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The California Coastal Commission is now offering a 40% discount on application fees for projects certified by the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) at a “Gold” level, or an equivalent Green Building certification.

WHY LEED-CERTIFIED GREEN BUILDINGS? LEED awards points in five categories: Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy & Atmosphere, Materials & Resources, and Indoor Environmental Quality. While the proposed project will be evaluated for consistency with all policies of the Coastal Act, resource protection is encouraged through these green building categories.

HOW IT WORKS:
When you file your application with the Commission for construction of a green building that is proposed to be certified by the U.S. Green Building Council at the level of LEED Gold or higher (or equivalent 3^rd party Green Building certification), submit 60% of the normally requested fee, plus the remaining 40% in the form of a letter of credit or acceptable cash substitute.

After construction, submit proof of your LEED Gold or higher certification (or equivalent 3^rd party certification), and the Commission will release the letter of credit or acceptable cash substitute to you.

For more information on the fees for particular projects, contact your local district office, or see the full text of the Commission’s regulation section 13055(h).

BENEFITS OF GREEN BUILDINGS:
Building "green" can bring about a variety of social, environmental, and economic benefits. Some examples include:

WHY BUILD GREEN? In the Unites States, buildings account for approximately: 32% of Total Energy Usage 12% of Total Water Consumption 68% of Total Energy Consumption 38% of Total CO2 Emissions By incorporating green building practices into project design, we can continue to enjoy the benefits of buildings, while minimizing their impact on coastal resources.

• Energy savings through solar site orientation, energy efficient designs, mechanical systems, and building materials, and well insulated structure and duct systems.
• Water savings through native and drought tolerant landscaping, use of recycled water for irrigation, and incorporation of efficient appliances and plumbing fixtures.
• Waste minimization through the use of recycled and reused materials and opportunities for onsite composting.
• Healthier homes and offices by minimizing materials and paints that emit hazardous chemicals, enhancing ventilation for improved indoor air quality, and utilizing non-toxic pest control measures.
• Cost savings & profits from greater resource efficiency, lower operating costs, improved occupant productivity, enhanced asset value, and optimized life-cycle economic performance.

These are but a few of the ways green buildings can improve our lives. To learn more, visit the websites listed below.

For more information about green building certification, visit:

• U.S. Green Building Council
• Build It Green

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SAMPLE PERMIT FEE SAVINGS FOR GREEN BUILDING PROJECTS: (40% Reduction):

Single Family Residence (1,500 – 5,000 s.f.)
     Base fee=$4,500
     Discounted fee=$2,700
     Savings of $1,800

Subdivision
(1,000 c.y. of grading and construction of five 1,500 – 5,000 s.f. single family residences)
     Base fee=$35,250
     Discounted fee=$21,150
     Savings of $14,100

Duplex
     Base fee=$7,500
     Discounted fee=$4,500
     Savings of $3,000

Commercial Construction (25,001 - 50,000 s.f.)
     Base fee=$20,000
     Discounted fee=$12,000
     Savings of $8,000