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If you already have a site plan, this credit is cut-and-dried
Typically, projects have already determined their site plan by the time the team begins considering LEED certification; if this is the case, you either have the credit or you don’t.
If your project location has not yet been determined, you can use the credit requirements as an environmental screening process when choosing your site. If the site is determined but the site plan isn’t set, consider whether the placement of buildings, roads, and other hardscapes on the site will tip you to compliance or non-compliance.
Previously developed or not?
This credit is intended to protect sensitive land as defined in the credit language. It also encourages projects to use previously developed land, by allowing specific exemptions for the criteria on water bodies and...
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2 Comments
100 ft wetlands setback
Our site is previously developedPreviously developed sites are those altered by paving, construction, and/or land use that would typically have required regulatory permitting to have been initiated (alterations may exist now or in the past). Previously developed land includes a platted lot on which a building was constructed if the lot is no more than 1 acre; previous development on lots larger than 1 acre is defined as the development footprint and land alterations associated with the footprint. Land that is not previously developed and altered landscapes resulting from current or historical clearing or filling, agricultural or forestry use, or preserved natural area use are considered undeveloped land. The date of previous development permit issuance constitutes the date of previous development, but permit issuance in itself does not constitute previous development." and we will be performing a major renovation on the existing building. We appear to meet all the criteria for this credit with the exception perhaps of the wetlands setback. There are wetlands on one side of the property and a section of the existing ancillary parking lot infringes on the 100' setback. Our renovation work is limited to the building and the area immediately around the building footprintBuilding footprint is the area on a project site used by the building structure, defined by the perimeter of the building plan. Parking lots, parking garages, landscapes, and other nonbuilding facilities are not included in the building footprint.. No work is being performed on the ancillary parking lot. Although the parking in question is within the property line, it is outside our LEED project boundary. Is it possible for us to still pursue this credit ?
First I would check if the wetland, which you are refering to, is actually a wetland as defined by US Federal Regulations CFR 40. If that's the case, check for a CIRCredit Interpretation Ruling. Used by design team members experiencing difficulties in the application of a LEED prerequisite or credit to a project. Typically, difficulties arise when specific issues are not directly addressed by LEED information/guide (LEED Interpretation) in regards to existing buildings and your particular situation. I can't imagine that GBCI will deny you the credit, since the building is existing and you aren't adding anything within the setback distance. So you are following the intent, besides the new version of the LEED rating system 2012 I believe addresses this situation in your favor. That makes me think that the overall point of view on the issue.
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