Henderson Urban Nature Sustainability Requirements

The purpose of Development Code Sec. 19.10.12 is to promote sustainable development within the City by creating incentives for compact, mixed-use development patterns; encouraging solar and other alternative energy sources; promoting alternative means of transportation like bicycling and walking that can improve community health while helping reduce air pollution; protecting trees that absorb greenhouse gases and reduce storm water runoff and pollutants; and, encouraging water-efficient landscaping and protecting water resources.

Multifamily residential development consisting of new buildings or substantial renovations to existing buildings must achieve a minimum score of 38 points. All other residential development consisting of new buildings or substantial renovations to existing buildings must achieve a minimum score of 31 points. Nonresidential or mixed-use development consisting of new buildings or substantial renovations to existing buildings must achieve a minimum score of 42 points. New buildings on partially developed sites (such as pad sites) located in developments built before the adoption of this Code must achieve a minimum score of 28 points. Eligibility is determined at the discretion of the Director.

Design features related to urban nature
The purpose of sustainability measures related urban nature is to provide a variety of appealing and comfortable open spaces close to work and home; encourage physical activity and time spent outdoors; support natural resource and habitat conservation; and, promote social networking, civic engagement, personal recreation, and other activities.
Points are awarded when:
1. projects that avoid significant habitat or create a setback to protect significant habitat.
2. native plants are used on the project site to restore pre-development native habitat in an area equal to or greater than 10% of the development footprint.
3. community gardens are provided for residential or mixed-use projects at a minimum of ten sq. ft. per dwelling unit for 20% of the project.
4. tree canopy exceeds the base requirements of HMC Section 19.11, Landscaping Standards, by 10%.
5. the project is located or designed so that active public facilities (e.g., playfields, soccer, baseball, basketball, or other sports fields) totaling at least one acre, or a public indoor recreational facility, lies within ½ mile of 20% of dwelling units and/or business entrances.
6. the project is located or designed so that a park, publicly-accessible open space, multi-use path, trail or plaza lies within ½ mile of 20% of planned and existing dwelling units and business entrances.
7. site is designed to avoid development in the 100-year floodplain or flood zone.