HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 7a - Introduce two Ordinances to Adopt by Reference the 2025 California Building and Fire Codes with Local Amendments Item 7a
Department: Community Development
Fire Department
Cost Center: 4006, 8305
For Agenda of: 11/18/2025
Placement: Public Hearing
Estimated Time: 60 Minutes
FROM: Timmi Tway, Community Development Director
Todd Tuggle, Fire Chief
Prepared By: Ian Livingston, Acting Chief Building Official
SUBJECT: INTRODUCE TWO ORDINANCES TO ADOPT BY REFERENCE THE
2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING AND FIRE CODES WITH LOCAL
AMENDMENTS
RECOMMENDATION
1. Introduce an Ordinance entitled, “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of San
Luis Obispo, California, Amending Title 15 of the Municipal Code to adopt by reference
and amend the latest edition of the California Building Standards Code and adopting
findings of fact to support the amendments” (Attachment A) amending Chapters 15.02
and 15.04 of the Municipal Code adopting, by reference, the 2025 editions of the
California Code of Regulations Title 24, the 1997 editions of the Uniform Housing
Code and the Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, and the 2024
edition of the International Property Maintenance Code, with amendments. This
Ordinance also includes adoption of the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Code.
2. Introduce an Ordinance entitled, “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of San
Luis Obispo, California, Adopting Local Amendments to Part 6 of the Building
Construction and Fire Prevention Code, 2026” (Attachment B) providing local energy
efficiency amendments to the California Energy Code.
REPORT-IN-BRIEF
The City is required to periodically adopt and enforce the updated California Building
Standards Code to ensure safety of the built environment. Staff are recommending
introduction of two ordinances: one to adopt by reference the latest edition of the
California Building Standards Code which includes the newly-issued Wildland-Urban
Interface Code (see Attachment A) and a second to make local amendments to the
Energy Code, which is also part of the Building Standards Code (see Attachment B.) The
local amendments to the Energy Code are intended to continue the City’s progress
towards its climate action goals with cost effective energy efficiency measures for 1) major
additions and alterations in certain single-family homes, and 2) the replacement of certain
non-residential air conditioning units with electric heat pumps at time of replacement. The
local amendments to the Energy Code are intended to continue the City’s progress
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towards its climate action goals by carrying forward the existing “Energy Efficient
Alterations” program, which includes a requirement for major additions and alterations in
certain single-family homes to include cost-effective energy efficiency upgrades in the
existing building. The local amendments include updated compliance thresholds (moving
from a square footage metric to a project valuation metric), and a simpler standard for
requiring electric-readiness measures. This council agenda report describes the content
of the two ordinances, as well as the existing policies governing local amendments to
these codes.
In order to adopt local amendments to the codes, the City must first introduce the
ordinances at this Public Hearing. Should Council move forward with staff’s
recommendation to introduce the two ordinances attached to this report, the ordinances
would return at a future City Council meeting for second reading and adoption. In addition,
should the City Council adopt the adopt the amendments to the energy code, staff would
submit the Ordinance, this Council Agenda Report, and related materials to the California
Energy Commission and the California Building Standards Commission for approval, as
required by State Law.
POLICY CONTEXT
Local adoption and enforcement of the triennial California Building Standards Code is
statutorily required as codified in Health & Safety Code §§17958 and 18941.5. Adopting
the updated codes, as well as the local amendments included in staff’s recommendations
are grounded in the following City goals and policies:
Land Use Element of the General Plan:
o Policy 9.7 (Sustainable Design) - The City shall promote and, where
appropriate, require sustainable building practices that consume less
energy, water and other resources, facilitate natural ventilation, use daylight
effectively, and are healthy, safe, comfortable, and durable.
o Policy 9.12 (Building Code Update) - The City shall regularly review and
update its building codes and ordinances to identify revisions that promote
energy efficient building design and construction practices, for example by
including requirements for electric vehicle charging stations for new
residential developments.
Conservation and Open Space Element of the General Plan:
o Goal 4.2 (Sustainable energy use) - Increase use of sustainable energy
sources such as solar, wind and thermal energy, and reduce reliance on
non-sustainable energy sources to the extent possible with available
technology and resources.
Climate Adaptation and Safety Element of the General Plan:
o Policy HE-4.3 (Green and Healthy Buildings) - The City shall support fuel
switching retrofits (from fossil fuel to high-efficiency electric appliances),
energy efficiency retrofits, and distributed energy resources as low-carbon
solutions to create safe, cool, and healthy buildings and consider programs
and projects that support these retrofits as critical to maintaining community
safety and to supporting disaster preparedness.
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Safety Climate Adaptation and Safety Element of the General Plan:
o Policy FI-5.4 (Fire-Smart Buildings and High Or Very High Fire Hazard
Severity Zones) - The City shall reduce wildfire risk associated with new
development by requiring all new development located within any CAL FIRE
designated High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone to:
Meet or exceed the State’s Fire Safe Regulations (title 14, CCR,
division 1.5, chapter 7, subchapter 2, articles 1-5 commencing with
section 1270) and Fire Hazard Reduction Around Buildings and
Structures Regulations (title 14, CCR, division 1.5, chapter 7,
subchapter 3, article 3 commencing with section 1299.01).
Include designs to minimize pockets or peninsulas or islands of
flammable vegetation within a development.
Include additional access roads, where feasible, to ensure adequ ate
access for emergency equipment and civilian evacuation
concurrently. More than one evacuation route is required for
substantial development (as defined in policy OP-7.3 Emergency
Access and Evacuation) in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones.
All requirements and any deviations will be at the discretion of the
Fire Code Official.
Meet or exceed the California Building Code for Materials and
Construction Methods for Exterior Wildfire Exposure (Title 24, part 2,
Chapter 7A).
For all remodeled or rebuilt structures, require projects to meet
current ignition resistance construction codes included in the State’s
Fire Safe Regulations.
o Policy FI-5.19 (Fire Protection Plans Related to New Development)-
Develop standards for new development in the Very High Fire Hazard
Severity Zones or Wildland-Urban Interface Zones requiring preparation of
project-specific fire protection plans, in addition to complying with all
applicable state and local building and fire code regulations. Fire protection
plans may include a risk analysis, discussion of fire response capabilities,
compliance with fire safety requirements (defensible space, fire protection
infrastructure, building ignition resistance, etc.), appropriate mitigation
measures and design considerations for any nonconforming fuel
modification, maintenance, and education for residents.
Resolution 11159 (2020 Series) adopted the Climate Action Plan for Community
Recovery with the goal of community carbon neutrality by 2035 and a sub -goal
of 50 percent reduction in emissions from existing buildings by 2030;
Resolution No. 11381 (2022 Series) reaffirmed these goals and created a work
program for fiscal years 2023-27, including Green Buildings Action 2.1.E, which
directs staff to, “Develop an equitable framework for requiring electrification
retrofits and develop cost effective building electrification policies for additions
and alterations.”
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DISCUSSION
Background
California Building Standards Code
The State of California, under various statutes and titles, requires local governments to
adopt and enforce the California Building Standards Code. These codes comprise the
Building and Fire regulations applicable to all local jurisdictions throughout the State. The
State adopts the latest editions of model codes, with State amendments, on a triennial
basis.
Pursuant to the California Health & Safety Code Sections 17922 and 18938, the California
Building Standards Commission published the 2025 California Building Standards Code
on July 1, 2025 (the “Code”). The Code will take effect on January 1, 2026. The Code is
comprised of standards published by various model code organizations, such as the
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the International Code Council (ICC), and
the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO). The
California Building Standards Code (CCR, Title 24) also includes numerous amendments
to the model codes adopted by various State agencies. Pursuant to California Health and
Safety Code Section 18938 et seq., these building standards are the minimum
requirements applicable to all occupancies throughout the State and the City is required
to enforce the California Building Standards Code. The adoption of the Code as part of
the City’s Municipal Code enables local enforcement and administration. Additionally,
staff recommends readopting the 1997 editions of the Uniform Housing Code and the
Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings and the 2024 edition of the
International Property Maintenance Code, with amendments1.
Policy Context and What’s New in 2025
AB 130
In 2025, California enacted AB 130, which imposes a moratorium from October 1, 2025
to June 1, 2031 on the State’s and local governments’ ability to adopt new or more
stringent residential building standards2, unless they meet narrow emergency, fire
hardening, general plan-alignment, or “substantially equivalent” grandfathered
exceptions. The stated intent of the bill is to increase housing production and affordability
by reducing regulatory barriers. Where this report proposes local amendments to the
residential portion of the 2025 Building Standards Code, the relevant AB 130 exemptions
and related compliance justifications are presented. Additionally, the adopting ordinances
(Attachment A and Attachment B) include recitals and findings articulating the proposed
local amendments’ compliance with the exemptions provided by AB 130.
1 The 1997 Uniform Housing Code and Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings and the
2024 edition of the International Property Maintenance Code are the latest versions of these codes.
2 AB 130 also includes extensive California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) revisions focused on
reducing regulatory barriers to housing production. Since the CEQA components of AB 130 are not
relevant to staff’s recommendation, they are not discussed in this report.
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California Wildland-Urban Interface Code
This year, the State released the first edition of the California Wildland -Urban Interface
(“WUI”) Code. The WUI Code contains home-hardening building standards previously
found in Chapter 7A of the Building Code, water supply and fire access standards for
developments, defensible space requirements, and other provisions addressing fire
spread. On October 7, City staff presented the WUI Code to Council and the community
at a study session and recommended that, when the WUI Code is presented as part of
this agenda item, it be introduced and ultimately adopted as is, with technical clarifications
that 1) the requirements of Chapter 6 (defensible space) only apply in the Very High Fire
Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ), and 2) that violations of the WUI Code may be enforced
administratively by City staff3 Extensive information about what the WUI Code adoption
means for property owners in the City can be found in the study session staff report
referenced above.
With the recent changes in the Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) maps, the City’s current
definition of “wildland-urban interface fire area” within the municipal code is outdated.
Section 15.04.090(NN) of the municipal code defines the wildland -urban interface as
“areas designated as Local Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones,” since, prior to 2025,
there were no areas in the City designated as High or Moderate Fire Hazard Severity
Zones (FHSZs). Under the WUI Code, the wildland-urban interface area must include, at
least, all areas designated by the State Fire Marshal and adopted by the City (as required
by Government Code 51187) as a Moderate, High, or Very High FHSZ. The new FHSZ
maps published by the State Fire Marshal, and adopted by the City on June 17, 2025,
include Moderate and High FHSZs. In order to address this outdated language, Section
15.04.090(NN) will be deleted from the municipal code and replaced with adoption of the
WUI Code.
The state Board of Forestry and Fire Protection is in the process of finalizing the “Zone
0” regulations, which will impose requirements for defensible space in the area zero to
five feet from a structure. These regulations are expected to take effect for new structures
on January 1, 2026, and for existing structures three years later (currently anticipated to
be January 1, 2029.) Section 604.3 of the WUI Code already i ncorporates the defensible
space requirements for “Zone 1” (currently the first 30 feet around a structure) and “Zone
2” (30-100 feet from a structure), by reference to Section 1299.03 of Title 14 of the
California Code of Regulations. By adopting the WUI Code, the City will adopt locally, by
reference, the Zone 1 and 2 requirements, as well as the Zone 0 requirements
automatically once they are finalized and codified within Section 1299.03.
Once Zone 0 regulations are finalized by the state Board of Fore stry and Fire Protection
the Fire Department will proactively provide information to the public through the use the
standard City messaging processes, including social media and website information. In
addition, Fire will host town halls, HOA community edu cation meetings, public forums,
and workshops with video links to help explain the requirements. The public information
3 During the study session, staff recommended amendments to the WUI Code to clarify administrative
enforcement and Chapter 6’s applicability only to the VHFHSZ. However, upon further review, staff does
not believe amendments to the code are necessary and instead recommend including non-codified
language in the Ordinance to clarify these interpretations (see Section 4 of the draft Ordinance.)
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and education efforts for Zone 0 regulations will look and feel similarly to the WUI Code
and Fire Hazard Severity Zone mapping information sharing.
Emergency Amendment to WUI Code
When staff presented the WUI Code during the study session on October 7th, additions
to and remodels of buildings constructed prior to July 1, 2008 were not required to comply
with the building hardening requirements of Chapter 5. This exception was communicated
to Council and the community. However, on October 15 th, the California Building
Standards Commission signed an emergency amendment to the code that will also go
into effect January 1, 2026. Amongst the changes are removal of that exception. This
means that all new construction and remodels Citywide will be subject to the
building hardening requirements of Chapter 5 upon adoption of the WUI Code as-
is.
California Energy Code and CalGreen
The 2025 California Energy Code (Part 6 of the California Building Standards Code) is an
incremental improvement on the 2022 code’s efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions
reductions standards. Most notably, the 2025 code prescribes electric water heating and
electric HVAC systems in new residential construction, which achieves the intended
outcomes of the City’s local amendments to the single-family residential components of
the 2022 energy code45. As such, staff are not recommending local amendments to the
California Energy Code as it relates to single-family residential buildings at this time. The
2025 code also includes new standards for rooftop solar systems, battery energy storage
systems, and electric readiness in new construction.
The 2025 California Green Building Code (CalGreen, Part 11 of the California Building
Standards Code) also improves on the 2022 code with requirements for additional electric
vehicle charging infrastructure and the first mandatory embodied carbon reduction
measures for certain large non-residential buildings.
Adoption of the Building Standards Code & Proposed Amendments
The following sections of the staff report outline how the Building Standards Code will be
implemented via the City’s Municipal Code and provide the key amendments included in
staff’s recommendation, with details about the amendments and why they are
recommended.
4 To illustrate compliance with the California Energy Code, projects can either follow the equivalent of a
check-list (the prescriptive path) or show how their building achieves the same outcomes as that checklist
(performance path). The 2025 Energy Code’s prescriptive path for single-family buildings requires electric
water heating and HVAC appliances; however, projects can replace those appliances with gas equipment
via the performance path so long as they make equivalent efficiency gains in other parts of the building.
5 The City is currently enforcing locally adopted amendments to the 2022 California Energy code for new
construction single-family, multi-family, and non-residential buildings, as well as for major additions and
alterations to single-family residential buildings. All four of these local amendments are specific to the
2022 California Energy Code and will no longer be locally enforceable when the 2025 California Energy
Code goes into effect on January 1, 2026. Table 2, below, provides options and timing considerations for
re-adopting updated local amendments to the 2025 California Energy Code.
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Implementation of the Building Standards Code via the Municipal Code
The proposed ordinance repeals existing Chapters 15.02 and 15.04 of the Municipal
Code and replaces them with new chapters in order to replace the 2022 code language
with the 2025 code language. Chapter 15.02 adopts each standard individually by section,
and Chapter 15.04 includes corresponding sections for current or futu re local
amendments. The resulting Chapters are intended to provide staff and the community
with a clear and concise understanding of applicable standards, the model code each part
is based on, which appendices are adopted, and where amendments can be foun d
elsewhere in the Municipal Code. The proposed table of contents will read as follows:
Chapter 15.02
BUILDING CODES ADOPTED
Sections:
15.02.010 Adoption of codes.
15.02.020 Building standards.
15.02.025 Residential standards.
15.02.030 Electrical standards.
15.02.040 Mechanical standards.
15.02.050 Plumbing standards.
15.02.060 Energy standards.
15.02.070 Wildland-Urban Interface standards.
15.02.080 Historical building standards.
15.02.090 Fire prevention standards.
15.02.100 Existing building standards.
15.02.110 Green building standards.
15.02.120 Referenced standards.
15.02.130 Property maintenance standards.
15.02.140 Health and safety standards.
15.02.150 Violation penalties.
Staff also recommends restructuring Chapter 15.04 to provide corresponding code
section numbers for each specific code title adopted in Chapter 15.02 by creating an
amendment section for each standard. Sections without existing or proposed
amendments are marked as “Reserved.” The new table of contents will read as follows:
Chapter 15.04
Construction and Fire Regulations Amendments
Sections:
15.04.010 Building official and fire code official designated.
15.04.020 Amendments; building standards.
15.04.025 Amendments; residential standards.
15.04.030 Amendments; electrical standards.
15.04.040 Amendments; mechanical standards.
15.04.050 Amendments; plumbing standards.
15.04.060 Amendments; energy standards. (Reserved)
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15.04.065 Amendments; energy standards – additions and remodels
15.04.070 Amendments; wildland-urban interface standards. (Reserved.)
15.04.080 Amendments; historical building standards. (Reserved)
15.04.090 Amendments; fire prevention standards.
15.04.100 Amendments; existing building standards.
15.04.110 Amendments; green building standards. (Reserved)
15.04.120 Amendments; referenced standards. (Reserved)
15.04.130 Amendments; property maintenance standards.
15.04.140 Amendments; health and safety standards. (Reserved)
15.04.150 Permits required for well construction.
Local Amendments to the California Building Standard Code
California Health and Safety Code Section 17958 provides that local jurisdictions may
make amendments or modifications to the building standards contained in Title 24 (the
California Building Standards Code) based on express findings that such modifications
are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological, or topographical
conditions. A list of the findings is provided to justify the need for existing and new
amendments (Attachment C). As in the past, the City’s philosophy has been to keep such
amendments to a minimum in keeping with the spirit and intent of the law, which is to
provide uniform construction standards throughout the State.
Most of the proposed local amendments to the Code are substantially the same as those
previously adopted and currently contained in the Municipal Code. Each existing
amendment must be readopted with each triennial edition of the California Building
Standards Code to remain valid. In addition, a few new code changes are proposed to
clarify policies or address certain problems. A Matrix Tool (Attachment D) that outlines all
ordinances by title, identifies each amendment that is new to this code cycle, and
indicates applicable findings has been created to help organize updates and changes (as
noted above, findings notated in the Matrix Tool can be found in Attachment C).
The 2025 California WUI Code establishes minimum statewide standards for building
construction, vegetation management, and fire protection features that all local
governments must adopt. In addition, local governments may adopt more restrictive
standards if necessary, due to the area’s unique climatic, topographical, or geological
conditions. However, as discussed during the October 7th study session, staff is
recommending that the City adopt the WUI Code (Part 7 of the Building Standards Code)
“as is” and without any local amendments. The Ordinance will clarify the City’s intent to
enforce violations of the WUI Code’s requirements administratively and that Chapter 6
only applies to the VHFHSZ, but no amendments to the substantive provisions of the WUI
Code are being proposed (and Section 15.04.070 of the municipal code will remain
“reserved” for any future local amendments to the WUI Code).
Re-Adoption of Existing Local Amendments to the Building Codes
The recommended action is to introduce ordinances that would re-adopt most of the City’s
existing amendments to the building codes. (See Attachment A.) Previous code adoptions
by the City have included administrative and technical amendments to the construction
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and fire prevention codes contained in Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations to
address special situations or conditions unique to the City. Through analysis of the 2025
updated Building Standards Code, staff has determined that most amendments
previously adopted at the local level have not been adopted at the state level and should
be re-adopted as local amendments to remain enforceable. The only substantive
amendments that are not recommended for re -adoption relate to provisions made
obsolete by the new WUI code. Since there have been no changes in special "climatic,
geologic, or topographic" conditions in San Luis Obispo, staff recommends that previous
amendments be carried over with the adoption of the new Code. The proposed re -
adoption of the amendments described in this subsection are compliant with AB 130
because they are substantially equivalent to changes or modifications that were
previously filed by the governing body of the City and were in effect as of September 30,
2025.
Local Amendment to the Fire Code
Fire Department staff are recommending an amendment to the Fire Code (Part 9 of the
Building Standards Code) to require an increased fire sprinkler density in areas of parking
garages classified as Group S-2 Occupancies when certain EV chargers are installed.
Storage Group S occupancy includes the use of a building or structure, or a portion
thereof, for storage that is not classified as a hazardous occupancy. Group S -2
occupancies (as classified by the Building and Fire code) include low-hazard storage and
parking garages.
Currently, there are three types of EV charging stations available on the market and one
type of charging station under development. This proposed amendment would only apply
to parking garages that install a Level 3 or a Level 4 EV charging station (See Table 1
below for descriptions of each type of EV charging station).
Many cities in California have been requiring enhanced fire sprinkler design for parking
garages that utilize certain types of EV charging stations (Level 3 or higher), including the
City of San Luis Obispo for the last 7 years on an ad-hoc basis.6 The intent of the
amendment has two main objectives: first, to memorialize and clarify the requirement that
has been applied by the Fire Department for the past several years on a case-by-case
basis, so developers have a stronger understanding of operations and equipment when
projecting out the overall costs. The second intent is to increase firefighter and community
safety when fire personnel are responding to EV fires in parking garages with multiple
floors and also where occupied spaces exist above parking garages with Level 3 and 4
EV charging. This requirement is based on a known hazard grounded in industry data
and best-managed engineering practices. Including the requirement in the Planning
process will prevent confusion later in the development process and will mitigate the
impacts on Fire Department services.
6 Over this time period, the City has reviewed and permitted six projects with enhanced fire sprinkler
density.
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The amendment explicitly addresses only the area lo cated around the EV charging
stations and does not require the entire system to be upgraded to the Extra Hazard (EH
II) fire sprinkler density. The EH II design area(s) must extend a minimum of 3 feet beyond
the perimeter of the parking space(s) linked to EV charging. By providing a more robust
sprinkler design, the fire department is given more time to evacuate the area and to
employ safer firefighting techniques without increasing danger to fire personnel. The
amendment applies to existing structures, in that, when a permit includes Level 3 or Level
4 charging, the fire suppression system will need to meet the Extra Hazard II
requirements, which may require updating of the fire suppression system. The text of the
proposed amendment can be found in Section 15.04.090(Z) of the Ordinance in
Attachment A.
Table 1. EV Charging Station Sprinkler Amendment Applicability
Type of EV
Charger
Typical Use Subject to Proposed
Amendment?
Level 1 Uses standard 120V AC electrical outlets and is
the slowest charging method. Requires about 3-5
miles of range per hour to charge. Exclusively
found in homes, and most are for drivers who do
not drive long distances and can get a full charge
overnight
No
Level 2 Uses 240V AC and requires a dedicated circuit
and a professional installer which provides a
faster charge than Level 1 by adding about 12-80
miles of range per hour, depending on the
charger. Designed primarily for homes and some
workplaces to enable faster charging.
No
Level 3 Delivers about 150-400 miles of range per hour of
charging. The technology converts alternating
current (AC) to direct current (DC) outside the
vehicle, enabling a much more powerful, rapid
charge. Installed along major highways and travel
routes, as well as urban and commercial areas, to
support long-distance traveling and quick stops.
Suitable for home use, but it requires specialized
infrastructure, making installation more
expensive.
Yes
Level 4 (under
development
in EV
industry)
Will accommodate the next generation of EVs
with even larger battery capacity, enabling faster
charging. In theory, they can provide about 100
miles of range in just 4 minutes of charging.
Anticipated for uses similar to Level 3 stations.
Yes
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Vehicle fires in EVs are substantially less likely than vehicle fires in internal combustion
engines. However, EV fires can burn hotter and longer and release more smoke than an
internal combustion engine vehicle fire, creating legitimate operational challenges for first
responders. The California Building Standards Code already includes numerous
provisions to ensure safe operation of electric vehicles and associated charging
infrastructure. However, staff recommend adoption of this proposed amendment to
mitigate potential fire risk in the worst-case scenario where high-powered charging
infrastructure is located inside a garage and has additional parking floors or other
occupied spaces above it.
Importantly, whether a project is a stand-alone garage or includes parking to meet other
development requirements, the 2025 California Building Standards Code permits but
does not require high-powered (Level 3 or higher) EV chargers. Where EV charging is
required, compliance may be achieved with Level 2 chargers. The additional sprinkler
standards proposed by staff would apply only when a project voluntarily installs EV
charging infrastructure beyond the state minimum Level 2 charging.
This amendment does not apply to Mechanical-Access enclosed parking garages per
2022 CBC Section 406.6.4, which requires a separate, specially engineered automatic
sprinkler system on a case-by-case basis. This amendment would also not apply to
construction or renovation to single-family homes.
Local Amendments to the Energy Code
Since 2020, the City has adopted numerous local amendments to the California Energy
Code, including electric preferred new-building requirements (2020), mandatory all-
electric new building requirements (2022), and energy efficient new building requirements
(2023). Current enforced local amendments are as follows:
Ordinance 1730 (2023 Series) requires additional energy efficiency measures for
residential and non-residential new construction and encourages the installation of
high-efficiency electric appliances.
Ordinance 1736 (2024 Series) requires major additions and alterations to existing
single-family residential buildings to install certain energy efficiency measures in
the existing building.
Both existing ordinances provide local amendments to the 2022 California Building
Standards Code and will no longer be enforceable when that code sunsets on December
31, 2025. To enforce the local amendments to the California Energy Code moving
forward, the City Council will need to readopt existing standards. However, there are
circumstances, including changes to the energy code and availability of cost effectiveness
studies, that have led to staff’s recommendation to only update and re -adopt the local
amendments to the California Energy Code for major additions and alterations in existing
single-family homes. Table 2 provides information about potential local amendments to
the California Energy Code for each building sector, including staff’s recommendation to
1) adopt the updated single-family residential additions and alterations amendments as
provided in Attachment B and described below, and 2) continue developing local
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amendments for the remaining viable sectors for Council’s consideration in summer of
2026 (for potential implementation beginning in 2027).
Table 2. Energy Reach Code Options by Building Sector
Sector
Cost-
Effectiveness
Study
Availability
Opportunity for
Efficiency
Improvements
Staff’s Recommendation
New Construction
Single-
Family
Residential
No, expected to be
published in early
2026.
No, the standard
code provides the
maximum cost-
effective measures.
Do not pursue local amendments to the
California Energy Code for this sector
Multi-Family
Residential
No, expected to be
published in early
2026.
Unknown
Evaluate the cost effectiveness study
and return with a recommendation in
summer of 2026 for potential
implementation in 2027
Non-
Residential
No, expected to be
published in early
2026.
Unknown
Evaluate the cost effectiveness study
and return with a recommendation in
summer of 2026 for potential
implementation in 2027
Existing Construction
Single-
Family
Residential
Yes Yes
Adopt this sector’s local amendments to
the California Energy Code code now
(Attachment B)
Multi-Family
Residential
No, expected to be
published in early
2026.
Unknown
Evaluate the cost effectiveness study
and return with a recommendation in
summer of 2026 for potential
implementation in 2027
Non-
Residential Yes Yes
Continue developing the proposed local
amendments and return with a
recommendation in summer of 2026 for
potential implementation in 2027
On July 15, 2025, staff presented a study session to Council covering existing building
energy retrofit policy options, and received strategic direction to update the existing
single-family residential additions and alterations policy to clarify the applicability
threshold definitions and identify if there are any circumstances where an Accessory
Dwelling Unit (ADU) could trigger an upgrade. Staff’s recommended ordinance includes
clean up items and updates based on Council’s strategic direction as follows:
Updates recitals and findings that the proposed amendments to the California
Energy Code are consistent with AB 130 (i.e., aligned with the General Plan,
implements a GHG reduction strategy, and does not pre-empt federal law).
Updates standards and exemptions based on current cost-effectiveness studies.
Residential units constructed after 1992 would now be exempt from energy
efficiency requirements because certain measures are likely no longer cost-
effective in this building stock.
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Retains the existing 500 square foot threshold for additions, but transitions to a
project valuation threshold for alterations, including a lower threshold ($100,000)
for requiring electric readiness and a higher threshold ($200,000) for requiring
energy efficiency retrofits. This proposed amendment responds to Council’s
previous strategic direction to update the policy threshold related to the definition
of “work area” to be easier for staff and applicants to work with.
Staff identified a potential opportunity under state law to require electric readiness
upgrades in existing buildings when an attached ADU triggers an electrical service
upgrade. However, more analysis is needed to assess financial and project-timing
impacts; staff does not recommend including this requirement at this time.
Depending on the outcome of subsequent outreach and research, staff could
include this requirement for Council’s consideration when we return in summer of
2026 with proposed additional local energy code amendments.
State law requires that any local amendment to the California Energy Code be cost
effective and save energy relative to the standard code. Based on the most current
available studies, the "2022 Single Family Retrofit Statewide Cost Effectiveness Study"
(Attachment E) and the "2022 Applications to 2025 Energy Code Memo" (Attachment F),
staff recommend finding the proposed local amendments to the 2025 California E nergy
Code to be cost-effective and to consume less energy than permitted by Title 24, Part 6.
The following additional details are included in the adopting ordinance , have previously
been presented to the City Council at the May 21, 2024 public hearing7, and are
reproduced here for transparency and to facilitate the California Energy Commissions
review of the City’s cost-effectiveness findings:
The City’s requirement that major additions or alterations install energy efficiency
measures includes at least four cost effective measure packages:
o Package 1, installing the efficiency measure of R-30 Floor Insulation would
save energy relative to the base code and would achieve a benefit to cost
ratio of 2.3 on an on-bill basis.
o Package 2, installing the efficiency measure of R-19 Floor Insulation would
save energy relative to the base code and would achieve a benefit to cost
ratio of 2.3 on an on-bill basis.
o Package 3 installing a Heat Pump Water Heater (HPWH), would save
energy relative to the base code and would achieve a benefit to cost ratio
of 1.6 on a “Long-term System Cost” (LSC basis).
o Package 4, installing a Heat Pump Space Heater, would save energy
relative to the base code and would achieve a benefit to cost ratio of 4.2 on
an LSC basis.
Should Council move forward with staff’s recommendation and subsequently adopt the
local amendments to the California Energy Code provided in Attachment B, staff would
submit the Ordinance, this Council Agenda Report, and related materials to the California
Energy Commission and the California Building Standards Commission for Approval. The
City could begin enforcing the local amendments to the California Energy Code once
7 This agenda report provides more detail regarding cost effectiveness metrics and methodology.
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these items are approved, likely in early February or March of 2026. To comply with st ate
law, the City must make findings that these amendments are cost-effective, save energy
relative to the standard code, and are exempt from AB 130. These findings are all included
in Attachment B.
Organizational Changes to the Municipal Code
Finally, with the new Code and state amendment publications, it is necessary to update
several section numbers in the Municipal Code and previously adopted amendment
language. These updates are identified on the Code Matrix Tool with an asterisk, and do
not result in a change to local enforcement or require the City to make specific findings of
necessity.
Implementation Resources
The 2025 Building Standards Code includes thousands of amendments to the 2022
Building Standards Code, which can make project compliance complicated for applicants
and City staff. The following resources are available to support community awareness,
staff training, and effective implementation:
Staff Training: Building and Safety and Fire Department Staff regularly attend
professional training opportunities during which time staff are trained on important
amendments. In addition, both departments train staff internally to ensure staff are
aware of new code provisions and enforcing codes correctly. Departments and
Divisions within the organization also cross-train (for example, the Sustainability
team works with the Building and Safety team to develop a compliance checklist
and provide training on new local amendments to the California Energy Code).
Professional Organizations: Professional architects, engineers and other design
professionals typically obtain training on new code requirements through their
professional associations such as the American Institute of Architects (AIA) or
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and CALBO (California Building
Officials).
Energy Code Training: 3C-REN provides on-demand technical assistance for
applicants and staff via the Energy Code Coach service, as well as in -person and
remote trainings for contractors and code professionals. Re sources are available
at: https://www.3c-ren.org/.
Energy Code Compliance Incentives: 3CE and 3C-REN provide incentives and
rebates for high-efficiency electric water heating, HVAC, and cooking equipment.
These incentives can be used to comply with energy code standards. More
information is available at https://www.3c-ren.org/ and
https://3cenergy.org/rebates-incentives/.
Tools for the Public and Staff: City Staff are currently working on assembling
guides and checklists that will assist applicants, the public, and staff in
implementation of the new building standards codes, especially related to the WUI
code changes.
Board of Forestry and Fire Protection Defensible Space Guide provides
homeowners with detailed recommendations for creating defensible space in Zone
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1 and 2. Staff anticipates further materials will be available to support
implementation of the Zone 0 regulations.
Previous Council or Advisory Body Action
Previous Building/Fire Code Adoptions: As noted above, the City is required to
periodically update the building/Fire Codes. The following ordinances were
adopted by the City to facilitate these updates: Ordinance No. 1033 (1985 Series)
Ordinance No. 1105 (1987 Series), Ordinance No. 1169 (1990 Series), Ordinance
No. 1170 (1990 Series), Ordinance No. 1213 (1992 Series), Ordinance No. 1287
(1995 Series), Ordinance No. 1288 (1995 Series), Ordinance No. 1336 (1998
Series), Ordinance No. 1353 (1999 Series), Ordinance No 1423 (2002 Series),
Ordinance No. 1453 (2004 Series), Ordinance No. 1510 (2007 Series), Ordinance
No. 1555 (2010 Series), Ordinance No. 1595 (2013 Series), Ordinance No. 1630
(2016 Series), Ordinance No. 1670 (2019 Series), Ordinance No. 1723 (2022
Series)
Previous Local Energy Amendment Adoptions: Ordinance No.1684 (2020 Series),
Ordinance No. 1717 (2022 Series), Ordinance 1730 (2023 Series), Ordinance
1736 (2024 Series).
On October 7, 2025, Council directed staff to introduce the California Wildland -
Urban Interface Code for adoption as-is (without substantive local amendments.)
This is because the substantive components of the WUI Code will require, in some
cases, significant adjustments to how City staff, applicants, and property owners
evaluate, develop, and maintain properties located within the applicable zones (or,
in the case of building hardening requirements, citywide). Adoption of the WUI
Code “as is" will help ensure proper initial implementation of its new
requirements.
On July 15, 2025, Council provided strategic direction to staff to return with an
updated Energy Efficiency Renovations policy for existing single-family homes,
and to return at a future date when there was more clarity around potential retrofit
standards for non-residential buildings.
Public Engagement
The triennial California Building Standards Code is developed through an extensive public
process, wherein state agencies responsible for each Part conducts outreach, develops
standards, and ultimately presents those standards to that agency’s board for approval
at a public meeting. Regarding local amendments and successful implementation, staff
conducted numerous public engagement activities as described below:
Developer’s Roundtable: Staff presented considerations related to the WUI code
items in this report to the Developer’s Roundtable Zoom Meeting on October 2,
2025 and the Energy Code amendments on November 13, 2025. Recordings of
both meetings are available on the Community Development webpage. These
meetings were preceded by emails to more than 100 Developer’s Roundtable
participants.
Construction Board of Appeals: The Code changes will be presented at a
Construction Board of Appeals meeting in December.
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October 7, 2025 City Council Study Session about the Wildland Urban Interface
Code: staff conducted extensive outreach in support of the study session, the
result of which has directly influenced recommendation s in this report. Examples
of outreach conducted in support of the study session included Outreach to
Realtors, Developers, Architects, Landscape Architects, General Contractors,
suppliers, nurseries, and meetings with and outreach to HOAs in the community.
Outreach during Fire Prevention Week: Staff hosted an Open House inviting
multiple City Departments to speak to the public on home hardening and
defensible space. Staff attended the Thursdays Farmers Market and spoke with
community members and non-profit groups on the state's expectations on WUI
compliance.
July 15, 2025 City Council Study Session about Building Energy “Reach” Codes :
Staff conducted extensive outreach in support of the study session, the result of
which has directly influenced staff’s recommendation in this report. Example s of
outreach conducted in support of the study session include meeting with the
Chamber of Commerce, the Climate Coalition, and local realtors’ groups, meeting
with local HVAC and heat pump installers, interviewing staff from other agencies,
interviewing incentive and rebate providers, and interviewing architects that
complied with the current Energy Efficient Renovations policy, among others. This
outreach also built off the community engagement conducted for the adoption of
the Energy Efficient Renovations policy in May of 2024 and the preceding study
session on the same topic in December of 2023.
Ongoing public engagement: Staff will undertake ongoing public engagement on
this item, especially related to the changes related to the WUI code adoption. More
information can be found in the “next steps” section below.
CONCURRENCE
The Public Works Department concurs with the proposed amendments in this report. The
Community Development, Fire, and Administration Departments prepared and support
the proposed ordinances. The City Attorney’s office reviewed and approved the proposed
ordinances as to form and legal effect.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The project is exempt from environmental review per California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) Guidelines under the General Rule (Section 15061(b)(3)). The project involves
updates and revisions to existing regulations. The proposed code amendments are
consistent with California Law, specifically the CA Health & Safety Code Sections 17958.7
and 18941.5. It can be seen with certainty that the proposed Municipal Code text
amendments will have no significant effect on the environment. Adoption of the California
Wildland-Urban Interface Code is statutorily exempt from CEQA under Public Resources
Code §21080.49 (wildfire risk reduction projects). Adoption of the local amendments to
the California Energy Code is also exempt from CEQA under categorical exemptions in
Section 15308 of the CEQA Guidelines in the proposed ordinance would institute
regulatory requirements intended to protect the environment and natural resources. To
the extent a component of the Building Standards Code is adopted as-is, the
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recommended actions are exempt from CEQA as ministerial acts under CEQA Guidelines
15268, since the City must locally adopt and enforce the Building Standards Code (see
Health and Safety Code Section 18938 et seq.)
FISCAL IMPACT
Budgeted: NA Budget Year: 2025-26
Funding Identified: NA
Fiscal Analysis:
Funding
Sources
Total Budget
Available
Current
Funding
Request
Remaining
Balance
Annual
Ongoing
Cost
General Fund $ $ $ $
State
Federal
Fees
Other:
Total $NA $NA $NA $NA
There are no significant fiscal impacts to the Community Development Department
related to the implementation of Building Code updates. The adoption of the local
amendments does not increase the cost of enforcing the regulations mandated by the
State. Furthermore, the current operating budget has the capacity to absorb the costs for
new code books and training necessary for staff to be effective in enforcing new codes.
The Fire Department will need additional resources to educate current staff on the new
2025 California WUI Code in order to conduct Fire Protection Plan review, Vegetation
Plan (Landscape plan) review, and to conduct additional site inspections for projects that
trigger this need in the VHFHSZ. Given past patterns of development, it is estimated that
at least 25-40 permits a year would trigger the need for additional Fire Department plan
review process and inspection following adoption of the updated codes. The Fire
Department already has two miscellaneous fees established to assist with cost recovery
- Fee #44 (as noted in the current Comprehensive City Fee Schedule) Supplemental Fire
Plan Review and Fee #45 Supplemental Fire Inspection. The additional training
necessary to undertake this work will include remote learning opportunities through the
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and through the local SLO County FireSafe
Council who coordinating Defensible Space Inspections with the local government Fire
Departments in the County. Both training opportunities are at no cost, but will involve staff
time.
The Fire Prevention and Safety Grant, accepted by this Council on October 21, 2025, will
also help offset upfront costs in the amount of $60,240 for the next two years. Staff will
continue to pursue external funding to support and subsidize the inspection costs for the
property owner.
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NEXT STEPS
This public hearing item introduces the two proposed ordinances for first reading. If
Council moves forward with ordinance introduction, then they will return at a future City
Council meeting (currently scheduled for December 2) for second reading.
All local amendments to the California Building Standards Code must be approved and
filed by the Building Standards Commission prior to enforcement. In addition, the
proposed local amendments to the Energy Code are also required to be approved by the
California Energy Commission at a regularly scheduled business meeting. The state
approval process would proceed as follows:
1. Upon Council’s approval of the second reading, staff will:
a. Submit all non-energy local amendments (Attachment A) to the California
Building Standards Commission; and
b. Submit energy local amendments (Attachment B) to the California Energy
Commission.
2. Upon the California Energy Commission’s approval of the local amendments, staff
will submit the local energy amendments to the Building Standards Commission.
As a result of this staggered approval process, the entirety of the building code and non -
energy local amendments would go into effect on January 1, 2026 , and the local energy
amendments would go into effect shortly thereafter, likely in February or March of 2026.
In order to prepare for the implementation of the new codes, City staff will participate in
training on the new codes as described above and provide information at the public
counter, on our website, and through discussions with applicants and the public about the
new code.
In addition, there are a number of actions that must be taken to prepare to implement the
new codes, including proactive education and outreach, and creation of guides, new
forms, and new internal processes. The City heard from a number of residents and
professionals at the WUI Study Session about the desire to have the City produce helpful
information, such as lists of plants that are appropriate in various Fire Severity Zones or
visuals that depict the various regulations in the new WUI codes to include the Zone 0
regulations when they are released by the State Board of Forestry and Fire
Protection. City staff will be working on the following:
Producing a list of example plants and trees appropriate for various areas of the
City,
Producing a list of non-desirable plants and trees for various areas of the City,
Creating Guides regarding compliance with defensible space standards,
Creating Guides on changes to the building permitting pro cess for applicants,
Continuing outreach to neighborhood groups, realtors, HOAs, and property owners
on the WUI requirements,
Creating a “one stop shop” webpage with up-to-date information on WUI
requirements, Fire Zones and helpful guides, and
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Working with local landscape designers, landscapers, and plant retailers to discuss
WUI regulations and determine what helpful resources the City can provide.
The following items will also be presented to the City Council at a future date for
discussion:
An ordinance amending the City tree regulations to address barriers that may exist
that would inhibit a property owner from creating required defensible space.
A study session to discuss the existing prohibition on subdivision in the General
Plan for properties in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone
Pending additional technical work and stakeholder engagement, a public hearing
proposing an ordinance to provide additional energy efficiency requirements for
additional building sectors as described in Table 2.
ALTERNATIVES
1. The Council may elect to adopt the CA Building Standards Code without some
or all the proposed or carried-over local amendments. Under this alternative, Title
24 will become the minimum mandated building and construction standards
statewide on January 1, 2026. Choosing not to adopt local amendments will result in
a decreased level of elements that are necessary to maintain a safe and healthy built
environment with the unique topographical, climatic, and geological conditions that
exist in the City of San Luis Obispo.
2. The Council may elect to change some of the proposed and/or carried-over
local amendments and adopt the CA Building Standards Code with these
changed local amendments. This alternative would allow the City Council to make
changes to the local amendments as currently proposed by City Staff prior to adoption
of the Code. If the changes are significant, the ordinance(s) may need to be
introduced at a future public hearing to provide staff with adequate time to prepare
the revised versions.
3. The Council may elect to change some of the proposed updates to the local
amendments to the California Energy Code. This alternative would allow Council
to make changes to the proposed local amendments to the California Energy Code
and could include (but is not limited to):
a. Changing the compliance thresholds to different project valuation amounts.
b. Directing staff to revert to a project square footage threshold.
c. Removing the new requirement for certain attached ADU projects to include
electric readiness measures in the existing building.
If the changes are significant, the ordinance may need to be introduced at a
future public hearing to provide staff with adequ ate time to prepare the revised
version.
4. The Council may elect to direct staff to return with more information prior to
adoption of the proposed Codes with Amendments. This would provide time for
the Council to receive and consider any additional informat ion prior to adopting the
Code. This would delay the ultimate adoption of the code, which would make the local
municipal code inconsistent with the State adopted Code. However, the City must
still enforce the state standards that go into effect January 1, 2026. Without adoption
of local amendments (including carried-over and new amendments), the City would
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be required to enforce the state standards as written, and failure to incorporate the
standards into the municipal code would limit the City’s ability to enforce the
standards to only those enforcement pathways provided by state law.
ATTACHMENTS
A - Draft Ordinance adopting 2025 CCR Title 24 Codes with Amendments
B - Draft Ordinance adopting 2025 Local Amendments to the California Energy Code
C - Local climatic, geological, or topographical findings
D - 2025 Building Standards CCR Title 24 Codes Matrix Tool
E – 2022 Single Family Energy Retrofit Statewide Cost Effectiveness Study
F - 2022 to 2025 Statewide Cost Effectiveness Study Applicability Memo
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O-1723
ORDINANCE NO. XXXX (2025 SERIES)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS
OBISPO, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING TITLE 15 OF THE MUNICIPAL
CODE TO ADOPT BY REFERENCE AND AMEND THE LATEST EDITION
OF THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS CODE AND ADOPTING
FINDINGS OF FACT TO SUPPORT THE AMENDMENTS
WHEREAS, the State of California adopts and updates the California Building
Standards Code on a triennial basis, which constitutes the building and fire code
regulations applicable to all occupancies throughout the State; and
WHEREAS, the State has published the 2025 Edition of the California Building
Standards Code, comprised of various model codes and State amendments, which will
become effective on January 1, 2026; and
WHEREAS, the 2025 Edition of the California Building Standards Code includes,
for the first time, the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, which contains provisions
addressing fire spread, accessibility, defensible space, water supply and more for
buildings constructed near wildland areas; and
WHEREAS, the City adopted updated fire hazard severity zone (FHSZ) maps on
June 17, 2025, identifying areas within the City that have been designated as Moderate,
High, and Very High FHSZs by the State Fire Marshal; and
WHEREAS, the City is listed as “Community at Risk from Wild Fires” by the
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, Fire and Resource Assessment
Program (Health & Safety Code §13108.5); and
WHEREAS, pursuant to California Health and Safety Code Section 17958.5, local
jurisdictions are permitted to amend the California Building Standards Code as
reasonably necessary based on local climatic, geological or topographical conditions,
provided such amendments are not less restrictive than the requirements found in the
State codes; and
WHEREAS, California Health and Safety Code Sections 17958.7 and 18941.5
require the City Council to make express findings that each such amendments are
reasonably necessary; and
WHEREAS, such findings must be made available as a publ ic record and a copy
thereof, with each such amendment, shall be filed with the California Building Standards
Commission and/or the Department of Housing and Community Development; and
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Ordinance No. XXXX (2025 Series) Page 2
O-XXXX
WHEREAS, California Health and Safety Code Sections 17958, 17958.5, and
17958.7 prohibit a City from making a change or modification that is applicable to
residential units unless certain findings are made; and the proposed amendment is
substantially equivalent with previously filed amendments, emergency standards for
health and safety, for home hardening, consistent with previously approved general plan
direction, or administrative practices.
WHEREAS, it is the desire and intent of the City Council of the City of San Luis
Obispo to provide citizens with the greatest degree of fire, life , and structural safety in
buildings in the most cost effective manner by adopting that body of regulations referred
to as the California Building Standards Code with amendments specific to the City of San
Luis Obispo.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of San Luis
Obispo as follows:
SECTION 1. Environmental Determination. The project is exempt from
environmental review per CEQA Guidelines under the General Rule (Section
15061(b)(3)). The project involves updates and revisions to existing regulations. The
proposed code amendments are consistent with California Law, specifically the California
Health & Safety Code Sections 17958.7 and 18941.5. It can be seen with certainty that
the proposed Municipal Code text amendments will have no significant effect on the
environment. Adoption of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is statutorily
exempt from CEQA under Public Resources Code §21080.49 (wildfire risk reduction
projects).
SECTION 2. Findings.
1. The findings justifying previous changes and modifications to the adopted
construction and fire codes as contained in Ordinance No. 1033 (1985 Series),
Ordinance No. 1105 (1987 Series), Ordinance No. 1169 (1990 Series), Ordinance
No. 1170 (1990 Series), Ordinance No. 1213 (1992 Series), Ordinance No. 1287
(1995 Series), Ordinance No. 1288 (1995 Series), Ordinance No. 1336 (1998
Series), Ordinance No. 1353 (1999 Series), Ordinance No 1423 (2002 Series),
Ordinance No. 1453 (2004 Series), Ordinance 1510 (2007 Series), Ordinance
1555 (2010 Series), Ordinance 1595 (2013 Series), Ordinance 1630 (2016 Series),
Ordinance 1670 (2019 Series), Ordinance No. 1723 (2022 Series) are hereby re-
affirmed, but are otherwise hereby superseded by this ordinance to the extent
inconsistent herewith.
2. The City Council further finds that each amendment referred to in the ordinance
are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological, or topographical
conditions in the area encompassed by the boundaries of the City of San Luis
Obispo.
3. The City Council further finds that the changes or modifications that affect a
residential unit are substantially equivalent to changes or modifications that were
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Ordinance No. XXXX (2025 Series) Page 3
O-XXXX
previously filed by the City and were in effect as of September 30, 2025. This
Ordinance carries forward local amendments from previously filed ordinances with
no material change in the regulatory effect to the existing standards.
SECTION 3. The provisions of the State Building Standards Code are hereby
modified, changed, and amended as provided for in this ordinance based upon the
foregoing findings and those set forth herein and said Council takes said action because
of the public interest in protecting life and preserving public safety and property.
SECTION 4. Special findings for Adoption of the California Wildland-Urban
Interface Code.
1. As a designated “Community at Risk,” the entire City is considered an “urban
wildland interface community,” meaning that the building standards adopted in
Chapter 5 of the WUI Code and incorporated herein by this Ordinance apply to all
non-exempt development within the City for as long as the City remains so
designated pursuant to Health & Safety Code §13108.5(d).
2. The standards adopted in Chapter 6 of the WUI Code and incorporated herein by
this Ordinance apply to non-exempt new and existing buildings, structures, and
premises located within a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone.
3. In addition to any other available remedy, violations of the WUI Code as adopted
herein by this Ordinance may, at the City’s election, be enforced administratively
by the City pursuant to the administrative enforcement procedures set forth in
Chapter 1.24 of the municipal code.
4. “Code official,” as used in the WUI Code and as defined therein as “the official
designated by the jurisdiction to interpret and enforce this code, or the code’s
official authorized representative,” shall mean, for the City of San Luis Obispo, the
Fire Chief or their designee.
SECTION 5. Chapter 15.02 of the San Luis Obispo Municipal Code is hereby
amended in its entirety to read as follows:
SECTION 15.02.010 ADOPTION OF CODES
The City of San Luis Obispo hereby adopts a Building Construction and Fire Prevention
Code of the City of San Luis Obispo, 2026, hereinafter designated as the "San Luis
Obispo Building Construction and Fire Prevention Code, 2026."
SECTION 15.02.020. BUILDING STANDARDS.
The City of San Luis Obispo hereby adopts the 2025 California Building Code as Part 2
of the San Luis Obispo Building Construction and Fire Prevention Code, 2026. Except as
otherwise provided herein, or as later amended in Section 15.04.020, Part 2 of the San
Luis Obispo Building Construction and Fire Prevention Code, 2026, shall be as published
in the California Building Code Volumes 1 and 2, 2025 edition, and as copyrighted in 2023
by the International Code Council, Inc. and the California Building Standa rds
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O-XXXX
Commission, California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 2, Volumes 1 and 2, including
all of its tables, indices, addenda, footnotes, and the following appendices:
Appendix C – Group U – Agricultural Buildings
Appendix F – Rodent Proofing
Appendix G – Flood-Resistant Construction
Appendix I – Patio Covers
Appendix J – Grading
Appendix L – Earthquake Recording Instrumentation
Appendix N – Replicable Buildings
Appendix Q – Emergency Housing
Said California Building Code is hereby referred to and by such references are
incorporated herein as if fully set forth.
SECTION 15.02.025. RESIDENTIAL STANDARDS.
The City of San Luis Obispo hereby adopts the 2025 California Residential Code as Part
2.5 of the San Luis Obispo Building Construction and Fire Prevention Code, 2026. Except
as otherwise provided herein, or as later amended in Section 15.04.0 25, Part 2.5 of the
San Luis Obispo Building Construction and Fire Prevention Code, 2026, shall be as
published in the California Residential Code, 2025 edition, and as copyrighted in 2023 by
the International Code Council, Inc. and the California Building Standards Commission,
California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 2.5, including all of its tables, indices,
addenda, footnotes, and appendices adopted by the State of California. Said California
Residential Code is hereby referred to and by such reference is incorporated herein as if
fully set forth.
SECTION 15.02.030. ELECTRICAL STANDARDS.
The City of San Luis Obispo hereby adopts the 2025 California Electrical Code as Part 3
of the San Luis Obispo Building Construction and Fire Prevention Code , 2026. Except as
otherwise provided herein, or as later amended in Section 15.04.030, Part 3 of the San
Luis Obispo Building Construction and Fire Prevention Code, 2026, shall be as published
in the California Electrical Code, 2025 edition, and as copyrighted in 2023 to the National
Fire Protection Association, Inc. and the California Building Standard s Commission,
California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 3, including all of its tables, indices,
appendices, addenda, annexes and footnotes. Said California Electrical Code is hereby
referred to and by such reference is incorporated herein as if fully set forth.
SECTION 15.02.040. MECHANICAL STANDARDS.
The City of San Luis Obispo hereby adopts the 2025 California Mechanical Code as Part
4 of the San Luis Obispo Building Construction and Fire Prevention Code, 2026. Except
as otherwise provided herein, or as later amended in Section 15.04.040, Part 4 of the San
Luis Obispo Building Construction and Fire Prevention Code, 2026, shall be as published
in the California Mechanical Code, 2025 edition, and as copyrighted in 2024 by the
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O-XXXX
International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials and the California Building
Standards Commission, California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 4, including all of
its tables, indices, addenda, footnotes, and the following appendices:
Appendix A – Residential Plans Examiner Review Form for HVAC System Design
Appendix B – Procedures to be Followed to Place Gas Equipment in Operation
Appendix C – Installation and Testing of Oil (Liquid) Fuel-Fired Equipment
Appendix D – Fuel Supply: Manufactured/Mobile Home Parks and Recreational
Vehicle Parks
Appendix F –Sizing of Venting Systems and Outdoor Combustion and Ventilation
Opening Design
Appendix G – Example Calculation of Outdoor Air Rate
Said California Mechanical Code is hereby referred to and by such reference is
incorporated herein as if fully set forth.
SECTION 15.02.050. PLUMBING STANDARDS.
