In recent years, numerous local governments in California have implemented "green" building ordinances. These measures can increase energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and decrease other harmful environmental impacts. This document identifies the various approaches to green building ordinances that jurisdictions have taken and the most common features of the measures.
The City of Albany Green Building Standards of Compliance mandate minimum thresholds for civic, commercial and residential projects with levels of stringency set according to building size or number of dwelling units. New single family residential and remodels subject to design review must achieve at least 50 Green Points and be verified at plan check. New Multifamily developments must be the maximum GreenPoints practicable if less than 5 units and the minimum standard if more than 5 units.
Los Altos mandates that all new single and multifamily homes must be GreenPoint Rated, new municipal buildings be LEED certified, and new commercial developments be 15% more efficient than Title 24.
Petaluma's Community Development Department has partnered with Build It Green to launch a voluntary green building program in which GreenPoint Rated homes will be eligible for a $500 rebate, and the first five projects to be GreenPoint Rated will receive plaques and citywide recognition.