Rating System

LEED BD+C: New Construction

Rating System Version

v2 - LEED 2.0

Inquiry

In a recent credit ruling, you stated that if the area around a project does not currently meet the density requirements for this credit, but would meet them by the time the project is complete, then the urban redevelopment credit could be applied. We have a similar situation with our project, which sits in the downtown core of the city. The local land use code determines the "desired density growth" for this area to be a minimum 2.0 FAR. Our project easily meets this, as well as the requirement listed for this credit. However, the area within the "density boundary" falls slightly short at this time (about 52,000 sf/acre). One major reason this site was chosen for the project (a public library) was to stimulate development in the downtown area to achieve the city\'s growth goals of less edge development and slowing urban sprawl. In addition, there is adequate existing infrastructure in the downtown (roads, utilities, amenities, public transit) to support increased development. Given that the infrastructure support is in place, the project matches the goals of the city, and growth in anticipated in the surrounding area because of the project, will we be eligible for this credit with the current shortfall within the existing "density boundary"?