So the Owl just received a request to publicize a webinar/public information session on zoom that will explain a proposed bylaw which is coming to Special Town Meeting on November 28. There is lots going on for this November’s Special Town Meeting, making it the special-ist one we’ve seen in a long time. The Owl is debating if she will attend–there is nothing that makes this town so louco (Portuguese, not Spanish) as the word “By-law.” The Owl has low tolerance for drama even off the soccer field.

Here’s an idea before winding up for crazy. Let’s listen in to this information session and hear why a new bylaw is being proposed. It certainly seems reasonable since it recommends adopting the Specialized Energy Code, which is good for the environment AND Weston residents. Win-Win-Don’t-Fry-and-Die.

On Wednesday Nov 15th, resident Nick Christman is hosting a public information session on Zoom from 7-8pm. In addition to Nick, there will be speakers from DOER (Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources), Thoughtforms Builders, and Catalano Architects.

For those who are unfamiliar with the Specialized Code:

• The Specialized Code requires that buildings with fossil fuel systems must be pre-wired for future electric systems, and, for smaller buildings, must have solar.
• The Specialized Code requires that multifamily buildings over 12,000 sq. ft. meet Passive House standards or net-zero home performance scores.
• Both levels of code require that any parking must be wired for at least one EV charger in small buildings, or 20% of spaces in multifamily buildings.

And one thing to keep in mind is that the Specialized Code applies to new construction only.

The webinar will cover:

• Why the state updated its building codes
• Why Weston should adopt the Specialized Energy Code
• Some beautiful examples of compliant homes recently built in the area
• Q&A

Please join in, listen and learn!