The City of San Luis Obispo hereby adopts the 2025 California Plumbing Code as Part 5
of the San Luis Obispo Building Construction and Fire Prevention Code, 2026. Except as
otherwise provided herein, or as later amended in Section 15.04.050, Part 5 of the San
Luis Obispo Building Construction and Fire Prevention Code, 2026, shall be as published
in the California Plumbing Code 2025 edition, and as copyrighted in 2024 by the
International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials and the California Building
Standards Commission, California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 5, including all of
its tables, indices, addenda, footnotes, and the following appendices:
Appendix A – Recommended Rules for Sizing the Water Supply System
Appendix B – Explanatory Notes on Combination Waste and Vent Systems
Appendix C – Alternate Plumbing Systems
Appendix D – Sizing Storm Water Drainage Systems
Appendix E – Manufactured/Mobile Home Parks and Recreational Vehicle Parks
Appendix G – Sizing of Venting Systems
Appendix H – Private Sewage Disposal Systems
Appendix I – Installation Standards
Appendix J – Combination of Indoor and Outdoor Combustion and Ventilation
Opening Design
Appendix K – Potable Rainwater Catchment Systems
Appendix M – Peak Water Demand Calculator
Appendix N – Impact of Water Temperature on The Potential for Scalding and
Legionella Growth
Said California Plumbing Code is hereby referred to and by such reference is incorporated
herein as if fully set forth.
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Ordinance No. XXXX (2025 Series) Page 6
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SECTION 15.02.060. ENERGY STANDARDS
The City of San Luis Obispo hereby adopts the 2025 California Energy Code as Part 6 of
the San Luis Obispo Building Construction and Fire Prevention Code, 2026. Except as
otherwise provided herein, or as later amended in Section 15.04.060, or affected by San
Luis Obispo Health and Safety Code Chapter 8.11, Part 6 of the San Luis Obispo Building
Construction and Fire Prevention Code, 2026, shall be as published in the California
Energy Code 2025 edition, and as copyrighted by the California Building Standards
Commission, California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 6, including all of its tables,
indices, appendices, addenda and footnotes. S aid California Energy Code is hereby
referred to and by such reference is incorporated herein as if fully set forth.
SECTION 15.02.070. Wildland-Urban Interface Standards
The City of San Luis Obispo hereby adopts the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface
Code as part 7 of the San Luis Obispo Building Construction and Fire Prevention Code,
2026. Except as otherwise provided herein, or as later amended in Section 15.04.070,
Part 7 of the San Luis Obispo Construction and Fire Prevention Code, 2026, shall be as
published in the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code 2025 edition, and as
copyrighted in 2024 by the International Code Council, Inc. and the California Building
Standards Commission, California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 7 including all of its
tables, indices, addenda, and footnotes. Said California Wildland -Urban Interface Code
is hereby referred to and by such reference is incorporated herein as if fully set forth.
SECTION 15.02.080. HISTORICAL BUILDING STANDARDS
The City of San Luis Obispo hereby adopts the 2025 California Historical Building Code
as Part 8 of the San Luis Obispo Building Construction and Fire Prevention Code, 2026.
Except as otherwise provided herein, or as later amended in Section 15.04.080, Part 8 of
the San Luis Obispo Building Construction and Fire Prevention Code, 2026, shall be as
published in the California Historical Building Code 2025 edition, and as copyrighted by
the California Building Standards Commission, California Code of Regulations, Title 24,
Part 8, including all of its tables, indices, appendices, addenda and footnotes. Said
California Historical Building Code is hereby referred to and by such reference is
incorporated herein as if fully set forth.
SECTION 15.02.090. FIRE PREVENTION STANDARDS
The City of San Luis Obispo hereby adopts the 2025 California Fire Code as Part 9 of the
San Luis Obispo Building Construction and Fire Prevention Code, 2026. Except as
otherwise provided herein, or as later amended in Section 15.04.090, Part 9 of the San
Luis Obispo Building Construction and Fire Prevention Code, 2026, shall be as published
in the California Fire Code, 2025 edition, and as copyrighted in 2024 by the International
Code Council, Inc. and the California Building Standards Commission, California Code of
Regulations, Title 24, Part 9, including all of its tables, indices, addenda, footnotes, and
the following appendices:
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Appendix Chapter 4 – Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and
Occupancy
Appendix B – Fire-flow Requirements for Buildings
Appendix BB – Fire-flow Requirements for Buildings
Appendix C – Fire Hydrant Locations and Distribution
Appendix CC – Fire Hydrant Locations and Distribution
Appendix D – Fire Apparatus Access Roads
Appendix E – Hazard Categories
Appendix F – Hazard Ranking
Appendix G – Cryogenic Fluids-Weight and Volume Equivalents
Appendix H – Hazardous Materials Management Plans and Hazardous Materials
Inventory Statements
Appendix I – Fire Protection Systems-Noncompliant Conditions
Appendix J – Building Information Sign
Appendix K – Construction Requirements for Existing Ambulatory Care Facilities
Appendix M – High-Rise Buildings-Retroactive Automatic Sprinkler Requirement
Appendix N – Indoor Trade Shows and Exhibitions
Appendix P – Temporary Haunted Houses, Ghost Walks and Similar Amusement
Uses
Appendix Q – Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Hazard Evaluation
Framework
Said California Fire Code is hereby referred to and by such reference is incorporated
herein as if fully set forth.
SECTION 15.02.100. EXISTING BUILDING STANDARDS
The City of San Luis Obispo hereby adopts the 2025 California Existing Building Code as
Part 10 of the San Luis Obispo Building Construction and Fire Prevention Code, 2026.
Except as otherwise provided herein, or as later amended in Section 15.04.100, Part 10
of the San Luis Obispo Building Construction and Fire Prevention Code, 2026, shall be
as published in the California Existing Building Code 2025 edition, and as copyrighted in
2024 by the International Code Council, Inc. and the California Building Standards
Commission, California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 10, including all of its tables,
indices, appendices, addenda and footnotes. Said California Existing Building Code is
hereby referred to and by such reference is incorporated herein as if fully set forth.
SECTION 15.02.110. GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS
The City of San Luis Obispo hereby adopts the 2025 California Green Building Standards
Code as Part 11 of the San Luis Obispo Building Construction and Fire Prevention Code,
2026. Except as otherwise provided herein, or as later amended in Section 15.04.110,
Part 11 of the San Luis Obispo Building Construction and Fire Prevention Code, 2026,
shall be as published in the California Green Building Standards Code, 2025 edition, and
as published in 2025 by the International Code Council, Inc. and the California Building
Standards Commission, California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 11, including all of
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its tables, indices, addenda, footnotes, and appendices adopted by the State of California.
Said California Green Building Standards Code is hereby referred to and by such
reference is incorporated herein as if fully set forth.
SECTION 15.02.120. REFERENCED STANDARDS
The City of San Luis Obispo hereby adopts the 2025 California Referenced Standards
Code as Part 12 of the San Luis Obispo Building Construction and Fire Prevention Code,
2026. Except as otherwise provided herein, or as later amended in Section 15.04.120,
Part 12 of the San Luis Obispo Building Construction and Fire Prevention Code, 2026,
shall be as published in the California Referenced Standards Code, 2025 edition, and as
published in 2025 by the International Code Council, Inc. and the California Building
Standards Commission, California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 1 2, including all of
its tables, indices, appendices, addenda and footnotes. Said California Referenced
Standards Code is hereby referred to and by such reference is incorporated herein as if
fully set forth.
SECTION 15.02.130. PROPERTY MAINTENANCE STANDARDS
The City of San Luis Obispo hereby adopts the 2024 International Property Maintenance
Code as Part 13 of the San Luis Obispo Building Construction and Fire Prevention Code,
2026. Except as otherwise provided herein, or as later amended in Section 15.04.130,
Part 13 of the San Luis Obispo Building Construction and Fire Prevention Code, 2026,
shall be as published in the International Property Maintenance Code, 2021 edition, and
as published in 2024 by the International Code Council, Inc., including all of its tables,
indices, appendices, addenda and footnotes. Said International Property Maintenance
Code is hereby referred to and by such reference is incorporated herein as if fully set
forth.
SECTION 15.02.140. HEALTH AND SAFETY STANDARDS
The City of San Luis Obispo hereby adopts the 1997 Editions of the Uniform Housing
Code and the Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings as Part 14 of the
San Luis Obispo Building Construction and Fire Prevention Code, 2026. Except as
otherwise provided herein, or as later amended in Section 15.04.140, Part 14 of the San
Luis Obispo Building Construction and Fire Prevention Code, 2026, shall be as published
in the Uniform Housing Code and the Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous
Buildings, 1997 edition, and as published by the International Conference of Building
Officials including all of its tables, indices, appendices, addenda and footnotes. Said
Uniform Housing Code and the Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangero us are hereby
referred to and by such reference are incorporated herein as if fully set forth.
SECTION 15.02.150 VIOLATION PENALTIES
Persons who shall violate a provision of the California Fire Code or shall fail to comply
with any of the requirements thereof or who shall erect, install, alter, repair or do work in
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violation of the approved construction documents or directive of the fir e code official, or
of a permit or certificate used under provisions of this code, shall be guilty of a
misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars or by
imprisonment not exceeding one year, or both such fine and imprisonment. E ach day that
a violation continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate
offense
SECTION 6. Chapter 15.04 of the San Luis Obispo Municipal Code is hereby
amended in its entirety to read as follows:
CHAPTER 15.04 AMENDMENTS TO THE BUILDING CONSTRUCTION AND FIRE
PREVENTION CODE
SECTION 15.04.010 BUILDING OFFICIAL AND FIRE CODE OFFICIAL DESIGNATED
The Chief Building Official is hereby designated as the building official and code official
for the City of San Luis Obispo. The Fire Chief is hereby designated as the fire code
official for the City of San Luis Obispo. Where the “authority having jurisdiction” is used in
the adopted codes, it shall mean the building official or fire code official, as applicable.
SECTION 15.04.020 AMENDMENTS; BUILDING STANDARDS
A. Amend Chapter 1, Division II, Section 101.1 to read as follows:
101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Building Code of The City of
San Luis Obispo, hereinafter referred to as “this code.”
B. Amend Chapter 1, Division II, Section 103.1 to read as follows:
103.1 Creation of enforcement agency. The Building and Safety Division is
hereby created and the official in charge thereof shall be known as the building
official. The function of the agency shall be the implementation, administration and
enforcement of the provisions of this code.
C. Add Chapter 1, Division II, Section 104.9.2 to read as follows
104.9.2 Alternate Means and Methods Fee. When a request for approval of an
Alternate Means and Methods is proposed under Section 104.9, an Alternate
Means and Methods fee shall be paid at the time of submitting the documents for
review. Said fee shall be in accordance with the schedule as established by the
applicable governing authority.
D. Add Chapter 1, Division II, Section 104.10 to read as follows:
104.10 Airspace subdivisions. The building official shall have the authority to
apply the building ordinances of the City of San Luis Obispo and those building
regulations mandated by State law to be enforced by the local agency to buildings
and structures containing one or more airspace lots as defined in this code so as
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to treat the entirety of such buildings or structures as if they were on or within a
single lot, provided:
1. That such buildings or structures or portions thereof would otherwise
conform to such ordinances and regulations, but for the creation of such
airspace lots; and
2. That a covenant agreement, in a form designed to run with the land and
satisfactory to the Community Development Director, be recorded with the
Office of County Recorder and a copy filed with the Community
Development Department by the owners binding themselves and future
owners and assigns to keep, preserve and maintain all portions of such
buildings or structures in accordance with and pursuant to such building
ordinances and regulations.
E. Amend Chapter 1, Division II, Section 105.2 Building items 1, 2 and 5 to read as
follows:
Work exempt from permit.
Building:
1. One –story detached accessory structures associated with an R-3
occupancy building used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar
uses, provided the floor area is not greater than 120 square feet (11 m 2).
Maximum building height shall be 12 ft. above grade to highest point of
structure. Such structure must comply with all provision of Title 17 of the
Municipal Code. It is permissible that these structures still be regulated by
Section 504.11 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, despite
exemption from permit.
2. Fences not over 6 feet high constructed of conventional lightweight
materials including wood, vinyl, and wrought iron.
5. A water tank or a group of water tanks intended for storage of irrigation
water only supported directly on grade if the capacity does not exceed 600
gallons in total on a parcel, the height does not exceed seven feet, and the
ratio of height to width does not exceed 2:1 (provided that water tanks with
minor ratio deviances may be allowed under this section in the discretion of
the Chief Building Official, subject to review of the deviation by the Chief
Building Official and verification that such minor deviations do not adversely
impact structural stability), and it is not visible from the public right -of way
that abuts the front yard.
F. Amend Chapter 1, Division II, Section 105.3.2 to read as follows:
105.3.2 Time limitation of application. An application for a permit for any
proposed work shall be deemed to have been abandoned 180 days after the date
of filing, unless such application has been pursued in good faith or a permit has
been issued; except that the building official is authorized to gra nt one or more
extensions of time for additional periods not exceeding 180 days. The extension
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shall be requested in writing and justifiable cause demonstrated. In order to
renew action on an application after expiration, the applicant shall resubmit plan s
and pay a new plan review fee if additional review by the City is necessary. An
application for a permit that is abandoned after adoption of new mandatory
building codes by the State may not be extended and must comply with the new
regulations.
G. Add Chapter 1, Division II, Section 105.3.3 to read as follows:
105.3.3 Plan review fees. When submittal documents are required by Section
107.1, a plan review fee shall be paid at the time of submitting the submittal
documents for plan review. Said plan review fee shall be in accordance with the
schedule as established by the applicable governing authority.
105.3.3.1 Retaining Walls. Separate plan review fees shall apply to permits
for retaining walls and major drainage structures in conjunction with grading.
For excavation and fill on the same site, the plan review fee for grading shall
be based on the volume of excavation or fill, whichever is greater.
105.3.3.2 Separate Fees. The plan review fees specified in this section are
separate fees from the permit fees specified in Section 109.2 and are in
addition to the permit fees.
105.3.3.3 Incomplete Submittals. Where submittal documents are
incomplete or changed so as to require additional plan review, or where the
project involves deferred submittal items as defined in Section 107.3.4.1,
an additional plan review fee may be charged at a rate established by the
applicable governing authority.
H. Amend Chapter 1, Division II, Section 105.5.1 to read as follows:
105.5.1 Expiration. Every permit issued shall become invalid unless the
work on the site authorized by such permit is commenced within 12 months
after its issuance, or if the work authorized on the site by such permit is
suspended or abandoned for a period of 12 months after the time the work
is commenced. Work shall be deemed abandoned if an inspection required
to be performed under the work authorized by the permit is not approved
within 12 months of the most recent prior approved inspection. The building
official is authorized to grant, in writing, one or more extensions of time, for
periods not more than 180 days each. The extension shall be requested in
writing and justifiable cause demonstrated. A permit that is abandoned after
adoption of new mandatory building codes by the State may not be
extended and must be submitted for review to comply with the new
regulations.
105.5.2 Code Violations Expiration. Permits issued to correct code
violations pursuant to a code enforcement case shall be valid for a period
of 90 days. Extensions to the permit may be granted at the discretion of the
building official. Performance or approval of a required inspection will not
automatically extend the permit.
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I. Amend Chapter 1, Division II, Section 105.7 to read as follows:
105.7 Placement and Posting of Permit. A copy of the issued job posting
card shall be displayed on the construction site within 20 feet of the curb and
shall be visible and accessible to the public from the public right of way until
completion of the project.
J. Amend Chapter 1, Division II, Section 109.4 to read as follows:
109.4 Work Commencing Before Permit Issuance. Any person who
commences any work on a building, structure, electrical, gas, mech anical or
plumbing system before obtaining the necessary permits shall be subject to a
special investigation fee. Special Investigation fees are equal to 100% of the
normally established permit fee and are in addition thereto, unless a lessor
amount is determined to be appropriate by the building official. The building
official may waive all or a portion of the special investigation fee in the following
cases:
1. Where a property owner inherits unpermitted construction through the
purchase of a property and voluntarily seeks a permit following initial discovery
or notification of the violation.
2. When a property owner commences emergency repairs to protect life or
property without first obtaining a permit during an emergency situation such as
a natural disaster or severe weather conditions, provided that the property
owner obtains a permit for such repairs as soon as practicable thereafter and
no enforcement action is required.
3. In other cases where the building official determines that unpermitted work
did not result from an intent to avoid compliance with building codes or permit
requirements.
K. Add Chapter 1, Division II, Sections 109.4.1 to read as follows:
109.4.1 Code Enforcement Investigation Fee. When work requiring a
permit is discovered and through the investigation of the Code Enforcement
Division a person obtains the necessary permits to correct the work
performed, a Code Enforcement Fee will be required at a rate established
by the applicable governing authority. This fee is in addition to the Special
Investigation Fee.
L. Add Chapter 1, Division II, Sections 111.3.1 to read as follows:
111.3.1 Temporary Certificate of Occupancy Fee. When an applicant
wishes to receive permission to occupy a structure and they have not
completed the work required under their permit and they request a
temporary certificate of occupancy for limited use of the building, a fee shall
be required for preparation of the agreement an d certificate for the limited
use of the building. Such fee shall be set at a rate established by the
applicable governing authority. Additional inspections required to verify
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compliance with the temporary occupancy shall be required to be paid in
advance at the current hourly inspection rate.
M. Add Chapter 1, Division II, Sections 112.4 and 112.5 to read as follows:
112.4 Underground utility services. All new electric, telephone, television,
and other communication service connections, for all new, altered, or enlarged
buildings shall be provided by underground wiring. Extension of electric or
communication distribution lines to serve such projects shall be by underground
wiring.
Exceptions:
1. A building located in residential or conservation/open space zone
established by the jurisdiction's zoning regulations, provided that
there are existing buildings on the property that are served by
overhead connection lines.
2. Replacement or relocation of electric service equipment served by
existing overhead wiring.
3. Where determined by the building official to be impractical or
infeasible within the standards and practices of the utility or other
companies providing such services.
Where the utility or other company's distribution system is underground, the
service lines shall terminate at a connection point designated by the utility
company. Where the utility or other company's distribution is overhead, the
service lines shall terminate as a pole riser on a pole designated by the utility
company.
112.5 Storage of solid waste containers. All new Group R, Division 3
occupancies shall provide a space adequate in size to store and screen all solid
waste (trash, recycling and green waste) containers when viewed from the
public right-of-way. The storage area shall have minimum dimensions of 3 feet
(914 mm) by 8 feet (2438 mm) or 6 feet (1829 mm) by 6 feet (1829 mm) and
shall not conflict with required parking spaces. If the storage area is located in
the front yard setback established by other ordinances, the storage area shall
be screened by a fence, partition or other enclosure in compliance with
maximum height limitations. In no case shall a partition or enclosure required
by this section be less than 48 inches (1219 mm) above adjacent grade.
N. Amend Chapter 1, Division II, Section 113 to read as follows:
113.1 General. In order to hear and decide appeals of orders, decisions or
determinations made by the building official, code official or fire code official
relative to the application and interpretations of the California Building
Standards Code, the Uniform Housing Code, the Uniform Code for the
Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, and the International Property
Maintenance Code, there shall be and is hereby created a Board of Appeals.
Said Board shall also serve as the Housing Appeals Board and the Local
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Accessibility Appeals Board referenced in the California Building Standards
Code. The building official or fire code official shall be an ex officio member
and shall act as secretary to said board but shall have no vote upon any matter
before the board. The Board of Appeals shall be appointed by the applicable
governing authority and shall hold office at its pleasure. The board shall adopt
rules of procedure for conducting its business and shall render all decisions
and findings in writing to the appellant with a duplic ate copy to the building
official.
113.2 Limitations on authority. An application for appeal shall be based on
a claim that the true intent of this code or the rules legally adopted hereunder
have been incorrectly interpreted, the provisions of this code do not fully apply
or an equally good or better form or construction is proposed. The board shall
have no authority to waive requirements of this code. For appeals relating to
accommodations for the disabled, the authority of the board shall include the
ability authorize reasonable alternatives to disabled access requirements
imposed by the California Building Standards Code.
113.3 Qualifications. The board of appeals shall consist of seven members,
five of which who are qualified by experience and training to pass on matters
pertaining to building construction and building service equipment, hazards of
fire, explosions, hazardous conditions or fire protection systems and are not
employees of the jurisdiction. For matters subject to the appeal process
referenced in H & S Code 19957.5 paragraph (b) regarding accommodations
for persons with physical disabilities, the board of appeals shall include two
additional members who shall be persons with disabilities as defined in the
California Building Code.
O. Add Chapter 1, Division II, Section 113.5 of to read as follows:
113.5 Fees. A fee titled “Appeal of Building Official Decision”, or “Access Board
of Appeals” shall be collected for appeal of a decision of the building official,
code official or fire code official to the appropriate board of appeals.
P. Amend Chapter 1, Division II, Section 116.1 of to read as follows:
116.1 Unsafe Conditions. Structures or existing equipment that are or
hereafter become unsafe, unsanitary or deficient because of inadequate
means of egress facilities, inadequate light and ventilation, or which constitute
a fire hazard, or are otherwise dangerous to human life or public welfare, or
that involve illegal or improper occupancy or inadequate maintenance, shall be
deemed an unsafe condition. Unsafe structures shall be taken down and
removed or made safe, as the building official deems necessary and as
provided for in this section and the Uniform Housing Code, the Uniform Code
for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, and the International Property
Maintenance Code, as adopted. A vacant structure that is not secured against
entry shall be deemed unsafe.
Q. Add the following definitions to Section 202:
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Boarding House. A building arranged or used for lodging for compensation,
with or without meals, and not occupied as a single-family unit. A boarding
house may have only one kitchen or facility for eating and cooking and such
facility must be accessible to all residents or guests. See also definition of
Congregate Residence.
Lot, Airspace. A division of the space above or below a lot with finite width,
length and upper and lower elevation occupied or to be occupied by a use,
building or portion thereof, group of buildings or portions thereof, and accessory
buildings or portions thereof, or accessory uses. An Airspace lot shall be
identified on a final map or a parcel map in the office of the County Recorder
with a separate and distinct number or letter. An Airspace lot shall have access
to appropriate public rights of way by means of one or more easements or other
entitlements to use in a form satisfactory to the Chief Building Official and the
City Engineer.
Rainwater Harvesting System. A storm drainage collection system that
collects rainwater from the roof area of a structure or structures as
recommended by the American Rainwater Catchment System Association
(ARCSA) guidelines or an equivalent standard as approved by the Building
Official and the San Luis Obispo County Environmental Health Department.
See also definition of Rainwater Catchment System.
Subdivision, Airspace. An airspace subdivision shall be as defined in
Chapter 16 of the San Luis Obispo Municipal Code.
R. Add Section 602.1.2 to read as follows:
602.1.2 Commercial fire zone. Construction of interior walls, floors,
ceilings and partitions as a part of additions or alterations to any existing
building or structure located within the commercial fire zone shown in Figure 6 -
A shall be constructed with 5/8" Type "X" gypsum wallboa rd or its equivalent
regardless of all other lesser minimum requirements to the contrary.
Exception: Buildings protected throughout by an approved automatic fire
sprinkler system.
FIGURE 6-A – COMMERCIAL FIRE ZONE
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S. Amend Section 705.12 by addition of item 7 to the Exceptions to read as follows:
7. The building is protected throughout by an approved automatic fire sprinkler
system.
T. Amend Section 903.1.1 to read as follows:
903.1.1 Minimum Sprinkler Coverage. Unless the fire official approves an
alternative automatic fire-extinguishing system complying with section 904, an
approved automatic fire sprinkler system shall be installed in accordance with
sections 903.1.1.1 through 903.1.1.6:
U. Add Sections 903.1.1.1 through 903.1.1.6 to read as follows
903.1.1.1 New Buildings. An approved automatic fire sprinkler system
shall be installed throughout new buildings.
Exceptions:
1. Buildings containing Groups A, B, E, F, H-4, M, S, and U
occupancies where floor area is not more than 1000 square
feet (92.9 m2), unless located in the commercial fire zone
shown in Figure 6-A.
2. Buildings of non-combustible construction located in the
commercial fire zone shown in Figure 6-A containing Groups
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A, B, E, F, H-4, M, S, and U occupancies where floor area is
not more than 1000 square feet (92.9 m2).
3. Buildings located in the commercial fire zone shown in Figure
6-A containing Groups A, B, E, F, H-4, M, S, and U
occupancies where floor area is not more than 1000 square
feet (92.9 m2) and the building is entirely surrounded by yards
or public ways not less than 20 feet (6096 mm) in width.
903.1.1.2 Existing Buildings. An approved automatic fire sprinkler system
shall be installed throughout an existing building whenever alterations or
additions result in an increase of more than 1000 square feet (92.9 m2) of
floor area, including mezzanines or additional stories, or whenever the cost
of alterations to an existing building having a floor area of more than 1000
square feet (92.9m2) exceeds 50 percent of the replacement cost of the
building as determined by the building official. The cost of alteration and
increase in floor area shall include all corresponding data from permits
issued to the building for the previous five years.
Exception: Group R, Division 3 and Group U occupancies.
903.1.1.3 Additions. An approved automatic fire sprinkler system shall
be installed throughout additions to existing buildings equipped with an
automatic fire sprinkler system.
903.1.1.4 Change of Use. An approved automatic fire sprinkler system
shall be installed throughout an existing building where there is an
occupancy classification change for floor area exceeding 1000 square feet
(92.9m2). The provisions of Section 101.4.2 of the California Existing
Building Code shall not eliminate the requirement for an automatic fire
sprinkler system.
Exceptions:
1. An attached Group U occupancy changed to a Group R,
Division 3 occupancy, provided the building was constructed
before July 7, 1990 and there is no increase in floor area.
2. Occupancy classification changes to Groups F, M, S, and U
from an equivalent category as defined in previous editions of
this code.
903.1.1.5 Buildings with Plastics. An approved automatic fire sprinkler
system shall be installed throughout in buildings where cellulose nitrate film
or pyroxylin plastics are manufactured, stored or handled.
903.1.1.6 Floor Area Calculation. For the purpose of requiring the
automatic fire sprinkler systems specified in this chapter, the floor area
within the surrounding exterior walls together with the floor area within the
horizontal projection of the roof shall be considered as one building.
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V. Amend Sections 903.3.1.1 and 903.3.1.1.1 with all locations identified in this section to
read as follows:
903.3.1.1 NFPA 13 sprinkler systems. Where other provisions of this code
require that a building or portion thereof be equipped throughout with an
automatic sprinkler system in accordance with this section or where a building
is considered as mixed occupancy due to the presence of two or more uses that
are classified into different occupancy groups, sprinklers shall be installed
throughout in accordance with NFPA 13 as amended in Chapter 35 except as
provided in Section 903.3.1.1.1 through 903.3.1.1.3. Sprinkler system designs
referenced in Sections 903.3.5.2 and 903.3.8 shall require special approval by
the fire code official.
903.3.1.1.1 Exempt locations. In other than Group I-2, I-2.1 and I-3
occupancies, automatic sprinklers shall not be required in the following rooms
or areas where such rooms or areas are protected with an approved alternative
automatic fire extinguishing system in accordance with Section 904. Sprinklers
shall not be omitted from any room merely because it is damp, of fire-resistance-
rated construction or contains electrical equipment.
W. Amend Section 903.3.9 and add Exception to read as follows:
903.3.9 Isolation control valves. Approved supervised indicating control
valves shall be provided at the point of connection to the riser on each floor in
all buildings two or more stories in height or in single-story buildings having a
gross floor area of 10,000 square feet or more zoned into no more than 5,000
square- foot areas for the purpose of maintaining system integrity for life safety
and evacuation.
Exception: Isolation control valves may be omitted in buildings equipped
with an automatic fire extinguishing system installed in accordance with
Section 903.3.1.3.
X. Amend Section 903.4 to read as follows, with Exceptions to remain:
903.4 Sprinkler system supervision and alarms. All valves controlling the
water supply for automatic sprinkler systems, pumps, tanks, water levels and
temperatures, critical air pressures, and water-flow switches on all sprinkler
systems shall be electrically supervised by a central station service listed by
Underwriters Laboratories for receiving fire alarms in accordance with NFPA
72. The central station shall contact and notify the police/fire dispatch center
immediately on notification of an alarm and prior to making contact with the
protected premises.
Y. Amend Section 905.3.1 to read as follows, with Exceptions to remain:
905.3.1 Building Height. Class III standpipe systems shall be installed
throughout buildings where the floor level of the highest story is located more
than 30 feet (9144 mm) above the lowes t level of the fire department vehicle
access, or where the floor level of the lowest story is located more than 30 feet
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(9144 mm) below the highest level of fire department vehicle access and in any
parking structure exceeding one level above or one level below grade.
Z. Amend Section 907.6.6 to read as follows:
907.6.6 Monitoring. Fire alarm systems required by this chapter or by the
California Building Code or the California Fire Code shall be monitored by an
approved central station service listed by Underwriters Laboratory for receiving
fire alarms in accordance with NFPA 72. The central station shall contact and
notify the police/fire dispatch center immediately on notification of an alarm and
prior to making contact with the protected premises.
Exception: Supervisory service is not required for:
1. Single and multiple station smoke alarms required by Section
907.2.11.
2. Group I-3 occupancies shall be monitored in accordance with
Section 907.2.6.3.
3. Automatic sprinkler systems in one and two-family dwellings.
AA. Add Section 910.3.2.1 to read as follows:
910.3.2.1 Sprinklered buildings. Where installed in buildings equipped with
an approved automatic sprinkler system, smoke and heat vents shall be
designed to operate automatically by actuation of a heat res ponsive device
rated at least 100 degrees above the operating temperature of the sprinkler
heads.
BB. Add Section 1506.3.1 to read as follows:
1506.3.1 Wood shake and shingle roof covering limitations. Wood shake
or shingle roof coverings shall not be installed on any building.
Exception: A wood shake or wood shingle system listed as a Class A-
rated roof covering.
CC. Amend Section 1612.3 to read:
1612.3 Establishment of flood hazard areas. To establish flood hazard
areas, the applicable governing authority shall adopt a flood hazard map and
supporting data. The flood hazard map shall include, at a minimum, areas of
special flood hazard as identified by the Federal Emergency Management
Agency in an engineering report entitled “The Flood Insurance Study for the
City of San Luis Obispo” dated May 16, 2017 (Revised), as amended or revised
with the accompanying Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) and Flood Boundary
and Floodway Map (FBFM) and related supporting data along with any
revisions thereto. The adopted flood hazard map and supporting data are
hereby adopted by reference and declared to be part of this section.
DD. Add Section 1804.4.2 to read as follows:
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1804.4.2 Drainage. Provisions shall be made for the control and drainage of
surface water around buildings. Drainage systems necessary shall be
adequate to prevent water from entering and accumulating under the building.
Drainage water from improvements and land contour changes shall not drain
onto or across adjacent properties except in recorded drainage easements or
natural waterways.
EE. Add Section 1809.7.1 to read as follows:
1809.7.1 Depth of isolated footings. Isolated footings and piers, exterior of
perimeter foundation, shall have a minimum depth of 24 inches (609.6 mm)
below the lowest adjacent natural undisturbed grade.
FF. Modify Table 1809.7 to read as follows:
TABLE 1809.7
FOOTINGS SUPPORTING WALLS OF LIGHT-FRAME CONSTRUCTION a b
c d e h
NUMBER
OF FLOORS
SUPPORTED BY
THE FOOTING f
WIDTH OF
FOOTING
(inches)
THICKNESS
OF
FOOTING
(inches)
DEPTH BELOW
GRADE
(inches)
Perimeter
Interior
1 12 6 21 12
2 15 8 24 18
3 18 8g 30 24
a Depth of footings shall be in accordance with Section 1809.4.
b The ground under the floor shall be permitted to be excavated to the elevation
of the top of the footing.
c Interior stud bearing walls shall be permitted to be supported by isolated
footings. The footing width and length shall be twice the width shown in this
table and the footings shall be spaced not more than 6 feet on center.
d See section 1905 for additional requirements for concrete footings of
structures assigned to Seismic Design Category C, D, E or F.
e For thickness of foundation walls see section 1807.1.6.
f Footings shall be permitted to support a roof in addition to the stipulated
number of floors. Footings supporting roofs only shall be as required for
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supporting one floor. Slabs supported on grade need not be considered a
floor for purposes of footing depths and widths.
g Plain concrete footings for Group R-3 occupancies shall be permitted to be 6
inches thick.
h A grade beam 12" in width shall be provided at garage openings. Depth shall
be as specified in this table.
GG. Amend Section 1907 to read as follows:
1907.1 General. The thickness of concrete floor slabs supported directly on
the ground shall be not less than 4 inches (101.6 mm). Concrete floor slabs
shall be underlain with a minimum of 4 inches (101.6 mm) of clean granular
material. A 6-mil (0.006 inch; 0.15 mm) polyethylene vapor retarder with joints
lapped not less than 6 inches (152 mm) shall be placed between the base
course or subgrade and the concrete floor slab, or other approved equivalent
methods or materials shall be used to retard vapor transmission throu gh the
floor slab.
Exception: A vapor retarder is not required:
1. For detached structures accessory to occupancies in Group R -3,
such as garages, utility buildings or other unheated facilities.
2. For unheated storage rooms having an area of less than 70 square
feet (6.5 m2) and carports attached to occupancies in Group R-3.
3. For buildings or other occupancies where migration of moisture
through the slab from below will not be detrimental to the intended
occupancy of the building.
4. For driveways, walks, patios and other flatwork which will not be
enclosed at a later date.
5. Where approved based on local site conditions.
1907.2 Minimum reinforcing. Minimum reinforcing for slabs on grade shall
be No. 3 bars at 24 inches (609.6 mm) on center each way placed at midpo int
of slab thickness. Slab reinforcement shall extend to within 2 inches (50.8 mm)
of the exterior edge of slabs.
1907.3 Slab to foundation connection. Tie bar reinforcing between slabs
on grade and foundation stem walls shall be No. 3 bars at 24 inch es (609.6
mm) on center, placed in foundation walls and bent at least 24 inches (609.6
mm) into the slabs and tied to the slab reinforcing.
Exception: Floating slabs justified by an engineered design.
1907.4 Moisture content. Moisture content for expansive soils shall be 100
percent of optimum to a depth of 18 inches (609.6 mm) below slab bottoms and
shall be maintained until slabs are poured. Soils under slabs shall be tested
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for moisture content and slabs shall be poured within 24 hours of obtaining the
required moisture content. The area under raised floors need not be
premoistened.
1907.5 Penetrations. Openings in slabs on grade for bathtub piping and
traps, planters or other similar uses shall be sealed with concrete not less than
2 inches (50.8 mm) in thickness.
Exception: Plastic tub boxes may be used in lieu of concrete if properly
sealed around all edges and pipe penetrations.
HH. Add Sections 3109.3 through 3109.5 to read as follows:
3109.3 Access to pool. Pools shall be accessible by means of ladders or
steps. There shall be not less than one such access for each 300 square feet
(27.87 m2) of pool area equally distributed around the perimeter.
3109.4 Lighting. Pools shall be equipped with artificial lighting ad equate to
illuminate all underwater areas.
3109.5 Abandoned pools. A pool that is not used, is neglected, and is a
hazard to health and safety, shall be filled to the satisfaction of the building
official. Before filling, holes shall be made in the bottom of the pool to insure
proper drainage. Abandoned pools determined to be unsafe by the building
official shall be abated in accordance with the International Property
Maintenance Code.
II. Amend Appendix Section G103.2 to read as follows:
G103.2 Establishment of flood hazard areas. Flood hazard areas are
established in the current edition of the City of San Luis Obispo’s Flood
Insurance Rate Maps. All construction work within designated flood hazard
areas shall comply with the Floodplain Management Regulations contained in
San Luis Obispo Municipal Code Section 17.78.
For the enforcement provisions of this appendix for flood resistant construction
under the purview of the City Engineer, Building Official may mean City
Engineer.
JJ. Amend the title of Appendix Section G109 to read as:
“BUILDINGS AND MANUFACTURED HOMES”
KK. Amend Appendix Section G109.1 to read as follows:
G109.1 Elevation. All new and replacement buildings and/or manufactured
homes to be built, placed or substantially improved within a flood hazard area
shall comply with the Floodplain Management Regulations contained in San
Luis Obispo Municipal Code Section 17.78.
LL. Amend Appendix Section G114.3 to read as follows:
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G114.3 Elevation. Utility and miscellaneous Group U buildings and structures,
including substantial improvement of such buildings or structures, shall comply
with the Floodplain Management Regulations contained in San Luis Obispo
Municipal Code Section 17.78.
MM. Amend Appendix Section G114.6 to read as follows:
G114.6 Protection of mechanical and electrical systems. New or
replacement electrical equipment, heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and
other service facilities shall be either protected or elevated to at least 1 foot
above base flood elevation in conformance to San Luis Obispo Municipal Code
Section 17.78. Sewer laterals shall be protected with backwater valves where
the finish floor of the structure is located less than 1’ above the BFE at the next
upstream sewer manhole.
NN. Amend Appendix Section J101.1 to read as follows:
J101.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter apply to grading, excavation and
earthwork construction, including fills, embankments, and work within
waterways. Where conflicts occur between the technical requirements of this
chapter and the geotechnical report, the geotechnical report shall govern. This
appendix recognizes the importance of the waterways of the city and the need
to regulate all changes to these waterways.
For the enforcement provisions of this appendix for grading in new subdivisions
under the purview of the City Engineer, building official shall mean city
engineer.
OO. Add Appendix Sections J101.3 through J101.7 to read as follows:
J101.3 Hazardous conditions. Whenever the building official determines
that any existing excavation or embankment or fill on private property has
become a hazard to life and limb, or endangers property, or adversely affects
the safety, use or stability of a public way or drainage channel, the owner of the
property upon which the excavation or fill is located, or other person or agent
in control of said property, upon receipt of notice in writing from the building
official, shall within the period specified therein repair or eliminate such
excavation or embankment so as to eliminate the hazard and be in
conformance with the requirements of this code.
J101.4 Dust control. All graded surfaces shall be wetted, protected or
contained in such manner as to prevent dust or spill upon any adjo ining
property or street.
J101.5 Emergency grading. The building official may authorize emergency
grading operations upon any site when necessary for the protection of the
public health, safety and welfare. Other city departments may take emergency
action necessary to protect public facilities.
J101.6 Special grading standards. The topography of a site proposed for
development shall remain substantially in its natural state. Mass recontouring
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shall not be allowed. In all cases the average cross slope of a site shall be
determined prior to any grading operations or approval of any grading plan.
Where a site does not slope uniformly, the building official or city engineer shall
determine average cross slope by proportional weighting of the cross slopes of
uniformly sloping subareas. The percentage of the site, exclusive of building
area, to remain in its natural state shall be in accordance with Table J101.6.
All graded planes shall be rounded on all edges to blend with natural slopes.
The rounded edges shall have a radius equal to one-half the height of the cut
or fill slope.
Exception: Grading specifically approved and/or conditioned in
conjunction with a tentative subdivision map, development proposal, or
similar entitlement consistent with General Plan policies and other hillside
standards is not subject to the specific grading limitations noted in this
section.
J101.7 Approval for building construction. Prior to commencement of any
building construction, pursuant to a building permit for the graded site, a
benchmark shall be provided to verify that the building site is graded in
conformance with the approved grading plan. No building construction shall be
started until the building official, or city engineer has verified that the rough
grading conforms to the approved plan, including any interim or permanent
erosion control measures deemed necessary.
PP. Amend Appendix Section J102 by addition of the following definitions:
AVERAGE CROSS SLOPE shall mean the ratio, expressed as a percentage,
of the vertical difference in elevation to the horizontal distance between two
points on the perimeter of the area, with the line connecting the two points being
essentially perpendicular to the contours between the two points. Different
portions of any area may have different average cross slopes.
WATERWAY shall mean a well-defined natural or manmade channel, creek,
river, lake or swale that conveys surface water, storm runoff, or other natural
drainage either year-round or intermittently.
QQ. Amend Appendix Section J103 to read as follows:
J103.1 Permits required. Except as exempted in Section J103.2, no grading
shall be performed without first having obtained a permit therefore from the
building official. A grading permit does not include the construction of retaining
walls or other structures. A grading permit shall be required for all work within
any waterway, including, but not limited to, earthwork, construction of drainage
devices or erosion control devices, removal of vegetation and modifications of
banks and the bottom of the waterway which may in the natural course of
events lead to changes in flow characteristics. A grading permit shall be
required for all work that will create a stockpile of any earth material, subject to
the surety bond required by Section J103.4 to guarantee restoration of the site
to a natural or other condition acceptable to the building official.
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J103.2 Exempted Work. A grading permit shall not be required for the
following:
1. Grading in an isolated, self-contained area, provided there is no danger
to the public, and that such grading will not adversely affect adjoining
properties.
2. Excavation for construction of a structure permitted under this code.
3. Cemetery graves.
4. Refuse disposal sites controlled by other regulations.
5. Excavations for wells, or trenches for utilities.
6. Mining, quarrying, excavating, processing, or stockpiling of rock, sand,
gravel, aggregate, or clay controlled by other regulations, provided such
operations do not affect the lateral support of, or significantly increase
stresses in, soil on adjoining properties.
7. Exploratory excavations performed under the direction of a registered
design professional.
8. An excavation which does not exceed fifty cubic yards and (1) is less
than 2 feet (610 mm) in depth or (2) does not create a cut slope greater
than 5 feet (1524 mm) in height and steeper than 1 unit vertical to 2 units
horizontal.
9. A fill less than 1 foot (305 mm) in depth and placed on natural terrain
with a slope flatter than 1 unit vertical to 5 units horizontal, or less than
3 feet (914 mm) in depth, not intended to support structures, that does
not exceed 50 cubic yards (38.3 m3) on any one lot and does not obstruct
a drainage course.
10. Routine streambed silt removal and vegetation control approved by the
City Engineer.
Exemption from the permit requirements of this appendix shall not be deemed
to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the
provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction.
J103.3 Early grading. A grading permit shall not be issued prior to issuance
of a building permit for the project unless:
1. A tentative minor subdivision or tract map, use permit, architectu ral
review commission project approval or similar authorization has been
granted; and
2. Related street and utility grades have been established; and
3. A surety bond in accordance with Section J103.4 is deposited to
guarantee restoration of the site to a natural or other condition
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acceptable to the building official should the project not proceed to
completion.
J103.4 Bonds. The building official may require bonds in such form and
amounts as may be deemed necessary to ensure that the work, if not
completed in accordance with the approved plans and specifications, will be
corrected to eliminate hazardous conditions or restore a graded site to the
original condition. In lieu of a surety bond, the applicant may file a cash bond
or instrument of credit with the building official in an amount equal to that which
would be required in the surety bond.
The city engineer may require that bonds be posted to recover the full costs of
any damage to public right-of-way which may occur because of the peculiar
nature or large scope of the project, such as transportation of fill or heavy
equipment on local streets not designed to accommodate the traffic.
RR. Amend Appendix Section J104.2 to read as follows:
J104.2 Site plan requirements. In addition to the provisions of Appendix
Section 107, a grading plan shall show the existing grade and finished grade in
contour intervals of sufficient clarity to indicate the nature and extent of the work
and show in detail that it complies with the requirements of this code. The plans
shall show the existing grade on adjoining properties in sufficient detail to
identify how grade changes will conform to the requirements of this code. The
plans shall show existing drainage conditions and drainage devices and all
proposed changes thereto. The plans shall include the location and dimension
of all trees on the site which are 3 inches (76.2 mm) in diameter or larger at the
trunk, measured at 4.5 feet (1.37 m) above ground level, trees to be removed
and trees to remain. A preservation plan shall be submitted for all trees to
remain. The plans shall indicate where excess material, rocks, or rubble will
be disposed of.
SS. Amend Appendix Section J110.1 to read as follows:
J110.1 General. All disturbed surfaces shall be prepared and maintained to
control erosion.
Exception: Erosion control measures need not be provided on cut slopes
not subject to erosion due to the erosion-resistant character of the materials.
Erosion control shall be installed as soon as practicable and prior to calling for
final inspection. Erosion control plantings shall be established in accordance
with City Engineering Standards and/or to the satisfaction of the Building
Official.
TT. Add Appendix Table J101.6 as follows:
TABLE J101.6
GRADING TO REMAIN IN NATURAL STATE
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Percent Average Cross
Slope
Percent of Site to Remain in
Natural State
0-5 0
6-10 25
11-15 40
16-20 60
21-25 80
26-30 90
Above 30 100
SECTION 15.04.025 AMENDMENTS; RESIDENTIAL STANDARDS
A. Amend Section R109.1.2 Exception to read as follows:
Exception: Back-filling of ground-source heat pump loop systems tested in
accordance with ASTM Standards prior to inspection shall be permitted.
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B. Amend Table R301.2(1) to read as follows:
GROUND
SNOW
LOADo
WIND DESIGN SEISMIC
DESIGN
CATEGORYf
SUBJECT TO DAMAGE FROM ICE BARRIER
UNDERLAYMENT
REQUIREDh
FLOOD
HAZARDSg
AIR
FREEZING
INDEXi
MEAN
ANNUAL
TEMPj
Speedd
(mph)
Topographic
effectsk
Special
wind
regionl
Windborne
debris
zonem
Weatheringa
Frost
line
depthb
Termitec
0 95 YES NO NO D Negligible 0 Very
high No
Refer to
Chapter
17.78 of
the SLO
Municipal
Code
0 59(oF)
MANUAL J DESIGN CRITERIA
Elevation
Altitude
correction
factor
Coincident
wet bulb
Indoor
winter
design dry-
bulb
temperature
Indoor winter design
dry-bulb temperature
Outdoor winter design
dry-bulb temperature
Heating temperature
difference
250 0.993 63 70 70 35 35
Latitude Daily
range
Indoor
summer
design
relative
humidity
Indoor
summer
design
relative
humidity
Indoor summer design
dry-bulb temperature
Outdoor summer design
dry-bulb temperature
Cooling temperature
difference
35 MEDIUM 50% 50% 75 88 13
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C. Add Section R309.3.3.5 to read as follows:
R309.3.3.5 Sprinkler Activation Alarm. An alarm audible from all sleeping
rooms shall be provided.
D. Amend Section R306.1 to read as follows:
R306.1 General. Buildings and structures constructed in whole or in part in flood
hazard areas (including A or V Zones) identified in the current edition of the City of
San Luis Obispo’s Flood Insurance Rating Map shall be designed and constructed
in accordance with the provisions contained in this section and the flood plain
management regulations contained in San Luis Obispo Municipal Code Section
17.78, whichever is more stringent. Buildings and structures located in whole or
in part in identified floodways shall be designed and constructed in accordance
with ASCE 24.
E. Delete Sections R403 and R404 and add R403.1 to read as follows:
R403.1 Foundations. The design of foundations to support structures regulated
under the Part 2.5 of the San Luis Obispo Building Construction and Fire
Prevention Code, 2026 shall be per Part 2 of the San Luis Obispo Building
Construction and Fire Prevention Code, 2026, Section 1809 or 1810.
SECTION 15.04.030 AMENDMENTS; ELECTRICAL STANDARDS
A. Amend Section 230.70 (A)(1) to read as follows:
230.70 (A)(1) Readily Accessible Location. The service disconnecting
means shall be installed at a readily accessible location either outside the
building or other structure, or inside nearest the point of entrance of the service
conductors. The disconnecting means shall be accessible to emergen cy
personnel, either directly or by a remote actuating device, without requiring
transit of the building interior. Dedicated electrical equipment rooms located at
the building perimeter and providing direct access to the outside shall satisfy
accessibility for emergency personnel.
SECTION 15.04.040 AMENDMENTS; MECHANICAL STANDARDS
A. Amend Section 104.3.2 to read as follows:
104.3.2 Plan Review Fees. Where a plan or other data is required to be
submitted in accordance with Section 104.3.1, a plan review fee shall be paid
at the time of submitting construction documents for review.
The plan review fees for mechanical system work shall be determined and
adopted by this jurisdiction.
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The plan review fees specific in this subsection are separate fees from the
permit fees specified in the fee schedule adopted by this jurisdiction
Where plans are incomplete or changed so as to require additional review,
a fee shall be charged on an hourly basis at the rate established by this
jurisdiction’s fee schedule.
B. Amend Section 104.4 to read as follows:
104.4 Permit Issuance. The application, construction documents, and other
data filed by an applicant for a permit shall be reviewed by the Authority Having
Jurisdiction. Such plans shall be permitted to be reviewed by other departments
of this jurisdiction to verify compliance with applicable laws under their
jurisdiction. Where the Authority Having Jurisdiction finds that the work
described in an application for permit and the plans, spe cifications, and other
data filled therewith are in accordance with the requirements of the code and
other pertinent laws and ordinances and that all required fees have been paid,
the Authority Having Jurisdiction shall issue a permit therefore to the applicant.
C. Delete Table 104.5 and amend section 104.5 to read as follows:
104.5 Fees. Fees shall be assessed in accordance with the provisions of this
section and as set for in the applicable fee schedule adopted by this jurisdiction
D. Amend section 105.2.6 to read as follows:
105.2.6 Reinspections. A reinspection fee shall be permitted to be assessed
for each inspection or reinspection where such portion of work for which
inspection is called is not complete or where required corrections have not been
made.
This provision shall not be interpreted as requiring reinspection fees the
first time a job is rejected for failure to be in accordance with the requirements
of this code, but as controlling the practice for calling for inspections before the
job is ready for inspection or reinspection.
Reinspection fees shall be permitted to be assessed where the approved
plans are not readily available to the inspector, for failure to provide access on
the date for which the inspection is requested, or for deviating from plans
requiring the approval of the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
In instances where reinspection fees have been assessed, no addition al
inspection of the work will be performed until the required fees have been paid.
SECTION 15.04.050 AMENDMENTS; PLUMBING STANDARDS.
A. Amend Section 104.3.2 to read as follows:
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104.3.2 Plan Review Fees. Where a plan or other data is required to be
submitted in accordance with Section 104.3.1, a plan review fee shall be
paid at the time of submitting construction documen ts for review.
The plan review fees for mechanical system work shall be determined
and adopted by this jurisdiction.
The plan review fees specific in this subsection are separate fees from
the permit fees specified in the fee schedule adopted by this jurisdiction
Where plans are incomplete or changed so as to require additional
review, a fee shall be charged on an hourly basis at the rate established by
this jurisdiction’s fee schedule
B. Amend Section 104.4 to read as follows:
104.4 Permit Issuance. The application, construction documents, and other
data filed by an applicant for a permit shall be reviewed by the Authority Having
Jurisdiction. Such plans shall be permitted to be reviewed by other departments
of this jurisdiction to verify compliance with applicable laws under their
jurisdiction. Where the Authority Having Jurisdiction finds that the work
described in an application for permit and the plans, specifications, and other
data filled therewith are in accordance with the requirements of the c ode and
other pertinent laws and ordinances and that all required fees have been paid,
the Authority Having Jurisdiction shall issue a permit therefore to the applicant.
C. Delete Table 104.5 and amend Section 104.5 to read as follows:
104.5 Fees. Fees shall be assessed in accordance with the provisions of this
section and as set for in the applicable fee schedule adopted by this jurisdiction
D. Amend Section 105.2.6 to read as follows:
105.2.6 Reinspections. A reinspection fee shall be permitted to be
assessed for each inspection or reinspection where such portion of work for
which inspection is called is not complete or where required corrections
have not been made.
This provision shall not be interpreted as requiring reinspection fees the
first time a job is rejected for failure to be in accordance with the
requirements of this code, but as controlling the practice for calling for
inspections before the job is ready for inspection or reinspection.
Reinspection fees shall be permitted to be assessed where the
approved plans are not readily available to the inspector, for failure to
provide access on the date for which the inspection is requested, or for
deviating from plans requiring the approval of the Authority Having
Jurisdiction.
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In instances where reinspection fees have been assessed, no
additional inspection of the work will be performed until the required fees
have been paid.
E. Amend Section 314.4 to read as follows:
314.4 Excavations. All excavations shall be completely backfilled as soon after
inspection as practicable. A layer of sand or fine gravel shall be placed in all
sewer trenches to provide a leveling and laying bed for pipe. Adequate
precaution shall be taken to ensure proper compactness of backfill around
piping without damage to such piping. Trenches shall be backfilled in thin
layers to twelve (12) inches (.3 m) above the top of the piping with clean earth
which shall not contain stones, boulders, cinder fill, frozen earth, construction
debris or other materials which would damage or break the piping or cause
corrosive action. Mechanical devices such as bulldozers, graders, etc., may
then be used to complete backfill to grade. Fill shall be properly compacted.
Suitable precautions shall be taken to ensure permanent stability for pipe laid
in filled or made ground.
F. Amend Section 715.2 to read as follows:
715.2 Joining Methods and Materials. Joining methods and materials for
building sewers shall be as prescribed in this code and shall only have joints
that are glued, solvent cemented, heat fused or welded.
Exception: “Strongback” type couplings may be used when connecting new or
replaced pipe to existing materials.
G. Add Section 1101.3.1 to read as follows:
1101.3.1 Rainwater Harvesting. Storm water drainage may be directed to an
approved rainwater harvesting system and used as an alternate source of
water for non-potable uses as approved by the Building Official and the San
Luis Obispo County Environmental Health Department. The install ation and
use of such a system or systems must be designed to not interact with the
potable water system, the building sanitary sewer or drainage systems that flow
to any creek. Rainwater harvesting systems must be maintained in such
manner as to not cause damage to neighboring properties.
