CITY COUNCIL: Resolution Adopting Green Building Checklists & Point Requirements

Meeting Date: 4 August 2009
Prepared by: Sean Conroy, Plng & Bldg Services Manager

City Council
Agenda Item Summary

Name: Consideration of a Resolution adopting Green Building Checklists and Point
Requirements for Residential and Nonresidential projects pursuant to Section
15.54.030 of the Green Building Ordinance.

Description: The Green Building Checklists identify various green building techniques that can be incorporated into development projects. The point requirements establish the minimum number of points, based on the checklists, which must be achieved in order to obtain a building permit.

Overall Cost:
City Funds: N/A
Grant Funds: N/A

Staff Recommendation: Adopt the Resolution.

Important Considerations: CMC Section 15.54.030 of the Green Building Ordinance
indicates that the City Council will adopt the checklists and point requirements by resolution. This will allow the City Council to amend the checklists in the future, without amending the ordinance.

Decision Record: The Planning Commission recommended adoption of a Checklists and Point Requirements on 20 May 2009.

Reviewed by:

__________________________ _____________________
Rich Guillen, City Administrator Date

CITY OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY PLANNING AND BUILDING
STAFF REPORT
TO: MAYOR MCCLOUD AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
FROM: SEAN CONROY, PLNG & BLDG SERVICES MANAGER
THROUGH: RICH GUILLEN, CITY ADMINISTRATOR
DATE: 4 AUGUST 2009
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION ADOPTING GREEN BUILDING CHECKLISTS AND POINT REQUIREMENTS FOR RESIDENTIAL AND NONRESIDENTIAL PROJECTS PURSUANT TO SECTION 15.54.030 OF THE GREEN BUILDING ORDINANCE

INTRODUCTION & BACKGROUND
The City Council approved the first reading of the Green Building Ordinance on 7 July 2009 and will consider it upon second reading as a separate item on this agenda. The Green Building Ordinance requires Council to adopt Green Building Checklists and minimum point requirements for new development projects by resolution. This will allow future Councils to amend the checklists and point requirements without amending the ordinance.

The Residential Checklist is based on the “Build it Green” Checklist. Build it Green is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote more efficient design in California. The organization has developed a comprehensive residential checklist that addresses all aspects of construction. There is a total of 310 available points.

The Non-Residential Checklist is based on a LEED Checklist. The U.S. Green Building
Council (USGBC) is a nationwide non-profit organization that was established to
promote green building principals throughout the country. The USGBC has established
the LEED ratings systems that, like Build it Green, is divided into several sections that award points for incorporating green principles into a project (see attached). LEED has a total of 100 points available.

RECOMMENDATION
Adopt the Resolution.

CITY OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA
CITY COUNCIL
RESOLUTION 2009-
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA ADOPTING GREEN BUILDING CHECKLISTS AND POINT REQUIREMENTS FOR RESIDENTIAL AND NONRESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS PURSUANT TO CMC SECTION 15.54.030

WHEREAS, The City of Carmel-by-the-Sea is a unique community that prides itself on
its village character and environmental resources; and

WHEREAS, the City has adopted a General Plan and Municipal Code that strive to protect the village character through clear policies and regulations that guide property owners in the protection this character; and

WHEREAS, the City appointed a Green Building Committee to develop standards for new construction; and

WHEREAS, the proposed residential and nonresidential checklists will assist in implementing green building development standards; and

WHEREAS, the point requirements will promote more efficient and sustainable development in the City; and

WHEREAS, the Planning Commission recommended adoption of the checklists and point requirements on 20 May 2009.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA does hereby:

1. Adopt the attached Green Building Checklists for Residential and Non-Residential Projects (Exhibit “A”).

2. Adopt the attached point requirements for residential and nonresidential projects based on the Green Building Checklists (Exhibit “B”).

