Select board sends specialized ‘stretch’ energy code to town meeting after robust public debate

The Hamilton select board voted 3–1 to place a proposed specialized (opt‑in) stretch energy code on the April town meeting warrant after a lengthy public hearing that split residents, building officials and energy advisers.

Proponents represented by the Hamilton Environmental Impact Committee asked the board to let voters decide. "The specialized code, which if passed tonight, will get on the warrant," said Jeanne Miranda, an HEIC member. HEIC also outlined public education events and a March 5 forum at the Hamilton-Wenham Library to explain the proposal and answer residents’ questions.

Opponents warned the code could impose outsized costs and administrative complexity on homeowners and builders. “The stretch energy code to me is a binding response to a non‑binding resolution,” said public commenter Deb Safford, arguing the requirement could impose recurring costs on residents. The town’s building official, Rich, summarized his longstanding doubts: “I am against anything other than the basic energy code,” and cautioned that the specialized code has undergone many changes and added compliance steps.

A technical representative from the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources, Dylan Dussaw, answered regulatory questions and described thresholds in the specialized rules: "New construction houses that are greater than 4,000 square feet have to have enough solar to be net zero. New construction houses that are smaller than 4,000 square feet have a minimum of 4 kilowatts of solar," he said, adding that accessory dwelling units are technically covered though roof area often makes actual compliance impractical.

Board members weighed the tradeoffs between potential grant funding and long‑term regulatory uncertainty. Supporters noted Hamilton’s record winning state grants and argued the code would increase access to grant programs and could yield capital savings for municipal projects such as the high‑school roof. Skeptics said the code’s shifting rules and the compliance burden on small builders counseled caution. Abutter and resident Jeff Alsop told the board, "I don't think we know enough about this. I think the town deserves more information."

After deliberation, the select board approved a motion to include the specialized stretch code article on the warrant. Rosie Kennedy voted no; Tom Myers and Ben Galuza voted yes. Bill Wilson was not present for that roll call. The board chair said the article will give the full town an opportunity to review the details and vote at town meeting.

The board directed staff to continue public education and to include clarifying materials in the town meeting packet so voters understand which projects and types of construction would be affected. The board also noted that any future amendments to the code would apply if the town adopts the specialized option.