H. Amend Section 1601.3, Exceptions: to read as follows:
Exceptions:
(1) A permit is not required for exterior rainwater catchment systems used for
outdoor non-spray irrigation with a maximum storage capacity of 600
gallons where the tank is supported directly upon grade, the ratio of height
to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1 (except as exempted by the
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Chief Building Official upon confirmation of structural stability), and it does
not require electrical power or a makeup water supply connection, the
height does not exceed seven feet, and it is not visible from the public right-
of-way that abuts the front yard.
(2) A permit is not required for exterior rainwater catchment systems used for
spray irrigation with a maximum storage capacity of 360 gallons
SECTION 15.04.060 AMENDMENTS; ENERGY STANDARDS (RESERVED).
SECTION 15.04.065 AMENDMENTS; ENERGY STANDARDS – ADDITIONS AND
ALTERATIONS
SECTION 15.04.070 AMENDMENTS; WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE STANDARDS
(RESERVED)
SECTION 15.04.080 AMENDMENTS; HISTORICAL BUILDING STANDARDS
(RESERVED)
SECTION 15.04.090 AMENDMENTS; FIRE PREVENTION STANDARDS
A. Amend Chapter 1, Division II, Section 101.1 to read as follows:
101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Fire Code of the City of
San Luis Obispo, may be cited as such and will be referred to herein as “this
code”.
B. Amend Chapter 1, Division II, Section 103.1 to read as follows:
103.1 Creation of agency. The City of San Luis Obispo Fire Department is
hereby created and the official in charge thereof shall be known as the fire code
official. The function of the agency shall include the implementation,
administration and enforcement of the provisions of this code.
C. Amend Chapter 1, Division II, Section 112 to read as follows:
112 Board of appeals established. In order to hear and decide appeals of
orders, decisions or determinations made by the fire code official relative to the
application and interpretation of this code, there shall be and is hereby crea ted
a board of appeals. The board of appeals shall be established as set forth in
Chapter 1, Division II Section 113 of Part 2 of The City of San Luis Obispo
Building Construction and Fire Prevention Code , as amended in Section
15.04.020 of the San Luis Obispo Municipal Code. The fire code official shall
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be an ex officio member of said board but shall have no vote on any matter
before the board. The board shall adopt rules of procedure for conducting its
business and shall render all decisions and findings in writing to the appellant
with a duplicate copy to the fire code official.
D. Amend Chapter 1, Division II, Section 113.4 to read as follows:
113.4 Violation penalties. Persons who shall violate a provision of this code
or shall fail to comply with any of the requirements thereof or who shall erect,
install, alter, repair or do work in violation of the approved construction
documents or directive of the fire code official, or of a permit or certificate used
under provisions of this code, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by
a fine of not more than 1,000 dollars or by imprisonment not exceeding one
year, or both such fine and imprisonment. Each day that a viola tion continues
after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense.
E. Amend Chapter 1, Division II, Section 114.4 to read as follows:
114.4 Failure to comply. Any person who shall continue any work after
having been served with a stop work order, except such work as that person is
directed to perform to remove a violation or unsafe condition, shall be liable to
a fine of not less than that established by Municipal Code Section 1.12.040.
F. Amend the definition of Sky Lantern in Section 202 to read as follows:
SKY LANTERN. An Airborne lantern typically made of paper with a wood frame
containing a candle, fuel cell composed of waxy flammable material or other
open flame which serves as a heat source to heat the air inside the lantern to
cause it to lift into the air. Sky candles, fire balloons and airborne paper lanterns
mean the same as sky lanterns.
G. Add Section 302.2 to read as follows:
HAZARDOUS FIRE AREA. As used in this Chapter: “Hazardous fire area” means
any area which is designated as a hazardous fire area by the fire chief pursuant
to Section 305.6.
H. Add Section 305.6 to read as follows:
305.6 Designation of territory as hazardous fire area by the Fire Chief.
Whenever the Fire Chief determines that a fire hazard exists in any area due to
the presence of flammable material or cover, they may by regulation designate
such area to be a hazardous fire area. The regulation shall declare the period of
time during which the area shall be so designated.
305.6.1 Posting of notices.
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Notice of the designation of each hazardous fire area shall be given by the
posting of notices at intervals of not greater than 500 feet along the exterior
boundaries of the area or along roads and official trails passing through the
area.
305.6.2 Limitation on smoking or building campfires.
A person shall not smoke or build a campfire or other open fire within a
hazardous fire area.
305.6.3 Order closing area to entry; Exceptions; Enforcement.
Whenever it is necessary in the interest of public peace or safety, the Fire
Chief, with the consent of the owner of any lands designated as a hazardous
fire area, may declare such lands closed to entry by any person. Any public
highway traversing such a hazardous fire area, shall, however, be excluded
from the order of closure, and the closure to entry does not prohibit or curtail
the entry or use of the lands by the owner of the lands or his agent, nor the
entry by any federal, state, county of city officer upon the closed area in the
performance of their official duties. City law enforcement officers shall
enforce the order of closure. The Fire Chief shall promulgate written findings
supporting the declaration to close an area and setting forth the projected
duration of the closure. The findings shall articulate with specificity the basis
for the action, considering factors including, but not limited to: weather
conditions (wind, temperatures, relative humidity); fuel loading; topography;
and community threat. The continuation of any order issued pursuant to this
section lasting longer than 5-days (120 hours) shall be reviewed with and
approved in writing by the City Manager until the order is rescinded.
I. Amend Section 307.1.1 and 307.2 to read as follows:
307.1.1 Prohibited open burning. No waste matter, combustible material or
refuse shall be burned in the open air within the city. Agricultural, ceremonial or
similar types of fires may be approved when authorized by the fire code official.
Open burning, cooking or warming fires are prohibited on brush -covered public
lands within the city.
307.2 Permit required. A permit shall be obtained from the fire code official in
accordance with Section 105.6 prior to kindling a fire for recognized silvicultural
or range or wildlife management practices, prevention or control of disease or
pests. Application for such approval shall only be presented by and permits
issued to the owner of the land upon which the fire is to be kindled.
J. Amend Sections 307.4.1 and 307.4.2 to read as follows:
307.4.1 Bonfires. Bonfires shall be prohibited.
307.4.2 Recreational fires. Recreational fires shall be prohibited.
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Exception: Recreational fires may be permitted in approved, non -
combustible commercially built containers, measuring no more than 3 feet in
diameter and 2 feet tall, raised at least 6 inches off the ground with non -
combustible legs and having a non-combustible spark arrester screen with
holes no larger than ¼ inch. The ground beneath this container shall be clear
of combustible material for 10 feet in diameter, and 10 feet away from
combustible construction. The material being burned shall be wood only and
shall not include pressure treated lumber. A pre-connected garden hose
shall be accessible.
K. Amend Section 308.1.7 to read as follows:
308.1.7 Sky lanterns. The ignition and launching of sky lanterns are prohibited.
Exception: Sky Lanterns may be used when all the following exist:
1) Approval is granted by the fire code official.
2) The sky lantern(s) is necessary for a religious or cultural ceremony
3) Adequate safeguards have been taken at the discretion of the fire
code official.
4) The Sky lantern(s) is tethered in a safe manner to prevent them from
leaving the area and must be constantly attended until extinguished.
L. Amend Section 405.8 to read as follows:
405.8 Initiation. Where a fire alarm system is provided, emergency evacuation
drills shall be initiated by activating the fire alarm system. Prior to initiating an
alarm, the person initiating the alarm shall contact the fire alarm monitoring
company and advise the company’s dispatcher of the fire drill. In cases where
the fire alarm system is not monitored by a central station, notification shall be
provided to the fire department dispatch center.
M. Amend Section 503.1.1 and 503.1.2 to read as follows:
503.1.1 Buildings and facilities. Approved fire apparatus access roads shall be
provided for every facility, building or portion of a building hereafter constructed
or moved into or within the jurisdiction. The fire apparatus access road shall
comply with the requirements of this section and shall extend to within 150 feet
(45 720 mm) of all portions of the facility and all portions of the exterior walls of
the first story of the building as measured by an approved route around the
exterior of the building or facility.
Exceptions: The fire code official is authorized to increase the dimension
of 150 feet (45720 mm) to 300 feet (91440 mm) where:
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1. The building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic
sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1,
903.3.1.2 or 903.3.1.3.
2. Fire apparatus access roads cannot be installed because of topography,
waterways, nonnegotiable grades or other similar conditions, and an
approved alternative means of fire protection is provided.
3. There is not more than two Group R-3 or Group U Occupancies,
provided, in the opinion of the fire code official, fire -fighting or rescue
operations would not be impaired.
503.1.2 Additional access. The fire code official is authorized to require
more than one fire apparatus access/egress road based on the potential for
impairment of a single road by vehicle congestion, condition of terrain, climatic
conditions or other factors that could limit access/egress.
N. Amend Section 503.2.2 to read as follows:
503.2.2 Authority. The fire code official shall have the authority to require or permit
modifications to the required access widths where they are inadequate for fire or
rescue operations or where necessary to meet the public safety objectives of the
jurisdiction. Modifications shall include, but are not limited to, a temporary
prohibition of vehicle parking along access roads when conditions are present or
forecasted that would increase the risk to the community
O. Amend Section 503.2.5 to read as follows:
503.2.5 Dead Ends. Dead-end fire apparatus access roads in excess of 150
feet (45 720 mm) in length shall be provided with an approved area for
turning around fire apparatus.
Exception: Where buildings along the dead-end road are protected
by an approved fire sprinkler system throughout, the distance may be
increased to 300 feet (91 440 mm).
P. Amend Section 503.4.1 as follows:
503.4.1. Traffic calming devices. Traffic calming devices may be installed
provided they obtain acceptance of the design and approval of the
construction by the fire code official.
Q. Amend Section 505.1 to read as follows:
505.1 Address numbers. New and existing buildings shall have approved
address numbers, building numbers or approved building identification placed in a
position that is plainly legible and visible from the street or road fronting the
property. These numbers shall contrast with their background. Address numbers
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shall be Arabic numerals or alphabetical letters. Numbers shall not be spelled out.
Numbers shall be a minimum of 5 inches (102 mm) high with a minimum stroke
width of 0.5 inch (12.7 mm) or as otherwise determined necessary by the fire code
official. Where required by the fire code official, address identification shall be
provided in additional approved locations to facilitate emergency response. Where
access is by means of a private road and the building cannot be viewed from the
public way, a monument, pole or other sign or means shall be used to identify the
structure. Address identification shall be maintained.
R. Amend Section 507.2 to read as follows:
507.2 Type of water supply. A water supply shall consist of reservoirs, pressure
tanks, elevated tanks, water mains or other fixed systems connected to the
municipal water system and capable of providing the required fire -flow.
S. Amend Section 507.5.1 and delete Exceptions 1 to read as follows:
507.5.1 Where required. Where a portion of the facility or building hereafter
constructed or moved into or within the jurisdiction is more than 300 feet (91440
mm) from a hydrant on a fire apparatus access road, as measured by an approved
route around the exterior of the facility or building, on-site fire hydrants and mains
shall be provided where required by the fire code official.
T. Add Section 507.5.4.1 to read as follows:
507.5.4.1 Authority to remove obstruction. The fire code official and his
authorized representatives shall have the power and authority to remove or cause
to be removed, without notice, any vehicle, or object parked or placed in violation
of the California Fire Code. The owner of any item so removed shall be responsible
for all towing, storage and other charges incurred.
U. Amend Section 605.1.3 to read as follows:
605.1.3 Fuel Oil. The grade of fuel oil used in a burner shall be that for which the
burner is approved and as stipulated by the burner manufacturer. Oil containing
gasoline shall not be used.
V. Amend Section 605.8 to read as follows:
605.8 Gas meters. Above-ground gas meters, regulators and piping subject to
damage shall be protected by a barrier complying with Section 312 or otherwise
protected in an approved manner. Gas meters shall be perma nently marked and
identified as to the building or system served.
W. Amend Section 901.4.2 and Section 901.4.5 to read as follows:
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901.4.2 Nonrequired fire protection systems . When approved by the fire code
official, fire protection and life safety systems or portion thereof not required by this
code, or the California Building Code shall be allowed to be furnished for partial or
complete protection provided that such installed systems meet the applicable
requirements of this code and the California Building Code.
901.4.5 Additional fire protection systems. In occupancies of a hazardous
nature, where special hazards exist in addition to the normal hazards of the
occupancy, or where the fire code official determines that access for fire apparatus
is unduly difficult, or the location is beyond the four-minute response time of the
fire department, the fire code official shall have the authority to require additional
safeguards. Such safeguards include, but shall not be limited to, the following:
automatic fire detection systems, fire alarm systems, automatic fire extinguishing
systems, standpipe systems, or portable or fixed extinguishers. Fire protection
and life safety systems required under this section shall be installed in accordance
with this code and applicable referenced standards.
X. Amend Section 901.6 to read as follows:
Section 901.6 Inspection, testing and maintenance. Fire protection and life
safety systems shall be maintained in an operative condition at all times and shall
be replaced or repaired where defective. Non-required fire protection systems and
equipment shall be inspected, tested and maintained or removed in accordance
with Section 901.8. No person shall cause a response of emergency personnel
due to failure of notifying police/fire dispatch of any drill, testing, maintenance,
installation of, repair or alteration to any fire protection system.
Y. Amend Section 903.2 to read as follows:
Where Required. Approved automatic sprinkler systems in new buildings and
structures shall be provided in locations as described in Section 903 of the San
Luis Obispo Municipal Code Chapter 15.04.020.
Z. Amend Section 903.2.10 to read as follows:
Section 903.2.10.3 Sprinkler Protection Requirements for Parking Garages
Associated with Electric Vehicle Charging Stations. Specific San Luis Obispo
Fire Department (SLOFD) requirements:
1. For New Buildings: Where a fire sprinkler system is required by code, the fire
sprinkler system shall be designed per NFPA 13-2022 Extra Hazard Group II (EH2)
with 0.40 GPM/SF over the parking space(s) associated with EV charging
station(s). For area(s) less than 2,500 SF, the EH2 design area(s) are required to
extend minimum 3-feet beyond the perimeter of the parking space(s). In this case,
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the design area(s) are not required to extend 15-feet beyond the permitted of the
parking space(s) as it is currently required by 2022 NFPA 13 Section 19.1.2(1).
2. For Existing Buildings with an existing sprinkler system which is required to
protect NEW parking space(s) associated with EV charging station(s), the existing
sprinkler system shall be required to be augmented to EH2 with 0.40 GPM/SF
sprinkler design density over the parking space(s) associated with EV charging
station(s) on a separate sprinkler permit. For area(s) less than 2,500 SF, the EH2
sprinkler design area(s) are required to extend minimum 3 -feet beyond the
perimeter of the parking space(s). In this case, the design area(s) are not required
to extend 15-feet beyond the permitted of the parking space(s) as it is currently
required by 2022 NFPA 13 Section 19.1.2(1).
3. Where an existing, previously approved, fire sprinkler system cannot be
augmented to meet the sprinkler design requirements noted in item (2) above
(without upgrading the fire service and water supply), the sprinkler designer shall
demonstrate to SLOFD, the highest capability of the existing sprinkler system in
terms of sprinkler water density and sprinkler spacing that is available for
protection of the parking space(s) associated with EV charging station(s). This
existing system would be acceptable in addition to providing one-hour fire-rated
walls separation. The maximum continuous (single) fire-area to be separated by
one-hour fire-rated walls, shall not exceed 1500 SF or seven (7) EV charging
stations, whichever area is lesser.
4. The hydraulic calculation design criteria of an existing sprinkler system shall
include all sprinklers within a minimum 2,500 square feet area of sprinkler
operation, or the maximum area containing parking space(s) associated with EV
charging station(s) extending 3 feet beyond the perimeter of the parking space(s),
whichever is less, but not less than 1,500 SF that is required for Ordinary Hazard
design density. (OH2 Per 2022 NFPA 13 Section and Table 19.2.3.1.1 with
0.2/1500 density, or OH1 per the previous 2016 NFPA 13 Sect ion 5.3.1 and
A.5.3.1(1) and 11.2.3.1.1 with 0.15/1500 density). The EH2 design area can be
reduced from 2,500SF to NOT LESS THAN 2,000 SF if high -temp sprinklers or K-
11.2 sprinklers are used at the ceiling per 2022 NFPA 13 Sections 19.2.3.2.6 or
19.2.3.2.7.
5. New buildings with parking space(s) associated with EV charging station(s)
having a continuous (single) area that is equal or greater than 1,500 SF shall be
required to be provided with hose allowance of 500 GPM. while those with a
parking space area that is less than 1,500 SF shall be required to be provided with
hose allowance of 250 GPM, per EH2 Per 2022 NFPA 13 Section and Table
19.2.3.1.2. The total required hose stream of either 500 -gpm or 250-gpm shall be
taken from the point of connection with the city water main per Section 19.1.6.2 of
2022 NFPA 13. An inside hose stream is not required unless Class II hose stations
are connected to the fire sprinkler system.
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6. In new buildings that are equipped with a fire pump system, fire water storage
tank, or both, calculations shall be provided to demonstrate that both the fire pump
system and water storage tank are adequately sized to supply the required
pressure, flow, and duration/quantity. See 2022 NFPA 13, Sections 19.1.5 and
19.1.6.
7. Sprinklered buildings (fully or partially) with Level-3 charger(s) shall have a
sprinkler waterflow switch connected to the building fire alarm system or to a
sprinkler monitoring system. Upon the installation of new Level -3 charger(s) in
existing sprinklered buildings without an existing sprinkler waterflow switch, and
without a building fire alarm or a sprinkler monitoring system, shall be required to
install a new sprinkler waterflow switch and a sprinkler monitoring system per the
applicable codes. The sprinkler waterflow switch associated with the charger(s)
area, upon activation, shall generate a signal to shut down the power for all
charger(s) in the affected area.
8. If the specific requirements above cannot be met , the SLOFD may allow for a
performance-based design that meets or exceeds the intent outlined in this
amendment, to be submitted for SLOFD review and approval on a case -by-case
basis. The applicant may request a Pre-Application meeting to discuss specific
projects on a case-by-case basis.
AA. Add Sections 903.2.22 and 903.2.23 to read as follows:
903.2.22 Existing buildings in commercial fire zone. Existing buildings
located in the commercial fire zone shown in Figure 9 -A that are provided with an
underground fire sprinkler lateral, shall have an automatic fire sprinkler system
installed and operational within 24 months of the approval and acceptance of the
lateral by the City.
Exceptions:
1. The installation of an automatic fire sprinkler system required by Section
903.2.1 in a building of unreinforced masonry construction not strengthened
by July 1, 2007 shall coincide with the strengthening dates established by
Resolution #9890 (2007). City Council established dates range from 2008
to 2010 based on the relative hazard of the building.
2. An automatic fire sprinkler system required by Section 903.2.1 in a building
of unreinforced masonry construction strengthened as required by
Appendix Chapter 1 of the 1997 Uniform Code for Building Conservation,
as amended, prior to July 1, 2007, shall be complet ed and operational by
July 1, 2012.
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3. An automatic fire sprinkler system required by Section 903.2.1 in a building
of unreinforced masonry construction strengthened as required by
Appendix Chapter 1 of the 1997 Uniform Code for Building Conservation,
as amended, prior to October 1, 2004, shall be completed and operational
by January 1, 2017.
FIGURE 9-A – COMMERCIAL FIRE ZONE
903.2.23 Notification. Whenever the fire code official determines that a
building is subject to the minimum requirements of Section 903.2.22, the building
owner shall be notified in writing that an automatic fire-sprinkler system shall be
installed in the building.
The notice shall specify in what manner the building fails to meet the
minimum requirements of Section 903.2.22. It shall direct that plans be submitted,
that necessary permits be obtained, and that installation be completed by the
specified date. The fire department shall serve the notice, either personally or by
certified or registered mail, upon the owner as shown on the last-equalized
assessment roll and upon the person, if any, in real or apparent charge or control
of the building.
BB. Amend Sections 903.3.1.1 and 903.3.1.1.1 to read as follows , with all locations
identified in section 903.3.1.1.1 to remain:
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903.3.1.1 NFPA 13 sprinkler systems. Where other provisions of this code require
that a building or portion thereof be equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler
system in accordance with this section and where a building is considered as mixed
occupancy due to the presence of two or more uses that are classified into different
occupancy groups, sprinklers shall be installed throughout in accordance with
NFPA 13 as amended in Chapter 80 except as provided in Section 903.3.1.1.1
through 903.1.1.3.
903.3.1.1.1 Exempt locations. In other than Group I-2, I-2.1 and I-3
occupancies, automatic sprinklers shall not be required in the following rooms
or areas where such rooms or areas are protected with an approved alternative
automatic fire extinguishing system in accordance with Section 904. Sprinklers
shall not be omitted from any room merely because it is damp, of fire-resistance-
rated construction or contains electrical equipment.
CC. Amend Section 903.4 to read as follows, with Exceptions to remain:
903.4 Sprinkler system supervision and alarms. All valves controlling the water
supply for automatic sprinkler systems, pumps, tanks, water levels and
temperatures, critical air pressures, and water-flow switches on all sprinkler
systems shall be electrically supervised by a central station service listed by
Underwriters Laboratories for receiving fire alarms in accordance with NFPA 72.
The central station shall contact and notify the police/fire dispatch center
immediately on notification of an alarm and prior to making contact with the
protected premises.
DD. Amend Section 903.4.3 and add Exception to read as follows:
903.4.3 Isolation Control Valves. Approved supervised indication control valves
shall be provided at the point of connection to the riser on each floor in all buildings
two or more stories in height or in single-story buildings having a gross floor area
of 10,000 square feet or more zoned into no more than 5,000 square foot areas
for the purpose of maintaining system integrity for life safety and evacuation.
Exception: Isolation control valves may be omitted in building equipped with
an automatic fire extinguishing system installed in accordance with Section
903.3.1.3.
EE. Amend Section 905.3.1 to read as follows, with Exceptions to remain:
905.3.1 Height. In other than Group R-3 and R-3.1 occupancies, Class III
standpipe systems shall be installed throughout at each floor where any of the
following occur.
1. Buildings where the floor level of the highest story is located more
than 30 feet (9144 mm) above the lowest level of fire department
vehicle access.
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2. Buildings that are four or more stories in height.
3. Buildings where the floor level of the lowest story is located more
than 30 feet (9144 mm) below the highest level of fire department
vehicle access.
4. Buildings that are two or more stories below the highest level of fire
department vehicle access.
5. In any parking structure exceeding one level above or one level
below grade.
FF. Amend Section 907.6.6 to read as follows:
907.6.6 Monitoring. Fire alarm systems required by this chapter or by the
California Building Code shall be monitored by an approved central station service
listed by Underwriters Laboratory for receiving fire alarms in accordance with
NFPA 72 and this section. The central station shall contact and notify the police/fire
dispatch center immediately on notification of an alarm and prior to making contact
with the protected premises.
Exception: Monitoring by a central station service is not required for:
1. Single- and multiple station smoke alarms required by Section 907.2.11.
2. Group I-3 occupancies shall be monitored in accordance with Section
907.2.6.3.
3. Automatic sprinkler systems in one- and two-family dwellings.
GG. Add Section 910.3.2.1 to read as follows:
Section 910.3.2.1 Sprinklered buildings. Where installed in buildings equipped
with an approved automatic sprinkler system, smoke and heat vents shall be
designed to operate automatically by actuation of a heat responsive device rated
at least 100 degrees above the operating temperature of the sprinkler heads.
HH. Add Section 1207.1.1.1 to read as follows:
1207.1.1.1 Hazardous electrolyte thresholds. Stationary battery systems having
an electrolyte capacity of more than 50 gallons (189 L) for flooded lead acid, nickel
cadmium (Ni-Cd) and valve-regulated lead acid (VRLA), or 1,000 pounds (454 kg)
for lithium0ion and lithium metal polymer, used for facility standby power,
emergency power, or uninterrupted power supplies or the indoor storage of electric
carts, cars, fork-lifts and similar equipment, shall comply with this section and
Table 1207.1.1.
II. Amend Section 2306.2 and delete 2306.2.6, to read as follows:
2306.2 Method of storage. Approved methods of storage for Class I, II and III
liquid fuels at motor fuel-dispensing facilities shall be in accordance with Sections
2306.2.1 through 2306.2.6
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JJ. Amend Section 2306.2.3 (3) to read as follows:
3. Tanks containing fuels shall not exceed 8,000 gallons (30,274 L) in
individual capacity or 16,000 gallons (60,549 L) in aggregate capacity.
Installations with the maximum allowable aggregate capacity shall be separated
from other such installations by not less than 100 feet (30 480 mm).
KK. Amend Sections 2306.2.4 and 2306.2.4.1 to read as follows and delete Section
2306.2.4.2:
2306.2.4 Above-ground tanks located in above-grade vaults or below -grade
vaults. Above-ground tanks used for storage of Class I, II, or III liquid motor fuels
are allowed to be installed in vaults located above grade or below grade in
accordance with Section 5704.2.8 and shall comply with Sections 2306.2.4.1 and
2306.2.4.2. Tanks in above-grade vaults shall also comply with Table 2306.2.3
and the fuel shall not be offered for resale.
2306.2.4.1 Tank capacity limits. Tanks storing Class I, II or III liquids at an
individual site shall be limited to a maximum individual capacity of 8,000 gallons
(30,274 L) and an aggregate capacity of 16,000 gallons (60,549 L).
LL. Amend Section 2306.2.6 items 1 and 6 to read as follows:
1. The special enclosure shall be liquid tight and vapor tight. A leak detection-
monitoring system capable of detecting liquid and providing an audible and
visual alarm shall be installed and tested annually.
6. Tanks containing Class I, II, or III liquids inside a special enclosure shall not
exceed 2,000 gallons (7569 L) in individual capacity or 6,000 gallons (22706 L)
in aggregate capacity
MM. Amend Section 3307.1 to read as follows:
Section 3307.1 Required access. Approved vehicle access for firefighting shall
be provided to within 100 feet of temporary or permanent fire department
connections all construction or demolition sites. Vehicle access shall be provided
by either temporary or permanent roads, capable of supporting vehicle loading
under all weather conditions to within 150 feet of all combustible building materials
or construction. Vehicle access roads shall be maintained until permanent fire
apparatus access roads are available.
NN. Amend Section 5601.1 and add exceptions 11 and 12 to read as follows:
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5601.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall govern the possession,
manufacture, storage, handling, sale and use of explosives, explosive materials,
fireworks, rockets, emergency signaling devices and small arms ammunition.
Manufacture, possession, storage, sale, transportation, handling or use of
explosive materials and the manufacture of explosive material and/or all fireworks,
including Safe and Sane as designated by the Office of the State Fire Marshal, is
prohibited within the City.
Exceptions:
1. Through 10. To remain as written.
11. Use and handling of fireworks for display in accordance with Section
5601.1.3 exception (3) when authorized by the fire code official and in
full compliance with Title 19, Division I, Chapter 6.
12. The transportation, handling or use of explosive materials in conjunction
with a City permitted construction or demolition project, subject to
approval of the fire code authority and conforming to the requirements
of the California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 10.
OO. Add the following definition to Section 5702:
TANK, PROTECTED ABOVE GROUND. A tank listed in accordance with UL 2085
consisting of a primary tank provided with protection from physical damage and
fire-resistive protection from a high-intensity liquid pool fire exposure. The tank
may provide protection elements as a unit or may be an assembly of components,
or a combination thereof.
PP. Amend Section 5704.2.7 and Delete the Exception to Section 5704.2.7.5.8 to read
as follows:
5704.2.7 Design, fabrication and construction requirements for tanks. All
tanks shall be protected tanks as defined in Section 5702. The design, fabrication,
and construction of tanks shall comply with NFPA 30. Tanks sh all be of double-
walled construction and listed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL). Each tank shall
bear a permanent nameplate or marking indicating the standard used as the basis
of design.
5704.2.7.5.8 Over-fill prevention. An approved means or method in accordance
with Section 5704.2.9.7.5 shall be provided to prevent the over-fill of all Class I, II
and IIIA liquid storage tanks. Storage tanks in refineries, bulk plants or terminals
regulated by Sections 5706.4 or 5706.7 shall have over-fill protection in
accordance with API 2350.
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An approved means or method in accordance with Section 5704.2.9.7.5
shall be provided to prevent the overfilling of Class IIIB liquid storage tanks
connected to fuel-burning equipment inside buildings
QQ. Amend 5704.2.8.3 to read as follows:
5704.2.8.3 Secondary containment. Vaults shall be liquid tight and there shall
not be backfill around the tank or within the vault. The vault floor shall drain to a
sump. For pre-manufactured vaults, liquid tightness shall be certified as part of
the listing provided by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. For field -erected
vaults, liquid tightness shall be certified in an approved manner.
RR. Add Section 5704.2.8.11.1 to read as follows:
5704.2.8.11.1 Monitoring and detection. Activation of vapor detection systems
shall also shut off dispenser pumps. Monitoring and detection systems shall be
inspected and tested annually.
SS. Amend Sections 5704.2.9 to read as follows:
5704.2.9 Above-ground tanks outside of buildings. Above-ground storage of
flammable and combustible liquids in tanks outside of buildings shall comply with
Section 5704.2 and Sections 5704.2.9.1 through 5704.2.9.7.9 and Section
2306.2.3, condition 3 as amended by this chapter.
TT. Amend Section 5704.2.13.1.4 to read as follows with items 1 through 6 to remain:
5704.2.13.1.4 Tanks abandoned in place. A tank owner/operator proposing to
abandon a tank in place shall submit a permit application to the fire department for
assessment of soil contamination around the tank and product, vent and vapor
piping. If contamination is confirmed, a work plan for additional assessment or
remediation shall be submitted to the fire department within 30 days. If a tank is
approved for abandonment in place, the property owner will be required place a
deed notice on the property. The deed notice shall be notarized and recorded with
the San Luis Obispo County Clerk Recorder’s Office within 30 days of tank
abandonment. Tanks abandoned in place shall be as follows:
UU. Amend 5706.2.4 and the Exception to Section 5706.2.4 to read as follows:
5706.2.4 Permanent and temporary tanks. The capacity of permanent above-
ground tanks containing Class I, II or III liquids shall not exceed 1,100 gallons
(4164L). The capacity of temporary aboveground tanks containing class I, II, or III
liquids shall not exceed 8,000 gallons (30 274 L). Tan ks shall be of the single-
compartment design, double-walled construction and shall be listed by
Underwriters Laboratory (UL).
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Exception: Permanent aboveground tanks of greater capacity which meet the
requirements of 5704.2, as amended, may be permitted when approved by the
fire code official.
VV. Amend Section 5706.2.5 to read as follows:
5706.2.5 Type of tank. Tanks shall be listed for use by Underwriters Laboratory
(UL), provided with top openings only, and overfill protection, and approved
hoses/nozzles. Tanks shall be of double-walled construction or be provided with
secondary containment. Elevated gravity discharge tanks shall be permitted only
by approval of the fire code official.
WW. Amend Section 6104.2 to read as follows:
6104.2 Maximum capacity within established limits. The installation of any
liquid petroleum gas (LPG) tank over 500 gallons (1892 L) water capacity is
prohibited unless approved by the fire code official. In residential occupancies,
LPG containers are limited to 5 gallons (19 L) for use in outdoor appliances.
XX. Amend Appendix Section B105.1 and the title of Table B105.1 (1) to read as
follows:
B105.1One- and two-family dwellings. The minimum fire-flow and flow duration
for one- and two-family dwellings shall be as specified in Tables B105.1 (1) and
B105.1 (2).
Table B105.1(1)
REQUIRED FIRE-FLOW FOR ONE- AND TWO-FAMILY DWELLINGS
The remainder of the table is unchanged.
YY. Amend the Exception to Appendix Section B105.2 to read as follows:
B105.2 Buildings other than one- and two-family dwellings. The minimum fire-
flow and flow duration for buildings other than one - and two-family dwellings shall
be as specified in Table B105.1 (2).
Exception: A reduction in required fire-flow of up to 50 percent, as approved
by the fire code official, may be allowed when the building is provided with an
approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section
903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2. The resulting fire-flow shall not be less than 1,500
gallons per minute (5678 L/min) for the prescribed duration as specified in
Table B105.1(2).
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ZZ. Amend Appendix Section D103.1 and Add Exception to Figure D103.1 to read as
follows:
D103.1 Access Road width with a hydrant. Where a fire hydrant is located on
a fire apparatus road, the minimum road width shall be 26 feet (7925 mm). See
Figure D103.1.
Exceptions to Figure D103.1: Cul-de-sac diameter may be a minimum of 70
feet as approved by the fire code official. Parking in cul-de-sacs of less than
96 feet in diameter shall be approved by the fire code official.
AAA. Amend Appendix Section D103.4, Table D103.4 and Figure D103.1 to read as
follows:
D103.4 Dead ends. Dead-end fire apparatus access roads in excess of 150
feet shall be provided with width and turnaround provisions in accordance with
Table D103.4, as amended.
Exception: Where buildings along the dead-end road are protected by an
approved fire sprinkler system throughout, the distance may be increased
to 300 feet (91 440 mm).
Table D103.4: The minimum fire apparatus turnaround cul-de-sac diameter
shall be 70 feet, curb to curb, when posted “No Parking”.
BBB. Amend Appendix Section D103.6 through D103.6.2 to read as follows:
D103.6 Signs. Where required by the fire code official, fire apparatus roads shall
be marked with permanent NO PARKING--FIRE LANE signs per city standards.
Signs shall be posted on one or both sides of the fire apparatus road as required
by Section D103.6.1 or D103.6.2.
D103.6.1 Roads less than 28 feet in width. Fire apparatus roads 20 to less
than 28 feet wide shall be posted on both sides as a fire lane.
D103.6.2 Roads 28 or greater feet in width. Fire apparatus roads 28 to less
than 36 feet wide shall be posted on one side of the road as a fire lane.
CCC. Amend Appendix Section D104.1 to read as follows:
D104.1 Buildings exceeding three stories or 30 feet in height. Buildings or
facilities exceeding 30 feet (9144 mm) or three stories in height shall have
adequate means of fire department access for each structure as approved by the
fire code official.
DDD. Amend the Exception to Appendix Section D104.2 to read as follows:
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D104.2 Buildings exceeding 62,000 square feet in area. Buildings or facilities
having a gross building area of more than 62,000 square feet (5760 m 2) shall be
provided with two separate and approved fire apparatus access roads.
Exception: Buildings located in the commercial fire zone as shown on Figure
9-A of this code may be provided with fire apparatus access roads having a
minimum width of 20 feet when approved by the fire code official.
EEE. Amend Appendix Section D105.2 by adding an exception to read as follows:
D105.2 Width. Aerial fire apparatus access roads shall have a minimum
unobstructed width of 26 feet (7925 mm) in the immediate vicinity of any building
or portion of a building more than 30 feet (9144 mm) in height.
Exception: Buildings located in the commercial fire zone as shown on Figure
9-A of this code may be provided with fire apparatus access roads having a
minimum width of 20 feet when approved by the fire code official.
FFF. Amend Section D106.1 to read as follows:
D106.1 Projects having more than 100 dwelling units. Multiple-family
residential projects having more than 100 dwelling units shall be equipped
throughout with two separate and approved fire apparatus access roads.
GGG. Delete Appendix Section D106.2.
HHH. Amend Appendix Section D107.1 and delete Exception 1 to read as follows:
D107.1 One- or two-family dwelling residential developments. Developments
of one- or two-family dwellings where the number of dwelling units exceeds 30
shall be provided with separate and approved fire access roads and shall meet the
requirements of D104.3. Where the number of dwelling units is less than 30, the
fire code official may require additional access in accordance with Section 503.1.2.
Exception: The number of dwelling units accessed from a single fire
apparatus access road shall not be increased unless fire apparatus access
roads will connect with future development, as determined by the fire code
official.
SECTION 15.04.100 AMENDMENTS; EXISTING BUILDING STANDARDS
A. Amend Appendix Section A101.1 to read as follows:
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[BS] A101.1 Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to promote public safety
and welfare by reducing the risk of death or injury that may result from the
effects of earthquakes on existing buildings of unreinforced masonry wall
construction.
The provisions of this chapter are intended as minimum standards for structural
seismic resistance established primarily to reduce the risk of life loss or injury.
Compliance with these standards will not necessarily prevent loss of life or
injury or prevent earthquake damage to retrofitted buildings.
B. Amend Appendix Section A102.1 and add exceptions to read as follows:
[BS] A102.1 General. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all existing
buildings having at least one unreinforced masonry wall. The elements
regulated by this chapter shall be determined in accordance with Table A102.1.
Except as provided herein, other structural provisions of the building code shall
apply. This chapter does not apply to the alteration of existing electrical,
plumbing, mechanical or fire safety systems.
Exceptions:
1. Warehouses or similar structures not used for human habitation
unless housing emergency equipment or supplies.
2. A building having five living units or less.
C. Add the following definitions to Section A103:
LEVEL A STRENGTHENING of an unreinforced masonry building is
compliance with the provisions of this chapter, limited to the removal of or
bracing of parapets, installation of anchors between walls and roof, and
installation of anchors between walls and floors.
LEVEL B STRENGTHENING of an unreinforced masonry building is
compliance with all provisions of this chapter.
D. Amend Appendix Section A109.2 to read as follows:
[BS] A109.2 Selection of Procedure. Buildings shall be analyzed by the
General Procedure of Section A110, which is based on Chapter 16 of the
California Building Code, or when applicable, buildings may be analyzed by the
Special Procedure of A111. Buildings with a substantially complete st eel or
concrete frame capable of supporting gravity dead and live loads and that
utilize unreinforced masonry walls as non-bearing infill between frame
members shall be analyzed by a procedure approved by the building official.
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Qualified historic structures may be analyzed per the California Building
Standards Code, Part 8, California Historical Building Code.
E. Add new Section A115 entitled "Administrative Provisions" to read as follows:
SECTION A115
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
A115.1 Compliance Requirements.
A115.1.1 Strengthening deadlines. The owner of a building within the
scope of this chapter shall structurally alter the building to conform to Level
B Strengthening within 24 months of receiving written notice from the
building official.
A115.1.2 Permits. The owner of a building within the scope of this
chapter shall submit a complete application for a building permit to
strengthen the building to Level B requirements within 3 months of receiving
written notification from the building official. The building permit shall be
obtained within 6 months of receiving written notification from the building
official and shall remain valid until required Level B strengthening work is
completed per Section A115.1.1.
A115.1.3 Posting of sign. The owner of a building within the scope of
this chapter shall post, at a conspicuous place near the primary entrances
to the building, a sign provided by the building official stating “This is an
unreinforced masonry building. Unreinforced masonry buildings may be
unsafe in the event of a major earthquake”. The sign shall be posted within
30 days of receipt by the building owner per installation standards
established by the building official.
A115.2 Notice and Order
A115.2.1 General. The building official shall, within 30 days of the
determination that a building is of unreinforced masonry construction issue
a notice and order as provided in this section to the owner of a building
within the scope of this chapter.
A115.2.2 Service of notice and order. A notice or order issued
pursuant to this section shall be in writing and shall be served either
personally or by certified or registered mail upon the owner as shown on the
last equalized assessment roll, and upon the person, if any, in apparent
charge or control of the building. The failure of any such person to receive
such notice or order shall not affect the validity of any proceedings taken
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under this chapter or relieve any such pe rson from any duty or obligation
imposed on him by the provisions of this chapter.
A115.2.3 Content of notice and order. The notice shall specify that
the building has been determined by the building official to be within the
scope of this chapter and, therefore, is subject to the minimum seismic
standards of this chapter. The order shall direct the owner to obtain a
building or demolition permit as required by this chapter and cause the
building to be structurally altered to conform to the provisions of this chapter,
or cause the building to be demolished. The notice or order shall be
accompanied by a copy of Section A115.1, which sets forth the owner's
responsibilities.
A115.3 Appeal. The owner of the building may appeal the building official's
initial determination that the building is within the scope of this chapter to the
Board of Appeals established by Chapter 1, Division II, Section 113 of the
California Building Code, as adopted. Such appeal shall be filed with the Board
within 60 days from the service date of the order described in Section A115.2.
Any appeal shall be decided by the Board no later than 90 days after filing and
the grounds thereof shall be stated clearly and conc isely. Appeals or requests
for modifications from any other determinations, orders or actions by the
building official pursuant to this chapter shall be made in accordance with the
procedures established in Chapter 1, Division II, Section 104.10 of the
California Building Code.
A115.4 Recordation. At the time that the building official serves the
aforementioned notice, the building official shall also file and record with the
office of the county recorder a certificate stating that the subject building is
within the scope of this chapter and is a potentially earthquake hazardous
building. The certificate shall also state that the owner thereof will be ordered
to structurally analyze the building to determine compliance with this chapter.
If the building is either demolished, found not to be within the scope of this
chapter, or is structurally capable of resisting minimum seismic forces required
by this chapter as a result of structural alterations or an analysis, the building
official shall file and record with the office of the county recorder a form
terminating the status of the subject building as being classified within the
scope of this chapter.
A115.5 Enforcement. If the owner in charge or control of the subject building
fails to comply with any order issued by the building official pursuant to this
chapter within the time limit set forth in Section A115.1, the building official shall
verify that the record owner of this building has been properly served. If the
order has been served on the record owner, then the following provisions apply:
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1. The building official may order that the entire building be vacated and
that the building remain vacated until such order has been complied
with. If compliance with such order has not been accomplished within
90 days after the date the building has been ordered vacated or such
additional time as may have been granted by the Board of Appeals, the
building official may order its demolition in accordance with the
provisions of Sections 107, 108, and 109 of the International Property
Maintenance Code.
2. Any person who violates any provision of this chapter is guilty of a
misdemeanor, and is subject to the penalty as provided for in Chapter 1.12
of the City of San Luis Obispo Municipal Code. The City may also pursue
alternative civil remedies as set forth in Section 1.12.090 of the Municipal
Code.
A115.6 Program monitoring and annual report. If any unreinforced mason
buildings are discovered, building official shall submit a report to the City
Council outlining the progress to date concerning reduction of the hazards
presented by the unreinforced masonry building inventory for the City. The
report shall include:
1. The number of unreinforced masonry buildings strengthened,
demolished, or otherwise eliminated from the inventory;
2. The number of unreinforced masonry buildings remaining on the
inventory, including the status of orders issued pursuant to this Chapter
that are not resolved.
A115.7 Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems. Buildings within the scope of this
chapter located in the commercial fire zone shown in Figure 9 -A of the
California Fire Code, as amended, shall install an automatic fire sprinkler
system in conjunction with level B strengthening deadlines in accordance with
Section 903.2.1 of the California Fire Code, as amended in Municipal Code
Section 15.04.100, unless a later installation date is granted by both the
building official and fire code official.
F. Add Appendix F to read as follows:
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Appendix F
DEMOLITION AND MOVING
OF BUILDINGS
SECTION F101
GENERAL
F101.1 Purpose. The purpose of this appendix is to establish minimum
standards and procedures for the demolition and relocation (moving) of
buildings and structures to safeguard life, property, health and public welfare.
It is also intended to ensure that moved buildings are structurally sound,
sanitary, habitable, and that they will harmonize with existing devel opment in
the area to which they are to be moved.
F101.2 Scope. This appendix sets forth rules and regulations to control
demolition and relocation operations, establishes the administrative
procedures for review of an application to demolish or move a building, and
provides for the issuance of permits.
F101.3 Appeals. Any person aggrieved by a decision made under the terms
of this chapter may appeal such decision. For matters concerning the technical
provisions of this code, such appeal shall be subject to the provisions of the
Chapter 1, Division II Section 113 of the Calif ornia Building Code; for all other
matters, the appeal provisions of Chapter 1.20 of the Municipal Code shall
apply.
SECTION F102
DEFINITIONS
Section F102 General. For the purposes of this appendix, certain terms,
words and their derivatives shall be defined as specified in this section.
ARC means the Architectural Review Commission appointed by the City
Council.
CHC means the Cultural Heritage Committee appointed by the City Council.
Demolition means the complete or partial removal of a structure.
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Foundation means the structure, usually of concrete, resting on or in the
ground, including the footing, on which a building is erected.
Foundation wall means the walls of concrete or masonry that support a
building.
Inventory of Historical Resources is the Master List of Historic Resources
and the Listing of Contributing Properties within Historical Preservation Districts
approved by the City Council.
Municipal Code means the San Luis Obispo Municipal Code.
Potential Historic Resource means a building which may meet the Criteria
for Historic Listing found in the City of San Luis Obispo Historic Preservation
Program, but which has not been evaluated or listed as an historic resource.
Slab means a flat piece of material, usually of concrete, placed on the ground
for use as a building floor, patio, driveway, walk, ball court and/or similar uses.
Structure means any human made site feature, including signs, walls, fences,
buildings, monuments, or similar features.
Substructure means the foundation of a building or structure including the
piers and piles.
SECTION F103
PERMIT REQUIREMENTS
F103.1 Permit required. The demolition or relocation (moving) of any
building or structure shall not commence until a permit has been issued by the
building official in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and Chapter
1, Division II of the California Building Code.
Exception: Temporary construction offices.
A permit to move a building shall be a building permit when the building is
relocated within the limits of the city. A permit to move a building shall be a
demolition permit when the building is relocated to a site outside of the city
limits.
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F103.2 Moving and Relocation of Buildings.
F103.2.1 Inspection of buildings to be moved. All buildings to be
moved into or within the city shall be inspected by the building official to
determine compliance with this code and suitability for moving prior to
permit issuance.
F103.2.2 Transportation and building permits required. For moving
projects, a transportation permit shall be obtained from the public works
director subsequent to issuance of a moving permit. Building, plumbing,
electrical, and mechanical permits shall be required for all work necessary
for the placement of a moved or relocated building.
F103.3 Procedure for permit application processing. Prior to issuance of a
permit to demolish or relocate a building or structure, the permit application
shall be subject to the following:
1. Demolition or relocation of historical resource. For any structure
located on a property listed on the Inventory of Historical Resources, an
application for Architectural Review shall be submitted and require
approval prior to issuance of a permit for building relocation or
demolition. The application shall include plans for replacement
structures, at the discretion of the Community Development Director.
2. Demolition or relocation of structure not designated historical. For
any structure that is not located on a property listed on the Inven tory of
Historical Resources and that is over 50 years old, the Community
Development Director shall determine if the structure or structures
proposed for demolition are a potential historic resource. If the
Community Development Director determines that the structure or
structures is/are a potentially historic resource(s), the applicant shall
submit an application for Architectural Review. If the Community
Development Director determines the structure or structures not to be a
potential historic resource, the applicant shall provide evidence that for
a period of not less than 90 days from date of permit application, the
building was advertised in a local newspaper on at least 3 separate
occasions not less than 15 days apart, as available to any interested
person to be moved; and submit historic documentation for the structure
in accordance with criteria established by the Community Development
Director and the Cultural Heritage Committee.
Exceptions for Structures Not Designated Historical:
1. A building or structure determined by the building official to be a
dangerous building as defined in the International Property
Maintenance Code which poses an imminent, serious threat to the
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health, safety or welfare of community residents or people living or
working on or near the site, and for which historic documentation
acceptable to the Community Development Director has been
submitted.
2. Accessory buildings, sheds, garages, and similar structures, unless
determined to be a potential historic resource b y the Community
Development Director.
F103.4 Guarantee. Prior to issuance of a permit to demolish or move a building
or structure, the applicant shall provide the city with a guarantee in such form
and amount as may be deemed necessary by the building off icial to assure
completion of demolition or moving, removal of all debris, cleanup of the site,
repair of damage to public improvements, erection of barricades when required
and filling of depression below adjacent grade. The amount of the guarantee
for demolition shall be not less than one thousand dollars or twenty percent of
the value of the demolition contract price, whichever is greater. The amount of
the guarantee for moving a building or structure shall be twenty percent of the
total value of all work to be accomplished and associated with moving of the
building, but not less than five thousand dollars. Work required to comply with
this section may be completed by the city after the time limits stated have
expired and shall be paid from the deposit. The deposit shall not be released
until such work is completed.
Exceptions:
1. No guarantee will be required when the demolition permit is issued
at the same time as a building permit for a redevelopment project.
2. When the structure to be moved is to be relocated outside the limits
of the city, the amount of the guarantee may be reduced when
approved by the building official, but in no case shall be less than
one thousand dollars.
F103.5 Indemnity. Every person, firm or corporation to whom permission has
been granted under the terms of this chapter and other ordinances to utilize
public property for the demolition or moving of any building or structure shall at
all times assume responsibility for any damage to public property. Such
permission shall be further conditioned that any person, firm or corporation
shall, as a consideration for the use of public property, at all times release, hold
harmless and indemnify the city and all of its agents and employees from a ny
and all responsibility, liability, loss or damage resulting to any persons or
property caused by or incidental to the demolition or moving work. Written
indemnification in a form acceptable to the city attorney shall be provided.
F103.6 Damage to public property. As a condition of obtaining a permit to
demolish or move any building or structure, the permittee shall assume liability
for any damage to public property occasioned by such moving, demolition, or
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removal operations. Applicants for demolition permits shall provide information
and plans when requested for protection of public property. Information and
plans shall be specific as to type of protection, structural adequacy and
location. Approval to use or occupy public property shall be obtained before
proceeding with demolition work.
F103.7 Insurance. Prior to the issuance of a permit to demolish or move
any building or structure, the permit applicant shall deposit with the building
official a certificate of liability insurance naming the city as an additional insured
party on the insurance policy. Such insurance shall be valid at all times during
demolition or moving operations. The liability insurance coverage shall be in an
amount of at least five hundred thousand dollars per occurrence for injuries,
including accidental death to any one person, and subject to the same limit for
each additional person, in an amount at least one million dollars on account of
any one accident: and property damage in an amount at least five hundred
thousand dollars.
Exception: Demolition of a wood frame building not greater than two
stories or twenty-five feet in height, measured to the top of the highest point
of the roof, provided the building is not less than twenty feet from public
property lines or, if less than twenty feet from public property lines, adequate
protection is provided for pedestrians and public property to the satisfaction
of the building official.
F103.8 Disconnecting service lines. Prior to the issuance of a permit to
demolish or relocate a building or structure, the permit applicant shall complete
the following to the satisfaction of the building official:
1. Electrical service. The power to all electric service lines shall be shut-
off and all such lines cut or disconnected outside the property line. Prior
to the cutting of such lines, the property owner or his agent shall notify
and obtain the approval of the electric service agency.
2. Other service. All gas, water, steam, storm, sanitary sewers, and other
service lines shall be shut-off and/or abandoned as required by the
public works director, utilities director, or other agency
SECTION F104
PUBLIC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
F104.1 General. The demolition or moving of any building shall not commence
until structures required for protection of persons and property are in place.
Such structures and the demolition work shall conform to the applicable
provisions of Chapter 33 of the California Building Code. Prior to permit
issuance, a schedule of operations shall be submitted to the building official for
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review and approval and shall set forth a sequence of work on the building, the
need to barricade public streets, details of travel to and from the site f or hauling
operations, route of moving, estimated completion date, and any other
significant work which may require inspection or coordination with city
departments.
F104.2 Dust and debris. During demolition operations, all material removed
shall be wet sufficiently or otherwise handled to control the dust incidental to
removal.
All adjacent streets, alleys and other public ways and places shall be kept free
and clear of all rubbish, refuse and loose material resulting from the moving,
demolition or demolition removal operations, except as allowed by tem porary
encroachment permits approved by the public works director.
SECTION F105
REMOVAL OF MATERIALS
F105.1 General. All building rubble and debris shall be removed from the
demolition site to an approved point of disposal.
F105.2 Foundations. All foundations, concrete slabs and building
substructures shall be removed to the satisfaction of the building official.
Exception: Foundations, concrete slabs on grade and building
substructures may remain if the site is fenced to the satisfaction of the
building official.
F105.3 Completion. Upon completion of the removal of a building or
structure by either demolition or moving, the ground shall be left in a smooth
condition free of demolition debris. Holes in the ground, basements or cellars,
shall be filled to existing grade.
Exception: The filling of such excavation may not be required when a
building permit has been issued for a new b uilding on the site and the
construction thereof is to start within sixty days after the completion of
demolition or moving operations and the permittee provides a temporary
barricade protecting the excavation on all sides to the satisfaction of the
building official.
SECTION 15.04.110 AMENDMENTS; GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS
(RESERVED).
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SECTION 15.04.120 AMENDMENTS; REFERENCED STANDARDS (RESERVED).
SECTION 15.04.130 AMENDMENTS; PROPERTY MAINTENANCE STANDARDS.
A. All references to "International" codes shall be replaced with "California" codes.
B. Amend Chapter 1, Part 1, Section 101.1 to read as follows:
101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Property Maintenance Code
of The City of San Luis Obispo, hereinafter referred to as “this code.”
C. Amend Chapter 1, Part 1, Section 102.3 to read as follows:
102.3. Application to other Codes. Nothing in this Code shall be construed to
cancel, modify, or set aside any provision of the California Code of Regulations,
Title 24 as amended and adopted by the City of San Luis Obispo.
D. Amend Chapter 1, Part 2, Section 103.1 to read as follows:
103.1 Creation of enforcement agency. The Building and Safety Division is
hereby created and the official in charge thereof shall be k nown as the building
official. The function of the agency shall be the implementation, administration and
enforcement of the provisions of this code.
E. Add Chapter 1, Part 2, Section 109.2.2 is added to read as follows:
109.2.2 Closed structures method and term. Structures ordered to be closed,
shall be closed in accordance with Appendix A of this code.
