103-B. June 7, 2010 Focus Group Meeting Comments.pdfKey Comments from the Green Building Ordinance Focus Group Meeting
Kirsch Center, De Anza College
June 7, 2010
Standard Rating Systems & Levels of Certification
Focus Group Comment
Staff Response
Consider having a basic, consistent Green
As directed by the City Council, the draft Green
Building policy standard throughout the
Building Ordinance (GBO) will be based on the
county
Phase II recommendations recommended by the
Santa Clara County Cities Association.
Provide flexibility in the point rating system
City will consider this concept in drafting the
based on variations in building forms, energy
GBO.
and implementation
Create equitable standards across all building
City will consider this concept in drafting the
types in the rating system
GBO.
Create clear and unambiguous codes and
The GBO will include clear guidelines regarding
rating systems that are workable &
the requirements and implementation.
implementable by architects, builders and
developers
Thresholds
Focus Group Comment
Staff Response
Thresholds should be "business -friendly" and
City aims to develop a "business -friendly"
aligned with other local cities
ordinance and will review ordinances in local
cities in drafting the GBO.
Apply a minimum standard that applies to all
The GBO will be based on Phase II requirements
development types up to a certain
which include this concept.
level/ increase number of thresholds and more
stringent requirements as building size
increases
Base thresholds on characteristics of the
The GBO will be based on Phase II requirements
building (i.e., size, number of units, type of
which include this concept.
construction, energy usage)
Allow for a phased approach (have the most
The GBO will outline broad requirements so that
expensive options last, target the "lowest
applicants have the flexibility to pick the options
hanging fruit" first)
most suitable for their project.
Incentives to Encourage Green Building Measures
Focus Group Comment
Staff Response
Types of incentives:
Fee waivers, reductions, exemptions,
The draft GBO will consider this concept in the
expedited permitting and inspection processes
analysis of incentives.
both during the planning and building permit
stages
Taxes - Reduce (property, utility & school
City has no jurisdiction over property, utility or
district) or provide credits
school district taxes; therefore, the City cannot
include this as an incentive.
Reduce utility costs and process (e.g.
City has no jurisdiction over utility costs;
PGE)/create rebates
therefore, the City cannot include this as an
incentive.
Density/square footage bonuses
The draft GBO will consider this concept in the
analysis of incentives.
Higher fees for projects not doing the
The draft GBO will consider this concept in the
minimum green standards
analysis of incentives.
Parking reductions
The draft GBO will consider this concept in the
analysis of incentives.
Goals to incentivize:
Remove obstacles of building green (how it
The draft GBO will consider options for a variety
can save time & money)/make it desirable to
of incentives to encourage green building.
follow green building ("carrot" approach)
Implementing the Green Building Ordinance
Focus Group Comment
Staff Response
Education:
Start educating architects, designers &
City anticipates incorporating this concept in the
developers of requirements at the design stage
process.
(preliminary application stage)
Provide informational guides to the public via
City anticipates incorporating this concept in the
the website, mass mailings (flyers), brochures,
process.
video, graphics, directory of green
materials/resources, checklists & classes to
help them through the process
Outline "what's in it for me," or benefits of
City will consider this concept.
green building, including a cost spectrum
showing cost and energy savings with
implementation of green building measures
and rewards for compliance
Focus Group Comment
Staff Response
Enforcement:
Ensure penalties are not too drastic that it
City will consider this concept in drafting the
prevents people from developing in Cupertino
GBO.
Streamline & limit bureaucracy of the process
City will consider this concept in drafting the
GBO.
Have strong city enforcement of the
City anticipates incorporating this in the process.
regulations by building staff and code
enforcement
Use third party verification, commissioning &
City will consider this concept in drafting the
certification requirements LEED, GPR
GBO.