City Council Study Session Summary 2008 06 24

Home Browse Search

City Council Study Session Summary June 24, 2008 Page 3 of6 back from contractors and that Longmont has approved approximately 120 to 130 single family home plans and about 30 are green built since implementing the program. Mayor Sisk asked the BCBOA why they were recommending a voluntary program instead of a mandatory program. Chief Building Official Jones said that the voluntary program was the initial step until the updated IBC and/or ANSI Code comes out. Chief Building Official Jones stated that it is cost prohibitive to update the City's building code every time the I BC/ANSI Code is revised and that the BCBOA in an effort to save money had skipped the 2006 revision cycle. Chief Building Official Jones emphasized that eventually the goal of the BCBOA is to have a mandatory build green program. Mayor Sisk pointed out that if the City waits until the 2009 Code revision cycle that we have then lost 2 years. Mayor Sisk also thought that incentives to exceed the standard should be investigated. Mayor Pro Tem Sheri Marsella inquired about the consortium that is dealing with green build. Chief Building Official Jones said that the consortium is looking at commercial not residential and they are using the LEEDS 2.2 model as a guideline. Chief Building Official Jones said that he thinks the consortium will come up with a plan and then the Cities will make amendments to that plan. Mr. Allison concurred with Chief Building Official Jones assessment. Mayor Pro Tem Marsella asked Mr. Allison what was the cost to the Longmont's Building Department and did they hire additional staff. Mr. Allison said that they implemented the program with their current budget and did not hire any additional staff. Mayor Pro Tem Marsella pointed out that Louisville's Building Division has a small staff in comparison to Longmont's department and may not be in a position to take an additional program. Chief Building Official Jones pointed out that if they use the HERS model like the City of Boulder where they contract for the HERS inspector that the cost is to the homeowner/builder not the City. A member of the BCBOA pointed out that this is example of why the Board recommended going to a voluntary program initially, so that a program was in place while they take a closer look at the various programs being used and develop a program that would work in Louisville. He said that the market is shifting and more contractors are building green but the cost of certification may be the tripping point. Councilor Ron Sackett asked if there is more value in a green built home than in traditional built home. Chief Building Official Jones said that there was because they are generally better built and there is a demand for them in the market.