Help reduce storm water pollution and flooding by establishing “green roof” zoning requirements
As the need for more environmentally conscious policies grows, municipalities need to find affordable ways to positively impact their local environments. One way to produce such change with little to no cost to the municipality is to zone for “green” roof requirements on all new industrial developments in the city. “Green” roofing is the practice of building roofs partially or completely covered with vegetation and a growing medium. “Green” roof developments provide increased vegetation to a community, which improves the air quality and helps prevent storm water pollution.
Use these materials to advance this solution in your city:
MODEL ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING GREEN ROOF DESIGN STANDARDS
WHEREAS, the Governing Body recognizes that stormwater runoff which is controlled through traditional infrastructure can result in increased municipal maintenance costs as well as create costly flooding issues; and
WHEREAS, the Governing Body recognizes the need to provide options other than traditional infrastructure to help control such stormwater runoff; and
WHEREAS, a low impact development alternative to traditional infrastructure is natural drainage systems.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the (Municipal Governing Body), of (County) and the State of New Jersey that [enter name of new section of ordinance] is hereby enacted as follows:
SECTION 1. Industrial Green Roofs
(1) Applicants seeking approval for development in any industrial zone shall be encouraged to use “Green Roofs” to control stormwater runoff.
(2) “Green Roofs” shall be constructed using soil and plantings which will trap and absorb stormwater and prevent its off-site runoff.
(3) Any Applicant utilizing a “Green Roof” shall be entitled to seek a building coverage bonus of ______percent of the green roof area to assist in facilitating its construction.
(4) Any building coverage bonus associated with an application before the municipal Planning Board shall be considered permitted and not require relief pursuant to either N.J.S.A. 40:55D-70 or N.J.S.A. 40:55D-51.
SECTION 2. Repealer: All ordinances or parts thereof which are inconsistent or in conflict with the provisions of this ordinance or any part thereof are hereby repealed to the extent of said inconsistency or conflict.
SECTION 3. Severability and Effectiveness Clause: If any sentence, paragraph or section of this ordinance, or the application thereof to any persons or circumstances shall be adjudged by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, or if by legislative action any sentence, paragraph or section of this ordinance shall lose its force and effect, such judgment or action shall not affect, impair or void the remainder of this ordinance.
SECTION 4. This Ordinance shall take effect as provided by law.