Forum discussion

NC-2009 SSc5.2:Site Development—Maximize Open Space

Complicated Open Space/Habitat Protection, LEED Boundary

We are attempting to achieve exemplary performance in open space and protection of habitat. The project is located, and a portion of a secured (fenced) industrial park setting w/ the back property line backing up to an existing residential area. The LEED boundary is a "L "shaped tract that includes all site improvements associated w/ the LEED building and a perimeter strip around two sides of the property lines including the wooded back side adjacent to the residential area. My concern is the reoccurring comment "don't gerrymander the boundary" There are other buildings on the site that are not to be certified and our LEED boundary runs along (gerrymandering, but not including) the hardscape parking areas for the other buildings, taking credit for all vegetated areas in a contiguous designated area. Additionally we are indicated 2 future buildings adjacent to our site and claiming/preserving the property behind them along the back property lines, again wooded, adjacent to residential property and contiguous at the elbow of the "L" shape. Sorry to be so long winded, however it's been fairly complicated to come up w/ a solution that the owner can accept. Also does anyone have a good example of the language needed for the owner's acceptance letter? Thanks

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Wed, 06/13/2012 - 03:13

Ken, it sounds to me like the LEED boundary is gerrymandered—you seem to say this yourself. What are your thoughts on this? Perhaps this credit is not suitable for the project, if you can't attain it without these acrobatics.I should note that this is the first time I can think of where someone described a case like this and it clearly sounded to me like gerrymandering. I'm sure USGBC has seen more cases and is obviously the authority on what consitutes gerrymandering. That's my take on it, only.Which owner's acceptance letter do you mean?

Mon, 06/18/2012 - 18:07

Tristan, thank you for the response, I was speaking of; Upload SSc5.1-RS1. Provide a document with the required signatory statement, copied directly from the form, signed and dated on letterhead. So I understand correctly the only language require in the owner's letter is "All open space that is counted toward this credit will be preserved for the life of the building." no specific reference to the credit considered, the uploaded LEED Boundary dwg., etc? Thanks

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