Communities that have decided to use the opportunity of a natural disaster to build better and smarter are breaking new ground. Often, the decisions they have made concerning sustainable development assume final form as codes, ordinances, policy statements, and other legal tools. Some of these documents are produced here verbatim so that they can serve as models for other communities that are considering similar initiatives. 

Solar Codes and Ordinances, Article XIV, Special Provisions--New Pattonsburg, Missouri; 1996 
Provides for protection of solar access, encourages alternative housing design, the use of wind energy conversion systems and other resource efficient technologies.

Declaration of Community Responsibilities, Covenants, and Restrictions--New Pattonsburg, Missouri; 1995 
Provides for the encouragement of sustainable construction, energy-efficient design and orderly development of the new town.

Charter of Sustainability--New Pattonsburg, Missouri; 1994 
Presents a commitment to apply an overall philosophy of sustainability to New Pattonsburg's development and on-going planning.

Immediate Development Objectives--New Pattonsburg, Missouri; 1994 
Establishes energy-performance standards for new building, including a requirement that non-residential buildings receive a minimum of 50 percent of their heating from solar energy.

An Amendment to the Floodplain Regulations -- Regulating the Construction of Elevated Structures--New Richmond, Ohio; 1996 
Establishes lowest floor levels, provides drainage requirements and required flood-resistant building techniques.

Solar Access, Thermal Performance, and Solar Heating Ordinances--Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin; 1980
Establishes energy-performance standards for new buildings, including a requirement that non-residential buildings receive a minimum of 50 percent of their heating from solar energy. 

Back to Top