Vancouver, B.C., may delay net-zero construction requirements for a year due to concerns over building permit delays.
The city is beset by a housing affordability crisis and the new rules would worsen the issue. City staff has recommended delaying the regulations to speed up residential permits and reduce the growth of the permitting backlog.
Industry groups including Homebuilders Association Vancouver and the Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating have urged the city to enact the delay. A representative from the homebuilders group said the permitting backlog in the city has reached crisis proportions and that the zero emissions requirement adds 12 weeks to the process.
A PassiveHouse advocate argued against the delay, saying that the industry needs a strong incentive to make progress on green construction.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jan 29, 2020
Half of Manhattan’s new residential skyscrapers are empty
Excess comes as middle class housing shortage worsens.
Codes and Standards | Jan 28, 2020
Updated Engineered Wood Construction Guide now available
Provides guidance on building engineered wood floors, walls, and roofs.
Codes and Standards | Jan 24, 2020
Fenestration Rating Council earns ANSI certification
FenStar Certification Program ensures windows, doors, and skylights meet Energy Star specifications.
Codes and Standards | Jan 23, 2020
Rent control policies backfire on goal of boosting affordable housing
Natl. Apartment Assn. study says rent control decreases housing supply, harms condition of housing stock.
Codes and Standards | Jan 22, 2020
Potential energy savings from smart meters is largely unrealized
Most utilities underuse the technology that can help customers save money.
Codes and Standards | Jan 21, 2020
Contractors pay practices reviewed in new database
Fastest and slowest paying GCs revealed.
Codes and Standards | Jan 17, 2020
Several states with ambitious climate goals will have to restrict natural gas as a fuel
Buildings would have to heat and cook with electricity.
Codes and Standards | Jan 16, 2020
New solar-ready mandate affects commercial and residential buildings in St. Louis
All new buildings must have reserved rooftop sections for PVs.
Codes and Standards | Jan 15, 2020
Trump Administration blocks new light bulb efficiency standards
Move defies bipartisan 2007 law.
Codes and Standards | Jan 14, 2020
L.A.’s expedited permitting process credited with faster approvals on $1 billion project
Parallel Design-Permitting Process includes flagging elements for correction during conceptual design.