Council gives first approval to specialized energy code; first vote passes 6-3 with effective date set to Jan. 1, 2026

The Beverly City Council on first reading approved adoption of the Massachusetts Specialized Energy Code (2022 CMR 22 and 23) after debate about housing affordability, grid readiness and implementation steps for the city. The motion passed on a recorded first vote, 6 to 3.

What passed and timing: The ordinance as reported by the legal affairs committee would incorporate the specialized energy code into the city's regulations and was amended in committee to set the effective date as January 1, 2026. The vote taken at the meeting was a first reading/first vote (not final adoption).

Why it matters: The specialized code raises building energy-performance standards beyond the current stretch code and is intended to reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs over time. Proponents argued the code will align Beverly with a market already shifting toward higher-efficiency builds and enable the city to pursue state accelerator grants; opponents warned the code increases construction costs, could hinder small-unit and accessory dwelling unit (ADU) production and could strain electrical grid interconnection capacity.

Key points from debate: - Sponsor and supporters (Councilor Hausman, members of the Clean Energy Advisory Committee) argued the code gives the market certainty and that developers are already moving toward higher standards; the committee moved the effective date to Jan. 1, 2026 to provide additional lead time. - Opponents (Councilors St. Hilaire, Sweeney and Spang) expressed concern about the codes cost effect on housing affordability, impacts on ADU economics and the capacity of National Grid to handle increased electrification without substantial infrastructure upgrades. - Councilor Spang moved an amendment to condition adoption on the city completing a municipal decarbonization roadmap and adopting a zero-emission-vehicle-first policy by Aug. 31, 2025; that amendment failed 2-7.

Procedure and next steps: The item passed first reading 6-3; councilors noted further follow-up work is expected. The Clean Energy Advisory Committee and administration representatives committed to ongoing coordination, and council members said they expect additional reports and related policy work (for instance, municipal decarbonization planning and fleet electrification policies) to follow.

Ending: Because this was a first reading, the ordinance will return for the councils second/final vote at a later meeting. Supporters said the later effective date will give developers and contractors lead time; opponents urged the city to prioritize affordable housing and grid-readiness measures in parallel.