In August 2008, DPD launched a pilot program called Priority Green Permitting. To achieve the City’s environmental priorities, the program encourages innovation in residential and commercial projects that can serve as visible models of high performance and sustainable development. The program is a collaboration between DPD permitting operations and the City Green Building team. To participate in the program, projects are evaluated by using a Priority Green Building Matrix that reflects the City’s environmental priorities: Energy and Climate Protection; Green Seattle Initiative; Healthy People and Communities; Restore Our Waters; and Waste Reduction and Recycling. To foster innovation, the program:
- Provides a single DPD point of contact for applicants
- Provides code and process assistance by an interdisciplinary DPD review team
- Sets high performance building expectations and goals
- Adopts an integrated permitting approach
- Maximizes financial incentives from other City departments and agencies
- Requires that projects meet the 2030 Challenge
DPD is actively seeking participants in the pilot program. To date seven applications have been accepted and DPD is reviewing additional proposals. Proposals range from small commercial to large multifamily developments. DPD has extended the Priority Green Permitting pilot into 2009 to continue process improvements and to move enough projects through permit review to evaluate the program.
To ensure success with the pilot program, DPD hired a program lead and is training the first team of Priority Green Permitting reviewers. This review team is working to identify and resolve process issues with the pilot. DPD has also created a website (www.seattle.gov/dpd/PriorityGreen). An informational flyer that includes the Green Building Matrix is available in the Applicant Services Center (700 5th Avenue, 20th Floor).
With more focus on outreach and a revised Green Building Matrix, application package and web page, we anticipate increasing the number of applications this spring and summer. We are looking for additional projects for our program. Please review the program information to see if your project goals align with the program goals.
If you would like more information or have any questions, visit our website, www.seattle.gov/dpd/PriorityGreen, or contact: