City of Goleta Adopts Green Building Program

The new program will take effect on January 1, 2013, and will include access to free resources such as information about green building best practices, utility rebates, and financing options. To promote the use of green building practices, the program will also offer a variety of incentives, including a rebate of 50% of the land use permit fees for residential projects that voluntarily meet certain standards or complete the Energy Upgrade CA and/or emPowerSBC programs.

The Green Building Program was developed over the last two years through a community stakeholder process that included the City’s advisory group, known as the Green Ribbon Committee. The Green Ribbon Committee included representatives from the design, construction, and development communities.

“I’d like to acknowledge all those who participated in the development of the Green Building Program,” said Mayor Ed Easton. “This process was a collaborative effort that will ultimately lead to a meaningful and effective program that encourages healthier and more efficient buildings in our community.”

Those applications requesting a legislative action from the City Council, such as a rezone, will have to meet a few mandatory requirements, including the incorporation of solar and electric vehicle readiness into their projects.

Leading by example, the Council committed to a higher standard for its own government facilities on October 2, 2012, when it adopted a policy requiring LEED Silver certification for most new City buildings.

For questions, please contact Valerie Kushnerov, Public Information Officer, at (805) 961-7507 or vkushnero@cityofgoleta.org.