REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Resolution Establishing an Effective Date of January 1, 2022, for Ordinance No. 2034 (All-Electric Building Electrification Reach Codes Including EV Charging)
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Promote Sustainability and Environmental Protection
BACKGROUND
The City of Santa Clara is committed to sustainability, as one of seven City Council strategic pillar priorities, to support a healthy and livable future. Santa Clara's Climate Action Plan (CAP), adopted in 2013, includes strategies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and is currently in the process of being updated to further strengthen emissions reductions.
Every three years, the State of California adopts new building standards that are organized in Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, referred to as the California Building Standards Code. The most recent code cycle was adopted in 2019 with an effective date of January 1, 2020.
This code cycle is an opportunity for cities and counties to adopt optional local energy code amendments, known as reach codes, that exceed or enhance State code standards. Historically, judications have adopted reach codes to the California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6) and the California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) (Title 24, Part 11), to meet local climate action goals.
While the requirements of the 2019 version of the code move in the direction of zero-net-energy performance, the City of Santa Clara has the opportunity to achieve greater energy savings and accelerate decarbonization through an all-electric reach code that also prepares the community for the transition to transportation electrification.
After ordinance adoption, these local amendments to the Energy Code must be approved by the California Energy Commission (CEC) and filed with the California Building Standards Commission (CBSC) for the amendments to take effect.
During the March 2, 2021 City Council meeting, staff requested direction on proceeding with es...
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