BPDA Approves Net Zero Carbon Zoning

The BPDA Board of Directors approved a petition to the Zoning Commission to amend the zoning code to include Net Zero Carbon (NZC) Zoning. This new zoning will introduce sustainability requirements for development projects that support the City’s goals of being carbon-neutral by 2050. Buildings account for nearly 71 percent of our community’s carbon emissions, and can be designed to minimize emissions and climate impact by reducing energy use, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, increasing electrification, and using renewable energy sources.

NZC Zoning introduces a net zero emissions standard for new project filings after July 1, 2025 with 15 units or more, a minimum of 20,000 square feet, or additions of a minimum of 50,000 square feet or more to existing buildings. Moving forward, projects will demonstrate compliance with this standard during Article 80 Review. In addition, Small and Large Projects, as defined in Article 80, will be required to report on embodied carbon. Large Projects will also be required to conduct an embodied CO2e emissions life cycle assessment analysis. These amendments build upon and better reflect updated state building codes and city ordinances, including the Specialized Stretch Energy Code and Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO), respectively. This amendment will now need approval by the Zoning Commission.