Reach Codes for Cooling
Upgrades and Planned
Home Renovations –
Ordinance Introduction
March 2, 2026
City Council
1 Recommendation
Introduce an Ordinance to amend San Mateo Municipal Code Chapter 23.24 "Energy Code" to require:
• energy conservation measures for air conditioner alterations, replacements and installations in single family homes, duplexes and townhomes; • energy conservation measures for heating, ventilation and air conditioner replacements and installations in nonresidential buildings; • increased efficiency and electric readiness requirements for additions and alterations to single family homes, duplexes, and townhomes
Adopt a Resolution making findings that the proposed changes or modifications are reasonably necessary due to local climactic, geographical or topographical conditions. 2 What are Reach Codes?
• California Building Standards Code
standardizes the construction of residential
and non-residential buildings in California
• Reach codes = Local amendments to the
state code that reach above the state
requirements
• Current code cycle: January 1, 2026 –
December 31, 2028
3 City Climate Goals
On-road transportation
53%
Commercial/industria
l built environment
16%
Residential built
environment
22%
Off-road equipment
3%
Solid waste generation
4%
Landfill
1%
Rail
1%
Water and wastewater
0.32%
San Mateo GHG Emissions Inventory
4 Bay Area Reach Codes
• Collaboration supporting agencies in adopting Reach Codes for a sustainable future
• Co-led by Peninsula Clean Energy
• Peninsula Clean Energy is San Mateo County’s not for profit locally-led electricity provider, providing 100% carbon free electricity for use in our homes, businesses, and electric vehicles
• Mission: To reduce greenhouse gas emissions by
expanding access to sustainable and affordable energy
solutions
5 • Reviewed the Bay Area Reach Code group's four reach code options in detail, including cost-effectiveness analysis, GHG reductions, permit data, cities with similar reach codes • Summarized the broad outreach and engagement: community and contractor meetings, flyer distribution, online social media channels, SIC feedback
• At the November 3, 2025 City Council meeting, City Council directed staff to develop an ordinance that includes all four model codes
November 3, 2025 City Council Study
Session on Reach Codes
6 • Cooling upgrade requirements for single family homes, duplexes and townhomes
• Cooling upgrade requirements for non-residential buildings • FlexPath for single family homes, duplexes and townhomes for additions or alterations of 1,000 square feet or more, target score of 12
• Electric-readiness requirements for single family homes, duplexes and townhomes
Proposed Ordinance – key requirements
7 • Requires more stringent standards for new and
replacement air conditioning installations and
maintains state minimum requirements for new heat
pump installations
• Energy standards: attic insulation, duct insulation, air sealing, fan efficacy and refrigerant charge verification • Does not impact gas furnace replacements or repairs
Cooling upgrade requirements for single
family homes, duplexes and townhomes
8 • Requires more stringent energy standards for AC
system installation and maintains state minimum
requirements for heat pump installations
• Property owners can install a single zone air
conditioner system with a furnace plus a heat
recovery ventilator or a single zone heat pump
Cooling upgrade requirements for non-
residential buildings
9 • Applies to additions or alterations of 1,000 square feet or more • Requires the project to incorporate energy efficiency measures or electrification upgrades selected from a menu to achieve a target score of 12
• Does not apply to routine repairs and maintenance, hazard mitigation, roof or window projects, or ADUs
• Includes economic hardship and technical infeasibility exceptions
FlexPath for single family homes,
duplexes and townhomes
10 • requires specific additions and alterations to include electric readiness as part of their project, such as
when conducting electrical work within three feet of an existing appliance
• focused on pre-wiring for gas cooking, water heating, clothes drying and outdoor appliances to reduce future
retrofit costs
Electric-readiness requirements for single
family homes, duplexes and townhomes
11 • Includes express finding in support of local
amendments to the California Energy Code, 2025
Edition
• Makes findings that local amendments are reasonably
necessary because of local climactic, geological and
topographical conditions
Proposed Resolution
12 • Pending City Council approval, staff will file reach codes ordinance with California Energy Commission
(CEC) and Building Standards Commission (BSC)
• CEC approval required before enforcement
• Staff will educate the public about reach codes
• Staff will monitor and evaluate reach code
implementation and provide a report out in the annual
Climate Action Plan progress report
Next Steps
13 Recommendation
Introduce an Ordinance to amend San Mateo Municipal Code Chapter 23.24 "Energy Code" to require:
• energy conservation measures for air conditioner alterations, replacements and installations in single family homes, duplexes and townhomes; • energy conservation measures for heating, ventilation and air conditioner replacements and installations in nonresidential buildings; • increased efficiency and electric readiness requirements for additions and alterations to single family homes, duplexes, and townhomes
Adopt a Resolution making findings that the proposed changes or modifications are reasonably necessary due to local climactic, geographical or topographical conditions. 14 Thank you!
Taylor Taylor
[email protected]
(510) 431-8547
15 Andrea Chow
[email protected]
(650) 522-7007