Council votes on environmental program

The city of Costa Mesa will encourage residents and business owners to let the sun shine in — through new skylights, and onto new solar panels, and onto “green roofs” covered with plants. The City Council will vote Tuesday on final approval for a green building incentive program designed to encourage more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient features in homes and businesses.

If the council agrees, a nine-month program will begin Wednesday and will be offered for the first three months in conjunction with the popular residential remodeling incentive program, which is in its third year. Unlike the residential program, the green building scheme is open to commercial properties also.

The program would allow owners to get city fees waived when having their plans checked and construction inspected for installations such as solar water heaters, and energy-efficient windows and doors. A speedier schedule for inspections and plan checks will also be available.

The council could also adopt a policy that future city buildings must meet “green” standards and some existing facilities would get efficiency improvements.

City building official Khanh Nguyen said he expects the program to be received positively because city staffers from various departments as well as members of Orange County building and real estate groups, and businesses such as the Irvine Co. and skate-wear maker Volcom were on the team.

Costa Mesa Mayor Allan Mansoor said he’s heard positive feedback from constituents so far.

“I think they’re supportive of a voluntary program, and any time we can utilize voluntary efforts to improve the environment it’s a good thing,” he said.

The green building incentive program is expected to cost the city about $255,000.

Nguyen said public workshops may be offered later this year to explain the program to interested property owners.