Ithaca City delays final vote on Climate Action Plan as state energy-code timing and exemptions draw scrutiny
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Summary
Staff told the commission that the Climate Action Plan earliest council review is Dec. 17 and that the city will adopt the state energy code, which includes exemptions for tall buildings and provisions that require coordination on historic properties.
Staff told the commission that the Climate Action Plan and the companion energy code timeline changed: the earliest the Climate Action Plan could go to council is now Dec. 17, and the energy-code changes the city planned to adopt will follow a revised schedule, with the energy code expected to clear a regulatory step by Nov. 12.
Rebecca (sustainability director) said the city will repeal its local energy-code supplement and adopt the state code where applicable. She cautioned that the state code contains exemptions for buildings over seven stories and noted the difficulty of reconciling energy-code requirements with historic-preservation rules. "Some of those exceptions are between 2026 and 2028, buildings that are over 7 stories, are not prohibited from using fossil fuels," Rebecca said, adding the issue ties to how the state structured the code and that the city will review how exemptions apply locally.
Commissioners and staff discussed Cornell—s prior requests for amendments related to district heating systems and agreed that, under the new state framework, variances or clarifications for district systems would be handled at the state level rather than as a local supplement. Shavon noted Cornell previously sought specific amendments; staff said the state code largely addresses the prior concerns but acknowledged university and other district-system operators may seek state-level clarification.
The meeting also covered potential strategies to avoid friction with historic-property owners, including incentives and design guidance. Staff and preservation staff have prepared visual guidance and indicated further work will occur in 2026 to refine rules for character-defining features so that owners have practical pathways to comply without undermining historic character.
Commissioners asked for additional analyses to determine whether particular exceptions or transition periods are warranted, and staff said they will return with updated drafts and opportunities for further public comment before council consideration.
