Purpose. The study of the "green" city as an object of legal regulation requires rethinking sectoral approaches in the context of sustainable development. Due to the fragmentary development of this concept in Russian science, we observe inconsistency of urban planning, environmental and energy requirements and the lack of mechanisms to balance current decisions with long-term consequences for the urban environment. Methods: dialectics, comparative legal analysis, systems analysis, formal legal method. Results. The lack of systematic consolidation of "green" city parameters in Russian legislation negatively affects the implementation of the right to a favorable environment and the investment attractiveness of urban projects. Foreign experience (USA, Germany, France, Japan, Brazil) shows that the effectiveness of "green" transformations is achieved through the institutionalization of standards in urban planning regulations and investment mechanisms. For Russia, a comprehensive algorithm is needed based on the integration of environmental requirements, energy efficiency standards and spatial planning regimes. Discussion. The article conceptualizes "urban law" as a complex field, analyzing the legal model of a "green" city in environmental, energy, urban planning and investment dimensions. The proposed approach orients the development of legislation and urban governance towards long-term environmental quality and balance of interests. The materials can be used to improve Russian urban planning, environmental and energy legislation and to develop mechanisms for attracting investment in "green" projects.