F. Amend Chapter 1, Part 2, Section 109.4 and Delete Sections 109.4.1 & 109.4.2 to
read as follows:
109.4 Notice. Whenever the code official determines that there has been a
violation of this code or has grounds to believe that a violation has occurred, notice
shall be given in the manner prescribed in San Luis Obispo Municipal Code
Sections 1.24.050 (F) & (G) to the owner or the owner’s authorized agent, for the
violation as specified in this code. Notices for condemnation procedures shall
comply with this section.
G. Amend Chapter 1, Part 2, Section 109.7 to read as follows:
109.7 Posting and placarding. Whenever a property, structure or piece of
regulated equipment is found to be unsafe, unfit for occupancy, and/or dangerous,
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the Code Official shall post a placard stating such, and the penalties for removal
of the placard without prior City approval. The placard shall be placed at a
conspicuous location on the property, each entrance to the structure, or on the
equipment.
H. Amend Chapter 2, Section 201.3 to read as follows:
201.3 Terms defined in other codes. Where terms are not defined in
this code and are defined in the California Building Standards Code and referenced
standards, such terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them as stated in
those codes.
I. Amend Chapter 2, Section 202 definition of CODE OFFICIAL to read as follows:
CODE OFFICIAL. The Building Official and/or designee charged with the
administration and enforcement of this code, or any duly authorized representative.
J. Amend Chapter 3, Section 302.1 to read as follows:
302.1 Sanitation. The property owner or authorized agent shall maintain
the property exterior and premises in a clean, safe and sanitary condition. Such
owner or authorized agent shall remain liable for violations thereof regardless of
any contract or agreement with any third party regarding such property. The
occupant may also be held jointly and severally liable for causing or contributing
violations of this section.
K. Amend Chapter 3, Section 302.3 to read as follows:
302.3 Sidewalks and driveways. Sidewalks, walkways, stairs, driveways, parking
spaces and similar areas shall be kept in proper state of repair and maintained free
from hazardous conditions.
The owner or owner's authorized agent of any building, lot or premises within the
city shall maintain the sidewalks and/or walkways located upon such premises that
are accessible to the general public and the public sidewalks between such
premises and any adjacent public street or alley in a clean, safe sanitary, and in a
proper state of repair, free from hazardous conditions. Maintenance shall include
the removal and proper disposal of any unsightly or unsanitary conditions such as
accumulations of garbage, refuse, rubbish, litter, dirt, gum or other sticky
substances or items, which have been dropped or spilled upon the sidewalks.
L. Amend Chapter 3, Section 302.4 to read as follows:
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302.4 Weeds. All premises and exterior property shall be maintained free from
weeds or plant growth in excess of 12 inches. Noxious weeds shall be prohibited.
Weeds shall be defined as all grasses, annual plants and vegetation, other than
trees or shrubs provided; however, this term shall not include cultivated flowers
and gardens
M. Amend Chapter 3, Section 303.2 to read as follows:
303.2 Enclosures. Pool enclosures shall be in accordance with the States
Swimming Pool Safety Act found in the State Health and Safety Code Sections
115920—115929.
N. Amend Chapter 3, Section 304.14 to read as follows:
304.14 Insect screens. Every door, window and other outside opening required
for ventilation of habitable rooms, food preparation areas, food service areas or
any areas where products to be included or utilized in food for human consumption
are processed, manufactured, packaged or stored shall be supplied with approved
tightly fitting screens of minimum 16 mesh per inch (16 mesh per 25mm), and
every screen door used for insect control shall have a self -closing device in good
working condition.
Exception: Screens shall not be required where other approved means, such as
air curtains, are provided
O. Amend Chapter 3, Section 307.1 to read as follows:
307.1 General. Handrails and Guardrails shall be maintained in their most recently
approved (by permit) state.
P. Amend Chapter 3, Section 309.1 and delete Sections 309.2 through 309.5 to read
as follows:
309.1 Infestation. The property owner or authorized agent shall maintain all
structures and premises on the property free from insect, rodent and vermin
infestation. Upon visual confirmation of an insect, rodent or vermin infestation,
the Code Official may require the owner or agent having charge or control of the
building, lot or premise to hire a licensed pest control operator or other qualified
professional to inspect the building, lot or premise and provide a written report
verifying the presence and severity of such infestation including in the report, a
recommendation for proper extermination of the infestation. Infestation may also
be verified without a visual inspection upon receiving a recent written report from
a qualified pest control operator verifying the presence of an infestation. All
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structures in which insect, rodent or vermin infestations are found shall be promptly
exterminated by approved processes that will not be injurious to human health.
After the extermination of the infestation is complete, the Code Official may request
a written notice from the licensed exterminator or other qualified professional
attesting to the completion and success of the recommended extermination
procedures. After the infestation is eliminated, proper precautions shall be taken
to prevent re-infestation. Tenants that contribute to pest related health or sanitation
nuisances may also be subject to the penalties found in Section 109.4 of this code.
Q. Amend Chapter 6, Section 602.2 to read as follows:
602.2 Residential occupancies. Dwellings shall be provided with heating facilities
capable of maintaining a room temperature of 68°F (20°C) in all habitable rooms,
bathrooms and toilet rooms as measured per IPMC Section 602.5. Cooking
appliances shall not be used, nor shall portable un vented fuel-burning space
heaters be used, as a means to provide required heating.
R. Amend Chapter 6, Section 602.3 to read as follows:
602.3 Heat supply. Every owner and operator of any building who rents, leases
or lets one or more dwelling units or sleeping units on terms, either expressed or
implied, to furnish heat to the occupants thereof shall supply heat to maintain a
minimum temperature of 68°F (20°C) in all habitable rooms, bathrooms and toilet
rooms.
S. Amend Chapter 6, Section 602.4 to read as follows:
602.4 Occupiable workspaces. Indoor occupiable workspaces shall be supplied
with heat to maintain a minimum temperature of 65°F (18°C) during the period the
spaces are occupied.
Exceptions:
1. Processing, storage and operation areas that require cooling or special
temperature conditions.
2. Areas in which persons are primarily engaged in vigorous physical activity.
SECTION 15.04.140 AMENDMENTS; HEALTH AND SAFETY STANDARDS.
SECTION 15.04.150 PERMITS REQUIRED FOR WELL CONSTRUCTION
A. No person shall construct, repair, modify, abandon or destroy any water well
without first obtaining a permit from the City. As used herein, "water well" shall
mean an artificial excavation constructed by any method for the purpose of
extracting water from, or injecting water into, the underground.
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B. All work performed pursuant to each such permit shall be in conformance with
all State laws and standards including applica ble portions of Department of
Water Resources Bulletin No. 74-81, all City ordinances, resolutions and
policies relating thereto, and such permit conditions as may be imposed by the
City.
C. Any water-well constructed, repaired, modified, destroyed, abandoned, or
operated in violation of this section or the permit requirements shall constitute
a public nuisance which may be abated by the City. A person who digs, drills,
excavates, constructs, owns or controls any well and abandons such well and
a person who owns, occupies, possesses or controls any premises on which
an abandoned well exists shall cap or otherwise securely cover, cap or protect
the entrance to the well. The capping or covering shall be so constructed and
installed as will prevent any human being from suffering any bodily injury or
death, through accident or inadvertence, by reason of the existence of the well.
SECTION 7. The Chief Building Official and Fire Code Official are hereby
authorized and directed to transmit a copy of this ord inance to the California Building
Standards Commission as required by California Health and Safety Code Section
17958.7. This Ordinance shall be effective as of January 1, 2026, and will be enforced
upon approval by the Building Standards Commission.
SECTION 8. If any provision of this Ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid
by a court of competent jurisdiction, the City of San Luis Obispo hereby declares that it
would have passed each and every remaining provision irrespective of such holding in
order to accomplish the intent of this ordinance.
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SECTION 9. A summary of this ordinance, approved by the City Attorney, together
with the ayes and noes shall be published at least 5 days prior to its final passage in the
New Times, a newspaper published and circulated in said City, and the same shall go
into effect at the expiration of 30 days after its final passage, but not before January 1,
2026. A copy of the full text of this ordinance shall be on file in the Office of the City Clerk
on and after the date following introduction and passage to print and shall be available to
any member of the public
INTRODUCED on the ____ day of ____, 2025, AND FINALLY ADOPTED by the
Council of the City of San Luis Obispo on the ____ day of ____, 2025, on the following
vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
___________________________
Mayor Erica A. Stewart
ATTEST:
_______________________
Teresa Purrington
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_______________________
J. Christine Dietrick
City Attorney
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the
City of San Luis Obispo, California, on ______________________.
___________________________
Teresa Purrington
City Clerk
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ORDINANCE NO. _____ (2025 SERIES)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS
OBISPO, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING LOCAL AMENDMENTS TO PART 6
OF THE BUILDING CONSTRUCTION AND FIRE PREVENTION CODE,
2026
WHEREAS, greenhouse gas accumulation in the atmosphere as the result of
human activity is the primary cause of the global climate crisis; and
WHEREAS, in California alone, the initial impacts of climate change have resulted
in unprecedented disasters with tremendous human, economic, and environmental costs
and;
WHEREAS, the State of California enacted Assembly Bill (AB) 1279 to require
statewide carbon neutrality "as soon as possible," but no later than 2045; and
WHEREAS, City of San Luis Obispo residents and businesses have repeatedly
identified climate action as a top community priority; and
WHEREAS, the City of San Luis Obispo’s Land Use Element of the General Plan
directs the City to address energy use in buildings and to pursue a greenhouse gas
emissions reduction strategy, and
WHEREAS, the City of San Luis Obispo’s Conservation and Open Sace Element
(COSE) of the General Plan (adopted in 2006) includes policies related to minimizing
greenhouse gas emissions (COSE Policy 2.2.1), and increasing the use of sustainable
energy while decreasing the use of non-sustainable energy sources (COSE Goal 4.2);
WHEREAS, Resolution 11159 (2020 Series) adopts the City of San Luis Obispo
Climate Action Plan for Community Recovery (“Climate Action Plan”) that includes a
communitywide goal of carbon neutrality by 2035 and sector specific goal of reducing
greenhouse gas emissions from existing buildings by half by 2030; and
WHEREAS, Resolution 11381 (2022 Series) reaffirmed these communitywide and
sector specific goals; and
WHEREAS, the inventoried greenhouse gas emissions in the City of San Luis
Obispo come from a variety of sources, primarily transportation and energy use in
buildings and facilities; and
WHEREAS, in order to achieve carbon neutrality, existing sources of greenhouse
gas emissions need to be substantially reduced or eliminated; and
WHEREAS, California Health and Safety Code Sections 17958, 17958.5, 17958.7
and 18941.5 provide that the city of San Luis Obispo may make changes or modifications
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to the building standards contained in the 2025 California Building Standards Code based
upon express findings that such changes or modifications are reasonably necessary
because of local climatic, geological or topographical conditions; and
WHEREAS, Public Resources Code Section 25402.1 (h)(2) allows local agencies
to adopt local amendments that are cost-effective and that result in buildings that use less
energy than would otherwise be required by the California Energy Code; and
WHEREAS, the California Energy Codes and Standards Statewide Utility
Program, has determined specific modifications to the 2025 State Energy Code for each
climate zone that are cost-effective; and that such modifications will result in designs that
consume less energy than they would under the 2025 State Energy Code as required
under California Administrative Code Chapter 10-106; and
WHEREAS, based on the findings of these studies, the City finds the proposed
local amendments to the 2025 California Energy Code to be cost-effective and consume
less energy than permitted by Title 24, Part 6; and
WHEREAS, the 2025 California Energy Code offers compliance options that were
established through the public rulemaking process of the code update; and
WHEREAS, the Council expressly declares that the proposed amendments to the
Energy Code are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, topological, and
geological conditions; an
WHEREAS, the Council expressly declares that the proposed amendments are
necessary to implement a local code amendment that is adopted to align with a general
plan approved on or before June 10, 2025, and that permits mixed -fuel residential
construction consistent with federal law while also incentivizing all-electric construction
as part of an adopted greenhouse gas emissions reduction strategy; and
WHEREAS, the requirements specified in this Ordinance were reviewed via public
comment and through a publicly noticed public hearing process and were found to be
cost-effective.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of San Luis
Obispo as follows:
SECTION 1. Purpose. It is the purpose and intent of this Ordinance to establish
standards that exceed minimum 2025 Title 24 Part 6 requirements for single-family
residential retrofits including major additions and alterations.
SECTION 2. Adoption. The local amendments to Part 6 of the City of San Luis
Obispo Building Construction and Fire Prevention Code, 2023 (SLOMC Section
15.02.060) as specified in Exhibit A, are hereby adopted by the City of San Luis Obispo
to be codified under Chapter 15.02.060 and Chapter 15.04.065. The Council hereby
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adopts the recitals herein as separate and additional findings of fact in support of adoption
of the ordinance.
SECTION 3. Severability. If any word, phrase sentence part, section, subsection
or other portion of this amendment or any application thereof to any person or
circumstance is declared void, unconstitutional, or invalid for any reason, then such word,
phrase, sentence, part, section, subsection, or other portion, or the prescribed application
thereof, shall be severable, and the remaining provisions of this amendment, and all
applications thereof, not having been declared void, unconstitutional or invalid, shall
remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 4. Findings. The City Council finds that:
1. Each of the changes or modifications to measures referred to therein are
reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological, or topographical
conditions in the area encompassed by the boundaries of the City of San Luis
Obispo, and the City Council adopts the following findings in support of local
necessity for the changes or modifications:
a. San Luis Obispo is situated along a wildland -urban interface and has been
identified as a Community at Risk from wildfire and is extremely vulnerable
to wildfires and firestorms, and human activities releasing greenhouse
gases into the atmosphere cause increases in worldwide average
temperature, drought conditions, vegetative fuel, and length of f ire seasons-
contributing to the likelihood and consequences of fire.
b. The City of San Luis Obispo is situated at the base of a watershed of the
Santa Lucia Mountains and flooding of San Luis, Chorro, Stenner, Old
Garden, and Brizzolara Creeks results in conditions rendering fire
department vehicular traffic unduly burdensome or impossible, as
witnessed in major floods that occurred in 1952, 1961, 1969, 1973, 1978,
1982, 1995, and 2023. Furthermore, flood conditions described above
create the potential for overcoming the ability of the fire department to aid
or assist in fire control, evacuations, rescues and other emergency task
demands inherent in such situations. The resulting overburdening of fire
department personnel may cause a substantial or total lack of protection
against fire for the buildings and structures located in the City of San Luis
Obispo. The afore-described conditions support the imposition of fire
protection requirements greater than those set forth in the California State
Building Standards Code and support the imposition of more restrictive
requirements than set forth in the California Energy Code for the purpose
of reducing the City's contributions to Greenhouse Gas Emissions resulting
in a warming climate and related severe weather events.
c. The aforementioned flood and rain events result in conditions wherein
stormwater can inundate the wastewater treatment system as witnessed in
major floods that occurred in 1952, 1961, 1969, 1973, 1978, 1982, and
1995. Furthermore, rain events and flood conditions described above create
a condition referred to as Inflow and Infiltration (I/I) that allow rain and flood
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waters to flow and/or seep into the wastewater system and overcome the
ability of the wastewater collection system and Water Reclamation Facility
(WRF) to convey and treat sewage. The resulting overburdening of the
wastewater system can result in threats to public health, public and private
property and water quality and violations and fines from the State of
California, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or others. To the
extent that climate change has the potential to make these conditions
worse, more restrictive Energy Code requirements to achieve reduced
greenhouse gas emissions are necessary.
d. Seasonal climatic conditions during th e late summer and fall create
numerous serious difficulties in the control and protection against fire
situations in the City of San Luis Obispo. The hot, dry weather in
combination with Santa Lucia (offshore) winds has resulted in wildland fire
history on the brush-covered slopes on the Santa Lucia Mountains, Cerro
San Luis, Bishop Peak, and the High School Hill, and the South Hills areas
of the City of San Luis Obispo. The aforementioned areas surround the City.
When a fire occurs in said areas, such as o ccurred in 1985 when the Los
Pilitas Fire burned six days and entered the City and damaged many
structures, the entirety of local fire department personnel is required to
control, monitor, fight and protect against such fire situations in an effort to
protect life and preserve property and watershed land. The same climatic
conditions may result in the concurrent occurrence of one or more fires in
the more populated areas of the City without adequate fire department
personnel to protect against and control such a situation. Therefore, the
above-described findings support the imposition of measures to increase
the efficiency of existing buildings in the City to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions.
e. Failure to address and substantially reduce greenhouse gas emission s
creates an increased risk to the health, safety, and welfare of City residents.
2. The single-family residential energy standards imposed by this Ordinance are
cost-effective, as supported by the "2022 Single Family Retrofit Statewide Cost
Effectiveness Study" and the "2022 Applications to 2025 Energy Code Memo."
cost effectiveness study and addendum prepared by the California Energy
Codes and Standards Statewide Utility Program. Specifically, the City finds that
there are at least four cost effective measure packages:
a. Package 1, installing the efficiency measure of R-30 Floor Insulation would
save energy relative to the base code and would achieve a benefit to cost
ratio of 2.3 on an on-bill basis.
b. Package 2, installing the efficiency measure of R-19 Floor Insulation would
save energy relative to the base code and would achieve a benefit to cost
ratio of 2.3 on an on-bill basis.
c. Package 3, installing a Heat Pump Water Heater (HPWH), would save
energy relative to the base code and would achieve a benefit to c ost ratio
of 1.6 on a “Long-term System Cost” (LSC basis).
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d. Package 4, installing a Heat Pump Space Heater, would save energy
relative to the base code and would achieve a benefit to cost ratio of 4.2 on
an LSC basis.
3. The standards imposed by this ordinance are consistent with AB 130 (2025)
because they are necessary to implement a local code amendment that is
adopted to align with a general plan approved on or before June 10, 2025, and
that permits mixed-fuel residential construction consistent with federal law
while also incentivizing all-electric construction as part of an adopted
greenhouse gas emissions reduction strategy. Specifically, the standards
imposed by this ordinance are on:
a. The standards imposed by this ordinance align with a General Plan
approved on or before June 10,2025 as follows:
i. Land Use Element of the General Plan Policy 9.4 (Climate Action
Plan) - The City shall maintain and implement its Climate Action Plan
to reduce community and municipal greenhouse gas (“GHG”)
emissions consistent with State laws and objectives.
ii. Land Use Element of the General Plan Policy 9.7 (Sustainable
Design) - The City shall promote and, where appropriate, require
sustainable building practices that consume less energy, wat er and
other resources, facilitate natural ventilation, use daylight effectively,
and are healthy, safe, comfortable, and durable.
iii. Conservation and Open Space Element of the General Plan Policy
2.2.1 (Atmospheric Change) - City actions shall seek to minimize
undesirable climate changes and deterioration of the atmosphere’s
protective functions that result from the release of carbon dioxide and
other substances.
iv. Conservation and Open Space Element of the General Plan Goal 4.2
(Sustainable energy use) - Increase use of sustainable energy
sources such as solar, wind and thermal energy, and reduce reliance
on non-sustainable energy sources to the extent possible with
available technology and resources.
v. Climate Adaptation and Safety Element of the General Plan Policy
HE-4.3 (Green and Healthy Buildings) - The City shall support fuel
switching retrofits (from fossil fuel to high-efficiency electric
appliances), energy efficiency retrofits, and distributed energy
resources as low-carbon solutions to create safe, cool, and healthy
buildings and consider programs and projects that support these
retrofits as critical to maintaining community safety and to supporting
disaster preparedness.
b. The standards imposed by this Ordinance permit mixed-fuel residential
construction consistent with federal law while also incentivizing all-electric
construction. The single family and non-residential standards include cost
effective compliance pathways for mixed-fuel and residential construction
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and do not require equipment efficiencies greater than the federally
mandated minimum efficiencies in accordance with the federal standards
enacted under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act.
c. The standards imposed by this Ordinance implement an adopted
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Strategy as follows:
i. The standards make progress towards the City’s Communitywide
carbon neutrality by 2035 and a sub -goal of 50 percent reduction in
emissions from existing buildings by 2030, as adopted in the Climate
Action Plan for Community recovery (adopted 2020) and the 2023 -
27 Climate Action Plan Work Program (adopted 2023).
ii. The standards implement the 2023-27 Climate Action Work Program
Green Buildings Action 2.1.E, which directs staff to, “Develop an
equitable framework for requiring electrification retrofits and develop
cost effective building electrification policies for additions and
alterations.”
SECTION 5. CEQA. This ordinance is categorically exempt from CEQA because
it is an action taken by a regulatory agency for the purpose of protecting the environment
(CEQA Guidelines Section 15308). In addition, this ordinance is exempt from CEQA
under the general rule, 15061(b)(3), on the grounds that these standards are more
stringent than the State energy standards, there are no reasonably foreseeable adverse
impacts, and there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant
effect on the environment. The following findings are made in support of these
determinations:
1. The purpose of the implementation of a Reach Code is to reduce the amount
of greenhouse gas emissions in the City of San Luis Obispo that are produced
from buildings.
2. The Reach Code approval process requires that the City determines that the
local standards will require buildings to use no more energy than current
statewide requirements. Furthermore, the California Energy Commission
approval process requires that the City make the findings as part of its approval
process. Therefore, the Reach Code standards can only go into effect if they
protect the environment by making buildings more efficient.
SECTION 6. The Chief Building Official is hereby authorized and directed to
transmit a copy of this ordinance to the California Energy Commission and the California
Building Standards Commission as required by California Health and Safety Code
Section 17958.7.
SECTION 7. Violations. Violation of the requirements of this Ordinance shall be
considered, at the City’s election, an infraction of the City of Sa n Luis Obispo Municipal
Code punishable by all sanctions prescribed in Chapter 1.12, or an administrative
violation punishable as provided under Chapter 1.24 .
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SECTION 8. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall be effective as of January 1,
2026 and will be enforced upon approval by the California Energy Commission and the
Building Standards Commission.
SECTION 9. Ordinance Summary. A summary of this ordinance, together with the
names of Council members voting for and against, shall be published at least five (5) days
prior to its final passage, in The New Times, a newspaper published and circulated in this
City. This ordinance shall go into effect at the expiration of thirty (30) days after its final
passage, but not before January 1, 2026. A copy of the full text of this ordinance shall be
on file in the Office of the City Clerk on and after the date following introduction and
passage to print and shall be available to any member of the public
INTRODUCED on the ____ day of _____ 2025, AND FINALLY ADOPTED by the
Council of the City of San Luis Obispo on the ____ day of ____, 2025, on the following
vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
___________________________
Mayor Erica A. Stewart
ATTEST:
_______________________
Teresa Purrington
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_______________________
J. Christine Dietrick
City Attorney
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the
City of San Luis Obispo, California, on ______________________.
___________________________
Teresa Purrington, City Clerk
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Exhibit A
Section 15.04.065
AMENDMENTS – ENERGY STANDARDS – ADDITIONS AND ALTERATIONS
A. Adoption of Codes and Applicability
The effective date of this ordinance shall be January 1, 2026 and is applicable to
existing single family residential buildings. The ordinance shall be enforceable
upon approval from the California Energy Commission and the Building Standards
Commission.
B. Add the following definitions to Subchapter 1, Section 100.1(b):
MAJOR ADDITION is any change to an existing building that increases
conditioned floor area by 500 or more square feet in a one-year period.
TIER 1 MAJOR ALTERATION is any construction or renovation to an existing
structure whose work valuation is $100,000 or more in a one-year period. A Tier 1
Major Alteration may include increased conditioned floor area in its work scope.
TIER 2 MAJOR ALTERATION is any construction or renovation to an existing
structure whose work valuation is $200,000 or more in a one-year period. A Tier 2
Major Alteration may include increased conditioned floor area in its work scope.
C. Amend Section 150.0 SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS –
MANDATORY FEATURES AND DEVICES to read as follows:
Single-family residential buildings shall comply with the applicable requirements of
Sections 150.0(a) through 150.0(w).
D. Add new Section 150(w) to read as follows:
(w) Mandatory Requirements for Existing Building Additions and Alterations.
Existing Building Additions and Alterations shall meet the requirements
of Items 1 through 3 below, as applicable:
1. Major Addition. Any Major Addition shall install a set of measures
from the Measure Menu Table, Table 150.0 -I to achieve a total score
that is equal to or greater than 8. In addition, all mandatory measures
listed in Table 150.0-I shall be installed. Measure verification shall be
explicitly included as an addendum to the Certificate of Compliance to
be filed pursuant to 2025 Title 24, Part 1, Section 10-103. Installed
measures shall meet the specifications in Table 150.0-J.
2. Major Alteration. Any Tier 1 Major Alteration shall install a set of
measures from the Measure Menu Table, Table 150.0-I to achieve a
total score that is equal to or greater than 8. In addition, all mandatory
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measures listed in Table 150.0-I shall be installed. Measure
verification shall be explicitly included as an addendum to the
Certificate of Compliance to be filed pursuant to 202 5, Part 1, Title 24
Section 10-103. Installed measures shall meet the specifications in
Table 150.0-J.
3. Electric Readiness. Any Major Addition and/or Major Alteration (Tier
1 and Tier 2) shall include electric readiness scope per 150.0(n)1.A.i
through 150.0(n)1.A.iii or 150.0(n)1.b.i through 150.0(n)1.B.ii at a
designated space that is suitable for the future installation of a heat
pump water heater (HPWH).
Exception 1 to Section 150.0(w): The project is the result of a repair as defined
by Title 24 Part 2 Section 202.
Exception 2 to Section 150.0(w): If compliance costs exceed 10% of total project
valuation, or due to conditions specific to the project, it is technically infeasible to
achieve compliance through any available set of measures, the applicant may
request an exemption as set forth below. In applying for an exemption, the burden
is on the applicant to show hardship or infeasibility.
(1) Application. Based on the following, the applicant shall identify in writing
the specific requirements of the standards for compliance that the
project is unable to achieve and the circumstances that make it a
hardship or infeasible for the project to comply with this chapter. The
applicant may not petition for relief from any requirement of the 202 5
California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6) and referenced standards, or
the 2025 California Green Building Standards (Title 24, Part 11) of the
California Building Standards Code. Circumstances that constitute
hardship or infeasibility shall include one of the following:
i. That the cost of achieving compliance is disproportionate to
the overall cost of the project (i.e., compliance exceeds 10%
of total project cost);
ii. That it is technically infeasible to achieve compliance through
any available set of measures.
iii. That strict compliance with these standards would create or
maintain a hazardous condition(s) and present a life safety
risk to the occupants.
(2) Granting of exemption. If the chief building official determines that it is a
hardship or infeasible for the applicant to fully meet the requirements of this
chapter and that granting the requested exemption will not cause the
building to fail to comply with the 2025 California Energy Code (Title 24,
Part 6) and referenced standards, or the 202 5 California Green Building
Standards (Title 24, Part 11) of the California Building Standards Code, the
Page 385 of 509
Ordinance No. _____ (2025 Series) Page 10
O ______
chief building official shall determine the minimum feasible threshold of
compliance reasonably achievable for the project. If an exemption is
granted, the applicant shall be required to comply wit h this chapter in all
other respects and shall be required to achieve the threshold of compliance
determined to be achievable by the chief building official.
(3) Denial of exemption. If the chief building official determines that it is
reasonably possible for the applicant to fully meet the requirements of this
chapter, the request shall be denied, and the applicant shall be notified of
the decision in writing. The project and compliance documentation shall be
modified to comply with the standards for compliance.
(4) Appeal. Any aggrieved applicant or person may appeal the
determination of the chief building official regarding the granting or denial of
an exemption or compliance with any other provision of this chapter. An
appeal of a determination of the chief building official shall be filed in writing.
Exception 3 to Section 150.0(w): If the dwelling unit has previously installed
measures from the Measure Menu, Table 150.0-I, and compliance can be
demonstrated to the building official, then these measures shall not be required to
be newly installed. If the dwelling unit has previously installed Electric Readiness
measures per 150.0(n)1.A.i through 150.0(n)1.A.iii or 150.0(n)1.b.i through
150.0(n)1.B.ii, and compliance can be demonstrated to the buildin g official, then
these measures shall also not be required to be newly installed.
Exception 4 to Section 150.0(w): The applicant may request an exemption to any
requirements of this chapter which would impair the historic integrity of any building
listed on a local, state, or federal register of historic structures, as determined by
the chief building official and as regulated by the California Historic Building Code
(Title 24, Part 8). In making a determination of exemption, the chief building official
may require the submittal of an evaluation by an architectural historian or similar
expert.
Exception 5 to Section 150.0(w): An alteration that consists solely of seismic
safety improvements.
Exception 6 to Section 150.0(w): An alteration that consists solely of roof and/or
window projects.
Exception 7 to Section 150.0(w): When an addition or alteration results in the
creation of a new residential unit, the square footage or project scope value of that
unit shall not be counted towards “Major” addition or alteration threshold.
Exception 8 to Section 150.0(w): A Major Addition or Major Alteration to a
residential unit constructed in 1992 or later shall only be required to install the
electric readiness measures per section 150.0 (w)3.
Page 386 of 509
Ordinance No. _____ (2025 Series) Page 11
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E. Add new Table 150.0-I to read as follows:
Table 150.0-I: Measure Menu
Measures
Target Score
8
E1 – Lighting Measures Mandatory
E2 - Water Heating Package 2
E3 - Air Sealing 1
E4 - R-49 Attic Insulation 2
E5 - Duct Sealing 2
E6 - New Ducts + Duct Sealing 4
E7 - Windows 3
E8 - R-19 Floor Insulation 8
E9 - R-30 Floor Insulation 10
E10 - Heat Pump Water Heater (HPWH) –
Replacing Gas
12
E11 - Heat Pump Water Heater (HPWH) –
Replacing Electric
5
E12 - Heat Pump Space Heater 11
ER1 - Solar PV + Electric Ready Pre-Wire 13
Note: the measures in the Measure Menu table shall conform to the
specifications in Table 150.0-J
Page 387 of 509
O ______
F. Add new Table 150.0-J to read as follows:
Table 150.0-J: Measure Specifications
ID Measure Specification
Energy Efficiency Measures
E1 Lighting Measures – Install lighting with an efficiency of 45 lumens per watt or greater in all interior and exterior screw-in fixtures.
Install photocell controls or energy management systems on all exterior lighting luminaires consistent with current Title 24 section
150.0 (k)3 requirements for new single family residential buildings. Alternative means of exterior lighting timing controls, including
smart home devices, may be approved.
E2 Water Heating Package: Add exterior insulation meeting a minimum of R-6 to existing storage water heaters. Insulate all accessible
hot water pipes with pipe insulation a minimum of ¾ inch thick. This includes insulating the sup ply pipe leaving the water heater,
piping to faucets underneath sinks, and accessible pipes in attic spaces or crawlspaces . Upgrade fittings in sinks and showers to meet
current California Green Building Standards Code (Title 24, Part 11) Section 4.303 wat er efficiency requirements. Water heaters 20
gallons or less, or water heaters that are not able to add exterior insulation may not take credit for this measure.
E3 Air Sealing: Seal all accessible cracks, holes, and gaps in the building envelope at walls, floors, and ceilings. Pay special attention to
penetrations including plumbing, electrical, and mechanical vents, recessed can light luminaires, and windows. Weathe r-strip doors if
not already present. Compliance shall be demonstrated with blower door testing conducted by a certified Energy Code Compliance
(ECC) Rater no more than three years prior to the permit application date that either: a) shows at least a 30 percent reduction from
pre-retrofit conditions; or b) shows that the number of air changes per hour at 50 Pascals pressure difference (ACH50) does not
exceed ten for Pre-1978 vintage buildings, seven for 1978 to 1991 vintage buildings and five for 1992 -2010 vintage buildings. If
combustion appliances are located within the pressure boundary of the building, conduct a combustion safety test by a profess ional
certified by the Building Performance Institute in accordance with the ANSI/BPI-1200-S-2017 Standard Practice for Basic Analysis of
Buildings, the Whole House Combustion Appliance Safety Test Procedure for the Comfortable Home Rebates Program 2020 or the
California Community Services and Development Combustion Appliance Safety Testing Protocol.
E4 R-49 Attic Insulation: Attic insulation shall be installed to achieve a weighted assembly U -factor of 0.020 or insulation installed at the
ceiling level shall have a thermal resistance of R-49 or greater for the insulation alone. Recessed downlight luminaires in the ceiling
shall be covered with insulation to the same depth as the rest of the ceiling. Luminaires not rated for insulation contact mu st be
replaced or fitted with a fire-proof cover that allows for insulation to be installed directly over the cover. In buildings where existing R-
30 is present and existing recessed downlight luminaires are not rated for insulation contact; insulation is not required to be installed
over the luminaires.
E5 Duct Sealing: Air seal all space conditioning ductwork to meet the requirements of the 2022 Title 24 Section 150.2(b)1E. The duct
system must be tested by an ECC Rater no more than three years prior to the alteration or addition permit application date to verify
the duct sealing and confirm that the requirements have been met. This measure may not be combined with the New Ducts and Duct
Sealing measure in this Table. Buildings without ductwork or where the ducts are in conditioned space may not take credit for this
measure.
E6 New Ducts and Duct Sealing: Replace existing space conditioning ductwork with new R -8 ducts that meet the requirements of 2025
Title 24 Section 150.0(m)11. This measure may not be combined with the Duct Sealing measure in this Table. To qualify, a
preexisting measure must have been installed no more than three years before the alteration or addition permit application date.
Page 388 of 509
Ordinance No. _____ (2025 Series) Page 13
O ______
ID Measure Specification
E7 Windows: Replace at least 50% of existing windows with high performance windows with an area -weighted average U-factor no
greater than 0.27.
E8 R-19 Floor Insulation: Raised-floors shall be insulated such that the floor assembly has an assembly U -factor equal to or less than U-
0.037, or shall be insulated between wood framing with insulation having an R -value equal to or greater than R-19.
E9 R-30 Floor Insulation: Raised-floors shall be insulated such that the floor assembly has an assembly U -factor equal to or less than U-
0.028, or shall be insulated between wood framing with insulation having an R -value equal to or greater than R-30.
E10 Heat Pump Water Heater (HPWH) Replacing Gas: Replace existing natural gas storage water heater with a heat pump water heater
that meets the requirements of Section 110.3 and 150.2 (b) 1.H.iii.b .
E11 Heat Pump Water Heater (HPWH) Replacing Electric: Replace existing electric resistance storage water heater with a heat pump
water heater that meets the requirements of Sections 110.3 and 150.2 (b)1.H.iii.b.
E12 Heat Pump Space Heater: Replace all existing gas and electric resistance space heating systems with an electric-only heat pump
system that meets the requirements of Sections 110.2, 150.2(b)1.C, 150.2(b)1.E, 150.2(b)1.F, and 150.2(b)1.G.
Solar PV and Electric-Readiness Measures
ER1 PV and Electric Ready Pre-Wire: Install a solar PV system that meets the requirements of 202 5 Title 24 Section 150.1(c)14.
In addition to the solar PV system, Include electric readiness components per:
A. One of:
a. 150.0(n)1.A.i through 150.0(n)1.A.iii, or
b. 150.0(n)1.B.i through 150.0(n)1.B.ii
B. 150.0(t)
C. One of
a. Energy Storage Systems (ESS) Ready, as specified in Section 150.0(s), or
b. EV Charger Ready as specified in the California Green Building Code, Title 24, Part 11, Section A4.106.8.1,which
otherwise applies to new construction.
Page 389 of 509
O ______
G. Modify Section 150.2(a) ENERGY EFFICIENCY STANDARDS FOR ADDITIONS
AND ALTERATIONS TO EXISTING SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS to
read as follows:
Additions. Additions to existing single-family residential buildings shall meet the
requirements of Sections 110.0 through 110.9, Sections 150.0(a) through (n), (p),
(q), (w) and either Section 150.2(a)1 or 2.
H. Modify Section 150.2(b) ENERGY EFFICIENCY STANDARDS FOR ADDITIONS
AND ALTERATIONS TO EXISTING SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS to
read as follows:
Alterations. Alterations to existing single-family residential buildings or alterations
in conjunction with a change in building occupancy to a single-family residential
occupancy shall meet either Item 1 or 2 below.
1. Prescriptive approach. The altered component and any newly installed
equipment serving the alteration shall meet the applicable requirements of
Sections 110.0 through 110.9 and all applicable re quirements of Sections
150.0(a) through (l), 150.0(m)1 through 150.0 (m)10, 150.0(p) through (q), and
150.0(w); and
2. Performance approach. The Energy Budget for alterations is expressed in terms
of Long-term System Cost (LSC), and the altered component(s) and any newly
installed equipment serving the alteration shall meet the applicable requirements
of Subsections A, B, and C below.
a. The altered components shall meet the applicable requirements of
Sections 110.0 through 110.9, Sections 150.0(a) through (l), Sections
150.0(m)1 through 150.0 (m)10, Sections 150.0(p) through (q), and
Section 150.0(w). Entirely new or complete replacement mechanical
ventilation systems as these terms are used in Section 150.2(b)1L, shall
comply with the requirements in Section 150.2(b)1L. Altered mechanical
ventilation systems shall comply with the requirements of Section
150.2(b)1M. Entirely new or complete replacement space-conditioning
systems, and entirely new or complete replacement duct systems, as
these terms are used in Sections 150.2(b)1C and 150.2(b)1Diia, shall
comply with the requirements of Sections 150.0(m)12 and 150.0(m)13.
Page 390 of 509
KEY TO JUSTIFICATION FOR AMENDMENTS
TO
TITLE 24 OF THE CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS
FINDING 1
This amendment is justified because the City of San Luis Obispo is situated at the base
of a watershed of the Santa Lucia Mountains and that flooding of San Luis, Chorro,
Stenner, Old Garden, and Brizzolara Creeks results in conditions rendering fire
department vehicular traffic unduly burdensome or impossible as witnessed in major
floods that occurred in 1952, 1961, 1969, 1973, 1978, 1982, and 1995. Furtherm ore,
flood conditions described above create the potential for overcoming the ability of the fire
department to aid or assist in fire control, evacuations, rescues and other emergency task
demands inherent in such situations. The resulting overburdening of fire department
personnel may cause a substantial or total lack of protection against fire for the buildings
and structures located in the City of San Luis Obispo. The afore-described conditions
support the imposition of fire protection requirements greater than those set forth in the
California State Building Standards Code.
FINDING 2
This amendment is justified because the aforementioned flood and rain events result in
conditions wherein stormwater can inundate the wastewater treatment system as
witnessed in major floods that occurred in 1952, 1961, 1969, 1973, 1978, 1982, and 1995.
Furthermore, rain events and flood conditions described above create a condition referred
to as Inflow and Infiltration (I/I) that allow rain and flood waters to flow and/or seep into
the wastewater system and overcome the ability of the wastewater collection system and
Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) to convey and treat sewage. The resulting
overburdening of the wastewater system can result in threats to public health, public and
private property and water quality and result in violations and fines from the State of
California, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or others. The afore -described
conditions support the imposition of code requirements more restrictive than those set
forth in California State Building Standards Code.
FINDING 3
This amendment is justified because the City of San Luis Obispo is situated near three
major faults each capable of generating earthquakes with a magnitude of 7.5. These
are the San Andreas to the east of the City, the Nacimiento-Rinconada that crosses
Hwy 101 north of the City then parallels the City to the east, and the Hosgri to the West.
Other faults of importance are the Huasna and West Huasna to the Southeast of the
City, the San Simeon to the Northwest, and the Edna and Edna Extended faults which
enter the southern areas of the City. In as much as these faults are included as major
California earthquake faults, which are subject to becoming active at any time, the City
of San Luis Obispo is particularly vulnerable to devastation should such an earthquake
Page 391 of 509
occur. The potential effects include isolating the City of San Luis Obispo from the North
and South due to the potential for collapsing of freeway overpasses or a slide on both
the Cuesta and Ontario Grades and the potential for horizontal or vertical movement of
the Edna fault rendering surface travel across the southern extremities of the city unduly
burdensome or impossible. Additional potential situations inherent in such an
occurrence include loss of the City's two main water sources (the Salinas and Whale
Rock reservoirs), broken natural-gas mains causing structure and other fires, leakage of
hazardous materials, the need for rescues from collapsed structures, and the render ing
of first aid and other medical attention to large numbers of people. The protection of
human life and the preservation of property in the event of such an occurrence support
the imposition of fire protection requirements greater than those set forth in the
California State Building Standards Code.
FINDING 4
This amendment is justified because the central commercial area in the City of San Luis
Obispo consists of mixed conditions that create the potential for possible conflagration,
including congested streets during the business day, numerous older buildings without
adequate internal fire-resistivity, and contemporary low-rise buildings. Significant spread
of fire in said area will actually exceed the fire suppression capabilities of regional
firefighting personnel. The continued development of the San Luis Obispo commercial
area and the current and potential development of high---rise buildings pose a substantial
threat of fire to human life, public safety, and the preservation of property and support the
imposition of fire protection requirements greater than those set forth in the California
State Building Standards Code.
FINDING 5
This amendment is justified because the City of San Luis Obispo is bisected by a major
freeway (Hwy 101), traversing in the north/south direction and a major highway (Hwy 1)
traversing in an east/west direction. The City is also transected by a mainline railroad in
the north/south direction. It is a frequent occurrence for the aforementioned highways and
railway to support the transportation of hazardous materials. The potential for release or
threatened release of a hazardous material along one of these routes is highly probable
given the volume of material transported daily. Incidents of this nature will normally
require all available emergency response personnel to prevent injury and loss of life, and
to prevent as far as practicable, property losses. Emergency personnel responding to
said incidents may be unduly impeded and delayed in accomplishing an emergency
response as a result of this situation, with the potential result of undue and unnecessary
risk to the protection of life and public safety, particularly in those buildings or structures
without the protection of automatic fire sprinklers. The above-described- problems
support the imposition of fire protection requirements greater than those set forth in the
California State Building Standards Code.
Page 392 of 509
FINDING 6
This amendment is justified because seasonal climatic conditions during the late summer
and fall create numerous serious difficulties in the control and protection against fire
situations in the City of San Luis Obispo. The hot, dry weather in combination with Santa
Lucia (offshore) winds frequently results in wildland fires in the brush-covered slopes on
the Santa Lucia Mountains, San Luis Mountain, and the Irish Hills areas of the City of San
Luis Obispo. The aforementioned areas completely surround the City. When a fire occurs
in said areas, such as occurred in 1985 when the Los Pilitas fire burned six days and
entered the City and damaged many structures, the entirety of local fire department
personnel is required to control, monitor, fight and protect against such fire situations in
an effort to protect life and preserve property and watershed land. The same climatic
conditions may result in the concurrent occurrence of one or more fires in the more
populated areas of the City without adequate fire department personnel to protect against
and control such a situation. Therefore, the above ---described findings support the
imposition of fire-protection requirements greater than those set forth in the California
State Building Standards Code.
FINDING 7
This amendment is justified because, for the most part, the soils in the City of San Luis
Obispo are medium to highly expansive in nature, and such soils may cause damage to
foundations, structures and underground utilities if not properly mitigated through known
construction techniques. Furthermore, a significant part of the City lies on hills and rolling
topography subject to earth slides and movements and present problems to
developments constructed in such areas due to surface water drainage and disposal.
The above-described conditions support the imposition of requirements more restrictive
than those set forth in the California State Building Standards Code.
FINDING 8
Adoption of the Uniform Housing Code, the Uniform Code for the Abatement of
Dangerous Buildings, the International Property Maintenance Code, and Chapter 1.24 of
this code, it is hereby determined and found that the alternate abatement procedures and
requirements contained in these codes are equivalent to those provided by the State
Housing Law (CCR, Title 25). These codes provide minimum fire, life safety, and sanitary
standards and administrative procedures for the maintenance of existing buildings.
FINDING 9
This To the extent an amendment is administrative in nature, they it does not constitute
a “building standards” as defined by law, and therefore a finding of local necessity is not
required.
Page 393 of 509
Page 394 of 509
15.04.010
(2026)Section BUILDING OFFICIAL AND FIRE CODE OFFICIAL DESIGNATED New Add Amend Delete Finding
The Chief Building Official is hereby designated as the building official
and code official for the City of San Luis Obispo. The Fire Chief is hereby
designated as the fire code official for the City of San Luis Obispo.
Where the “authority having jurisdiction” is used in the adopted codes, it
shall mean the building official or fire code official, as applicable.
x 9
15.04.020
(2026)Section AMENDMENTS; BUILDING STANDARDS New Add Amend Delete Finding
A 101.1 Title x 9
B 103.1 Creation of enforcement agency x 9
C 104.9.2 Alternate Means and Methods Fee x 9
D 104.10*Airspace subdivisions x 9
E 105.2 Building Items
1, 2, 5 Work exempt from permit x 3,7
F 105.3.2 Time limitation of application x 9
G 105.3.3 Plan review fees x 9
G 105.3.3.1 Retaining Walls x 9
G 105.3.3.2 Separate Fees x 9
G 105.3.3.3 Incomplete Submittals x 9
H 105.5.1*Expiration x 9
H 105.5.2 Code Violations Expiration x 9
I 105.7 Placement and Posting of Permit x 9
J 109.4 Work Commencing Before Permit Issuance x 9
K 109.4.1 Code Enforcement Investigation Fee x 9
L 111.3.1 Temporary Certificate of Occupancy Fee x 9
M 112.4 Underground utility services x 9
M 112.5 Storage of solid waste containers x 9
N 113.1 (Appeals) General x 9
N 113.2 Limitations on authority x 9
N 113.3 Qualifications x 9
O 113.5 Fees x 9
P 116.1 Unsafe Conditions*x 9
Page 395 of 509
Q 202 Boarding House x 9
Q 202 Lot, Airspace x 9
Q 202 Rainwater Harvesting System x 9
Q 202 Subdivision, Airspace x 9
R 602.1.2 Commercial fire zone x 9
S 705.12*
Exception 7 Item 7 x 1,3,4,5,6
T 903.1.1 Minimum Sprinkler Coverage x 1,3,4,5,6
U 903.1.1.1 New Buildings x 1,3,4,5,6
U 903.1.1.2 Existing Buildings x 1,3,4,5,6
U 903.1.1.3 Additions x 1,3,4,5,6
U 903.1.1.4 Change of Use x 1,3,4,5,6
U 903.1.1.5 Buildings with Plastics x 1,3,4,5,6
U 903.1.1.6 Floor Area Calculation x 1,3,4,5,6
V 903.3.1.1 NFPA 13 sprinkler systems x 1,3,4,5,6
V 903.3.1.1.1 Exempt locations x 1,3,4,5,6
W 903.3.9*Isolation control valves x 1,3,4,5,6
X 903.4 Sprinkler system supervision and alarms x 1,3,4,5,6
Y 905.3.1 Building Height x 1,3,4,5,6
Z 907.6.6 Monitoring x 1,3,4,5,6
AA 910.3.2.1 Sprinklered buildings x 1,3,4,5,6
BB 1506.3.1 Wood shake and shingle roof covering limitations. x 6
CC 1612.3 Establishment of flood hazard areas x 9
DD 1804.4.2 Drainage x 2,7
EE 1809.7.1 Depth of isolated footings x 7
FF Table 1809.7 FOOTINGS SUPPORTING WALLS OF LIGHT-FRAME
CONSTRUCTION x 7
GG 1907.1 General x 7
GG 1907.2 Minimum reinforcing x 7
GG 1907.3 Slab to foundation connection x 7
GG 1907.4 Moisture content x 7
GG 1907.5 Penetrations x 7
HH 3109.3 Access to pool x 7
HH 3109.4 Lighting x 7
Page 396 of 509
HH 3109.5 Abandoned pools x 7
II G103.2 Establishment of flood hazard areas x 1,2,7
JJ G109 Title: "Buildings and Manufactured Homes"x 9
KK G109.1 Elevation x 7
LL G114.3 Elevation x 7
MM G114.6 Protection of mechanical and electrical systems x 1,3,4,5,6
NN J101.1 Scope x 7
OO J101.3 Hazardous conditions x 7
OO J101.4 Dust control x 7
OO J101.5 Emergency grading x 7
OO J101.6 Special grading standards x 7
OO J101.7 Approval for building construction x 7
PP J102 AVERAGE CROSS SLOPE x 7
PP J102 WATERWAY x 7
QQ J103.1 Permits required x 7
QQ J103.2 Exempted Work x 7
QQ J103.3 Early grading x 7
QQ J103.4 Bonds x 7
RR J104.2 Site plan requirements x 7
SS J110.1 General x 7
TT Table J101.6 GRADING TO REMAIN IN NATURAL STATE x 7
15.04.025
(2026)Section AMENDMENTS; RESIDENTIAL STANDARDS New Add Amend Delete Finding
A R109.1.2 Exception
2 Exception x 9
B R301.2(1)DESIGN CRITERIA x 9
C R309.3.3.5*Sprinkler Activation Alarm x 1,3,4,5,6
D R306.1*General x 1,4
E R403.1 Foundations x 3,7
15.04.030
(2026)Section AMENDMENTS; ELECTRICAL STANDARDS New Add Amend Delete Finding
A 230.70(A)(1)Readily Accessible Location X 9
15.04.040
(2026)Section AMENDMENTS; MECHANICAL STANDARDS New Add Amend Delete Finding
Page 397 of 509
A 104.3.2 Plan Review Fees X 9
B 104.4 Permit Issuance X 9
C 104.5 Delete table X 9
C 104.5 Fees X 9
D 105.2.6 Reinspections X 9
15.04.050
(2026)Section AMENDMENTS; PLUMBING STANDARDS New Add Amend Delete Finding
A 104.3.2 Plan Review Fees X 9
B 104.4 Permit Issuance X 9
C 104.5 Delete table X 9
C 104.5 Fees X 9
D 105.2.6 Reinspections X 9
E 314.4 Excavations X 7
F 715.2 Joining Methods and Materials X 2,7
G 1101.3.1 Rainwater Harvesting X 9
H 1601.3, Exceptions Exceptions X 9
15.04.090
(2026)Section AMENDMENTS; FIRE PREVENTION STANDARDS New Add Amend Delete Finding
A 101.1 Title X 9
B 103.1 Creation of agency X 9
C 112*Board of appeals established*X 9
D 113.4*Violation penalties*X 9
E 114.4*Failure to comply*X 9
F 202 Sky Lantern X 9
G 302.2 Hazardous fire area X 9
H 305.6 Designation of territory as hazardous fire area by the Fire Chief X 9
H 305.6.1 Posting of notices X 9
H 305.6.2 Limitation on smoking or building campfires X 1,3,4,5,6
H 305.6.3 Order closing area to entry; Exceptions; Enforcement X 9
I 307.1.1 Prohibited open burning X 1,3,4,5,6
I 307.2 Permit required X 1,3,4,5,6
Page 398 of 509
J 307.4.1 Bonfires X 1,3,4,5,6
J 307.4.2 Recreational fires X 1,3,4,5,6
K 308.1.7*Sky lanterns*X 1,3,4,5,6
L 405.8 Initiation X 9
M 503.1.1 Buildings and facilities X 1,3,4,5,6
M 503.1.2 Additional access X 1,3,4,5,6
N 503.2.2 Authority X 9
O 503.2.5 Dead Ends X 1,3,4,5,6
P 503.4.1 Traffic calming devices X 1,3,4,5,6
Q 505.1 Address numbers X 9
R 507.2 Type of water supply X 1,3,4,5,6
S 507.5.1 Where required X 1,3,4,5,6
T 507.5.4.1 Authority to remove obstruction X 1,3,4,5,6
U 605.1.3 Fuel Oil X 1,3,4,5,6
V 605.9 Gas meters X 1,3,4,5,6
W 901.4.2 Nonrequired fire protection systems X 1,3,4,5,6
W 901.4.5 Additional fire protection systems X 1,3,4,5,6
X 901.6 Inspection, testing and maintenance X 1,3,4,5
Y 903.2 Where Required X 1,3,4,5,6
Z 903.2.10 Sprinkler Protection Requirements for Parking Garages Associated
with Electric Vehicle Charging Stations X X 3,4
AA 903.2.22 Existing buildings in commercial fire zone X 1,3,4,5,6
AA 903.2.23*Notification X 9
BB 903.3.1.1 NFPA 13 sprinkler systems X 1,3,4,5,6
BB 903.3.1.1.1 Exempt locations X 1,3,4,5,6
CC 903.4 Sprinkler system supervision and alarms X 1,3,4,5,6
DD 903.4.3 Isolation Control Valves X 1,3,4,5,6
EE 905.3.1 Height X 1,3,4,5,6
FF 907.6.6 Monitoring X 1,3,4,5,6
GG 910.3.2.1 Sprinklered buildings X 1,3,4,5,6
HH 1207.1.1.1 Hazardous electrolyte thresholds X 9
II 2306.2 Method of storage X 1,3,4,5,6
II 2306.2.6 Delete section X 1,3,4,5,6
JJ 2306.2.3(3)Above-ground tanks located outdoors, above grade X 1,3,4,5,6
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KK 2306.2.4 Above-ground tanks located in above-grade vaults or below-grade
vaults X 1,3,5,6
KK 2306.2.4.1 Tank capacity limits X 1,3,5,6
KK 2306.2.4.2 Delete section X 1,3,5,6
LL 2306.2.6, Items 1
and 6 Special enclosures X 1,3,4,5,6
MM 3307.1*Required access X 9
NN 5601.1 Scope X 1,3,4,5,6
NN 5601.1, exceptions
11 and 12 Add exceptions X 1,3,4,5,6
OO 5702 Add Definitions X 1,3,4,5,6
PP 5704.2.7 Design, fabrication and construction requirements for tanks X 1,3,4,5,6
PP 5704.2.7.5.8 Over-fill prevention, delete exception X 1,3,4,5,6
QQ 5704.2.8.3 Secondary containment X 1,3,4,5,6
RR 5704.2.8.11.1 Monitoring and detection X 1,3,4,5,6
SS 5704.2.9 Above-ground tanks outside of buildings X 1,3,4,5,6
TT 5704.2.13.1.4 Tanks abandoned in place X 1,3,4,5,6
UU 5706.2.4 Permanent and temporary tanks X 1,3,4,5,6
VV 5706.2.5 Type of tank.X 1,3,4,5,6
WW 6104.2 Maximum capacity within established limits X 1,3,4,5,6
XX B105.1 One- and two-family dwellings X 1,3,4,5,6
XX Table B105.1(1)Amend table title X 1,3,4,5,6
YY B105.2, Exception Buildings other than one- and two-family dwellings X 1,3,4,5,6
ZZ D103.1 Access Road width with a hydrant X 1,3,4,5,6
ZZ Exception to Figure
D103 1
Add exception to figure X 1,3,4,5,6
ZZ Figure D103.1 Amend figure X 1,3,4,5,6
AAA D103.4 Dead ends X 1,3,4,5,6
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AAA Table D103.4 Amend table X 1,3,4,5,6
BBB D103.6 Signs X 1,3,4,5,6
BBB D103.6.1 Roads less than 28 feet in width X 1,3,4,5,6
BBB D103.6.2 Roads 28 or greater feet in width X 1,3,4,5,6
CCC D104.1 Buildings exceeding three stories or 30 feet in height X 1,3,4,5,6
DDD D104.2, Exception Buildings exceeding 62,000 square feet in area X 1,3,4,5,6
EEE D105.2 Width X 1,3,4,5,6
FFF D106.1 Projects having more than 100 dwelling units X 1,3,4,5,6
GGG D106.2 Projects having more than 200 dwelling units X 1,3,4,5,6
HHH D107.1 One- or two-family dwelling residential developments X 1,3,4,5,6
HHH D107.1, Exception 1 Delete exception X 1,3,4,5,6
15.04.100
(2026)Section AMENDMENTS; EXISTING BUILDING STANDARDS New Add Amend Delete Finding
A A101.1 Purpose X 9
B A102.1 General X 9
B A102.1 Add exception X 9
C A103 LEVEL A STRENGTHENING X 3,7
C A103 LEVEL B STRENGTHENING X 3,7
D A109.2 Selection of Procedure X 9
E A115 Administrative Provisions X 9
E A115.1 Compliance Requirements X 9
E A115.1.1 Strengthening deadlines X 9
E A115.1.2 Permits X 9
E A115.1.3 Posting of sign X 9
E A115.2 Notice and Order X 9
E A115.2.1 General X 9
E A115.2.2 Service of notice and order X 9
E A115.2.3 Content of notice and order X 9
E A115.3 Appeal X 9
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E A115.4 Recordation X 9
E A115.5 Enforcement X 9
E A115.6 Program monitoring and annual report X 9
E A115.7 Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems X 1,3,4,5,6
F Appendix F*Demolition and Moving of Buildings X 9
F F101*General X 9
F F101.2*Scope X 9
F F101.3*Appeals X 9
F F102*Definitions X 9
F F103*Permit Requirements X 9
F F103.1*Permit required X 9
F F103.2*Moving and Relocation of Buildings X 9
F F103.2.1*Inspection of buildings to be moved X 9
F F103.2.2*Transportation and building permits required X 9
F F103.3*Procedure for permit application processing X 9
F F103.4*Guarantee X 9
F F103.5*Indemnity X 9
F F103.6*Damage to public property X 9
F F103.7*Insurance X 9
F F103.8*Disconnecting service lines X 9
F F104*Public Safety Requirements X 9
F F104.1*General X 9
F F104.2*Dust and debris X 9
F F105*Removal of Materials X 9
F F105.1*General X 9
F F105.2*Foundations X 7
F F105.3*Completion X 9
15.04.130
(2026)Section AMENDMENTS; PROPERTY MAINTENANCE STANDARDS New Add Amend Delete Finding
A ALL Reference to Code X 9
B 101.1 Title X 9
C 102.3 Application to Other Code X 9
D 103.1 Creation of enforcement agency X 9
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E 109.2.2*Closed structures method X 9
F 109.4*Notice X X 9
G 109.7*Posting and Placarding*X 9
H 201.3 Terms defined in other codes X 9
I 202 CODE OFFICIAL X 9
J 302.1 Sanitation X 9
K 302.3 Sidewalks and driveways X 9
L 302.4 Weeds X 9
M 303.2 Enclosures X 9
N 304.14 Insect Screens X 9
O 307.1 General X 9
P 309.1, 309.2, 309.5 Infestation X X 9
Q 602.2 Residential occupancies X 9
R 602.3 Residential occupancies X 9
S 602.4 Occupiable work spaces X 9
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Page 404 of 509
Last modified: 2024/04/25
Revision: 1.0
Prepared by:
Ada Shen, Alea German, Rebecca Evans, & Marc Hoeschele, Frontier Energy, Inc
Misti Bruceri, Misti Bruceri & Associates, LLC
Prepared for:
Kelly Cunningham, Codes and Standards Program, Pacific Gas and Electric
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Legal Notice
This report was prepared by Pacific Gas and Electric Company and
funded by the California utility customers under the auspices of the
California Public Utilities Commission.