PASSED AND ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA this 4th day of August 2009 by the following roll call vote:

AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS:

SIGNED,

________________________
SUE McCLOUD, MAYOR

ATTEST:

_______________________
Heidi Burch, City Clerk

Exhibit “A”
CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA
GREEN BUILDING CHECKLIST FOR RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS
A. Site Points allowed
Points proposed
1. Protect Topsoil and Minimize Disruption of Existing Plants & Trees
a. Protect Topsoil from Erosion and Reuse after Construction 2
b. Limit and Delineate Construction Footprint for Maximum Protection 1

2. Deconstruct Instead of Demolishing Existing Buildings on Site 3

3. Recycle Construction Waste (Including Green Waste)
a. 100% non-hazardous construction taken to bonafide facility Required
b. Re-Use up to 50% of construction debris 2
c. Re-Use over 50% of construction debris 2

4. Use Recycled-Content Aggregate (Minimum 25%)
a. Walkway and Driveway 1
b. Roadway Base 1
Site Total 12

B. Foundation Points allowed Points proposed
1. Replace Portland Cement in Concrete with Recycled Flyash or Slag
a. Minimum 20% Flyash or Slag 1
b. Minimum 25% Flyash or Slag 1

2. Use Frost-Protected Shallow Foundation in Cold Areas (C.E.C. Climate Zone 16) 3

3. Radon Resistant Construction (In At-Risk Locations Only) 1

4. Design and Build Structural Pest Controls
a. Install Termite Shields & Separate All Exterior Wood-to-Concrete Connections by Metal or Plastic Fasteners/Dividers 1
b. All New Plants Have Trunk, Base, or Stem Located at Least 36 Inches from Foundation 1
Foundation Total 8

C. Landscaping Points allowed Points proposed
1. Construct Resource-Landscapes
a. No Invasive Species Listed by Cal-IPC are Planted 1
b. No Species Will Require Shearing 1
c. 75% of Plants are Drought-tolerant California Natives, Mediterranean or Other Appropriate Species 3

2. Use Fire-Safe Landscaping Techniques 1

3. Minimize Turf Areas in Landscape Installed by Builder
a. All Turf Will Have a Water Requirement Less than or Equal to Tall Fescue (0.8 plant factor) 2
b. Turf Shall Not Be Installed on Slopes Exceeding 10% or in Areas Less than 8 Feet Wide 2
c. Turf is <= 33% of Landscaped Area (total 2 points) 2
d. Turf is <= 10% of Landscaped Area (total 4 points) 2

4. Plant Shade Trees 3

5. Group Plants by Water Needs (Hydrozoning) 2

6. Install High-Efficiency Irrigation Systems
a. System Uses Only Drip, Bubblers, or Low-flow Sprinklers 2
b. System Has Smart Controllers 3

7. Incorporate Two Inches of Compost into the Top 6 to 12 Inches of Soil 3

8. Mulch All Planting Beds to the Greater of 2 Inches or Local Water Ordinance Requirement 2

9. Use 50% Salvaged or Recycled-Content Materials for 50% of Non-Plant Landscape Elements 1

10. Reduce Light Pollution from Site Lighting by Shielding Fixtures and/or Directing Light Downward 1
Landscaping Total 31

D. Structural Frame & Building Envelope Points allowed Points proposed
1. Apply Optimal Value Engineering
a. Place Rafters & Studs at 24-Inch on Center Framing 1
b. Size Door and Window Headers for Load 1
c. Use Only Jack and Cripple Studs Required for Load 1

2. Use Engineered Lumber
a. Beams and Headers 1
b. Insulated Engineered Headers 1
c. Wood I-Joists or Web Trusses for Floors 1
d. Wood I-Joists for Roof Rafters 1
e. Engineered or Finger-Jointed Studs for Vertical Applications 1
f. Oriented Strand Board for Subfloor 1
g. Oriented Strand Board for Wall and Roof Sheathing 1

3. Use FSC-Certified Wood
a. Dimensional Lumber, Studs, and Timber: Min. 40% (total 2 points) 2
b. Dimensional Lumber, Studs, and Timber: Min. 70% (total 4 points) 2
c. Panel Products: Min. 40% (total 1 point) 1
d. Panel Products: Min. 70% (total 2 points) 1

