Expedited permitting: Expediting the permitting process can reduce the development timeline and make projects more feasible. For buildings and developers, time is money.
Chicago offers expedited permits for commercial, market-rate multifamily and affordable multifamily residential projects. Permits are issued in 30 days or less, and for smaller projects in as little as 15 days. To qualify, commercial and multifamily residential projects must achieve a LEED Certified rating, and affordable multifamily residential projects must achieve a Chicago Green Homes 2-Star rating. Additionally, all projects must implement one “Green Menu Item.” Chicago’s Green Menu Items cover a diversity of strategies from green roofs and natural ventilation to accessibility.
Incentive zoning: Incentive zoning offers development incentives in the form of an increase in height or density and can make projects more financially feasible and encourage investments in green building. Land use and zoning amendments can also address municipal environmental goals such as ecosystem enhancements and social priorities such as affordable housing.
In 1999, Arlington County, Virginia, launched a pilot program to encourage green building in the private sector. The program offered an increase in height or density to commercial projects. In 2003, the program was expanded to include all types of development projects that achieve LEED certification. The development bonus ranges from a minimum of .15 FAR for LEED Certified to a maximum of .35 FAR for LEED Platinum certification. Projects are also required to submit a construction waste management plan and residential projects are required to meet specific Energy Star standards.
Technical assistance: Local government often play a critical role in transferring knowledge and expertise to advance innovative strategies. Green building is no exception, and many local government programs are staffed by design and engineering professionals who have gained expertise in green building.
Staff involved with related programs, such as energy conservation, water conservation, waste reduction and recycling or low impact development can provide technical assistance on specific topics or strategies.
Local government can also support adoption of innovative green building technologies and strategies by addressing institutional and code barriers, offering training, and developing technical resources to educate industry professional on their application.
- Seattle’s green building program is staffed by experts that provide early design guidance and technical assistance on municipal, commercial and residential projects. In addition to program staff, the team draws on experts in related departments to provide expertise on specific topics such as energy efficiency, renewable energy and green power procurement, water conservation and rainwater harvesting, innovative stormwater strategies such as natural drainage, natural landscaping, waste reduction and recycling, and more.
- Alameda County, California, established its Bay Friendly Landscapes and Gardening program to improve water quality and support ecosystem health and protect the San Francisco Bay watershed. The program targets local governments, residents and business and offers a model ordinances, guidelines, technical assistance, educational programs, printed materials and tools and resources. Alameda County has also developed similar resources to promote construction and demolition recycling.
