Portland Scales Back Green Building Fee Plan to Spare Strapped Builders

PORTLAND -- Opposition from hurting builders has led Portland City Commissioner Dan Saltzman to scale back part of a green building plan that affected housing.

As it stands now, the plan calls for commercial construction to be subject to a fee and rebate system: Buildings that simply meet energy and water standards would be charged a fee. But builders could get a waiver or a payment depending on how much more efficient their buildings are.

But the proposal wouldn't impose such a system on housing construction if at least 20 percent of new homes meet green standards.

Saltzman unveiled the proposals a year ago, and they met criticism from home builders. The revised plan released Wednesday could be up for a City Council vote in the spring.