Codes, regulations hampering green residential construction

Regulations and homeowners’ association rules are holding back the development of more environmentally friendly home building, according to an article on Construction Dive.

Building codes, usually set at the state level, local zoning ordinances governing things like setbacks and building height, and rules governing aesthetics within the boundaries of homeowners’ associations have not always kept up with advances in sustainability. One example is when a homeowner wants to add exterior insulation that can be a foot thick—a tactic that might cause a conflict with setback requirements. Other conflicts arise with the installation of solar panels and rainwater collection.