PC 092910 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commissioner O’Connor inquired whether staff felt the City could go from a 50 point requirement up to a 64 point with no additional cost. Mrs. Rondash replied that there are current projects are already exceeding the 50-point requirement on an 85-percent ratio. Commissioner O’Connor noted that this is not required and cited the actual required increase as 28 percent. Mr. Corbett stated that in all systems, whether LEED, Build It Green, or CALGreen Tier 1, the requirement is for energy efficiency. He indicated that the idea is to exceed the minimum standards set by the State by 15 percent which is equal across all platforms, through individual measures and different electives that in CALGreen are comparable or close to comparable. He noted that there are some that are specific to a system and do not match across systems, but there should be minimal to no difference in cost in terms of end package. Mr. Corbett noted that most projects in the City come in at around 60 points, but there are some that come in at as high as 100.He indicated that some measures are very easy and inexpensive and some are very expensive. He added that staff is comfortable in saying that both systems are roughly equivalent. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED. Peter MacDonald stated that he has met with Mr. Corbett, Mrs. Rondash, and Ms. Stern and reviewed the proposal and his concerns. He noted that with some clarifications, he is convinced that what Mr. Dolan said is correct that staff is trying to change systems without increasing the burden. He indicated that he supports staff's recommendation with the caveat that the City adhere to CALGreen Tier 1. He suggested calling it out specifically when there is discussion to vary the standards and provide incentive credits when varying them. He added that he felt green building needs to be de-politicized and suggested that it be removed from the conditions of approval and additional requirements and be integrated into the Building Code. He read into the record an email from the Chamber of Commerce President relating to the need for consistency, clarity, and incentive-based and voluntary applicant policies. He pointed out that California is among the most efficient energy use states which are attributable to having the most energy-efficient building codes.He recommended allowing the developer to decide which measures to use and asked the City to also support and participate with green building concepts. Michael O’Callaghan stated that he is a 35-year veteran builder and concurred with Mr. MacDonald’s comments. He indicated that he felt the single largest cost is the cost of dealing with bureaucracy and asked the City to adhere to the building code in dealing with builders. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES, September 29, 2010 Page 16 of 21