Every three years, cities and counties across California adopt new Building Standards Code (Standards) or Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations. Cities may also elect to adopt local reach codes, which “reach” beyond the state minimum requirements for energy use in building design and construction, creating opportunities for local governments to lead the way in clean air, climate solutions, and the renewable energy economy.

In January 2023, the Belmont City Council adopted local reach codes to further building electrification and electric vehicle readiness.

Why is building electrification and electric vehicle readiness important?

Building electrification refers to the transition from gas equipment to electric equipment for space and water heating, clothes drying, cooking and more. Phasing out the use of fossil gas (also known as natural gas) in buildings is extremely important because fossil gas is a fossil fuel that is primarily composed of methane. Fossil gas contributes emissions with a very high global warming potential. There are also health and safety concerns associated with the use of fossil gas in homes. In contrast, the City's electricity provider, Peninsula Clean Energy, supplies 100% greenhouse gas free electricity to the community. 

Electric vehicle charging infrastructure is key to encourage electric vehicle adoption. Transportation accounts for the majority of greenhouse gas emissions in Belmont. The availability of home charging is specifically important because the lack of at-home charging is considered the primary barrier to EV adoption.

Building Reach Codes for New Construction

Building Electrification Requirements

Due to recent legal developments, the City has suspended enforcement of the portions of its Reach Code that require new buildings to be all-electric. However, the City still strongly encourages applicants to eliminate methane gas in new construction to achieve the benefits described above. The State is moving towards an all-electric future and the City would like to continue to be a leader in taking climate change action.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Infrastructure Requirements

Residential

• Single Family:
  • 1 Level 2 EV Ready
  • 1 Level 1 EV Ready 
• Multi-Unit Dwelling:
  • 40% of the units, Level 2 EV Charging Station
  • 60% of the units, Level 1 EV Ready  

 Exceptions include:

• Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU’s) & Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU’s) without additional parking facilities and without electrical panel upgrade or new panel installation.
• Documented high costs for providing utility service and lower levels of charging infrastructure for 100% affordable housing projects.

Non-Residential Office

• 20% of the parking spaces, Level 2 EV Charging Station
• 30% of the parking spaces, Level 2 EV Capable

Non-Residential, Non-Office

• 10% of the parking spaces, Level 2 EV Charging Station
• 10% of the parking spaces, Level 2 EV Capable

The use of Automated Load Management Systems (ALMS) is encouraged. ALMS curtail charging speeds during rare instances of building-wide simultaneous EV charging demand, mitigating electrical infrastructure costs.

See what the City is doing in paving a way to a greener lifestyle and addressing Belmont's greenhouse gas emissions. 

Staff Report for Reach Code Adoption

Presentation-Climate Action Plan and Energy/Reach Code Update

The Climate Action Plan (CAP) Dashboard