Does rebuilding an existing parking area with fewer spaces mean “no new parking”?
Yes. Rebuilding a current parking lot with fewer spaces will meet the credit intent.
How does one account for off-site parking. Should the LEED boundary encompass this parking? Or alternatively may the project pursue the "no new parking" option?
The Minimum Program Requirements supplemental guidance document covers these situations in some detail. The boundary needs to include "contiguous land that is associated with and supports normal building operations."
How does a project achieve Exemplary Performance for a NCv2.2 project?
The Reference Guide gives little guidance for this and states projects will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. LEED 2009 requirements are more specific, and while not officially applicable, provide some direction.
What effect did the November 2011 ASHRAE table 9.4.6 Addendum I, have on exterior lighting power allowances?
Significant reductions for tradable surfaces in LZ1 and LZ2 and some in LZ3. See the new table for details.
Can non-potable well water that is used for irrigation contribute to Option 2, No Potable Water Use?
No, non-potable groundwater used for irrigation (other than nuisance groundwater, i.e. water pumped away from a foundation) is considered a potential potable source and would not count towards Option 2.
Is my site previously developed?
Many projects have had questions about the definition of previously developed. Note that LEED 2009 projects have had the relevant definition updated by USGBC through a November 2011 addendum. Be sure to reference that definition, which is more specific, if it is applicable to your project.
Is it possible to be exempted from the wetlands requirements under this credit if we protect or restore equivalent wetlands elsewhere?
No, this is not an accepted compliance path. LEEDuser's experts agree that you are unlikely to get traction with this due to the immediate and unsustainable impacts on local ecosystems and hydrology.
Our project site is in what FEMA refers to as "Zone D"—an area that has possible but undetermined flood hazards, as no analysis of flood hazards have been conducted. How can we tell if we comply with this credit?
Seek the opinion of an equivalent local regulatory agency, or a professional hydrologist.
The project site is classified as "prime farmland," but is in a developed area with buildings all around. Can I still comply with this credit?
LEED does not have published exceptions to the prime farmland requirement. You would need to submit a CIR to get an official ruling.
However, some projects have had success contacting the local USDA representative and requesting an evaluation to get an exemption due to the low probability that the land could be usable for agricultural purposes.