To encourage residential builders to “build green,” the City of Redmond is instituting the Green Residential Permitting Pilot Program. The city has heard from Redmond residents that they expect new development to be environmentally sensitive. That extends not only to preserving environmentally critical areas and mature trees — as Redmond already does — but also constructing buildings with a reduced environmental footprint. This program encourages exactly that.

A meeting to present the new program to builders and other interested parties will be held Thursday, June 19 at 9 a.m. in the City Council Chambers at Redmond City Hall, 15670 NE 85th St. Koben Calhoun with the Built Green Program will address the basics of building green.

“The city is excited to begin this pilot program to promote building green,” noted Mayor John Marchione. “Through this program, builders can expect a turnaround time of ten business days for single-family residential building permits and residents can expect more green options available for purchase in the coming years.”

Supported by the Green Team — selected staff from the Development Services Center — the pilot program will provide timely customer service to applicants on matters related to green building, encourage applicants to submit green projects (those meeting 4-and-5-star BuiltGreen standards or LEED Silver, Gold or Platinum standards), report to the community on the progress made and train staff in the development and review of green projects.

For more information on the program, contact Jozanne Moe at (425) 556-2475 or jmoe@redmond.gov.