SSC Policy Guidance and Models
The list of resources and model policies on this page is regularly updated, so please check back for new additions!
Coalition staff and partners are available any time to assist with research relating to Smart Surfaces policy, answer questions about designing specific policy items for specific jurisdictions, and to share resources helpful for implementing Smart Surfaces. If you have any questions or research requests, please reach out via our Policy Help Desk form.
A copy of the information included in this database is available as a download here: Smart Surfaces Policy Tracker Database.
Background information and resources on issues related to state preemption of local laws is available in the Sabin Center’s report Navigating State Law in Local Climate Action and related State Toolkits.
Combined Strategies:
Smart Surfaces Strategy Menu
SSC’s Model Mayor’s Order or Council Resolution Advancing Smart Surfaces
SSC’s Model State Legislation to Advance Smart Surfaces
Smart Surfaces Policy Memo: Building and Zoning Codes Explainer
Smart Surfaces Policy Guidance: Zoning for Smart Surfaces
Cool Roofs:
SSC’s Model Ordinance for Cool Roofs
Cool Roofs Policy Justification Memo
Sample Cool Roof Permit Form
Cool Walls:
Sample Cool Wall Permit Form
Cool Pavement:
Cool Pavement Primer: A Guide to Reflective Paving Solutions
Permeable Pavement:
Smart Surfaces Policy Guidance: Permeable Pavement
Trees:
Smart Surfaces Policy Guidance: Mitigating Extreme Heat and Managing Stormwater with Trees
Tree Canopy Policy Justification Memo
Green Stormwater Infrastructure:
Smart Surfaces Policy Guidance: Mitigating Extreme Heat and Managing Stormwater with Green Stormwater Infrastructure
Green Stormwater Infrastructure Policy Justification Memo
Urban Meadows:
Smart Surfaces Policy Guidance: Urban Meadows
Low-Carbon Concrete:
Model Ordinance for Adopting Low Carbon Concrete Requirements
Model Executive Action or Resolution for Advancing Low Carbon Concrete
CarbonStar
Related Resources
American Bird Conservancy’s Bird-Friendly Legislation & Ordinances
Cool Roof Rating Council
North Carolina Resilience Exchange’s climate resilience Actions Database
American Forests’ Tree Equity Score
Chicago Region Trees Initiative’s 21st Century Ordinance Builder for Tree Protection Advanced Components
Cool Roadways Partnership
Atlantic Council’s Heat Action Platform Policy Tool
Sustainable Development Code
Legal Pathways to Deep Decarbonization
EPA’s Heat Island Community Actions Database
North Carolina Resilience Exchange’s climate resilience Actions Database
U.S. Green Building Council’s Policy Library
U.S. Climate Alliance State Climate Policy Database
HEAT.gov
Resilient California Adaptation Planning Guide
