Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Renewable Energy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Department advances 'better roofs' policy to require productive rooftop uses on new buildings
Summary
Department staff reported policy work toward a 'better roofs' ordinance to encourage solar, green roofs and biodiversity on new development; staff expect to present options for Board consideration after the September recess.
Barry Hooper, green building specialist with the Department of the Environment, told the commission that staff are developing policy ideas toward a "better roofs" ordinance that would encourage productive rooftop uses for new construction, including solar, green roofs, biodiversity and public benefits. The effort follows a 2013 task force and task-force and stakeholder input and aims to align rooftop policy with the city—s renewable-energy and greenhouse-gas goals.
Hooper said staff are completing a cost-effectiveness analysis for green roofs in collaboration with the Planning Department to complement earlier solar analyses and that the proposal is being developed with multiple city agencies (including Planning, Building Inspection, PUC and Fire) and stakeholders (community groups, labor and industry). He said the ordinance is maturing and policy options will be shared with elected officials when they return in September.
Commissioners asked for an implementation-minded approach that balances rooftop environmental benefits with other building uses and noted that the proposal will require coordination across city departments for permitting and enforcement.
