City of San Mateo
City Council Meeting
POST PACKET
PUBLIC COMMENT
As of November 3, 2025, at 4:00 PM
From: Anne Adams
To: Clerk; City Council (San Mateo)
Cc: Anne Adams
Subject: Pease consider these recommendations
Date: Thursday, October 30, 2025 4:53:04 PM
Attachments: image002.jpg
Importance: High
1. The Climate Crisis as background: The climate crisis marches on. There is so much coverage of the issue, and each of us has our own perspective of the dangers that loom just over the horizon. On October 27, 2025, the Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres said: “Humanity has failed to limit global heating to
1.5C and must change course immediately.”.
Worse yet, the amount of global warming Carbon Dioxide found in the atmosphere increased by more than 3% in 2024. At this rate, the current measure of 431 parts per million will double within 20 years to over 800 parts per million. Unfortunately, a very serious increase in the earth’s temperature will follow right behind.
We thank you City Council for your continued leadership in response to the climate crisis. We are excited about your consideration on November 3rd, of some important electrification action steps. We support what you are doing.
2. What is being considered by the Council on November 3:
At the November 3
meeting, The San Mateo City Council is considering several building code options to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These include cooling upgrades for both residential and non-residential properties, as well as “Flex Path” and “Electric Readiness”.
A. Cooling upgrades – residential.
The City Council will be considering a possible
requirement that when an air conditioning unit fails, a heat pump must be installed by the building owner, OR the property owner must at that time install energy efficient measures that exceed State Code. If adopted, this would apply to single family homes, townhomes, and duplexes. Following this standard would also prepare the property owner to follow upcoming Air District “zero NOx” standards on gas fired furnaces.
We urge the City Council to adopt an ordinance that requires cooling upgrades for residential properties at the time an air conditioning unit is being replaced. This will reduce overall energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.
B. Cooling upgrades, non-residential.
Like residential properties, the City Council will
be considering a requirement that when an air conditioning unit fails, it must be replaced with a heat pump by the building owner, OR, the owner must install energy efficient measures. State Code already requires such action for smaller air conditioning units. The City Council is being asked to consider extending those standards to larger air conditioning units, up to 20 tons in size.
urge the City Council to adopt an ordinance that requires cooling upgrades for non- residential properties of HVAC units of up to 20 tons.
C. Flex Path - Renovation of 1,000 square feet or more of residential space. The City Council will be considering a proposed requirement that single family, townhomes, and duplex building renovations of 1,000 square feet or more include greenhouse gas reducing improvements, with a score between 12 and 30 on the City’s score sheet.
We believe that the City of San Mateo can do better than a threshold of 1,000 square feet, to have more impact. We urge the City Council to consider energy efficiency measures for renovations of 500 square feet or more, as other cities have done, and to consider the highest score possible.
D. Electric Readiness
The City Council will be considering a proposed requirement for electric readiness for single family, townhomes, and duplex buildings, when improvements are being made within kitchen or laundry space. The requirements would include such improvements as reserved breaker space on electrical panels, electrical plugs that will accommodate electric appliances, and wiring and conduit in preparation for future installations of greenhouse gas reducing electrical appliances.
We also understand that the cost of gas is increasing faster than electricity. Over the next few years, this will create pressure to electrify the home, thereby creating another benefit in addition to the climate benefits.
We urge the City Council to adopt electric readiness standards because they will lead to greenhouse gas reductions and prepare us for the Air District NOx standards. They will also allow our residents to be prepared, should gas prices increase, as is expected.
Thank you for all you do
Anne Adams
Don't ask yourself what the world needs –
Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and then go do it.
Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.
Dr. Howard Thurman
If we want to change the story of the human race in the 21st century, we have to change the stories we tell ourselves.
