Changes in the city ordinance starting January 1, 2025

Newton is one of the 10 Communities in Massachusetts that is participating in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Fossil Fuel-Free Demonstration Project.  All NEW Construction and MAJOR Renovation projects are required to use electricity instead of fossil fuels for heating/cooling /cooking /clothes drying; and for hot water, to use electricity or thermal solar.

Please click here for the Fossil Fuel-Free Ordinance (Electrification) 

Changes in the Energy code starting January 1, 2024

In 2023, changes to the state building code were enacted, increasing energy efficiency requirements for all new buildings and new construction. Since Newton adopted the Stretch code in 2009, we have had higher energy requirements than municipalities following the Base code. The 2023 code updates changed the Base and Stretch code to be more energy efficient and introduced a third, more stringent code known as the Specialized code. Newton City Council adopted the Specialized code on March 6, 2023 and it will go into effect on January 1, 2024. Click the links below to learn more about the Specialized Stretch Code:

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/stretch-energy-code-development-2022 

https://www.mass.gov/doc/2023-stretch-code-technical-guidance-document-main-text/download

All complete applications for building permits received after January 1, 2024, are subject to the Specialized Code

Important Notice: New 2023 Energy Code Changes

Starting January 1, 2023, New Massachusetts Residential Stretch Energy Code 225 CMR 22.00: Based on the 2021 IECC Energy Code is in effect. There are many changes in the new code which are much more stringent compared to the previous years. Some of these changes include requirements for:

• Obtaining HERS index of 52 or lower (with some exceptions) for all low-rise new residential, level 3 renovation/alteration, and large additions

• Installing ERV/HRV

• Wiring for electric vehicle (EV) charging

• Mandatory duct leakage testing (even if all air handler and ductwork are inside the building envelope) 

Note important dates for the following:

1. 2023 Commercial Code (including mid-rise/high-rise residential projects) Starting July 1, 2023

2. 2024 Residential Code: HERS index of 42 or lower (with some exceptions) Starting July 1, 2024

3. Specialized Code: Starting date varies based on the city/town adoption of the code 

For more information, please consult the following links:

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/building-energy-code

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/stretch-energy-code-development-2022

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/building-energy-code