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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPSD-060-15 Clar*wa Planning Services Staff Report If this information is required in an alternate accessible format, please contact the Municipal Clerk at 905-623-3379 ext. 2102. Report To: Planning and Development Committee Date of Meeting: December 7, 2015 Report Number: PSD-060-15 Resolution:_ �d File Number: PLN 39.5 By-law Number: Report Subject: Priority Green Clarington Green Development Framework and Implementation Plan Recommendations: 1. That Report PSD-060-15 be received; 2. That Council endorse the green development framework described within the Priority Green Clarington: Green Development Framework and Implementation Plan (Attachment 1); 3. That Council authorize Staff to submit Attachment 1 and the related supporting studies to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities in accordance with the final report requirements of our Green Municipal Fund Grant Agreement; 4. That Council authorize Staff to implement the 2016-2017 action plan contained in this report (Attachment 1, Section 7); 5. That Council authorize Staff to apply for funding opportunities to support the action plan items, where identified; and 6. That all interested parties listed in Report PSD-060-15 and any delegations be advised of Council's decision. Municipality of Clarington Report PSD-060-15 Page 2 Report Overview This report presents a proposed green development framework for Clarington, prepared as part of the Priority Green Clarington initiative. The framework and recommendations resulting from study, analysis and consultation carried out over the first two years of Priority Green Clarington provide a road map for the detailed design and implementation of a green development program for future residential development in Clarington. Based on this course of action, the Green Development Program Implementation Plan comprised of projects, programs, policies and follow-up actions will continue to move the Priority Green Clarington vision forward. 1 . Background 1.1 To meet the needs of a quickly growing population in a sustainable manner, Clarington Council passed a resolution and allocated funding in January 2012 to support the establishment of a framework to promote the development of environmentally responsible, compact and complete new neighbourhoods throughout the community. With additional funding support from Ontario's Showcasing Water Innovation Program and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities' Green Municipal Fund, Priority Green Clarington was initiated and officially launched in October 2013. 1.2 Priority Green Clarington aims to set a new standard for residential development that prioritizes sustainability, promotes innovation and continues to improve the community's quality of life. To achieve this vision, the Municipality, in collaboration with the Region of Durham, the private sector, and the community set out to establish a green development framework. "Green Development" refers to using practices that will reduce the environmental impacts of residential development and create healthier places to live. It considers the ways in which both homes and neighbourhoods are designed and built. 1.3 Three prior Staff Reports (PSD-061-13, PSD-053-14, and PSD-025-15) have provided updates to Council on Priority Green Clarington initiatives and accomplishments. This has included sharing the perspectives and priorities of stakeholders and the broader community, gathered through on-going communications and consultation efforts, regarding the establishment and implementation of a green development framework for Clarington. 1.4 As a component of Priority Green Clarington, a green home demonstration project has been carried out, evaluating water and energy savings practices in new homes. Monitoring of the six participating households ended on November 1, 2015. The Demonstration Project forms an important element of the green development framework; detailed results will be reported separately to Council upon completion of data analysis and reporting, in February 2016. 1.5 The purpose of this report is to obtain Council approval for the final submission of the Priority Green Clarington: Green Development Framework and Implementation Plan (Attachment 1) to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities' Green Municipal Fund, which is due December 18th, 2015 and will trigger the release of the final installment of grant funding. Municipality of Clarington Report PSD-060-15 Page 3 2. Green Development Framework 2.1 The establishment of a green development framework for Clarington involved a process that combined Provincial and Regional policy direction with local community input, municipal best practices, and technical expertise. The resulting proposed green development framework described sends the message that green development is a priority for building liveable neighbourhoods in Clarington. 2.2 The Priority Green Clarington initiative set out to identify a framework for green development that was: • Driven by renewed Provincial and Regional policy with a strengthened focus on sustainable communities and strong local population forecasts, • Built from a solid foundation of policy and planning centered on a sustainable and healthy Clarington, and • Informed by the priorities and perspectives of stakeholders and the broader community. 2.3 The Municipality retained a consultant (as required under the grant funding) to examine best practices, carry out assessments and evaluations, provide technical expertise and provide recommendations that would inform future residential development in Clarington. This involved: 1. Identification of best practices in residential green development, incentives and standards in Ontario and beyond. 2. Review of Municipal planning policy to identify opportunities to strengthen the foundation for sustainable development in Clarington. 3. Establishment of criteria for what defines a "green" development. 4. Examination of how prioritization could be used in order to fast track "green" applications. 5. Identification and preliminary evaluation of other potential incentive options to voluntarily encourage incorporation of green development criteria into the design and construction of neighbourhoods. 6. Review of the development approvals process to identify a strategy for implementation through the development planning process. 7. On-going engagement and consultation with stakeholders and the broader community. This involved multiple consultation sessions, background and technical papers, and reports to Council. The work that was undertaken and recommendations received establish a green development framework for Clarington and provide the fabric for the detailed design and implementation of a future residential green development program. These outcomes are summarized in the Priority Green Clarington: Green Development Framework and Implementation Plan (Attachment 1). Municipality of Clarington Report PSD-060-15 Page 4 2.4 Figure 1 (page 5) depicts the green development framework. Key recommendations include: • Strengthened policies for the Clarington Official Plan to enhance sustainable development goals and enable the establishment and implementation of a green development program; • Green development criteria checklists for Secondary Plans and Draft Plans of Subdivision and Site Plan applications; • Identification of success factors for the seamless integration of a green development program into the land use planning process, including Council / senior level leadership, in future a dedicated green development Staff person, and clear and consistent communication of requirements for development applicants; • Recommendations for the creation of an expedited planning approval incentive program for green development involving priority setting, improved tracking, and process streamlining; • Recommendation of five potential additional incentive mechanisms for more detailed consideration by the Municipality as a means to induce green development, including: o Planning and/or building permit fee application rebates; o Creation of additional Community Improvement Plans to allow for the use of loans and grants; o Reduction in parkland dedication requirements or alternative forms of open space for parkland dedication; o Recognition program; o Allowing an increase in the size of temporary subdivision development signage that could be erected. These incentives have varying financial, time, and staffing implications and will require investment from the Municipality and a broad shift in the way that development applications are received, processed and supported. Any incentives would have to be approached cautiously as there is potential to have significant impacts for the Municipal budget, including Staff resources; and • Emphasis of the benefits of demonstration initiatives to evaluate and build understanding and capacity for green development strategies and practices. The resulting implementation plan is presented in Section 4 of this report. Municipality o C|aringt n Report PSD-060-15 Page 5 Figur 1: Green Development Framework RCU _ 2 _+ $ « - / E E � _ § ƒ ƒo _G - ] m . (D W ® 2E / � 72 7 / % - / r 3 cl- 2 { 7 f � + - � / -C3 � � � � � � � CO C 2 @ - - / � f =_ \ 3 D 2 ƒ G \ IZ3 -%D ± m ƒ 2 2 > ƒ � a . � -9Cn - § ® / \ k k ± \ sc._ -2 -.E o a 3 ƒ E 42k - - _ y__y _ 'EL e o » te a ƒ 2 ± E ƒ aIn CD . � � § fie fF Ix \ § k 2 ƒ ƒ ® � « Municipality of Clarington Report PSD-060-15 Page 6 3. Vision and Principles Alignment 3.1 Priority Green Clarington was designed to address Council's Strategic Plan Vision, the sustainable development principle of the Clarington Official Plan and the recommended actions of Clarington's community sustainability strategies. An overview of how the Priority Green Clarington: Green Development Framework and Implementation Plan has achieved these objectives is provided below. 3.2 Strategic Plan Vision Clarington's Council has developed a Strategic Plan to guide the Municipality and set out its vision for the 2015 — 2018 term. It is founded on the vision of building a sustainable, creative, caring community. Many of the framework elements, recommendations and implementation actions from Priority Green Clarington align with the strategic priorities and actions of Council. More specifically: • Undertaking a review of current land development application and permit processes, policies and guidelines to identify new opportunities for supporting green homes and neighbourhoods, and examining how prioritization could be used in order to fast track "green" applications supports Council's priority to "Facilitate the Creation of Jobs, Attraction of New Business and Expansion of Existing Businesses;" • Creation of green development criteria relating to walkability, support of transit, active transportation, mixed-use neighbourhoods, housing diversity, connectivity, natural heritage connections and protection, and urban ecosystem enhancement support Council's priority to "Manage Growth to Maintain our Small Town Feel" and to Enable Safe, Efficient Traffic Flow and Active Transportation;" and • Actions for continued, on-going consultation, promotion and education relating to Priority Green Clarington supports Council's priority to "Promote Resident Engagement in our Community." 3.3 Clarington Official Plan A sustainable and healthy community was identified as one of the five theme areas for the review of the Clarington Official Plan. Best practices in sustainable development and healthy community policies, ranging from community wide approaches, neighbourhood design, to site-specific development standards, were explored in establishing the green development framework. While an existing policy framework underscores the Municipality's commitment to sustainable development, policy enhancements were identified. On March 30, 2015, proposed changes to the Clarington Official Plan were released for public review and comment. These included strengthened policies that enable the establishment and implementation of a green development program, including criteria and potential incentives, in consultation with stakeholders. Further, the proposed policies place importance on taking action locally, through land use planning and other Municipal activities, to address climate change and build a resilient community. The green development framework and implementation plan is intended to work in conjunction with the sustainable development policies outlined in the Clarington Official Plan. Municipality of Clarington Report PSD-060-15 Page 7 3.4 Community Sustainability Strategies The former Living Green Committee of Council presented the "Green Community Strategy" to Council on June 28, 2010, which was endorsed in principle. The strategy identified six priorities for sustainable action, sustainable policy and sustainable future investment, as follows: 1. Transportation 2. Energy Efficiency in Existing Buildings 3. Energy Efficiency in New Developments 4. Zero Waste 5. Thriving Green Economy 6. Healthy Natural Environment For each priority area, a series of goals and related actions (policies, programs and projects) were recommended. Encouraging and incenting new neighbourhood design and development to incorporate leading green development technologies and practices puts into action many of the priority area items recommended in the Green Community Strategy. In 2013, Clarington Council established a citizen's sustainability committee to ensure a continued focus on a sustainable culture and advance the recommendations from the Living Green Community Advisory Committee. The Sustainable Clarington Community Advisory Committee final report, entitled "It's All Connected: Actions to Foster a Community-Wide Culture of Sustainability in Clarington," was presented to and received by Council on September 15, 2014. Numerous priority actions and additional recommendations put forward by the committee over the course of their term are supported by the established green development framework and implementation plan, such as: • Encouraging housing diversity, supporting affordability and aging in place; • Promoting active and healthy modes of transportation; • Accessible and integrated trail system and linkages within and between community areas; • Provision of bicycle parking in new multi-residential development; • Protection and enhancement of natural green space; • Encouraging energy and water efficient buildings and neighbourhoods; • Fostering new community gardens; • Acceleration of the review and approval process for green development; and • Enhanced education and communication relating to sustainable development principles and practices and available incentive programs. Municipality of Clarington Report PSD-060-15 Page 8 3.5 Review Timeframe The Priority Green Clarington: Green Development Framework and Implementation Plan has been developed based on consultation with the development community and is intended to be implemented within the current timeframes of the development review process. Planning Services staff already review subdivision applications for livability, this has now been formalized for the development community and can be seamlessly integrated within the existing planning process. 4. Implementation Plan 4.1 The framework and recommendations resulting from the study, analysis and consultation carried out over the first two years of Priority Green Clarington provide a road map for the detailed design and implementation of a residential green development program. This course of action will send the message that green development is a priority for building liveable neighbourhoods in Clarington. 4.2 Based on this course of action, Staff have prepared a 2016-2017 Green Development Program Implementation Plan, comprising of projects, programs, policies and follow up actions that will move the Priority Green Clarington vision forward, as shown below. Reflecting Priority Green Clarington's key objective of on-going communication and engagement, broad consultation on the framework, recommendations and implementation plan presented herein will be the first step taken by Staff in initiating Priority Green Clarington's 2016 — 2017 Green Development Program Implementation Plan. 2016 — 2017 Green Development Program Implementation Plan 1. Consultation a. Continued consultation with the land development and Planning Services building industry and other stakeholders to obtain feedback on the proposed Green Development Framework for Clarington and as part of individual implementation actions, as outlined herein. 