C-PACER is an alternative loan program that allows owners of eligible commercial properties to seek long-term financing from a private capital provider for qualified improvements related to energy & building resiliency.
Whatcom County Planning and Development Services approved the first C-PACER application on February 7, 2023 for Bayview Asset Management, LLC regarding a proposal for construction of a new mixed-use commercial and multi-family housing development at 6276 Portal Way, Ferndale, WA 98248; located within incorporated City of Ferndale. The proposal includes the development of nine (9) multi-family buildings, comprised of 350 units, and two commercial buildings. C-PACER eligible improvements include aspects of the Building Envelope, Lighting, Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC), which will exceed the code requirements of the 2018 Washington State Energy Code, Uniform Plumbing Code, and associated Washington State Amendments.
In general, the following are examples of Qualified Improvements eligible for C-PACER financing; see Program Guidebook for more details:
In general the following types of properties are eligible for C-PACER financing. See Program Guidebook for more details:
Information provided by shiftZERO C-PACER Implementation FAQ:
"For Building Owners
With C-PACER financing, there is little cash outlay and the debt lien is filed against the property, not the owner. That debt obligation stays with the property whenever ownership transfers. The debt doesn’t appear on the owner’s balance sheet, and it does not encumber the owners’ credit capacity. Hence, owners find these kinds of loans attractive for long-term efficiency and resilience improvements.
For Tenants
Building tenants are the ones typically paying the utility bills (either directly or through rent), occupying uncomfortable spaces, and facing any health and safety risks. Giving the building owners an easier way to pay for these kinds of improvements is a benefit to tenants.
For the Public
C-PACER financing programs are a type of public-private partnership that make it attractive for building owners to pursue deep efficiency and resilience improvements that are in the public interest. Highly energy and water efficient buildings reduce environmental impacts, including greenhouse gas emissions. Lower energy and water consumption also reduces the need for production and delivery infrastructure, the costs for which are ultimately borne by ratepayers. Further, seismic, fire protection, and other safety-related resilience improvements increase public safety and ultimately mitigate publicly funded emergency response expense."
Whatcom County Planning & Development Services
Administrative Office
5280 Northwest Drive
Bellingham, WA 98226
Map (GIF)
Phone: 360-778-5931 Email the Department