I saw three different places I could start the project at this point.

• Getting permits
• Securing funding, both grants and loans
• Seeking environmental certification

I looked into all three to see what makes sense as a first step.  Before you get permits, you need some level of design plans, and demonstration that you have the ability to finance the project.  Meeting code to get approved isn't easy.  The city development office offers various assistance prior to applying for permits, and it ranges in cost from free to $2680!  I was hoping the PDC would be able to help with the design refinement and research since it's in an urban renewal area.  Sadly, their grants and loans are only for repairs or multi-family residential and commercial projects.  I missed the chance to apply for a grant under the Office of Sustainable Development's green building initiatives.  I'll need to develop my design more, run it by design and government advisors, and select an appropriate level of review prior to permit submission.

The PDC planning assistance was a bust, but there are a number of tax credits available for the conservation features I will be including in the home, and those are easy to fulfill.  A nice comprehensive tax abatement on the improvement is available, by way of the urban renewal program.  There will be financial benefits on the back-end, but not so much to fund construction.  It looks like I'll need conventional lending, but hopefully selling the green benefits will help with that.

I've learned that Earth Advantage would be the body that certifies the home for environmental disctinction, under their own program as well as LEED.  The earlier I can include sustainability features in the plan, the sooner I'll have an accurate budget, and the easier time I'll have demonstrating the earth-friendly nature of my project.

Here's my working plan at this point.

1. Seek out students interested in studying the project to assist with early planning and begin documenting it.
2. Develop a more detailed plan, including architectural drawings, site diagram and photos, all green building features, and an accurate budget based on costs of materials and quotes from contractors.
3. Initiate envronmental certification review of plans and design, and revise as appropriate.
4. Determine pre-permit review to obtain, and learn what code issues may exist; revise plans as necessary.
5. Apply for improvement loan, contingent on permit approval.
6. Submit permit applications, and hope for the best.