2. Policy a. Council adoption of Official Plan policy changes (i.e. Planning Services enhancements and policy additions) for sustainable development and addressing climate change, including the implementation of a green development program. b. Ensure that the Active Transportation Plan to be developed Engineering Services for Clarington is complementary to the green development framework and provides recommendations for criteria and planning policy enhancements. Municipality of Clarington Report PSD-060-15 Page 9 3. Criteria / Standards a. Review the various planning guidelines applicable to Planning Services residential development and identify the need for modifications to ensure alignment with the recommended green development criteria; prepare terms of reference and budget for the identified document updates for consideration as part of 2017 budget planning. b. Review the Clarington Design Guidelines and Standard Engineering Services Drawings to identify potential conflicts with recommended green development criteria and opportunities for adjustment to the specifications to enhance alignment. c. Identify and recommend a strategy (e.g. a points-based or Planning Services minimum number of criteria approach) for evaluating development applications based on the established green development criteria. The recommended strategy shall reflect Municipal priorities and consider feedback from consultation with the land development and building industry. Establish a baseline score for draft plans of subdivision and site plan applications based on testing of the recommended evaluation strategy. d. Establish a working group, including Engineering Services Engineering Services and Planning Services Staff, and local conservation authority Planning Services (Ganaraska Region and Central Lake Ontario Region) representatives to further evaluate and recommend stormwater quality and quantity, low impact development, soil quantity and quality, and sustainable site alteration criteria. Consideration should also be given to the potential implications of a provincial low impact development stormwater management guidance document, targeted for release by the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change in 2016. e. Continue to monitor the development of the 2017 Ontario Planning Services Building Code and identify necessary revisions to the green Building Services development criteria pending its release. f. Examine the opportunity for expansion of the application of Planning Services the green development framework to commercial/industrial Engineering Services development. Finance Municipality of Clarington Report PSD-060-15 Page 10 SEE=' NNNNNIE�11 M�� 4. Process a. Refer the recommendations of the Development Review Planning Services Process & a Proposed Strategy for Expediting Green Engineering Services Applications report to the Process Improvement Team being established as part of the 2015— 2018 Strategic Plan of Council for review and identification of implementation measures (e.g. staff redeployment, new internal procedures and forms, new guidance materials). b. Identify Staff training needs to ensure that Planning Services Planning Services and Engineering Services Staff have sufficient understanding Engineering Services of green neighbourhood and building principles and practices to facilitate and support green development in Clarington. c. Examine potential strategies for verification and enforcement Planning Services of commitments made to implement green development criteria, and development of a recommended approach. d. Assess the ease of use, transferability and resource Planning Services requirements for the implementation of an online-based tool similar to that developed by the City of Brampton that can be used by development applicants for completing and submitting a green development criteria checklist for draft plan of subdivision and site plan applications. 5. Incentives a. Design and implement, in concert with the establishment of a Communications green development evaluation system (refer to Action 3c), a Planning Services recognition program to reward residential development applications that exceed the minimum mandatory requirements. b. Review and complete a detailed assessment of the remaining Finance four incentives recommended in the Evaluation of Incentives Planning Services Options report (i.e. planning/building fee rebates; creation of a new Community Improvement Plan; modified parkland dedication requirements; modified temporary signage allowances for new developments) including a fiscal impact analysis, and recommendation of an implementation strategy. The implementation strategy shall consider feedback received from consultation with land development and building industry and other stakeholders, and analysis by Municipal Staff. Municipality of Clarington Report PSD-060-15 Page 11 c. Pending the results of the Priority Green Clarington Green Planning Services Demonstration Project, initiate discussions with the Region of Durham regarding the consideration of a reduction in the Region's portion of development charges, hook-up fees, or other measures where green development contributes to reduced pressure on water and sewer infrastructure. d. As part of the next 5-year review of the Development Finance Charges By-Law, consider a reduction in or deferral of the Municipality's portion of development charges as an incentive to support implementation of the Green Development Framework and/or the potential for supportive amendments to existing incentives for apartment buildings, revitalization areas and redevelopment. e. Collaborate with the Region of Durham, local conservation Planning Services authorities (Central Lake Ontario and Ganaraska Region), and local utility providers (Enbridge Gas, Hydro One, Veridian Connections) to develop an online information portal for incentive programs that support sustainable development. f. Continue to monitor for new financial and non-financial Finance incentive opportunities Planning Services 6. Promotion & Education a. Carry out a promotion campaign to communicate to the Planning Services community the recommended Green Development Framework for Clarington and next steps. b. Raise community awareness through articles, workshops and Planning Services other promotion and education activities of the benefits of Communications green development. c. Integrate the Priority Green Clarington website with the Planning Services Municipality's new website platform. Communications 7. Demonstration a. Examine the opportunity to gain local understanding of Engineering Services emerging low impact development stormwater management Planning Services practices and maintenance requirements, and to inform planning policy development through a demonstration project, including potential opportunities for funding support, such as the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Green Municipal Fund. 4.3 Staff will report back annually to Council regarding the progress of the implementation plan action items, and including recommended programs, implementation steps, and Municipality of Clarington Report PSD-060-15 Page 12 resource requirements, as applicable. 5. Financial Considerations 5.1 Execution of programs, training, strategies, etc. identified through implementation of the action items outlined in Section 4 will have budget implications that will be looked at as part of 2017 budget planning. 6. Concurrence 6.1 This report has been reviewed by Tony Cannella, Director of Engineering Services and Nancy Taylor, Director of Finance who concur with the recommendations. 7. Conclusion 7.1 The importance of prioritizing sustainable growth and development is echoed throughout current policies, strategies and action plans at the Provincial, Regional and Municipal levels. Priority Green Clarington builds upon the existing principles and policies in the Strategic Plan of Council, Clarington Official Plan and community sustainability plans to implement the Municipality's commitment to sustainable development. 7.2 The policy changes recommended through the Proposed Clarington Official Plan (released in March 2015) enable the establishment and implementation of a green development program for Clarington, including criteria and potential incentives, in consultation with stakeholders and the broader community. The framework and implementation plan brought together in the Priority Green Clarington: Green Development Framework and Implementation Plan represents an important milestone in achieving the vision of building a sustainable, creative, caring community, which is the direct result of Council's leadership in initiating Priority Green Clarington. 7.3 In completing our Green Municipal Fund Grant Agreement requirements, this report and its supporting studies are to be submitted to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities by year end. Staff will report back to Council in early 2016 regarding the Priority Green Clarington Green Demonstration Project upon completion of data analysis. 7.4 Green development offers a number of attractive community benefits. Some are more tangible than others and can be achieved in a short period of time (i.e. increasing the diversity of housing opportunities, expanding the trail system), while other benefits will occur but not be "seen" (i.e. reduced car trips) or cannot be easily measured (i.e. improved pedestrian experience). Municipal Councils have the most direct control over the issues that can ensure a sustainable and prosperous future. It is time to move this vision forward. 8. Strategic Plan Application 8.1 The recommendations contained in this report conform to the Strategic Plan, as described in Section 3.2. Municipality of Clarington Report PSD-060-15 Page 13 Submitted b l %1�.�1 Reviewed b : � Y Y David rome, MCI P, RPP Franklin Wu, Director of Planning Services Chief Administrative Officer Staff Contact: Amy Burke, Senior Planner, 905-623-3379 ext. or aburke@clarington.net Attachments: Distributed under separate cover Attachment 1 — Priority Green Clarington: Green Development Framework and Implementation Plan DJC/AB/sg/av The following is a list of the interested parties to be notified of Council's decision: Jim Wren, Project Officer, Contracts, Green Municipal Fund, Federation of Canadian Municipalities Aaron Law, Senior Program Analyst, Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change y � • A a .. � • ((� 5 F priorit building liveable neighbourhoods Green Development Framework and Implementation Plan -� December 2015 Municipality of Clarington Planning Services Department y VW- X, Alternate Format: If this information is required in an alternate format, please contact Amy Burke, Priority Green Clarington Coordinator, Planning Services Department, at 905-623-3379. Municipality of Clarington /�1a;,won Planning Services Department lil JllSW VI I T 'le '4 n V 0 4 # • i ision Statement Claftwn The Municipality of Clarington's Vision, adopted by Council, is: Building a sustainable, creative and caring community. prioritygreen building liveable neighbourhoods Priority Green Clarington aims to: Set a new standard for residential development that prioritizes sustainability, promotes innovation and improves the community's quality of life. Message from the Mayor Mayor Adrian Foster " Through Priority Green Clarington, we have affirmed the community's desire for liveable, healthy neighbourhoods that are compatible with the surrounding natural environment. " As the eastern-most municipality of the Greater Golden Horseshoe, we are experiencing the pressures of growth and sprawling urbanization. The increasingly important challenge we face is adapting to this change, while maintaining the "small town feel" that is so valued in Clarington and doing so in a sustainable way. Through Priority Green Clarington, we have affirmed the community's desire for liveable, healthy neighbourhoods that are compatible with the surrounding natural environment. We have identified the key building blocks for implementing a strategy to grow our urban areas in a more sustainable way so that our residents and communities thrive. We are challenging local developers and builders to be environmental leaders, and welcome more opportunities to learn and collaborate. We strive to balance environmental protection and enhancement, affordability, community health, and economic prosperity. On behalf of Clarington Council, thank you to the Federal and Provincial governments for the funding support for Priority Green Clarington, and to the many residents, businesses, agencies, organizations, institutions, Municipal and Regional staff who have been integral to accomplishing the goals established for Priority Green. We hope all will continue to be involved in our sustainability journey. Sincerely, Mayor Adrian Foster Municipality of Clarington /�1a;,won Planning Services Department lil JllSW Message from the Director of Planning Services David Crome, MCI P, RPP " By establishing a green development framework and implementation plan for z Clarington, we're moving from planning and policy writing to action steps. " 6 0!0 0�4p Urban sprawl, increased traffic congestion, rising energy costs, climate change and infrastructure deficits (including transit investment) are just a few of the environmental- related challenges municipalities are confronted with. As Clarington prepares plans to accommodate approximately 45,000 more residents and 19,000 more homes over the next 15 years, the importance of designing and building neighbourhoods with a priority placed on sustainability is of primary importance. We must do better! Priority Green Clarington has developed important tools to help us manage growth while protecting the natural environment, improving sustainability at the neighbourhood scale, and maintaining the fiscal capacity needed to accommodate growth. By establishing a green development framework and implementation plan for Clarington, we're moving from planning and policy writing to action steps. The result will be an opportunity for an improved quality of life that will be felt at both the individual and community level, while supporting global stewardship. Local Planning for Global Stewardship David Crome, MCIP, RPP Director of Planning Services Green Development Program III prioritygreen Framework and Implementation Plan Acknowledgements Priority Green Clarington has received funding support from the Government of Ontario through the Showcasing Water Innovation Program, and from the Green Municipal Fund, a Fund financed by the Government of Canada and administered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. Such support does not indicate endorsement by the Government of Ontario, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, or the Government of Canada of the contents of this report. Thank you to the following groups and individuals forI their supportof Staff Working Group Municipality of Clarington Leslie Benson Manager, Development Engineering & Traffic, Engineering Services Amy Burke Priority Green Clarington Coordinator, Planning Services David Crome Director, Planning Services Carlo Pellarin Manager, Development Review, Planning Services Rick Pigeon Chief Building Official, Engineering Services Carlos Salazar Manager, Community Planning & Design, Planning Services Cindy Strike Principal Planner, Planning Services Iv Municipality of Clarington lda Planning Services Department lil JllSWnn Region of Durham Mike Hubble Development Approvals, Works Department Dimitri Pagratis Planning & Economic Development Department Glen Pleasance Water Efficiency, Works Department Technical Advisory Committee A56f Central D[3 DURHAM Lake Ontario COLLEGE Conservation v D B I L D@ SUCCESS MATTERS . JL' ENBRIDGE �Ganaraska Seneca CONSERVATION r UNIVERSITY Al � INSTITUTE o OONT OG Ro VERIDIAN © 2015, Corporation of the Municipality of Clarington. All Rights Reserved. The views expressed are the personal views of the authors, and the Province of Ontario, Federation of Canadian Municipalities and the Government of Canada accept no responsibility for them. Green Development Program V prioritygreen Framework and Implementation Plan Table of Contents Vision Statement i Message from the Mayor ii Message from the Director of Planning Services iii Acknowledgements iv Table of Contents vi Introduction 1-0 Introduction 1 Key Drivers 2-0 Key Drivers 5 2-1 2014 Provincial Policy Statement 6 2-2 Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe 7 2-3 Ontario's Planning Act 8 2-4 Ontario Building Code 9 2-5 Ontario's Climate Change Discussion Paper 10 2-6 Clarington's Growth Forecast 11 A Foundation for Building Liveable Neighbourhoods 3-OA Foundation for Building Liveable Neighbourhoods 13 3-1 Clarington Official Plan 14 3-2 Green Community Strategy 16 3-3 It's All Connected: Actions to Foster a Community-Wide Culture of Sustainability in Clarington 18 3-4 Strategic Plan Vision 2015-2018 20 3-5 Region of Durham Climate Change Action 21 Priority Green Clarington 4-0 Priority Green Clarington 23 VI a Municipality of Clarington n Planning Services Department lil JllSWn Table of Contents cont'd Perspectives and Priorities 5-0 Perspectives and Priorities 29 A Framework for Green Development 6-OA Framework for Green Development 35 6-1 Policy 37 6-2 Criteria 38 6-3 Process 44 6-41ncentives 48 6-5 Demonstration 54 Getting to Implementation w I 7-0 Getting to Implementation 57 Closing 8-0 Closing 65 Apendix A - Green Development Criteria Checklists Secondary Plans Draft Plans of Subdivison Site Plan Applications _ Green Development Program VII prioritygreen Framework and Implementation Plan What is Green Development? Green development is about using practices that will reduce the environmental impacts of residential development and create healthier places to live. It considers the ways in which both homes and neighbourhoods are designed and built. emissions; and the loss of farmland and greenspaces and associated wildlife habitat. These negative aspects have often been attributed to traditional suburban growth that has followed a low-density, vehicle-dependant, single-use development pattern. To meet the needs of a quickly growing population in a sustainable manner, Clarington Council passed a resolution and