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Commission approves 'Better Roofs' ordinance allowing green roofs as solar alternative
Summary
The commission unanimously approved a Planning Code amendment (Board File 160,965) to let new rooftops meet the 15% solar requirement via green roofs at a 2:1 square-foot substitution (2 sq ft green = 1 sq ft solar), or a combination of both.
The Building Inspection Commission voted unanimously to support an ordinance (Board of Supervisors file 160,965) expanding the city's rooftop renewable requirement to allow green (living) roofs as an alternate compliance method.
Andres Power, representing Supervisor Scott Wiener, described the 'Better Roofs Ordinance' as a second phase of rooftop legislation that would permit developers to satisfy the existing 15 percent rooftop solar requirement by installing green roofs at a two‑to‑one ratio (two square feet of green roof for each square foot of substituted solar). "With this amendment, most new rooftops would have either 15% of rooftop area covered with solar or 30% covered with green roofs, or a combination in between," Power said.
Power said the provision is optional for developers and builds on earlier solar requirements adopted by the city. He cited multiple environmental and public‑health benefits of green roofs — stormwater reduction, improved runoff quality, reduced urban heat island effects and longer roof lifespan — while stressing that green roofs were offered as an alternate compliance path rather than a mandate.
After brief public comment and staff discussion, a commissioner moved approval, a second was recorded, and the chair conducted a roll‑call vote with everyone voting yes. The motion "carries unanimously," the clerk announced.
Next steps: The commission's recommendation proceeds as part of the City's legislative process for the Planning Code amendment.
