SECTION 1. As used in this act, the term “fossil fuel-free building” shall mean an entire building or condominium unit that supports its operation without the use of coal, oil, natural gas, fuel hydrocarbons, including synthetic equivalents, or other fossil fuels.
SECTION 2. Notwithstanding section 13 of chapter 142 and chapter 164 of the General Laws, the state building code, as codified in 780 CMR, or any other general or special law to the contrary, the town of Arlington may adopt and further amend general or zoning by-laws that restrict new construction or major renovation projects that do not qualify as fossil fuel-free buildings.
SECTION 3. Notwithstanding section 7 of chapter 40A of the General Laws or any other general or special law to the contrary, the building inspector of the town of Arlington, or any designee thereof, may enforce restrictions on new construction and major renovation projects that do not qualify as fossil fuel-free buildings, including by withholding of building permits.
SECTION 4. Any by-law approved by the town meeting of the town of Arlington on or before the effective date of this act that is consistent with sections 1 to 3, inclusive, is hereby ratified, validated and confirmed.
SECTION 5. This act shall take effect upon its passage.
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