Did you know that the Austin City Council is considering an ordinance that would require you to install energy efficient upgrades to your home before you can sell your property? This mandate would require homeowners to obtain a “Certificate of Compliance” from the City of Austin before homeowners can sell their homes.
The City’s proposal includes a “point of sale” requirement that could potentially cost homeowners thousands of dollars. REALTORS ® support energy efficiency, but we oppose this ordinance because it limits homeownership opportunities for Austin’s citizens. Instead, we encourage responsible environmental protection through educational programs and incentives, such as rebates, that assist and encourage voluntary conservation in our great city.
The city’s Energy Efficiency Retrofit Task Force is currently determining specific guidelines for the proposed ordinance through Resolution No. 20071213-064. The resolution clearly states that mandates will be enacted at the property “point of sale,” meaning upgrades would be required before homes can be sold. The Austin City Council will vote on whether or not to enact the task force recommendations this summer.
Here’s what you can do to help stop this ordinance from being enacted:
1. Support the Austin City Council candidates who understand the importance of this issue. Randi Shade (candidate for Place 3) and Cid Galindo (candidate for Place 4) both understand that energy efficiency is important and so is affordable homeownership. Let our city council know that you share these candidates’ views by voting for them during early voting (April 28 – May 6) or on Election Day (May 10). 2. Spread this message to others. Visit Keep Austin Affordable and share this information with neighbors, friends, family, and anyone else who will listen!
No comments:
Post a Comment