allocated funding in January 2012 to support the establishment of a framework to promote the development of environmentally responsible, compact and complete new neighbourhoods throughout the community. By April 2013, Provincial and Federal funding support was attained, a partnership with the Region of Durham was established, and Priority Green Clarington was initiated. building a Priority Green Clarington was designed to address Council’s vision of sustainable, creative and caring community and to support the Municipality’s commitment to sustainable development. To achieve this, Priority Green Clarington set out to identify policies, criteria, a process, and incentives to encourage “green development” from initial design of a neighbourhood through to home construction. It involved a process that combined Provincial and Regional policy direction with local community input, municipal best practices, and technical expertise. The resulting proposed green development framework described in this report sends the message that green development is a priority for building liveable neighbourhoods in Clarington. Municipality of Clarington 2 Planning Services Department section one Introducti* ion As the eastern-most municipality in the Region of Durham, and part of the Greater Golden Horseshoe, Clarington is located within one of the fastest growing regions in North America and a rapidly urbanizing part of the province. This strong population growth is expected to continue, and is likely to require significant investment in new housing and related infrastructure to accommodate forecasted growth over the next twenty years. There are many benefits to growth, including vibrant, diversified communities and economies, and new and expanded community facilities serving arts and culture and recreation services. However, appropriate management is important in order to minimize the potential negative impacts of growth, such as increased traffic congestion; diminished air and water quality; increased greenhouse gas _ Green Development Program prioritygreen Framework and Implementation Plan i 1 What is Green Development? Green development is about using practices that will reduce the environmental impacts of W residential development and create healthier places to live. It r, considers the ways in which both homes and neighbourhoods are designed and built. emissions; and the loss of farmland and greenspaces and associated wildlife habitat. These negative aspects have often been attributed to traditional suburban growth that has followed a low-density, vehicle-dependant, single-use development pattern. To meet the needs of a quickly growing population in a sustainable manner, Clarington Council passed a resolution and allocated funding in January 2012 to support the establishment of a framework to promote the development of environmentally responsible, compact and complete new neighbourhoods throughout the community. By April 2013, Provincial and Federal funding support was attained, a partnership with the Region of Durham was established, and Priority Green Clarington was initiated. Priority Green Clarington was designed to address Council's vision of building a sustainable, creative and caring community and to support the Municipality's commitment to sustainable development. To achieve this, Priority Green Clarington set out to identify policies, criteria, a process, and incentives to encourage "green development" from initial design of a neighbourhood through to home construction. It involved a process that combined Provincial and Regional policy direction with local community input, municipal best practices, and technical expertise. The resulting proposed green development framework described in this report sends the message that green development is a priority for building liveable neighbourhoods in Clarington. 2 Municipality of Clarington /�1a;,won Planning Services Department lil JllSW Priority Green Clarington's Green Development Program Framework and Implementation Plan highlights the: section Key driving factors for the Municipality to enhance its 2 commitment to integrating sustainability into the planning and residential development process in Clarington a3 on Strong foundation from which the green development 3 framework has been built section Vision, objectives, scope and approach of the Priority Green Clarington initiative Perspectives and priorities of stakeholders potentially affected section by the outcomes of Priority Green Clarington, Council, and the broader community which informed the development of the proposed framework tsection Policy, criteria, process and incentive recommendations which 6 collectively form a proposed green development framework section Next steps and actions that will move the Priority Green Clarington vision and framework forward towards e) implementation Priority Green Clarington involved multiple consultation sessions, background and technical papers, and reports to Council. The Green Development Program Framework and Implementation Plan brings together the key information and recommendations of this work and provides a road map for the detailed design and implementation of a green development program for future residential development in Clarington. Further information and detailed reports are available at www.prioritygreenclarington.com. CC. Green Development Program 3 prioritygrFramework and Implementation Plan section two Key While the Municipality is already taking action to promote the development of environmentally responsible, compact and complete neighbourhoods, multiple factors have created the opportunity for advancing sustainable development in Clarington, demonstrating leadership, and enhancing Clarington's position as a community in which to live, work and play. These include a strengthening of the legislative and policy framework for sustainable land use and development across multiple levels of government in Ontario, and strong local population growth projections. _ Green Development Program 5 prioritygreen Framework and Implementation Plan 2-1 2014 Provincial Policy Statement Ontario's Provincial Policy Statement provides policy direction on matters of provincial interest related to land use planning and development. All decisions affecting planning matters must be consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement. The Provincial Policy Statement is based on the principles of "planning for strong, sustainable and resilient communities for people of all ages, a clean and healthy environment and a strong and competitive economy." ' Changes that were made to the 2014 Provincial Policy Statement (effective April 30, 2014) reflect an increasing awareness of the need for sustainable development and the need to plan for resilience in the face of climate change. Key relevant policy changes include: • New policy direction supporting active transportation and walkability; • Additional policies which consider the impacts of climate change on communities; • Policy enhancements to recognize the mitigating effects of vegetation and support the maximization of vegetation within urban areas; • Policy additions to promote "green infrastructure" to complement traditional infrastructure; 2 • Policy additions for planning for stormwater management, including maximizing the extent and function of vegetative and pervious surfaces and promoting stormwater reuse and low impact development strategies; and • Policy refinements to better promote the use of renewable and alternative energy systems. "2014 Provincial Policy Statement" (Part IV, p. 4). Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, 2014. 2A defined in the 2014 Provincial Policy Statement, "Green infrastructure means natural and human-made elements that provide ecological and hydrological functions and processes. Green infrastructure can include components such as natural heritage features and systems, parklands, stormwater management systems, street trees, urban forests, natural channels, permeable surfaces and green roofs" 6 Municipality of eClarington meat /�1a;,won Planning Services Department lil JllSW Hyy. • r. - T'.^ IYl +I"'rM4P fr } q s i• 2-2 Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe Under the Places to Grow Act, the Province established the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe in 2006 to provide a framework to guide municipalities on how to plan for their forecasted growth to the year 2031. The intent of the Growth Plan, like the Provincial Policy Statement, is the creation of efficient land use and development patterns. The policies of the Growth Plan aim to curb urban sprawl, revitalize downtowns, create complete communities, protect natural resources and increase housing and transportation choices. The Growth Plan provides direction on a number of matters relevant to sustainable development. In particular, it indicates that all decisions related to transit and land use will be made according to specified criteria which are designed to ensure that they are mutually supportive. The Growth Plan also requires active transportation components, including pedestrian and bicycle networks to be integrated into transportation planning. © Queen's Printer of Ontario.Source: Ontario Growth Secretariat, Ministry of Infrastructure. _ Green Development Program 7 prioritygreen Framework and Implementation Plan With respect to servicing, the Growth Plan permits the construction of new or expanding existing municipal water and waste water systems, only where, strategies for water conservation and water demand managements are being implemented. The Growth Plan also encourages municipalities to implement and support innovative stormwater management actions as part of redevelopment and intensification. The Growth Plan directs municipalities to develop and implement Official Plan policies and other strategies that support conservation objectives related to water, energy, air quality and integrated waste management. This can include policy to support the implementation of a framework for green development. 2-3 Ontario's Planning Act The Planning Act establishes the legislative authority framework for municipal land use planning in Ontario and the planning process. It establishes matters of provincial interest to be regarded by municipalities in carrying out their responsibilities under the Planning Act, including: �C Protection of ecological systems, including natural areas, v features and functions; Supply, efficient use and conservation of energy and water; and �( Promotion of development that is designed to be sustainable, v to support public transit and to be oriented to pedestrians. The Planning Act also grants municipalities the ability to create site plan control areas. Site plan control areas can address matters relating to "their sustainable design but only to the extent that it is a matter of exterior design." This is contingent upon the municipality having an Official Plan and by-law in effect that both contain provisions relating to such matters. All of Clarington is designated a site plan control area through the current Official Plan, which includes the necessary site plan control provisions to request exterior sustainable design features for development. 8 Municipality of Clarington /�1a;,won Planning Services Department lil JllSW t I 2-4 Ontario Building Code The Ontario Building Code Act establishes the minimum requirements for building in Ontario and is intended to address a variety of public health and safety matters. A municipality must issue a building permit if a building application conforms to the Ontario Building Code's minimum requirements. The Municipality cannot amend the Ontario Building Code or mandate additional items not included in the code's minimum requirements. The purpose of this provision is to provide builders with a standardized regulatory framework. The Ontario Building Code includes requirements that contribute to indoor water and energy efficiency. As part of on-going Provincial efforts to create a culture of conservation, further changes are slated to be incorporated into the building code in 2017 which will improve the energy and water efficiency of buildings, thereby reducing consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. _ Green Development Program 9 prioritygreen Framework and Implementation Plan 2-5 Ontario's Climate Change Discussion Paper In February 2015, the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change released "Ontario's Climate Change Discussion Paper 2015" The discussion paper aimed to engage the people, businesses and communities _ of Ontario in a dialogue on climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and inform the development of a Provincial climate change strategy r'"R and action plan for release later in the year. In looking at the causes of greenhouse gas emissions, the discussion paper notes that the transportation and building sectors account for 35% and 17% respectively of all greenhouse gas emissions province- . wide. Further, since 1990 these sectors have seen increases in emissions, whereas reductions have been - demonstrated in most other sectors. In addressing the issue in the building sector, the Province is suggesting that curbing urban sprawl and creating complete _ - communities that are healthy, walkable and transit supportive, while protecting agricultural lands, natural " resources and the environment will continue to be a key initiative. Another key initiative outlined for the building sector is creating new buildings that are even more energy efficient, which harness renewable energy and use integrated energy infrastructure, such as direct energy. Municipalities are anticipated to have an increasingly important role in taking such action to address climate change, possibly with strengthened authority. 10 Municipality of ari n Planning Services Department lil a JllSWn 2-6 Clarington's Growth Forecast Clarington has been experiencing rapid population growth. Our population has increased from about 63,000 in 1996, to 87,700 in 2011, to an estimated 95,220 in 2015 - an increase of 51% in 20 years. This population increase has resulted in the rapid growth of residential areas and the expansion of our commercial sector. Forcasted population projections anticipate Clarington's population will increase by nearly 45,200 over the next 15 years. This strong population growth may require an estimated 19,400 new housing units be built in Clarington to accommodate forecasted growth. Growth management analysis carried out for the Municipality in 20123 predicts that growth in Clarington will primarily occur in the urban communities of Bowmanville, Courtice and Newcastle. Low density housing (i.e. single and semi-detached homes) will continue to be the predominant unit type (approximately 68% of new housing); however, this type of housing will have a lower participation in the market than the historic trend. In addition, 15% of new housing will be in the form of medium density (i.e. row and townhouses) and 17% will be in the form of higher density (i.e. apartments and condominiums). Growth in Clarington presents a great opportunity for innovative policies and practices when dealing with the impacts of growth on the natural environment and creating a more sustainable and healthy community. Clarington Historic&Forecasted Population Growth �Fapulatir�n 144,400 La 3.Growth Management ' + 97,100 --- Discussion cin Paper. ' Prepared for the , 08rington's popul8tion is 69,000 ! Municipality of forecasted to grow by 15.202 60%between 2011 and Clarington Official I 2431 Plan Review by Dillon Consulting 1986 1991 1996 2001 2006 2011 2016 202] 2026 z0311 et. al. (May 2012). _ Green Development Program prioritygreen Framework and Implementation Plan section three Foundat *ion for u *i1d *ing L Neighbourhoods F lyt_ I I "��'''''IIIIIIIiIII VIII Ilillilil Sustainability is a long-standing priority of the Municipality of Clarington, embraced by the Strategic Plan of Council, Clarington Official Plan, and by Clarington's Green Community Strategy (2010) and subsequent report on Actions to Foster a Community-Wide Culture of Sustainability in Clarington (2014). In combination with Provincial and Regional planning priorities and policies, a solid foundation is in place for the Municipality to enhance its commitment to integrating sustainability in the planning and development process. _ Green Development Program 13 prioritygreen Framework and Implementation Plan S - Clarington Plan Principles SustainableDevelopment Healthy Communities _ s Growth • ' The Clarington Official Plan is the Municipality's key planning policy document designed to manage growth and development over a 20 year planning period. The Official Plan outlines general land use policies to ensure that growth is coordinated in an orderly manner. It is intended to be both a strategic and a regulatory planning document to help guide the Municipality's decisions today and into the future. It is prepared by receiving input from the community to ensure future planning and development will meet community needs. 