Forum discussion
NC-2009 SSc5.2: Site Development—Maximize Open Space
Two questions:
1. We have an 11 storey building in an urban area with a covered outdoor terrace on the 10th floor (the 11th floor slab cantilvers over the terrace.) Could we count this as open space towards SS Cr 5.2?
2. If we have a green roof on the building that is visible but not accessible to occupants, can this area be counted as well?
Thanks
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Ellen Mitchell
331 thumbs up
August 8, 2013 - 12:14 pm
1. I think you can likely count the 10th floor terrace towards your pedestrian hardscape square footages as long as you qualify for SSc2, which it sounds like you do, and it is accessible to everyone.
2. Good question - the FAQ above states that roof terraces can only comply if they are accessible to all occupants (as opposed to private balconies). But it seems to me that a green roof can still qualify regardless of occupancy since it meets the intent of promoting biodiversity by providing open space. I would try it and see.
Summer Minchew
Managing PartnerEcoimpact Consulting
LEEDuser Expert
170 thumbs up
October 10, 2016 - 12:20 pm
In regard to question 2, we posed the same question to GBCI on a recent project and were told that building occupants need to be able to "use and occupy the space for it to count as open space," including green roof area.