Residential Sustainability Grant

Merriam residents and property owners can install energy-saving systems, including solar power, wind power, high-efficiency HVAC, insulation, energy-efficient windows and doors, and geothermal heating and cooling.

About the Program

  • Provides a 20% reimbursement for energy-saving improvements
  • Can be used in conjunction with the Residential Exterior Improvement Grant (one project can't be funded by both programs)
  • Total annual program amount: $20,000
  • Approved applications will receive money until all program funds are expended

 

Eligibility 

  • Non-apartment residential properties
  • Minimum $2,500 investment by the property owner
  • Reimbursement amount: minimum $500; maximum $2,500
  • Eligible improvements include, but are not limited to, Home Energy Audit (blower door audit) by a certified auditor, solar power, wind power, energy-efficient HVAC and/or water heater, energy-efficient windows and/or doors, insulation, geothermal heating and cooling, duct sealing
  • Energy-saving improvements must meet the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) – See efficiency specifications
  • The City reserves the right to determine if a proposed improvement meets program requirements
  • All improvements must conform to Merriam Code
  • Contractor(s) utilized to perform the improvements must have a Merriam Occupational License, and, if appropriate, a Johnson County Contractor License
  • Property owner must be current on all property taxes in Merriam
  • Program property must be code complaint
  • Property owner must provide proof of adequate property insurance
  • Governmental subsidies or funds utilized for the improvements aren't eligible for reimbursement

 

Process 

  • The Community Development Department manages the program
  • We will start accepting applications on Jan. 4, 2021
  • Property owner submits an application to the Community Development Department
  • Work bids, including all project specification sheets, must be submitted prior to application approval
  • The program will only reimburse the labor costs of labor provided by a third-party contractor
  • Application approval must occur before the start of work
  • Before and after photos of the project will be taken by City staff
  • Property owner is responsible for ensuring that all required permits have been obtained. All permits must be in place prior to any work taking place
  • Work must be completed within 120 days of application approval
  • Work must be completed by October 15
  • One Residential Sustainability grant per property with the same owner, per 10 years

 

Before reimbursement 

  • Property owner provides at least $2,500 in receipts
  • Staff performs a post-project inspection to verify project completion
  • No exterior code violations are present
  • Property owner must complete a W-9

Application