CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: November 17, 2025
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
TITLE: ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. TO REPEAL IN ITS ENTIRETY CHAPTER
14.60 (VOLUNTARY RESIDENTIAL WEATHERIZATION
DISCLOSURE), SECTIONS 14.60.010 THROUGH 14.60.070
SYNOPSIS
Chapter 14.60 of the Pleasant Hill Municipal Code, "Voluntary Residential Weatherization Disclosure," was adopted in 1984 to encourage energy conservation in existing homes. At the time of its enactment, the ordinance served as a tool to promote awareness of energy efficiency by providing a mechanism for homeowners to disclose the status of basic weatherization measures (such as attic insulation, weather-stripping, and water heater blankets) to potential buyers at the point of sale.
The intent of this ordinance was an attempt to educate and create awareness of energy use and potential saving upgrades in the City’s housing stock during a period when most people did not think about energy savings and state energy regulations were less comprehensive than they are today.
DISCUSSION
Background
Chapter 14.60 of the Pleasant Hill Municipal Code, "Voluntary Residential Weatherization Disclosure," was adopted in 1984 to encourage energy conservation in existing homes.
Over the past several decades, the State of California has developed one of the most robust sets of building energy efficiency standards in the world, known as the California Building Standards Code, Title 24, Part 6 (the California Energy Code). The Energy Code is updated every three years, with each cycle introducing more stringent mandatory requirements for energy performance in both new and existing buildings.
Analysis
The evolution and comprehensive nature of the California Energy Code have rendered the City’s local Voluntary Residential Weatherization Disclosure ordinance entirely redundant and obsolete.
The state code now mandates energy efficiency measures that far exceed the scope of what our local ordinance was designed to encourage. Key areas where the California Energy Code has superseded Chapter 14.60 include:
Mandatory Requirements for Alterations: Any significant remodel, addition, or replacement of building components now triggers mandatory compliance with the current Energy Code. For example, when windows are replaced, they must be dual-pane, high-performance units. When an HVAC system is replaced, it must meet modern efficiency standards, and duct systems must be tested and sealed.
Comprehensive Compliance Documentation: The Energy Code requires detailed compliance forms (Certificates of Compliance, Installation, and Verification) for all permitted work. These documents serve as a far more technical and thorough "disclosure" of a home's energy features than the checklist envisioned by the local ordinance. New Construction Standards: All new homes built in California are subject to extremely high energy performance standards, including mandatory high levels of insulation, highefficiency windows, advanced mechanical systems, and, since 2020, a mandatory solar photovoltaic system.
Given these comprehensive state mandates, the original purpose of Chapter 14.60 is no longer relevant. Continuing to maintain this ordinance in the Municipal Code creates potential confusion for residents, real estate professionals, and City staff, as it references an outdated approach to energy conservation that has been fully replaced by state law. In summary, repealing this chapter streamlines our Municipal Code, removes unnecessary and obsolete regulation, and aligns the City's ordinances with current state law and practices.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with repealing this ordinance. The action may result in minor staff efficiencies by eliminating any time spent answering inquiries about an obsolete code chapter.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public Contact was made through posting of the City Council agenda on the City’s official notice bulletin board, at the Pleasant Hill Senior Center, and at the Pleasant Hill Police Department. The agenda and staff report are posted on the City’s web page.
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION
Adopt Ordinance
ALTERNATIVES TO RECOMMENDED ACTION
Do not adopt the proposed repeal of the Ordinance and provide further direction to staff.
ATTACHMENT(S)
Proposed Ordinance – Repeal of PHMC Chapter 14.60
Prepared by: Geoff Simmons, Chief Building Official
Approved by: Ethan Bindernagel, City Manager