On January 21, Montgomery County Councilmember Roger Berliner will introduce 13 legislative initiatives to increase the County's commitment, in the public and private sector, to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent by 2050. These initiatives are expected to have a significant impact on developers seeking to develop commercial and residential properties in the County.
The bills include several new requirements for all new commercial and residential buildings:
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Currently, all new buildings must meet the basis LEED Certified requirements, but if this law passes, they must meet the more stringent LEED Silver rating or higher requirements.
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One Electric Vehicle (EV) charging station will be required per every 50 parking spaces.
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Property owners will be required to allow public review of benchmarking energy efficiency reports.
In addition, the County will develop an expedited, less costly review and approval process for solar energy-related permits, including changes to the zoning code and County procedures.
We are monitoring these bills and will provide updates from time to time.
