unable to determine if the city has supported the creation of resilience hubs that incorporate clean energy resources and are sited in disadvantaged communities.
Last updated: August 2023
UHI Mitigation Goal
Tulsa’s 2016 Urban Forest Master Plan established a goal to increase the city’s tree canopy to 30% by 2036.
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
UHI Mitigation Goal
Virginia Beach has adopted an urban heat island mitigation goal to achieve 45% urban tree canopy cover citywide by 2023 in its Urban Forest Management Plan.
UHI Policies and Programs
The city provides tax incentives for the permanent preservation of open space and forest.
Last updated: September 2021
Heat Island Mitigation Policies and Programs
The city has adopted a private tree protection ordinance.
Washington has extensive low-impact development (LID) requirements and incentives. The District requires real estate development projects to use LID techniques to achieve a required green area ratio. DC’s Construction Code also requires the installation of cool roofs. The District incentivizes green roof installation through the RiverSmart Roof Rebate Program. Through this program, the city offers rebates of $10 to $15 per square foot for voluntary green roof installation. The District further incentives the installation of LID through the Stormwater Retention Credit Trading Program. This program allows developments that use LID practice or remove impervious surfaces to earn revenue by selling Stormwater Retention Credits through the Department of Energy & Environment.
Resilience Hubs
DOEE is currently working with a community partner organization to augment the District's first resilience hub, which will be equipped with solar and battery storage to provide power to residents in the surrounding disadvantaged community, as well as residents of the connected affordable housing apartments.
Last updated: January 2024
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
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
UHI Mitigation Goal
The city does not have a quantitative urban heat island mitigation goal, but the Climate Action Plan acknowledges strategies to mitigate the urban heat island effect.
UHI Policies and Programs
Though it has not yet been used to inform policy or programs, the city worked with NOAA and CAPA Strategies to conduct a heat-mapping survey. The city developed a report and a heat map with the results.
Last updated: September 2021