4.1. SR 02-24-1997City of
MEMORANDUM
ITEM 4.1.
TO:
iver
MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
STEPHEN ROHLF, BUILDING ANDI~
ZONING ADMINISTRATOR
DATE:
FEBRUARY 24, 1997
SUBJECT: ENERGY HOUSE
The Suburban Northwest Builders Association is proposing to build an
energy efficient house. The house, which will be used as a demonstration site
for the Energy City project, will also be a healthy house/green house. In
addition, the house is proposed to be used as the Builders Association's office.
It is staffs interpretation that the use of the Energy House as a
demonstration site and Builders Association office fits within the
restrictions for a model home, which are found in section 900.20 (13) of
the City Code of Ordinances.
· The Energy House will be used to market the energy efficient concept it
represents not lots in other subdivisions or formerly occupied dwellings.
· The inside and outside appearance of the Energy House will remain as a
home.
· Signage, parking, lighting, and hours will be kept within the restrictions
of a model home.
The Builders Association will not have sales people officed in the Energy
House, but they do have one full time employee who will be officed in it. The
model home ordinance does state that meetings can be held in a model home,
however, the Builders Association will have their meetings off-site.
Many of the components of the Energy House will be donated. The builders
involved in constructing the Energy House will be donating and/or deferring
their wages until the house is sold. To demonstrate the latest energy
efficient technology, the Builders Association plans to construct a new Energy
House approximately every three with the proceeds from selling the previous
house.
Staff recommends the City defers its fees associated with the Energy
House until it is sold. These fees will basically be building permit and plan
check. We can not defer the State Surcharge. The mortgage company for
this house will track who is owed what.
13065 Orono Parkway · P.O. Box 490 · Elk River, MN 55330 · (612) 441-7420 · Fax: (612) 441-7425