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Board backs adding NGBS Silver as an alternative green building compliance option
Summary
The Planning & Zoning Board recommended adding National Green Building Standard (NGBS) Silver with Energy Star as an accepted compliance path for the city’s green building requirements and attached a recommendation that the city consider applying the standard to city‑owned projects rather than allowing a city waiver.
The Planning & Zoning Board recommended a code change that adds the National Green Building Standard (NGBS) Silver with Energy Star certification as an additional compliance option under Article 7 green building requirements.
Staff said the amendment provides another accepted path for projects that must meet the city’s green building thresholds (for example, projects over 20,000 square feet). Board members supported expanding certified pathways beyond LEED, and several urged the City Commission to require the city itself to follow the same standards rather than retain a manager’s waiver authority for city projects.
Felix Pardo and others said the city should "lead by example" and avoid exempting city construction from the requirement; staff noted current code allows a city manager waiver where compliance would create an unreasonable burden. The board approved the recommendation (6–1) and attached a comment asking the commission to consider removing or limiting the waiver for city‑owned projects.