Anne Adams, PhD
https://integrality.co/
From: Wendy Chou
To: City Council (San Mateo); Andrea Chow
Subject: Public comment: November 3 Reach Codes Special Session Date: Sunday, November 2, 2025 7:56:04 PM
Dear Mayor Newsom, Deputy Mayor Loraine, and Councilmembers Fernandez, Cwirko- Godycki, and Diaz Nash,
I am strongly in favor of the four proposed building reach codes put forward by City staff. All four options are needed to make a stronger, healthier investment for San Mateo’s future.
We agree today that clean air is an important public right. Back around the 2000s, we as a society started to make a shift. No longer could we allow smoking right outside a public building, a workplace, an apartment building, or a restaurant, since the drifting pollution might affect others’ safety. By listening to the science, we eliminated the scourge of secondhand smoke and boosted public health.
Today we can keep improving air quality through better building codes. Here are five reasons why:
1. Protect health. There’s many studies showing that we are much better off, and our indoor and outdoor air quality is improved, when using electric appliances instead of gas when possible.
2. Beware misinformation. Companies that sell fossil fuels don’t want to lose their record-breaking profits (which were just over $100 billion in 2024), so they are spreading misinformation to sow confusion and help lock in their oil and gas customers.
3. Flexibility. The proposed building reach codes offer a property owner many energy- saving options (envelope sealing, other efficiency measures, or electrification) because each building’s situation is unique.
4. The long view and "future proofing". Buildings are very long-lived, valuable investments deserving of good upkeep. Only when major renovations are already at play (for example 750 square feet or greater), or if the property owner has already voluntarily decided to upgrade their space cooling, do the Flex Path or Cooling upgrades reach codes come into effect. By paying a small fraction of the project cost more now, one can reap larger savings later. Plus, the efficiency of heat pumps means that monthly energy bills come way down. In addition, a representative from Peninsula Clean Energy informed the Sustainability & Infrastructure Commission at its October meeting that the cost of gas is rising far more rapidly than the cost of electricity. Finally, the Electric Readiness reach code involving wiring preparation just makes common sense in terms of planning ahead for the future.
5. Listen to youth. My stance on building electrification has been shaped by being a mother to a 13-year-old. What are we promising to our kids and grandkids if we don’t take action now in our cities and towns to reduce greenhouse gases? It's also important to note that Peninsula Clean Energy offers many substantial rebates, especially for income-qualified households, and also has amazing "concierge" services for people who want to electrify but want advice and someone to help with the research and legwork.
I hope you will support all four of the building reach codes under discussion. I commend you for your leadership on behalf of all San Mateans and salute the hard-working City staff who have made this moment of progress possible.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Wendy Chou
Resident of San Mateo
From: Michael Colgan
To: City Council (San Mateo)
Subject: Support Strong Building Reach Codes for Clean Air and Climate Date: Sunday, November 2, 2025 4:22:19 PM
Mayor Newsom and City Council Members,
Thank you for considering Building Reach Codes at your November 3 study session. I strongly support action that will reduce harmful air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
Please require cooling upgrades for both residential and non-residential properties when systems are replaced.
Please set the Flex Path threshold at 500 square feet or more with a score of 30 to maximize impact.
Please adopt Electric Readiness standards for all residential improvements.
These steps will protect public health — especially children and underserved residents most affected by indoor air toxins — and help San Mateo meet its climate goals.
Thank you for your leadership.
Michael Colgan
From: Eldridge, Karyl
To: City Council (San Mateo)
Cc: Clerk
Subject: SUPPORT for Building Reach Codes
Date: Monday, November 3, 2025 3:18:40 PM
Dear Mayor Newsom and Members of the San Mateo City Council,
In anticipation of tonight’s city council meeting, I am writing to express my support for the Building Reach Codes that are under consideration, including cooling upgrades for residential and non-residential properties, “Flex Path” for residential renovations, and “Electric Readiness” for certain residential improvements. I also want to thank you for turning your attention to this important matter that is so important to the health of our planet, as well as the inhabitants of our homes.
