New rating scale for building allotments will include a section
for being energy efficient
A revamped building allotment point system is currently being
mulled and refined by city leaders, and it is one that will most
likely encourage building
”
green,
”
a new direction that the city is leaning toward.
New rating scale for building allotments will include a section for being energy efficient
A revamped building allotment point system is currently being mulled and refined by city leaders, and it is one that will most likely encourage building “green,” a new direction that the city is leaning toward.
Planning staff presented the Gilroy City Council during a study session Monday night with a new list of priorities for the Residential Development Ordinance Rating Scale, the system that allows developers up to 200 points on a rating scale to determine which projects get approved faster with full housing allotments. Of special interest was the new rules for the city’s “energy-efficient building design policy,” which will encourage developers to use recycled building materials and alternative power sources.
As the new guidelines were suggested by city planners, the green policy will allow developers up to 25 points toward their projects. But Mayor Al Pinheiro told staffers he wanted to reward more points for building green.
“There’s a lot of stuff in this town that’s 100 percent recyclable,” Pinheiro said, before making the suggestion.
As the draft stands, developers can glean at least 25 points if they integrate one or more of the following measures:
Exceed Title 24 energy specifications by at least 15 percent
Use at least 25 percent recycle content in the building materials
Use water-efficient landscaping and low-flow plumbing
Have a transit-oriented design
Design buildings to use solar power
Integrate Santa Clara Valley water District best management practices for run-off control
Use of adhesives and paints that emit no volatile organic compounds
Recycle at least 50 percent construction waste
Integrate the use of recycled water
Orient buildings for best use of lighting that allows for passive cooling of buildings and paved areas
Use rainwater harvesting for landscape irrigation
Use of straw bale or similar insulation techniques
Other innovative, energy-efficient techniques may be considered
Other changes in the point system were minor, but clarified other positive aspects in projects city planners and leaders are looking for. In the category of “location factors,” builders can reap up to 50 points for placing a project within proximity of services and utilities. New apartment rentals can garner 20 points, and affordable housing gets 20 points. A variety of mixed housing can win 10 points.
Staff broadened the category of “community benefit factors,” which before had been listed as merely “cultural and recreational benefits.” Specifically, projects that contain a park, improved sidewalks or streets, or that benefit special funds such as the Sewer Development Fund, Traffic Impact Fund or the Water Development Fund, can gain between 8 and 26 points. Any project that preserves open space or ag land can earn up to 8 points, as does those that dedicate land to the Gilroy Unified School District.
Pinheiro also said he wanted more points awarded for dedicating land to the school district.
None of it is a done deal yet. City Administrator Jay Baksa asked the council to review the changes in the rating scale and send him input by the end of last week. He is asking the same from the Gilroy Planning Commissioners. Staff expects to have the new system ready by June.
The Housing Advisory Committee reviewed the new system at their March meeting.
The next allocation for developments in Gilroy will be awarded during the month of July.