Copyright 2024, Pacific Gas and Electric Company. All rights
reserved, except that this document may be used, copied, and
distributed without modification.
Neither PG&E nor any of its employees makes any warranty,
express or implied; or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for
the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any data, information,
method, product, policy or process disclosed in this document; or
represents that its use will not infringe any privately-owned rights
including, but not limited to, patents, trademarks or copyrights.
Acronym List
2023 PV$ – Present value costs in 2023
ACH50 – Air Changes per Hour at 50 pascals pressure differential
ACM – Alternative Calculation Method
ADU – Accessory Dwelling Unit
AFUE – Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency
B/C – Lifecycle Benefit-to-Cost Ratio
BEopt – Building Energy Optimization Tool
BSC – Building Standards Commission
CA IOUs – California Investor-Owned Utilities
CASE – Codes and Standards Enhancement
CBECC-Res – Computer program developed by the California Energy
Commission for use in demonstrating compliance with the
California Residential Building Energy Efficiency Standards
CEER – Combined Energy Efficiency Rating
CFI – California Flexible Installation
CFM – Cubic Feet per Minute
CO2 – Carbon Dioxide
CPAU – City of Palo Alto Utilities
CPUC – California Public Utilities Commission
CZ – California Climate Zone
DFHP – Dual Fuel Heat Pump
DHW – Domestic Hot Water
DOE – Department of Energy
DWHR – Drain Water Heat Recovery
EDR – Energy Design Rating
EER – Energy Efficiency Ratio
EF – Energy Factor
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GHG – Greenhouse Gas
HERS Rater – Home Energy Rating System Rater
HPA – High Performance Attic
HPSH – Heat Pump Space Heater
HPWH – Heat Pump Water Heater
HSPF – Heating Seasonal Performance Factor
HVAC – Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
IECC – International Energy Conservation Code
IOU – Investor Owned Utility
kBtu –British thermal unit (x1000)
kWh – Kilowatt Hour
LBNL – Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
LCC – Life Cycle Cost
LLAHU – Low Leakage Air Handler Unit
VLLDCS – Verified Low Leakage Ducts in Conditioned Space
LSC – Long-term Systemwide Cost
MF – Multifamily
MSHP – Mini-Split Heat Pump
NEEA – Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
NEM – Net Energy Metering
NPV – Net Present Value
NREL – National Renewable Energy Laboratory
PG&E – Pacific Gas and Electric Company
POU – Publicly-Owned-Utilities
PV – Photovoltaic
SCE – Southern California Edison
SDG&E – San Diego Gas and Electric
SEER – Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio
SF – Single Family
SMUD – Sacramento Municipal Utility District
SoCalGas – Southern California Gas Company
TDV – Time Dependent Valuation
Therm – Unit for quantity of heat that equals 100,000 British thermal units
Title 24 – Title 24, Part 6
TOU – Time-Of-Use
UEF – Uniform Energy Factor
VCHP – Variable Capacity Heat Pump, Title 24 compliance credit
ZNE – Zero-net Energy
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Summary of Revisions
Date Description Reference (page or section)
4/25/2024 Original Release N/A
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Executive Summary ..........................................................................................................................................................1
1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................6
2 Methodology and Assumptions ...............................................................................................................................7
2.1 Analysis for Reach Codes ..................................................................................................................................................... 7
2.1.1 Modeling ....................................................................................................................................................................... 7
2.1.2 Prototype Characteristics .............................................................................................................................................. 7
2.1.3 Cost-Effectiveness Approach ...................................................................................................................................... 10
2.1.4 Utility Rates ................................................................................................................................................................. 11
2.1.5 Measure Cost Data Collection Approach .................................................................................................................... 12
2.2 Measure Details and Cost................................................................................................................................................... 12
2.2.1 Building Envelope & Duct Measures ........................................................................................................................... 13
2.2.2 PV Measures .............................................................................................................................................................. 14
2.2.3 Equipment Fuel Substitution Measures – Heat Pump Equipment............................................................................... 15
3 Results ......................................................................................................................................................................21
3.1 Cost-Effectiveness Results ................................................................................................................................................. 22
3.1.1 HPSH Measures ......................................................................................................................................................... 22
3.1.2 HPWH Measures ........................................................................................................................................................ 24
3.2 Climate Zone Case Studies ................................................................................................................................................ 26
3.2.1 HPSH Cost-Effectiveness ........................................................................................................................................... 27
3.2.2 HPWH Cost-Effectiveness .......................................................................................................................................... 28
3.2.3 Envelope & Duct Improvement Cost-Effectiveness..................................................................................................... 29
3.2.4 Sensitivities ................................................................................................................................................................. 30
3.3 Gas Pathways for Heat Pump Replacements ..................................................................................................................... 31
4 Recommendations and Discussion .......................................................................................................................33
5 References ...............................................................................................................................................................37
6 Appendices ..............................................................................................................................................................38
6.1 Map of California Climate Zones ......................................................................................................................................... 38
6.2 Utility Rate Schedules ......................................................................................................................................................... 39
6.2.1 Pacific Gas & Electric.................................................................................................................................................. 40
6.2.2 Southern California Edison ......................................................................................................................................... 48
6.2.3 Southern California Gas .............................................................................................................................................. 52
6.2.4 San Diego Gas & Electric............................................................................................................................................ 54
6.2.5 City of Palo Alto Utilities .............................................................................................................................................. 64
6.2.6 Sacramento Municipal Utilities District (Electric Only)................................................................................................. 66
6.2.7 Fuel Escalation Assumptions ...................................................................................................................................... 68
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LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. Prototype Characteristics ........................................................................................................................................................ 8
Table 2. Efficiency Characteristics for Three Vintage Cases ................................................................................................................ 9
Table 3. Measure Cost Assumptions – Efficiency & Duct Measures .................................................................................................. 14
Table 4. Measure Descriptions & Cost Assumptions – PV ................................................................................................................. 15
Table 5. Lifetime Analysis Replacement Assumptions for DFHP (Existing Furnace) Scenario .......................................................... 16
Table 6. System Sizing by Climate Zone ............................................................................................................................................ 17
Table 7. Ducted HVAC Measure Cost Assumptions – 4-Ton Electric Replacements ......................................................................... 18
Table 8. Non-Ducted HVAC Measure Cost Assumptions – 4-Ton Electric Replacements ................................................................. 18
Table 9. Water Heating Measure Cost Assumptions – Existing Gas .................................................................................................. 19
Table 10. Water Heating Measure Cost Assumptions – Existing Electric Resistance ........................................................................ 20
Table 11. HPSH CZ 12 [1992-2010]................................................................................................................................................... 27
Table 12. HPSH CZ 16 [1992-2010]................................................................................................................................................... 27
Table 13. HPWH CZ 12 [1992-2010].................................................................................................................................................. 28
Table 14. HPWH CZ 16 [1992-2010].................................................................................................................................................. 28
Table 15. Envelope and Duct Measures CZ 3 [Pre-1978] .................................................................................................................. 29
Table 16. Envelope and Duct Measures CZ 10 [Pre-1978]................................................................................................................. 29
Table 17. Envelope and Duct Measures CZ 12 [Pre-1978]................................................................................................................. 29
Table 18. Sensitivity Analysis Results for On-Bill NPV Cost-Effectiveness in Climate Zone 12, PG&E.............................................. 30
Table 19. Electric Panel Upgrade Sensitivity for CZ 12 [1992-2010] .................................................................................................. 30
Table 20. PG&E Baseline Territory by Climate Zone .......................................................................................................................... 40
Table 21. PG&E Monthly Gas Rate ($/therm)..................................................................................................................................... 40
Table 22: SCE Baseline Territory by Climate Zone ............................................................................................................................ 48
Table 23. SoCalGas Baseline Territory by Climate Zone ................................................................................................................... 52
Table 24. SoCalGas Monthly Gas Rate ($/therm) .............................................................................................................................. 52
Table 25. SDG&E Baseline Territory by Climate Zone ....................................................................................................................... 54
Table 26. SDG&E Monthly Gas Rate ($/therm) .................................................................................................................................. 54
Table 27. CPAU Monthly Gas Rate ($/therm)..................................................................................................................................... 64
Table 28: Real Utility Rate Escalation Rate Assumptions, CPUC En Banc and 2022 TDV Basis ...................................................... 68
Table 29: Real Utility Rate Escalation Rate Assumptions, 2025 LSC Basis ....................................................................................... 69
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: DFHP with Existing Furnace ............................................................................................................................................ 22
Figure 2: Standard Efficiency HPSH ............................................................................................................................................... 22
Figure 3: High Efficiency HPSH ...................................................................................................................................................... 23
Figure 4: Ducted MSHP .................................................................................................................................................................. 23
Figure 5: HPSH + PV ...................................................................................................................................................................... 23
Figure 6: 240V Federal Minimum HPWH........................................................................................................................................ 24
Figure 7: 240V Market Standard NEEA HPWH .............................................................................................................................. 24
Figure 8: 120V Market Standard NEEA HPWH .............................................................................................................................. 24
Figure 9: 240V Federal Minimum HPWH + PV ............................................................................................................................... 24
Figure 10: R-6 Ducts ....................................................................................................................................................................... 26
Figure 11: 10% Duct Leakage ........................................................................................................................................................ 26
Figure 12: R-13 Wall Insulation....................................................................................................................................................... 26
Figure 13: R-49 Attic Insulation....................................................................................................................................................... 26
Figure 14. Heat pump space heater path compared to the air conditioner path. ............................................................................ 32
Figure 15. Heat pump water path compared to gas with solar thermal........................................................................................... 32
Figure 16. Map of California climate zones..................................................................................................................................... 38
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Executive Summary
The California Codes and Standards (C&S) Reach Codes program provides technical support to local governments
considering adopting a local ordinance (reach code) intended to support meeting local and/or statewide energy
efficiency and greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goals. The program facilitates adoption and implementation of the
code when requested by local jurisdictions by providing resources such as cost-effectiveness studies, model language,
sample findings, and other supporting documentation.
This report documents cost-effective measure upgrades in existing single family buildings that exceed the minimum
state requirements. It evaluates efficiency measures such as adding insulation, replacing windows, and duct upgrades,
fuel substitution measures that upgrade space heating and water heating to heat pumps, and solar photovoltaics (PV)
across all 16 California climate zones. A 1,665 square foot single family home prototype with an attached garage was
evaluated in this study.
This analysis used two different metrics to assess the cost-effectiveness of the proposed upgrades. Both
methodologies require estimating and quantifying the incremental costs and energy savings associated with each
energy efficiency measure over a 30-year analysis period. On-Bill cost-effectiveness is a customer-based lifecycle cost
(LCC)approach that values energy based upon estimated site energy usage and customer utility bill savings using
today’s electricity and natural gas utility tariffs. Long-term Systemwide Cost (LSC) is the California Energy
Commission’s LCC methodology for the 2025 Title 24, Part 6 (Title 24) code cycle (previously referred to as Time
Dependent Valuation (TDV)), which is intended to capture the long-term projected cost of energy including costs for
providing energy during peak periods of demand, carbon emissions, grid transmission and distribution impacts. This is
the methodology used by the Energy Commission in evaluating cost-effectiveness for efficiency measures in Title 24
code development.
The following summarizes key results from the study:
Conclusions and Discussion:
1. Envelope measures. Improving envelope performance is very cost-effective in many older homes. In addition
to reducing utility costs, these measures provide many other benefits such as improving occupant comfort and
satisfaction and increasing a home’s ability to maintain temperatures during extreme weather events and
power outages. Below is a discussion of the results of specific measures.
a. Adding attic insulation is cost-effective based on both LSC and On-Bill in many climate zones in homes
with no more than R-19 existing attic insulation levels. Increasing attic insulation from R-30 to R-49
was still found to be cost-effective based on at least one metric in the colder and hotter climates of
Climate Zone 10 (SDG&E territory only) through 16.
b. Insulating existing uninsulated walls is very cost-effective based on both metrics everywhere except
Climate Zones 6 and 7 (in Climate Zone 8 it’s only cost-effective based on LSC).
c. Adding R-19 or R-30 floor insulation is cost-effective based on LSC in the older two vintages (Pre-1978
and 1978-1991) in all CZ except CZ 6-10.
d. Replacing old single pane windows with new high-performance windows has a very high cost and is
typically not done for energy savings alone. However, energy savings are substantial and justify cost-
effectiveness of this measure based on at least one metric in Climate Zones 4, 8 through 12 (PG&E
territory only), and 13 through 16.
e. At time of roof replacement, a cool roof with an aged solar reflectance of 0.25 was found to be cost-
effective in Climate Zones 4, 6 through 12 (PG&E territory only), and 13 through 15. When the roof
deck is replaced during a roof replacement, adding a radiant barrier is low cost and provides
substantial cooling energy savings, and was found to be cost-effective in almost all climate zones and
homes.
2. Duct measures: Many older homes have old, leaky duct systems that should be replaced when they reach the
end of life, typically 20-30 years. In this case, installing new ducts was found to be cost-effective based on at
least one metric (both in most cases) everywhere except mild Climate Zone 7 and Climate Zones 5 and 6 in
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the 1978-1991 vintage. If duct systems still have remaining life they should be sealed and tested to meet 10%
leakage or lower; however, duct upgrades alone were only found to be cost-effective for newer homes in
Climate Zones 10 (SDG&E territory only), 11, and 13 through 16. Duct upgrades may be able to be coupled
with other measures to reduce the cost.
3. Heat pump space heating: HPSHs were found to be LSC cost-effective in many cases. The Dual Fuel Heat
Pump (existing furnace) was LSC cost-effective everywhere except Climate Zone 15. The HPSH was LSC
cost-effective everywhere except Climate Zones 8 and 15.
a. Challenges to On-Bill cost-effectiveness include higher first costs and higher first-year utility costs due
to higher electricity tariffs relative to gas tariffs. SMUD and CPAU are two exceptions where first year
utility costs are lower for heat pumps than for gas equipment. Table 11 shows the impact of utility rates
on cost-effectiveness of HPSH where the standard and high efficiency HPSH and the HPSH + PV
measures are cost-effective under SMUD but not PG&E. Even with higher first year utility bills, there
were some cases that still proved On-Bill cost-effective including the DFHP with an existing furnace in
the central valley and northern coastal PG&E territories, the ducted MSHP in the central valley as well
as Climate Zone 14 in SDG&E territory, and the HPSH + PV measure in CZ 3-5 (PGE), 7-11, and 12
(SMUD) – 15.
b. The ductless MSHPs were only found to be cost-effective based on either metric in Climate Zones 1
and 16. Ductless MSHPs have a high incremental cost because it is a more sophisticated system than
the base model of a wall furnace with a window AC unit. However, the ductless MSHP would provide
greater comfort benefits if properly installed to directly condition all habitable spaces (as is required
under the VCHP compliance credit as evaluated in this study) which may be an incentive for a
homeowner to upgrade their system.
c. Higher efficiency equipment lowered utility costs in all cases and improved cost-effectiveness in many
cases, particularly with a ducted MSHP.
4. Heat pump water heating: All the HPWH measures were LSC cost-effective in all climate zones. Most
measures were not On-Bill cost-effective with the exception of the HPWH + PV which was cost-effective On-
Bill in CPAU, SMUD, and SDG&E territories in addition to Climate Zones 11, 13, 14, and 15. The HPWH
measures share many of the same challenges as the HPSH measures to achieving cost-effectiveness
including high first costs and utility rates and assumptions. Table 13 shows the impact of utility rates on cost-
effectiveness where some HPWH measures are cost-effective under SMUD utility rates but are not cost-
effective anywhere under PG&E rates in Climate Zone 12.
a. Various HPWH locations were also explored, however there are some factors outside of cost-
effectiveness that should also be considered.
i. HPWHs in the conditioned space can provide benefits such as free-cooling during the
summer, reduced tank losses, and shorter pipe lengths, and in some cases show improved
cost-effectiveness over garage located HPWHs. However, there are various design
considerations such as noise, comfort concerns, an additional heating load in the winter, and
condensate removal. Ducting the inlet and exhaust air resolves comfort concerns but adds
costs and complexity. Split heat pump water heaters address these concerns, but currently
there are limited products on the market and there is a cost premium relative to the packaged
products.
ii. Since HPWHs extract heat from the air and transfer it to water in the storage tank, they must
have adequate ventilation to operate properly. Otherwise, the space cools down over time,
impacting the HPWH operating efficiency. This is not a problem with garage installations but
needs to be considered for water heaters located in interior or exterior closets. For the 2025
Title 24 code the CEC is proposing that all HPWH installations meet mandatory ventilation
requirements (California Energy Commission, 2023).
5. The contractor surveys revealed overall higher heat pump costs than what has been found in previous
analyses. This could be due to incentive availability raising demand for heat pumps and thereby increasing the
price. This price increase may be temporary and may come down once the market stabilizes. There are also
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new initiatives to obtain current costs including the TECH Clean California program 1 that publishes heat pump
data and costs; however, at the time of this analysis, the TECH data did not contain incremental costs because
it only had the heat pump costs but not the gas base case costs.
6. Table 18 shows how CARE rates and escalation rate assumptions will impact cost-effectiveness.
a. Applying CARE rates in the IOU territories has the overall impact to increase utility cost savings for an
all-electric building compared to a code compliant mixed fuel building, improving On-Bill cost-
effectiveness. This is due to the CARE discount on electricity being higher than that on gas. The
reverse occurs with efficiency measures where lower utility rates reduce savings and subsequently
reduce cost-effectiveness.
b. If gas tariffs are assumed to increase substantially over time, in-line with the escalation assumption
from the 2025 LSC development, cost-effectiveness substantially improves for the heat pump
measures over the 30-year analysis period and many cases become cost-effective that were not found
to be cost-effective under the CPUC / 2022 TDV escalation scenario. There is much uncertainty
surrounding future tariff structures as well as escalation values. While it’s clear that gas rates will
increase, how much and how quickly is not known. Future electricity tariff structures are expected to
evolve over time, and the CPUC has an active proceeding to adopt an income-graduated fixed charge
that benefits low-income customers and supports electrification measures for all customers.2 The
CPUC will make a decision in mid-2024 and the new rates are expected to be in place later that year
or in 2025. While the anticipated impact of this rate change is lower volumetric electricity rates, the rate
design is not finalized. While lower volumetric electricity rates provide many benefits, it also will make
building efficiency measures harder to justify as cost-effective due to lower utility bill cost savings.
7. Under NBT, utility cost savings for PV are substantially less than what they were under prior net energy
metering rules (NEM 2.0); however, savings are sufficient to be On-Bill cost-effective in all climate zones
except Climate Zones 1 through 3, 5, and 6.
a. Combining a heat pump with PV allows the additional electricity required by the heat pump to be offset
by the PV system while also increasing on-site utilization of PV generation rather than exporting the
electricity back to the grid at a low rate.
b. While not evaluated in this study, coupling PV with battery systems can be very advantageous under
NBT increasing utility cost savings because of improved on-site utilization of PV generation and fewer
exports to the grid.
Recommendations:
1. There are various approaches for jurisdictions who are interested in reach codes for existing buildings. Some
potential approaches are listed below along with key considerations.
a. Prescriptive measures: Non-preempted measures that are found to be cost-effective may be
prescriptively required in a reach code. One example of this type or ordinance is a cool roof
requirement at time of roof replacement. Another example is requiring specific cost-effective measures
for larger remodels, such as high-performance windows when new windows are installed or duct
sealing and testing when ducts are in an unconditioned space.
b. Replacement equipment: This flavor of reach code sets certain requirements at time of equipment
replacement. This study evaluated space heating and water heating equipment. Where a heat pump
measure was found to be cost-effective based on either LSC or On-Bill, this may serve as the basis of
a reach code given the following considerations.
i. Where reach codes reduce energy usage and are not just fuel switching, cost-effectiveness
calculations are required and must be based on equipment that does not exceed the federal
minimum efficiency requirements.
ii. Where reach codes are established using cost-effectiveness based on LSC, utility bill impacts
and the owner’s first cost should also be reviewed and considered.
1 TECH Public Reporting Home Page (techcleanca.com)
2 https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/industries-and-topics/electrical-energy/electric-costs/demand-response-dr/demand-flexibility-rulemaking
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iii. A gas path should also be prescriptively allowed to safely satisfy federal preemption
requirements considering the CRA v. Berkeley case.3 Additional requirements may apply to
the gas path, as described in Section 3.3, as long as the paths are reasonably energy or cost
equivalent.
c. “Flexible Path”, minimum energy savings target: This flexible approach establishes a target for
required energy savings based on a measure or a set of measures that were found to be cost-effective
based on either LSC or On-Bill. A points menu compares various potential upgrades ranging from
efficiency, PV, and fuel substitution measures, based on site or source energy savings. The applicant
must select upgrades that individually or in combination meet the minimum energy savings target. The
maximum target value shown in the Cost-effectiveness Explorer is based on a combination of cost-
effective, non-preempted measures.
2. Equipment replacement ordinances should consider appropriate exceptions for scenarios where it will be
challenging to meet the requirements, such as location of the HPWH, total project cost limitations, or the need
for service panel upgrades that wouldn’t have been required as part of the proposed scope of work in absence
of the reach code.
3. Consider extending relevant proposals made by the CEC for the 2025 Title 24 code (California Energy
Commission, 2023) in ordinances that apply under the 2022 Title 24 code, such as the following:
a. Mandatory ventilation requirements for HPWH installations (Section 110.3(c)7). The cost-effectiveness
analysis can be found in the Multifamily Domestic Hot Water CASE report (Statewide Team, 2023).
b. Requirement for HERS verified refrigerant charge verification for heat pumps in all climate zones
(Table 150.1-A 4). The cost-effectiveness analysis can be found in the Residential HVAC Performance
CASE report (Statewide Team, 2023).
4. When evaluating reach code strategies, the Reach Codes Team recommends that jurisdictions consider
combined benefits of energy efficiency alongside electrification. Efficiency and electrification have symbiotic
benefits and are both critical for decarbonization of buildings. As demand on the electric grid is increased
through electrification, efficiency can reduce the negative impacts of additional electricity demand on the grid,
reducing the need for increased generation and storage capacity, as well as the need to upgrade upstream
transmission and distribution equipment.
5. Education and training can play a critical role in ensuring that heat pumps are installed, commissioned, and
controlled properly to mitigate grid impacts and maximize occupant satisfaction. Below are select
recommended strategies.
a. The Quality Residential HVAC Services Program 5 is an incentive program to train California
contractors in providing quality installation and maintenance while advancing energy-efficient
technologies in the residential HVAC industry. Jurisdictions can market this to local contractors to
increase the penetration of contractors skilled in heat pump design and installation.
b. Educate residents and contractors of available incentives, tax credits, and financing opportunities.
c. Educate contractors on code requirements. Energy Code Ace provides free tools, training, and
resources to help Californians comply with the energy code. Contractors can access interactive
compliance forms, fact sheets, and live and recorded trainings, among other things, on the website:
https://energycodeace.com/. Jurisdictions can reach out to Energy Code Ace directly to discuss
offerings.
6. Health and safety
a. Combustion Appliance Safety and Indoor Air Quality: Implementation of some of the recommended
measures will affect the pressure balance of the home which can subsequently impact the safe
operation of existing combustion appliances as well as indoor air quality. Buildings with older gas
appliances can present serious health and safety problems which may not be addressed in a remodel
3 https://www.publichealthlawcenter.org/sites/default/files/2024-01/CRA-v-Berkeley-Ninth-Circuit-Opinion-Jan2024.pdf
4 This requirement does not show up in the Express Terms for alterations in Section 150.2(b)1F, but the Statewide Reach Codes
Team expects that it will be added to the next release of the proposed code language in the 45-day language as it aligns with the
proposal made by the Codes and Standards Enhancement Team (Statewide CASE Team, 2023).
5 https://qualityhvac.frontierenergy.com/
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Executive Summary
5
if the appliances are not being replaced. It is recommended that the building department require
inspection and testing of all combustion appliances located within the pressure boundary of the
building after completion of retrofit work that involves air sealing or insulation measures.
b. Jurisdictions may consider requiring mechanical ventilation in homes where air sealing has been
conducted. In older buildings, outdoor air is typically introduced through leaks in the building envelope.
After air sealing a building, it may be necessary to forcefully bring in fresh outdoor air using supply
and/or exhaust fans to minimize potential issues associated with indoor air quality.
Local jurisdictions may also adopt ordinances that amend different Parts of the California Building Standards Code or
may elect to amend other state or municipal codes. The decision regarding which code to amend will determine the
specific requirements that must be followed for an ordinance to be legally enforceable. For example, reach codes that
amend Part 6 of the CA Building Code and require energy performance beyond state code minimums must
demonstrate the proposed changes are cost-effective and obtain approval from the Energy Commission as well as the
Building Standards Commission (BSC). Amendments to Part 11, such as requirements for increased water efficiency
or electric vehicle infrastructure only require BSC approval. Although a cost-effectiveness study is only required to
amend Part 6 of the CA Building Code, this study provides valuable context for jurisdictions pursuing other ordinance
paths to understand the economic impacts of any policy decision. This study documents the estimated costs, benefits,
energy impacts and greenhouse gas emission reductions that may result from implementing an ordinance based on
the results to help residents, local leadership, and other stakeholders make informed policy decisions.
This report documents the key results and conclusions from the Reach Codes Team analysis. A full dataset of all
results can be downloaded at https://localenergycodes.com/content/resources. Results alongside policy options can
also be explored using the Cost-effectiveness Explorer at https://explorer.localenergycodes.com/. Model ordinance
language and other resources are posted on the C&S Reach Codes Program website at LocalEnergyCodes.com.
Local jurisdictions that are considering adopting an ordinance may contact the program for further technical support at
info@localenergycodes.com.
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Introduction
6
1 Introduction
This report documents cost-effective measure upgrades in existing single family buildings that exceed the minimum
state requirements, the 2022 Building Energy Efficiency Standards, effective January 1, 2023. Local jurisdictions in
California may consider adopting local energy ordinances to achieve energy savings beyond what will be accomplished
by enforcing building efficiency requirements that apply statewide. This report was developed in coordination with the
California Statewide Investor-Owned Utilities (IOUs) Codes and Standards Program, key consultants, and engaged
cities—collectively known as the Statewide Reach Codes Team.
The focus of this study is on existing single family buildings and does not apply to low or high-rise multifamily buildings.
Each jurisdiction must establish the appropriate structure and threshold for triggering the proposed requirements.
Some common jurisdictional structures include triggering the requirements at major remodels, additions, or date-certain
(upgrades must be completed by a specific date). Some of these measures could be triggered with a permit for another
specific measure, such as a re-roofing project. The analysis includes scenarios of individual measures and identifies
cost-effective options based on the existing conditions of the building in all 16 California Climate Zones (CZ) (see Cost-
Effectiveness Results for a graphical depiction of climate zone locations).
This report documents the key results and conclusions from the Reach Codes Team analysis. A full dataset of all
results can be downloaded at https://localenergycodes.com/content/resources. Results alongside policy options can
also be explored using the Cost-effectiveness Explorer at https://explorer.localenergycodes.com/.
The California Codes and Standards (C&S) Reach Codes program provides technical support to local governments
considering adopting a local ordinance (reach code) intended to support meeting local and/or statewide energy
efficiency and greenhouse gas reduction goals. The program facilitates adoption and implementation of the code when
requested by local jurisdictions by providing resources such as cost-effectiveness studies, model language, sample
findings, and other supporting documentation.
The California Building Energy Efficiency Standards Title 24, Part 6 (Title 24) (CEC, 2019) is maintained and updated
every three years by two state agencies: the California Energy Commission (the Energy Commission) and the Building
Standards Commission (BSC). In addition to enforcing the code, local jurisdictions have the authority to adopt local
energy efficiency ordinances—or reach codes—that exceed the minimum standards defined by Title 24 (as established
by Public Resources Code Section 25402.1(h)2 and Section 10-106 of the Building Energy Efficiency Standards).
Local jurisdictions must demonstrate that the requirements of the proposed ordinance are cost-effective and do not
result in buildings consuming more energy than is permitted by Title 24. In addition, the jurisdiction must obtain
approval from the Energy Commission and file the ordinance with the BSC for the ordinance to be legally enforceable.
The Department of Energy (DOE) sets minimum efficiency standards for equipment and appliances that are federally
regulated under the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act, including heating, cooling, and water heating
equipment (E-CFR, 2020). Since state and local governments are prohibited from adopting higher minimum efficiencies
than the federal standards require, the focus of this study is to identify and evaluate cost-effective packages that do not
include high efficiency heating, cooling, and water heating equipment. High efficiency appliances are often the easiest
and most affordable measure to increase energy performance. While federal preemption limits reach code mandatory
requirements for covered appliances, in practice, builders may install any package of compliant measures to achieve
the performance requirements.
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Methodology and Assumptions
7
2 Methodology and Assumptions
2.1 Analysis for Reach Codes
This section describes the approach to calculating cost-effectiveness including benefits, costs, metrics, and utility rate
selection.
2.1.1 Modeling
The Reach Codes Team performed energy simulations using the 2025 research version of the Residential California
Building Energy Code Compliance software (CBECC). The 2025 version of CBECC was used instead of the 2022
version to take advantage of updated weather files and metrics. Site energy results are similar between CBECC-Res
2022 and 2025; however, the 2025 compliance metrics applies assumptions reflective of an electrified future, such as
high escalation for natural gas retail rates, which favors electric buildings. In addition, in 2025 the weather stations
were changed in Climate Zones 4 and 6 from San Jose to Paso Robles and Torrance to Los Angeles International
Airport, respectively.
Three unique building vintages are considered: pre-1978, 1978-1991, and 1992-2010. The vintages were defined
based on review of historic Title 24 code requirements and defining periods with distinguishing features. Prospective
energy efficiency measures were identified and modeled to determine the projected site energy (therm and kWh),
source energy, GHG emissions, and LSC (long-term systemwide cost) impacts. Annual utility costs were calculated
using hourly data output from CBECC, and current (as of 11/01/2023) electricity and natural gas tariffs for each of the
investor-owned utilities (IOUs) appropriate for that climate zone.
Equivalent CO2 emission reductions were calculated based on outputs from the CBECC-Res simulation software.
Electricity emissions vary by region and by hour of the year. CBECC-Res applies two distinct hourly profiles, one for
Climate Zones 1 through 5 and 11 through 13 and another for Climate Zones 6 through 10 and 14 through 16. Natural
gas emissions do not vary hourly. To compare the mixed-fuel and all-electric cases side-by-side, GHG emissions are
presented as lbs CO2-equivalent (CO2e) emissions.
The Statewide Reach Codes Team designed the analysis approach and selected measures for evaluation based on
the 2019 existing building single family reach code analysis (Statewide Reach Codes Team, 2021) and work to support
the 2025 Title 24 code development cycle as well as from outreach to architects, builders, and engineers.
2.1.2 Prototype Characteristics
The Energy Commission defines building prototypes which it uses to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of proposed
changes to Title 24 requirements. Average home size has steadily increased over time,6 and the Energy Commission
single family new construction prototypes are larger than many existing single family homes across California. For this
analysis, a 1,665 square foot prototype was evaluated. Table 1 describes the basic characteristics of the single family
prototype. Additions are not evaluated in this analysis as they are already addressed in Section 150.2 of Title 24, Part
6. The CEC has proposed changes to the 2025 Energy Code that would remove the allowance of gas space heating
and water heating equipment for additions and instead require additions to follow the same space heating and water
heating equipment requirements as new construction (California Energy Commission, 2023). The proposed
prescriptive requirements for single family new construction homes are heat pump space heaters and water heaters,
with gas equipment only allowed in the performance approach.
6 https://www.census.gov/const/C25Ann/sftotalmedavgsqft.pdf
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Methodology and Assumptions
8
Table 1. Prototype Characteristics
Specification
Existing Conditioned Floor Area 1,665 ft2
Num. of Stories 1
Num. of Bedrooms 3
Window-to-Floor Area Ratio 13%
Attached Garage 2-car garage
Three building vintages were evaluated to determine sensitivity of existing building performance on cost-effectiveness
of upgrades. For example, it is widely recognized that adding attic insulation in an older home with no insulation is cost-
effective, however, newer homes will likely have existing attic insulation reducing the cost-effectiveness of an
incremental addition of insulation. The building characteristics for each vintage were determined based on either
prescriptive requirements from Title 24 that were in effect or standard construction practice during that time period.
Homes built under 2001 Title 24 are subject to prescriptive envelope code requirements very similar to homes built
under the 2005 code cycle, which was in effect until January 1, 2010.
Table 2 summarizes the assumptions for each of the three vintages. Additionally, the analysis assumed the following
features when modeling the prototype buildings. Efficiencies were defined by year of the most recent equipment
replacement based on standard equipment lifetimes.
• Individual space conditioning and water heating systems, one per single family building.
• Split-system air conditioner with natural gas furnace.
o Scenarios with an existing natural gas wall furnace without AC were also evaluated.
• Small storage natural gas water heater.
o Scenarios with an existing electric resistance storage water heater were also evaluated.
• Gas cooktop, oven, and clothes dryer.
The methodology applied in the analyses begins with a design that matches the specifications as described in Table 2
for each of the three vintages. Prospective energy efficiency measures were modeled to determine the projected
energy performance and utility cost impacts relative to the baseline vintage. In some cases, where logical, measures
were packaged together.
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Methodology and Assumptions
9
Table 2. Efficiency Characteristics for Three Vintage Cases
Building Component Efficiency
Feature
Vintage Case
Pre-1978 1978-1991 1992-2010
Envelope
Exterior Walls 2x4, 16-inch on center wood frame,
R-0a
2x4 16 inch on center wood frame,
R-11
2x4 16 inch on center wood frame,
R-13
Foundation Type & Insulation Uninsulated slab (CZ 2-15)
Raised floor, R-0 (CZ 1 & 16)
Uninsulated slab (CZ 2-15)
Raised floor, R-0 (CZ 1 & 16)
Uninsulated slab (CZ 2-15)
Raised floor, R-19 (CZ 1 & 16)
Ceiling Insulation & Attic Type
Vented attic, R-5 @ ceiling level for CZ
6 & 7,
Vented attic, R-11 @ ceiling level
(all other CZs)
Vented attic, R-19 @ ceiling level Vented attic, R-30 @ ceiling level
Roofing Material & Color Asphalt shingles, dark
(0.10 reflectance, 0.85 emittance)
Asphalt shingles, dark
(0.10 reflectance, 0.85 emittance)
Asphalt shingles, dark
(0.10 reflectance, 0.85 emittance)
Radiant Barrier No No No
Window Type: U-factor/SHGCb Metal, single pane: 1.16/0.76 Metal, dual pane: 0.79/0.70 Vinyl, dual pane Low-E: 0.55/0.40
House Infiltration at 50 Pascals 15 ACH50 10 ACH50 7 ACH50
HVAC Equipment
Heating Efficiency 78 AFUE (assumes 2 replacements) 78 AFUE (assumes 1 replacement) 78 AFUE
Cooling Efficiency 10 SEER (assumes 2 replacements) 10 SEER (assumes 1 replacement) 13 SEER, 11 EER
Duct Location & Details Attic, R-2.1, 30% leakage at 25 Pa Attic, R-2.1, 25% leakage at 25 Pa Attic, R-4.2, 15% leakage at 25 Pa
Whole Building Mechanical
Ventilation None None None
Water Heating Equipment
Water Heater Efficiency 0.575 Energy Factor (assumes 2
replacements)
0.575 Energy Factor (assumes 1
replacement) 0.575 Energy Factor
Water Heater Type 40-gallon gas storage 40-gallon gas storage 40-gallon gas storage
Pipe Insulation None None None
Hot Water Fixtures Standard, non-low flow Standard, non-low flow Standard, non-low flow
a Pre-1978 wall modeled with R-5 cavity insulation to better align wall system performance with monitored field data and not overestimate energy use.
b Window type selections were made based on conversations with window industry expert, Ken Nittler. If a technology was entering the market during the time period (e.g.,
Low-E during 1992-2010 or dual-pane during 1978-1991) that technology was included in the analysis. This provides a conservative assumption for overall building
performance and additional measures may be cost-effective for buildings with lower performing windows, for example buildings with metal single pane windows in the 1978-
1991 vintage.
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-Cost Effectiveness Analysis: Existing Single Family Building Upgrades 10
Methodology and Assumptions
2.1.3 Cost-Effectiveness Approach
2.1.3.1 Benefits
This analysis used two different metrics to assess the cost-effectiveness of the proposed upgrades. Both
methodologies require estimating and quantifying the incremental costs and energy savings associated
with each energy efficiency measure. The main difference between the methodologies is the way they value energy
impacts (the numerator in the benefit cost calculation):
Utility Bill Impacts (On-Bill): This customer-based lifecycle cost (LCC) approach values energy based upon
estimated site energy usage and customer utility bill savings using the latest electricity and natural gas utility tariffs
available at the time of writing this report. Total savings are estimated over a 30-year duration and include discounting
of future utility costs, as well as assumed energy cost inflation over time.
Long-term Systemwide Cost (LSC): Formerly known as Time Dependent Valuation (TDV) energy cost savings, LSC
reflects the Energy Commission’s current LCC methodology, which is intended to capture the total value or cost of
energy use over 30 years. This method accounts for the hourly cost of marginal generation, transmission and
distribution, fuel, capacity, losses, and cap-and-trade-based CO2 emissions (California Energy Commission, 2023).
This is the methodology used by the Energy Commission in evaluating cost-effectiveness for efficiency measures in the
2025 Energy Code.
2.1.3.2 Costs
The Reach Codes Team assessed the incremental costs of the measures and packages over a 30-year analysis
period. Incremental costs represent the equipment, installation, replacement, and maintenance costs of the proposed
measure relative to the 2022 Title 24 Standards minimum requirements or standard industry practices. Present value of
replacement cost is included only for measures with lifetimes less than the 30-year evaluation period. In cases where
at the end of the analysis period the measure has useful life remaining, the value of this remaining life is calculated and
credited in the total lifetime cost.
2.1.3.3 Metrics
Cost-effectiveness is presented using net present value (NPV) and benefit-to-cost (B/C) ratio metrics.
NPV: Equation 1 demonstrates how lifetime NPV is calculated. If the NPV of a measure or package is positive, it is
considered cost-effective. A negative value represents a net increase in costs over the 30-year lifetime.
B/C Ratio: This is the ratio of the present value of all benefits to the present value of all costs over 30 years (present
value benefits divided by present value costs). A value of one indicates the NPV of the savings over the life of the
measure is equivalent to the NPV of the lifetime incremental cost of that measure. A value greater than one represents
a positive return on investment. The B/C ratio is calculated according to Equation 2.
Equation 1 𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁 = 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑝𝑝 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑣𝑣𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑝𝑝 𝑏𝑏𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑝𝑝 − 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑝𝑝 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑣𝑣𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑝𝑝 𝑐𝑐𝑜𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝
Equation 2 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑝𝑝 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑣𝑣𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑝𝑝 𝑏𝑏𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑝𝑝 𝐵𝐵𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑝𝑝 − 𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑜 − 𝐶𝐶𝑜𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 𝑅𝑅𝑣𝑣𝑝𝑝𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑜 = 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑝𝑝 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑣𝑣𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑝𝑝 𝑐𝑐𝑜𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝
Improving the efficiency of a project often requires an initial incremental investment. In most cases the benefit is
represented by annual On-Bill utility or LSC savings, and the cost is represented by incremental first cost and future
replacement costs. Some packages result in initial construction cost savings relative to the assumed base case
scenario, and either energy cost savings (positive benefits), or increased energy costs (negative benefits). In cases
where both construction costs and energy-related savings are negative, the construction cost savings are treated as
the ‘benefit’ while the increased energy costs are the ‘cost.’ In cases where a measure or package is cost-
effective immediately (i.e., upfront construction cost savings and lifetime energy cost savings), B/C ratio cost-
effectiveness is represented by “>1”.
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-Cost Effectiveness Analysis: Existing Single Family Building Upgrades 11
Methodology and Assumptions
The lifetime costs or benefits are calculated according to Equation 3.
Equation 3 (𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 𝑐𝑐𝑜𝑜 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝐴𝐴𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑐𝑐)𝑡𝑡 𝐴𝐴 𝑁𝑁𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑝𝑝 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑣𝑣𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑝𝑝 𝑐𝑐𝑜𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 𝑜𝑜𝑝𝑝 𝑏𝑏𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑝𝑝 = ∑𝑐𝑐=0 (1+𝑜𝑜)𝑡𝑡
Where:
1. n = analysis term in years
2. r = discount rate
The following summarizes the assumptions applied in this analysis to both methodologies.
3. Analysis term of 30 years
4. Real discount rate of three percent
Both base case measures and alternative energy efficiency measures may have different lifetime assumptions which
impact life cycle economics. Future costing of many of the evaluated electrification measures are only based on current
cost assumption, which may be overly conservative as the expected growth in heat pump-based technologies is
growing rapidly and will likely lead to future cost reductions (at least relative to current fossil fueled equipment) as
production volumes increase.
2.1.4 Utility Rates
In coordination with the CA IOU rate team (comprised of representatives from Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E),
Southern California Edison (SCE) and San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E)) and two Publicly-Owned-Utilities (POUs)
(Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) and City of Palo Alto Utilities (CPAU)), the Reach Codes Team
determined appropriate utility rates for each climate zone to calculate utility costs and determine On-Bill cost-
effectiveness for the proposed measures and packages. The utility tariffs, summarized in Chapter 6.2, were determined
based on the appropriate rate for each case in each territory. Utility rates were applied to each climate zone based on
the predominant IOU serving the population of each zone, with a few climate zones evaluated multiple times under
different utility scenarios. Climate Zones 10 and 14 were evaluated with both SCE for electricity and Southern
California Gas Company (SoCalGas) for gas and SDG&E tariffs for both electricity and gas since each utility has
customers within these climate zones. Climate Zone 5 is evaluated under both PG&E and SoCalGas natural gas rates.
Two POU or municipal utility rates were also evaluated: SMUD in Climate Zone 12 and CPAU in Climate Zone 4.
For cases with onsite generation (i.e. solar photovoltaics (PV)), the approved NBT tariffs were applied along with
monthly service fees and hourly export compensation rates for 2024.7 In December 2022, the California Public Utilities
Commission (CPUC) issued a decision adopting NBT as a successor to NEM 2.0 that went into effect April of 2023 8
Utility rates are assumed to escalate over time according to the assumptions from the CPUC 2021 En Banc hearings
on utility costs through 2030 (California Public Utilities Commission, 2021a). Escalation rates through the remainder of
the 30-year evaluation period are based on the escalation rate assumptions within the 2022 TDV factors. The
Statewide Natural Gas Residential Average Rate for 2023 through 2030 is projected to be 4.6%. The Electric
Residential Average Rate for PG&E, SCE and SDG&E for 2023 through 2030 is projected to be 1.8%,1.6% and 2.8%
respectively. A second set of escalation rates were also evaluated to demonstrate the impact that utility cost changes
have on cost-effectiveness over time. This utility rate escalation sensitivity analysis, presented in Section 3.2.4, was
based on those used within the 2025 LSC factors (LSC replaces TDV in the 2025 code cycle) which assumed steep
7 Hourly export compensation rates were based on the NBT spreadsheet model created by E3 for the CPUC.
https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/-/media/cpuc-website/divisions/energy-division/documents/net-energy-metering-
nem/nemrevisit/nbt-model--12142022.xlsb
8 https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/nemrevisit
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-Cost Effectiveness Analysis: Existing Single Family Building Upgrades 12
Methodology and Assumptions
increases in gas rates in the latter half of the analysis period. See Appendix 6.2.7 Fuel Escalation Assumptions for
details.
Future electricity tariff structures are expected to evolve over time, and the CPUC has an active proceeding to adopt an
income-graduated fixed charge that benefits low-income customers and supports electrification measures.10 These
were not included in this analysis but may be evaluated later in 2024 once the rates are finalized.
2.1.5 Measure Cost Data Collection Approach
To support this effort, a detailed cost study was completed in the summer of 2023 to gather data from a range of
contractors to inform actual installed costs in the areas they provide services. These areas include HVAC, plumbing,
envelope and air-sealing, and PV installation. Home performance contractors were also approached to collect this
data. Collecting this type of data is challenging, both due to contractor reticence to share cost information and due to
the timing of the survey which unfortunately coincided with the summer busy season for most contractors, especially
HVAC installers. With these known challenges, the outreach effort focused on leveraging existing relationships
between the analysis team and contractors to both gain access and provide assurance that all cost data would remain
confidential and aggregated. Contractors that provided feedback were nominally compensated for their time.
The collected cost data was intended to represent recent costs for a “typical” retrofit installation. Each home in which a
contractor does work has different site-specific issues that will likely affect costs. In addition, different jurisdictions have
different levels of building department installation oversight and permit fees. Finally, each contractor typically has a
different manufacturer product line they prefer to install. All these factors will influence installed costs 11.
The most detailed and broad cost request was for the HVAC contractors, as there are a wide range of equipment
replacement scenarios available for an existing ducted gas furnace with central split-system air conditioning. Options
range from a base case scenario (like for like swap out), split-system heat pump replacement, dual fuel heat pumps
(DFHP), ducted mini-split heat pumps, non-ducted mini-splits, etc. For plumbing contractors, a range of scenarios
existed for water heater replacements including like-for-like replacement, HPWHs (in different locations-garage,
indoor), need for electrical upgrade for HPWH installation, need for HPWH ducting, etc. Envelope measures focused
on attic and wall insulation, window replacement, re-roofing (with Cool Roof materials or not), and attic ceiling plane air-
sealing. PV costing included different system sizes, panel upgrades costs, and battery costs. Home performance
contractors were asked to provide as much data as they could on the different measure options. All costing information
requested was intended to represent most recent installations, in an effort to capture current pricing as best as
possible.
The contractors that responded with their cost estimates work in different regions of the state, operate in different
markets with (potentially) different local efficiency incentives, do varying amounts of work based on the size of their
company, target different market demographic sectors, and install different brands of equipment. All these factors will
contribute to price variability. The Team considered applying climate zone specific cost adjustments to reflect some of
these differences, but ultimately decided not to since a climate zone is not a monolithic entity with uniform customer
pricing throughout. The Team recognizes that “zip code” pricing is a reality, but for simplicity, as well as consistency
with Title 24, Part 6 code development costing approaches, applied uniform statewide costs to all measures.
2.2 Measure Details and Cost
This section describes the details of the measures and documents incremental costs. All measure costs were obtained
from the contractor survey unless otherwise noted. All contractor provided costs reflect the cost to the customer and
10 https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/industries-and-topics/electrical-energy/electric-costs/demand-response-dr/demand-
flexibility-rulemaking
11 One HVAC contractor mentioned that equipment brand alone may contribute to a +/-%5 variation in the total bid
cost.
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-Cost Effectiveness Analysis: Existing Single Family Building Upgrades 13
Methodology and Assumptions
include equipment, labor, permit fees, and required HERS testing. Additional details of the measures can be found in
Appendix Section Error! Reference source not found..
All measures are evaluated assuming they are not otherwise required by Title 24. For example, duct sealing is required
by code whenever HVAC equipment is altered. For this analysis duct sealing was evaluated for those projects where it
is not already triggered by code (i.e., no changes to the heating or cooling equipment). Where appropriate, measure
requirements align with those defined in Title 24. In some cases, cost-effective measures were identified that exceed
Title 24 requirements, such as attic insulation, cool roofs, and duct sealing.
2.2.1 Building Envelope & Duct Measures
The following are descriptions of each of the efficiency upgrade measures applied in this analysis.
Attic Insulation: Add attic insulation in buildings with vented attic spaces to meet either R-38 or R-49. The pre-1978
vintage assumes an existing condition of R-11, the 1978-1991 vintage assumes an existing condition of R-19, and the
1992-2010 vintage assumes R-30 as the existing insulation level. For pre-1978 vintage homes this measure was also
evaluated to include air sealing of the attic. A 14% leakage reduction was modeled such that 15 ACH50 was reduced
to 12.9 ACH50 in this measure. The costs for this measure include removing existing insulation.