Sincerely,
Karyl Eldridge
One San Mateo
*Wire Fraud is Real*. Before wiring any money, call the intended recipient at a number you know is valid to confirm the instructions. Additionally, please note that the sender does not have authority to bind a party to a real estate contract via written or verbal communication.
From:
To: City Council (San Mateo)
Subject: Public comment 11/3 special session: reach codes Date: Sunday, November 2, 2025 10:56:29 AM
Dear Mayor Newsom and City Council:
Thank you for addressing Building Reach Codes, including cooling upgrades for residential and non-residential properties, "Flex Path" for residential renovations, and "Electric Readiness" for certain residential improvements. I appreciate your focus on such an important issue.
I would like to provide a comment for your consideration:
I support all of the residential reach codes -- Cooling Upgrades reach code for residential properties replacing or installing air conditioning;
Flex Path reach code for renovations,
and the Electric Readiness reach codes for alterations/additions within 3 feet of an existing gas appliance or including a new gas appliance. I also support the reach code for non-residential properties for cooling upgrades.
Thank you for your service to San Mateo and for your efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Ginny Fleming
From: Sam Fishman
To: City Council (San Mateo)
Cc: Clerk; Robert Whitehair
Subject: SPUR recommends modern reach codes for San Mateo"s buildings Date: Friday, October 31, 2025 12:59:36 PM
Dear Mayor Newsom and City Council,
I applaud the Council and City staff for taking the time at the November 3, 2025 study session to review and consider adoption of Building Reach Codes, including cooling upgrades for residential and non-residential properties, "Flex Path" for residential renovations, and "Electric Readiness" for certain residential improvements. We appreciate your focus on these important measures.
Versions of these most recent code cycle model reach codes have now been adopted by cities representing over a million residents in the Bay Area, and including Oakland, Sunnyvale, Mountain View, Menlo Park, Palo Alto, and others. SPUR has worked directly with cities
to support adoption of
energy codes that can cost-effectively and incrementally transition cities' building stocks toward a healthier and more energy efficient future.
We support cooling upgrades for residential properties, which have the co- benefits of expanding resilience to extreme heat as risks are increasing across the region.
We propose cooling upgrades for non-residential
properties that have an upper threshold of 20 tons.
For Flex path, I request that the City Council consider applying the standards to renovations of 500 square feet or more, with a score of 30 on the Flex Path
Menu.
We also support electric readiness to ensure that homes can add electric appliances in the future without added cost or hassle.
Thank you for your consideration of these measures!
Sincerely,
Sam Fishman
Sustainability and Resilience Policy Manager,
SPUR
SPUR
Join | Get Newsletters | Twitter | LinkedIn
From: Ricki McGlashan
To: City Council (San Mateo); Clerk
Subject: Reach codes
Date: Friday, October 31, 2025 2:45:29 PM
I have always been pleased that San Mateo has been very responsive about Reach Codes and acting in the interests of us all to do all we can to make our city healthier.
When you consider the issue next week, know that really leaning into being serious about saving energy and the planet is what is needed and what we want.
Truly our future is in your hands!
Ricki and Doug McGlashan
From: Gary Trott 2
To: City Council (San Mateo)
Cc: Clerk; "Gary Trott 2"
Subject: Nov 3,2025 city council meeting Reach Code Study Session Date: Friday, October 31, 2025 11:15:24 AM
Dear Mayor Newsom and City Council
Thank you City Council for your continued leadership in response to the climate crisis. I myself, purchased an EV, had a contractor install a heat pump furnace, and a heat pump water heater for my home. So I am excited about your consideration on November 3rd, of some important electrification action steps. I highly support what you are doing.
Unfortunately, I can not attend the San Mateo City council meeting on November 3 in person.