4. Use Solid Wall Systems (Includes SIPs, ICFs, & Any Non-Stick Frame Assembly)
a. Floors 4
b. Walls 4
c. Roofs 4

5. Reduce Pollution Entering the Home from the Garage
a. Tightly Seal the Air Barrier between Garage and Living Area 1
b. Install Garage Exhaust Fan OR Build a Detached Garage 1
6. Design Energy Hells on Roof Trusses (75% of Attic Insulation Height at Outside Edge of Exterior Wall) 1

7. Design Roof Trusses to Accommodate Ductwork 1

8. Use Recycled-Content Steel Studs for 90% of Interior Wall Framing 1

9. Thermal Mass Walls: 5/8-Inch Drywall on All Interior Wall or Walls Weigh more than 40 lb/cu.ft. 1

10. Install Overhangs and Gutters
a. Minimum 16-Inch Overhangs and Gutters 2
Structural Frame & Building Envelop Total 36

E. Exterior Finish Points allowed Points proposed
1. Use Recycled-Content (No Virgin Plastic) or FSC-Certified Decking 2

2. Install a Rain Screen Wall System 2

3. Use Durable and Noncombustible Siding Materials 1

4. Use Durable and Noncombustible Roofing Materials 2
Exterior Finish Total 7

F. Insulation Points allowed Points proposed
1. Install Insulation with 75% Recycled Content
a. Walls and/or Floors 1
b. Ceilings 1

2. Install Insulation That is Low-Emitting (Certified CA Section 01350)
a. Walls and/or Floors 1
b. Ceilings 1

3. Inspect Quality of Insulation Installation before Applying Drywall 1
Insulation Total 5

G. Plumbing Points allowed Points proposed
1. Distribute Domestic Hot Water Efficiently
a. Insulate Hot Water Pipes from Water Heater to Kitchen 2
b. Insulate All Hot Water Pipes 2
c. Use Engineered Parallel Piping 1
d. Use Engineered Parallel Piping with Demand Controlled Circulation Loop 1
e. Use Structured Plumbing with Demand Controlled Circulation 3
f. Use Central Core Plumbing 4

2. Install Only High Efficiency Toilets (Dual Flush or 1.3 gpf) 4
Plumbing Total 17

H. Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Points allowed Points proposed
1. Design and Install HVAC System to ACCA Manual J, D, and S Recommendations 4

2. Install Sealed Combustion Units
a. Furnaces 2
b. Water Heaters 2

3. Install Zoned, Hydronic Radiant Heating with Slab Insulation 2

4. Install High Efficiency Air Conditioning with Environmentally Responsible Refrigerants 1

5. Design and Install Effective Ductwork
a. Install HVAC Unit and Ductwork within Conditioned Space 3
b. Use Duct Mastic on All Duct Joints and Seams 1
c. Install Ductwork under Attic Insulation (Buried Ducts) 1
d. Pressure Balance the Ductwork System 1
e. Protect Ducts during Construction and Clean All Ducts before Occupancy 1

6. Install High Efficiency HVAC Filter (MERV 64) 1

7. Don't Install Fireplaces or Install Sealed Gas Fireplace with Efficiency Ratting not Less than 60% using CSA Standards 1

8. Install Effective Exhaust Systems in Bathrooms and Kitchens
a. Install ENERGY STAR Bathroom Fans Vented to the Outside 1
b. All Bathroom Fans are on Timer or Humidistat 1
c. Install Kitchen Range Hood Vented to the Outside 1

9. Install Mechanical Ventilation System for Cooling
a. Install ENERGY STAR Ceiling Fans & Light Kits in Living Areas & Bedroom 1
b. Install Whole House Fan with Variable Speeds 1
c. Automatically Controlled Integrated System 2
d. Automatically Controlled Integrated System with Variable Speed Control 3

10. Install Mechanical Fresh Air Ventilation System
a. Any Whole House Ventilation System that Meets ASHRAE 62.2 3
b. Install Air-to-Air Heat Exchanger 3

