Proposed Amendments to the Fossil Fuel-Free Demonstration Ordinance Language

To the Honorable, the City Council:

At our meeting on Monday, August 7, 2023, I will be moving to amend the yet-to-be adopted language for the Fossil Fuel-Free Demonstration, which will appear under Chapter 15.30 of the Municipal Code of the City of Cambridge, using the following language: § 15.30.40 b.i.7.

A waiver may be granted by the Commissioner of Inspectional Services for any c C ommercial cooking equipment used in a restaurant in a building that has applied for a building permit prior to January 1, 2035 if the cooking processes cannot technically or reasonably be converted to an all-electric process, or if the electric equipment on market is unreasonably cost prohibitive in the judgment of the Commissioner, provided : a) that the applicant shall furnish a letter describing the technical service limitations or performance requirements and the available products on the market, and b) that the electrical panel has sufficient capacity for the later installation of fully electric food preparation equipment.

Any existing fossil fueled equipment on the premises of a restaurant that is moved temporarily to be serviced, cleaned or maintained need not be replaced. The Commissioner of Inspectional Services shall have the authority to promulgate regulations for the requirements of a waiver request for commercial cooking equipment. Sincerely,

Patricia Nolan

Cambridge City Councillor

CITY HALL, CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS 02139

Email: pnolan@cambridgema.gov