TOWN MEETING STARTS MAY 6 – MIDDLE SCHOOL
Hopkinton Specialized Code
A building code for NEW construction,
with the following goals:
✓ Promote sustainability
✓ Increase energy efficiency
✓ Allow MULTIPLE Paths to COMPLIANCE
✓ Qualify the town to apply for grants
✓ SUPPORTED BY THE SELECT BOARD
✓ SUPPORTED BY THE PLANNING BOARD
The problem
In Hopkinton, we’re still constructing new buildings that:
- Burn fossil fuels.
- Aren’t set up to transition easily to the new energy-efficient electrical systems.
As a result:
- Homeowners and business owners are stuck with buildings that will be challenging and expensive to retrofit later.
- Hopkinton is struggling to reach our goal of net zero carbon emissions.
The proposed solution
Joining other towns to adopt the newest Massachusetts building code — the specialized code — will give buyers of new construction an opportunity to take advantage of high-efficiency energy systems, while still enjoying some flexibility.
We will all reach net zero sooner, benefit from a healthier environment, and enable our town to apply for additional state grants.
Voting YES for the specialized code is something YOU can do to address climate change.
What is the specialized code?
The specialized code is an add-on building code that we can adopt at Town Meeting. This new code introduces requirements beyond the current stretch code, but only for NEW residential and commercial buildings. The requirements are as follows:
- All new buildings, residential or commercial, must be either fully electric or pre-wired
for future electrification. Buildings using fossil fuel (oil, gas, propane) must include onsite solar unless the lot is shaded.
- New single-family homes greater than 4,000 square feet must be all electric or certified net zero buildings
.
- New multi-family homes greater than 12,000 square feet must be certified passive houses .
➤ In a nutshell, the specialized code makes our new buildings net zero ready.
What does the specialized code do?
Applies only to new construction, not remodeling or additions.
Encourages high energy efficiency, saving owners of new buildings money in the long run.
Provides multiple compliance paths. Allows solar panel exemptions for shaded lots.
Qualifies Hopkinton to apply for state funding. Adds no implementation cost to the town budget. (Photo: Amy Ritterbusch)
Come to Town Meeting and VOTE!
✓ Attend Annual Town Meeting starting May 6
✓ Vote (simple majority required)
Find out more
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