Town Council Adopts 'Green' Building Code

Watertown is going green, with the Town Council's adoption, Tuesday, of building codes that require more energy efficient construction.

Town councilors voted unanimously to adopt the Stretch Energy Code, new building codes based on the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code. The goal of the Stretch Code is to make construction at least 20 percent more energy efficient.

When he first looked at the new code, Town Council Vice President Steve Corbett said he had his doubts.

"I had misgivings (about adding new building requirements) because of the state of the economy, because this will increase the cost of construction," Corbett said. "However, after all the research, I felt it was good legislation.  I am convinced it is the right thing to do."

Corbett, who is chairman of the council's Committee on Economic Development and Planning,  added that the Stretch Code will become part of the state building code in 2012, so Watertown will just be ahead of the curb.

Steve Magoon, director of Community Development and Planning, said that the energy efficiencies would make up for any increase in the cost of construction.

"If you are concerned with the impacts on the costs of construction, the increase (cost) is more than offset by energy savings," Magoon said.

Town Councilor John Donohue, who also serves on the Committee on Economic Development and Planning, also said he was wary at first.

"(Building Inspector) Ken Thompson spoke to us and showed us how important it is to move forward," Donohue said. "It will be the (state's) base code for zoning soon, and the potential savings is definitely there."

Fayette Street resident Russ Arico said he did not like town officials mandating how homes can be built.

"I'm always afraid of government adding more rules and regulations," Arico said. "Government should not dictate (how houses are built)."

One of the primary factors for adopting the Stretch Code is that it meets one of five requirements for Watertown to take part in the state's Green Communities Program. The other requirements are:

• Provide as-of-right siting in designated locations for renewable/alternative energy generation, research and development, or manufacturing facilities

• Adopt an expedited application and permit process for as-of-right energy facilities

• Establish benchmark for energy use and developed a plan to reduce baseline by 20 percent within 5 years

• Purchase only fuel-efficient vehicles

If Watertown becomes a Green Community, it can take advantage of the grant program. This year, the 35 communities that qualified for the program could apply to grants from the $8.1 million fund.