Chapter 15.54
GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS

Sections:

15.54.010    Purpose.

15.54.020    Applicability.

15.54.030    Requirements.

15.54.040    City-Owned Properties.

15.54.050    Chapter Phasing.

15.54.060    Exemptions.

15.54.070    Exceptions.

15.54.080    Incentives.

15.54.010 Purpose.

The purpose of the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea’s green building ordinance is to guide development in a sustainable manner, promote energy efficiency, improve air quality, preserve natural resources and encourage architectural design that is consistent with the City’s diverse design traditions. (Ord. 2009-08, 2009).

15.54.020 Applicability.

The requirements of this chapter shall apply to all applications for building permits that are not specifically exempt in CMC 15.54.060. (Ord. 2009-08, 2009).

15.54.030 Requirements.

All building permit applications that are not exempt shall achieve a specific number of points based on the residential and nonresidential green building checklists. The checklists and point requirements shall be established by City Council resolution.

Applicants shall note the proposed points on the appropriate checklist and shall reference each point in the building permit plans. The checklists and point requirements shall be reviewed on an annual basis by the Planning Commission. (Ord. 2009-08, 2009).

15.54.040 City-Owned Properties.

To demonstrate a leadership position, all City building projects greater than 1,000 square feet shall exceed the standard point requirements by 15 percent. (Ord. 2009-08, 2009).

15.54.050 Chapter Phasing.

A. Phase 1. Prior to August 1, 2010, this chapter shall not be mandatory. Unless exempt, all applicants shall submit the appropriate checklist properly filled out, but are not required to achieve a specific point total in order to obtain building permit approval.

B. Phase 2. Beginning on August 1, 2010, all building permit applications that are not exempt, or that are not associated with planning permit applications that have been approved or determined to be “complete” by the Planning Department prior to August 1, 2010, shall comply with the requirements of this chapter. (Ord. 2009-09, 2009; Ord. 2009-08, 2009).

15.54.060 Exemptions.

The following building permit applications are exempt from this chapter:

A. Reroofing permits.

B. Plumbing, electrical and mechanical permits when not associated with remodels or additions.

C. Seismic retrofits.

D. Building foundation repairs and/or maintenance.

E. Repairs and/or reconstruction due to damage caused by fire, explosion, acts of God, or acts of the public enemy.

F. Window replacements.

G. Nonhabitable accessory structures of 200 square feet or less.

H. Retaining walls and/or other site improvements not associated with building construction and/or remodeling.

I. Volunteer handicap accessibility upgrades including elevator installation.

J. Additions and alterations to historic structures. (Ord. 2009-08, 2009).

15.54.070 Exceptions.

If, due to unusual circumstances, an applicant determines that compliance with this chapter creates an unreasonable hardship, the applicant may apply for an exception with the Planning Commission. The burden of proof shall be on the applicant to demonstrate that the requirements of this chapter create an unreasonable hardship. (Ord. 2009-08, 2009).

15.54.080 Incentives.

Incentives for exceeding the minimum standards of this chapter shall be established by City Council resolution. (Ord. 2009-08, 2009).