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B 26-0768

Net Zero Continuity Temporary Amendment Act of 2026

26th Council Period (2025-2026) Introduced by Janeese Lewis George

The act temporarily exempts certain District-owned or funded projects from net-zero-energy standards (with scope and dates) to ensure continuity for public projects.

Retained by the Council
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Bill Summary · B 26-0768

Summary of Bill: Net Zero Continuity Temporary Amendment Act of 2026 (B26-0768)

Purpose and intent

  • Introduces a temporary amendment to the Green Building Act of 2006 and related provisions to exempt certain District-owned and funded projects from net-zero-energy standards, and to modify how net-zero-energy compliance is applied to both residential and nonresidential projects.
  • Aims to provide continuity and flexibility for specific public sector projects during the period covered by the act, while keeping the broader Net Zero framework in place for other projects.

Key provisions and changes

Green Building Act of 2006 (as amended by this act)

  • Adds and updates definitions to clarify terms used in building codes and net-zero requirements (e.g., aquatic center, natatorium, level 3 alteration, temporary building).
  • Clarifies that net-zero-energy standards apply to certain projects and sets enumerated exceptions for specific project types and circumstances.

Net-zero energy compliance exemptions and adjustments

  • Nonresidential and residential projects owned or funded by the District may be exempt from net-zero-energy standards in certain cases, under a temporary framework.
  • Reforms the trigger and scope for when a project must comply with net-zero-energy standards:
    • Temporary buildings, certain additions (including projects under 10,000 square feet), essential public safety facilities (police, fire, emergency response, Office of Unified Communications), and natatoriums may be exempt from immediate net-zero requirements until specified regulatory dates.
    • Projects with permits submitted before October 1, 2024, and not submitted to GBAC by February 1, 2026, may be exempt.
    • New or revised language shifts certain compliance expectations, including converting references from DCRA to DOB in some provisions.

Clean Energy DC Building Code Amendment Act of 2022 (Section 2 amendments)

  • Redefines “Level 3 alteration” consistently across related acts.
  • Reinforces on-site renewable energy generation requirements where feasible and limits on-site fossil fuel use to backup power only for certain building types.
  • Adjusts when and how net-zero-energy compliance is required for new residential projects, including temporary relaxations for specific project categories and transitional references to final regulations.

Repeals

  • Repeals two temporary amendments enacted in 2025 and 2026 related to Net Zero Modification/Preservation and Green Housing Coordination, effectively consolidating or superseding those provisions with this act.

Who would be affected

  • District-owned or District-funded residential and nonresidential projects, particularly those that fall into temporary buildings, small additions, public safety facilities, natatoriums, or pre-October 1, 2024 permit submissions not yet GBAC-submitted by February 1, 2026.
  • Developers, property owners, and agencies involved in building design and permitting for affected projects, as the net-zero requirements and compliance timelines are adjusted.
  • Building code administration (DOB and related agencies), with updated terminology and compliance expectations.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective date: The act takes effect after mayoral approval, a 30-day congressional review, and publication in the DC Register.
  • Sunset: The act expires 225 days after taking effect, establishing a temporary framework.
  • Repeals: Terminates two prior temporary amendments (Green Housing Coordination Temporary Amendment Act of 2025 and Net Zero Modification and Preservation Temporary Amendment Act of 2026) upon enactment, signaling a consolidated temporary approach.

Fiscal note

  • The Council adopts the Budget Director’s fiscal impact statement; specifics would be found in that statement. The act contemplates temporary changes that could affect public project costs and timelines during the period of applicability.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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