Since the 2019 California Building Code update in January, 2020, several jurisdictions throughout California have adopted local reach codes to push the boundaries on sustainable buildings and design. Knowing whether a jurisdiction has a reach code in place could help avoid costly project delays and streamline the permitting process, as well as providing opportunities for cost and energy savings. Below are the five most recently approved reach codes that project teams should be aware of.
- Burlingame (Pending CEC Approval)
| Single Family & Low-Rise Multifamily | All-Electric required* |
| High-Rise Multifamily | All-Electric required*
PV required: – 3kW for < 10,000 sqft. – 5kW for > 10,000 sqft. – Alternatively, install solar thermal with > 40 sqft. collector area |
| Nonresidential | Electric pre-wire (excludes for-profit kitchen equipment)
PV required: – 3kW for < 10,000 sqft. – 5kW for > 10,000 sqft. – Alternatively, install solar thermal with > 40 sqft. collector area |
* Exemption for indoor/outdoor cooking and appliances (pre-wire for electric)
- Hayward
| Single Family & Low-Rise Multifamily | All-Electric required |
| High-Rise Multifamily | All-Electric required OR >10% Compliance margin
PV System to fill solar zone required (15% of roof area) |
| Nonresidential | All-Electric required OR >10% Compliance margin (15% for Office/Retail)
PV System to fill solar zone required (15% of roof area) |
- Richmond
| Single Family & Low-Rise Multifamily | All-Electric space/water heating and clothes dryers required
Pre-wire for electric cooktops/fireplaces |
| High-Rise Multifamily | All-Electric required
PV required: – 3kW for < 10,000 sqft. – 5kW for > 10,000 sqft. Alternatively, install solar thermal with > 40 sqft. collector area |
| Nonresidential | Pre-wire for electric (excluding for-profit kitchens, fire/police, and life sciences)
PV required: – 3kW for < 10,000 sqft. – 5kW for > 10,000 sqft. Alternatively, install solar thermal with > 40 sqft. collector area |
- San Mateo County
| Single Family & Low-Rise Multifamily | All-Electric required |
| High-Rise Multifamily | All-Electric required |
| Nonresidential | All-Electric required (excluding for-profit kitchens, laboratories, and emergency operations) |
- San Rafael
| Single Family & Low-Rise Multifamily | CALGreen Tier 1
– Mixed fuel: EDR ≥ 10 – All-electric: EDR ≥ 14 |
| High-Rise Multifamily | CALGreen Tier 1 (5% compliance margin) |
| Nonresidential | CALGreen Tier 1 (10% compliance margin) |
Navigating local jurisdictional reach codes can be a time-consuming challenge for project teams. VCA Green has a dedicated team of CALGreen and Energy Code specialists, as well as Certified Energy Analysts, who can assist in removing the red tape and turning ever-changing code requirements into energy- and cost-saving opportunities. For more information on local reach codes or CALGreen and Energy Code consultation services, please contact Moe Fakih below.
Contributing Writer: Luca Costa, Assistant Project Manager
Moe Fakih, Principal
VCA Green
714-363-4700
mfakih@vca-green.com