14 Municipality of Clarington /�1a;,won Planning Services Department lil JllSW Clarington's current Official Plan was prepared between 1992 and 1996 and aimed to guide development in the Municipality to the year 2016. The Official Plan has as one of its three pillars the concept of "sustainable development" with many concrete policies regarding ecosystem integrity, energy conservation, and water and air quality. In 1996, planning thinking was very different than it is today, with car dominated developments, sprawling suburban communities, and fewer urban design or sustainable design t policies. There were also very limited resources and tools to identify and protect natural features. However, policy revisions have addressed the most pressing issues over the last 17 years and have kept the Official Plan current. Although Clarington's Official Plan has been successful at addressing some of the issues that have faced the Municipality, there are still some major improvements which need to be made as new knowledge becomes available and better practices evolve. This will ensure our communities remain sustainable into the future and will enhance the quality of life for the people who live in these communities. ,; k In 2008, the Municipality set out to undertake a review and update to the Clarington Official Plan. This included 4'.a consideration of how development - from design, construction, to operation - will respect and complement the environment (e.g. climate change, GHG, energy — conservation). _ Green Development Program 15 prioritygreen Framework and Implementation Plan G}' F t� Y.. Li Ali • • •• • • •• • •. • • This included local actions, policies, programs and projects for climate change, energy conservation, clean energy alternatives and green development and infrastructure. The Living Green Committee presented the "Green Community Strategy" to Council on June 28, 2010, which was endorsed in principle. The strategy identified six priorities for sustainable action, sustainable policy and sustainable future investment, as follows: Green community strategy priority Transportation Energy Efficiency in Existing Buildings Energy Efficiency in New Developments Zero Waste Thriving Green Economy Healthy Natural Environment For each priority area, a series of goals and related actions (policies, programs and projects) for achieving these goals, were recommended. Encouraging and incenting new neighbourhood design and development to incorporate leading green development technologies and practices is reflected in many of the action items recommended in the Green Community Strategy. Green Development Program 17 prioritygreen Framework and Implementation Plan r w llr _ yam- /ri •- � �',. ff it y `f r 'j �i FAQ,• 3-3 It's All Connected: Actions to Foster a Community- Wide Culture of Sustainability in Clarington In 2013, Clarington Council established a citizen's sustainability committee to ensure a continued focus on a sustainable culture and advance the recommendations from the Living Green Community Advisory Committee. The committee assessed the community-based recommendations of the Green Community Strategy, identified the highest priority actions to implement these items, and recommended additional actions that would further support a community-wide culture of sustainability. The Sustainable Clarington Community Advisory Committee final report, entitled It's All Connected: Actions to Foster a Community-Wide Culture of Sustainability in Clarington, was presented to and received by Council on September 15, 2014. 18 Municipality of Clarington /�1a;,won Planning Services Department lil JllSW Numerous priority actions and additional recommendations put forward by the committee over the course of their term could potentially be supported by the establishment of a green development framework for Clarington, such as: Encouraging housing diversity, supporting affordability and aging in place; Promoting active and healthy modes of transportation; �( Accessible and integrated trail system and linkages within and between v community areas; Provision of bicycle parking in new multi-residential development; Protection and enhancement of natural green space; Encouraging energy and water efficient buildings and neighbourhoods; Fostering new community gardens; Acceleration of the review and approval process for green development; and �( Enhanced education and communication relating to sustainable development v principles and practices and available incentive programs. _ Green Development Program 19 prioritygreen Framework and Implementation Plan 3-4 Strategic Plan Vision 2015-2018 Clarington's Council has developed a Strategic Plan to guide the Municipality and set out its vision for the 2015 - 2018 term. The purpose of this plan is to provide strategic priorities and a road map for Council and staff as we determine the best way to provide services and help our community thrive. Clarington's Strategic Plan 2015 - 2018 is founded on the vision of building a sustainable, creative, caring community. The plan identifies six priorities including: 2015 - 2018 Strategic Plan Priorities: Facilitate the creation of jobs, attraction of new business and expansion of existing business Demonstrate good governance and value for the tax dollar Manage growth to maintain our `small town' feel Enable safe, efficient traffic flow and active transportation Promote resident engagement in our community Enhance access to our unique natural environment Many of the actions that have been identified to implement these priority areas of Council align with the potential opportunities offered by establishing a green development framework. 20 Municipality of eClarington meat /�1a;,won Planning Services Department lil JllSW 3-5 Region of Durham Climate Change Action The Region of Durham has taken a strong stand to support sustainable development, particularly in relation to climate change, and responsible long- range planning solutions for future growth and development. The Region has undertaken such initiatives as: • Establishing the Durham Region Roundtable on Climate Change to provide leadership in addressing regional climate change issues; • Setting community greenhouse gas reduction targets of 5% by 2015 (which has been exceeded), 20% by 2020 and 80% by 2050 (absolute targets based on 2007 emission levels); • Creation of a Community Climate Change Local Action Plan focused on mitigation and consisting of 18 proposed programs. Several of these programs have been approved and launched, including the Durham Partners in Project Green (for the business sector), a Durham Five Million Trees program and a Climate Education program focussed on schools; • Work on a Community Climate Adaptation Plan: Phase 1 on the assessment of projected climate conditions and risk identification is complete and work is progressing on development of adaptation programs to deal with the high and medium risks. With approval of this Plan anticipated in 2016 and implementation beginning in 2017; and • Development of a Corporate climate program addressing both mitigation J and adaptation measures, which FROM involves investments in both energy VISION TO efficiency and adaptation measures ACTIi3N for the Region's owned assets. Region of Durham Community Climate Change Local Action Plan 2012 IlkIf this inf—ioft-1.required in on ac :format,please mntocl 1-800-372-1102 ext_2600_ _ Green Development Program 21 prioritygreen Framework and Implementation Plan Green Development Program 27 Framework and Implementation Plan prioritygreen section four Pr*ior*ity Clar*ington prioritygreen . building liveable neighbourhoods Priority Green Clarington was initiated by Council in response to the significant growth pressures and related neighbourhood development forecasted for Clarington over the next 20 years. Focused on the principle of local planning for global stewardship, Priority Green Clarington is intended to further improve the integration of sustainability into the residential land development process. _ Green Development Program 23 prioritygreen Framework and Implementation Plan The vision of Priority Green Clarington is to set a new standard for residential development that prioritizes sustainability, promotes innovation and continues to improve the community's quality of life. This includes the use of neighbourhood design and construction strategies, technologies and products that will: • Protect and enhance Clarington's natural heritage system ' and open spaces, and their ecological integrity; Y, • Optimize opportunities for infill, intensification and revitalization; • Create accessible, walkable neighbourhoods that provide for a variety of mobility options, a connected network of walking and cycling infrastructure and a transit system; • Integrate green infrastructure to complement and } enhance existing infrastructure and to support climate change adaptation; • Support a reduction in the per-capita consumption of energy, water, land and other non-renewable resources; and • Provide for improved air and water quality, and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. 24 Planning of Clarington /�1a;,wonanning Services Department lil JllSW To achieve this vision, the Municipality, in collaboration with the Region of Durham, the private sector and the community, set out to: • Identify goals, targets and guidelines for green homes and neighbourhoods within both new neighbourhoods and existing areas in Clarington; • Review current land development application and permit processes, policies and guidelines to identify new opportunities for supporting green homes and neighbourhoods; • Collaborate with government and agencies Involved in the development review process, green design and building specialists, and the land development and r =: ' building community to define specific criteria for what qualifies as a "green development application"; • Consider a variety of potential incentive mechanisms to encourage the voluntary adoption of these criteria; and • Contribute to the growing collection of knowledge about the opportunities and challenges associated with green home and neighbourhood practices through the execution of a demonstration project. ry V f' b A yr,�J 'f /J f t3 _ Green Development Program 25 prioritygreen Framework and Implementation Plan The Municipality's approach consisted of the following tasks: Green Development Framwork Tasks: Identification of best practices in residential green development, incentives and standards in Ontario and beyond 2 Review of Municipal planning policy to identify opportunities to strengthen the foundation for sustainable development in Clarington 3 Establishment of criteria for what defines a "green" development 6:1 Examination of how prioritization could be used in order to fast track green applications Identification and preliminary evaluation of other potential incentive 5 options to voluntarily encourage incorporation of green development criteria into the design and construction of neighbourhoods 6 Review of the development approvals process to identify a strategy for implementation through the development planning process 7 On-going engagement and consultation with stakeholders and the broader community The intended outcome of these actions was a framework for a residential Green Development Program and an implementation plan for recommendation to Council. Clarington's Green Development Program will send the message that green development is a priority for building liveable neighbourhoods in Clarington. 26 Planning of Clarington /�1a;,wonanning Services Department lil JllSW } k\ � kf = T \ \ mak � d { k =] � © a., 2 » a, In o— E (D(D / § 2 � E2S ) -E } < � 0k0 / k � ) E � $ { a) E § � ( = m £ E 2 R ( 70 k mak § $ $ f ƒ $ %ƒ f ® \ § \ $ E 0 & c:E k § f / 6 j 2 E G Q � o m a_q a W r E k � k � ® -0 } _ $ ƒ . H ) 47 E \ CL� 20 2 AD]$ $ > R k u \ k k � k - f 4 � \ ®k mSm k A ® em2 X @ Eta m a . ( 3 Fa) Q) $ � o g S & \ f ¥ Q £ c E ® E 7 \ / \ § fQ /] \ 0) 0 j_- 2k = $ / a) CL E/ © � & z C) / ] @ 0� C) & L a CL % ƒ � § ƒ� k / gj IgE / 0 — 2 § \ j ¥ 2$ & ; _ g CO 0OL'E @ $ / R § E % Q a) 11 777 , 3 wa L Green Development Program 27 priori green Framework and Implementation Plan Priority Green Clarington was officially launched in October 2013 at a symposium hosted by the Municipality. The symposium brought together project partners and community leaders to explore the role that developers, builders, planners, building inspectors, industry associations and community leaders can play to make our future neighbourhoods greener. Messages of = leadership, collaboration and opportunity were threaded -- throughout guest speaker's messages and provided an inspirational kick-off to the initiative. i Y Given the wide breadth of knowledge and expertise required for this type of undertaking, two collaboration groups, a Staff Working Group and a Technical Advisory Committee, were established. The Staff Working Group is comprised of Municipal and Region Staff who are involved in the development process. The Technical ! Advisory Committee is comprised of technical and industry experts with practice and knowledge in xryH sustainable residential development practices, including local conservation authorities, utility providers, post- secondary institutions, and representatives of the land development and building industry. Municipality of Clarington 28 n py�'nnt y� Planning Services Department lilaftmn section five Perspect *ives a Prior*it *ies r -Pitf M In order for a locally created green development strategy to be most effective, it must be established in consultation with those who will implement it, follow it and be impacted by it. With that in mind, collaboration with stakeholders and the broader community was an important objective that Priority Green Clarington considered fundamental to its success. _ Green Development Program 29 prioritygreen Framework and Implementation Plan AL - - - 1® �Il i A communication and engagement strategy was carried out to provide for widespread involvement in shaping the building blocks of green development in Clarington. This strategy included a community survey, outreach activities, workshops, focus groups, and the development of a website and other informational resources. Participation was extensive; activities carried out between April 2013 and August 2014 achieved communication and engagement contacts on approximately 4,100 occasions using a range of in-person and online tools and materials. Key perspectives and priorities that emerged from the input and feedback received are highlighted in the following paragraphs. 30 Municipality of Clarington /�1a;,won Planning Services Department lil JllSW The majority of those consulted supported Priority Green Clarington's vision. A community vision of liveable neighbourhoods in Clarington places a priority on widely available, easily accessible and safe green spaces and streets, convenient access to amenities, and increased support for non-vehicular modes of transportation. Saving valuable farmland and rural space was the top ranking benefit that the community feels can be gained from advancing green development in Clarington. While the broader community enjoys the current `small town feel' in Clarington, they do recognize the opportunity to make our community of communities even better. A few common messages that were heard included: We Support: • Managing urban sprawl (protecting the environment and agricultural lands rather than continuing to create low density neighbourhoods); and • Creating "green homes" and "green neighbourhoods." We Are Concerned With: • The costs associated with transitioning to "green homes"; and • The impacts of a higher density form of development in Clarington. Over 150 local residents shared their top priority for building liveable neighbourhoods in Clarington. Niv Priority foir LivA flei.91-ibouncoo , i,,_71 xi F- , 0 U V �y �J Jk i C' T ,, , C- T 1 o Al V%Irl7�A 41 , + Cath 4- _ Green Development Program 31 prioritygreen Framework and Implementation Plan p� ► Group discussion A at a staff and agencies workshop f in May 2014 d J ,i While higher density forms of development have the potential to contribute to sustainable development, there were concerns expressed regarding the perceived impacts on residents' quality of life (i.e. increased traffic congestion, a feeling of being crowded, diminished privacy). Clarington Council expressed strong support of the benefits that green development can bring to the community. In order to make green development a priority, general support was expressed for the following concepts: • Creating a minimum, mandatory level of compliance for all new development; • Examining the Municipality's existing incentives to support green development practices, done in consultation with the development industry in order to determine what kind of incentives would be most successful in leading to green development; • Coordinating the efforts of developers and the Municipality to promote increased understanding of "higher density" development; and • Integrating Priority Green Clarington (or the concepts thereof) into the Municipality's Strategic Plan as a demonstration of municipal leadership in sustainable development. 