The Zoning & Planning Committee approved the following (see report and watch the meeting video):
- Appointment of Jennifer Pucci to Zoning Board of Appeals: (8-0)
- CPC Recommendation to Appropriate Funds for Affordable Housing: (8-0) Funds totaling $1,841,719.78 are to be allocated to the Newton Affordable Housing Trust for FY25.
The Zoning and Planning Committee held:
- Discussion on Building Energy Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance: (8-0) Buildings over 20,000 square feet and larger would be required to begin reporting greenhouse gas emissions (excluding electricity) and replacing fossil fuel equipment on a schedule that varies with building size and use. Buildings over 100,000 square feet would begin reporting emissions in September 2025, and all other buildings over 20,000 square feet would begin reporting emissions in September 2026. The committee took a straw vote to include residential buildings in BERDO.
- Request for Discussion and Possible Amendments to Enhance the Preservation of Existing Homes: (8-0) The stretch code requiring high levels of energy efficiency have made renovations and additions in the public and private sector less financially viable.
- Amend Setbacks in MR Zones: (8-0) This item was discussed jointly with the above item on preserving existing homes, aimed at better regulating new constructions and incentivizing renovations.