MONDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2012

Richmond City Council approved an ordinance that streamlines the permit review process for solar and vegetative roofs at its Nov. 26 meeting. The paper was co-sponsored by Mayor Dwight C. Jones and Councilmen Chris Hilbert and Charles Samuels.

The purpose of the ordinance is to encourage the use of green roofs by processing building permit applications within 10 business days and associated plumbing, electrical and mechanical permit applications within five business days.

The ordinance is 2012-201-199.

Solar and vegetative roofs result in less electricity used in the building. Vegetative roofs absorb rainfall and decrease the amount of run-off from the building, which supports stormwater management efforts.