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Sustainability committee urges environmental guidelines and points system for development rules
Summary
The sustainability advisory committee recommended the city incorporate environmental guidelines from the 2045 comprehensive plan into the forthcoming unified development ordinance and proposed a points-based incentive system prioritizing tree preservation, biodiversity, water protection and energy efficiency.
Members of the sustainability advisory committee presented recommendations to include environmental guidelines in Clemson’s forthcoming unified development ordinance.
Cindy Pecking, speaking with colleagues Bob Fennel and committee chair Rita Sing, said the 2045 comprehensive plan already contains sustainability ideas and urged that the new ordinance offer procedures and incentives encouraging developers to protect trees and biodiversity, safeguard water resources, promote community livability and increase energy efficiency. "We suggest strengthening it by offering builders and developers procedures and incentives to take more steps towards sustainability," Pecking said.
The committee proposed a point system to incentivize those outcomes and provided a four-page foundation document detailing intent and potential techniques for each impact area. The presenters said the focus should be on major projects while permitting scaled attention for infill residential development.
A public commenter, who identified himself as Mr. Lee, asked for clearer definitions of terms such as "environmental justice" and "equity" and warned that vague language could create implementation confusion.
Ending: Council thanked the committee; the recommendation will be considered as staff drafts the unified development ordinance and related materials.
