A key incentive in DC’s Green Building Act of 2006 is the expedited review. This incentive allows the owner and/or developer building or renovating their project to LEED or Green Communities standards an opportunity of receiving an expedited review, essentially guaranteeing permit issuance within 30 business days.
What is the meaning of LEED and Green Communities?
LEED means the series of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design green building rating systems designed by the US Green Building Council (USGBC). Green Communities means the national green building program designed by Enterprise Community Partners that provides criteria for the design, development and operation of affordable housing.
Are you seeking LEED or Green Communities certification?
If 'Yes' for LEED, you need to develop a green building checklist scorecard to identify the score on the appropriate LEED rating validated by a registration letter from USGBC. If 'Yes' for Green Communities, you need to provide a green community checklist, the criteria for the design, development and operation of affordable housing as approved by the DC funding agency.
What design code should I use?
You are required to use the DCMR Title 12 and the (ICC) International Code Council, specifically the (IECC) International Energy Conservation Code.
Is the project publicly funded?
Please identify the funding agency, for example:
- DMPED – Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development
- DCHA – DC Housing Authority
- HFA – DC Housing Finance Agency
- DCHD – Department of Housing and Community Development
What is the criteria for residential projects to meet Green community standards?
All affordable housing projects greater than 10,000 square feet and receiving 15 percent or more of public funding must meet the Green Communities specifications.
What projects require Energy star benchmarking?
All non-residential new building projects greater than 10,000 square feet. These projects must satisfy 75 points on the Energy Star Target Finder Tool.
Are there any incentives available for green projects?
Yes. The Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) has implemented (1) an expedited review with (2) two free (PDRMs) Plan Design Review Meetings and (3) Green Building permit coordination for all green projects requesting the incentive program.
Is this project District owned?
If 'Yes', non residential projects must be LEED silver or better. If the project is residential, it must satisfy the criteria for green communities.
Can green projects be reviewed and inspected through the Third Party program?
No. All green approvals shall be granted through the Permit Operations Division of DCRA.
When do I need to notify DCRA of my green project?
If you are requesting the expedited review incentive, you are required to request a conference with the green building coordinator to introduce the project.
Is there a fee associated with green applications?
Yes, all building permit applications are assessed a green fee according to following:
- New construction at a rate of $.002 per square foot.
- Alteration and repairs ranging from $1001.00 to one million dollars is .13 percent of construction value.
- Alteration and repair ranging greater than one million at the rate of .065 percent of construction value.
I'm ready to get started. Who do I contact?
To begin scheduling contact Permitting Division at (202) 442-4589 or the Green Building Coordinator at (202) 442-4544.
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