Brookline One of First Communities in MA to Adopt New Fossil Fuel Regulation on New Construction

Brookline pushes forward with new, environmentally friendlier building codes.
Brookline Real Estate

Brookline and Watertown became the first communities to adopt the new building code regulations put forth by the state Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources. The new code includes strict parameters for energy efficiency, with requirements such as solar panels in new constructions buildings that plan to install gas line connections. It also requires new constructions buildings to be “fully pre-wired” for electrification. This would allow future owners to easily change gas-powered appliances and water heaters for electric versions.

The main goal of the regulations is to address the usage of fossil fuels for heating homes, which is one of the state’s largest sources of emissions, and promote the electrification of space and water heat. At this time, the code will only apply to new construction properties in cities and towns that choose to adopt it.

In addition to Brookline and Watertown, it is expected that Cambridge, Wellesley, Arlington, Acton, Belmont, Concord, and Lincoln may adopt the new regulations in the near future.

More Posts

Brookline Real Estate Tax

Brookline voters are asked to approve a 4.2% increase to their property taxes

The proposed operating override has high stakes for Brookline’s schools. If approved, the tax increase will raise $11.98 million, phased in gradually over three years. Failure to pass the override will result in an unprecedented $3.25 million budget reduction in fiscal year 2024 for the schools, potentially leading to the loss of 43 positions across various programs.

MA Sanitary Code

MA New Sanitary Code is effective today

The Massachusetts State Sanitary Code has been updated with significant changes to the existing provisions, renumbering of certain sections, and the addition of new ones. The new version of the code will come into effect from April 1 after several years of debate, seeking input from state and local officials, landlord, and tenant groups.

The Leverett

Real Estate Market Recovery 2023

The real estate market has started 2023 on a positive note with several indicators pointing to a rebound in activity. There has been a surge in weekly mortgage applications and a drop in mortgage rates, making it more affordable for home buyers. Buyer interest and open house traffic have also increased, with sellers offering more concessions.