Table of Contents

Green Building

The city’s municipal code establishes a Green Building Program and lists requirements for all new buildings of a certain size. It requires new buildings over 49,999 square feet and major renovations on existing buildings over 49,999 square feet meet 80% of the 25 items listed in the code (§15.02.1110). It is also requires these buildings receive Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certified certification, recruit a LEED Accredited Professional (AP) to work on the project, submit a LEED scorecard, register the project with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), and submit a green building checklist of the 25 outlined items (§15.02.1110). 

Solar Energy

The city's building code includes a solar photovoltaic requirement for all new buildings or additions greater than 10,000 square feet in size (Secs. 15.02.1000 - 15.02.1015). A minimum of 1 kW per 10,000 SF must be installed. In-lieu fees or alternative siting are additional options. The code also waives solar permit fees of up to $5,000.

The city's zoning code exempts solar collectors installed on building roofs or sides from land permit requirements as long as they meet height limits (Sec. 17.110.010.A.7).