HomeMy WebLinkAbout08 CITY FINANCING INITIATIVE-ENERGY EFFICIENCY INCENTIVE PROGRAM (EEIP)-- AGENDA REPORT
Agenda Item 8
Reviewed:
City Manager
Finance Director N/A
MEETING DATE: JULY 19, 2011
TO: WILLIAM A. HUSTON, INTERIM CITY MANAGER
FROM: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: CITY FINANCING INITIATIVE -ENERGY EFFICIENCY INCENTIVE
PROGRAM (EEIP) PERMIT FEE REBATE
SUMMARY:
The City Council unanimously approved a resolution to implement an Energy Efficiency
Incentive Program (EEIP). The program was implemented in June 2010, where
property owners have the opportunity to receive a rebate on permit fees while
completing improvements to their properties to make energy use more efficient or to
conserve energy. Improvements include: window and door replacement, solar
improvement installation, and tankless water heater installation, to name a few.
Since the program started in June 2010, two (2) businesses, and six (6) residents, have
completed the installation and received rebates for the total amount of $15,853.96.
Many more, including Tustin Columbus Gymnasium's photovoltaic system, are eligible
projects for the permit fee rebate.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council receive and file the report.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There are no fiscal impacts to the General Fund associated with this action since the
program uses federal grant money to cover the cost of rebate fees. Further, the grant
includes allowance for the development of public outreach programs and staff education
programs associated with the qualified projects.
BACKGROUND
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 includes provisions for formula-
based (non-competitive) Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants (EECBG) to
be issued to local jurisdictions. A permit fee rebate program is an eligible activity under
the EECBG. The Community Development Department in conjunction with the Public
City Council Report
July 19, 2011
City Financing Initiative -Energy Efficiency Incentive Program (EEIP) Permit Fee Rebate
Page 2 of 3
Works Department applied for the grant and received $80,000 to be dispersed for EEIP
within the three (3) years. Use of this fund offsets program costs and is in accordance
with the approved program and reporting guidelines. The Building Division of the
Community Development Department is the administrator of the grant. The EEIP will
terminate as the allocated grant money is exhausted.
DISCUSSION:
The Community Development Department rebates all permit fees on building, plumbing,
mechanical and electrical permits for resource-saving property improvements. The
Community Development Department is offering a rebate of the permit fees for qualified
projects from June 2010 until June 2012, or when the available fund is exhausted.
Qualifying improvements address energy conservation and improved efficiency.
The types of projects that qualify for fee a rebate as energy efficient improvements are
as follows:
Cogeneration Fuel Cells
Cool Roofs - Exceeding what is required by California Energy Code (CEC)
Geothermal Heat Pumps
Windows and doors exceeding CEC efficiency standards
HVAC Systems exceeding CEC efficiency standards
Insulation exceeding minimum required by CEC
Insulation in attics of existing buildings
Photovoltaic Systems (solar improvement installation)
Renewable Energy Systems
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Skylights approved by California Energy Commission
Tankless Domestic Water Heaters
Other Energy Efficiency Installations/Innovations
To date the following projects have been reimbursed:
• Ricoh - $4,986.70
• Costco in the District - $8,552.25
• Residential (6) - $2,315.01
• T.H.E. Cat Hospital (under construction) - $3,000.00 (est.)
City Council Report
July 19, 2011
City Financing Initiative -Energy Efficiency Incentive Program (EEIP) Permit Fee Rebate
Page 3 of 3
• Columbus Tustin Gymnasium (under construction) - $5,700.00 (est.)
• Residential (11 under construction) - $6,600.00 (est.)
Y Henry Huang
wilding Official
Elizabeth A. Binsack
Community Development Director