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• Building height limits to protect access to sunlight for solar energy systems on abutting properties • Allowing solar as permitted accessory issues in all zoning districts Building Code Focus Areas Community Development's Building Inspections Division enforces the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC), which includes State of Minnesota amendments. These codes are intended to establish the minimum requirements for construction. Anything above the minimum is at the discretion of the project. As updated codes are published, greater focus on sustainability are being seen in the following areas: • Energy code — Minnesota Statutes 32613.118 has allowed the State of Minnesota to adopt amendments to the IBC and IRC that require greater levels of energy efficiency for single and two- family residential buildings. According to statute, this allowance must be grounded in "research and analysis that addresses, at a minimum, air quality, building durability, moisture, enforcement, enforceability cost benefit, and liability" and be done "in cooperation with practitioners in residential construction and building science and an affirmative recommendation by the Construction Codes Advisory Council". • Mechanical code —the mechanical code is directly impacted by the energy code • Provisions are being added to the code allowing for green alternatives (it should be noted the International Code Council, who influences the State building code, has a green building code yet the State has NOT adopted it) Most importantly, Minnesota Statutes, Section 32613.101 states that regulations cannot be established above and beyond the International Building Code and International Residential Code (except State of Minnesota amendments) that would increase the overall cost of construction. This is thought to be one of the biggest constraints in regards to advancing greater sustainability within the construction industry. One way to offset this is to establish incentive programs that allow recovery of these increase costs, hence the multiple programs noted under the Economic Development Focus Area section of this memo. Speaking of incentives, Roseville utilizes the mechanical permit valuation (1.28%) to calculate the permit fees for solar, which results in a reduced fee when factoring in actual time to review, process, and inspect solar requests. This effort is aimed at reducing the burden placed on those wanting to implement solar. Sustainable Development Realities Community Development has a lot of first-hand experience with the impact of sustainability on development, and offers the following additional information concerning what is regularly occurring and practical considerations that are impacting broader implementation of sustainable building practices: What is occurring? • LED lights • Solar panels & arrays • Programmable thermostats & mini -splits (for heating & cooling) for renovations • Native landscaping (less turf) Practical Considerations • New verses rehab/renovation challenges • Material costs and availability • Timing