Larry Klein
Mayor
Linda Sell
Vice Mayor
Alysa Cisneros
Councilmember
Richard Mehlinger
Councilmember
Murali Srinivasan
Councilmember
Charlsie Chang
Councilmember
Eileen Le
Councilmember
April 24, 2025
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ssemblymember Nick Schultz
California State Assembly
State Capitol
Sacramento, California 95814
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E: AB 306 (Schultz): Building regulations: state building standards - OPPOSE D
ear Assemblymember Schultz:
W
e are writing to express our strong opposition to Assembly Bill 306 (AB 306), which proposes significant changes to California's Building Standards. While the bill may aim to address specific concerns such as lack of housing or supporting those affected by unforeseen disasters, we believe its provisions would have far-reaching negative consequences for our state.
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B 306 would prevent updates to California's residential construction standards for a significant amount of time, hindering progress in addressing critical issues such as earthquake risk, flooding, energy efficiency, and fire safety. Historically, code updates provide substantial mitigation savings, reducing casualties, property damage, and insurance cost, not the other way around. AB 306 would prevent the state from adjusting code to account for cost saving measures benefitted by technological advancements.
T
he bill also fails to consider the importance of green building standards, energy efficiency upgrades, and sustainability measures. Local reach codes are one of the most essential tools for adopting measures that serve our unique regional climate and housing needs, including those necessary for meeting local Climate Action Plans as recommended under the Air Resources Board 2022 Scoping Plan. AB 306 would hinder Sunnyvale’s ability to achieve the goals of the following policies:
• Enhance the public’s health and welfare by promoting the City’s environmental and economic health through sustainable practices for the design, construction, maintenance, operation and deconstruction of buildings, including measures in the Climate Action Plan (General Plan Policy LT-2.1)
Attachment 2
The Honorable Nick Schultz, State Assembly
April 24, 2025
• Continue enforcement of City Reach Codes and require the use of sustainable and green building design in new and existing housing. (General Plan Policy H-
6.6)
• Sunnyvale’s Climate Action Playbook Plays 2.1 Reduce energy consumption in existing buildings, 2.2 Support electrification of existing buildings, and 2.3 Achieve all-electric new construction.
While we recognize the importance of accelerating rebuilding efforts in disaster- affected areas and increasing housing availability, it is crucial to prioritize targeted solutions that address the specific needs of affected communities while maintaining safety, resilience, and sustainability. Many local jurisdictions, including Sunnyvale, have implemented streamlined policies and procedures that effectively reduce turnaround times and remove unnecessary barriers to build. These measures aim to encourage the development and redevelopment of housing through targeted solutions, ensuring that safety, resilience, and sustainability remain uncompromised.
We appreciate your attention to our concerns and are eager to collaborate with you on legislation that fosters progress and innovation in California's building standards while ensuring the well-being of our affected community.
For these reasons, we oppose AB 306. Thank you for your consideration of our position. Please do not hesitate to contact me or Trudi Ryan, Director of Community Development, at [email protected], if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Larry Klein
Mayor
cc: Senator Wahab
Assembly Member Ahrens
City Council
Tim Kirby, City Manager
Sarah Johnson Rios, Assistant City Manager
Trudi Ryan, Director of Community Development
Attachment 2