Tax Credits Available

• Federal tax credits are available for 30% of improvement cost (up to $1,500 total) to homeowners making qualifying energy efficient improvements to existing homes in 2009 and 2010. Potentially eligible improvements include:

• Windows and Doors
• Insulation
• Roofs
• HVAC
• Water Heaters
• Biomass Stoves

• Federal tax credits are available for 30% of improvement cost (no maximum amount) to homeowners making qualifying energy efficient home improvements through 2016. Potentially eligible improvements include:

• Geothermal Heat Pumps
• Solar Panels
• Solar Water Heaters
• Small Wind Energy Systems
• Fuel Cells

• Guidelines for qualifying improvements are available on the ENERGY STAR website.
  
• Please note, not all ENERGY STAR products qualify for a tax credit. These tax credits are available for a number of products at the highest efficiency levels, which typically cost much more than standard products.

Design Review/Approval Required

• All exterior home improvements (such as windows, doors, roofs, etc.) always need to comply with Architectural Board of Review (ABR) and/or Landmark Commission regulations. Most projects will also require a Building Permit.
• The ABR can and will approve windows and doors made of various materials, but the style and design must be appropriate for your home’s architecture. The ABR will approve roofs that replicate a natural material and that are appropriate for the style of house. See the ABR Design Guidelines and Shaker Village Colors for more information.
• Solar panels, solar water heaters and small wind energy systems also require design review and a permit.
• Landmark properties, and properties located within the Winslow Road historic district or the Shaker Square historic district, must have exterior improvements approved by the Landmark Commission.
• The Landmark Commission requires that new windows and doors be constructed in the same materials as the original, typically wood. The Landmark Commission will approve roofs that replicate a natural material and that are appropriate for the style of house. See the Landmark Commission Design Guidelines and Window Standards for more information.

For questions about the City’s design review procedures, please contact the Planning Department at 491-1430. Staff is not able to answer questions about the federal tax credits or specific products.