Environmentally sensitive construction practices are now Dallas law, as the City Council unanimously voted to implement numerous “green building” regulations Wednesday.

Archive: Editorial - Green building in Dallas

The policy fulfills campaign promises of several city leaders, particularly Mayor Tom Leppert, who’ve argued that an ever-expanding and chronically smog-choked Dallas must improve its environmental stewardship.

Among the first phase’s requirements, effective Oct. 1, 2009: Builders of projects less than 50,000 square feet must use 15 percent less energy and 20 percent less water than current Dallas energy conservation code standards mandate.

Under the new code, for example, builders must select conservation techniques among six options provided, such as installing faucets and shower heads with a two-gallon-per-minute-or-less water flow. The water regulations, in particular, are the product of a compromise among city leaders and builders, who expressed concern over an original green building proposal calling for stronger standards.

Under Dallas’ new code, roofs must also be more energy efficient on buildings smaller than 50,000 square feet. Projects larger than 50,000 square feet will face similar but less stringent requirements when compared with smaller buildings.

“We’re at the lead of the major cities in this country,” said Mr. Leppert, the former chairman and chief executive of construction firm Turner Corp. “We had industry come in and really embrace it. We crafted it to make sense for everybody.”

Said District 10 council member Jerry Allen: “Dallas is a leader and everyone else is looking at us.”

By October 1, 2011, the ordinance proposal states that all new Dallas construction must be certifiable under “leadership in energy and environmental design” standards established by the U.S. Green Building Council, or under similar standards, such as Green Built North Texas standards.

“The challenge is going to be to implement this – and education,” Mayor Pro Tem Elba Garcia said.

Green building, Mr. Leppert said, can and should be as cost effective as construction that doesn’t meet established green building standards. Some builders had expressed concerns that the new regulations will increase construction costs.

Dallas’ building inspectors will implement the green building program while the city’s office of environmental quality will oversee educational and public relations components, Assistant City Manager Jill Jordan said.

Also on Wednesday, Mr. Leppert announced the council is set to amend its sexually-oriented business ordinance next week to specifically prohibit minors from stripping.

When Dallas police raided the Diamonds Cabaret in March and found a 6th grader was dancing nude at the club, city officials learned that Dallas' current ordinance doesn't provide for punishing strip clubs or other sexually-oriented businesses for admitting or employing minors.

Under the proposed ordinance, strip clubs and similar businesses would be required to document the identities, ages and criminal histories of employees and dancers. The city also would be able to suspend or revoke operating licenses in 10 days versus the current 30 days.

• The council reauthorized city government’s tax abatement and business incentive criteria for attracting investment, such as corporate relocations and retentions. The criteria, for example, mandate that the city may only offer public incentives to southern sector projects that create or retain at least 25 jobs or a $1 million in investments, or central business district projects creating or retaining at least 250 jobs and at least $25 million in investments.

• The council approved a third round of public retail recruitment funds, worth $661,250 in combined city and private funds, to attract and retain downtown businesses. The money will in part fund a full-time downtown business recruiter position, a retail training consultant position and direct incentives to fledgling businesses. District 8 council member Tennell Atkins also called on the city to replicate the retail program in the city’s southern sector – a sentiment several other council members echoed.