REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action on the Introduction of an All-Electric Reach Code Ordinance, including Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging, that Amends Chapter 15.36 (Energy Code) and Chapter 15.38 (Green Building Code) of Title 15 (Buildings and Construction) of the Santa Clara City Code (Deferred from September 28, 2021)
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Promote Sustainability and Environmental Protection
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
At the City Council Meeting on March 2, 2021, staff presented greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions trends and forecasts as part of the discussion around setting City Climate Action Plan (CAP) Update targets. During this study session, staff also requested Council direction on a "reach code" for building electrification and electric vehicle (EV) charging. Reach codes are local building code amendments that go beyond the State of California's requirements for energy efficiency and green building standards. At this meeting, Council provided direction to proceed with development of an all-electric reach code that included electric vehicle (EV) charging requirements.
The consideration of reach codes was further reinforced at the July 13, 2021 CAP Update study session, confirming the Draft Climate Action Plan Update GHG targets as a key step to meeting emissions reduction goals. Additionally, Council directed staff to modify the EV charging requirement in the reach codes as follows:
Original: Implement proposed Reach Code to require all new multi-family projects (20 units or less) to install one Level 2 EV ready charging station per unit. Require all new multi-family projects (over 20 units) to install 25% of parking spaces Level 2 EV ready and 75% of parking spaces Level 1 EV ready.
New Council Directive: Require all new multi-family projects (over 20 units) to provide 25% of parking spaces with Level 2 EV ready spaces and 75% of parking spaces with Lite Level 2 EV ready spaces at 3.8 kW using an automatic load management software to balance the loads.
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