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In 2008, the California Building Standards Commission (CBSC) adopted a voluntary green building code. Because Pleasanton already had its own green building standards, the City did not adopt this voluntary code. In 2010, the CBSC unanimously adopted the first -in- the - nation mandatory Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) requiring all new buildings in the state to be more energy efficient and environmentally responsible. The final version of CALGreen was published in July 2010, and will automatically go into effect state -wide on January 1, 2011. Local agencies, if they take no action, will have CALGreen's basic mandatory provisions in effect in their jurisdictions. Pleasanton has historically formally adopted California building codes, with local amendments, and staff recommends a similar approach for CALGreen. III. PROJECT DESCRIPTION This item came before the Commission on September 22, 2010 as a work session and is now being returned for review and consideration as a public hearing item. The current Green Building Code (PMC 17.50) requires commercial, civic, and residential projects that meet the definition of a "Covered Project" to be built to a "green" standard, and relies on the applicant to produce an appropriate level of information to show compliance with the established standards, as verified by trained City staff. The proposed Code amendments would provide a process for "Covered Projects" to continue the equivalent green building standards (described, below, as Tier 1) and would follow a process similar to the existing procedures, but would rely mainly on the State mandated CALGreen program, rather than those of the outside organizations currently referenced. This amendment provides for greater uniformity with the state- wide code, rather than a Pleasanton specific requirement. In addition, new construction that is smaller in size than a "Covered Project" would be required to meet CALGreen's minimum mandatory green building standards (known as the CALGreen basic measures). These basic measures are the new state -wide standards for energy efficiency and water conservation. The proposed Code amendment would clarify that historic buildings would continue to be exempt from the CALGreen requirements. " This State Commission includes representatives from governmental agencies, the building industry, housing developers, and manufacturers. 5 These outside organizations are the US Green Building Council (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and the Alameda County Waste Management Authority (ACWMA) program, which is now managed by Build It Green (BIG). Both the USGBC and BIG are non -profit organizations which update their requirements based on their own schedules, without public notice or comment; which has been a criticism of these programs by property owners and developers, as well as a concern of staff. 6 Residential structures Tess than 2,000 square feet or commercial structures less than 20,000 square feet. PRZ -55, Green Building Planning Commission Page -3-