According to Stuart Kaplow of Green Building Law Update, the City Commission of Key West, Florida now requires third party green building certification for all new residential projects.
Acceptable standards:
In Key West, residential development is strictly limited to correspond to the evacuation capacity of the over-water highway in the event of a hurricane. Ordinance 13-19 (PDF) is an update responding to the region’s unique environmental and civic needs. Specifically, this ordinance seeks to address rising sea levels and the need for potable water.
Kaplow has more:
All new residential units, including additions to existing structures “constituting more than 50% of the value of the building” must be 1.5 feet freeboard, have a rainwater catchment system for the new roof area, and obtain a minimum green building certification.
And even building renovations that will not trigger the new green building thresholds, must still demonstrate water and energy use at least 15% below the Florida Building Code standards.It is clear that Key West has embraced sustainability, including mandating green building.
This home will likely be “grandfathered” in, so to speak:
