Reach Codes

California Building Codes

As required by law, on December 6, 2022 the City of East Palo City Council adopted new changes proposed by the State to the California Building Standards Code every three years (known as code cycles). The new code cycle took effect January 1, 2023. 

What is a Reach Code?

Reach Codes are amendments to the California Building Code, typically Title 24 Part 6 or Title 24 Part 11, that go beyond the state’s minimum requirements to  reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, enhance equity, and meet climate action goals.  Reach Codes require new construction buildings to implement measures that mitigate climate change by lowering carbon emissions, in conjunction with EPA’s Climate Action Plan. Reach Codes can also prepare buildings for upcoming state and regional regulations, such as the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) adopted Rule Rule 9-4 and Rule 9-6. 

EPA Reach Code History

The City of East Palo Alto has adopted several iterations of reach codes. In October 2020, City Council first approved the Reach Codes ordinance that mandates electrification and electric charging infrastructure for all new construction projects. The EPA Reach Codes focuses on new residential, commercial, and multifamily buildings seeking building permits after January 1, 2021. The ordinance did not apply to additions or alterations.

During the December 6, 2022 hearing on Building Codes mentioned above, the East Palo Alto City Council asked City staff to explore another edition of the Reach Codes. This led to the adoption of an Ordinance for the 2023 Reach Code update (01-2023) which amended Municipal Code Chapter 15 of Title 15 (Buildings and Construction) in EPA to include reach codes that apply to California Energy Code and Green Building Code. The update renewed the Reach Codes for the new Building Code while reducing some of the initial exemptions provided.

• A public Community Meeting to introduce the proposed 2^nd Edition of the Reach Codes and to get community input was hosted on February 16, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. The meeting was recorded and is available at the following link: https://vimeo.com/799742377
• On March 7, 2023, the EPA City Council waived the first reading for the 2023 Reach Codes and accepted staff's recommendations. The staff report and link to the meeting video recording is accessible at the following link: http://eastpaloalto.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_Meeting.aspx?ID=1944
• On March 21, 2023, the EPA Staff presented Reach Codes updates for Council for a second reading. Second reading passed with no changes. The meeting video recording is accessible at the following link: http://eastpaloalto.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_Meeting.aspx?ID=1962

In the early summer of 2024, following legal developments in the California Restaurant Association v The City of Berkeley case, the City temporarily paused enforcement of its all-electric requirements under the reach code. In response, the City began exploring alternative pathways to continue advancing its climate goals.

2024 Reach Code

On June 18, 2024, the City of East Palo Alto adopted local amendments to the California Energy Code. These local amendments are commonly referred to as “Reach Codes”. This latest version focuses specifically on enhancing energy performance as compared to the 2022 Energy Code.

Summary

The reach code aims to strengthen local building energy standards to reduce energy use and carbon emissions in new buildings. These changes affect the performance pathway of the existing Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6).

Key Points:

• The reach code sets a stricter requirement for energy use and emissions in new buildings. This includes the "EDR1" metric for single-family homes and "Source Energy" for all other building types, both of which serve as proxies for carbon emissions.
• The goal is to reduce energy consumption and emissions from new buildings, helping the community meet climate goals and potentially lowering energy costs for residents.

What is Affected: The reach code impacts appliances used for space heating, cooling, and water heating. Appliances such as stoves, laundry machines, pools, and fireplaces are not affected.

Compliance Options: New buildings can meet the proposed higher standards through one of two pathways: 1) All-Electric: Choose all-electric appliances and systems or 2) Mixed-Fuel: Choose a combination of electric and gas appliances, but with additional requirements like adding energy efficiency measures, solar panels, and/or batteries. These buildings must also be pre-wired for future conversion to all-electric appliances.

Applicability and Cost: The proposed performance requirements apply to both mixed-fuel and all-electric buildings and are designed to be cost-effective without needing appliances that exceed federal efficiency standards.

The City of East Palo Alto strongly encourages applicants to eliminate natural gas in new construction. Electrification can help lower costs, reduce indoor air pollutants that may be harmful to the inhabitant's health (especially those with certain respiratory conditions), eliminate the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning from gas appliances, decrease outdoor air pollution, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The State of California is moving toward an all-electric future and the City of East Palo Alto will continue to strive toward one where local climate change action is paramount.

Supporting Documents