But to be clear, I applaud the Council and City staff for taking the time at the November 3, 2025 study session to consider Building Reach Codes, including cooling upgrades for residential and non-residential properties, "Flex Path" for residential renovations, and "Electric Readiness" for certain residential improvements. I appreciate your focus on such an important issue.
I support cooling upgrades for residential properties.
I propose that cooling upgrades for non-residential properties have an upper threshold of 20 tons.
For Flex path, I request that the City Council consider applying the standards to renovations of 500 square feet or more, with a score of 30 on the Flex Path Menu.
I support electric readiness.
Thank you for all you do
Warm Regards
Dr. Gary Trott
San Mateo citizen
From: John McKenna
To: Clerk; City Council (San Mateo)
Subject: Reach Code Study Session - November 3, 2025
Date: Monday, November 3, 2025 1:09:17 PM
Dear Honorable Mayor and City Council,
I'm writing to express my full support for the adoption of the four (4) Reach Code options outlined by staff. As noted by staff, "These reach code options do not require whole home electrification, nor do they necessitate a property owner to initiate a project for the sole purpose of meeting the reach code requirements." And, "the reach code options hone in on specific project opportunities to encourage building electrification and energy efficiency when work is already voluntarily being completed." Lastly, "These are major investments and are the ideal time to consider additional measures that benefit the environment and living spaces through improved comfort, health, and safety."
When a City is presented with a prime opportunity to advance progress towards achieving its climate goals, it is imperative that it is seized
upon and not left for our children and future
generations to deal with the consequences of inaction.
Regarding the FlexPath option, I urge the City to set the threshold at 500 SF (as is being done in San Rafael, Tiburon, Mill Valley, and Marin County) and the target score at 30.
There is a wealth of financial and technical resources available to help folks in complying with these proposed building codes. Additionally, it has been shown that when thoughtfully planned, main electrical panel upgrades are rarely needed in order to fully electrify homes - a common dose of misinformation that is often suggested by those opposed to these types of codes.
Thank you for continuing to lead in San Mateo - it has an outsized impact beyond the borders of the City.
Sincerely,
John McKenna
From: Claire Shintani
To: City Council (San Mateo); Clerk
Subject: Support for Building Reach Codes
Date: Sunday, November 2, 2025 2:28:36 PM
Dear Mayor Newsom and City Council,
I applaud the Council and City staff for taking the time at the November 3, 2025 study session to consider Building Reach Codes, including cooling upgrades for residential and non-residential properties, "Flex Path" for residential renovations, and "Electric Readiness" for certain residential improvements. I appreciate your focus on such an important issue.
I support cooling upgrades for residential properties.
I propose that cooling upgrades for non-residential properties have an upper threshold of 20 tons.
For Flex path, I request that the City Council consider applying the standards to renovations of 500 square feet or more, with a score of 30 on the Flex Path Menu.
I support electric readiness.
Thank you for all you do,
Claire Shintani
From: Teri Whitehair
To: City Council (San Mateo); Clerk
Subject: Building Reach Codes November 3rd Study Session Date: Friday, October 31, 2025 10:25:21 AM
Dear Mayor Newsom and City Council
Thank you, Council and City staff, for considering Building Reach Codes, including cooling upgrades for residential and non-residential properties, "Flex Path" for residential renovations, and "Electric Readiness" for certain residential improvements at the November 3, 2025 study session. Your focus on such important issues is very much appreciated.
I support cooling upgrades for residential properties, cooling upgrades for non-residential properties with an upper threshold of 20 tons and "Electric Readiness".
For "Flex Path", I request that the City Council consider applying the standards to renovations of 500 square feet or more, with a score of 30 on the "Flex Path" Menu.
Thank you again for all that you do to make the City of San Mateo a leader.
Teri Whitehair
Vice President, Board
Elders Action Network
eldersaction.org
Future Design Group, Marketing Director
https://eldersaction.org/future-design-group/
"We can change the earth’s vibrations by the beauty we make" Artist Javier Garcia Lemus