Developers and Metro officials are taking a first swing at crafting a so-called ‘green’ permit that would be available from the Metro Codes Department.
City leaders hope it will encourage developers to build homes and offices that are environmentally friendly in return for the marketing advantage of having a certified ‘green’ building.
Codes director Terry Cobb says some developers are asking for more from the city for spending the extra time and money to build green, such as an expedited process.
“What I hear a number of advocates asking for is particular incentives or discounts in fees and discounts in some of the cost to the construction itself. Well that’s shifting the cost to the taxpayer when you do that.”
Cobb says the first step should be to establish the permit before adding any cost to the city.
Metro Councilman Mike Jameson is heading up an informal group that will likely recommend the city establish a task force to make rough guidelines for what qualifies as a green building. The qualifications will likely include attaining either LEED or EarthCraft certification standards.
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