Air Sealing and Weather-stripping: Apply air sealing practices throughout all accessible areas of the building. For
this study, it was assumed that older vintage homes would be leakier than newer buildings and that approximately 30
percent improvement in air leakage is achievable through air sealing of all accessible areas. For modeling purposes, it
was assumed that air sealing can reduce infiltration levels from 15 to ten air changes per hour at 50 Pascals pressure
difference (ACH50) in the oldest vintages (pre-1978), to ten to seven ACH50 for the 1978-1991 vintage, and seven to
five ACH50 in the 1992-2010 vintage.
Cool Roof: For steep slope roofs, install a roofing product rated by the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) with an
aged solar reflectance of 0.20 or 0.25 and thermal emittance of 0.75 or higher. This measure only applies to buildings
that are installing a new roof as part of the scope of the remodel; the cost and energy savings associated with this
upgrade reflects the incremental step between a standard roofing product with one that is CRRC rated with an aged
solar reflectance of 0.20 or 0.25. This is similar to cool roof requirements in 2022 Title 24 Section 150.2(b)1Ii but
assumes a higher solar reflectance.
Radiant Barrier: Add radiant barrier to any existing home vintage. This measure only applies to buildings that are
installing a new roof as part of the scope of the remodel; the cost and energy savings associated with this upgrade
reflects the incremental step between a standard roofing product with one that includes a laminated radiant barrier.
Raised Floor Insulation: In existing homes with raised floors and no insulation (pre-1978 and 1978-1991 vintages),
add R-19 insulation. An upgraded R-30 floor insulation, assuming no current insulation, was evaluated in the pre-1978
and 1978-1991 vintages.
Wall Insulation: Blow-in R-13 wall insulation in existing homes without wall insulation (pre-1978 vintages).
Window Replacement: Replace existing windows with a non-metal dual-pane product, which has a U-factor equal to
0.28 Btu/hour-ft2-°F or lower and a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) equal to 0.23 or lower, except in heating
dominated climates (Climate Zones 1, 3, 5, and 16) where an SHGC of 0.35 was evaluated.
Duct Sealing, New Ducts, and Duct Insulation: Air seal all ductwork to meet the requirements of the 2022 Title 24,
Part 6 Section 150.2(b)1E. For this analysis, final duct leakage values of ten percent (proposed revised leakage rate for
2022 Title 24) was evaluated. The pre-1978 and 1978-1992 vintages assume leaky existing ducts (25-30% leakage).
The 1992-2010 vintage assumes moderately leaky existing ducts (15-20% leakage).
Replacing existing ductwork with entirely new ductwork to meet Sections 150.2(b)1Di and 150.2(b)1Diia of the 2022
Title 24 was also evaluated. This assumed new ducts meet 5% duct leakage and the option of R-6 and R-8 duct
insulation in all climate zones.
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Methodology and Assumptions
Table 3 summarizes the cost assumptions for the building envelope and HVAC duct improvement measures evaluated.
All the measures in Table 3 assume a 30-year effective useful life.
Table 3. Measure Cost Assumptions – Efficiency & Duct Measures
Measure Performance Level
Incremental Cost –
Single Family Building
Pre 1978 1978 – 1991 1992 -2010
Wall Insulation R-13 $2,950 N/A N/A
Raised Floor
Insulation
R-19 $3,633 $3,633 N/A
R-30 $4,113 $4,113 $4,113
Attic Insulation R-38 $6,762 $2,555 $1,781
R-49 $7,446 $3,612 $1,827
Air Sealing
10 ACH50 $4,684 N/A N/A
7 ACH50 N/A $4,684 N/A
5 ACH50 N/A N/A $4,684
Cool Roof
0.25 Aged Solar Reflectance
CZs 1-3,5-7,16 $2,407 $2,407 $2,407
0.25 Aged Solar Reflectance
CZs 4, 8-15 $1,203 $1,203 $1,203
Window
U-factor/SHGC
0.28 U-factor. 0.23 SHGC in
CZs 2,4,6-15. $11,463 $11,463 $11,463
0.28 U-factor. 0.35 SHGC in
CZs 1,3,5,26 $11,871 $11,871 $11,871
Radiant Barrier Add Radiant Barrier $893 $893 $893
Duct Sealing 10% nominal airflow $2,590 $2,590 $1,400
All New Duct
System
R-6 ducts;
5% duct leakage $4,808 $4,808 $4,808
R-8 ducts;
5% duct leakage $6,311 $6,311 $6,311
2.2.2 PV Measures
Installation of on-site PV is required in the 2022 Title 24 code for new construction homes, but there are no PV
requirements for additions or alterations to existing buildings. PV was evaluated in CBECC-Res according to the
California Flexible Installation (CFI) 1 assumptions and 98% solar access. To meet CFI eligibility, the requirements of
2022 Reference Appendices JA11.2.2 (California Energy Commission, 2021b) must be met. A 3 kW PV system was
modeled both as a standalone measure as well as coupled with heat pump installations.
The costs for installing PV are summarized in Table 4. They include the first cost to purchase and install the system,
future inverter replacement costs, and annual maintenance costs. Upfront solar PV system costs are estimated from
the contractor surveys to be $4.58/WDC and are reduced by 30 percent to account for the federal income Residential
Clean Energy Credit. The solar panels are estimated to have an effective useful life of 30 years and the inverter 25
years. The inverter replacement cost of $7,000 (future value) is also from the contractor surveys. System maintenance
costs are taken from the 2019 PV CASE Report (California Energy Commission, 2017) and are assumed to be
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Methodology and Assumptions
$0.31/WDC present value. These costs do not include costs associated with electrical panel upgrades, which will be
necessary in some instances.
Table 4. Measure Descriptions & Cost Assumptions – PV
Measure Performance
Level
Incremental Cost
Pre 1978 1978 – 1991 1992 -2010
PV 3 kW $9,608
2.2.3 Equipment Fuel Substitution Measures – Heat Pump Equipment
The fuel substitution measures are evaluated as replacements at the end of the life of the existing equipment. This
means the baseline compared against is usually a like-for-like change-out of the natural gas equipment, and the
upgrade is a heat pump.
For most of the space heating and water heating cases, costs for electrical service panel upgrades are not included as
it is assumed many existing homes have the service capacity to support converting one appliance from gas to electric.
For homes with existing air conditioners, any incremental electric capacity necessary to support a heat pump space
heater is marginal. The same applies for homes with existing electric resistance equipment. Section 3.2.4 presents the
impacts for select cases where an upgrade to the electric panel is required.
Heat Pump Space Heating
All the heat pump space heater (HPSH) measures are described below. All were evaluated with HERS verified
refrigerant charge aligned with the proposed code requirements for the 2025 Title 24 code. Dual fuel heat pumps
(DFHPs) were controlled to lockout furnace operation above 35°F.
DFHP (Existing Furnace): Replace existing ducted air conditioner (AC) with an electric heat pump and install controls
to operate the heat pump to use the existing gas furnace for backup heat. A minimum federal efficiency (14.3 SEER2,
11.7 EER2, 7.5 HSPF2) heat pump was evaluated. Savings are compared to a new AC (14.3 SEER2, 11.7 EER2)
alongside the existing furnace (78 AFUE).
DFHP (New Furnace): Replace existing ducted AC and natural gas furnace with an electric heat pump and new gas
furnace plus controls to operate the heat pump and use the new gas furnace for backup heat. A minimum federal
efficiency (14.3 SEER2, 11.7 EER2, 7.5 HSPF2) heat pump and furnace (80 AFUE) were evaluated to replace existing
equipment. Savings are compared to a new ducted AC and natural gas furnace (14.3 SEER2, 11.7 EER2, 80 AFUE).
Heat Pump Space Heater: Replace existing ducted AC and natural gas furnace with an electric heat pump. Minimum
federal efficiency (14.3 SEER2, 11.7 EER2, 7.5 HSPF2) and higher efficiency (17 SEER2, 12.48 EER2, 9.5 HSPF2)
heat pumps were evaluated. Savings are compared to a new ducted natural gas furnace and AC (14.3 SEER2, 11.7
EER2, 80 AFUE).
Ducted Mini-Split Heat Pump (MSHP): Replace existing ducted AC and natural gas furnace with a ducted high
efficiency MSHP (16.5 SEER2, 12.48 EER2, 9.5 HSPF2). Savings are compared to a new ducted AC and natural gas
furnace (14.3 SEER2, 11.7 EER2, 80 AFUE).
Ductless MSHP: In a home without AC, replace existing wall furnace with a ductless MSHP. A standard efficiency unit
meeting minimum federal efficiency standards (14.3 SEER2, 11.7 EER2, 7.5 HSPF2) was evaluated by modeling the
variable capacity heat pump (VCHP) compliance credit in CBECC-Res. A premium, higher efficiency upgrade was also
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-Cost Effectiveness Analysis: Existing Single Family Building Upgrades 16
Methodology and Assumptions
evaluated using CBECC-Res’ detailed VCHP model 12 by simulating the performance of a representative high efficiency
product (14.3 SEER2, 11.7 EER2, 7.5 HSPF2). Savings are compared to a new natural gas wall furnace with fan
distribution (75% AFUE) and window AC (9 CEER).
Over the 30-year analysis period, certain changes are assumed when the equipment is replaced that impact both
lifetime costs and energy use. Table 5 presents the lifetime scenario for the DFHP (existing furnace) measure. The
analysis assumed a 20-year effective useful lifetime (EUL) for a furnace, a 15-year EUL for an air conditioner and a 15-
year EUL for a heat pump. Lifetimes are based on the Database for Energy Efficient Resources (DEER) (California
Public Utilities Commission, 2021b). The existing furnace is assumed to be halfway through its EUL at the beginning of
the analysis period. After 10 years when the furnace reaches the end of its life and needs to be replaced, it will be
subject to new federal efficiency standards for residential gas furnaces that go into effect in 2028 requiring 95 AFUE 13.
5 years later the air conditioner reaches the end of its life and is replaced with a new air conditioner.
For the DFHP upgrade case, after 10 years when the furnace fails it’s expected that the furnace will be abandoned in
place since the heat pump serves primary heating and was sized to provide the full design heating load. In this case it
is assumed that the fan motor would be replaced with a new aftermarket unit and would operate another 5 years until
the heat pump fails and is replaced with a new heat pump and air handler.
The other ducted heat pump cases similarly apply a 95 AFUE furnace in the baseline when the furnace reaches its
EUL after 20 years.
Table 5. Lifetime Analysis Replacement Assumptions for DFHP (Existing Furnace) Scenario
Year Baseline Upgrade
0 AC fails, install new AC,
keep existing furnace
AC fails, install new HP,
keep existing furnace
10 Furnace fails, install new
95AFUE furnace
Furnace fails, replace fan
motor
15 AC fails, install new AC HP fails, install new HP
and air handler
Costs were applied based on the system capacity from heating and cooling load calculations in CBECC-Res as
presented in Table 6. Air conditioner nominal capacity was calculated as the CBECC-Res cooling load, rounded up to
the nearest half ton. Heat pump nominal capacity was calculated as the maximum of either the CBECC-Res heating or
cooling load, rounded up to the nearest half ton. In both cases a minimum capacity of 1.5-ton was applied as this
represents the typical smallest available split system heat pump equipment. Load calculations demonstrated that
Climate Zones 2 -15 were cooling-dominated while Climate Zones 1 and 16 were heating-dominated. In the heating
dominated climate zones the heat pump needed to be upsized relative to an air conditioner that only provides cooling.
12 The detailed VCHP option allows for the user to input detailed specifications based on the published National Energy
Efficiency Partnership (NEEP) manufacturer specific performance data. It is not currently available for compliance
analysis.
13 https://www.energy.gov/articles/doe-finalizes-energy-efficiency-standards-residential-furnaces-save-americans-15-
billion#:~:text=These%20furnace%20efficiency%20standards%20were,heat%20for%20the%20living%20space.
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Methodology and Assumptions
Table 6. System Sizing by Climate Zone
Climate
Zone
Air Conditioner
Capacity (tons)
Heat Pump
Capacity (tons)
1 1.5 3.0
2 3.5 3.5
3 2.5 2.5
4 3.5 3.5
5 3.0 3.0
6 3.0 3.0
7 3.0 3.0
8 4.0 4.0
9 4.0 4.0
10 4.0 4.0
11 4.5 4.5
12 4.0 4.0
13 4.5 4.5
14 4.0 4.0
15 5.0 5.0
16 3.5 4.0
Table 7 presents estimated first and lifetime costs for the various ducted baseline and heat pump scenarios for 4-ton
equipment. Costs include all material and installation labor including providing new 240 V electrical service to the air
handler location for all new air handler installations and decommissioning of the furnace for the cases where the
furnace is removed. DFHP costs incorporate controls installation and commissioning to ensure the heat pump and the
furnace communicate properly and don’t operate at the same time. Future replacement costs do not include any initial
costs associated with 240V electrical service or furnace decommissioning.
Table 8 presents estimated first and lifetime costs for the ductless baseline and 2 heat pump scenarios, also for 4-ton
heat pump equipment. EULs are based on 20 years for the gas wall furnace, 10 years for the window AC, and 15 years
for the heat pump.14
14 The gas wall furnace and heat pump EULs were based on DEER (California Public Utilities Commission, 2021b).
Gas wall furnace lifetime was assumed to be the same as for central gas furnace equipment. Room air conditioner
EUL was based on the DOE’s latest rulemaking for room air conditioned (Department of Energy, 2023). DOE
determined an average lifetime of 9.3 years, which was rounded up to 10 years for this analysis.
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Methodology and Assumptions
Table 7. Ducted HVAC Measure Cost Assumptions – 4-Ton Electric Replacements
Case AC + Coil
Gas
Furnace
/AC
DFHP
(Existing
Furnace)
DFHP (New
Furnace)
Min. Eff.
Heat Pump
High Eff.
Heat
Pump
Ducted
MSHP
Base Case --AC + Coil
Gas
Furnace
/AC
Gas
Furnace
/AC
Gas
Furnace
/AC
Gas
Furnace
/AC
First Cost $10,402 $16,653 $12,362 $20,676 $17,825 $20,802 $18,075
Replacement Cost
(Future Value) $19,365 $19,365 $19,025 $19,025 $16,825 $19,802 $18,075
Replacement Cost
(Present Value) $13,346 $11,639 $12,334 $12,897 $10,800 $12,710 $11,601
Remaining Value
at Year 30 $0 ($1,846) $0 ($1,846) $0 $0 $0
Total Lifecycle
Cost $23,748 $26,446 $24,696 $31,727 $28,625 $33,512 $29,676
Incremental Cost --$948 $5,281 $2,179 $7,066 $3,230
Table 8. Non-Ducted HVAC Measure Cost Assumptions – 4-Ton Electric Replacements
Wall Furnace
+ Window AC
Min. Eff.
Ductless
MSHP
High Eff.
Ductless
MSHP
First Cost $4,075 $17,412 $21,342
Replacement Cost (Future Value) $4,075 $17,412 $21,342
Replacement Cost (Present Value) $3,365 $11,176 $13,698
Remaining Value at Year 30 ($532) $0 $0
Total Lifecycle Cost $6,908 $28,588 $35,040
Incremental Cost -$21,680 $28,132
Heat Pump Water Heating:
The heat pump water heater (HPWH) measures are described below, and costs are presented in Table 9 and Table
10. The most typical scenario in California is a home with existing natural gas storage tank water heaters. However,
there are also many existing homes with existing electric resistance storage tank water heaters and this work considers
both baselines. This analysis evaluates the following 65-gallon replacement HPWHs:
1. HPWH that meets the federal minimum efficiency requirements of UEF 2.0
2. HPWH that meets the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA)15 Tier 3 rating (3.45 UEF)
3. HPWH that meets the NEEA Tier 4 rating and that has demand response (DR) or load shifting control
capability (4.02 UEF)
4. 120V HPWH that meets the NEEA Tier 3 rating (3.3 UEF).
15 Based on operational challenges experienced in the past, NEEA established rating test criteria to ensure newly
installed HPWHs perform adequately, especially in colder climates. The NEEA rating requires an Energy Factor
equal to the ENERGY STAR® performance level and includes requirements regarding noise and prioritizing heat
pump use over supplemental electric resistance heating.
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Methodology and Assumptions
The four cases above were evaluated with the HPWH located within an attached garage. Additionally, three separate
cases for the federal minimum efficiency HPWH were analyzed to consider the impacts of location on performance and
cost-effectiveness. These locations included the following:
1. Exterior closet.
2. Interior closet, no ducting.
3. Interior closet, ducted to the outside.
Additional costs for providing electrical wiring to these locations and for providing ductwork were included. Savings are
compared to a new 50-gallon natural gas storage water heater (UEF 0.63) or a new 50-gallon electric water heater
(UEF 0.92).
For this analysis, a HPWH that just meets the federal minimum efficiency standards of close to 2.0 Uniform Energy
Factor (UEF) was evaluated in order to satisfy preemption requirements. However, the Reach Codes Team is not
aware of any 2.0 UEF products that are available on the market. The lowest UEF reported for certified products in the
Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA)16 database is 2.73. In fact, of the four certification tiers offered by NEEA
for high efficiency HPWHs, those meeting Tier 3 or Tier 4 are the dominant products on the market today. According to
NEEA all major HPWH manufacturers are represented in NEEA’s qualified product list 17 and there are fewer than 10
integrated products certified as Tier 1 or Tier 2, all of which have UEFs greater than 3.0.18 Therefore, in this analysis,
we refer to the NEEA rated HPWH as the “market standard” HPWH.
The HPWH costs for the 120V and NEEA certified units are based on a larger (60 or 65 gallon) HPWH, as most
contractors are upsizing the HPWH tank size relative to an equal volume, but higher capacity gas storage water heater.
Costs include all material and installation labor including providing a new 240 V electrical service to the water heater
location (not needed for the 120V product). Water heating equipment lifetimes are based on DOE’s recent water heater
rulemaking (Department of Energy, 2022) and assume 15-year EULs for both the baseline water heaters and the
HPWHs.19 Future replacement costs for 240V HPWHs do not include any initial costs associated with 240V electrical
service, condensate disposal, etc.
Table 9. Water Heating Measure Cost Assumptions – Existing Gas
Gas
Storage
Water
Heater
240V
Fed.
Min.
HPWH
240V
Market
Std. NEEA
HPWH
240V
Market
Std. NEEA
HPWH +
DR
120V
Market
Std. NEEA
HPWH
240V Fed.
Min.
HPWH,
Exterior
Closet
240V Fed.
Min. HPWH,
Interior
Closet, Not
Ducted
240V Fed.
Min. HPWH,
Interior
Closet,
Ducted
First Cost $2,951 $7,283 $8,144 $8,144 $5,844 $7,702 $7,363 $8,442
Replacement Cost
(Future Value) $2,951 $6,413 $7,274 $7,274 $5,101 $6,413 $6,413 $6,413
Replacement Cost
(Present Value) $1,894 $4,116 $4,669 $4,669 $3,274 $4,116 $4,116 $4,116
Total Lifecycle Cost $4,845 $11,399 $12,813 $12,813 $9,118 $11,818 $11,479 $12,558
Incremental Cost -$6,554 $7,968 $7,968 $4,273 $6,973 $6,634 $7,713
16 Based on operational challenges experienced in the past, NEEA established rating test criteria to ensure newly
installed HPWHs perform adequately, especially in colder climates. The NEEA rating requires products comply with
ENERGY STAR and includes requirements regarding noise and prioritizing heat pump use over supplemental
electric resistance heating.
17 https://neea.org/success-stories/heat-pump-water-heaters
18 As of 12/21/23: https://neea.org/img/documents/residential-unitary-HPWH-qualified-products-list.pdf
19 The recent DOE rulemaking references a lifetime of 14 years for gas storage water heaters and 14.8 years for
electric storage water heaters. 15 years for each was used in this analysis for both types for simplification.
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Methodology and Assumptions
Table 10 presents similar costs to Table 9, except that the costs assume replacement of an existing 50-gallon electric
storage water heater and does not include the 240 V electrical service cost.
Table 10. Water Heating Measure Cost Assumptions – Existing Electric Resistance
Electric
Storage
Water
Heater
240V
Fed. Min.
HPWH
240V
Market
Std. NEEA
HPWH
240V
Market
Std. NEEA
HPWH +
DR
120V
Market
Std. NEEA
HPWH
240V Fed.
Min.
HPWH,
Exterior
Closet
240V Fed.
Min. HPWH,
Interior
Closet, Not
Ducted
240V Fed.
Min. HPWH,
Interior
Closet,
Ducted
First Cost $2,583 $6,413 $7,274 $7,274 $5,101 $6,413 $6,413 $7,492
Replacement Cost
(Future Value)
$2,583 $6,413 $7,274 $7,274 $5,101 $6,413 $6,413 $6,413
Replacement Cost
(Present Value)
$1,658 $4,116 $4,669 $4,669 $3,274 $4,116 $4,116 $4,116
Total Lifecycle Cost $4,241 $10,529 $11,943 $11,943 $8,375 $10,529 $10,529 $11,608
Incremental Cost -$6,288 $7,702 $7,702 $4,134 $6,288 $6,288 $7,367
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-Cost Effectiveness Analysis: Existing Single Family Building Upgrades 21
Results
3 Results
The primary objective of the evaluation is to identify cost-effective energy upgrade measures and packages for existing
single family buildings, to support the design of local ordinances requiring upgrades, which may be triggered by
different events, such as at the time of a significant remodel or at burnout of mechanical equipment. In this report, the
1992-2010 vintage is shown for the equipment measures because it is the most conservative case (lowest loads), while
the pre-1978 vintage is shown for the envelope and duct measures because some of those measures only apply to the
pre-1978 vintage. A full dataset of all results can be downloaded at https://localenergycodes.com/content/resources.
Results alongside policy options can also be explored using the Cost-effectiveness Explorer at
https://explorer.localenergycodes.com/.
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-Cost Effectiveness Analysis: Existing Single Family Building Upgrades 22
Results
3.1 Cost-Effectiveness Results
The extensive analysis for this type of report leads to an overwhelming number of scenarios including different base
cases, house vintages, replacement options, and climate zones. To simplify the reporting, the Statewide Reach Codes
Team has relied on graphical representation of select key cases indicating high level measure cost effectiveness from
either an On-Bill perspective, an LSC perspective, both metrics, or neither. Figure 1 through Figure 13 present this
reduced set of results of the LSC and On-Bill cost-effectiveness conclusions across the 16 climate zones. In the cases
where there are multiple utilities serving a single climate zone, an asterisk “*” label is added to separately show the
alternate utility cases. These graphs provide a general sense of the findings. A full dataset of all results can be
downloaded at https://localenergycodes.com/content/resources. Results alongside policy options can also be explored
using the Cost-effectiveness Explorer at https://explorer.localenergycodes.com/.
3.1.1 HPSH Measures
Figure 1 through Figure 5 show the cost-effectiveness of space heating equipment replacement measures for the
1992-2010 vintage including the following cases. The 1992-2010 vintage results are presented here as this is the most
conservative scenario for HPSH measures. In general, where a HPSH measure is cost-effective for a new home it was
also found to be cost-effective for older homes.
• Dual fuel heat pump with existing furnace as backup.
• Standard efficiency ducted central heat pump replacement.
• High efficiency ducted central heat pump replacement.
• Ducted mini-split heat pump replacement.
• Standard efficiency ducted central heat pump replacement with 3kW PV system.
Figure 1: DFHP with Existing Furnace Figure 2: Standard Efficiency HPSH
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Results
Figure 3: High Efficiency HPSH Figure 4: Ducted MSHP
Figure 5: HPSH + PV
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-Cost Effectiveness Analysis: Existing Single Family Building Upgrades 24
Results
3.1.2 HPWH Measures
Figure 6 through Table 11 show the cost-effectiveness of water heater measures for the 1992-2010 vintage including
the following cases. HPWH energy savings and LSC cost-effectiveness is not sensitive to home vintage but rather
depends on the magnitude of hot water loads, which are typically driven by the number of occupants. On-Bill cost-
effectiveness does vary slightly by vintage due to the impact of the electrification tariff relative to the load profile of the
existing home. The impact is largest for the HPWH + PV case where On-Bill cost-effectiveness improves for older
homes or homes with overall higher energy use resulting in less exports to the grid for a fixed size PV system.
• 240V federal minimum HPWH
• 240V market standard NEEA HPWH
• 120V market standard NEEA HPWH
• 240V federal minimum HPWH with 3kW PV
Figure 6: 240V Federal Minimum HPWH Figure 7: 240V Market Standard NEEA HPWH
Figure 8: 120V Market Standard NEEA HPWH Figure 9: 240V Federal Minimum HPWH + PV
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Results
• Envelope and Duct Measures
Figure 10 through Figure 13 show the cost-effectiveness results of envelope and duct measures for the pre-1978
vintage including the following measures. The pre-1978 vintage is presented as representing the most favorable
existing conditions for cost-effective upgrades. Newer homes with higher performing envelope may still benefit from
these types of upgrade measures, but cost-effectiveness is reduced. Some measures, like R-13 wall insulation, aren’t
applicable to newer homes which would have been constructed originally with insulated walls.
• New R-6 ducts
• 10% duct leakage
• R-13 wall insulation
• R-49 attic insulation
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Results
Figure 10: R-6 Ducts
Figure 11: 10% Duct Leakage
Figure 12: R-13 Wall Insulation Figure 13: R-49 Attic Insulation
3.2 Climate Zone Case Studies
To better understand the details of the results, a few climate zones were selected to provide a more detailed
presentation of cost-effectiveness results. Section 3.2.1 through 3.2.3 show the first-year incremental cost, first-year
utility savings, and NPV for a variety of cases. Section 3.2.4 shows the sensitivity of the cost effectiveness results due
to varying utility escalation rates, the impact of CARE rates, future equipment cost assumptions, and the need for
electrical panel upgrades. The climate zones were selected to be representative of areas of significant reach code
activity. Please refer to the Cost-Effectiveness Explorer (Statewide Reach Codes, 2023) or the source dataset for the
full analysis.
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Results
3.2.1 HPSH Cost-Effectiveness
Cost-effectiveness of heat pump space heating measures for Climate Zones 12 and 16 is summarized in Table 11 and
Table 12 below. In Climate Zone 12, HPSH measures are cost-effective based on LSC in all cases except the ductless
MSHP cases and are cost-effective On-Bill with SMUD rates in all cases except the DFHP case with a new furnace
and the ductless MSHP cases. These measures are cost-effective On-Bill with PGE for the DFHP with an existing
furnace and ducted MSHP measures. Climate Zone 16 provides an example of HPSH cost-effectiveness in a cold
climate where almost all HPSH measures are cost effective based on LSC but not cost-effective On-Bill.
Table 11. HPSH CZ 12 [1992-2010]
Measure
First
Incremental
Cost
2025 LSC
NPV
PGE SMUD
First-year
Utility
Savings
On-Bill
NPV
First-year
Utility
Savings
On-Bill
NPV
DFHP Existing Furnace $1,960 $7,093 ($19) $1,633 $247 $7,693
DFHP New Furnace $4,023 $3,915 ($34) ($3,134) $234 $2,979
HPSH (Std Efficiency) $1,172 $6,990 ($147) ($2,151) $246 $6,812
HPSH (High Efficiency) $4,149 $5,366 $13 ($3,368) $300 $3,160
Ducted MSHP $1,421 $9,136 $10 $378 $298 $6,951
Ductless MSHP (Std Efficiency) $13,336 ($9,175) $30 ($18,039) $276 ($12,428)
Ductless MSHP (High Efficiency) $17,266 ($6,753) $409 ($15,853) $423 ($15,532)
HPSH + PV $10,780 $5,289 $452 ($59) $885 $9,821
Table 12. HPSH CZ 16 [1992-2010]
Measure
First
Incremental
Cost
2025 LSC
NPV
PGE
First-year
Utility Savings On-Bill NPV
DFHP Existing Furnace $2,397 $7,289 ($116) ($1,891)
DFHP New Furnace $4,757 $2,457 ($133) ($6,322)
HPSH (Std Efficiency) $2,725 $11,142 ($480) ($8,532)
HPSH (High Efficiency) $5,701 $12,099 ($204) ($7,125)
Ducted MSHP $2,155 $16,554 ($221) ($2,853)
Ductless MSHP (Std Efficiency) $13,336 ($134) ($170) ($19,742)
Ductless MSHP (High Efficiency) $17,266 $9,397 $539 ($10,031)
HPSH + PV $12,333 $10,640 $316 ($1,949)
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Results
3.2.2 HPWH Cost-Effectiveness
Cost-effectiveness of heat pump water heating measures for Climate Zones 12 and 16 is summarized in Table 13 and
Table 14 below. This sensitivity study looks at a wider range of HPWH tank locations and whether or not the unit has
ducting for supply and exhaust air. All the HPWH measures in Climate Zones 12 and 16 are cost effective based on
LSC.
Table 13. HPWH CZ 12 [1992-2010]
Measure
First
Incremental
Cost
2025 LSC
NPV
PGE SMUD
First-Year
Utility
Savings
On-Bill
NPV
First-Year
Utility
Savings
On-Bill
NPV
240V Fed. Min. HPWH $4,332 $3,536 ($213) ($8,738) $191 $477
240V Market Std. NEEA
HPWH $5,193 $4,304 ($82) ($7,164) $230 ($56)
240V Market Std. NEEA
HPWH + DR $5,193 $5,536 ($21) ($5,773) $248 $362
120V Market Std. NEEA
HPWH $2,893 $9,730 ($2) ($1,651) $254 $4,203
240V Fed. Min. HPWH
(Exterior Closet) $4,751 $2,834 ($224) ($9,431) $186 ($78)
240V Fed. Min. HPWH
(Interior Closet) $4,413 $3,123 ($71) ($6,138) $188 ($235)
240V Fed. Min. HPWH
(Interior Closet, ducted) $5,492 $3,359 ($202) ($9,505) $205 ($231)
240V Fed. Min. HPWH + PV $13,940 $3,567 $577 ($2,300) $831 $3,486
Table 14. HPWH CZ 16 [1992-2010]
Measure
First
Incremental
Cost
2025 LSC
NPV
PGE
First-Year Utility
Savings On-Bill NPV
240V Fed. Min. HPWH $4,332 $4,186 ($250) ($9,307)
240V Market Std. NEEA HPWH $5,193 $4,088 ($160) ($8,652)
240V Market Std. NEEA HPWH + DR $5,193 $5,653 ($79) ($6,804
120V Market Std. NEEA HPWH $2,893 $10,646 ($13) ($1,602)
240V Fed. Min. HPWH (Exterior Closet) $4,751 $3,317 ($268) ($10,154)
240V Fed. Min. HPWH (Interior Closet) $4,413 $5,004 ($18) ($4,690)
240V Fed. Min. HPWH (Interior Closet,
ducted) $5,492 $4,857 ($202) ($9,174)
240V Fed. Min. HPWH + PV $13,940 $5,049 $620 ($1,043)
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Results
3.2.3 Envelope & Duct Improvement Cost-Effectiveness
Cost-effectiveness of envelope and duct measures for Climate Zones 3, 10, and 12 is summarized in Table 15 through
Table 17.
Table 15. Envelope and Duct Measures CZ 3 [Pre-1978]
Measure
First
Incremental
Cost
2025 LSC
NPV
PG&E
First-year Utility
Savings On-Bill NPV
R-6 Ducts $4,808 $2,851 $188 $463
R-8 Ducts $6,311 $1,747 $198 ($776)
10% Duct Sealing $2,590 $1,956 $104 $397
R-13 Wall Insulation $2,950 $3,476 $144 $1,221
R-38 Attic Insulation $6,762 ($1,567) $127 ($3,178)
R-49 Attic Insulation $7,446 ($1,768) $139 ($3,520)
R-30 Raised Floor Insulation $4,113 $9,008 $224 $2,975
Cool Roof (0.20 Ref) $893 ($2,419) ($18) ($1,811)
Table 16. Envelope and Duct Measures CZ 10 [Pre-1978]
Measure
First
Incremental
Cost
2025 LSC
NPV
SCE/SCG SDGE
First-year
Utility
Savings
On-Bill
NPV
First-
year
Utility
Savings
On-Bill
NPV
R-6 Ducts $4,808 $7,463 $783 $13,168 $1,100 $22,155
R-8 Ducts $6,311 $6,326 $800 $12,076 $1,125 $21,268
10% Duct Sealing $2,590 $3,438 $370 $5,969 $518 $10,166
R-13 Wall Insulation $2,950 $1,795 $179 $1,476 $250 $3,494
R-38 Attic Insulation $6,762 $664 $416 $2,951 $582 $7,654
R-49 Attic Insulation $7,446 $796 $467 $3,435 $655 $8.756
R-30 Raised Floor Insulation $4,113 ($999) ($29) ($4,235) ($46) ($4,687)
Cool Roof (0.20 Ref) $893 $428 $174 $2,647 $246 $4,656
Table 17. Envelope and Duct Measures CZ 12 [Pre-1978]
Measure
First
Incremental
Cost
2025 LSC
NPV
PG&E SMUD
First-year
Utility
Savings
On-Bill
NPV
First-
year
Utility
Savings
On-Bill
NPV
R-6 Ducts $4,808 $11,609 $804 $14,727 $413 $5,816
R-8 Ducts $6,311 $10,722 $828 $13,849 $427 $4,711
10% Duct Sealing $2,590 $6,418 $397 $7,280 $222 $3,281
R-13 Wall Insulation $2,950 $5,774 $262 $4,054 $187 $2,342
R-38 Attic Insulation $6,762 $3,727 $499 $5,461 $261 $19
R-49 Attic Insulation $7,446 $4,092 $552 $6,063 $288 $33
R-30 Raised Floor Insulation $4,113 $5,245 $27 ($1,176) $156 $1,175
Cool Roof (0.20 Ref) $893 ($354) $154 $2,123 $44 ($386)
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Results
3.2.4 Sensitivities
Table 18 shows the On-Bill NPV results of Climate Zone 12 with PG&E utility rates and the impacts of escalation rates, and CARE rates. The “Standard Results”
in Table 18 assumes the escalation rates used in the analysis presented elsewhere in this report. Table 19 shows the impact of electrical panel upgrades. The
“Standard Results” in Table 19 does not assume a panel upgrade is required.
Table 18. Sensitivity Analysis Results for On-Bill NPV Cost-Effectiveness in Climate Zone 12, PG&E
Measure Vintage Standard
Results
2025 LSC
Escalation CARE
DFHP Existing Furnace 1992-2010 $1,063 $8,443 $1,884
DFHP New Furnace 1992-2010 ($6,770) $383 ($5,846)
HPSH (Std Efficiency) 1992-2010 ($2,151) $6,011 ($220)
HPSH (High Efficiency) 1992-2010 ($3,368) $4,987 ($2,721)
Ducted MSHP 1992-2010 $378 $8,729 $1,057
Ductless MSHP (Std Efficiency) 1992-2010 ($18,039) ($10,732) ($17,623)
Ductless MSHP (High Efficiency) 1992-2010 ($15,853) ($8,091) ($18,460)
HPSH + PV 1992-2010 ($59) $8,822 ($1,255)
240V Fed. Min. HPWH 1992-2010 ($8,738) ($2,433) ($6,448)
240V Market Std. NEEA HPWH 1992-2010 ($7,164) ($694) ($5,918)
240V Market Std. NEEA HPWH + DR 1992-2010 ($5,773) $770 (5,014)
120V Market Std. NEEA HPWH 1992-2010 ($1,651) $4,930 (1,038)
240V Fed. Min. HPWH (Exterior Closet) 1992-2010 ($9,431) ($3,184) ($7,055)
240V Fed. Min. HPWH (Interior Closet) 1992-2010 ($6,138) ($1,000) ($5,098)
240V Fed. Min. HPWH (Interior Closet, ducted) 1992-2010 ($9,505) ($2,836) ($7,271)
240V Fed. Min. HPWH + PV 1992-2010 ($2,300) $4,952 ($4,858)
R-6 Ducts Pre-1978 $14,727 $18,685 $8,592
R-8 Ducts Pre-1978 $13,849 $17,990 $7,532
10% Duct Sealing Pre-1978 $7,280 $9,752 $4,294
R-13 Wall Insulation Pre-1978 $4,054 $6,898 $2,196
R-38 Attic Insulation Pre-1978 $5,461 $8,126 $1,668
R-49 Attic Insulation Pre-1978 $6,063 $8,978 $1,864
R-30 Raised Floor Insulation Pre-1978 ($1,776) $2,468 ($1,602)
Cool Roof (0.20 Ref) Pre-1978 $2,123 $1,848 $851
Table 19. Electric Panel Upgrade Sensitivity for CZ 12 [1992-2010]
Measure Standard Results Electric Panel Upgrade
On-Bill NPV LSC NPV On-Bill NPV LSC NPV
HPSH (Std Efficiency) ($2,151) $6,990 ($4,931) $4,210
240V Fed. Min. HPWH ($8,738) $3,536 ($11,624) $756
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Results
3.3 Gas Pathways for Heat Pump Replacements
Many jurisdictions are exploring policy options to accelerate the decarbonization of existing homes. A recent Ninth
Circuit Court ruling in California Rest. Ass'n v. City of Berkeley 20 invalidated Berkeley’s ordinance banning the
installation of gas infrastructure in new construction. The ruling stated that the ordinance effectively banned covered
products and was preempted by the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (“EPCA”), 42 U.S.C. § 6297(c). Given the
possible impacts of that ruling, the Reach Codes Team analyzed policy options targeting equipment replacements that
allow for the installation of either electric or gas-fueled equipment. These packages include gas equipment combined
with additional efficiency measures resulting in options that are reasonably energy or LSC cost equivalent, to the extent
feasible.
For space heating, the heat pump path is a DFHP (existing furnace).. The gas pathway is a new air conditioner with the
following list of efficiency upgrades:
• 400 cfm/ton system airflow (HERS verified).
• 0.35 W/cfm fan efficacy (HERS verified).
• Refrigerant charge verification (HERS verified).
• R-8 ducts, 5% leakage (HERS verified).
• R-49 (from R-30) attic insulation.
• Air sealing of the ceiling from 7 to 6.5 ACH50.
The two pathways are presented in Figure 14 comparing total LSC energy use relative to the existing home for the
1992-2010 vintage. In most climate zones, the DFHP (existing furnace) path results in higher energy savings, in the
milder climates the air conditioner path saves marginally more energy. A reach code that establishes requirements
when an air conditioner is replaced or installed new, could allow for either a heat pump to be installed or an air
conditioner as long as the performance measures listed above are met. Note that in this analysis a DFHP (existing
furnace) was used; however, a reach code could require a different heat pump measure for the heat pump path. This
approach aligns with the CEC’s proposal for the 2025 Title 24 code cycle for heat pump alterations in single family
homes (California Energy Commission, 2023).
20 California Rest. Ass'n v. City of Berkeley, 65 F.4th 1045 (9th Cir. 2023) amended by 89 F.4th 1094 (9th Cir. 2024).
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Results
Figure 14. Heat pump space heater path compared to the air conditioner path.
For water heating, the federal minimum HPWH case was used to develop the package. The HPWH was compared to a
new gas storage water heater with a 50% solar thermal backup system.
Figure 15. Heat pump water path compared to gas with solar thermal.
The two pathways are presented in Figure 15 comparing total LSC energy use relative to the existing home for the
1992-2010 vintage. In all climate zones, the heat pump path results in higher energy savings than the gas path. A
reach code that establishes requirements when a water heater is replaced could allow for either a HPWH to be
installed or a gas water heater in combination with a solar thermal system that meets the solar fraction requirements
listed above.
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Recommendations and Discussion
4 Recommendations and Discussion
This analysis evaluated the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of retrofit measures in California existing homes built
before 2010. The Statewide Reach Codes Team used both On-Bill and LSC-based LCC approaches to evaluate cost-
effectiveness and quantify the energy cost savings associated with energy efficiency measures compared to the
incremental costs associated with the measures.
Conclusions and Discussion:
1. Envelope measures. Improving envelope performance is very cost-effective in many older homes. In addition
to reducing utility costs these measures provide many other benefits such as improving occupant comfort and
satisfaction and increasing a home’s ability to maintain temperatures during extreme weather events and
power outages. Below is a discussion of the results of specific measures.
a. Adding attic insulation is cost effective based on both LSC and On-Bill in many climate zones in homes
with no more than R-19 existing attic insulation levels. Increasing attic insulation from R-30 to R-49
was still found to be cost-effective based on at least one metric in the colder and hotter climates of
Climate Zone 10 (SDG&E territory only) through 16.
b. Insulating existing uninsulated walls is very cost-effective based on both metrics everywhere except
Climate Zones 6 and 7 (in Climate Zone 8 it’s only cost-effective based on LSC).
c. Adding R-19 or R-30 floor insulation is cost-effective based on LSC in the older two vintages (Pre-1978
and 1978-1991) in all climate zones except Climate Zones 6-10.
d. Replacing old single pane windows with new high-performance windows has a very high cost and is
typically not done for energy savings alone. However, energy savings are substantial and justify cost-
effectiveness of this measure based on at least one metric in Climate Zones 4, 8 through 12 (PG&E
territory only), and 13 through 16.
e. At time of roof replacement, a cool roof with an aged solar reflectance of 0.25 was found to be cost-
effective in Climate Zones 4, 6 through 12 (PG&E territory only), and 13 through 15. When the roof
deck is replaced during a roof replacement, adding a radiant barrier is low cost and provides
substantial cooling energy savings to be cost-effective in almost all climate zones and homes.
2. Duct measures: Many older homes have old, leaky duct systems that should be replaced when they reach the
end of life, typically 20-30 years. In this case, installing new ducts was found to be cost-effective based on at
least one metric (both in most cases) everywhere except mild Climate Zone 7 and Climate Zones 5 and 6 in
the 1978-1991 vintage. If duct systems still have remaining life they should be sealed and tested to meet 10%
leakage or lower; however, duct upgrades alone were only found to be cost-effective for newer homes in
Climate Zones 10 (SDG&E territory only), 11, and 13 through 16. Duct upgrades may be able to be coupled
with other measures to reduce the cost.
3. Heat pump space heating: HPSHs were found to be LSC cost-effective in many cases. The DFHP (existing
furnace) was LSC cost-effective everywhere except Climate Zone 15. The HPSH was LSC cost-effective
everywhere except Climate Zones 8 and 15.
a. Challenges to On-Bill cost-effectiveness include higher first costs and higher first-year utility costs due
to higher electricity tariffs relative to gas tariffs. SMUD and CPAU are two exceptions where first year
utility costs are lower for heat pumps than for gas equipment. Table 11 shows the impact of utility rates
on cost-effectiveness of HPSH where the standard and high efficiency HPSH and the HPSH + PV
measures are cost-effective under SMUD but not PG&E. Even with higher first year utility bills, there
were some cases that still proved On-Bill cost-effective including the DFHP with an existing furnace in
the central valley and northern coastal PG&E territories, the ducted MSHP in the central valley as well
as Climate Zone 14 in SDG&E territory, and the HPSH + PV measure in CZ 3-5 (PGE), 7-11, and 12
(SMUD) – 15.
b. The ductless MSHPs, evaluated for homes with existing ductless systems, were only found to be cost-
effective based on either metric in Climate Zones 1 and 16. Ductless MSHPs have a high incremental
cost because it is a more sophisticated system than the base model of a wall furnace with a window
AC unit. However, the ductless MSHP would provide greater comfort benefits if properly installed to
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Recommendations and Discussion
directly condition all habitable spaces (as is required under the VCHP compliance credit as evaluated
in this study) which may be an incentive for a homeowner to upgrade their system.
c. Higher efficiency equipment lowered utility costs in all cases and improved cost-effectiveness in many
cases, particularly with a ducted MSHP.
4. Heat pump water heating: All the HPWH measures were LSC cost-effective in all climate zones. Most
measures were not On-Bill cost-effective with the exception of the HPWH + PV which was cost-effective On-
Bill in CPAU, SMUD, and SDG&E territories in addition to Climate Zones 11, 13, 14, and 15. The HPWH
measures share many of the same challenges as the HPSH measures to achieving cost-effectiveness
including high first costs and utility rates and assumptions. Table 13 shows the impact of utility rates on cost-
effectiveness where some HPWH measures are cost-effective under SMUD utility rates but are not cost-
effective anywhere under PG&E rates in Climate Zone 12.
a. Various HPWH locations were also explored, however there are some factors outside of cost-
effectiveness that should also be considered.
i. HPWHs in the conditioned space can provide benefits such as free cooling during the
summer, reduced tank losses, and shorter pipe lengths, and in some cases show improved
cost-effectiveness over garage located HPWHs. However, there are various design
considerations such as noise, comfort concerns, and condensate removal. Ducting the inlet
and exhaust air resolves comfort concerns but adds costs and complexity. Split heat pump
water heaters address these concerns, but currently there are limited products on the market
and there is a cost premium relative to the packaged products.
ii. Since HPWHs extract heat from the air and transfer it to water in the storage tank, they must
have adequate ventilation to operate properly. Otherwise, the space cools down over time,
impacting the HPWH operating efficiency. This is not a problem with garage installations but
needs to be considered for water heaters located in interior or exterior closets. For the 2025
Title 24 code the CEC is proposing that all HPWH installations meet mandatory ventilation
requirements (California Energy Commission, 2023).
5. The contractor surveys revealed overall higher heat pump costs than what has been found in previous
analyses. This could be due to incentive availability raising demand for heat pumps and thereby increasing the
price. This price increase may be temporary and may come down once the market stabilizes. There are also
new initiatives to obtain current costs including the TECH Clean California program 21 that publishes heat pump
data and costs; however, at the time of this analysis, the TECH data did not contain incremental costs because
it only had the heat pump costs but not the gas base case costs.
6. Table 18 shows how CARE rates and escalation rate assumptions will impact cost-effectiveness.
a. Applying CARE rates in the IOU territories has the overall impact to increase utility cost savings for an
all-electric building compared to a code compliant mixed fuel building, improving On-Bill cost-
effectiveness. This is due to the CARE discount on electricity being higher than that on gas. The
reverse occurs with efficiency measures where lower utility rates reduce savings and subsequently
reduce cost-effectiveness.
b. If gas tariffs are assumed to increase substantially over time, in-line with the escalation assumption
from the 2025 LSC development, cost-effectiveness substantially improves for the heat pump
measures over the 30-year analysis period and many cases become cost-effective that were not found
to be cost-effective under the CPUC / 2022 TDV escalation scenario. There is much uncertainty
surrounding future tariff structures as well as escalation values. While it’s clear that gas rates will
increase, how much and how quickly is not known. Future electricity tariff structures are expected to
evolve over time, and the CPUC has an active proceeding to adopt an income-graduated fixed charge
that benefits low-income customers and supports electrification measures for all customers.22 The
CPUC will decide in mid-2024 and the new rates are expected to be in place later that year or in 2025.
21 TECH Public Reporting Home Page (techcleanca.com)
22 https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/industries-and-topics/electrical-energy/electric-costs/demand-response-dr/demand-
flexibility-rulemaking
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Recommendations and Discussion
While the anticipated impact of this rate change is lower volumetric electricity rates, the rate design is
not finalized. While lower volumetric electricity rates provide many benefits, it also will make building
efficiency measures harder to justify as cost-effective due to lower utility bill cost savings.
7. Under NBT, utility cost savings for PV are substantially less than what they were under prior net energy
metering rules (NEM 2.0); however, savings are sufficient to be On-Bill cost-effective in all climate zones
except Climate Zones 1 through 3 and 5 through 6.
a. Combining a heat pump with PV allows the additional electricity required by the heat pump to be offset
by the PV system while also increasing on-site utilization of PV generation rather than exporting the
electricity back to the grid at a low rate.
b. While not evaluated in this study, coupling PV with battery systems can be very advantageous under
NBT increasing utility cost savings because of improved on-site utilization of PV generation and fewer
exports to the grid.
Recommendations:
1. There are various approaches for jurisdictions who are interested in reach codes for existing buildings. Some
potential approaches are listed below along with key considerations.
a. Prescriptive measures: Non-preempted measures that are found to be cost-effective may be
prescriptively required in a reach code. One example of this type or ordinance is a cool roof
requirement at time of roof replacement. Another example is requiring specific cost-effective measures
for larger remodels, such as high-performance windows when new windows are installed or duct
sealing and testing where ducts are in unconditioned space.
b. Replacement equipment: This flavor of reach code sets certain requirements at time of equipment
replacement. This study evaluated space heating and water heating equipment. Where a heat pump
measure was found to be cost-effective based on either LSC or On-Bill, this may serve as the basis of
a reach code given the following considerations.
i. Where reach codes reduce energy usage and are not just fuel switching, cost-effectiveness
calculations are required and must be based on equipment that does not exceed the federal
minimum efficiency requirements.
ii. Where reach codes are established using cost-effectiveness based on LSC, utility bill impacts
and the owner’s first cost should also be reviewed and considered.
iii. A gas path should also be prescriptively allowed to safely satisfy federal preemption
requirements considering the CRA v. Berkeley case.23 Additional requirements may apply to
the gas path, as described in Section 3.3, as long as the paths are reasonably energy or cost
equivalent.
c. “Flexible Path”, minimum energy savings target: This flexible approach establishes a target for
required energy savings based on a measure or a set of measures that were found to be cost-effective
based on either LSC or On-Bill. A points menu compares various potential upgrades ranging from
efficiency, PV, and fuel substitution measures, based on site or source energy savings. The applicant
must select upgrades that individually or in combination meet the minimum energy savings target. The
measures used to set the target should be non-preempted measures.
2. Equipment replacement ordinances should consider appropriate exceptions for scenarios where it will be
challenging to meet the requirements, such as location of the HPWH, total project cost limitations, or the need
for service panel upgrades that wouldn’t have been required as part of the proposed scope of work in absence
of the reach code.
3. Consider extending relevant proposals made by the CEC for the 2025 Title 24 code (California Energy
Commission, 2023) in ordinances that apply under the 2022 Title 24 code, such as the following:
a. Mandatory ventilation requirements for HPWH installations (Section 110.3(c)7).
23 https://www.publichealthlawcenter.org/sites/default/files/2024-01/CRA-v-Berkeley-Ninth-Circuit-Opinion-Jan2024.pdf
California Energy Codes & Standards | A statewide utility program 2024-04-25 Page 447 of 509
-Cost Effectiveness Analysis: Existing Single Family Building Upgrades 36
Recommendations and Discussion
b. Requirement for HERS verified refrigerant charge verification for heat pumps in all climate zones
(Table 150.1-A 24).
4. When evaluating reach code strategies, the Reach Codes Team recommends that jurisdictions consider
combined benefits of energy efficiency alongside electrification. Efficiency and electrification have symbiotic
benefits and are both critical for decarbonization of buildings. As demand on the electric grid is increased
through electrification, efficiency can reduce the negative impacts of additional electricity demand on the grid,
reducing the need for increased generation and storage capacity, as well as the need to upgrade upstream
transmission and distribution equipment.
5. Education and training can play a critical role in ensuring that heat pumps are installed, commissioned, and
controlled properly to mitigate grid impacts and maximize occupant satisfaction. Below are select
recommended strategies.
a. The Quality Residential HVAC Services Program 25 is an incentive program to train California
contractors in providing quality installation and maintenance while advancing energy-efficient
technologies in the residential HVAC industry. Jurisdictions can market this to local contractors to
increase the penetration of contractors skilled in heat pump design and installation.
b. Educate residents and contractors of available incentives, tax credits, and financing opportunities.
c. Educate contractors on code requirements. Energy Code Ace provides free tools, trainings, and
resource to help Californians comply with the energy code. Contractors can access interactive
compliance forms, fact sheets, and live and recorded trainings, among other things, on the website:
https://energycodeace.com/. Jurisdictions can reach out to Energy Code Ace directly to discuss
offerings.
6. Health and safety
a. Combustion Appliance Safety and Indoor Air Quality: Implementation of some of the recommended
measures will affect the pressure balance of the home which can subsequently impact the safe
operation of existing combustion appliances as well as indoor air quality. Buildings with older gas
appliances can present serious health and safety problems which may not be addressed in a remodel
if the appliances are not being replaced. It is recommended that the building department require
inspection and testing of all combustion appliances located within the pressure boundary of the
building after completion of retrofit work that involves air sealing or insulation measures.
b. Jurisdictions may consider requiring mechanical ventilation in homes where air sealing has been
conducted. In older buildings, outdoor air is typically introduced through leaks in the building envelope.
After air sealing a building, it may be necessary to forcefully bring in fresh outdoor air using supply
and/or exhaust fans to minimize potential issues associated with indoor air quality.
24 This requirement does not show up in the Express Terms for alterations in Section 150.2(b)1F, but the Statewide
Reach Codes Team expects that it will be added to the next release of the proposed code language in the 45-day
language as it aligns with the proposal made by the Codes and Standards Enhancement Team (Statewide CASE
Team, 2023).
25 https://qualityhvac.frontierenergy.com/
California Energy Codes & Standards | A statewide utility program 2024-04-25 Page 448 of 509
-Cost Effectiveness Analysis: Existing Single Family Building Upgrades 37
References
5 References
California Energy Commission. (2017). Rooftop Solar PV System. Measure number: 2019-Res-PV-D Prepared by
Energy and Environmental Economics, Inc. Retrieved from
https://efiling.energy.ca.gov/getdocument.aspx?tn=221366
California Energy Commission. (2021b). Final Express Terms for the Proposed Revisions to the 2022 Energy Code
Reference Appendices. Retrieved from https://efiling.energy.ca.gov/Lists/DocketLog.aspx?docketnumber=21-
BSTD-01
California Energy Commission. (2022b). 2022 Reference Appendices for the 202 Building Energy Efficiency Standards.