32 Planning of Clarington /�1a;,wonanning Services Department lil JllSW F I I Joa .f '7 Local builders and developers - participate in a green development criteria workshop in April 2015 In speaking with the land development and building industry regarding the establishment of a green development framework for Clarington, important considerations relating to how new requirements would be integrated into current practice were identified. A new approach brings with it the potential for increased costs and risks, which may be borne by the development industry. In order for industry to "buy-in" to the idea of green development, the following considerations were recommended: • Provide for flexibility in how green development is achieved; • Make the process voluntary so that developers can choose to embrace green development at their own pace; • Be complementary to green development programs existing in other municipalities, but reflect local circumstances; • Be clear and consistent in how the process and incentives are applied and avoid loopholes that will reward projects that do not deliver an equivalent standard of green development; • Ensure existing Municipal policies, specifications and guidelines do not conflict with elements of a green development program; and • Provide a combination of incentives to support industry adoption of green development practices, including consideration of fast-tracked approvals. _ Green Development Program 33 prioritygreen Framework and Implementation Plan giwdening r r Ask us! Water(&EnergV) at HoRie MGna4Cl 1 a ° h*d DurhaniNlaster Gardeners Free gardening ad%ice f .m trained horti volunteerse © 3 4r - The principal of green development is one that is broadly supported by the Municipal and Regional staff and agencies who are responsible for reviewing development applications. To help ensure that green development reaches its fullest potential it was suggested that appropriate physical and financial resources, tools and training be provided to prioritize green development, so as to not compromise existing workloads. The feedback received from the community, Council, land development and building industry, and staff and agencies involved in the land development review process has been used to inform the establishment of a proposed green development framework for Clarington. 34 Municipality of Clarington lda Planning Services Department lil JllSWnn section six Framework for Green Development The Priority Green Clarington initiative set out to identify a framework for green development that was: Green Development Program 35 prioritygreen Framework and Implementation Plan Driven by renewed Provincial and Regional policy with a strengthened focus on fi sustainable communities v , 4> and strong local x population forecasts Built from a solid —-- foundation of policy and planning centred on a sustainable and healthy Clarington, and Informed by the priorities ~; and perspectives of A stakeholders and the broader community. The Municipality retained a consultant to examine best practices, carry out assessments and evaluations, and r provide recommendations that would inform future residential development in Clarington. These actions and the recommendations received are - � summarized in this section and provide the fabric for the detailed design and implementation of a residential green =_ development program for Clarington. 36 Planning of Clarington /�1a;,wonanning Services Department lil JllSW 6-1 Policy A sustainable and healthy community was identified as one of the five theme areas for the review of the Clarington Official Plan. Best practices in sustainable development and healthy community policies, ranging from community wide approaches, neighbourhood design, to site-specific development standards, were explored. While an existing policy framework underscores the Municipality's commitment to sustainable development, policy enhancements were identified. On March 30, 2015, proposed changes to the Clarington Official Plan were released for public review and comment. These included strengthened policies that enable the establishment and implementation of a green development program, including criteria and potential incentives, in consultation with stakeholders. Further, the proposed policies place importance on taking action locally, through land use planning and other Municipal activities, to address climate change and build a resilient community. Municipility of Clarington Proposed Official Plan 2015: Proposed 7off cialPlan 2015 Proposed new policy 5.5.4 - The Municipality will develop Green Development Standards in consultation with the public and key stakeholders and use them to assist and key stakeholders and use them to assist in evaluating development applications. _ Green Development Program 37 prioritygreen Framework and Implementation Plan j A What are Green v Development Criteria? Green development criteria are strategies that may be used for - evaluating the environmental sustainability of proposed new development. 6-2 Criteria Green development criteria are strategies that may be used for evaluating the environmental sustainability of a proposed new development. They can be comprised of various design and construction practices for both the neighbourhood and building scale of development. 38 Municipality of eClarington meat /�1a;,won Planning Services Department lil JllSW To identify an appropriate set of green development criteria for Clarington, a review and synthesis of existing sustainable neighbourhood and building programs, such as the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for Neighbourhood Development rating system, Toronto Green Development Standard, Ver. 2.0 (2013), East Gwillimbury's Thinking Green! Development Standards (2012) I' and the City of Pickering Sustainable Development Guidelines (2007) was undertaken, along with consultation with stakeholders. An objective was to identify criteria that wouldfi `` continue to move green development forward in a progressive fashion while providing some flexibility and opportunity to promote and encourage innovation. Recognizing the potential benefits of program consistency from municipality to municipality, the opportunity to harmonize criteria with those already implemented in .; VA- other communities was considered. Harmonization has the potential to provide consistency across jurisdictions, giving designers and developers continuity in the format of the criteria used in various municipalities, allows sharing of information and lessons learned, and can contribute to efficiencies in criteria refinement and enhancement. While taking harmonization into consideration, the recommended green development criteria for Clarington were tailored to reflect local circumstances, attributes, priorities and policies. Recommended green development criteria for Clarington are provided in Appendix A. The green development criteria are broadly organized into four key themes that represent the core elements of a sustainable community. The theme areas are: Green Development Program 39 prioritygreen Framework and Implementation Plan i e u envrronmen constructed physical environment in which we live, work and play each day. It considers the design and layout of a neighbourhood, including land use I/ mix (i.e. residential and commercial) and diversity of building forms (i.e. single detached dwellings, townhomes and low-rise buildings), together with the interaction of the buildings, road systems and other infrastructure that we encounter. Mobility is about reducing vehicle dependency and offering alternative travel choices for residents as they move in and through neighbourhoods each day. It speaks to facilitating active transportation in order to reduce pressure on Clarington's transportation network and reducing vehicle emissions from entering the environment, thereby contributing to human health and well-being. 40 Municipality of eClarington meat /�1a;,won Planning Services Department lil JllSW This theme seeks to protect and enhance ecologically significant components of Clarington's natural heritage system, encourage design that works with natural conditions and gains benefit from the environmental, economic and social benefits of the natural landscape, and promote linkages to a diverse range of open spaces, parks and recreation facilities. Green neighbourhoods strive to use resources more efficiently, -_-, leading to potential cost savings. This theme identifies the means to maximize energy and water conservation, minimize the consumption of renewable resources, and contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation. Criteria: V • Third party "green" building 0 Reduced heat island - non-roof rating systems 0 Water efficient fixtures • • • •. • building incentive programs 0 ■ ainwater reuse • Building energy • Passive solar • • Renewable energy 0 Reused and/or recycled content • Reduced heat island •• _ Green Development Program 41 prioritygreen Framework and Implementation Plan An additional green development criteria - Innovation in Design is independent of the four theme areas. It recognizes that green development strategies continue to evolve and that new opportunities that have not yet been identified may be an appropriate part of future green development. The criteria are organized into three checklists based on the planning scale to which the criteria are being applied. A green development checklist is recommended for each of the following scales of development: The checklists include: 0 Secondary Plans 0 Draft Plan of Subdivision Site Plan Secondary Plans guide and shape the formation of community areas and neighbourhoods, and are the foundation from which Draft Plans of Subdivision and Site Plans are built. Accordingly, sustainable development must start at the Secondary Plan level. In preparing new Secondary Plans or Secondary Plan Updates, it was recommended that the Municipality ensure that sustainable development is supported by giving consideration to each of the green development criteria listed on the Secondary Plan Checklist (Appendix A). For the Draft Plans of Subdivision and Site Plans Checklists, the recommended green development criteria are organized into three levels. These include: 42 Municipality of eClarington meat /�1a;,won Planning Services Department lil JllSW Mandatorvy Minimum Requirements: These criteria represent the Municipality's existing standard or required policy that all planning applications are currently required to satisfy, and are reflected in the Municipality's Official Plan, Municipal specifications and the Ontario Building Code. Voluntary Enhanced Targets: Incorporating "enhanced" criteria into the design and construction of a development is considered "doing better than you are mandated to". These are considered targets that will support the advancement of sustainable development in Clarington and in many cases may help applicants to be early implementers of practices that may be mandated in the future. Voluntary Aspirational Targets: Incorporating "aspirational" criteria into the design and construction of a development demonstrates a commitment to lead the way and to innovate in green neighbourhood design and construction practices. In addition to recommending green development criteria for multiple scales of development, it was further recommended that supporting information be created in order to support developers and builders in the planning, design and construction of environmentally sustainable new neighbourhoods. A supporting guidebook should provide supplemental information for each criterion, including criteria rationale and instruction on how applicants are to demonstrate the incorporation of criteria within a development application. _ Green Development Program 43 prioritygreen Framework and Implementation Plan �I T r� f /40 ^A� 1 r � 1 / 4 s / 1 Green practices should be integrated into the design of the project at the beginning of the process. It is often much more difficult to incorporate these -Z- items as an "after thought" once neighbourhood and building design has already started. 6-3 Process A background study of other green development frameworks and programs in Ontario and beyond revealed that integration into the existing development review process is the most common approach observed amongst municipalities. The intent is to ensure that sustainability is considered at the start of the development process and not added on as an afterthought. Further, while the focus of Priority Green Clarington is new residential growth and development, program application in other municipalities typically includes all types of development subject to Site Plan Control (i.e. residential, commercial and industrial). 44 a Municipality of Clarington n Planning Services Department lil JllSWn In concert with exploring process-related incentives for encouraging green development (refer to Section 6-4), approaches and best practices for the integration of a green development program into the land use planning process were examined. A range of success factors were identified, which can inform the integration of a green development program into the broader development review process in Clarington. These include: 0' Strong leadership (a "champion") at either the political or senior administrative level to drive change. 0 Ensuring that there are clear responsibilities and accountability for all participants (both internal and external) in the process. Establishing a dedicated staff person to act as the green development program facilitator. Whereas a Lead Planner is typically responsible for coordinating review of development applications and providing applicants with a single point of contact for questions and exchanging project information, the green development program facilitator would act as a resource to both an applicant and the Lead Planner to provide guidance through the program steps and elements, to monitor progress, and to identify opportunities for continuous improvement. Ensuring the applicant's submission requirements are clearly stated (through checklists and manuals provided by the Municipality and available on-line). °; Supporting information should clearly communicate modifications to the development review process for green development applications and the Municipality's expectations for industry conformance. Improving coordination between departments and agencies in order to 0 ensure consistency in requirements and responses and to resolve conflicting expectations. 0 Facilitating good communication and coordination with applicants and proactively addressing issues in a timely manner. _ Green Development Program 45 prioritygreen Framework and Implementation Plan An example of a step-by-step process for a development application where a green development program has been implemented is shown below to provide context: step Choose the appropriate green development criteria checklist to 1 complete. j2stepthe checklist by checking off the applicable criteria that are proposed to be provided in the development. step Submit a preliminary draft of the checklist prior to the 3 pre-consultation meeting. Discuss the preliminary draft checklist with Staff at the Step pre-consultation meeting. At this meeting, further 4 documentation or clarification of requirements may be identified by Staff and agencies. step Prepare a revised draft checklist and a Sustainability Report*, 5 ensuring that matters identified by Staff and Agencies at the pre-consultation meeting have been addressed. step Submit a Sustainability Report*, including the revised draft 6 checklist, and all required supporting documentation as part of a complete planning application. During the application review process, amend the application, submit additional information, and/or modify plans as may Step be requested by Staff and agencies, to integrate appropriate 7 changes and comments. A final checklist, which incorporates the results of the review process, will be prepared and included in the final recommendation report for Council. 46 Municipality of eClarington meat /�1a;,won Planning Services Department lil JllSW * Currently all subdivision applicants in Clarington are required to submit a Sustainability Report as a condition of Subdivision Approval. To better support the implementation of a green development program in Clarington, all residential development applications ' 'I (i.e. draft plans of subdivision and site plan applications) could be required to submit a Sustainability Report as part of a complete application. The Sustainability Report would be intended to summarize how the design and construction of the proposed development meets the sustainable development objectives of the Municipality of Clarington Official Plan and facilitate the Municipality's review of an application's conformity with 7 the green development program by clearly indicating where in a planning submission each practice is illustrated. Applicants would be responsible for ensuring that submitted plans, drawings and reports clearly demonstrate the green criteria that have been incorporated into the proposed development. _ Green Development Program 47 prioritygreen Framework and Implementation Plan " A"f !�. �(fl Er�(E< = fi —' `r i i f� .- 1 c�-r.t'.mom 1s/.,.y•rM•r' .Y A Y 'q�, _a 91'' + 3 � 6-4 Incentives Municipalities have limited legislative authority for mandating green development practices, although Official Plan policies can assist in providing a policy basis for doing so. Further, a regulatory approach to making green development happen is not desirable amongst industry. Incentives may provide a more favourable opportunity to voluntarily stimulate green development that goes beyond what can be mandated under Ontario's Growth Plan, Planning Act or the Ontario Building Code. Input heard from industry during Priority Green Clarington consultation underlined that incentives that offer tangible benefits to developers and builders (particularly related to time and money), if combined with process improvements, would encourage a greener approach to residential development. 