Bill > H5392

This bill authorizes the city of Northampton to require new and substantially remodeled or rehabilitated buildings to use electricity for all building energy needs, including heating, cooling, hot water, cooking, and clothes drying. It defines "substantially remodeled or rehabilitated" as a renovation that requires a building permit and affects 51% or more of the building's gross floor area, excluding garages and other covered parking. The bill allows the city to withhold building permits for projects that do not comply and provides a waiver and appeals process for certain circumstances. The requirements do not apply to certain outdoor appliances, Cooley Dickinson Hospital buildings, industrial/commercial/institutional facilities, emergency/backup power, and certain renovations.