Florida county proposes incentives for green building practices
Hillsborough County, Fla., officials have proposed incentives to encourage green building practices among developers and residents. The plans include granting incentives for builders who install “green roofs” — which are planted with vegetation, reduces energy and temperature and provides insulation.
Although, the county currently offers incentives for “green” residential developments, the new proposal will allow builders to include green roofs in the required green space for new developments. The proposal, which was discussed during an Oct. 8 public meeting, also will be addressed at two additional public meetings on Oct. 18 and Nov.1. If approved, the plan will take effect in February 2008. In addition, the county planning commission will consider reducing parking spaces for commercial development in an effort to add more green space.
Yesterday, the county’s Planning & Growth Management Department approved a proposal to reduce site plan review time for green development projects. Beginning Jan. 1, 2008, it will adopt new procedures to help cut site review time in half.
By next spring, county officials plan to introduce additional “green” measures, such as approving a formal definition of “green development” and hosting a “green roofs” symposium. For more information, visit http://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/pgm/ or http://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/agendas/home.cfm