REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Adopt the Revised Council Policy 1.1.9 Sustainable Development and Green Building
Report
BACKGROUND
In 2004, Council adopted Policy 1.1.9 Sustainable Development and Green Buildings to encourage sustainable development throughout the City. This was part of the first green building study that included public awareness policies and incentives for new non-residential construction, but did not have mandatory minimum standards.
Since this policy was adopted, the Green Building Program has been expanded and includes minimum green building standards for new construction, additions, and major alterations. Most recently, Council approved modifications to the Green Building Program on August 12, 2014 (RTC #14-0584).
EXISTING POLICY
General Plan, Community Vision Statement
A regional leader in environmental sustainability: Â…advocating to reduce dependence on nonrenewable resources by providing greater transportation options, reducing waste, protecting our natural resources, and promoting alternative energy usage and research. We take environmental preservation and protection seriously and consider how each action will affect Sunnyvale for future generations.
General Plan, Community Vision Goal III.
Environmental Sustainability: To promote environmental sustainability and remediation in the planning and development of the City, in the design and operation of public and private buildings, in the transportation system, in the use of potable water and in the recycling of waste.
Green Building Requirements (Title 19) 19.39.030
(h) The city council shall establish by resolution, and shall periodically review and update as necessary, green building standards for compliance. The standards for compliance shall include, but are not limited to, the following:
(1) The types of projects subject to regulation (covered projects);
(2) The green building rating system to be applied to the various types of projects;
(3) Minimum thresholds of compliance for various types of projects; and
(4) Timing and methods of verification of compliance with these regulations.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
A Negative Declaration was prepared for the 2009 green building ordinance and program, and the policy update does not substantially exceed or create any impacts not already contemplated and studied in that negative declaration. Therefore, no additional environmental analysis is required to update the related Council Policy.
DISCUSSION
Policy 1.1.9 was adopted in 2004 and has not been updated since, even though the Green Building Program has been updated. The policy was originally adopted to encourage sustainable development and green building in public facilities and private developments. The current green building program, most recently updated on August 12, 2014 (RTC 14-0584), sets minimum green building levels for new construction, additions, and major alterations.
This report provides Council the opportunity to revise Policy 1.1.9 so that it references the Green Building Program for required green building standards for public facilities and private developments.
FISCAL IMPACT
No fiscal impact is anticipated with the update of the policy.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City's official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall, at the Sunnyvale Senior Center, Community Center and Department of Public Safety; and by making the agenda and report available at the Sunnyvale Public Library, the Office of the City Clerk and on the City's website.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Adopt the revised Council Policy 1.1.9 Sustainable Development and Green Buildings (Attachment 1).
Staff recommends updating this policy (Attachment 1) so that it references the Green Building Program for required green building standards for public facilities and private developments.
Staff
Prepared by: Diana Perkins Permit Center Coordinator
Reviewed by: Hanson Hom, Director, Community Development Department
Reviewed by: Robert A. Walker, Assistant City Manager
Approved by: Deanna J. Santana, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Revised Council Policy 1.1.9 Sustainable Development and Green Building