San Mateo County has approved new requirements for construction of buildings in the unincorporated areas of that California County. Later this year new rules will take effect, mandating that industrial buildings be scored under the LEED system, while homes are rated on Build it Green’s certification plan. The changes will affect all new residential projects and residential remodels of 50 percent or greater, as well as all new commercial and industrial buildings of 3,000 square feet or more.
According to the San Mateo County Times,
“Under the new regulations, a home or industrial construction project will be required to earn a minimum of 50 "green points," or achieve a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating, and pass muster with an outside green building inspector. The county will offer the incentive of a faster turnaround time for a building permit and a quicker visit from a building inspector on projects that earn 75 to 100 green points.”
Michael McGrorty