48 Municipality of Clarington /�1a;,won Planning Services Department lil JllSW This position has been echoed by the development and building industry to other municipalities working on similar initiatives (i.e. Brampton, Vaughan, and Richmond Hill), and is a regular discussion topic when municipalities consult with the Building Industry and Land Development Association. Decreasing the time required to obtain development approvals has consistently been referenced by the development industry as a preferred incentive mechanism. Accordingly, an analysis of municipal practices was undertaken in order to examine ways that it may be possible to expedite the approvals process for residential development applications that exceed minimum green development requirements. This involved a review of expedited planning approval processes in other municipalities (for a range of priority areas), a review of industry research on development approval process improvements, and a review of the current practices in Clarington. The results of this review revealed that fast-tracked approvals is found to be the most effective non-regulatory mechanism for incenting green development. However, a range of externalities that are outside of the control of the Municipality will challenge the success of this incentive and must be carefully considered. These include the time needed for application review by external agencies, the quality of the applications that are submitted, the time required for applicants to respond to questions and revision requests from the approval authority, and the risk that commitments made by developers may not be implemented at the construction stage. _ Green Development Program 49 prioritygreen Framework and Implementation Plan Recommendations for the creation of an expedited planning approval incentive program for green development include: • Benchmarking the timing of all approvals processes in order to be able to demonstrate that reduced timeframes have been achieved. • Establishing a target timeframe for the expedited approval process. A target improvement of 20% faster processing was suggested as providing a tangible incentive for the development industry. • Requiring that applicants identify as part of the request for a preconsultation meeting any intention to exceed minimum mandatory requirements for green development. r • Ensuring that priority is given to applications that exceed minimum mandatory requirements for the scheduling of pre-consultation meetings and public meetings, throughout the department and agency review process, and preparation, review and sign off of reports by Staff and Senior Management. • Ensuring the applicant's submission requirements are clearly stated (through checklists and manuals provided by the municipality and available on-line) and identifying timelines within which resubmissions are expected to occur in order for the Municipality to meet the expedited timelines. • Ensuring on-going feedback and communication with the applicant throughout the review process. • Providing regular updates to Council on the status of green development applications. 50 Municipality of eClarington meat /�1a;,won Planning Services Department lil JllSW Based on the understanding that a combination of incentive options may further support the green development vision, a preliminary assessment of other potential incentive options for Clarington was completed. Incentive mechanisms adopted by other municipalities to advance specific priorities provided a starting point to identify and evaluate potential green development incentives for Clarington. The potential incentive mechanisms that were evaluated are listed below: Long List of Potential Green Development Incentive Mechanisms V Fee Reduction, Planning Act Process andOt Grants or Loans her Deferrals, Tools Standards echanisms Reduced Creation of a Alternative Reduction in development community development or expedited charges improvement standards (e.g. release of plan reduced parking Letters of Credit Planning requirements) application / Height / density Recognition building permit bonusing Reduction program fee rebates in parkland Creation of a dedication Increased size Property tax development requirements allowance for reductions or permit system or alternative subdivision development dedication development charge deferrals signs for developers Servicing allocation Property tax prioritization reductions for homeowners Priority phasing _ Green Development Program 51 prioritygreen Framework and Implementation Plan Evaluation criteria relating to compatibility, ease of implementation, resource needs and financial, technical and legal feasibility were used. In addition, the effectiveness of the incentive (i.e. whether or not it would be tangible for industry) was an important consideration. The following five incentive mechanisms were recommended for more detailed consideration by the Municipality as a means to incent green development in Clarington (listed from most effective as an incentive to least effective). Short list pf potential incentive mechanisms for Clarington: Planning and/or building permit application fee rebates. 2 Creation of additional Community Improvement Plans to allow for the use of loans and grants. 3 Reduction in parkland dedication requirements or alternative forms of open space for parkland dedication. 4 Recognition program. 5 Allowing an increase in the size of temporary subdivision development signs that could be erected. 52 Planning of Clarington /�1a;,wonanning Services Department lil JllSW fill In addition, the following four incentives were identified for further consideration by the Municipality in the future (in no specific order): l` • Alternative development standards in exchange for green development. Reduction in the Municipality's • 's p Y portion of development charges. • Priority phasing within new greenfield Secondary Plan Areas. ` • Servicing allocation contingent on conformity. These incentives have varying financial, time, and staffing implications and will require investment from the Municipality and a broad shift in the way that development applications are received, processed and supported. Key next steps that were identified that the Municipality would need to undertake in continuing with the pursuit of incenting green development that goes beyond minimum mandatory requirements include: • Detailed assessment of recommended incentives to further evaluate the fiscal impact to the Municipality, Municipal policy implications, and resource availability, and recommendation of an implementation strategy; • Creation of a scoring / evaluation system in order to quantify the overall sustainability performance of proposed new development, including performance thresholds for eligibility for incentive rewards; and • Design of an electronic tool to assist applicants in the evaluation and scoring of their proposed development in relation to the green development criteria. _ Green Development Program 53 prioritygreen Framework and Implementation Plan E11 tl F TARE f Green home demonstration project partners, Halminen Homes, Jeffery Homes X;. and Brookfield Residential. 6-5 Demonstration One way in which Priority Green Clarington has sought to promote and enhance understanding of green development is through demonstration. Concurrent to the examination of policy, criteria, process and incentives, Priority Green Clarington carried out a green home demonstration project, evaluating water and energy savings practices in new homes. In collaboration with the Region of Durham and three local builders, the Green Demonstration Project led to the construction of six homes that incorporated green building techniques and technologies which exceeded mandated requirements. The homes are more efficient in their use of water, energy, and material resources, with reduced operating costs and reduced demand on energy and water infrastructure as compared to a similar home constructed to the minimum specifications stipulated by the Ontario Building Code. The homes were sold to home owners who allowed for performance monitoring of the homes to be undertaken under real-life conditions. Performance monitoring allows for the evaluation of economic, environmental and social benefits to this approach to home building. 54 a Municipality of Clarington n Planning Services Department lil JllSWn Through the Green Demonstration Project, local developers, decision makers and community members can gain improved knowledge of green home building practices and their potential impacts, and increase capacity to build green. The results and lessons learned increase the collective knowledge of the opportunities and challenges of green development. Monitoring of the six Green Demonstration Project homes ended on November 1, 2015 and final results will be available in February 2016. This will include analysis of the water, energy and cost savings, greenhouse gas emissions reduction evaluation, municipal water avoidance, and consumption pattern comparisons to typical neighbourhood and provincial data. Further, the data will be placed in the context of Clarington's projected population growth to provide a high level demonstration of the potential implications of energy and water consumption patterns on municipal infrastructure development. Preliminary data based on the first four months of demonstration home performance monitoring showed: Water efficiency improvements of 8 - 17% and energy efficiency improvements of 9 - 12% over models of comparable homes built to IL41 the minimum Building Code specifications. Average daily water consumption of 119 litres per capita per day, which is well below the current Region-wide average of 230 litres per capita day. Average monthly electrical consumption of 468 kilowatt hours per — month, as compared to a typical average of 800 kilowatt hours per month for a family of four in Ontario. Evaluating and learning through demonstration contributes to Municipal capacity and the growing collection of knowledge about the benefits and challenges associated with green development. Grant support opportunities, such as the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Green Municipal Fund, can assist the Municipality to advance sustainable development in the community and should continue to be explored. Green Development Program 55 prioritygreen Framework and Implementation Plan section seven ett 'i* ng t Implementat *ion SUYY(R USYNYF WOW SURVE, ANY 'Nu IYYNM The framework and recommendations resulting from the study, analysis and consultation carried out over the first two years of Priority Green Clarington provide a road map for the detailed design and implementation of a residential green development program in Clarington. Based on this course of action, the Municipality has prepared a 2016 - 2017 Green Development Program Implementation Plan, comprising of projects, programs, policies and follow up actions that will move the Priority Green Clarington vision forward. Green Development Program 57 prioritygreen Framework and Implementation Plan 9 - Consultation with staff and agencies involved in the land development review process, the development and building industry, and the broader community remains a key objective of Priority Green Clarington. This continues with the release of this report. Broad consultation on the framework, recommendations and implementation plan presented herein will be the first step taken by the Municipality in initiating Priority Green Clarington's 2016 - 2017 Green Development Program Implementation Plan. It is anticipated that new courses of action will be identified as the green development program begins to take shape. Annual progress updates will be prepared to inform Council and the community of progress and accomplishments. Action Responsibility 1. Consultation a. Continued consultation with the land development and building industry and other stakeholders to obtain feedback on the proposed Green Planning Development Framework for Clarington and as part Services of individual implementation actions, as outlined herein. a. Council adoption of Official Plan policy changes (i.e. enhancements and policy additions) for Planning sustainable development and addressing climate Services change, including the implementation of a green development program. b. Ensure that the Active Transportation Plan to be developed for Clarington is complementary to the green development framework and provides Engineering recommendations for criteria and planning policy Services enhancements. 58 Municipality of Clarington /�1a;,won Planning Services Department lil JllSW Action Responsibility 3. Criteria / Standards a. Review the various planning guidelines applicable to residential development and identify the need for modifications to ensure alignment with the Planning recommended green development criteria; prepare Services terms of reference and budget for the identified document updates for consideration as part of 2017 budget planning. b. Review the Clarington Design Guidelines and Standard Drawings to identify potential conflicts with recommended green development criteria and Engineering opportunities for adjustment to the specifications to Services enhance alignment. c. Identify and recommend a strategy (e.g. a points- based or minimum number of criteria approach) for evaluating development applications based on the established green development criteria. The recommended strategy shall reflect Municipal Planning priorities and consider feedback from consultation Services with the land development and building industry. Establish a baseline score for draft plans of subdivision and site plan applications based on testing of the recommended evaluation strategy. d. Establish a working group, including Engineering and Planning Staff, and local conservation authority (Ganaraska Region and Central Lake Ontario Region) representatives to further evaluate and Engineering recommend stormwater quality and quantity, low impact development, soil quantity and quality, and Services sustainable site alteration criteria. Consideration Planning should also be given to the potential implications Services of a Provincial low impact development stormwater management guidance document, targeted for release by the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change in 2016. _ Green Development Program 59 prioritygreen Framework and Implementation Plan Action Responsibility J e. Continue to monitor the development of the 2017 Planning Services Ontario Building Code and identify necessary revisions to the green development criteria pending Building Services its release. Planning Services f. Examine the opportunity for expansion of the Engineering application of the green development framework to Services commercial/industrial development. Finance 0 a. Refer the recommendations of the Development Review Process & a Proposed Strategy for Planning Services Expediting Green Applications report to the Process Improvement Team being established as part of the Engineering 2015 - 2018 Strategic Plan of Council for review and Services identification of implementation measures (e.g. staff redeployment, new internal procedures and forms, new guidance materials). b. Identify Staff training needs to ensure that Planning Planning Services and Engineering Services Staff have sufficient understanding of green neighbourhood and building Engineering principles and practices to facilitate and support Services green development in Clarington. 60 Municipality of Clarington /�1a;,won Planning Services Department lil JllSW Action Responsibility NEEL16m c. Examine potential strategies for verification and enforcement of commitments made to implement Planning Services green development criteria, and development of a recommended approach. d. Assess the ease of use, transferability and resource requirements for the implementation of an online- based tool similar to that developed by the City of Brampton that can be used by development Planning Services applicants for completing and submitting a green development criteria checklist for draft plan of subdivision and site plan applications. 