11. Install Carbon Monoxide Alarms 1
Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Total 37

I. Renewable Energy Points allowed Points proposed
1. Pre-Plumb for Solar Water Heating 4
2. Install Solar Water Heating System 10
3. Install Wiring Conduit for Future Photovoltaic Installation & Provide sq.ft. of South-Facing Roof 2

4. Install Photovoltaic (PV) Panels
a. 30% of electric needs OR 1.2kw (total 6 points) 6
b. 60% of electric needs or 2.4kw (total 12 points) 6
c. 90% of electric needs or 3.6kw (total 18 points) 6
Renewable Energy Total 34

J. Building Performance Points allowed Points proposed
1. Diagnostic Evaluations
a. House Passes Blower Door Test 1
b. House Passes Combustion Safety backdraft Test 1

2. Design and Build High Performance Homes - 15% above Title 24 30

3. House Obtains ENERGY STAR with Indoor Air Package Certification 7
Building Performance Total 39

K. Finishes Points allowed Points proposed
1. Design Entryways to Reduce Tracked-In Contaminants 1
2. Use Low-VOC or Zero-VOC Paint
a. Low-VOC Interior Wall/Ceiling Paints (<50 gpl VOCs (Flat) and <150 gpl VOCs (Non-Flat)) 1
b. Zero-VOC: Interior Wall/Ceiling Paints (<5 gpl VOCs (Flat)) 3
c. Use Low-VOC: Water-Based Wood Finishes (<250 gpl VOCs) 2
d. Use Low-VOC: Caulk and Construction Adhesives (<70 gpl VOCs) for All Adhesives 2

5. Use Recycled-Content Paint 1

6. Use Environmentally Preferable Materials for Interior Finish: A) FSC-Certified Wood, B) Reclaimed, C) Rapidly Renewable, D) Recycled-Content, or E) Finger-Jointed
a. Cabinets (50% Minimum) 1
b. Interior Trim (50% Minimum) 1
c. Shelving (50% Minimum) 1
d. Doors (50% Minimum) 1
e. Countertops (50% Minimum) 1

7. Reduce Formaldehyde in Interior Finishes (CA Section 01350)
a. Subfloor & Stair Treads (50% Minimum) 1
b. Cabinets and Countertops (50% Minimum) 1
c. Interior Trim (50% Minimum) 1
d. Shelving (50% Minimum) 1

8. After Installation of Finishes, Test of Indoor Air Shows Formaldehyde Level <27ppb 3
Finishes Total 22

L. Flooring Points allowed Points proposed
1. Use Environmentally Preferable Flooring: A)FSC-Certified Wood, B) Reclaimed, C) Rapidly Renewable, D) Recycled-Content, E)Exposed Concrete, Flooring Adhesives Must Have <50 gpl VOCs
a. Minimum 15% of Floor Area 1
b. Minimum 30% of Floor Area 1
c. Minimum 50% of Floor Area 1
d. Minimum 75% of Floor Area 1

2. Thermal Mass Floors: Floor Covering Other than Carpet on 50% or More of Concrete Floors 1

3. Flooring Meets Section 0 1350 or CRI Green Label Plus Requirements
(50% Minimum) 2
Flooring Total 7

M. Appliances Points allowed Points proposed
1. Install Water- and Energy-Efficient Dishwasher
a. ENERGY STAR 1
b. Dishwasher Uses No More than 5.5. Gallons/Cycle (total 2 points) 1

2. Install Water- and Energy-Efficient Clothes Washing Machine
a. Meets CEE Tier 2 Requirements (modified energy factor 2.0, Water Factor 6.0) (total 3 points) 3
b. Meets CEE Tier 23 Requirements (modified energy factor 2.2, Water Factor 4.5 or less) (total 5 points) 2

3. Install ENERGY STAR Refrigerator
a. ENERGY STAR Qualified & < 25 Cubic Feet Capacity 1
b. ENERGY STAR Qualified & < 20 Cubic Feet Capacity 1

4. Install Built-In Recycling & Composting Center
a. Built-In Recycling Center 2
b. Built-In Composting Center 1
Appliances Total 12

