Building Construction Services

Green Building Program

Program Overview
Program Requirements
Consequences for Failing to Comply
How to Participate In the Program
Green Building Ordinance
Contact Information

 

Program Overview

The Green Building Program has been developed to help Charlotte County become a more sustainable community by reducing the environmental impact of buildings, and promoting economic and environmental health in the County. The program is designed to encourage environmentally sensitive construction and development.

During construction, the builder has the option of placing a "Charlotte County Green Building" sign on the job site. On completion of the building, a permanent sign can be put on the building to verify that it has been certified as a Charlotte County Green Building.

As you review the program, check to see how you rate today as a green builder. You may be surprised how close you are and what few changes you may need to make to participate in and benefit from the Green Building Program.  What is Green Building?

The program incentives include:

• Fast-track permitting.
• Marketing enhancement. 
• Consolidate Company's Environmental Image.
• Charlotte County Green Building Program support.
• Special Recognition to leading participants.
• Possible reduction in parking requirements for commercial projects.
• Possible increase in floor area ratio (FAR) for commercial projects.

The Program is voluntary and is open to all builders in the Charlotte County.

Program Requirements

Any single family or commercial building can be submitted by a builder for consideration to the Green Building Program.

All projects considered for the program must meet the standards and get certified by an accredited Green Building Program. These include the:

• USGBC –LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
• FGBC (Florida Green Building Coalition)
• GBI - Green Globes Design
• NAHB Green Building Program

Those enrolled should attend at least one County-sponsored Green Building workshop once a year.

Consequences for Failing to Comply

• Any project that fails to receive green certification from a rating/certifying agency will not receive any reductions of fees.
• Any project which received reductions in fees that is damaged or substantially improved by more than 50% within 5 years shall rebuild or build to green standards or shall pay back the fee reductions.
• Projects failing to meet their committed level for parking reduction will face a monetary penalty.
• Commercial projects failing to meet their committed level for floor area ration (FAR) will face monetary penalty. 

How to Participate In the Program

The following steps are required of applicants wishing to qualify their project for the Green Building Program:

1. Make an appointment for a Green Building Program pre-application meeting by contacting:
   
   Ms. Julia Galofre
   LEED AP/FGBC Certifying Agent/Plans Examiner
   Charlotte County Building Construction Services Department
   18400 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte, FL  33948
   Phone: 941.743.1215
   e-mail: Julia.Galofre@CharlotteFL.com
    
2. Prior to attending the meeting, complete the enrollment form and have ready all the required documents:
   
   • Charlotte County Green Building Program Enrollment Form.
   • Completed scorecard/checklist from the rating/certifying program. Acceptable rating/certifying programs are:
     • USGBC –LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
     • FGBC (Florida Green Building Coalition)
     • GBI - Green Globes Design
     • NAHB Green Building Program
   • Proof of registration of the project with the approved rating/certifying program.

Contact Information

Ms. Julia Galofre
LEED AP/FGBC Certifying Agent/Plans Examiner
Charlotte County Building Construction Services Department
18400 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte, FL  33948
Phone: 941.743.1215
e-mail: Julia.Galofre@CharlotteFL.com