To qualify for the Green Building Incentive Program, building permit applicants must meet the following criteria: 

• Residential, including single family, multifamily, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs), nonresidential, and mixed-use property within the City of Encinitas. 

• Building alteration, addition, tenant improvement, or new construction. 

• Achieve GreenPoint Rated or LEED® certification, demonstrating a high level of sustainability, complete electrification, and enhanced energy efficiency 

• Adhere to local building codes and regulations, including any relevant requirements for energy efficiency and green building found in Part 6 and Part 11 of the CA Title 24 Building Code. 

1. Verify Eligibility:  Verify that your project meets the minimum eligibility criteria.

2. Select Green Building Program: Review the requirements for GreenPoint Rated and LEED® then select your preferred program.

3. Identify a Certification Rater: Both green building programs require that a certified professional be used to verify project consistency with the associated green building program. Build It Green maintains a directory of GreenPoint Raters and U.S. Green Building Council maintains a directory of LEED® Accredited Professionals. A certified professional must be contracted prior to submittal of application for participation in the Green Building Incentive Program as you will need to work with them to identify the green building measures that get incorporated in your project.

4. Apply to the Program: Once you’ve worked with your Certification Rater and other contractors to develop your plans, complete the Green Building Incentive Program Registration Form and submit it to climateaction@encinitasca.gov. Provide the necessary initial documentation with your application to demonstrate proposed compliance, including proof of payment or registration with Build It Green or U.S. Green Building Council, completed initial GreenPoint Rated or LEED® checklist with supporting documentation, and proof of contract with GreenPoint Rater or LEED® Accredited Professionals. Staff will review the application and notify you via email once approved or request more information, if needed. 

5. Submit Permit Application: Once approved to participate in the Green Building Incentive Program, apply for your building permits. When completing the CAP Checklist for your permit application, select ‘Voluntarily Comply’ for sections 1A and 1B. As directed on the checklist, list the date that you received pre-approval to participate in the program.

6. Permit Application Review and Issuance: Once the permit application and all required items are received and verified, all building permit plan checks will be expedited. This means that the initial permit application and all subsequent submittals will be placed first in line for review.

7. Install Green Building Features: Once a building permit has been issued, construction of the project may commence. Construction must include installation of all green building measures identified on the approved building plans that will enable the project to be certified as a GreenPoint or LEED® project.

8. Acquire Certification: After your project has been constructed, submit necessary documentation to your contracted GreenPoint Rater or LEED® Accredited Professional.  They will verify installation of all green building measures and issue the respective certification.

9. Submit Final Documentation: Once your project has been GreenPoint or LEED® certified and has passed its final City inspection, provide final green building incentive documentation to the Sustainability Division by email to climateaction@encinitasca.gov. Required documentation includes proof of GreenPoint Rated or LEED® certification and proof of associated costs incurred.  Eligible costs include certification fee, cost to hire GreenPoint Rater or LEED® Accredited Professional, and cost of installing green building features. The incentive may cover up to the full cost of certification and installation, or $2,000, whichever is less.

10. Receive Incentives: After the City verifies certification and the project passes final building inspection, the City will issue the incentive via check mailed to the applicant using the address provided in the original application or otherwise provided. 

11. Voluntary Recognition: Following your participation in the program, City staff will contact you to highlight your project on the City’s website, and arrange for recognition at a future City Council meeting. Recognition is voluntary.

What are some differences between the LEED and GreenPoint Rated certifications?  

Only commercial buildings and newly built homes are eligible for the LEED certification. New homes, additions to existing homes, and multifamily housing can become GreenPoint Rated. In addition, Build It Green which administers the GreenPoint Rated program is focused on green building in California, while the Green Building Council, which administers the LEED certification program is an international organization.   

How long after the certification will I receive my financial incentive? 

Please allow 2-6 weeks to process and disperse your incentive.  

What costs are associated with getting my home/commercial property certified?  

The application and certification costs of GreenPoint Rated can be found here. The registration, certification, and other fees for LEED can be found here. You can also review the UC Breen Building Council’s price estimator for pricing that better reflects your unique project. 

Is discretionary planning expedited? 

No, only grading plans, improvement plans, building plans, and fire sprinkler plans are expedited. 

How long has the City had this program? 

The Green Building Incentive Program launched in 2012.