Coming soon: Multifamily electric vehicle charging cost share

If your multifamily property has a parking lot with shared (unassigned) spaces and you are interested in installing electric vehicle (EV) charging equipment, you may qualify for reimbursement from the city! To be eligible for the city cost share, your property must be first accepted into the Xcel Energy Multifamily Charging program. Under this program, you will receive EV infrastructure installed at no cost and a discounted upfront cost for EV charging equipment. St. Louis Park multifamily properties are encouraged to express their interest to Xcel Energy (the program is currently at capacity but is likely to reopen later this year).

Contact Annie Pottorff, sustainability specialist, at apottorff@stlouisparkmn.gov or 952.928.1418 for more information.

Energy efficiency rebates increase

This year, exciting changes are happening to the existing residential energy efficiency rebate matching program – starting with its name. This program, now known as “Climate Champions for Homes,” will increase the city’s match on rebates from 25% or 50% to 50%, 75%, 100% or even 150% on rebates for energy efficiency equipment and air sealing/insulation projects. Because utility rebates are not yet available for heat pumps and heat pump water heaters, the city will provide rebates up to $2,500 and $1,000, respectively. In order to qualify for this program, residents must have a Home Energy Squad “Planner” visit or have received one within the past 36 months. Contact Ellie Rabine, sustainability specialist, at erabine@stlouisparkmn.gov or 952.924.2131 for more information.

After completing a project, you may be eligible for a rooftop solar reimbursement bonus from the city. Contact Annie Pottorff, sustainability specialist, at apottorff@stlouisparkmn.gov or 952.928.1418 for more information.

Preventing ice dams, water damage

Spring is on its way, which means a lot of snow melt and rain. Be sure your home is protected from water damage with these tips:

• Clear nearby storm drains – This will allow melting snow and rainwater to drain properly on your street. If you find a blocked drain you can’t clear, call the city at 952.924.2562 to report the location so city crews can help.

• Remove snow and ice dams from roofs – Remove as much snow as possible from your roof. Clear away ice dams, being careful not to damage gutters and roof edges. Call a professional to remove especially stubborn ice dams.

• Remove snow from around your home’s foundation – Be mindful not to deposit the snow on neighboring properties.

• Check your sump pump – If it’s not working, call a plumber to fix or replace it. Make sure the pump’s outside discharge pipe opening is clear so water can drain. Consider adding a battery backup so the sump pump will work during an electrical outage.

• Check your gutters – Point gutter downspouts away from your home’s foundation, but not toward neighboring properties. Make sure they are clear of ice and debris so water can flow easily through them.

• Review your homeowners insurance – Review your policy with your agent to ensure you understand your coverage. Consider buying flood insurance, which is available to anyone but must be purchased 30 days in advance of any claim.

Idle-Free SLP message spreads across city

Are you noticing more “Idle-Free SLP” signs around town? You can thank local St. Louis Park Middle School students Suwaydah, Ibtisam and Erin for making their class research project come to life! After hearing their presentation at the sixth-grade climate summit, city staff got involved to help spread the message. Now, you can see Idle-Free SLP signs posted at many schools, parks and city facilities. If you’d like free signs for your school or business, contact Ellie Rabine, sustainability specialist, at erabine@stlouisparkmn.gov or 952.924.2131.

Myth vs. fact

Myth: I need to warm up my vehicle for several minutes in the winter.

Fact: According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy, modern engines don’t require more than 30 seconds to sufficiently warm up. In fact, driving at slow speeds warms up your vehicle twice as fast as idling!

Is your property at risk of flooding?

Wondering what the flood risk is for your property? The city will give you the following information at your request:

• If your property is in or out of the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) as shown on the current Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM); in or out of the floodway; or in or near an area where the problems are not shown on the FIRM.

• Additional flood insurance data for a property, such as the FIRM zone and the base flood elevation or depth, if shown on the FIRM, and if a property is in or near an area of historical flooding and/or natural functions floodplain.

To request information, provide your street address and, if available, the subdivision, lot and block number. City staff will do the rest.

For more information, call the community development department at 952.924.2575. Visit www.stlouisparkmn.gov/floodplain for more information on flood hazards, risks and building responsibly.