Sudbury finance committee delays vote on specialized stretch energy code after concerns about costs and scope

The Sudbury Finance Committee on March 24 discussed Article 27, a bylaw amendment to opt in to the specialized stretch energy code (225 CMR 22 and 23), but did not take a vote, choosing instead to request more information from town staff and outside presenters.

Members of the committee and several attendees pressed on the likely local costs and the practical trigger points in the code. “If the town were to elect to build duplexes ... the cost increase per unit would be at least $50,000,” a resident commenting during the meeting said, describing conversations with his contractor and architect and urging disapproval. Committee members repeatedly described the financial impact on municipal capital projects and private homeowners as uncertain and said they needed stronger evidence before making a fiscal recommendation to Town Meeting.

The article on the warrant would amend Town Bylaw section 129.3 to incorporate by reference the specialized stretch energy code found in 225 CMR 22 and 23 (including appendices RC…