District of Columbia2025Active
B26-0767
Net Zero Continuity Emergency Amendment Act of 2026
Last scannedAug 25, 2026, 4:28 AM
In one sentence
This law updates building rules in Washington, D.C., by exempting certain government projects from net-zero energy standards and setting deadlines for banning fuel combustion.
What it does
- Exempts District-owned residential and nonresidential projects from meeting full net-zero-energy standards until final regulations are issued.
- Defines specific terms like 'aquatic center,' 'natatorium,' and 'Level 3 alteration' to clarify which buildings the rules cover.
- Requires new construction and Level 3 alterations of covered buildings to meet a net-zero-energy standard by December 31, 2027.
- Prohibits on-site fuel combustion for heating in new construction and large additions starting after permit applications are submitted following December 31, 2026.
- Allows temporary buildings, small additions under 10,000 square feet, emergency response facilities, and natatoriums to skip certain energy requirements until final regulations take effect.
Who it affects
- Builders of new residential and nonresidential projects in the District of Columbia
- Owners or managers of District-owned government buildings
- Facilities such as police stations, firehouses, emergency response centers, and indoor pool facilities
Limits and unknowns
- The exact details of energy conservation rules depend on final regulations the Mayor must issue by December 31, 2026.
- Some exemptions for emergency facilities last only until those final regulations take effect.
- The provided text ends before listing all submission deadlines for permit applications regarding Level 3 alterations.
Plain language
Terms to know
- Net-zero-energy standard
- A rule requiring buildings to obtain energy from renewable sources on-site wherever feasible and prohibiting fuel combustion for heating except for backup power.
- Level 3 alteration
- A major change or renovation to an existing building as defined in the Building Codes.
- Natatorium
- An indoor pool facility that includes systems to control temperature and humidity.
Official record
Sources
Official summary
Net Zero Continuity Emergency Amendment Act of 2026
Official activity
Bill history
- Enacted