DC trust fund requests required all-electric new housing, except emergency backup power

Requests for housing proposals involving DC's trust fund had to require covered new construction to be all-electric and designed to seek a specified green building certification. The rule covered proposals for new construction receiving DC Housing Production Trust Fund support. It excluded substantial rehabilitation, a kind of major renovation. All-electric meant no fuel-burning equipment except emergency backup power. Designs had to aim for Enterprise Green Communities Certification Plus or an equivalent standard accepted by the housing department after consulting building officials. The rule ended when final building code regulations took effect or the temporary law expired, whichever happened first.

Developers of covered residential projects had to add rooftop renewable energy systems where feasible. The rule applied to residential projects covered by the amended green building provision when new construction or substantial rehabilitation included repair or replacement of at least half the roof. Installation was excused if sunlight was inadequate or roof equipment or rooftop amenities were present. Shade, structural or design limits preventing effective solar power, and conditions identified in regulations as making installation impractical were also exceptions. This rule lasted during the temporary law, which expired 225 days after taking effect.

One green building provision kept its other duties without words requiring continued net-zero energy compliance. This concerned residential and mixed-use projects covered by the amended green building provision. This wording applied during the temporary law, which expired 225 days after taking effect.

DC's Department of Buildings had to report to the Council and hold at least one public meeting while preparing each report. The reports covered the department's work on planned energy rules for residential and mixed-use construction. Each report had to explain major unanswered questions, plans to resolve them, and existing laws that posed significant challenges. Each meeting had to include energy officials, climate groups, and experienced housing professionals. The first report was due March 1, 2026. Reporting ended when final rules took effect or the temporary law expired, whichever happened first.