Accelerating the transition to renewable energy and requiring the highest standards for electrification and energy efficiency for new construction and renovation.

Expanding zero-emission mobility options and accelerating electric vehicle adoption.

Ensuring Watertown's natural resources are enhanced, equitably distributed, and delivering full ecosystems benefits.

Reducing all types of waste streams and upgrading infrastructure to be resilient to climate change impacts.

Enhancing overall community health, resilience, and preparedness to major climate threats of extreme storms, flooding, drought, and heat waves.

Energy: In accordance with the Specialized Stretch Energy Code, any project that triggers the code shall follow the energy efficiency and electrification requirements as specified, including to the extent feasible techniques such as employing passive solar techniques, design to maximize southern exposures, building materials; utilizing energy-efficient technology and renewable energy resources; and minimizing water use.

All new development requiring Site Plan Review in the following districts must meet LEED Certifiable requirements as outlined by the United States Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (current edition as applicable) at the following minimum levels: NB, LB, I-1, I-2, I-3, RMUD, and PSCD Districts (Silver, minimum of 50 points); WSQ and NMU Districts (Gold, minimum of 60 points). Higher levels are strongly encouraged. Design documentation shall be provided by the Petitioner to the City to verify that the project could achieve the minimum number of LEED points to achieve certification. Such documentation may include but not be limited to a project narrative describing how the project design intends to achieve selected LEED credits, and a LEED checklist with criteria (or points) which shows the project will achieve the required minimum points.

Utilities and hazards: Projects shall underground all onsite utility service, equipment and infrastructure with removal of and no new onsite utility poles allowed, unless it is determined by the City to be infeasible. Projects shall locate HVAC and other utility equipment outside of or elevated above potential flood hazards.

Stormwater: Projects shall effectively manage stormwater as required by the Watertown Stormwater Ordinance and Regulations. Systems should incorporate best practices in stormwater management and LID techniques.

Electric vehicle charging: Electric vehicle ready parking shall be provided for 20% of the total parking provided for business and residential uses, and for 10% of the total parking provided for all other uses, or more if required by the Massachusetts Stretch and Specialized Codes. Further, at least the minimum number of electric vehicle charging stations specified in § 6.01(h) shall be installed, and to the extent feasible, the stations should be made available for public use when not in use by the site users.

Landscape: Projects shall include a landscape planting and maintenance plan that shall, to the extent possible, inventory, assess, and retain existing healthy, viable trees as part of redevelopment and plant additional climate adaptable and species appropriate trees. Adequate landscaping shall include street trees or street adjacent trees where appropriate, provision of treed landscape islands and buffers in parking lots adjacent to abutting properties and along street frontages, in-keeping with Article VI and specifically with § 6.02(k).

Open space: Publicly usable open space required by this Zoning Ordinance shall be designed to maximize its visibility for persons passing the site, encourage social interaction, maximize its utility, and facilitate its maintenance.

Waste management and service: All new projects shall include recycling, composting, and trash facilities as necessary, and the locations must be accessible and consolidated where feasible. Service areas adjacent to lower density residential should strive to provide access that minimizes impacts.

Resiliency score: Projects should consider using current or future adopted City policies and guidelines including the DCDP Resilient Score to assess proposed sustainability measures.

Diminish the heat island effect.

Employ energy conscious design with regard to orientation, building materials, shading, landscaping, window glazing, and other elements.

Achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certifiability and be certified.

Incorporate Green roofs (vegetated roof covers) and/or solar systems.

Use permeable paving systems and prioritize bioretention systems (such as rain gardens) in addition to traditional structural conveyance systems.

Solar Energy System: A device or structural design feature, a substantial purpose of which is to provide for the collection, storage and distribution of solar energy for space heating or cooling, electricity generation, or water heating.

Solar-ready zone: The solar-ready zone area is 50% of the roof area that is either flat or oriented between 110 degrees and 270 degrees of true north, exclusive of mandatory access or set back areas as required by the MA Fire Code.

An analysis for solar energy system(s) for the site detailing layout and annual production.

Include the maximum feasible solar zone area of all structures and potential ground-mounted canopies.

An initial solar energy system assessment shall be submitted with the required application for Site Plan Review under section 9.03.

A final solar installation plan must be reviewed and approved by the Department of Community Development and Planning, prior to the issuance of a Building Permit.

Emergency Access - Solar energy systems shall be located in such a manner as to ensure emergency access to the roof, provide pathways to specific areas of the roof, provide for smoke ventilation opportunities, and provide emergency egress from the roof, as required by the MA Fire Code, as updated.

Safety - No roof-mounted solar energy system shall be located in a manner that would cause the shedding of ice or snow from the roof into a porch, stairwell or pedestrian travel area.