Portland approves green code amendments

By: Nathalie Weinstein//March 11, 2010//

Portland approves green code amendments

Nathalie Weinstein//March 11, 2010//

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After three months of tweaking, the city’s fifth Regulatory Improvement Code Amendment Package has been approved by Portland City Council.

Approved at Wednesday’s council meeting, RICAP 5 addresses outdated codes on the proper installation of solar panels, wind turbines, eco-roofs, rain or grey water cisterns and other sustainable technologies.

In addition, it provides for larger Accessory Dwelling Units, where a smaller building is constructed alongside an existing residence. ADU’s are considered a more sustainable housing option since they use existing land and require fewer materials to build than single family homes. Under the new code, ADUs can be 75 percent the size of the main unit or a maximum of 800 square feet.