DPD applicants who are applying for new residential building permits under Seattle’s 2006 Residential Code (SRC) will have the option of entering DPD’s Green Q for expedited permit processing. New residential building permits do not include additions or alterations. Green Q does not apply to simple projects that already benefit from expedited review at DPD.
The Green Q will support Seattle’s leadership role in climate change initiatives and further City Green Building’s efforts to make sustainable design standard practice. The Green Q is part of the multi-tiered strategy described in Seattle’s Green Building Capital Initiative to encourage energy efficiency and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Benefits of the program include:
- Priority intake appointments
- 50% faster initial plan review for projects with no extra permit fee
- Application and review assistance from staff trained in green building strategies
- Public recognition
Commitments for participation in Green Q need to be made prior to intake so the applicable documentation needs to be provided with the Preliminary Application Form. Review the 5 Steps to a Successful Application to find out which forms are required to enter the Green Q (both forms cans be found here). Applicants will have their proposals screened by DPD staff to determine if the project meets the minimum standards for the queue.
For more information please visit DPD’s Applicant Services Center or contact our Green Q Key Contacts.
Green Q- Prerequisites
To qualify for Green Q a structure must be designed to the 2006 Seattle Residential Code (SRC). See Client Assistance Memo 340 for guidance on whether a project is subject to the SRC.
A large home consumes more materials and energy than a small home over its life cycle. Generally, as home size doubles, energy consumption increases by roughly a quarter, and material consumption increases by roughly half according to LEED for Homes. To acknowledge the increased consumption, both LEED and Builtgreen adjust energy credits depending on the size of the dwelling unit; however, to qualify for Green Q structures are limited in size to 2400 square feet of conditioned space per dwelling unit.
Seattle has adopted policies establishing new recycling goals for the City of Seattle and providing direction on waste-reduction programs and solid waste facilities. To assist in accomplishing waste-reduction goals, Green Q projects must submit a Waste Management Plan demonstrating that they will recycle or salvage for reuse at least 50% of construction waste based on weight. A sample of a waste management plan is available under the Green Q Related Documents section.
The waste management plan must be submitted at construction permit intake appointments. If pursuing LEED or Builtgreen, recycling of construction waste at a 50% rate or higher must be demonstrated on the preliminary checklist that is submitted. More information is provided at Resource Venture, which has links to the Green Tools Program "Contractor's Guide" and a "Construction Waste Management Plan" model.
The program participation levels and processes will be periodically evaluated and adjusted to ensure buildings are designed and built to achieve energy efficiency beyond current codes. At a minimum, the DPD Alternative Path will be adjusted in summer 2010 with the adoption of the 2009 Energy Code.
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) or BUILTGREEN
To participate in the Green Q, projects that are designed and constructed at the following certification levels qualify after meeting the program prerequisites;
LEED for Homes (version 2008 with 1/15/2009 errata)
- Silver
- Gold
- Platinum
BUILTGREEN (version 2007)
- 4-star
- 5-star
Both programs require third party verification at the required levels, and the contracting of a qualified 3rd party verifier with the applicable program. At time of Preliminary Application Form (PAF) submittal, DPD will require the simultaneous submittal of:
- LEED or Builtgreen Preliminary Checklist showing anticipated level of required certification.
- A copy of a signed contract with a 3rd party verifier approved under the program.
- A signed letter from 3rd party verifier approved under the program verifying anticipated certification level.
Sample of these documents can be found under the Green Q Related Documents.
Verification of Green Building
Correspondence from your 3rd party verifier to DPD that ongoing inspections and final inspections have occurred, and that the anticipated certification level is expected to be met will be required prior to final DPD inspection.
DPD GREEN Q ALTERNATIVE PATH
DPD’s Alternative Path is focused on energy efficiency and provides an option for applicants who chose not to pursue third party verification. The Green Q Alternative Path requirements closely align with the proposed 2009 Washington State Energy Code scheduled to be applicable in summer 2010. It is estimated that the requirements of the Alternative Path would result in structures that are 10 to 15% more efficient than 2006 Seattle Energy Code. The alternative path is a prescriptive approach and includes three categories:
- Building envelope
- Mechanical systems
- Plumbing fixtures & water heating
See details on the Alternative Path in the Green Q: Program Overview under the Related Documents section.
About the Review times
In order to build capacity for a new system DPD has adjusted the target times and goals for all complex new residential construction applications. The goal for the Green Q will be to complete the initial plan review within 4 weeks. Similar scope applications not designed to the standards of Green Q will have an initial plan review time of 8 weeks.
DPD recognizes that meeting production goals will become challenging once the number of applications increases. Our goal with choosing thresholds for participation and the adjustment of target times is to ensure that we can meet the demand of all our DPD applicants. With lessons learned from this first phase, the second phase of the Green Q will include multi-family residential and non-residential projects designed to the 2006 Seattle Building Code (SBC). We anticipate the expansion of the program early in 2010.
About Priority Green Permitting
The Priority Green Permitting pilot program will continue to be available for more complex innovative projects that meet the 2030 Challenge. The program offers priority review and facilitation through an integrated team of reviewers.
