Electrification Reach Code
The City is taking strides to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in our buildings by way of electrification. Electrification is the process of converting fossil fuel operated equipment and appliances to electricity (i.e., vehicles, space heating, water heating). The Healdsburg Electric Department provides low-carbon electricity to our customers that will continue to decline in carbon intensity to meet California’s mandate of carbon-free electricity by 2045. In order to avoid future greenhouse gas emissions, an electrification reach code can minimize GHG impacts in new construction.
What is a Reach Code?
In California, Title 24 of the Code of Regulations sets the building code standards for all jurisdictions statewide. The Energy Code (Part 6 of Title 24) regulates building energy efficiency such as building insulation, heating and cooling systems, and lighting. The Green Building Standards Code (Part 11 of Title 24) regulates energy efficiency, water efficiency, conservation, material conservation, resource efficiency, and environmental quality. Local governments can adopt more stringent requirements through the development of reach codes.
A reach code must be at least as stringent as the state-wide code and must meet the following requirements:
- All reach codes must be re-approved with each Code update (every 3 years).
- Electrification reach codes amending CALGreen Part 11 that do not require additional energy efficiency do not have to be proven to be cost effective.
- Adopted ordinances must be filed with the California Building Standards Commission.
What Reach Code was adopted starting 2023?
Electric space and water heating: Requires electric heating appliances (i.e., heat-pump space, water, and pool heating) in new buildings. The policy allows natural gas for cooking and decorative fireplaces.
The adopted ordinance has been accepted for filing by the California Building Standards Commission.
What building types does the reach code apply to?
New Construction Residential Buildings
- Single family residential
- Detached accessory dwelling unit
- Multi-family residential properties
New Construction Non-Residential Buildings
- Commercial Buildings, including but not limited to:
- Offices
- Retail
- Restaurants
- Hotels
- Industrial Buildings
Major Renovations and Significant Remodels
- Defined as removal of any structure’s exterior wall area and roof/ceiling area, exposes 75% or more of the entire building’s existing conditioned space
Resources
California Energy Codes & Standards Statewide Cost Effectiveness Studies
Appliances & Technology
- Heat Pump Systems - Energy.gov information
- Heat Pump HVAC - List of models and specifications
- Heat Pump Water Heaters - List of models and specifications
- Cooking - List of models and prices
- Fireplaces - List of models and prices
- Dryers - List of models and prices
- Landscaping - List of models and prices
2019 Energy Reach Code
2019 Reach Code Requirements
Electric space and water heating: Required electric heating appliances (i.e., heat pump water and space heating) in new buildings. The policy allowed gas for cooking, fireplaces and pool heaters. The ordinance expires with the 2019 California Building Standards Code (Title 24) on December 31, 2022.
Additional Information
- Reach Code Basics presentation - Felicia Smith, City of Healdsburg
- Efficient Electric Technology presentation - Amy Rider, Archamy Consulting
- Reach Code Cost Effectiveness presentation- Ted Tiffany, Guttman & Blaevoet
Questions
Please send any written questions or feedback to conservation@healdsburg.gov.