HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Resolution 12300 (Amend General Plan 2020)RESOLUTION NO. 12300
A RESOLUTION OF THE SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE SAN
RAFAEL GENERAL PLAN 2020 TO ADD PROGRAM CON -18f PERTAINING TO GREEN BUILDING
REQUIREMENTS FOR CIVIC BUILDINGS.
WHEREAS, at a study session held on July 24,2006 the City Council directed staff to prepare proposals
for green building requirements for new and/or remodeled city buildings; and
WHEREAS, the design, construction and operation of buildings and structures within the city can have a
significant impact on the city's environmental sustainability, resource usage, energy efficiency, waste
management and the health and productivity of workers and visitors; and
WHEREAS, the design, construction and operation of buildings and structures also has far-reaching
effects on the region and globally through production of greenhouse gases resulting in global climate change
and the consumption of resources that impact wildlife habitat; and
WHEREAS, green building benefits are spread throughout the systems and features of the building.
Green buildings can include, among other things, the use of certified sustainable wood products, extensive use
of high -recycled -content products; recycling of waste that occurs during deconstruction, demolition and
construction; orientation and design of a building to reduce the demand on the heating, ventilating, and air
conditioning systems; the use of heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems that provide energy efficiency
and improved air quality; enhancement of indoor air quality by selection and use of construction materials that
do not emit chemicals that are toxic or irritating to building occupants; the use of water conserving methods and
equipment; and installation of alternative energy methods for supplemental energy production; and
WHEREAS, in recent years, green building design, construction and operational techniques have
become increasingly widespread. Many homeowners, businesses, and building professionals have voluntarily
sought to incorporate green building techniques into their projects. A number of local and national systems
have been developed to serve as guides and rating systems for green building practices. The U.S. Green
Building Council, developer of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Green Building
Rating Systems, has become a leader in promoting and guiding green building, particularly for non-residential
structures; and
WHEREAS, according to recent studies published by the United States Green Building Council and the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the construction, demolition and operation of buildings in the United
States collectively consume up to 37% of the total energy used, 12% of all fresh water supplies, 40% of all raw
materials used, and generate 36% of total emissions of anthropogenic carbon dioxide, the primary greenhouse
gas associated with global climatic change, and 46% of all sulfur dioxide emissions, 19% of nitrogen oxide
emissions and 10% of fire particulate emissions; and
WHEREAS, by requiring buildings within the City of San Rafael to be constructed in an environmentally
responsible manner, the City of San Rafael is participating in global endeavors to reduce carbon dioxide, sulfur
dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, waste generation and habitat change; and
WHEREAS, on May 29, 2007 and June 12, 2007, the San Rafael Planning Commission conducted
public hearings on the proposed Municipal Code amendments, accepting all public testimony and the written
reports of the Department of Community Development; and
WHEREAS, it has been determined that these amendments are exempt from the requirements of the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15308 of the CEQA Guidelines which exempt
changes in land use regulations intended for the protection of the environment. The proposed regulations would
reduce local, regional and global impacts on air and water quality, resource consumption, waste generation and
habitat change.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of San Rafael does hereby approve an
Amendment to the San Rafael General Plan 2020 by adding Program CON -18f (Civic Buildings) requiring that
major new civic buildings, additions and remodels incorporate green building construction techniques and
materials as shown on the attached Exhibit A, based on the following findings:
The proposed amendments would be consistent with the policies and programs of the San Rafael
General Plan 2020 that are pertinent to the City's Zoning Ordinances. These proposed amendments
implement provisions of Goal 32 (Resources Used Wisely), Policy CON -18 (Resource -efficient Building
Design), Program CON -18a (Energy-efficient Homes), Program CON -18b (Zoning and Building Code
Review); Program CON -18c (Use of Alternative Building Materials), Policy CON -21 (Waste
Reduction/Recycling), Program CON -21 d (Demolition Waste), Policy CON -22 (Resource Efficiency in
Site Development), and Policy AW -8 (Reduce Pollution from Urban Runoff) in that the proposed green
building requirements would result in greater energy efficiency and water conservation, use of recycled
and sustainably produced building materials, and recycling and reuse of construction debris.
2. The public health, safety and general welfare would not be adversely impacted by the proposed
amendments which reduce impacts on respiratory health and chemical sensitivity of workers and
visitors, reduce production of greenhouse gases, reduce impacts on wildlife and vegetative habitats and
reduce generation and landfilling of waste products; and
I, JEANNE M. LEONCINI, Clerk of the City of San Rafael, hereby certify that the foregoing resolution was duly
and regularly introduced and adopted at a regular meeting of the Council of said City on Monday, the 2nd day of
July, 2007, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen, Heller, Miller, Phillips and Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
�.
JE NNE M. LEONCINI, City Clerk
EXHIBIT A
Program CON -18f. Civic Buildings. Require that new, expanded or renovated City
buildings that exceed 5,000 square feet achieve a LEED (Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design Standards) green building rating or equivalent. This requirement
shall not apply to City facilities which are leased.
Responsibility: Public Works Department
Timeframe: Ongoing
Resources: General Fund, Capital Improvement Program, Redevelopment Funds,
bonds or grants