Meeting Summary
The city council conference focused on two pilot programs: a visitability program for new construction and the HERS ERI energy efficiency program. Staff recommended establishing a two-year visitability pilot program using the ICC A117.1 Type C standard, offering a building permit fee credit. For the HERS ERI program, staff proposed updating the energy efficiency benchmark to an ERI score of 51 to align with anticipated state code changes and extending the program, which is set to expire soon.
Financial Matters
Visitability Pilot Program Building Permit Fee Credit
A proposed 100% credit on the building permit fee (14 cents per square foot of project area) for homes fully complying with the visitability standard. An example 2400 sq ft home would receive a $336 credit.
HERS ERI Pilot Program Building Permit Fee Credit
Continued offering of tiered building permit fee credits (14 cents per square foot of project area) for homes achieving specific HERS ERI scores. Over $90,000 in permit fees had been credited back as of March 31st.
C-PACE Program
Discussion of the Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) program, currently commercial-only, with potential for future legislative expansion to residential and industrial properties to finance energy improvements.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- HERS ERI pilot program expires June 30th, 2021
Watch For
- Visitability and HERS ERI programs on the next council agenda (June 22nd)
- State technical committee on energy codes to continue meeting, with potential state adoption of 2015 energy code by Spring 2022
- Future study on HERS ERI program to establish local benchmarks
- C-PACE program study session by early August, with potential for residential expansion
- Code updates and adoptions related to solar installations
Agenda Summary
Discussion regarding establishing a visitability pilot program for new construction of one and two family dwellings and townhouses with less than four units
Presentation and discussion on creating a pilot program to make new homes easier for mobility-impaired persons to visit, utilizing the ICC A117.1 Type C standard. The program would offer a 100% building permit fee credit for full compliance and is recommended for a two-year duration.
Discussion regarding the HERS ERI pilot program
Presentation and discussion on the current HERS ERI program, its success, and recommendations to update the energy efficiency benchmark to an ERI score of 51 (from 65) to align with anticipated state code changes. The program, set to expire June 30th, 2021, would be extended, offering tiered building permit fee credits for compliance.