CEC-400-2022-010-AP. Retrieved from https://www.energy.ca.gov/sites/default/files/2022-08/CEC-400-
2022-010-AP.pdf
California Energy Commission. (2022c, Feb). 2022 Single-Family Residential Alternative Calculation Method Reference
Manual. CEC-400-2022-008-CMF-REV. Retrieved from https://www.energy.ca.gov/publications/2022/2022-
single-family-residential-alternative-calculation-method-reference-manual
California Energy Commission. (2023). 2025 Energy code Hourly Factors. Retrieved from
https://www.energy.ca.gov/files/2025-energy-code-hourly-factors
California Energy Commission. (2023). Draft 2025 Energy Code Express Terms. Retrieved from
https://efiling.energy.ca.gov/GetDocument.aspx?tn=252915&DocumentContentId=88051
California Public Utilities Commission. (2021a). Utility Costs and Affordability of the Grid of the Future: An Evaluation
of Electric Costs, Rates, and Equity Issues Pursuant to P.U. Code Section 913.1. Retrieved from
https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/-/media/cpuc-website/divisions/office-of-governmental-affairs-
division/reports/2021/senate-bill-695-report-2021-and-en-banc-whitepaper_final_04302021.pdf
California Public Utilities Commission. (2021b). Database for Energy-Efficient resources (DEER2021 Update). Retrieved
April 13, 2021, from http://www.deeresources.com/index.php/deer-versions/deer2021
Department of Energy. (2022). Preliminary Analysis Technical Support Document: Energy Efficiency Program for
Consumer Products and Commercial and Industrial Equipment. Retrieved from
https://www.regulations.gov/document/EERE-2017-BT-STD-0019-0018
Department of Energy. (2023). Technical Support Document: Energy Efficiency Program for Consumer Products and
Commercial and Industrial Equipment: Room Air Conditioners. Retrieved from
https://www.regulations.gov/document/EERE-2014-BT-STD-0059-0053
E-CFR. (2020). https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-
bin/retrieveECFR?gp=&SID=8de751f141aaa1c1c9833b36156faf67&mc=true&n=pt10.3.431&r=PART&ty=HTM
L#se10.3.431_197. Retrieved from Electronic Code of Federal Regulations: https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-
bin/retrieveECFR?gp=&SID=8de751f141aaa1c1c9833b36156faf67&mc=true&n=pt10.3.431&r=PART&ty=HTM
L#se10.3.431_197
Statewide CASE Team. (2023). Residential HVAC Performance. Codes and Standards Enhancement (CASE) Initiative
2025 California Energy Code. Prepared by Frontier Energy. Retrieved from
https://title24stakeholders.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Revised_2025_T24_Final-CASE-Report-RES-
HVAC-Performance.pdf
Statewide Reach Codes. (2023). Cost Effectiveness Explorer. Retrieved from Cost Effectiveness Explorer:
https://explorer.localenergycodes.com/
Statewide Reach Codes Team. (2021). 2019 Cost-Effectiveness Study: Existing Single Family Residential Buidling
Upgrades. Retrieved from https://localenergycodes.com/content/resources
California Energy Codes & Standards | A statewide utility program 2024-04-25 Page 449 of 509
-
lding Cli mate Zones
California, 2017
cJ Building Climate Zone s
[] County Boundary
SOurc.. C.~omll Ene,gyCOmm-
Cost Effectiveness Analysis: Existing Single Family Building Upgrades 38
Appendices
6 Appendices
6.1 Map of California Climate Zones
Climate zone geographical boundaries are depicted in Figure 16. The map in Figure 16 along with a zip-code search
directory is available at: https://ww2.energy.ca.gov/maps/renewable/building_climate_zones.html
Figure 16. Map of California climate zones.
California Energy Codes & Standards | A statewide utility program 2024-04-25 Page 450 of 509
-
2023 Electric California Climate Credit Schedule
PG&E
SCE
SDG&E
February or
March
$38.39
$71.00
$60.70
April May June Jul y
Residential Natural Gas California Climate Credit
Aug
In 2023, the 2023 Natural Gas Californ ia Climate Cred i t will be d istributed in Febr uar y o r Ma rch i nstead o f April.
Sept Oct
$38.39
$71.00
$60.70
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Total Value Received Per Household 2018-2023
PG&E $30 $25 $27 $25 $48 $52 .78 $208
SDG&E $34 $21 $18 $43 $43.40 $162
Southwest Gas $22 $25 $27 $28 $49 $56 .35 $207
SoCalGas $50 $26 $22 $44 $50 .77 $194
Cost Effectiveness Analysis: Existing Single Family Building Upgrades 39
Appendices
6.2 Utility Rate Schedules
The Reach Codes Team used the CA IOU and POU rate tariffs detailed below to determine the On-Bill savings for
each package. The California Climate Credit was applied for both electricity and natural gas service for the IOUs using
the 2023 credits shows below.26 The credits were applied to reduce the total calculated annual bill, including any fixed
fees or minimum bill amounts.
Electricity rates reflect the most recently approved tariffs. Monthly gas rates were estimated based on recent gas rates
(November 2023) and a curve to reflect how natural gas prices fluctuate with seasonal supply and demand. The
seasonal curve was estimated from monthly residential tariffs between 2014 and 2023 (between 2017 and 2023 for
CPAU). 12-month curves were created from monthly gas rates for each of the ten years (Seven years for CPAU).
These annual curves were then averaged to arrive at an average normalized annual curve. This was conducted
separately for baseline and excess energy rates. Costs used in this analysis were then derived by establishing the
most recent baseline and excess rate from the latest tariff as a reference point (November 2023), and then using the
normalized curve to estimate the cost for the remaining months relative to the reference point rate.
26 https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/industries-and-topics/natural-gas/greenhouse-gas-cap-and-trade-program/california-
climate-credit
California Energy Codes & Standards | A statewide utility program 2024-04-25 Page 451 of 509
-Cost Effectiveness Analysis: Existing Single Family Building Upgrades 40
Appendices
6.2.1 Pacific Gas & Electric
The following pages provide details on the PG&E electricity and natural gas tariffs applied in this study. Table 20
describes the baseline territories that were assumed for each climate zone. A net surplus compensation rate of
$0.07051/ kWh was applied to any net annual electricity generation based on a one-year average of the rates between
December 2022 and November 2023.
Table 20. PG&E Baseline Territory by Climate Zone
Climate Baseline
Zone Territory
CZ01 V
CZ02 X
CZ03 T
CZ04 X
CZ05 T
CZ11 R
CZ12 S
CZ13 R
CZ16 Y
The PG&E monthly gas rate in $/therm was applied on a monthly basis according to the rates shown in Table 21.
These rates are based on applying a normalization curve to the November 2023 tariff based on ten years of historical
gas data. Corresponding CARE rates reflect the 20 percent discount per the GL-1 tariff.
Table 21. PG&E Monthly Gas Rate ($/therm)
Month Total Charge
Baseline Excess
January $2.05 $2.43
February $2.08 $2.46
March $1.92 $2.31
April $1.80 $2.20
May $1.77 $2.18
June $1.78 $2.18
July $1.80 $2.20
August $1.85 $2.26
September $1.92 $2.33
October $1.99 $2.40
November $2.06 $2.46
December $2.05 $2.44
California Energy Codes & Standards | A statewide utility program 2024-04-25 Page 452 of 509
-
GAS
Baseline Territories and Quantities 11
---
Effective April 1, 2022 -Present
BASELINE QUANTITIES (Therms Pe r Day Per Dwe lling Unit)
Individually Metered
Baseline Summer Winte r Off.Peak
Territories (April-October) (Nov, Feb, Mar)
Effective Apr. 1, 2022 Effective Nov. 1, 2022
p 0 .39 1.88
Q 0 .56 1.48
R 0 .36 1.24
s 0 .39 1.38
T 0 .56 1.31
V 0 .59 1.51
w 0 .39 1.14
X 0 .49 1.4 8
y 0 .72 2 .22
Master Metered
Baselin e Summer
Territories (April-October)
Effective Ap r. 1, 2022
p 0 .29
Q 0 .56
R 0 .33
s 0 .29
T 0 .56
V 0 .59
w 0 .26
X 0 .33
y 0 .52
Summer Season: Apr-Oct
Winter Off-Peak: Nov, Feb, Mar
Winter On-Peak: Dec, J an
Advi ce Letter: 4589-G
Decision 21-11-016
GRC 2020 Ph II [Applicat ion 19-11 -019]
F il ed : Nov 22, 2019
Winter Off.Peak
(Nov, Feb, Ma r)
Effective Nov. 1 , 202.2
1.01
0.67
0.87
0.61
1.01
1.28
0.71
0.67
1.01
Wi nter On-Peak
(Dec,Jan)
Effective Dec, 1, 2022
2.19
2 .00
1.81
1.94
1.68
1.71
1.68
2 .00
2.58
Winter On -Peak
(Dec,Jan)
Effective Dec. 1, 2022
1.13
0 .77
1.16
0 .65
1.10
1.32
0 .87
0 .77
1.13
Cost Effectiveness Analysis: Existing Single Family Building Upgrades 41
Appendices
California Energy Codes & Standards | A statewide utility program 2024-04-25 Page 453 of 509
-
Gas and
Electric Company · Revised
Cancelling Revised
Cal. P .V.-C. Sheet No.
Cal. P .V.C. Sheet No.
U 39 Oakland, Ca/ifomia
ELECTRIC SCHEDULIE E -TOU-C Sheet 2
R ESIDE NTIAL T IME-OF-USE (PEft/K PRIC ING 4 -Q, p .m . EVERY DAY)
RATES:
(Cont'd.)
E -TOU-C TOTA L B UNDLE D RATES
Total Energy Rates ($ P E!f kWh)
Summer
Total Usage
Basel ine Credit (Applied 1o Baseline Usage Only)
Winter
Total Usage
Baseline Credil (Applied 1o Baselin e Usage Only)
Delivei:y M ini mu m B il Amount ($ per m et e r per day)
California C limate Cred".rt (per hoosehold . per sem i
annual paymenl ocourring, in the Marcil' and October
bill cydes)
PEAK
$0.53933 (I)
(S0.08S5 t ) {R)
$0.43662 (I)
($0.08S5 1 ), (R)
$0.37612
($38.39)
OF:F-PEAK
$0.4558Q (I)
($0.08851 ) ,(R)
S0.40827 (I)
($0.08851 ) ,(R)
56550-E
5622:Q-'E
Total b undled se rvice charges shown on customE!f's b ills are u nbund led acoording to the component
rates shown bel'ow. W here the defive:ry minimum b ill amount applies. lhe customer's bill w ill equal lhe•
sum of (1) the delivery mini mum bill amounl plus (2 ) for bun dled servic:e, the generation rate times the
n umber o f kWh used. Fo r revenue• accounting pu rposes. lne r·ev enues from the delivery mi nimum b illl
amounl will be assigned lo the Transmission. Transmission Rate Adju stments. Reliability Services,
Pub lic Purpose P,ograms, Nu clear Ole-comm issi oning, Compe titi on Transition Ch arg:es, En ergy Cost
Recovery Amou:nl. W ildfire F u nd Charge, and New System Gene,ralion Charges based on kWh
usage limes the corresponding unbu ndled rate, component pe r kWh, w'ith any residual reven ue
assigned 1o Disb:ibutio n.
• P u rsuant to D.23-02-014 . disbursement o f the April 2023 residential C limat e Credit s ha ll begin by
March 1. 2023 .
Advice
Decision
7009-E Issued by
Mereruth A llen
Vi ce President, Regulatory Affaint
Submitted
Effective
Resolution
(Continued)
August 25. 2023
September 1, 2023
Cost Effectiveness Analysis: Existing Single Family Building Upgrades 42
Appendices
California Energy Codes & Standards | A statewide utility program 2024-04-25 Page 454 of 509
-
ific Gas and
Electric Campany' Revised
Caooe1!ing Revised
Cal. P .LJ.C. Stteet No.
Cal. P . LJ. C. Street No.
U 39 Oa l<Jand, Ga!lfomia
EL EC TRI C SCHEDU LE E-lOU-C Sheet 3
RATES:
(Cont'd.)
IRESID 8 NTIAL TIME-OF -USE (PEAK PRICIN G 4 -Q p.m. EVERY DAY}
UHBUNDLIHG OF E-TOU-C TOTA l!..IRAl E S
Enargy Rllll!s by Companor,l I S I"" l \'llh) PEAK OFF-PEAK
c;e_,...r.mon:;
Sun:sner 1• usage) so.19ns
W..ler f •u••ge) $0.1491 8
Disuibtiti'on•it:
Surmruor (d u•oge) $0.17029
w .,1e;r 1• u••ge) $0.11618
ConH•rv..tion l n<Hlli-.. Adjus'lnmnl (&...tino Usage)
Consl!'JV>dioo l nc:l!'llliY<I Adjustrruont (Ow!r B.uelin" I.Jsa!ll")
Transmi u iod (a l """9")
Transmission llbrte AIIJu!ltmenls" (a ll usa;a)
'Re li;abiltiy Se-rviioes ' (all usa,~)
Public PulJ>Ose P.ograms (al usage>
'Ml,cl9r Decommis sionin9 1• u•"9")
C'ampetman Transili0<1 Charges (211 u sage)
'En"'V)' Cosl ROGOYK)' Amount (all usagr,)
Wildfire FtJnd Ch..-g,e (aD usage)
New Sys'!=> G=-erall0t1 Cb..-90 (all ..,_.,9"r'
Wildfire H;udonl ng Ch;u-ge {all U5"!11!)
Reconry IBond Ch..-ge (•II usztgel
Rec:onry lBond Credit (a l u•ag•)
Bundlod P,owK Charg1t lncll~,enc-e Adjustmoenl (all u.age)"""
(I)
(I)
W .13432:
$0.12 41 3-
ro.15029
$0.112811
(S0..02:216 ) (I)
S0..061135 (I)
$1)..(15254
S0.00059
S0..00069
$1)..(12578
$0.0 0 135
S0.00030
($1),,000711
$1)..00530
$1),,00046
$0 0 0254
Sl).0 052:8 (R)
($ll..0052:8) (I )
$1),,0 1309
(I)
(I)
• Transmission, Transmission Rate ~ls and R ~ Selvice dnarges are combi ned for
presenliltion on ,aJStx>mer bills.
llistrilution and New Sys1em Gena-ation Charges are conm.ed for iwesentation o n c115tomer
bills .
.. • Direct Aca», Corn-nunity Chcioe J¼lgr,,g;,tion and T ransillonal Bundliod Senrioe Cuslomen pay a,.,
""'plicable V°"1laged Power Clmrge lndi!ll!femc., Adjus11111!nl.. Gen""'51ion "r>:f Bur>:fled PCIA are mmbilllkl
far pr6"'tt:ation on bundled c ustomer bills.
Advice
Dea~
7009-E ~.sued by
Meredith Allen
V-.ice Pn:-sidenf, Regulato,y Alfilifs
Submitted
Effective
Re:whmon
(Continued)
Aug ust 25. 2023
Sep t ember 1. 2023
Cost Effectiveness Analysis: Existing Single Family Building Upgrades 43
Appendices
California Energy Codes & Standards | A statewide utility program 2024-04-25 Page 455 of 509
-
ific Gas and
Electric Company · Revised
Cancelling Revi sed
Cal. P.U.C. Sheet No.
Cal. P.U.C. Sheet No.
56547-E
56226-E
u 39 Oakland, California
ELECTRIC SCHEDULE E-E L EC Sheet 2
RESIDENTIAL TIME-OF-USE (E LECTRIC H OME)
SERVICE FOR CUSTOMERS WITH QUALIFYING ELECT RIC T ECHNOLOGIES
RA TES :(Cont'd .)
TOTAL BUN DLED RATES
Base Services Charge (S per meter per day) $0.4 9281
PEAK PART-PEAK OFF-PEAK Total Energy Rates ($ per kWh)
Summer Usage
Winter Usage
$0.56589 (I)
$0.33438 (I)
$0.40401 (I)
$0.3 1229 (I)
$0.34733 (I)
$0.29843 (I)
Ca lifornia Climate Credit (per household , per
semi-annual payment occurring in the March'
and October bill cydes)
($38.39)
Total bundled service charges shown on a customer's bills are unbund led according to the component rates shown below.
UNBU NDLIN G OF TOT AL RA TES
Energy Rates by Component($ per kWh) PEAK PART-PEAK OFF-PEAK
t
Genera tion:
Summer Usage $0.28164 $0.18253 $0.13743
Wi nter Usage $0 .11951 $0.09954 $0.08619
Di stribution-:
Summer Usage $0 .17932 (I) $0.11655 (I) $0.10497
Wi nter Usage $0 .10994 (I) $0.10782 (I) $0.1073 1
Transmission* (a ll usage) $0 .05254 $0.05254 $0.05254
Transmiss ion Rate Adjustment s* (all usage) $0.00059 $0.00059 $0.00059
Reliability Servi ces• (all usage) $0.00069 $0.00069 $0.00069
Publ ic Purpose Program s (a ll usage) $0.02578 $0.02578 $0.02578
Nuclear Deco mmissioning (all usage) $0.00135 $0.00 135 $0.00135
Competiti o n Trans it ion Charges (all usage) $0.00030 $0 00030 $0.00030
Energy Cost Recovery Amou nt (all usage) ($0.00071) ($0.00071) ($0.0007 1)
Wildfire Fu nd Charge (all usage) $0.00530 $0.00530 $0.00530
New System Generation Charge (all usager $0 00346 $0.00346 $0.00346
Wildfire Hardening Charge (a ll usage) $0.00254 $0.00254 $0.00254
Recovery Bo nd Charge {all usage) $0 00528 (R) $0.00528 {R) $0.00528
Recovery Bo nd Credit (all usage) ($0.00528) (I) ($0.00528) (I) ($0.00528)
Bu ndled Power Charge Indifference $0 01309 $0 0 1309 $0.01309
A dj ustment (all usage)* ..
Transmi ssion , Transmi ssion Rate Adjustments and Reli ability Service charges are combined for presentation on customer
bilts.
Distribution and New System Generation Charges are combi ned for presenlation on oustomer bi lls.
Dir ect Access, Community Choice Aggregation and Transitional B undled Servi ce Customers pay the a ppl ica·ble Vintaged
Power Charge Indifference Adjustment. Generation and Bundled PCIA are combined fo r presenlat ion on bundled customer
bills.
Pursuant to D .23-02-014 , disbursement of the April 2023 resi dential C limate Cr edit shal l begin by March 1, 2023.
(I)
(I)
(R )
(I)
(Continued)
Advice
Decision
7009-E Issued by
Meredi th Allen
Vice President, Regulatory Affairs
Submitted
Effective
Resolution
August25,2023
September 1 , 2023
Cost Effectiveness Analysis: Existing Single Family Building Upgrades 44
Appendices
California Energy Codes & Standards | A statewide utility program 2024-04-25 Page 456 of 509
-
Gas and
Electric Company·
Orig inal Cal. P.U.C. Sheet No. 54738-E
U 39 San Francisco, California
ELECTRI C SCHEDU LE E-ELEC Sheet 3 (N)
RES IDENTIAL TIME-OF-USE (ELECTRIC HOME) (N)
SERVICE FOR CUSTOM ERS WITH QUALI FYING ELECTRIC TEC HNOLOGIES
SP ECIAL
CONDITIONS:
1. TIME PERIODS: Times of the year and l imes of the day are defi ned as follows: (N )
Advice
Decision
All Year:
Peak: 4:00 p .m . to 9:00 p.m. every day includ ing weekends arid holidays.
Partial-P eak: 3:00 p.m . t o 4:00 p.m . and 9:00 p.m . to 12:00 a.m . every day incl udi ng
weekends and holidays.
Off-Peak: All other hours.
2. SEASONAL C HANGES: The summer season is June 1 through September 30 and
the winter season is October 1 through May 31 . When biUing includes use in both the
summer and winte r periods, charges will be prorated ba.sed upon the number of days
in each period .
3. ADDITIONAL METERS: If a residential dwelling unit is served by more than one
elecbic meter, the customer must desig nate which meter is the primary meter and
which i s (are) the additional meter(s).
4 . BILLING: A customer's bill is calculated based on the option applicable to the
customer.
Bundled Service Customers recei ve generation and delivery services solely from
PG&E. The customer's bill is based on the Unbund ling of Total Rates set forth above.
Transitional Bundled Service (TBS) Customers take TBS as prescribed in Rules
22.1 and 23.1, or take PG&E bundled service prior to the end of the six (6) month
advance notice period requi red to elect PG&E bundled service a s prescribed in Rules
22.1 and 23.1. TBS cust omers shall pay all charges shown in the Unbundling of Total
Rates except for the Bundled Power Charge Indifference Adj ustment and the
generation charge. TBS customers shall also pay for their applicable Vintaged Power
Charge Indifference Adjustment provided in the table below, and the short-t erm
commodity prices as set forth in Schedule TBCC.
(N)
(Continued}
6768-E
D.21-11-0 16
Issued by
Meredith Allen
Vice President, Regulatory Affairs
Submitted
Effective
Resolution
Nove mber 18, 2022
December 1, 2022
Cost Effectiveness Analysis: Existing Single Family Building Upgrades 45
Appendices
California Energy Codes & Standards | A statewide utility program 2024-04-25 Page 457 of 509
-
Gas and
Electric Company · Rev ised
Cancelling· Rev ised
Ca l. P .U.C. Sheet No.
Ca l. P .U.C. Sheet No.
54734-E
53424-E
U 39 San Francisco, Ca fifom;a
ELECTRIC SCHED ULE 0-CARE Sh eet 1
LINE-ITEM IJl1SOOUNT FOR CALIFORN IAALTERNAT E RAT1ES FOR E NERGY (CARE)
CUSTOMERS
APPUCABILHY: This sclledule i s applicabl e to single-phase andl polyph ase r esidential service in
single.family dwellings and in flats and apantments separately metered by PG&E
and domestic submetered tenants r esidi ng in multifam ily accommodations,
mobi!ehome parks and to q,ualifying recreational ·vehicle par:ks and m arinas and to
tarm selVice on the pr emises operated by l he p er son whose residence is supplied
lhrough the same me ter, w here th e ap plicanl quali fies for Cerrfomia Ailternate
Rates for Energy (CAR E) under the elig ibility and certification criteria set forth in
E lect ric R ule H I. 1. CARE service is available on Schedu les E-~. E~. IE-T OU-lB,
E-TOU-C. E-TOU-0. EV2. E-ELEC. EM . ES . ESR. Eir and EM-TOU. (T)
T E:RRITORY:
RAT ES :
This rate schedu le applies everywhere PG&E provides e lectric serv.ice.
C ustomers. taking seN ice o n this rate sche dule whose o.the rwi.se applicable rate
sclled ule has no Delivery M inimum B ill Amount (Schedul e E-El EC) will receive a
CARE percentage d isooont of 35.000% on ·their total bundle d dla rges (except tor
ihe California Climate Credit, which will no! be d'iscounted ). Customers takil)Q
service on this rate schedule whose otherwise applicable rate s chedu'le h as e
Delivery M in imum Bi!I Amount (el l o ther sched'ules) will receiv e e CARE
p ercentage di soount ('A" or ·c· b e low) on, lheir total bundle d charges o n ,their
otherwise applicable rate sch edu le (except tor the Ca lifomie C limate Credit .. which
will not be d iscounted) and .also will receive a per centage discounl ("8" or ·o·
b elow), on the delivery min imum biU amount. ,if epp1icabte. The CARIE d iscou nt will
b e celoolated for dire ct a.ooess and community choice aggJegation custom ers
based on th e total charges as 1if they w ere subj ecl to b u ndle d service rafes.
D iscounts will be applied es a 1residual reduction to distribulion cllarges .. afte:r 0 -
CARE cus tomer s a r e exem pted from the W il'dfire Fund Charge , Reco..,ery B ond
Ch arge, Rec0'.lery Bond Credit. end !tie CARE surcharg;e portion of th e public
p urpose p rogram chmge used to fund ltie CARE d iscoun t These conditions a l.so
apply to m aster-meter ed customers and to, qua lifie d sub-metered tenants where
the master-meter customer i s j oin1fy serve d under PG&Es Rate Sclledule 0-
CARE and e ither Schedule EM. ES . ESR. ET. ,or EM-TOU.
for master-met er ed customers where one o r more o f t he sub metered t enants
q ualffie-s. for CARE rates unde r th e e ligibility an d certifi.celion criteria sel forth in
R ule HU, 19.2 . or 19.3 . the CARE d iscount is e qual to a percen tage re· below)
of the total bundled charges, multiplied by t he numbe:r o f CARE unfts divid ed by
lhe lotall number ot unils. In addition, m aster-metere d customers e ligib le for
D-CARIE will receive· a percentage discount ("O" below) on the deli very minimum
b iD amou nt. if applicable .
Iii is t he responsib ility of the maste r-metered cus tome r to advise PG&E within 15
d ays following any chall!Je in the number o f dweOing units andfor any de crease· in
ihe num ber of qualifyill!J CARE e,pp licants that resu lts when s uch applicants move
out of their su'.bmet ered or ncn-su bm etered dwelfing uni t. or ·submeter,ed
p ermanent-residence RV or per manent-reside.nee boat.
(N)
I
I
(N)
(T)
I
(T)
(T)
(l )
I
(L}
(Continued)
Cost Effectiveness Analysis: Existing Single Family Building Upgrades 46
Appendices
California Energy Codes & Standards | A statewide utility program 2024-04-25 Page 458 of 509
-
Gas and
Electric Company• Revis e d
Cancelling Rev ised
C a l. P . U. C. Sheet No.
C a l. P .U.C. Sheet No.
56208-E
56020,E
U 3 9 5.in F rancisco, C alifornia
ELECTRIC SCHEOU l E D-CARE Sheet 2
LIN E-ITEM D ISCOUNT FOR CALIFORN IA .A/LllERNATE RAT ES FO R E NERGY (CARE)
CUST O MERS
RATES: (Cont'd)
SPE C IAL
CONO IT IONS:
Advi ce
Decision
6968-E
A. D-CARE Discou nt
B . De livery Minim11m B ill Discount:
C . Master -M eter D-CARE Discount
D . Master-M ete r Delivery MinimYm
BiD D iscoun t:
34.965
50.000
34.965
50.000
'% (Percent) (I)
%{Per cent)
'% (Percent) (I)
% {P,ercent)
1. O T HERW,IS E APPLICABLE SCHEDULE : T he Specia l Cond[ti<ln s o f t he
Ou.stome r's otherwise a pplicable rate schedule will a p pl'y lo this schedul e.
2 . E LI G IBILITY: To b e e lig ible to re c e ive D-CARE the .applicant nnusl qualify
\llooe r lhe criteria set forth in P G&E·s IElectric Rul es 19.1. H>.2. and Ul.3 and meel
1he cerlifical ion r equirements I1-ler eof to the s.alisfacticm of P G &E . Q ua lifying Dire ct
Access. CommYnity Choice Aggregation, S eN ice. and Transitional B undled
Service custome rs are also eligible to take s.ervice on Sdled'ul e D-CARE.
Applic a nls may q11a lifyfor D-CARE at their pr imary reside nce ,o nl'y . Customers or
sub-mete red tenan ts participating in the Family Electric Rate Assistance {FERA)
program cann ot concurrently participate in I lle CARE p rogram.
Issued by
.Meredi th A lferi
Vice P n,sident, Regu lata<y A ffairs
Submitted
Effe ctive
ResoJuti on
June-2 3 . 2023
July 1 , 2023
Cost Effectiveness Analysis: Existing Single Family Building Upgrades 47
Appendices
California Energy Codes & Standards | A statewide utility program 2024-04-25 Page 459 of 509
-
S ummer Da ily Al locations (June th rough Septem be r)
Basel ine Region N umber
5
6
8
9
10
13
14
15
16
SPECIAL CO NDITIONS
All -
Daily kWh E lectric
Allocation Allocation
17.2 179
11 .4 8 .8
12.6 9 8
16 .5 12.4
18 9 15.8
22.0 24.6
18.7 18.3
46 .4 24.1
14.4 13.5
Schedule TOU-D
TIM E-OF-USE
DOMESTIC
(Continued)
1. A pplicab le rate time periods are defined as follows:
Option 4-9 P M. Option 4-9 PM-CPP. Option PRIME. Option PRIME-CPP :
W int er Daily Allocations (Octobe r through May)
All-
Da ily kWh Electr ic
Base line Region Num ber Allocation Allocati on
5 18.7 20.1
6 11.3 13.0
8 10.6 12.7
9 12.3 14.3
1C 12.5 17.0
12 12.6 243
14 12.0 21.3
1~ 9.9 18.2
Hi 12.6 23.1
Sheet 12 (T)
(T)
TOU Period
Weekdays Weekends and Holidays
Summer Winter Summer W inter
On-Peak 4 p.m. -9 p.m. N/A NIA NIA
Mid-Peak N/A 4 p .m. - 9 p.m . 4 p.m. - 9 p.m. 4 p.m . -9 p .m.
Off-Peak All other hours 9 p.m. - 8 a.m. All other hours 9 p.m. - 8 a .m.
Super-Off-Peak N/A 8 a .m. -4 p.m. NIA 8 a.m. -4 p.m.
CPP Event 4 p.m . - 9 p.m. 4 p .m. - 9 p.m. NIA NIA Per iod
Cost Effectiveness Analysis: Existing Single Family Building Upgrades 48
Appendices
6.2.2 Southern California Edison
The following pages provide details on the SCE electricity tariffs applied in this study. Table 22 describes the baseline
territories that were assumed for each climate zone. A net surplus compensation rate of $ 0.06030/ kWh was applied to
any net annual electricity generation based on a one-year average of the rates between December 2022 and
November 2023
Table 22: SCE Baseline Territory by Climate Zone
Climate Baseline
Zone Territory
CZ06 6
CZ08 8
CZ09 9
CZ10 10
CZ14 14
CZ15 15
California Energy Codes & Standards | A statewide utility program 2024-04-25 Page 460 of 509
-
rn Cslifom is Edison
Ros,emead. Caritomia (U 338-E)
Revised
Car1Celli"9 Revi sed
Cal. PUC Sheet N o_ 8511 1--E
CaL PUC Sheet No _ 74502-E
RATES
Schedule IOV:P
T IM E-OF-USE
DOMESTI C
(Continued)
Sh eet 2
Customers receiving service u nder ihis Schedule w ill be charged the appl icab le rates un der O ption 4-9 1PM,
Option 4-Q PM-CPP. Op1io n 5-8 PM , Option 5-8 PM·CPP, Op tion PRIME .. Opti on PRIME-CPI? Option A ,
Option A -CPP. O plioll B . or-Option B-CRP. as listed beww. CPP Ev ent Ch arges w ill appl y to a ll energy
u sage d u ri n g CPP Ev ent Energy C harge per iods alld CPP Non,-Ev ent Energy Credits will apply as a
r edu ction or, CPP f'lon -<Event Energ y Credit Periods during Summe r Season days. 4:00 p_m _ to Q:OCl p.m .. as
described ill Sp ecial Cond itions 1 and 3 . be low:
,Qplfpn +R FM J NIAJ +R PM::¢FP
1::,n..,W °'1-w■ • 1.ik.W.h
8t.Jrnm•t S .. •on -On.-~.._ O.UDYI lfiJ
h1hl-h.a. 0 .7'1~11 I IRJ
O il,.P.,o1, 0 .:1' ..... 1!2' IA I
W11ntat Sauan -1.1Jt11-~-. O.Ul~s, IIRJ
Ofi.~_,. D.2441-82' tA:J
~upt1r..Off..P.._., 0 .221)11) tR)
8-;; .. ic Ctta~• -S~•Y
Sangl__,.affllly R-idanca O .O·~ 1
MuN..,.-•md'I Raalidanca 0 .024
Manunum CNlrg■·-• Sid•~
:Sine• ... nm., R_ld.,c::• o.34s
IMYlt~■md)' R_Ki.,c• O.:!M8
MW1 1m:um Cha"R• -4.t.t ed1c .. 8 ..... lln■)"" ~ • $Jday
"!lmv·• lf'■mlly A--=t .. c:• 0 .1 rs
1M 1.ifb-F■md)' R--=t_.c::• 0 .1 tS
C.b fam .. , A'tt■rr:1111ta R ... ■ '°'
En4N1iJY Ooccu.-.l • '%,
t--,,111 t:.~1r.c KIib■ Aaaa.1•nc::• ~Ill
·Qpbpp +I: PM:CPP
CP~ EvwnJ: En..rw,Ch.,1:1" -SJkWh
:kJrnm•r CT•P Non-iE'Hnll c,..c111
On-""";a k t:..1-vr e ... sW -SIII.Wh
Mlil:dmum A V Mllim'l-tl C r •dtl . Sncw,,·--·
~umrnar !s•aaan
111 ,00) «•►
1 DU.00"'
10000
O 2-eS-43'Ctt
0 .1 1101 Cit
0 .1 1 :US::i Ci t
0 ~2 1,~:l CIJ
0 .1 36~1 Ci t
0 1 1 800Ct►
ouooou
oilOOOo
(0 .'l !li l n:tl
o .OUOOO
o.ooouo
<),C>l)O(l(J
0 .00000
<l .OUOllo
0 .00000
I
• Rtlanlill'.G 1~ a1 IIMI dsic<l<Jnl !"'"'""'.age aoa -In.,_ awlk•lllo Spod•1 c«dlxin ol lhls _,._
•• Tllo ~li>llffllln Olal!J• IS"~ -.,. Dolt."Gf) -.. El\ll!Q', Chal\jll, p"5 Iha ~ a....: Ch•rge i. loss -.,. Mlninum Charg,a.
••• Tho.,,_ CompoOlon Tranollon Ol•Jtl• C TC ol CW.00000) po, l Y/11 Is ,__ In lho UG com-ol -,lion. (Tl
••••Tna Baalna Cra.S1.a~L1p,U> 1001'. alrana l!.-alna.Ali0caUon.ro91nU15•of lima4...US. lDapa,'ald. Adlldan,alB.11MIAbaAlbc..nofl1111f:'lP)'ID'
CUMDmars wll'I Ha.al Purn_p w.-, HuNn. sar¥ad t.ftiar a..s Optl0ft Thu ~Dina A.lloc~llons ara 5411 b1h ift fl.ra«hin;a~ SQlamonl, Part H .
........... -A.-Ctodh rs Ncoppo<lu.<il"mwMlorCPPC....lamond.lal P•~-119mod'-«dllllo>nd .... pan .. --·
1 To"'l = Jo1.110olt.•!)I S.000 , .... •"' app-• loBrdad S.W...lli111c1Acoass (DAI and Comm•"')> 000.,0 ~ s.n<oo (OCA -)
CUStama.rs,timi:01 DA ilnd Cc.A Sa~ Ousmm.Gf'S .lll'lllnot SJ.bioa: tDlhA OL\lR9C nat■compona.m at'lla k'hodub but.btllildp;lf lha OWR9Cm
.,,.-,idad l¥ S-IQ DA-CRS « SCIIOdUII OCA-CRS.
2 GanGrallor1 = Tha Gon '"""' •111 applic.atia oott ID 6'.rlded 54rnce OJslomws. Sff !lpeclot C<ntt.on bal:lw tor !'CIA,._
~ m\REC.=~011111., .. -iIJ'IIR) lE""f0 c.-, _~or,_. llflOnnalxin OR lhJI D\YR &>orirt en.cu, -h ea,,q ~ SpQd•l
COodllonOll lhl• ~-
4 ~lid on an iftq~ bi1Sdo , per~ sam~t,. SM: b Spoci.111 c«dUXIS ,O'I au,; &:.hOdUlt fOf' a'ICt'e: ~
(T o be in serted by u liliiyl
Adv ice 4Q2Q•E -----------Decision
:!tnJ
(Contin ue d )
I ssu ed by
Michael Backstrom
~ice P resident
(To be iMerled b y Cal. PU C}
Date Submitted Dee 28, 2022
Effective
Resolution
Jan 1 , 2023,
E-5217
Cost Effectiveness Analysis: Existing Single Family Building Upgrades 49
Appendices
California Energy Codes & Standards | A statewide utility program 2024-04-25 Page 461 of 509
-
"
-I Vff>ll.~•nCl!'LIILC--
Sout hem California Edison
Rosemead, California (U 338-E) Cancelling
Revised
Revised
Cal. PUC Sheet No.
Cal. PUC Sheet No.
RA TE S (Continued)
Schedule TOU-D
TIME-OF-USE
DOMESTIC
(Continued)
Option PRIME I Option PRIME-CPP
Energy Cllarge -$/kWh/Meter/Day
Summer Season
I D e'livery Service
Total'
On-Peak 0.22789 (I)
Mid-Peak 0.22789 (I)
Off.Peak 0.151111 (I)
W inter Season
Mid-Peak 0.23353 (I)
Off-Peak 0.14530 (I)
Super-Off-Peak 0.14530 (I)
Fixed Re<oYery Charge -$'1<Wh 0.00260 (I)
Ba•ic Cllarge -S/MeterJDay 0.427 (I)
EV Meter Crl'cfrt (Sep,arately Met..,ed E (0.323) (N)
EV Submeler Credit -S/Mell'JiDay (0. 111) (R)
Caifomia C limate Credit '0 (71.00)
Caifomia Alternate Rates fo,
Energy Disoount -'-100.00'
Family Electri<: Rate A••istonce Di•cou 100.00
Medical Lile Item D iscount -% 100.000
Option PRIME-CPP
CPP Event Energy Charge -$'1<Wh
Summer CPP Non-Event Credit
On.Peak Energy Credit -$/kWh
Maximum AY&ilable Credit -$/kWh"••
Summer Season
Generation
UG" I DWRE~-
0.42769 (1) 0 .00000
0.15221 (I) 0.00000
0.10162 (1) 0.00000
0.38028 (1) 0.00000
0.08630 (1) 0.00000
0.08630 (1) 0.00000
0 .80000
(0. 71812) (R)
R~p,es.MtS 100% of the discount peroe,rmge as shown SI the applic.ible Special Condition Qf Bas Schedule.
• • The CflllO'ng Ganpelition T tanSition Charge (CTC) ct (S0.00003) peer kWh is tee:OYered in lhe UG companen1 al Gener.ni on.
Sheet 6
I
I
"" The MillCinun Available Credit is lhe capped aedit amount lor CPP Cu5lomers dual p;,rticip;r.ire in other demand response pr __
86132-E
85624-E
I Tcc.,i = Tccal Delivery Servicl' -• are appicabl e 10 Buncled Service. llRd Acee•• (DA) and Comnu nity Choice Aggregation Service (CCA SeMce)
~ exoept DA and CCA SeMce Custome<,; are n01 subject to me DWRBC rate compcnen, ct lhs SdledJle bu! instead pay the DWRBC as
provided by Sche<l.je OA-CRS er SchecUe CCA-CRS.
2 Genera:ion = The Gen me• are ~ Oliy to Buncled SeMce Customers. See Special Condition below for PClA reoovery.
3 O'WREC = Department al Waler Resources (!>WR) Energy C.edit -Fer more information on the DWR Energy Crecil. ""' the Billing Calcw:ion
Special Caiciticn ct this Schedule .
4 Applied on a n equal basis. per household, semi-annually. See the Special Conditions of this SchedlAe lor more infonnalion.
(To be inserted by utility)
Advice -'50=-.c.41'--E=-----
Decision -
(Continued)
Issued by
Michael Backstrom
Vice P resident
(To be inserted by Cal. PUC)
Date Submitted May 30, 2023
Effective Jun 1, 2023
Resolution
Cost Effectiveness Analysis: Existing Single Family Building Upgrades 50
Appendices
California Energy Codes & Standards | A statewide utility program 2024-04-25 Page 462 of 509
-
Caflfomia E dison Revised Cal. P UC Sheet N'o. 85618-E
Rosemead, California (U 338-E) Cancelling Revised Cal. PUC Sheet No. -85 109-E
S cbedu;te,D;CABE Sheet 1
CALIFORtNIA AL T ERNA T E RA TES FOR ENE RGY
DOM ESTIC S E RV ICE
APPLICABILITY
Applicabl e to domestic service to CARE househofds residing in a p ennartenl Single-Family
Accommodation DI' Mul1ifami ly Accommodation where the customer meels a ll the Speci al Col'\di:tion s of
this Schedu le. Customers en rolled in the CARE program are not e lig ible for !he Fam ily E lectric Rate
Assistance (FE RA) program.
P•ursuartt to Spe cial Coooi1iion 12 herein, customers receivi ng se rvioe under this Schedule are e'-olble lo
receive the Califomia Clunate Credit as shown in t he Ra tes section below.
JEBBIIPBY
Wrthin the entire territory s&Ved.
The applicable charge s set forth in Sche dufe D shall apply to Cu s tomers served un der this Schedule.
CARE Discount:
A 29.8 percent d iscount is epp lie dl to a CARE Customer's bill prior to the application of lhe Public Utilities
Commission Reimburs.emenl Fe e (P UCRF) artd any applicable user f ees. t axes. and la t e payment
charges. CARE Ci.istom ers are re.:iu ir ed to :pay the PIJCRF and any .app licabl e, user f ees. taxes. an d
l ate paymertt charges i n full. In addition. CARE Customers .are exempt from paying lhe CARE
Surd'large of $0.00888, per kWh aoo the Wildfire Furld Nor..Bypassable Cha:r,ge of $0.00530 per k W h.. (R)
The 2{1.8 percent d iscount , in additior1 to these exemp1ions result in an average e ffective• CARE Disco.mt
of 32.5 perce nl
(To, be inse rted by utility)
Advice 4!977-lE ----------O e c i sio n 23-01--002
lh J2 22-12•031
(Contin ued)
I ssued by
Michael Backstrom
V ice Pt esident
(To be inserted b y Cal. PUC)
Date Submitted Feb 27. 2023
Effective
Resolution
Cost Effectiveness Analysis: Existing Single Family Building Upgrades 51
Appendices
California Energy Codes & Standards | A statewide utility program 2024-04-25 Page 463 of 509
-
utliern Cal iforni a Gas Company
Res idential Rates
NoY-23
Procurement Transponallon N&w Rate New Rate Absolute
Customer Type Commodity Rate Charge Charge Elfedlve Elfec11ve Rate %
I Rate Schedule Charge Type ¢/therm ¢/therm 11 1112023 1011/2023 Change Change
Rasklentlal lndlvldually Metered
Schedule No. GR GR BaseDne 67.806 86.490 154296 125.096 29.200 23.3%
Res.SelVlce GR NonBaselne 67.806 131-037 198.843 169.726 29.117 17.2%
GT-R Basel ne 00.000 86.490 86.490 87.038 -00.548 -0.6%
GT-R N on Basel ne 00.000 131 .037 131.037 131.668 -00.631 -0.5%
Cost Effectiveness Analysis: Existing Single Family Building Upgrades 52
Appendices
6.2.3 Southern California Gas
Following are the SoCalGas natural gas tariffs applied in this study. Table 23 describes the baseline territories that
were assumed for each climate zone.
Table 23. SoCalGas Baseline Territory by Climate Zone
Climate Baseline
Zone Territory
CZ05 2
CZ06 1
CZ08 1
CZ09 1
CZ10 1
CZ14 2
CZ15 1
The SoCalGas monthly gas rate in $/therm was applied on a monthly basis according to the rates shown in Table 24.
These rates are based on applying a normalization curve to the November 2023 tariff based on ten years of historical
gas data. Long-term historical natural gas rate data was only available for SoCalGas’ procurement charges.27 The
baseline and excess transmission charges were found to be consistent over the course of a year and applied for the
entire year based on 2023 rates. CARE rates reflect the 20 percent discount per the GR tariff.
Table 24. SoCalGas Monthly Gas Rate ($/therm)
Month Procurement
Charge
Transportation Charge Total Charge
Baseline Excess Baseline Excess
January $0.72 $0.86 $1.31 $1.92 $2.36
February $0.50 $0.86 $1.31 $1.57 $2.02
March $0.44 $0.86 $1.31 $1.48 $1.93
April $0.39 $0.86 $1.31 $1.39 $1.84
May $0.41 $0.86 $1.31 $1.43 $1.87
June $0.46 $0.86 $1.31 $1.49 $1.93
July $0.47 $0.86 $1.31 $1.51 $1.96
August $0.51 $0.86 $1.31 $1.58 $2.03
September $0.46 $0.86 $1.31 $1.52 $1.96
October $0.45 $0.86 $1.31 $1.48 $1.92
November $0.48 $0.86 $1.31 $1.54 $1.99
December $0.57 $0.86 $1.31 $1.63 $2.08
27 The SoCalGas procurement and transmission charges were obtained from the following site:
https://www.socalgas.com/for-your-business/energy-market-services/gas-prices
RES2023.xlsx (live.com)
California Energy Codes & Standards | A statewide utility program 2024-04-25 Page 464 of 509
-
ine Usage: The following quantities of gas used in ind ividually metered residences are to be
billed at the baseline rates :
All Customers:
Summe r (M ay to Oct)
W inter On-Peak (Dec, J an & Feb)
Winter Off-Peak (N ov, Ma r, & Apr)
Daily Therm
Allowance
0.359
1.233
0 .692
Cost Effectiveness Analysis: Existing Single Family Building Upgrades 54
Appendices
6.2.4 San Diego Gas & Electric
Following are the SDG&E electricity and natural gas tariffs applied in this study. Table 25 describes the baseline
territories that were assumed for each climate zone. A net surplus compensation rate of $0.04542/ kWh was applied to
any net annual electricity generation based on a one-year average of the rates between December 2022 and
November 2023.
Table 25. SDG&E Baseline Territory by Climate Zone
Climate Baseline
Zone Territory
CZ07 Coastal
CZ10 Inland
CZ14 Mountain
The SDG&E monthly gas rate in $/therm was applied on a monthly basis according to the rates shown in Table
26. These rates are based on applying a normalization curve to the November 2023 tariff based on ten years of
historical gas data. CARE rates reflect the 20 percent discount per the G-CARE tariff.
Table 26. SDG&E Monthly Gas Rate ($/therm)
Month Total Charge
Baseline Excess
January $2.34 $2.63
February $2.28 $2.57
March $2.21 $2.51
April $2.14 $2.45
May $2.18 $2.48
June $2.23 $2.55
July $2.26 $2.57
August $2.32 $2.62
September $2.26 $2.59
October $2.21 $2.55
November $2.24 $2.57
December $2.38 $2.70
California Energy Codes & Standards | A statewide utility program 2024-04-25 Page 465 of 509
-
,.,,,,..'E
San Diego Gas & Electric Campany
S•n Diego. Calif"'".,
Totell Rates:
Description -JOU DR1
Summer:
On,Pe,k
Olf0 Peok
Super Off,Pe>k
Wi nter.
a.,.P,,:,k
Olf-Ploal<
&Jper Off,Peak
Summer B:,seliM Adju,tmenl C:relfll up to
130% ol B:,seline
Win'ler 8 03<!lin~ 1u:1,.,stniml Credit up ID
130% ol 8:,seJiM
t.i.,imum Bill (S/day)
Description -JOU DR1 -UDC To t;>!
CARE Rate
Summe.r -CARE lbtes:
O.,,Pe:ik 0.25682
Off0 Peok 0.25682
Super Off.J>e•k 0.25682
Winte r -CARE Rates :
°'1•Pe•k 0.43739
Olf,Pe;ak 0.43739
Super Off•Pe•k 0.4-1739
Summer B~~ine
Ad),slm"'1l Cradil up ID
130% ol Bueline
(0.117241
Win'le-r B.iseline Adju!1itme11l
C:n,rfit up ID 110% cd
Ba~fine
[0.11724►
taii1T11Jm Bill ($/day) 0.190
Note:
Revised CaL P.U.C. Sheet No.
Canceli ng Revised CaL P.U.C. S heet No.
SCHEDULE 1 0ll-OR1
RE SIO ENrT IAl T IME-O F-USE
lJOC Total Rau DWR IBC• E:ECC IR.ato ♦
Wl'.t.lBC DWR Cn,dat
0 .25752 R 0.00530 I 0 .57043
0 .25752 R 0.00530 I 0.25697
0 .25752 R 0.00530 I 0 .09233
0 .43809 I 0.00530 I 0.19307
0 .43809 I 0.00530 I 0 .10855
0 .4-3809 I 0.00530 I 0 .08402
(0 .11724) R
(0 .11724) R
0 .380 I
DWR BC+ E ECCRate • T,o t•I
WF-NBC DWR.Cnodlt IR:a l o•
R 0..00000 0.57043 I 0 .82725
R 0.00000 0.25697 I 0 .5 137!1
R 0..00000 0.09233 I 0 .34915
I 0.00000 0.19307 I 0 .630441
I 0.00000 0.10855 I 0 .54594
I O.QOOOO 0.08402 I 0 .52141
R (0.1 1724)
R (0.11724)
I ,0 .190
[
[
[
[
[
[
37022-E
36337-E
Sheet 2
Total
Rai-e
0.33326 I
0 .51979 I
0.35515 I
0.63646 I
0 .55194 I
0.52741 I
(0 .11724) IR
(0 .11724) It
0.380 I
Total
Effedive
,ca re ltllte
l 0..55366 l
I 0.33'965 I
l 0.22725 l
I O.A1930 I
l 0..36160 l
I 0..34485 I
R (0.08004) R
R (0.08004) R
I 0 .190 I
(1) Jai,,f R>""' ax,,isl ol LDC, Schedul~ D\'/R-8C (Ol!Jl•rtml!nll ol W:,1i,r Re,..,..101!< Bond Cll:iri,,I, Sdled.JI!! WF -HBC (CA Wldfre
Fund d!"'JliO) and SdledJI!! EEOC~ Eneogy Commoditt Casl) r.sles, ,,.;th 'lho EECC rote• relledi~ .a DWR Cledtt. E ECC rarles
""' ;>ppl icobh, IO t:undl!!d OJ.tomen only Sae Special CondlllOn HI b POIA (Fl'o,,o.., ct...rg~ ~iWerenc e Adju.aiier11) reC:Jve<y.
(2) Talal R•tes p,esenli:d ...e lor w,slcmen !hat reooiYe commocily ~ ""d dewory """'°' rrom UIJily.
(l } DWR-8C •nd WF,NllC chorgos d o not apply lo CARE ru,lomo,rs.
(4) As idenb6oil 11 11,a RIies labh,s., amomer bih ..,11 also jncl,di, lim,oi,em •llllTVller ,.r,d winier medtts lo< ll»fl'! lljl ID 130111 of
ba2line ID prDWGe Iha ral<! cappmg banefils nd~d by Assembly Bill l X a nd Senllle Bil 1195-.
(6} WF •N'BC r•te is 0.00630 • DWR-BC 8ond °'"'9" is 0.00000 .
Continued .
2C8 ISasued by Submitted Dec 30, 2022
Advice U r . No. 4 129-E Dan Skopec Effective J an 1. 2023
Seflior Vioe Presidenl
Decision Na. R.egu1atary A.ffai-s Resolrtion No . E-52 17
R,I
Cost Effectiveness Analysis: Existing Single Family Building Upgrades 55
Appendices
California Energy Codes & Standards | A statewide utility program 2024-04-25 Page 466 of 509
-
Time Periods
A ll time periods listed are applicable to local time . The definition of time will be based upon the date service
is rendered_
TOU Periods -Weekdays
On-Peak
Off-Peak
Super Off-Peak
TOU Period -Weekends and
Holidays
On-Peak
Off-Peak
Super Off-Peak
Seasons: Summer
Winter
Summer
4:00 p_m _ -9:00 pm_
6:00 a.m. -4:00 p.m.;
9:00 p.m . -midnight
Midnight - 6:00 a.m .
Summer
4:00 o.m. - 9:00 o .m.
2 :00 p_m_ -4 :00 p.m.;
9:00 p.m. -midnight
Midniqht -2:00 p m.
June 1 -October 31
November 1 -May 31
W inte r
4:00 p _m_ -9 :00 p_m_
6:00 a .m. -4 :00 p.m.
Excluding 10:00 a.m. -2:00 p .m. in Ma rch and Apri l;
9:00 p.m. -midnight
Midnight - 6 :00 a.m.
10 :00 a.m. -2 :00 p_m in March and April
Winter
4 :00 o.m. - 9 :00 o.m.
2:00 p.m. -4 :00 p.m.;
9:00 p.m. -midnight
Midnight -2 :00 p_m_
15. Baseline Usage: The following quanti ties of elec tricity are used to ca lculate the baseline adjustment
cred it.
Baseline Allowance For C limatic Zones•
Coastal Inland Mountain Desert
Ba sic A llowance
Summer (June 1 to October 31 ) 9.0 10 .4 13.6 15 .9
Wi nter (November 1 to May 31) 9.2 9 .6 12.9 10 .9
Alli Elecmic,..
Summer (Jun e 1 to October 31 ) 6.0 8.7 15,2 17 .0
Wi nter (November 1 to May 31 ) 8.8 12 .2 22.1 17.1
" ""
a lmatic Z on es are s hown o n t he Tenilory Served, Map No . 1.
Al l Electric allowances are available up on appEcatlon to tho se customers who hav e pe rmanently Installed
spaoe hea ling or who have electrlc water heating1 and rece i ve no enes-gy from another source .
