Final 2024 Sustainability ZO Amendments Briefing — File 24-0416

Sustainable Zoning 2024: What's next for Somerville? A Presentation for the Honorable City Council Presented by the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability and Environment City of Somerville

Vision for Climate Forward THRIVING EQUITABLE CARBON NET-NEGATIVE RESILIENT

somervillema.gov/ose • Somerville is leading on sustainable zoning practices • Good news – state has caught up. • The changes to the code are pushing us forward, while some are restricting us • Exciting opportunity to analyze the Zoning Ordinance and lead once again • We have a plan to address restrictions What is this? Looking for new ways to lead

somervillema.gov/ose Process 1. Remove conflicting language 2. Research and develop new language 3. Priority recommendations submitted to Mayor 4. Priority recommendations submitted to City Council

somervillema.gov/os e The 2019 Somerville Zoning Ordinance Amendments created the State’s most stringent sustainability requirements. By doing so, the state caught up to Somerville’s 2019 Zoning requirements and goes beyond. Somerville immediately adopted and enacted the new code.

somervillema.gov/ose In 2023 the state enacted the Specialized Energy Code. By doing so, the state caught up to Somerville’s 2019 Zoning requirements, and went beyond. Somerville immediately adopted and enacted the new code.

somervillema.gov/ose A 2021 opinion from the Attorney General’s Office clarifies the State’s authority. This was released after the 2019 Somerville Zoning Ordinance update passed

somervillema.gov/ose Where we are today Now that construction methods and energy efficiency are included in the Stretch and Specialized Energy Codes, Somerville’s 2019 Zoning Ordinance conflicts with 2023 Specialized Energy Code and 2021 Attorney General opinion. • Building and Energy codes cover: • Building materials • Construction methods • Energy Efficiency • Electrification Requirements • The 2019 Zoning Ordinance covers: • Land use • Design (appearance) • Interaction with public realm • Construction methods • Energy efficiency

somervillema.gov/ose 1. Definition: Net Zero Ready Building 2. Density bonus 3. Master Planned Development overlay 4. Sustainable Development: Green Buildings Opportunity for Progress: Jurisdictional amendments to the Zoning Ordinance

somervillema.gov/ose Benefits 1. Long-term solution 2. Improve upon state requirements 3. Leverage City authority to influence design and implement community vision and goals

somervillema.gov/ose 1. February 2024: Remove conflicting language 2. January 2024 - January 2025: Research and develop new language 3. February 2025: Priority recommendations submitted to Mayor 4. March 2025: Priority recommendations submitted to City Council Expected Timeline (Subject to Change)

somervillema.gov/ose February 2024: Remove conflicting language 1. Reduce confusion, administrative burden, and costs for constituents, developers, and staff 2. Remove discrepancy with density bonus

somervillema.gov/ose Phase 1: Language Summary Section Section Name Proposed revisions (summarized) Reasons for revisions 2.1.1 Glossary Remove definition of “Net Zero Ready Building” Eliminate confusion, defer to Building Code definition, as Building Code regulates what qualifies as net zero ready. 2.4.5.b Uses and Features: Density Factor Revise one sentence based on new requirements for Net Zero Ready Buildings. Net Zero Ready Buildings should no longer be used to determine density. Multiple Urban Residence Mid-Rise 3, 4, 5, and 6 High Rise Purpose and Density Factor for each district Update “purpose” statements for each district. Remove density bonus for Net Zero Ready Buildings. Specialized Energy Code now requires relevant buildings to be Net Zero Ready. Density bonus is no longer a reward – all new buildings in relevant districts will now qualify. 8.4.8.a Master Planned Development Overlay District: Development Standards Amend language, reserve section for future use. Current language is superseded by the Specialized Energy Code. Retaining the section will allow for the development of new regulations that support sustainability goals. 10.10.1 Sustainable Development: Green Buildings Amend language, reserve section for future use. Current language is superseded by the Specialized Energy Code. Retaining the section will allow for the development of new regulations that support sustainability goals.

somervillema.g February 2024 – February 2025: Research and develop new language • Existing Projects • Projects that have applied for a Building Permit on or before June 30, 2023, will not need to adhere to the Specialized Code • New Projects • Projects that did not apply for a Building Permit on or before June 30, 2023, will be required to adhere to the Specialized Code • Research • Gap analysis of City codes/ordinances and LEED/other green building programs. • Apply for technical assistance grant to build code/ordinance recommendations based on the gap analysis. • Advocacy • Regional coordination • State legislative engagement • State regulatory engagement

somervillema.gov/ose February 2025: Priority recommendations submitted to Mayor

somervillema.gov/ose March 2025: Priority recommendations submitted to City Council

somervillema.gov/ose Thank you Mayor’s Office of Sustainability and Environment City of Somerville ose@somervillema.gov Planning, Preservation, and Zoning Division Office of Strategic Planning & Community Development City of Somerville planning@somervillema.gov

somervillema.gov/ose Appendix

somervillema.gov/ose Envisioning SustainaVille Topic Ordinances Impact Energy & GHG emissions Building Code: Specialized Energy Code High-performance buildings, limits fossil fuels, reduces emissions Building standards Building Code: Specialized Energy Code High-performance buildings, limits fossil fuels, reduces emissions Heat reduction Code of Ordinances: Tree Preservation Ordinance (Ch. 12, Art. VI) Zoning Ordinance: • Green Score (§10.4) • Heat Island Reduction (§10.10.3) Retains tree coverage Zoning Ordinance: • High-value plantings and reduced hardscape • Roofs and parking lots must achieve level of solar reflectance Biodiversity and ecosystems Code of Ordinances: • Tree Preservation Ordinance (Ch. 12, Art. VI) • Native Planting Ordinance (Ch. 12, Art. X) Zoning Ordinance: Green Score (§10.4) Code of Ordinances: • Protects high-value trees • Native species requirements that facilitate habitat creation/expansion Supports native species and habitat creation Open space Zoning Ordinance: Master Planned Development Overlay District (§8.4) Civic spaces required in high-priority areas Mobility: Low/ no-carbon and EV Building Code: Specialized Energy Code Code of Ordinances: Complete Streets Ordinance (Ch. 12, Art. VII) Zoning Ordinance • Vehicle parking maximums (by district and §11) • Bicycle parking requirements (by district and §11) • Mobility management programs (§11.4) Electric vehicle requirements Prioritizes pedestrians, transit, bicycles, deprioritizes private vehicles Zoning Ordinance: • Deprioritizes private vehicle use • Supports bicycle use • Supports walking, biking, transit use over private vehicle use Stormwater management Code of Ordinances: Stormwater runoff ordinances (§11-145/146/165) Zoning Ordinance: • Landscaping (§10.3) • Green Score (§10.4) • Green Roofs & Storm Water Management (§10.10.2) Limits & reduces runoff; facilitates stormwater quality rules for site construction/operations Zoning Ordinance: • Landscape requirements that prioritize stormwater management • See above • Incentivizes green roofs that reduce runoff Flood mitigation Zoning Ordinance: Floodplains Overlay District (SZO) Engineering standards Limits development in floodways. Minimal impact, no developable land in 1% FEMA flood zone Construction and infrastructure requirements