N. Other Points allowed Points proposed
1. Incorporate GreenPoint Rated Checklist in Blueprints Required

2. Develop Homeowner Manual of Green Features/Benefits 3

3. Innovative Measures That Meet the Green Building Objectives of the
Guidelines. Maximum of 20 points 20

4. Community Design Measures and Local Priorities: Maximum of 20 pts. 20
Other Total 43

Total Available/Proposed Residential Points 310

CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA
GREEN BUILDING CHECKLIST FOR NON-RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS
A. Sustainable Sites Points allowed Points proposed
1. Site Selection 1

2. Development Density & Community Connectivity 5

3. Brownfield Redevelopment 1

4.1 Alternative Transportation – Public Transportation Access 6
4.2 Alternative Transportation – Bike storage & changing rooms 1
4.3 Alternative Transportation – Low-emitting/fuel efficient vehicles 3
4.4 Alternative Transportation – Parking Capacity 2

5.1 Site Development – Protect or Resotre Habitat 1
5.2 Site Development - Maximize Open Space 1

6.1 Stormwater Design – Quantity Control 1
6.2 Stormwater Design – Quality Control 1

7.1 Heat Island Effect - Nonroof 1
7.2 Heat Island Effect - Roof 1

8. Light Pollution Reduction 1
26 Points Available

B. Water Efficiency Points allowed Points proposed
1. Water Efficient Landscaping 2-4

2. Water Efficient Landscaping 2

3. Water Use Reduction 2-4
10 Points Available

C. Energy & Atmosphere Points allowed Points proposed
1. Optimize Energy Performance 1-19

2. On-site Renewable Energy 1-7

3. Enhanced Commissioning 2

4. Enhanced Refrigerant Management 2

5. Measurement & Verification 2

6. Green Power 3
35 Possible Points

D. Materials & Resources Points allowed Points proposed
1.1 Building Reuse – Maintain Existing Walls, Floors & Roof 1-3
1.2 Building Reuse – Maintain Existing Interior Nonstructural Elements 1

2. Construction Waste Management 1-2

3. Materials Reuse 1-2

4. Recycled Content 1-2

5. Regional Materials 1-2

6. Rapidly Renewable Materials 1

7. Certified Wood 1
14 Possible Points

E. Indoor Environmental Quality Points allowed Points proposed
1. Outdoor Air Delivery Monitoring 1

2. Increased Ventilation 1

3.1 Construction Indoor Air Quality Management Plan – During Construction 1
3.2 Construction Indoor Air Quality Management Plan – Before Occupancy 1

4.1 Low-Emitting Materials – Adhesives and Sealants 1
4.2 Low-Emitting Materials – Paints and Coatings 1
4.3 Low-Emitting Materials – Flooring Systems 1
4.4 Low-Emitting Materials – Composite Wood & Agrifiber Products 1

5. Indoor Chemical and pollutant Source Control 1

6.1 Controllability of Systems - Lighting 1
6.2 Controllability of Systems – Thermal Comfort 1

7.1 Thermal Comfort - Design 1
7.2 Thermal Comfort - Verification 1

8.1 Daylight & Views - Daylight 1
8.2 Daylight & Views - Views 1
15 Possible Points

F. Innovation in Design Points allowed Points proposed
1. Innovation in Design 1-5

2. LEED Accredited Professional 1
6 Possible Points

G. Regional Priority Points allowed Points proposed
1. Regional Priority 1-4
4 Possible Points
Total Available/Proposed Points 100

Exhibit “B”Residential:
Category 1: New Construction (i.e. demo/rebuild) 60 points
Category 2: New Addition/Remodel > 750 sq. ft. 25 points
Category 3: New Addition/Remodel < 750 sq. ft. 15 points
Category 4: Bathroom/Kitchen Remodel only 4 points

Non-Residential:
Category 1: New Construction (i.e. demo/rebuild) 24 pts.
Category 2: Additions/Remodels > 1000 sq. ft. 18 pts.
Category 3: Additions/Remodels < 1000 sq. ft. 16 pts.