Supervisors approve first reading of ordinance allowing green roofs as alternative to mandated solar on new buildings
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Summary
The board unanimously passed on first reading an ordinance that amends the planning and green building codes to require certain new buildings to cover 30 percent of roof area with either solar panels or living/green roofs, with Jan. 1, 2017 set as the operative date.
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors on Oct. 25 passed on first reading an ordinance to amend the planning code and the green building code to establish requirements for certain new building construction to facilitate renewable energy facilities and living roofs, setting Jan. 1, 2017 as the operative date.
Why it matters: The measure creates a rooftop-design requirement intended to increase the installation of solar panels or green (living) roofs on new buildings. Proponents said the requirement will improve building energy performance, reduce stormwater runoff and support sustainability goals.
Supervisor Scott Wiener, the ordinance’s author, said the legislation complements earlier requirements for solar installations on new mid-rise buildings and will make San Francisco among the first U.S. cities to adopt a green-roof requirement. "There are some buildings where it makes more sense to do a green roof than solar panels," Wiener said, calling green roofs “a terrific addition to any rooftop in any neighborhood.”
The ordinance includes findings as to local conditions pursuant to the California Health and Safety Code, and it allows a mix of approaches—installing solar panels, a green roof, or a combination—to meet the 30 percent rooftop coverage target. The item passed unanimously on first reading with no recorded dissents.
What’s next: The ordinance will return for the second reading and further consideration under the city’s legislative schedule; staff said Jan. 1, 2017 is the operative date specified in the measure.
