Ellen Mitchell
Schools-2009 SSc5.2: Site Development—Maximize Open Space
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Credit language
© Copyright U.S. Green Building Council, Inc. All rights reserved.
Requirements
Case 1. Sites with local zoning open space requirements
Reduce the development footprint1 and/or provide vegetated open space within the project boundary such that the amount of open space exceeds local zoning requirements by 25%.Case 2. Sites with no local zoning requirements (e.g. some university campuses, military bases)
Provide vegetated open space area adjacent to the building that is equal in area to the building footprint.Case 3. Sites with zoning ordinances but no open space requirements
Provide vegetated open space equal to 20% of the project’s site area.All cases
For projects in urban areas that earn SS Credit 2: Development Density and Community Connectivity, vegetated roof areas can contribute to credit compliance. For projects in urban areas that earn SS Credit 2: Development Density and Community Connectivity, pedestrian-oriented hardscape areas can contribute to credit compliance. For such projects, a minimum of 25% of the open space counted must be vegetated. Wetlands or naturally designed ponds may count as open space and the side slope gradients average 1:4 (vertical: horizontal) or less and are vegetated.Credit substitution available
You may use the LEED v4 version of this credit on v2009 projects. For more information check out this article.Frequently asked questions
Can permeable paving count as hardscape or vegetation towards SSc5.2 calculations?The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial » (If you're already a premium member, log in here.) |
Can interior courtyards contribute to vegetation requirements?The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial » (If you're already a premium member, log in here.) |
Can a project designate open space off-site and not within the LEED project boundary to meet the credit requirements?The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial » (If you're already a premium member, log in here.) |
Which approach should a project take if the LEED project boundary covers two areas with different zoning requirements?The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial » (If you're already a premium member, log in here.) |
I'm confused about the difference between SSc5.1 and SSc5.2. Can I earn them both?The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial » (If you're already a premium member, log in here.) |
The credit requirements state the open space area must be ‘adjacent’ to the project. Does the designated site area need to be right next to the project building?The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial » (If you're already a premium member, log in here.) |
Can roof terraces contribute to SSc5.2?The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial » (If you're already a premium member, log in here.) |
How should I count planters and vegetation on balconies?The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial » (If you're already a premium member, log in here.) |
What if my local code has a landscaping requirement? Is this the same as an open space requirement?The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial » (If you're already a premium member, log in here.) |
What does it cost?
Cost estimates for this credit
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Checklists
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Documentation toolkit
The motherlode of cheat sheets
LEEDuser’s Documentation Toolkit is loaded with calculators to help assess credit compliance, tracking spreadsheets for materials, sample templates to help guide your narratives and LEED Online submissions, and examples of actual submissions from certified LEED projects for you to check your work against. To get your plaque, start with the right toolkit.
For full access, sign up now for LEEDuser Premium
Already a premium member? Log in now
LEEDuser overview
Frank advice from LEED experts
LEED is changing all the time, and every project is unique. Even seasoned professionals can miss a critical detail and lose a credit or even a prerequisite at the last minute. Our expert advice guides our LEEDuser Premium members and saves you valuable time.
For full access, sign up now for LEEDuser Premium
Already a premium member? Log in now
Credit language
© Copyright U.S. Green Building Council, Inc. All rights reserved.
Requirements
Case 1. Sites with local zoning open space requirements
Reduce the development footprint1 and/or provide vegetated open space within the project boundary such that the amount of open space exceeds local zoning requirements by 25%.Case 2. Sites with no local zoning requirements (e.g. some university campuses, military bases)
Provide vegetated open space area adjacent to the building that is equal in area to the building footprint.Case 3. Sites with zoning ordinances but no open space requirements
Provide vegetated open space equal to 20% of the project’s site area.All cases
For projects in urban areas that earn SS Credit 2: Development Density and Community Connectivity, vegetated roof areas can contribute to credit compliance. For projects in urban areas that earn SS Credit 2: Development Density and Community Connectivity, pedestrian-oriented hardscape areas can contribute to credit compliance. For such projects, a minimum of 25% of the open space counted must be vegetated. Wetlands or naturally designed ponds may count as open space and the side slope gradients average 1:4 (vertical: horizontal) or less and are vegetated.Credit substitution available
You may use the LEED v4 version of this credit on v2009 projects. For more information check out this article.Checklists
Step by step to LEED certification
LEEDuser’s checklists walk you through the key action steps you need to earn a credit, including how to avoid common pitfalls and save money.
For full access, sign up now for LEEDuser Premium
Already a premium member? Log in now
Documentation toolkit
The motherlode of cheat sheets
LEEDuser’s Documentation Toolkit is loaded with calculators to help assess credit compliance, tracking spreadsheets for materials, sample templates to help guide your narratives and LEED Online submissions, and examples of actual submissions from certified LEED projects for you to check your work against. To get your plaque, start with the right toolkit.
For full access, sign up now for LEEDuser Premium
Already a premium member? Log in now
Frequently asked questions
Can permeable paving count as hardscape or vegetation towards SSc5.2 calculations?The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial » (If you're already a premium member, log in here.) |
Can interior courtyards contribute to vegetation requirements?The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial » (If you're already a premium member, log in here.) |
Can a project designate open space off-site and not within the LEED project boundary to meet the credit requirements?The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial » (If you're already a premium member, log in here.) |
Which approach should a project take if the LEED project boundary covers two areas with different zoning requirements?The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial » (If you're already a premium member, log in here.) |
I'm confused about the difference between SSc5.1 and SSc5.2. Can I earn them both?The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial » (If you're already a premium member, log in here.) |
The credit requirements state the open space area must be ‘adjacent’ to the project. Does the designated site area need to be right next to the project building?The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial » (If you're already a premium member, log in here.) |
Can roof terraces contribute to SSc5.2?The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial » (If you're already a premium member, log in here.) |
How should I count planters and vegetation on balconies?The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial » (If you're already a premium member, log in here.) |
What if my local code has a landscaping requirement? Is this the same as an open space requirement?The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial » (If you're already a premium member, log in here.) |
Guest expert
Ellen Mitchell