open space requirement

To clarify your question, are you asking if one or the other of two scenarios would comply with SSc5.2 Case 1: 1. Assume the "open space requirement" is based on max lot coverage, which is 50% of the site. If the site is, say, 10,000 sf, then to meet the credit you'd provide 6,250 sf of vegetated open space, since that's 125% of 5,000. 2. Assume the "open space requirement" is based on the landscape requirement, which could be 5% of the non-building area. Technically, your landscape requirement may only be 5% of the parking area, not non-building area, but I'm assuming that 50% of the site could be parking lot. So for the 10,000 sf lot with a 5,000 sf building footprint and 5,000 sf of possible parking lot, the landscape zoning requirement would be 250 sf. 125% of that would be 312.5 sf. Pretty different results, eh? Since "open space" is typically defined as space that is to be vegetated, natural, landscaped, undeveloped, etc, I'd be inclined to go with the second interpretation, which sounds like what you're thinking, too.

Yes, I'd agree with your interpretation to go with scenario 2. Not sure if it helps, but your frustrations are common. I've found that expecting a certain amount of ambiguity and confusion may lessen the aggravation. Most don't expect this when they sign on, but maybe part of the "L" in LEED is being willing to deal with some growing pains and a bit of chaos from being out front.