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In September 2019, San José City Council approved a building reach code ordinance that encourages building electrification and energy efficiency, requires solar-readiness on nonresidential buildings, and requires electric vehicle (EV)-readiness and EV equipment installation. 

In October 2019, Council approved an ordinance prohibiting natural gas infrastructure in new detached accessory dwelling units, single-family, and low-rise multi-family buildings that would supplement the reach code ordinance. 
 
Both of these ordinances will apply to new construction starting January 1, 2020. See summary of how these ordinances apply to the various building types.

What Are Reach Codes?

Reach codes are building codes that are more advanced than those required by the state.

Every three years, cities and counties across California adopt new Building Standards Code (Standards) or Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations. Cities can also choose to adopt local reach codes, on top of these Standards, at anytime.   

WHy establish REACH CODES?

Climate Smart San José is the community’s approved climate action plan. The plan makes San José one of the first major cities to have greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets aligned with the international Paris Agreement. Reach codes that support energy efficiency, electrification, and renewable energy can save energy and reduce GHG emissions.

San José can reduce emissions by powering new and existing buildings and vehicles with GHG-free electricity. Instead of burning natural gas and gasoline to operate buildings and vehicles, they can run on clean electricity provided by San José Clean Energy (SJCE). SJCE's base power mix is on track to be 100 percent carbon neutral by 2021, which will mean virtually no GHG emissions (associated with energy use) for all-electric buildings. All-electric buildings are not just cleaner to operate, they are also safer and healthier to live in and are cost-effective, especially when designed at the new construction stage.


Learn more about building electrification initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality in this presentation on building decarbonization.

PUBLIC MEETINGS

  • Friday, February 28, 2020 - Significant Changes in the 2019 California Codes

Time: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. PDT
Location: City Hall Wing Rooms 118 - 120

See flyer for more information. Please RSVP via email or via phone at (408) 795-3154.

Future reach code trainings and information workshops will be posted here.

Contact us if you have any questions. Fill out the Reach Code Stakeholder Notification Form to be added to our notification list.

previous public meetings

  • Tuesday, December 17 - Informational Meeting on Reach Code and Natural Gas Infrastructure Prohibition
    Time: 12 - 2 p.m. PDT (Presentation)
    Location: City Hall Wing Rooms 118 - 119 

  • Wednesday, July 10 – Final Reach Code Development Meeting 
    Time: 1 - 5 p.m. PDT (Agenda | Presentation)
    Location: City Hall Rotunda
  • Tuesday, June 25 – San José Reach Code for Residential New Construction
    Time: 5 - 8 p.m. PDT (Agenda | Presentation)
    Location: City Hall
  • Monday, June 24 – Community and Economic Development (CED) Committee, Reach Code Update Presentation
    Time: 1:30 p.m. PDT (CED Committee Memo | Presentation)
    Location: City Hall
  • Tuesday, June 4 – San José Reach Code for Commercial New Construction
    Time: 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. PDT (Agenda | Presentation)
    Location: City Hall
  • Wednesday, May 29 – Introduction to Reach Codes in San José
    Time: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. PDT (Agenda | Presentation)
    Location: City Hall

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