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, 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.

EPA Reach Code

The “Building Electrification and Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Reach Codes Ordinance” was adopted by the City Council on March 21, 2023. This Ordinance (01-2023) amends 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. 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. On March 7, 2023 City Council waived the first reading and then approved the 2023 Edition of the Reach Codes for the 2023 Building Code cycle at the subsequent meeting, March 21, 2023. This renews Reach Codes for the new Building Code while reducing some of the initial exemptions provided.

EPA Reach Code - 2023 Edition

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. The following is a listing of these efforts that resulted in adoption of the 2023 Reach Code:

• 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

Update on Reach Code

In 2023, the City of East Palo Alto adopted local amendments to the California Green Building Standards Code designed to shift toward an all-electric future, and away from reliance on fossil fuels, including natural gas. These local amendments are commonly referred to as “Reach Codes.” According to Peninsula Clean Energy, Reach Codes 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. Through electrification, the community can transition from burning natural gas and other fossil fuels to power provided by clean, carbon-free sources of electricity such as solar and wind. As a result, residents, businesses and the entire community benefit.

Due to recent legal developments, the City has temporarily paused enforcement of the portions of its Reach Code that require new buildings to be all-electric to the extent preempted by federal law, a judicial determination that has yet to be made as to the City’s Reach Code. However, the City of East Palo Alto still strongly encourages applicants to eliminate natural gas in new construction to achieve the benefits described above. 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. To that end, the City of East Palo Alto will consider adoption of an amended Reach Code that accounts for recent legal developments while moving the City toward achievement of its climate goals, albeit at a more modest pace.