5. Incentives a. Design and implement, in concert with the establishment of a green development evaluation Planning Services system (refer to Action 3c), a recognition program to reward residential development applications that Communications exceed the minimum mandatory requirements. b. Review and complete a detailed assessment of the remaining four incentives recommended in the Evaluation of Incentives Options report (i.e. planning/building fee rebates; creation of a new Community Improvement Plan; modified parkland Finance dedication requirements; modified temporary Planning signage allowances for new developments) including Services a fiscal impact analysis, and recommendation of an implementation strategy. The implementation strategy shall consider feedback received from consultation with land development and building industry and other stakeholders, and analysis by Municipal Staff. _ Green Development Program 61 prioritygreen Framework and Implementation Plan Responsibility c. Pending the results of the Priority Green Clarington Green Demonstration Project, initiate discussions with the Region of Durham regarding the Planning consideration of a reduction in the Region's portion Services of development charges, hook-up fees, or other measures where green development contributes to reduced pressure on water and sewer infrastructure. d. As part of the next 5-year review of the Development Charges By-Law, consider a reduction in or deferral of the Municipality's portion of development charges as an incentive to support implementation of the green development framework and/or the potential Finance for supportive amendments to existing incentives for apartment buildings, revitalization areas and redevelopment. e. Collaborate with the Region of Durham, local conservation authorities (Central Lake Ontario and Ganaraska Region), and local utility providers Planning Services (Enbridge Gas, Hydro One, Veridian Connections) to develop an online information portal for incentive programs that support sustainable development. f. Continue to monitor for new financial and non- Finance financial incentive opportunities Planning Services 62 Planning of Clarington /�1a;,wonanning Services Department lil JllSW Action Responsibility 6. Promotion & Education a. Carry out a promotion campaign to communicate to the community the recommended green Planning Services development framework for Clarington and next steps. b. Raise community awareness through articles, Planning Services workshops and other promotion and education activities of the benefits of green development. Communications c. Integrate the Priority Green Clarington website with Planning Services the Municipality's new website platform. Communications 7. Demonstration a. Examine the opportunity to gain local understanding of emerging low impact development stormwater Engineering management practices and maintenance Services requirements, and to inform planning policy development through a demonstration project, Planning Services including potential opportunities for funding support, such as the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Green Municipal Fund. _ Green Development Program 63 prioritygreen Framework and Implementation Plan section eight In clos *ing li w II The importance of prioritizing sustainable growth and development is echoed throughout current policies, strategies and action plans at the Provincial, Regional and Municipal levels. Priority Green Clarington builds upon the existing principles and policies in the Strategic Plan of Council, Clarington Official Plan and community sustainability plans to further underscore and implement the Municipality's commitment to sustainable development. _ Green Development Program 65 prioritygreen Framework and Implementation Plan n� e iu' dt F r � Yy�' • • yf L The policy changes recommended through the proposed Clarington Official Plan (released in March 2015) Review enable the establishment and implementation of a green development program for Clarington, including criteria and potential incentives, in consultation with stakeholders and the broader community. The framework and implementation plan broght together in this report represents an important milestone in achieving the vision of building a sustainable, creative, caring community, which is the direct result of Council's leadership in initiating Priority Green Clarington. Green development offers a number of attractive community benefits. Some are more tangible than others and can be achieved in a short period of time(i.e. increasing the diversity of housing opportunities, expanding the trail system), while other benefits will occur but will not be "seen" (i.e. reduced car trips) or cannot be easily measured (i.e. improved pedestrian experience). Municipal councils have the most direct controls over the issues that can ensure a sustainable and prosperous future. It is time to move this vision foward. 66 a Municipality of Clarington n Planning Services Department lil JllSWn Appendix A reen Development Cri*teri* a Checkll* sts Green Development Program prioritygreen Framework and Implementation Plan III r„ Secondary Plan Checklist These recommended criteria apply to the preparation or an update of a Secondary Plan: Green Development Program prioritygreen Framework and Implementation Plan yl��_ Built Environment TPO ❑ Within Greenfield Areas, achieve a minimum overall housing density of 50 residents and jobs combined per gross developable hectare, as measured on a Region-wide basis. ❑ Within the Built Boundary, achieve an overall housing target of 6,200 (minimum) new units within the Built-Up Areas, as follows: • Courtice: 2,100 units; • Bowmanville: 3,600 units; • Newcastle: 500 units. ❑ Strategically locate higher density housing along Regional and Local Corridors and within Centres to create a transit supportive development pattern. ❑ Residential areas are designed to provide diversity in housing types to achieve target densities and that accommodate a range of accommodation types (e.g. live-work, apartment-in-house/second dwelling unit, mixed use) tenures and affordability. ❑ Residential areas are designed to be within an approximate 800m walking distance of at least 3 of the following existing or planned amenities: • School, community/cultural facility; recreation facilities including parks; library; retail/convenience commercial use; pharmacy/medical facility; institutional use (daycare). ❑ School site are located adjacent to public parks and/or community facilities, where possible. ❑ Design an interconnected street network that respects the Municipality's established hierarchy of roads and that directly connects with existing arterials, collectors and main entrances of adjacent residential developments. ❑ Street and block patterns emphasize interconnection and walkability through a grid or modified grid design. priorilygreen r o� Mobility O-Ab ❑ Design a network of mixed-use, walkable nodes connected together by transit, and easily accessible from surrounding residential neighbourhoods by bicycle and by foot. ❑ Promote local streets with medium (400m) to short (less than 250m) block lengths to support active transportation. Where this is not feasible, provide pedestrian pathways. ❑ Provide safe and direct routes for pedestrians to transit, commercial areas, community facilities and parks that encourage use of active transportation modes. ❑ All arterial and collector roads shall have sidewalks and street trees on both sides of the right-of-way. ❑ All local roads are encouraged to have sidewalks and street trees on both sides of streets, particularly for connections to schools, recreational facilities, transit stops and trails. ❑ Roads are designed for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit, as well as cars, integrating complete streets principles. ❑ Provide for a connected pedestrian and cycling network that is integrated with the Municipality's trail system in, out and through the Plan Area, and connecting the area with existing or planned public transit routes. ❑ The network includes trails within natural features, stormwater management facilities, open spaces and parks and the road system — sidewalks and bicycle paths, and is designed to minimize environmental impacts and to accommodate a range of users and abilities. ❑ Provide direct and continuous collector streets for transit access and efficiency of service. priorilygreen C�� Natural Environment and Open Space ,--r ❑ Protect the Natural Heritage System and provide for enhancement, where possible. ❑ Ensure connectivity between natural heritage features, maintaining and where possible improving or restoring corridor function. ❑ Maintain views and vistas of visible landmarks, including Natural Heritage System features, where possible. ❑ Integrate natural heritage features into the public green space and parks systems (i.e. by locating public spaces adjacent to natural features) and the Municipality's trail system, where appropriate. ❑ Distribute parks throughout the Plan Area for accessibility to residents within a 400m walking radius. ❑ Provide a connected system of parks and open spaces through trail systems, sidewalks, and pedestrian links. ❑ Determine and establish an optimal tree cover target to be achieved post- development on private and public property for the Plan Area, having regard to the recommendations of established watershed management plans applicable to the Plan Area. priorilygreen ♦ � � r Infrastructure and Buildings ❑ Stormwater planning and design for the Plan Area: • Makes use of the natural drainage pattern to minimize the risk of flooding; • Maximizes retention and infiltration of stormwater with minimum negative impact on natural wetlands, waterbodies, groundwater and natural hydrological systems; • Gives priority to the use of on lot source controls for stormwater capture, retention and infiltration (i.e. Low Impact Development techniques) as part of a treatment train approach. ❑ Provisions to minimize hard surface infrastructure requirements are encouraged, such as provisions for reduced parking standards where alternative parking is available and/or standards for permeable paving or stormwater infiltration compensation where development proposals exceed minimum parking requirements. ❑ Stormwater management facilities shall be designed as landscape amenities, as well as perform their functional requirements. This should include integrating recreational amenities with stormwater management facilities (e.g. loop trails around ponds, establish viewpoints, interpretive signage), where safe to do so. ❑ Provide for the integration of spaces that would allow for community gardens and community orchards within public spaces adjacent to, or directly within multi- family developments. ❑ Techniques to maximize energy efficiency and water conservation should be integrated into the design of streetscapes, parks and other outdoor public spaces (e.g. native / drought tolerant landscaping; LED street lighting; shade plantings and structures, rain gardens). ❑ Road design / orientation should support subdivision and site plan design that maximizes passive solar energy opportunities. Identified passive solar gain opportunities for street/lot orientation to be described in the Plan. ❑ Assess the feasibility of developing the neighbourhood to accommodate the incorporation of district energy or renewable/alternative energy systems and outline identified opportunities in the Plan. priorilygreen Draft Plans of Subdivision Checklist These recommended criteria apply to the preparation of a Draft Plan of Subdivision: _ Green Development Program prioritygreen Framework and Implementation Plan yl��_ Built Environment TPO Criteria Mandatory Enhanced Target Aspirational Target Requirement Intensification Planning to achieve The site is situated The site will be at least 32% to 2021 within the defined developed at a higher (40% thereafter) of all Built-up Area as density than currently future urban shown in the exists through one or residential Clarington Official a combination of: development within Plan. - redevelopment, Clarington's existing including the reuse of Built-up Area is brownfield sites; important to - infill development; sustainably managing growth. Accordingly, - the expansion or residential conversion of existing intensification buildings; projects are a priority. - additional buildings on an existing lot. Density Minimum residential Achieve a density that is greater than the density requirements minimum density targets applicable to the as per Official Plan area, but is consistent with the policies of the and Secondary Plan Official Plan regarding compatibility with the targets. built form; OR For areas in a Secondary Plan, provide the maximum when there is a minimum and maximum range given for density and/or storeys. Housing mix The Municipality The housing types The housing types encourages the include a diversified include a diversified provision of a variety mix of ownership, mix of ownership, of housing densities, housing and housing and tenure and housing accommodation accommodation forms for each types. types. neighbourhood to Ownership: More Ownership: More achieve a housing than 10% of dwelling than 30% of dwelling mix for all incomes, units are affordable units are affordable ages and lifestyles. housing as defined in housing per the the Clarington Official Clarington Official Plan Plan priorilygreen Criteria Mandatory Enhanced Target Aspirational Target Requirement Housing Types Housing Types (detached, semi- (detached, semi- detached, detached, townhouses, low/mid- townhouses, low/mid- rise development): rise development): Three of four housing Four of four housing types types Accommodation Type Accommodation Type (live/work, apartment- (live/work, apartment- in-house/second in-house/second dwelling unit, mixed dwelling unit, mixed use, apartment more use, apartment more than 2 bedroom): than 2 bedroom): Two of four Three of four accommodation types accommodation types Connectivity Create street and Local road design Provide amenity block patterns that includes medium (not features (e.g. the emphasize greater than 400 benches, additional connectivity and metres) to short (less bike parking, linkage by than 250 metres) landscaping) encouraging grid or block lengths. acceptable to the modified grid patterns Municipality along and discouraging the pedestrian routes and use of cul de sacs trails. except where necessary for grading and topography. Generally avoid long local road block lengths (over 400 metres). Efficient None At least 50% of At least 75% of vehicle dwelling units / dwelling units / parking buildings designed buildings designed and constructed and constructed "electric vehicle "electric vehicle ready." ready." priorilygreen Criteria Mandatory Enhanced Target Aspirational Target Requirement Existing Satisfy Municipal Where healthy Where healthy healthy trees Tree Preservation mature trees above mature trees above Plan requirements. 100 millimetre 100 millimetre diameter must be diameter must be removed, an removed, an amenity equivalent number of value payment is new trees (not provided to the including street trees) Municipality for are provided on site planting by the to mitigate the lost Municipality beyond canopy coverage (i.e. the development site. no net loss). Urban tree Minimum of one All deciduous street Private front yard / canopy street tree per lot and trees have a backyard tree two street trees per minimum trunk program (at no side yard. caliper of 70 additional cost) millimetre (BHD). available for home buyers. Soil quantity Satisfy Municipal 60 cm topsoil layer All sodded areas to and quality topsoil, sodding and for entire landscaped have a topsoil layer seeding area consists of a with an organic requirements. native soil / matter content of 10 amendment mixture to 15% by dry weight, as recommended by a soil pH of 6.0 to 8.0 a Certified Arborist, and a minimum depth based on native soils of 60 centimetres. testing. The subsoil should have a total uncompacted soil depth of 90 centimetres. priorilygreen Natural Environment and Open Space ,--r Criteria Mandatory Enhanced Target Aspirational Target Requirement Park Street frontage not Provide 2 road or Provide 3 or more accessibility less than 30% of the valley land frontages road or valley land perimeter of the park. for each public frontages for all square, parkette, and public squares, neighbourhood park parkettes, and 3 road or valley neighbourhood or land frontages for community parks each community park provided. provided. Natural Every application for Naturalize 50% of the Naturalize 100% of heritage development or site targeted Natural the targeted Natural linkages alteration shall Heritage System, as Heritage System, as identify planning, identified by the local identified by the local design and Conservation Conservation construction practices Authority, within the Authority, within the that ensure that no site. site. buildings or other site alterations impede the movement of plants and animals within or adjacent to the natural heritage system. Connection Satisfy Municipal Visual or (managed) Visual or physical to natural Official Plan physical connections (managed) heritage requirements. (e.g. public access connections (e.g. blocks, single loaded public access blocks, roads, trail single loaded roads, connections to trail connections to existing or planned existing or planned trail network; where trail network; where appropriate as appropriate as determined by the determined by the Municipality and/or Municipality and/or Conservation Conservation Authority) are Authority) are provided to 25% of provided to 50% of prioritygreen� Criteria Mandatory Enhanced Target Aspirational Target Requirement the natural heritage the natural heritage system and parks. system. Natural Satisfy Municipal Undertake Undertake features Official Plan enhancement of enhancement of requirements. existing on-site existing on-site and natural heritage adjacent natural features, such as heritage features, removal of invasive such as removal of species or stream invasive species or restoration. stream restoration. Stormwater Provide quantity or Retain runoff volume Retain runoff volume quantity flood control in from the 10 millimetre from the 15 millimetre accordance with rainfall event on site. rainfall event on site. applicable Municipal and Conservation Authority requirements. Stormwater Provide quality 81% or more of Total 81% or more of Total quality control in accordance Suspended Solids Suspended Solids with applicable removed from a 10 removed from a 15 Municipal and millimetre rainfall millimetre rainfall conservation event. event. authority requirements. All ponds will be designed