Are there concerns or issues with planning & zoning boards regulations and homeowners associations requirements when I build or re-model “green”?
There can be. It is always a good idea to check for any restrictions left over from “unenlightened” times that could impact your plans for a “green”, sustainable, “high performance” home. You should also check for any development covenants, conservation easements and any restrictions on what you can build or how you can utilize your property or (hopefully) your potential property before you spend money on it. Another tip: When buying, building, or remodeling “green” create alliances and community relationships: • Community involvement is essential: Be involved! • Talk to your neighbors, your potential neighbors and your community leaders about “green”. • Uninformed government entities may be hesitant to work with you on sustainable elements of building, or alternately may rush in with regulations in an attempt to solve a problem. This may or may not be helpful in the long run. Technology is moving so fast that it is necessary to think “outside the box”… “waaaay outside the box”… on
