May 22nd Update: Add Dennis to the list of towns who have now adopted the Stretch Energy Code. The town of Dennis voted to adopt the Stretch Code at the town meeting on May 7th, 2019. The new provisions of the Stretch Code will be enforced for all new construction permits issued July 1st 2019 or after.
May 9th update! Add the town of Brewster to the list of Stretch Energy Code Towns! The town of Brewster voted to adopt the Stretch Energy Code at town meeting on May 6th, 2019, and the new energy code will be enforced starting July 1, 2019 for all new construction projects!
More towns on Cape Cod voted to become Green Communities in 2018, which means they have also approved adoption of the enhanced energy code know as the Stretch Energy Code. As of January 1, 2019, Yarmouth, Harwich, and Orleans will now be enforcing the Stretch Energy Code, which applies primarily to new residential construction in those towns.
what is the Stretch Energy Code? Basically it is an enhanced energy code that requires the highest level of energy code compliance for new residential construction and some major renovations. You can find more information here: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/building-energy-codes
Which towns have elected to participate in the Stretch Code Program?
On Cape Cod: Wellfleet, Truro, Mashpee, Provincetown, Orleans, and Harwich, Yarmouth
How does it impact your project? That's easy, this program means that building a new home or undergoing a major renovation in these towns will cost you more money. Extensive building monitoring and testing is required, advanced insulation techniques must be used, and the total energy consumption of the home must be approved prior to issuing the building permit. This program also generally requires the highest efficiency heating and cooling equipment, can often limit the size and type of appliances to be used, and it may require green energy production such as solar or wind energy to offset the energy consumption in the home.
If you are considering building your new home on Cape Cod, please Contact Us today to see how we can help!