with Enhance Level of Protection (Level 1). Provide multi-barrier erosion and sediment control during construction and prevent over compaction and sedimentation during construction. priorilygreen Criteria Mandatory Enhanced Target Aspirational Target Requirement Low impact Lot level controls, or Retaining rainfall on Innovative storm development Low Impact site through feasible water management Development low impact design plan proposed techniques, as part of development that demonstrates a treatment train techniques is less reliance on end- approach to demonstrated to have of-pipe facilities and stormwater been proposed. more on at-source management is and conveyance encouraged. strategies. Stormwater Satisfy Municipal Provide an internal Provide amenity management stormwater pond trail network features acceptable facility design planting connecting to the to the Municipality /features requirements. surrounding area or that provide integrated with an functional and/or adjacent trail aesthetic benefit to network(s). the site (e.g. site furniture, shade structure). prioritygreen V0 4 Infrastructure and Buildings Criteria Mandatory Enhanced Target Aspirational Target Requirement Third party None 25 - 49% of the 50% or more of the "green" rating dwelling units in the dwelling units in the systems subdivision will be subdivision will be certified under a certified under a recognized third party recognized third party "green" rating "green" rating system. system. Third party None 25% - 49% of the 50% or more of the "green" dwelling units in the dwelling units in the building subdivision will subdivision will incentive complete a third party complete a third party programs "green" building "green" building incentive program. incentive program. Building Satisfy Ontario Dwelling units Dwelling units energy Building Code (detached homes or (detached homes or efficiency requirements. multi-unit residential multi-unit residential buildings 3 stories or buildings 3 stories or lower) are built to lower) are built to EnerGuide 83 (or EnerGuide 85 (or equivalent). equivalent). Passive solar None Applies to 50% of Applies to 75% of alignment new streets or new streets or buildings: buildings: The street or The streets or building(s) axis is building(s) axis is within 15degrees of within 15degrees of E-W E-W The building(s) E-W The building(s) E-W lengths are at least lengths are at least as long as the N-S as long as the N-S lengths. lengths. Renewable None 100% of all new Produce 1%-13% of energy dwelling units to be annual energy constructed solar consumption from an ready (e.g. on-site renewable appropriate roof to energy source. mechanical room priorilygreen electrical conduit, appropriate roof capacity). Water Satisfy Ontario Include water fixtures Include water fixtures efficient Building Code and faucets that that obtain greater fixtures and requirements. obtain a 10% to 20% than 20% reduction faucets reduction over the over the baseline baseline fixture (i.e. fixture (i.e. as as mandated by the mandated by the Building Code). Building Code). Rainwater None Dwelling units / Rainwater reuse reuse buildings designed to system installed for accommodate a low-grade functions rainwater harvesting (e.g. toilet flushing, system (i.e. plumbing irrigation). infrastructure roughed in, adequate utility room design). Greywater None Dwelling units / Greywater system(s) recycling buildings designed installed. "greywater ready" (i.e. plumbing infrastructure roughed in, adequate utility room space). Construction Satisfy provincial A construction waste A construction waste waste "3R's" regulations for management plan is management plan is diversion construction submitted and submitted and activities. implemented to implemented to demonstrate demonstrate diversion of diversion of approximately 50% or approximately 75% or more of construction, more of construction, demolition and land demolition and land clearing waste from clearing waste from landfill. landfill. prioritygreen Reused None At least 5% At least 10% and/or reused/reclaimed reused/reclaimed recycled content in building content in building content materials and/or materials and/or landscaping materials landscaping materials (hardscaping such as (hardscaping such as paving or walkways) paving or walkways) is provided. is provided. At least 10% recycled At least 15% recycled content in building content in building materials and/or materials and/or landscaping materials landscaping materials (hardscaping such as (hardscaping such as paving or walkways). paving or walkways). priorilygreen SXAtNFA x[Vft AFSSFS SGAVFS - BlIX6AlIX4 - Site Plans Checklist These recommended criteria apply to the preparation of a Site Plan: _ Green Development Program prioritygreen Framework and Implementation Plan yl��_ Built Environment TPO Criteria Mandatory Enhanced Aspirational Requirement Intensification Planning to achieve The site is situated The site will be at least 32% to 2021 within the defined developed at a higher (40% thereafter) of all Built-up Area as density than currently future urban shown in the exists through one or residential Clarington Official a combination of: development within Plan. - redevelopment, Clarington's existing including the reuse of Built-up Area is brownfield sites; important to - infill development; sustainably managing growth. Accordingly, - the expansion or residential conversion of existing intensification buildings; projects are a priority. - additional buildings on an existing lot. Density Minimum residential Achieve a density that is greater than the density requirements minimum density targets applicable to the as per Official Plan area, but is consistent with the policies of the and Secondary Plan Official Plan regarding compatibility with the targets. built form; OR For areas in a Secondary Plan, provide the maximum when there is a minimum and maximum range given for density and/or storeys. priorilygreen Criteria Mandatory Enhanced Aspirational Requirement Housing mix The Municipality The housing types The housing types encourages the include a diversified include a diversified provision of a variety mix of ownership, mix of ownership, of housing densities, housing and housing and tenure and housing accommodation accommodation forms for each types. types. neighbourhood to Ownership: More Ownership: More achieve a housing than 10% of dwelling than 25% of dwelling mix for all incomes, units are affordable units are affordable ages and lifestyles. housing as defined in housing per the the Clarington Official Clarington Official Plan Plan Housing Types Housing Types (detached, semi- (detached, semi- detached, detached, townhouses, low/mid- townhouses, low/mid- rise development): rise development): three of four housing Four of four housing types types Accommodation Type Accommodation Type (live/work, apartment- (live/work, apartment- in-house/second in-house/second dwelling unit, mixed dwelling unit, mixed use, apartment more use, apartment more than 2 bedroom): than 2 bedroom): Two of four Three of four accommodation types accommodation types Connectivity None Connect buildings on Provide further the site to off-site amenity features sidewalks, surface acceptable to the transit stops, parking Municipality between areas (car and bike), the site and adjacent existing trails or off-site destinations pathways, or other (e.g. benches, destinations (e.g. landscaping). schools). Where a transit stop is located within a walking priorilygreen Criteria Mandatory Enhanced Aspirational Requirement distance of the project site boundary, the building/ development main entrance has a direct pedestrian linkage to that transit stop. Efficient None 3% of the site parking Site designed to vehicle stalls to be dedicated support increased parking to hybrid/electric hybrid/electric vehicle vehicles, including adoption, including charging stations. appropriate electrical Dedicated parking capacity and a spots located in minimum of 20% of preferred areas close parking stalls to building entries. designed and constructed "electrical vehicle ready". Bicycle The provision of Provide a minimum Provide a minimum of parking bicycle / parking 0.2 bike parking spots 0.3 bike parking spots storage facilities as a per dwelling unit. per dwelling unit. condition of Provide a minimum Provide a minimum application approval. 5% of bike parking at 10% of bike parking grade. at grade. Place bike parking in Place bike parking in weather protected weather protected areas. areas. Existing Satisfy Municipal Where healthy Where healthy healthy trees Tree Preservation mature trees above mature trees above Plan requirements 100 millimetre 100 millimetre diameter must be diameter must be removed, an removed, an amenity equivalent number of value payment is new trees (not provided to the including street trees) Municipality for are provided on site planting by the to mitigate the lost Municipality beyond canopy coverage. the development site. priorilygreen Criteria Mandatory Enhanced Aspirational Requirement Urban tree Satisfy Municipal Provide shade within Provide shade within canopy landscape design 10 years for at least 10 years for at least requirements 50% of the site 75% of the walkways/ walkways/ sidewalk sidewalks lengths/ lengths/ amenity amenity areas (not areas (not including including street street trees). trees). Urban None No greater than 25% Plant the site's landscape of the same tree landscaped area biodiversity species are planted. using at least 50% native species. Soil quantity Satisfy Municipal 60 centimetres topsoil All sodded areas to and quality topsoil, sodding and layer for entire have a topsoil layer seeding requirements landscaped area, with an organic consisting of a native matter content of 10 soil / amendment to 15% by dry weight, mixture as a soil pH of 6.0 to 8.0 recommended by a and a minimum depth Certified Arborist of 60 centimetres. based on native soils The subsoil should testing. have a total uncompacted soil depth of 90 centimetres. prioritygreen _� Natural Environment and Open Space ,.-4-r Criteria Mandatory Enhanced Aspirational Requirement Natural Every application for Naturalize 50% of the Maintain 100% of the heritage development or site targeted Natural targeted Natural linkages alteration shall Heritage System, as Heritage System, as identify planning, identified in the identified in the design and Clarington Official Clarington Official construction practices Plan natural heritage Plan mapping, within that ensure that no mapping, within the the site. buildings or other site site. alterations impede the movement of plants and animals within or adjacent to the natural heritage system. Connection Satisfy Municipal Visual or (managed) Visual or physical to natural Official Plan physical connections (managed) heritage requirements. (e.g. public access connections (e.g. blocks, single loaded public access blocks, roads, trail single loaded roads, connections to trail connections to existing or planned existing or planned trail network; where trail network; where appropriate as appropriate as determined by the determined by the Municipality and/or Municipality and/or Conservation Conservation Authority) are Authority) are provided to 25% of provided to 50% of the natural heritage the natural heritage system and parks. system. Natural Satisfy Municipal Undertake Undertake features Official Plan enhancement of enhancement of requirements. existing on-site existing on-site AND natural heritage adjacent natural features, such as heritage features, removal of invasive such as removal of species or stream invasive species or restoration. stream restoration. priorilygreen Stormwater Provide quantity or Retain runoff volume Retain runoff volume quantity flood control in from the from the accordance with 10millimetres rainfall 15millimetres rainfall applicable Municipal event on site. event on site. and Conservation Authority requirements. Stormwater Provide quality 81% or more of Total 81% or more of Total quality control in accordance Suspended Solids Suspended Solids with applicable removed from a 10 removed from a 15 Municipal and millimetre rainfall millimetre rainfall Conservation event. event. Authority requirements. Provide multi-barrier erosion and sediment control during construction and prevent over compaction and sedimentation during construction. Low impact Lot level controls, or Retaining rainfall on Innovative storm development Low Impact site through feasible water management Development low impact design plan proposed techniques, as part of development that demonstrates a treatment train techniques is less reliance on end- approach to demonstrated to have of-pipe facilities and stormwater been proposed. more on at-source management is and conveyance encouraged. strategies. priorilygreen Infrastructure and Buildings Criteria Mandatory Enhanced Aspirational Requirement Urban None Provide 80 square Dedicate 15% of roof Agriculture feet per dwelling unit space for local food of garden space. production. Third party None Site includes 1 or Where the "green" rating more buildings development plans systems certified under a include 5 or more recognized third party buildings, at least "green" rating 50% of the buildings system. are certified. Third party None A third party "green" building / site "green" development incentive program is undertaken building and completed for the project. incentive programs Building Satisfy Ontario Dwelling units Dwelling units energy Building Code (detached homes or (detached homes or efficiency requirements. multi-unit residential multi-unit residential buildings (3 stories or buildings (3 story or lower)) are built to lower)) are built to EnerGuide 83 (or EnerGuide 85 (or equivalent). equivalent) Mulit-unit residential Multi-unit residential buildings (greater buildings (greater than 3 stories) than 3 stories) designed to achieve designed to achieve at least 13% energy at least 15% energy efficiency efficiency improvement over the improvement over the current Building current Building Code. Code. Passive solar None Up to 50% of new 51% to 75% of new alignment buildings on the site buildings on the site are designed in are designed in accordance with the accordance with the following: following: priorilygreen - The building(s) long - The building(s) long axis is within axis is within 15degrees of E-W 15degrees of E-W - The building(s) E-W - The building(s) E-W lengths are at least lengths are at least as long as the N-S as long as the N-S lengths lengths Renewable None 100% of all new Produce 1%-13% of energy buildings designed for annual energy solar readiness (i.e. consumption from an electrical on-site renewable conduit/plumbing energy source. riser roughed in). Reduce heat None For 50% of the site's For 75% of the site's island effect hardscape, include hardscape, include from the built any combination of any combination of form - Non the following: the following: Roof - Hardscape shading - Hardscape shading - High-albedo - High-albedo surface materials with surface materials with a Solar Reflectance a Solar Reflectance Index of at least 29 Index of at least 29 - Open grid pavers - Open grid pavers (greater than 50% (greater than 50% pervious) pervious) - Underground/ - Underground/ covered parking covered parking Reduce heat None For 75% of the roof For 90% of the roof island effect area, include roofing area, include roofing from the built materials with a Solar materials with a Solar form - Roof Reflectance Index Reflectance Index (SRI) of either 78 for (SRI) of either 78 for low sloped roofs or low sloped roofs or 29 for steep sloped 29 for steep sloped roofs. roofs. Water Satisfy Ontario Include water fixtures Include water fixtures efficient Building Code and faucets that that obtain >20% fixtures and requirements. obtain a 10% to 20% reduction over the faucets reduction over the baseline fixture (i.e. baseline fixture (i.e. priorilygreen as mandated by the as mandated by the Building Code). Building Code). Rainwater None Building(s) designed Rainwater reuse reuse to accommodate a system installed for rainwater harvesting low-grade functions system (i.e. plumbing (e.g. toilet flushing, infrastructure irrigation). roughed in, adequate utility room design). Greywater None Dwelling units / Greywater system(s) recycling buildings designed installed. "greywater ready" (i.e. plumbing infrastructure roughed in, adequate utility room space) Construction Satisfy provincial A waste diversion A waste diversion waste 3R's regulations for rate target of 50% is rate target of 75% is diversion construction activities established for the established for the site. site. Reused None At least 5% reused / At least 10% and/or reclaimed content in reused/reclaimed recycled building materials content in building content and/or landscaping materials and/or materials landscaping materials (hardscaping such as (hardscaping such as paving or walkways) paving or walkways) is provided. is provided. At least 10% recycled At least 15% recycled content in building content in building materials and/or materials and/or landscaping materials landscaping materials (hardscaping such as (hardscaping such as paving or walkways). paving or walkways). prforitygreen Clarington priontyareen Municipality of Clarington Planning Services Department buildingliveable neighbourhoods 9 40 Temperance Street Bowmanville, ON LIC 3A6 www.prioritygreenclarington.com T: 905-623-3379 444 s � k _ •, w