HB 1770, creating a net-zero ready energy code standard for homes and buildings and authorizing cities to adopt
a “reach” energy code with stronger provisions, has passed the House. The bill included major changes from the proposal that was introduced. The changes include:
- A reduction of the goal from at least 80%to at least 70% in annual net energy consumption using the adopted 2006 state energy code as a baseline; and
- An added a reference wiring for “electrical raceways” to the requirements for readiness for photovoltaic panel installation under the residential and nonresidential state energy codes that are adopted by the council by 2034.
The bill still directs the State Building Code Council to adopt a rule for a new statewide reach code to be effective by 2023. HB 1770 restates that each jurisdiction must enforce the state energy building code or adopt the statewide
residential reach code, adding that the reach code cannot exceed net-zero energy use. All other local codes are preempted, including those that were grandfathered in under the last energy code change (i.e., those that pre-dated March 1, 1990).