Cost Effectiveness Analysis: Existing Single Family Building Upgrades 56
Appendices
California Energy Codes & Standards | A statewide utility program 2024-04-25 Page 467 of 509
-
....,.f
San Diego Gas & Elecbic Company
San Diego, California
Revised CaL PU.C. Sheet No. 37217-E
Canceling Revised CaL PU.C. Sheet No. 37016-E
S CH EDULE EV-TOU -5 Sheet 1
COST-BASED DOMESTI C T IME-OF-USE FOR HOUSEHOLDS WITH ELECTRIC VEHICLES
APPLICABILI TY
Service under this schedule is specifically limited to customers who require service for c harging of a curren tly
registered Motor Vehicle, as defined by the Cal ifornia Motor Vehicle Code, which is: 1) a battery electric
veh icle (BEV) or plug-in hybr id electric vehicle (PHEV) recharged via a recharging outlet at the customer's
premises: or 2) a natural gas vehicle (NGV) refUeled via a home refueling appl iance (HRA) at the customer's
premises. This schedule is not avai lab le to customers with a conventional c ha rge sustain ing (battery
recharged sole ly from the vehicle's on-board gener ator ) hybrid electric vehicle (HEY).
Residential customers taking service on Schedule NBT, who are required t o utilize EV-T OU -5 as their
otheiwise applicable schedule (OAS) for electric service, do not require a qualifying motor vehi cle , as
described above to participate on Sched ule EV -TOU-5.
Customers on th is schedule may also qualify for a semi-annual Cal ifornia Cl imate Credit $(60. 70) per Schedu le GHG-ARR.
TERRITORY
Within the entire territory served by the utility.
Total Rates :
UDC T otal DWRBC+ Descri ption -EV-TOU-S Rates Rate WF-NBC
Basic Service Fee 16 .00
Su mmer
On-Peak 028032 I 0 .00530
Off-Peak 0 .28032 I 0 .00530
Super Off-Peak 0 .05588 I 0 .00530
Winter
On-Peak 028032 I 0 .00530
Off-Peak 028032 I 0 .00530
Super Off-Peak 0 .05588 I 0 .00530
1C5
Advice Ur. No. 4154-E
Decision No. D.22-12-056
EECC Rate +
DWR Credit
I 0 .53067 I
I 0 .1 9567 I
I 0 .09233 I
I 0 .22587 I
I 0 .1 6213 I
I 0 .08402 I
Conti nu ed
Issued by
Total
Rat e
16.00
0 .81629 I
0.48129 I
0 .15351 I
0 .51149 I
0.44 775 I
0 .14520 I
Submitted
Effective
Resolution No.
Jan 30, 2023
Mar 1, 2023
N
N
N
Cost Effectiveness Analysis: Existing Single Family Building Upgrades 57
Appendices
California Energy Codes & Standards | A statewide utility program 2024-04-25 Page 468 of 509
-
....,,/E Revised Cal. P .U .C. Sheet No_
San Diego Gas & Electnc Company
San Diego, Cal~omia Canceling Revised Cal. P .lJ.C. Sheet No. 35912-E
SCHEDULE EV-TOU -5 Slleet 4
COST-BASED DOMESTIC TIME-OF-USE FOR HOUSEHOLDS WITH ELECTRIC VEHICLES
Notes: Transmission Energy charges indude the Transmission Revenue Balancing Account Adjustment (l;RBAA) of
S(0.00242) per kWh and lhe Transmissicm Access Charge Balancing Account Adjustment (TACBAA) of S(0.01631) per
kWh. PPP Energy charges includes Low Income PPP rate (LI-PPP) S0.0 1669/kWh, Non-low Income PPP rate (Non-U
PPP) S0_00333"'Wh (pursuant to PU Code Section 399.8 , lhe Non-LI-PPP rate may not exceed January 1, 2000 levels ),
Procurement Energy Efficiency Surcl\arge Rate of SQ.00422 /kWh, Galifom1a Solar lnrtiative rate (CSI) of $0.00000/kWh
and Self-Generation Incentive Program rate (SGIP) $0.00122/kWh. The basic service fee of $16 per monlh is applied to a
customer's bil and a 50 % discount i s applied for CARE, Medical Baseline, 0< Family Electric Rate Assistance Program
(FERA) customers r esumng in their basic service fees to be SB per monlh.
Rat e Components
The Utility Distribution Company Total Rates (UDC Tota l) shown above are comprised of the following
components (if applicable): (1) Transmission (Trans) Charges, (2) Distribution (Distr) Cha rges, (3) Public
Purpose Program (PPP) Charges, (4) Nuclear Decommissioning (ND) Charge, (5) Ongoin9 Competition
Transition Cnarges (CTC). (6) Local Generation Charge (LGC), (7) Reliab ility Services (RS), and (8) the
Total Rate Adjustment Component (TRAC).
Certain Direct Access customers are exempt from the TRAC, as defined in Ru le 1 -Definitions.
Franchise Fee Differential
A Franchise Fee Differential of 5.78% will be applied to the monthly billings calculated under this
schedule for all customers w it hin the corporate limits of the City o f San Diego. Such Franchise Fee
Differential shall be so indicated and added as a separate item to &ills rendered to such customers.
T ime Peri od s :
All time periods listed are applicable to actual "clock" time)
TOU Period -Weekdays Summer Winter
On--Peak 4:00 p.m. -9:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. -9:00 p .m.
b:w a.m. -4 :UU p.m.
Off-Peak 6:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.;
9:00 p.m. -midnight Exduding 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.in March and April ;
9:00 p.m. -midnight
Super-Off-Peak M idnight -6:00 a.m. Midnight -6:00 a.m.
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. in March and Apri l
I uu t"enuu -vveeKenas Summer Winter and Ho lidays
On--Peak 4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. 4 :00 p.m. - 9 :00 p .m.
Off-Peak 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.;
9:00 p.m. -midnight
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
9 :00 p.m. -midnight
Super-Off-Peak M idnight -2:00 p_m_ Midnight -2:00 p_m_
Seasons:
Summer June 1 -October 31
Winter November 1 -May 31
Continued
4C8 Issued by Su bmitted Dec 30, 2022
Advice Llr. No. 4129-E Da n Skopec Effective Jan 1, 2023
Senior Vice President
Decision No. Regulatory Affairs Resolution No . E-5217
R,R
I
R
I
I
Cost Effectiveness Analysis: Existing Single Family Building Upgrades 58
Appendices
California Energy Codes & Standards | A statewide utility program 2024-04-25 Page 469 of 509
-
-f
s.., Die90 Gas & Elecliic; Cttnpan)'
San Diego. califmria
Orjglne l Cal. P.U.C. Sheel No. 37195-'E
Canceli ng Cal. P.U.C. Sheel No.
SCHED ULE TOU-ELIEC Sheet 11
DOMEST1IC llt,IE-OFJUSE FOR HOI..IS8HOLOS Wln-t ELECTRIC VEHICUES . EN ERGY STORAGE .
OR !ELECTRIC HEAT Pll!Jt.tPS
ARPLICABILllY
Service under this scl'ledul'e is avai lable on a volun1ary basis. for all resiidential ruslomBfS who meet one or
more of Iha tollowing c~eria: 1) require sernce for clhargi n,g or a currenlly ragi slarad Motor Va'hida. as
de'1ned by the California Motor Vehicle C-ooe, 'Whkh ris: a) a battery el.ectric VBhlcle (BEV) or plug-,ln hybrid
eleciric ve:hicle (f>HEV) recharged via a recharging ou1Jet at the customer's premises: or b ) a natural gas
\lehide (NGV) refoeled I/fa a home rerualing applian ce (HRA) al 11\e customer's premises; 2 ) have a bahind
lhe-miiler energy storage device th.at is intsrconnecied through Elednie Rule 21 ; or 3 ) have an electric heat
pump •for water lhaatlng or climate controL This sc'had ule iS not available to customa-rs with a conventional
charge sw;taining (battery teeharged so lsly from, the vehi cle"s on-board generatot) hybrid a!iicittic vehidle
(HEV).
This schedule is also available lo, customers who meet ll'le above criteria ,as wel as quality for lhe Cal ifornia
Alla-mate Rates for Energy {CARE) Program as outline<I i n Schedule E-CARE, and/or Medical IBasa!ine as
oullineo in Special Conchoon (SC) 5. The ra!es for CARE customers anc:llor Medical IBas8line are ident.-lild in
lhe rate rabies below as TOU-ELEC-CARE and TOU-8LEC-MB rates. respect iv1tty.
lbiire is a cap of 10,00CI customers w'ho may take service on lrns rats. as d.e6ned rn SC 10.
Pu.rsuan t to, o .22-·11-022. customilrs that opt-in to seheduta TOU-ElEC Within its fust year or b8in9 offered
have the qplion to return to lheir previous rate sdledule prior lo lhe 12-month imquiremenL See $C4 T ern,s
or SGl'\rioe lor a l requuaments.
CtJstomM; on Ill.is schedule may also qualify re, a sem..a.nnual California Cllmate Credit $(611'.70) per Sdiedu.e
GHG-ARR.
iERRJTORY
Wi thin lhe entire terrilory seNed by lhe utility.
RATES
Total Rates :
lltiotiptian -TOU-.El.EC Rams UDC TOUI DWRBC•
R.al1> WF0 N8C
Mcn!hty SeMCB f;ee 18..00
Summer
On-Pmk D.22228 0.00530
011°Pmk 0.22228 0.00530
Super Off~""k 0.22228 0.00530
WJnter
O..,Peak 0.22228 0,00530
Oll>Pmk 0.22228 0.00530
Super Off~""k 0.22228 0,00530
tH6
Adw:e Ur. No. 4 152-E
OedSIOfl No. 0.22-11-022
EECC Riite
0 .61588
0.14644
0.09785
0.27480
0.13323
0.08905
Conlin11ed
Issued by
T-
Rate
18.00
0.74328
0.3740:2
0.32543
0.50218
0.36081
0.31663
Submitted
ElfeciJve
Resolution l'lo.
Jan 31 . 2023
Jan 31 . 2003
N
N
N
N
Cost Effectiveness Analysis: Existing Single Family Building Upgrades 59
Appendices
California Energy Codes & Standards | A statewide utility program 2024-04-25 Page 470 of 509
-
San Diego Gas & Elecrric Canp;any
San IJiesa. ~rcrri.s
O riginal
Canoe.ling
CaL P.U.C. Sheel No.
CaL P.U.C. Sheel No.
SCHED ULE T OU-ELEC
37196-E
Sheet 2
DOMESTIC TIME-OF-USE FOR HOUSEHOLDS Wllll ELEC1RIC VEHICLES. ENERGY STORAGE.
OR ELIECTRIC HEAT PUMPS
.BAIES. ·(Conti ru.ie<J)
Description -TOU,E:LE.C CARE UDC Toial DWR IIIC ♦ TO!lal Tow
EEOC Fttu, Eff;;ctl.,. Rates Rat,, WF.JiBC Rm CARERm
Monlhly SeMCe Fee HUX! 16.00 16.00
Summer -CAR,E Rates:
OII.P<>ak 0.221158 0.00000 0.515611 0.73726 0 .. 49222
Qa.P""k 0 .221158 0.00000 0..14644 0 .36Ml2 0.2401!
&l"'f Ofl.P,ea 0.22158 0.00000 0..09735 0;31943 0.20698
Winter-CAAE Rates:
a,,,p,.,,k 0.221158 0·.00000 0.27480 DA9618 0 .32763
Cla.PRl< 0.221158 0,00000 0..13323 0.35481 0.23U1
s.,""' Otl,.Pea 0.221158 0,00000 0..08905 0.31063 0.201195
Description -TOU,E:LEC MB UDC Total DWR IIIC • Total Tow
EECC Rat,i, Elf6ctM MB Rates Rat,, WF-HBC Raia -· Monlhly SeMCe Fee HI.DO 16.00 16.00
Summer -MB Rates:
o,,,p..,,, 0 .22228 0,00000 0.515611 0.73796 0 .59037
Qa,P.,.ak 0.22228 0.00000 0..14644 0,38872 0..29498
s.,""' Ofl.Poa 0.22228 0.00000 0..09735 0:32013 0.251110
Winter -MB Ra tes:
a,,.p..,,, 0.22228 0.00000 0.27480 OA96118 0.39760
Qa.Pe.il< 0.22228 0.00000 0..1332:3 0-35551 0.28441
Silp<!f QIW'<,al 0 .22228 0.00000 0.08905 0 .31133 0.24906
Noll!:
(1) Toltlt Rates oo,.,,is1 d UOC. &hodiJi<-OWR.SC {~ cl W:tr.t Re"'°1le5 Bcnl Ctwg,,). Schedule \'IF.NBC (CA 'Mklft"'
FLnf chag!!) and Sdled:Jle· E:ECC jElec:lric Ens9)' Canm:xfily CMQ ral!ts. EECC rai..s .,., "l'f'lica~ II, bundl!,d cummon t11ly.
SeeSp:dal Ooodilla, 9roi PCIA(P<lWer Cliar~ ~hljustmenl) """'Yefl'•
(2) T olOI Roil!s P"'""""'d ,.,., lbt __,,,., lhai ...,.,;,,, oormncxliiy "'4'f'ly and di!lw,ry ~ llom UBty. o..,.,rces in tmt.ol r,,11,s
paid by Oiled! AazS> (DA) an! Canrrunity O!aice Aggr9bDn (OCA) aJslameB ""' i:!,ntifrod in Sdledi.e llA.CRS and OCA.
CRS, ,,,,spec•,.;,.
($) DWR<BC a,d WF-NBC chorg,,s do not a.l'\lly lo CA.RE or Medical B:ISl!line """1<lrlH!n.
(4 ) ltW"-"IBC raleis0Jl0530 + C111/R.SC BandOusg,, is 0.00000
2HS l!lsued by
Adw:e Llr. No. 415 2-E
DeclSiOO No. D.22-1i~
Submitted
Effective
Resolution No.
Jan 31 . 2023,
Jan 31 . 2023
N
N
N
N
Cost Effectiveness Analysis: Existing Single Family Building Upgrades 60
Appendices
California Energy Codes & Standards | A statewide utility program 2024-04-25 Page 471 of 509
-
llio(IO G.,s & IElecbic Cmnp,o11J
S.m Dw,go. Califmna
Orlglnel
Canceling
Cel. P.U.C. Sheet No.
Cel P U C Sheet No ..
SCHEDULE TOl!J-ELEC
37197-E
Sheel3
DOMESTIC TIME-OF-USE FO R HOUSEHOLDS Willi E LEClRIC VE HtCLES , ENERGY STORAGE ,
RATES (CONTINUE D)
UDC RalH
Oe5U11flm -Trmism Distr JOU-El.EC
MonlNyS-fN 18-CIO 1$11.kl )
StJmmer.
On.P .. .u 0.07340 0.10796
Ol.f'e-ak 0.07340 D.10796
~pe,OM'eak 0.07340 0.10798
Winur.
On.f' .. .u 0.07340 0.10796
OI.P .. .u 0.07340 0.10796
&ipe,Otf.l'l,al 0.07340 0.10798
Dastnplian -
TOU-ELEC • CARE Transna Dlsb:
Ribls
~S-fN
lll1.kl
,a..oo
S<Jmnl«C-6!RiE
lb lle3:
On.f'e;;k 0.07340 0 .1 0726
OI.P..,;,k 0.07340 0.10726
&!per Ot!.l'l,al 0.07340 0 .10726
W111~r ~I! Rain:
On.f'-l!'ak 0.07340 0 .10726
Ol-k 0.07340 0 .10726
&ipe,Ot!.1'1,a 0.07340 0 .10726
Deoacr(pllon -
TOU-ELEC • l&S -
T~m Dlsb:
~ SeNi>I f.M 16,.00
15'1.kl ))
5.,....,,.. -MB-Ral<l,o
On.f'-1!'.u 0.073-44) 0 .107911
OI.P ... ak 0.073-44) 0 .107911
&iper Ot!.1'1,-. 0.073441 0 .107911
W.inucr ,. M:B R:iltas
On.P ....... 0.073441 0 .107911
Ol.f'!!cl 0.0~ 0 .107911
&i.per Ot!.1'1,a 0..073-44) 0 .107911
3Htl
Adwce Llr. ND. 4 152-E
Decision No. 0.22-11-022
O R EL ECTRIC HEAT P UMPS
PPP ND CTC
D,02548 0.00007 0.00153
0,02546 0.00007 0.00153
0,02546 0 .00007 0.00153
0,02546 000007 0.00153
0·,02548 000007 0.00153
0,02548 000007 0.00153
PPP ND CTC
0.02548 0•.00007 0.00153
0.02548 0.00007 0.00153
0 .0254t 0.00007 0 .00163,
0 .0254t 0.00007 0 .00153,
0.02548 0 .00007 0 .00163,
OJl2546 0.00007 0 .00163,
PPP ND CTC
0 .0254t 11.00007 0 .00153,
0 .0254t 11.00007 0.00163,
0 .0254t 0.00007 0 .00153,
0.02548 0.00007 0.00163
0 .0254t 0.00007 0.00163
0 .0254t 0.00007 0..00 153
(Cootlnuedl
l~!IUl!d by
LGC RS
0.01383 0.00000
0.01383 0.00000
0.01383 0.00000
0.01383
0.01383
0.01383
ILGC
0.01383
0.01383
0.01383
0.0 1383
0.01383
0,0 1383
1LGC
0.01383
0.01383
0.01383
0.01383
0.0 1383
0.01383
0.00000
0.00000
0.00000
R:S
0.00003
0.00003
0.00003
0.00003
0.00000
D..00003
R:S
D..00003
0.00000
D..00003
D..00003
D..00003
D..00003
Submitted
Effective
TRAC
0.00000
0.00000
0.00000
0 .00000
0 .00000
0.00000
TRAC
0.00000
0.00000
0.00000
0.00000
0.00000
0.00000
TRAC
0 .00000
0.00000
0.00000
0.00000
0.00000
0 .00000
Resolution No.
uoc
Total
18_()1)
0.22228
0.22228
0.22228
0.22228
0.22228
0.22228
UDC
Toial
16..00
0.22161!
0.22161!
0.22161!
G.22161!
Q.22161!
0.22161!
UDC
Tot al
16..00
D.22228
G.22228
0.22228
0.22228
G.22228
0.22228
Jan 31 . 2023
Jen 3 1. 2023
N
N
N
N
Cost Effectiveness Analysis: Existing Single Family Building Upgrades 61
Appendices
California Energy Codes & Standards | A statewide utility program 2024-04-25 Page 472 of 509
-
l Cel. P.U .C . Sheet No. 37198-E
Canceling Cel. P.U .C . Sheet No.
SCHEDULE TOU-ELEC Sheel4
DOMESTIC TIME-OF-USE FOR HOUSEHOLDS WITl·t ELEClRIC VEHICLES. ENERGY STORAGE,
OR EL ECTRIC HEAT PUMPS
Note..: Tran!lrrl!l!IIOM, Energy i:narges linmJCle he Transmission R'e~ Balancing Acoan Adjuslrmnt (TRBAA) al
${0.oo2A2) per kWh and lhe Transml!ism Aooesa Charge Balan~ Aa:ol.lll f141as~ (TACSAA) of $(0.01631 ) per
kWh. PPP EnEfllY charges~ law Income PPP ra11! (LI-PPP) S0.01668/k:Wh, Non-low lnoome PPP rera (Non-U
PPP) S0..0033JJkWh (pursuant 1D PU Code Section 399.8. lhe Non-4..1-PPP ra1a may not exceed Ja,uary 1. 2000 levels).
Procurement Energy 6flcieocy SWdlerge, Rate of $0.00422 /kWh, California Soler tnitia11ve rate (CSI) cl $0.0000MWh
and Self.Generabo11, Incentive 1Pr<9am rate (SGIPj $0.00122/kWh.
Rate Component$
The Utility 0islribu'liion Company Totall IRates (UDC Total) shown above are comp,rised c:11 the ldllowing
components (ii appUcabJe): (1) Transmission (Trans) Charges, (2) Distlib<Ulion (Dislt) Oiarges.. (3) Public
P,wpose Program (PPP) Charges .. (4) Nuclear Oooommissioning (ND) Charge, (5) O"-)oin,g Competition
Tratwlion Charges (CTC), ·(6) Local Genetalion Chat9e (LGC). (7) Reliability Services (RS), and (8) lhe
Total Rate Adjustm811lCornponent (llRAC).
Certain DilectAocess.customers are !Hlempt from lhe TRAC, M def111ed in Rule 1 -Daf111ilions ..
EcaOdlist fee Piftere01,;a1
A Franchi:se Fee Differential of 5. 78% wiD be applied lo Iha monthly billings calculaled under 'thiss schedule
ror all custome<:s wilhin Ille oorporate limits ol lhe City or San Di ego. Suc:11 IFfaochiH Fee Differential shall
be so indicated a.nd added as a separale [tern lo bills rendered to sudh cus'klmer!;.
Tlm a Periods :
All time per iods listed a re applicable Lo actual "dock" lime)
TOU Period -Wae'kdayt; SummBf Wini.er
On-Peak 4 i00 Ip.m . - 9 :001rn;_ 4:00 p.m . -9i00 p•.m.
16:00a..m. -4:00p•.m. 6 :00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m,; Off.P-eak 9~00 Ip.m. -midnighl Exdlidin,g 10:00 a.rn.-2:00 p.m .i:n Marth aoo April;
'9:00 p.m. -midnight
Midnight - 6:00 am. Super-Off.P1tak Midnight -6:00 rum. 10:00 ajm. -2:00 p.m. in March andAprli
TOU Penod -Weekend~ SummBf and Holidays
On..f>-eak 4 i00 Ip.m. - 9 :00 p .m, 4:00 p.m. -9:00 p•.m.
Ott-Peak 2l00 Ip.m. - 4:00 p .rn,; 2:00p.m. - 4 :00 p-.rn.
9~00 Ip.m. -midnighl '9:00 p.m. -midnight
Super-Off..P1tak Midnigh.t -2:00 p.m. Midnight - 2:00 p .rn.
Seasons;
Summer June l -Odober 31
Winter Novernber 1 -May 3-1
Continued
4H1 Issued by
Adw:e Llr. No. 4152-E
D.22-tt-022
Winl8r
Submitted
Effective
Resolution No.
Jen 31 . 2023
Jan 31 . 2023
N
N
N
N
Cost Effectiveness Analysis: Existing Single Family Building Upgrades 62
Appendices
California Energy Codes & Standards | A statewide utility program 2024-04-25 Page 473 of 509
-
•1111111/E Revised Cal. P.U.C. Sheet No.
San Diiago Gas & Electric Company
San Diego, Califomia Canceli ng Revised Cal. P.U.C. Sheet No.
APPLICABILI TY
SCHEDULE E-CARE
CALIFORNIA AL TERNA TE RA TES F OR EN ERGY
35718-E
32576-E
Sheet 1
This schedule provides a Cal ifornia Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) discount to each of the
following types of customers listed below t hat meet the requi rements for CARE eligibility as defined
i n Ru le 1 , Definitions , and herein , and is taken 1in conjuncti on with the customer's otherwi se
a pplicable service schedule.
1) Customers residing in a permanent sing le-family accommodatio n, separately metered by
the Ullllty.
2) Multi-family dwelling units and mobile home parks supplied th rough one meter on a single
premises where the individual unit i s submetered .
3) Non -profit group living facilities.
4 ) Agricu ltural employee housing facili ties.
TERRITORY
Within the entire territory served by the Utility.
DISCOUNT
1) Residential CARE: Qualified residential CARE customers will receive a total effective
discount according to the following :
2015 2016 2017 2.018 2019 2020 and
beyond
crrect1ve 40 % 39% 38% 38% 36%R 35% Di scount
1C5
Pursuant to Commission Deci sion (D.) 15-07-001, the average effective CARE discount for
residen ti al customers will decrease 1% each year until an average effective discount of
35 % is reached in 2020.
The average effecti ve CARE discount consists of: (a) exemptions from paying the CARE
Surcharge, Department of Water Resources Bond Charge (DWR-BC ), Vehld e-G rid
Integration (VGI) costs, and Californi a Solar !I nitiati ve (CS I); (b) a 50% minimum bill relative
to Non-CARE; (c) the California Wildfire Fund Charge (WF-NBC) and (d) a separate line-T
item bill d iscount for all qualified residen ti al CARE customers wi th the exclusion of CARE
Medical Baseline customers taking service on tiered rates schedules. D.15~07-001
retai ned the rate subsi dies i n Non-CARE Medical Baseline tiered rates and ther eby a
separate line-item d iscount is provided for these GARE Medica l Baseline customers
Cont inued
Dec 30, 2021
Advice ltr. No . 3 928-E
Issued by
Dan Skopec
Submitted
Effective Jan 1, 2022
\/if"Q PrP---t;i.if'tir;,n t
Cost Effectiveness Analysis: Existing Single Family Building Upgrades 63
Appendices
California Energy Codes & Standards | A statewide utility program 2024-04-25 Page 474 of 509
-Cost Effectiveness Analysis: Existing Single Family Building Upgrades 64
Appendices
6.2.5 City of Palo Alto Utilities
Following are the CPAU electricity and natural gas tariffs applied in this study. The CPAU monthly gas rate in
$/therm was applied on a monthly basis according to the rates shown in Table 27. These rates are based on applying a
normalization curve to the October 2023 tariff based on seven years of historical gas data. The monthly service charge
applied was $14.01 per month per the November 2023 G-1 tariff.
Table 27. CPAU Monthly Gas Rate ($/therm)
Month G1 Volumetric
Total Baseline
G1 Volumetric
Total Excess
January $1.83532 $3.35639
February $1.38055 $2.59947
March $1.32506 $2.47695
April $1.29680 $2.44038
May $1.29511 $2.43804
June $1.32034 $2.45406
July $1.35688 $2.61519
August $1.40696 $2.67944
September $1.42130 $2.70301
October $1.42310 $2.48300
November $1.46286 $2.45547
December $1.62415 $2.62128
California Energy Codes & Standards | A statewide utility program 2024-04-25 Page 475 of 509
-
. A PPLICABILITY:
R ES IDENTIAL ELECTRJ C SER VICE
UT ILITY RATE SCHEDULE E-1
This Rate Schedu le applies to separately metered single-family residential dwell ings receiving
Electric Service from the City of Palo Alto Uti lities.
B. TERRJTORY:
This rate schedule applies everywhere the City of Palo Alto provides E lectric Service.
C. UNBU DLED RA TES:
Per kilowatt-hour (kWh) Commod ity
Tier l usage
Tier 2 usage
Any usage over Tier l
Minimum Bill ($/day)
D. SPECIAL NOTES:
$ 0.09999
0.13873
I. Calculation of Cost Co mpon en ts
Distribution Pub lic Benefits
$ 0.06954 $ 0.00568
0.10225 0.00568
Total
$ 0.17521
0.24666
0.4181
The actual bill amount is calculated based on the applicable rates in Section C above and
adjusted for any applicable d iscounts , surcharges and/or taxes. On a C us tomer's bill
statement, the bill amoun t may be broken down in to appropriate components as calculated
under Section C.
2 . Calculation of Usage Ti ers
T ier I Electric ity usage sha ll be calculated and billed based upon a leve l of 11 kWh per
day, prorated by M eter readi ng days of Service. As an example, for a 30-day bi ll , the Tier
I level would be 330 kWh. For further di scussion of bill calcu lation and proration , refer
to Rule and Regulation 11.
ClTY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Supersedes Sheet No E -1-1
dated 7-1-2022
O CITYOF
PALO A LTO
UTILITIES
{E nd}
Sheet o E-1-1
Effective 7-1-2023
Cost Effectiveness Analysis: Existing Single Family Building Upgrades 65
Appendices
California Energy Codes & Standards | A statewide utility program 2024-04-25 Page 476 of 509
-
F irm Service Rates
A. Tim.,..,r-D•;v (S-ll p .m .) R•le
Resi dential Time-of-Day Service
Rate Schedule R-TOD
•l'rf'.ctiwlt!I ul O'htlle Id J Of'ttlhir•li ul El'kct.lw u at fflntiwn u/
h■uryl.lOU J Jtns· I.JU• .\1a\'1.2•u J101uar, l .lGlS ~b,d.2015
IHIIMG!MINl5lh
Nu•S•nantr S tbun (Octohn-• M:ty)
s,1 lfnl lntraslrvcru.rt fl....ed Clriilrlt prr ""1fl ,A p#!'rlM.tU
lltt1rlcii1~1 l .lt -f'O.artt
P.,l$/lH~
Off.Peak SIi H"'
S ummer SrbOd (June-• Sep1mftr}
S~'Jltrd lntrascrucru.rt fi.1.-ed('kartt pb' "'°'1tA pn-mnu
ll«lril"i.l~ 11'11(t.t Cliara.e
P.,l$/1H~
Mod-l',,ak$/Hll
Off.Peak Sil it•
B. Optio na l C ritical P~'8k Pricing Rate
m.so $24.IS $24.llO W.30
SO.ISO SO.Im S0.16" $0.1678
S0.1120 $0.IIS I S0.1183 S0.1215
m.so $24.IS $2◄.llO $2S.$0
SO.l-"79 S0.33<,9 S0.3462 $0.JS57
$0.11164 $0.1914 $0.1967 $0.200 1
$0.13$0 S0.1387 SO. 14:!S $0.1464
I. The CPP R.ale base prices per time-or-<lay period arc lhe same as lhe prices per time-or-day period for TOD (S--8 p.m. ).
2. The CPP Ra1e prosidcs o discount per kWb on the M id-Peak and Off-Peak prices during summer months.
3. During CPP EvenlS. customers will be charged for ""''llY used 31 the applicable Li~r-<lay period rate plus the CPP
Ralc Event Price per k \l.'h :as :sho"'TI on www .srnud._org..
$26.20
$0.17'..A
$0.1248
$2t,.20
$0.36S5
$0.2077
$0.ISQS
4. During CPP EvenlS. energy exported lo the grid will be compensated a l the CPP Rate Event Price per kWh as shown oo
www.smud.org..
S. The CPP Rale Event Price and discount will be upda1ed annu.ally al SMUD's discn,1ion and posted on www.smud.org.
C. Plug-In Ell-d ric Veh icle CndH (r•k cafl-gorin RTOl an d RTC I)
Thi!i credit is for l"Qidcntia.l customcn. who have a licensed passenger battery electric plug-in or pl ug-in hybrid dt'Clric ,·chide.
Cred.iL appl ies lo a ll clcclric ity usage charges from midnight to 6,00 a.m. daily.
Electric Vehicle Credit.. ........................................................ -$0.0ISOlkWh
Ill. Elect ricity Usage Surcharges
Refer to the follo\\'Jng rate schedu1es for details on these: surcharges_
A. Hydro Gcnr•tion Adju5fm enl (HCA). Refor to Rate Schedule HGA.
IV. Rate OpUon Menu
A~ E:nt rgy A.ni5htncc Pn ~nm R ide. Refer to Rate Schedule EAPR.
B. Medi 0tl Eq uipmt nt Di,count Progr a m. Rder to Rate Schedule MED.
C. J oint Participation in MnliCJiJ Equipment Di~unt a nd En cr-gy Assi!!ita nce Pl"o-gr :iim Rate. Refer lo Rate Schedule
MED.
SACRAMEN TO MUNIC IPAL UTILITY D ISTRICT
Resolution No. 23-09.09 adopted September 21 , 2023
Sheet No. R-TOD-2
Effective: September 22, 2023
Cost Effectiveness Analysis: Existing Single Family Building Upgrades 66
Appendices
6.2.6 Sacramento Municipal Utilities District (Electric Only)
Following are the SMUD electricity tariffs applied in this study. The rates effective January 2023 were used.
California Energy Codes & Standards | A statewide utility program 2024-04-25 Page 477 of 509
-
. 11,ne-of-Da~ (5--8 p.m .) Rate (r111e category RT0-2)
1. The TOD (5-8 p.m.) Rate is tbe standard rate for SMUD's res_idential customers. Eligjble customers can elect the fixed
.Rate unde r Rate Schedule Ras an al ternative m1e.
2. The TOD (5-8 p.m.) .Rate is an opt ional rate for cm,tomers who have an e-ligible renewable electrical generat ion facility
under Rate Schedule NEM I that was approved for installation by SMUD prior 10 J anuary I , 2018.
3. This rate has five kilowan-h.ou:r (kWh) prices, depending on rhe rime-of-day and season as shown be low. Holi days are
de10iled in Section V . Conditions of Service.
Peak Weekdays be1ween 5:00 p.m. and 8 ,00 p.m.
S umme:r Mid-Pe11J.: Weekdays between noon and midnight ex.cept d'uring lhe
{JUl'I E -Sept 30) Pe.ak hours.
Off-Peak All othe r hours, including weekerids and '1olidays1.
on-Somme r Pe ak Weekdays belween 5:00 p.m. and 8,00 p.m.
(O c l l -May JIJ Off-Peak AH other hours, including wee kends and holidays1.
1 See Sect ion V. Condi 1ion:s o f Service
Cost Effectiveness Analysis: Existing Single Family Building Upgrades 67
Appendices
California Energy Codes & Standards | A statewide utility program 2024-04-25 Page 478 of 509
-Cost Effectiveness Analysis: Existing Single Family Building Upgrades 68
Appendices
6.2.7 Fuel Escalation Assumptions
The average annual escalation rates in Table 28 were used in this study. These are based on assumptions from the
CPUC 2021 En Banc hearings on utility costs through 2030 (California Public Utilities Commission, 2021a). Escalation
rates through the remainder of the 30-year evaluation period are based on the escalation rate assumptions within the
2022 TDV factors. No data was available to estimate electricity escalation rates for CPAU and SMUD, therefore
electricity escalation rates for PG&E and statewide natural gas escalation rates were applied. Table 29 presents the
average annual escalation rates used in the utility rate escalation sensitivity analysis shown in Section 3.2.4. Rates
were applied for the same 30-year period and are based on the escalation rate assumptions within the 2025 LSC
factors from 2027 through 2053.28 These rates were developed for electricity use statewide (not utility-specific) and
assume steep increases in gas rates in the latter half of the analysis period. Data was not available for the years 2024,
2025, and 2026 and so the CPUC En Banc assumptions were applied for those years using the average rate across
the three IOUs for statewide electricity escalation.
Table 28: Real Utility Rate Escalation Rate Assumptions, CPUC En Banc and 2022 TDV
Basis
Statewide Natural
Gas Residential
Average Rate
(%/year, real)
Electric Residential Average Rate
(%/year, real)
PG&E SCE SDG&E
2024 4.6% 1.8% 1.6% 2.8%
2025 4.6% 1.8% 1.6% 2.8%
2026 4.6% 1.8% 1.6% 2.8%
2027 4.6% 1.8% 1.6% 2.8%
2028 4.6% 1.8% 1.6% 2.8%
2029 4.6% 1.8% 1.6% 2.8%
2030 4.6% 1.8% 1.6% 2.8%
2031 2.0% 0.6% 0.6% 0.6%
2032 2.4% 0.6% 0.6% 0.6%
2033 2.1% 0.6% 0.6% 0.6%
2034 1.9% 0.6% 0.6% 0.6%
2035 1.9% 0.6% 0.6% 0.6%
2036 1.8% 0.6% 0.6% 0.6%
2037 1.7% 0.6% 0.6% 0.6%
2038 1.6% 0.6% 0.6% 0.6%
2039 2.1% 0.6% 0.6% 0.6%
2040 1.6% 0.6% 0.6% 0.6%
2041 2.2% 0.6% 0.6% 0.6%
2042 2.2% 0.6% 0.6% 0.6%
2043 2.3% 0.6% 0.6% 0.6%
2044 2.4% 0.6% 0.6% 0.6%
2045 2.5% 0.6% 0.6% 0.6%
2046 1.5% 0.6% 0.6% 0.6%
2047 1.3% 0.6% 0.6% 0.6%
2048 1.6% 0.6% 0.6% 0.6%
2049 1.3% 0.6% 0.6% 0.6%
2050 1.5% 0.6% 0.6% 0.6%
2051 1.8% 0.6% 0.6% 0.6%
2052 1.8% 0.6% 0.6% 0.6%
2053 1.8% 0.6% 0.6% 0.6%
28https://www.energy.ca.gov/files/2025-energy-code-hourly-factors. Actual escalation factors were provided by consultants E3.
California Energy Codes & Standards | A statewide utility program 2024-04-25 Page 479 of 509
-Cost Effectiveness Analysis: Existing Single Family Building Upgrades 69
Appendices
Table 29: Real Utility Rate Escalation Rate Assumptions, 2025 LSC Basis
Year
Statewide Natural
Gas Residential
Average Rate
(%/year, real)
Statewide
Electricity
Residential
Average Rate
(%/year, real)
2024 4.6% 2.1%
2025 4.6% 2.1%
2026 4.6% 2.1%
2027 4.2% 0.6%
2028 3.2% 1.9%
2029 3.6% 1.6%
2030 6.6% 1.3%
2031 6.7% 1.0%
2032 7.7% 1.2%
2033 8.2% 1.1%
2034 8.2% 1.1%
2035 8.2% 0.9%
2036 8.2% 1.1%
2037 8.2% 1.1%
2038 8.2% 1.0%
2039 8.2% 1.1%
2040 8.2% 1.1%
2041 8.2% 1.1%
2042 8.2% 1.1%
2043 8.2% 1.1%
2044 8.2% 1.1%
2045 8.2% 1.1%
2046 8.2% 1.1%
2047 3.1% 1.1%
2048 -0.5% 1.1%
2049 -0.6% 1.1%
2050 -0.5% 1.1%
2051 -0.6% 1.1%
2052 -0.6% 1.1%
2053 -0.6% 1.1%
California Energy Codes & Standards | A statewide utility program 2024-04-25 Page 480 of 509
-Cost Effectiveness Analysis: Existing Single Family Building Upgrades 70
Appendices
Get In Touch
The adoption of reach codes can differentiate jurisdictions as efficiency leaders and help accelerate the
adoption of new equipment, technologies, code compliance, and energy savings strategies.
As part of the Statewide Codes & Standards Program, the Reach Codes Subprogram is a resource available to
any local jurisdiction located throughout the state of California.
Our experts develop robust toolkits as well as provide specific technical assistance to local jurisdictions (cities
and counties) considering adopting energy reach codes. These include Cost-effectiveness research and
analysis, model ordinance language and other code development and implementation tools, and specific
technical assistance throughout the code adoption process.
If you are interested in finding out more about local energy reach codes, the Reach Codes Team stands ready
to assist jurisdictions at any stage of a reach code project.
Visit LocalEnergyCodes.com to Contact info@localenergycodes.com Follow us on LinkedIn
access our resources and sign up for no-charge assistance from expert
for newsletters. Reach Code advisors
California Energy Codes & Standards | A statewide utility program 2024-04-25 Page 481 of 509
Page 482 of 509
Application of the 2022
Studies to the 2025
Energy Code: Existing Single Family Building Upgrades
Prepared by:
Frontier Energy, Inc
Misti Bruceri & Associates, LLC
Prepared for:
Kelly Cunningham, Codes and
Standards Program, Pacific Gas
and Electric
Revision: 1.0
Last modified: 2025/09/18
Page 483 of 509
2025 Energy Code: Existing Single Family Building Upgrades
1
2025/09/18
Table 1 Summary of Revisions
Date Description Reference (page or section)
8/15/2025 Original Release N/A
9/18/2025 Minor updates to text, no change to results Various
Legal Notice
This report was prepared by
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
and funded by the California utility
customers under the auspices of
the California Public Utilities
Commission.
Copyright 2025, Pacific Gas and
Electric Company. All rights
reserved, except that this
document may be used, copied,
and distributed without
modification.
Neither PG&E nor any of its
employees makes any warranty,
express or implied; or assumes
any legal liability or responsibility
for the accuracy, completeness or
usefulness of any data,
information, method, product,
policy or process disclosed in this
document; or represents that its
use will not infringe any privately-
owned rights including, but not
limited to, patents, trademarks or
copyrights.
Page 484 of 509
2025 Energy Code: Existing Single Family Building Upgrades
2
2025/09/18
Acronym List
B/C – Lifecycle Benefit-to-Cost
Ratio
CASE – Codes and Standards
Enhancement
CFL – Compact Fluorescent
Lamps
CPAU – City of Palo Alto Utilities
CPUC – California Public Utilities
Commission
CZ – California Climate Zone
kWh – Kilowatt Hour
NPV – Net Present Value
PG&E – Pacific Gas and Electric
Company
PV – Photovoltaic
SCE – Southern California
Edison
SDG&E – San Diego Gas and
Electric
SMUD – Sacramento Municipal
Utility District
SoCalGas – Southern California
Gas Company
Therm – Unit for quantity of heat
that equals 100,000 British
thermal units
Page 485 of 509
2025 Energy Code: Existing Single Family Building Upgrades
1
2025/09/18
Table of Contents
1 Summary ...................................................................................................................... 2
2 Air Sealing at the Ceiling ............................................................................................. 4
3 Lighting Measures ..................................................................................................... 10
4 Water Heating Package .............................................................................................. 14
5 PV ................................................................................................................................ 15
6 References ................................................................................................................. 22
List of Tables
Table 1 Summary of Revisions ............................................................................................. 1
Table 2. [Pre-1978] Air Sealing at the Ceiling (Std) ............................................................... 4
Table 3. [1978-1991] Air Sealing at the Ceiling (Std) ............................................................ 5
Table 4. [1992-2010] Air Sealing at the Ceiling (Std) ............................................................ 6
Table 5. [Pre-1978] Air Sealing at the Ceiling (CARE) .......................................................... 7
Table 6. [1978-1991] Air Sealing at the Ceiling (CARE) ........................................................ 8
Table 7. [1991-2010] Air Sealing at the Ceiling (CARE) ........................................................ 9
Table 8. [All Vintages] LED Lamp vs. CFL ........................................................................... 11
Table 9. [All Vintages] Exterior Photosensor ........................................................................12
Table 10. [All Vintages] LED and Photosensor ....................................................................13
Table 11. [All Vintages] Water Heating Package ..................................................................14
Table 12. [Pre-1978] 3 kW PV without Solar Tax Credit (Std) ..............................................16
Table 13. [1978-1991] 3 kW PV without Solar Tax Credit (Std) ...........................................17
Table 14. [1992-2010] 3 kW PV without Solar Tax Credit (Std) ............................................18
Table 15. [Pre-1978] 3 kW PV without Solar Tax Credit (CARE) ..........................................19
Table 16. [1978-1991] 3 kW PV without Solar Tax Credit (CARE) .......................................20
Table 17. [1992-2010] 3 kW PV without Solar Tax Credit (CARE) .......................................21
List of Figures
No table of figures entries found.
Page 486 of 509
2025 Energy Code: Existing Single Family Building Upgrades
2
2025/09/18
1 Summary
The California Codes and Standards (C&S) Reach Codes program provides technical
support to local governments considering adopting a local ordinance (reach code) intended
to support meeting local and/or statewide energy efficiency and greenhouse gas reduction
goals. The program facilitates adoption and implementation of the code when requested by
local jurisdictions by providing resources such as cost-effectiveness studies, model
language, sample findings, and other supporting documentation.
In April 2024, the Statewide Reach Codes Team published the 2022 Cost-Effectiveness
Study: Existing Single Family Building Upgrades. This study focuses on existing single
family buildings (including duplexes and townhomes) identifying cost-effective measures
and measure package upgrades in all 16 California climate zones. The study was conducted
to complement Part 6 of the California Building Code (the Energy Code) for the 2022 code
cycle, effective January 1, 2023. In the 2019 code cycle the 2019 Cost-Effectiveness Study:
Existing Single Family Residential Building Upgrades study included outdoor lighting and a
water heater package that was discontinued in the 2022 study but has been brought back in
this memo by request from jurisdictions. The studies document the estimated costs,
benefits, energy impacts and greenhouse gas emission reductions that may result from
implementing an ordinance to help local leadership, residents, and other stakeholders make
informed policy decisions.
The Statewide Reach Codes Team reviewed the cost-effectiveness study for impacts of
code changes implemented in the 2025 Energy Code. Measures that are now required by
code may alter the results presented in the 2022 study. Below is a summary of the changes
to the additions and alterations for residential buildings sections of the 2025 Energy Code.
• Mandatory wall insulation R-value has been increased from R-13 to R-15. [Section
150.2(a) of the Energy Code]
• Prescriptive window U-factor has decreased from 0.30 to 0.27 in Climate Zones 1-5,
11 -14, and 16. [Section 150.2(b)1B of the Energy Code]
The wall insulation measure has been re-evaluated with R-15 instead of R-13. There is
generally a slight increase in utility cost savings as expected with the increase in efficiency.
However, there is not a substantial impact on the cost-effectiveness results.
For the prescriptive window U-factor, the original study modeled U-0.28 in all climate zones.
This updated memo drops the U-factor from 0.28 to 0.27 in all climate zones. The SHGC is
maintained at 0.23 for climate zone 2, 4, and 6-15 and 0.35 for CZ 1, 3, 5, 16. There is
minimal impact on the cost-effectiveness results due to this update. However, there are two
instances in the 1978-1991 vintage where cost-effectiveness flips from cost-effective to not
cost-effective. Climate zone 4 in PGE territory utilizing standard rates and the modest gas
escalation is no longer cost-effective on-bill by the smallest margin. Climate zone 10 in
SDGE territory utilizing CARE rates and the modest gas escalation has also become no
longer cost-effective on-bill.
Page 487 of 509
2025 Energy Code: Existing Single Family Building Upgrades
3
2025/09/18
The 2022 study included a whole building air sealing measure defined as a 30% reduction in
air leakage. A new measure – air sealing of the ceiling floor, representing a 14% reduction in
air leakage – is added in this memo. Further details and cost-effectiveness results are
provided in Section 2.
Lighting measures were previously presented in the 2019 Cost-Effectiveness Study: Existing
Single Family Residential Building Upgrades study but were not analyzed in the 2022 study.
Updated cost-effectiveness analysis for this measure is presented in Section 3.
The water heating package measure was previously presented in 2019 Cost-Effectiveness
Study: Existing Single Family Residential Building Upgrades study. Updated cost-
effectiveness analysis for this measure is presented in Section 4.
The 3 kW PV measure from the 2022 study is revised here with an updated cost-
effectiveness analysis that accounts for the elimination of the Federal Solar tax credit
December 31, 2025. Additional details and analysis are provided in Section 5.
The 2022 report, model ordinance language and other resources are posted on the C&S
Reach Codes Program website at LocalEnergyCodes.com. Local jurisdictions that are
considering adopting an ordinance may contact the program for further technical support at
info@localenergycodes.com.
Page 488 of 509
2025 Energy Code: Existing Single Family Building Upgrades
4
2025/09/18
2 Air Sealing at the Ceiling
Unlike full air sealing, which has previously been presented, air sealing of the ceiling floor
may be an attractive measure for an attic remodel project. The whole building air sealing
measure estimated a 30% reduction in air leakage, while air sealing at the ceiling measure
results in a 14% reduction in air leakage.
Table 2 through Table 7 present the cost-effectiveness results for the air sealing at the
ceiling plane measure. The estimated incremental cost for air sealing at the ceiling plane is
$1,963 which is from the 2022 Residential Additions and Alterations CASE Report
(Statewide CASE Team, 2020).
Table 2. [Pre-1978] Air Sealing at the Ceiling (Std)
Climate
Zone
Electric/ Gas
Utility
First
Incremental
Cost
First-year
Utility
Savings
Lifecycle NPV Savings
2025
LSC NPV
On-Bill NPV
Modest Gas
Escalation
On-Bill NPV
High Gas
Escalation
CZ01 PGE $1,963 $33 ($465) ($997) ($432)
CZ02 PGE $1,963 $18 ($1,114) ($1,433) ($1,118)
CZ03 PGE $1,963 $17 ($1,180) ($1,463) ($1,171)
CZ04 PGE $1,963 $25 ($1,081) ($1,290) ($979)
CZ04 CPAU $1,963 $21 ($1,081) ($1,379) ($1,069)
CZ05 PGE $1,963 $16 ($1,230) ($1,500) ($1,235)
CZ05 PGE/SCG $1,963 $14 ($1,230) ($1,555) ($1,325)
CZ06 SCE/SCG $1,963 ($2) ($1,797) ($1,987) ($1,937)
CZ07 SDGE $1,963 ($3) ($1,813) ($2,008) ($1,934)
CZ08 SCE/SCG $1,963 $7 ($1,680) ($1,775) ($1,703)
CZ09 SCE/SCG $1,963 $10 ($1,597) ($1,693) ($1,592)
CZ10 SCE/SCG $1,963 $17 ($1,497) ($1,540) ($1,420)
CZ10 SDGE $1,963 $23 ($1,497) ($1,366) ($1,237)
CZ11 PGE $1,963 $32 ($1,014) ($1,120) ($816)
CZ12 PGE $1,963 $22 ($1,147) ($1,348) ($1,064)
CZ12 SMUD/PGE $1,963 $17 ($1,147) ($1,468) ($1,190)
CZ13 PGE $1,963 $31 ($1,114) ($1,162) ($918)
CZ14 SCE/SCG $1,963 $32 ($897) ($1,130) ($832)
CZ14 SDGE $1,963 $42 ($897) ($845) ($519)
CZ15 SCE/SCG $1,963 $40 ($1,297) ($1,041) ($946)
CZ16 PGE $1,963 $30 ($581) ($1,071) ($551)
Page 489 of 509
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Table 3. [1978-1991] Air Sealing at the Ceiling (Std)
Climate
Zone
Electric/ Gas
Utility
First
Incremental
Cost
First-year
Utility
Savings
Lifecycle NPV Savings
2025
LSC NPV
On-Bill NPV
Modest Gas
Escalation
On-Bill NPV
High Gas
Escalation
CZ01 PGE $1,963 $23 ($931) ($1,292) ($903)
CZ02 PGE $1,963 $13 ($1,364) ($1,570) ($1,341)
CZ03 PGE $1,963 $10 ($1,480) ($1,668) ($1,496)
CZ04 PGE $1,963 $16 ($1,330) ($1,522) ($1,292)
CZ04 CPAU $1,963 $13 ($1,330) ($1,575) ($1,356)
CZ05 PGE $1,963 $11 ($1,447) ($1,649) ($1,466)
CZ05 PGE/SCG $1,963 $10 ($1,447) ($1,684) ($1,522)
CZ06 SCE/SCG $1,963 ($1) ($1,830) ($1,967) ($1,934)
CZ07 SDGE $1,963 ($4) ($1,896) ($2,040) ($1,991)
CZ08 SCE/SCG $1,963 $4 ($1,797) ($1,860) ($1,813)
CZ09 SCE/SCG $1,963 $5 ($1,747) ($1,823) ($1,764)
CZ10 SCE/SCG $1,963 $10 ($1,663) ($1,722) ($1,652)
CZ10 SDGE $1,963 $14 ($1,663) ($1,603) ($1,517)
CZ11 PGE $1,963 $25 ($1,264) ($1,320) ($1,096)
CZ12 PGE $1,963 $16 ($1,380) ($1,520) ($1,314)
CZ12 SMUD/PGE $1,963 $12 ($1,380) ($1,604) ($1,402)
CZ13 PGE $1,963 $23 ($1,364) ($1,373) ($1,199)
CZ14 SCE/SCG $1,963 $22 ($1,230) ($1,397) ($1,182)
CZ14 SDGE $1,963 $28 ($1,230) ($1,212) ($974)
CZ15 SCE/SCG $1,963 $32 ($1,463) ($1,225) ($1,154)
CZ16 PGE $1,963 $21 ($1,014) ($1,357) ($1,001)
Page 490 of 509
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Table 4. [1992-2010] Air Sealing at the Ceiling (Std)
Climate
Zone
Electric/ Gas
Utility
First
Incremental
Cost
First-year
Utility
Savings
Lifecycle NPV Savings
2025
LSC NPV
On-Bill NPV
Modest Gas
Escalation
On-Bill NPV
High Gas
Escalation
CZ01 PGE $1,963 $14 ($1,314) ($1,550) ($1,309)
CZ02 PGE $1,963 $9 ($1,530) ($1,687) ($1,529)
CZ03 PGE $1,963 $7 ($1,613) ($1,744) ($1,618)
CZ04 PGE $1,963 $11 ($1,530) ($1,653) ($1,501)
CZ04 CPAU $1,963 $9 ($1,530) ($1,701) ($1,557)
CZ05 PGE $1,963 $7 ($1,613) ($1,759) ($1,637)
CZ05 PGE/SCG $1,963 $6 ($1,613) ($1,788) ($1,686)
CZ06 SCE/SCG $1,963 $1 ($1,863) ($1,936) ($1,911)
CZ07 SDGE $1,963 $0 ($1,896) ($1,944) ($1,911)
CZ08 SCE/SCG $1,963 $3 ($1,830) ($1,885) ($1,851)
CZ09 SCE/SCG $1,963 $3 ($1,780) ($1,892) ($1,853)
CZ10 SCE/SCG $1,963 $6 ($1,763) ($1,814) ($1,767)
CZ10 SDGE $1,963 $8 ($1,763) ($1,741) ($1,681)
CZ11 PGE $1,963 $14 ($1,530) ($1,581) ($1,437)
CZ12 PGE $1,963 $10 ($1,580) ($1,693) ($1,560)
CZ12 SMUD/PGE $1,963 $8 ($1,580) ($1,737) ($1,606)
CZ13 PGE $1,963 $12 ($1,580) ($1,643) ($1,531)
CZ14 SCE/SCG $1,963 $12 ($1,530) ($1,639) ($1,503)
CZ14 SDGE $1,963 $16 ($1,530) ($1,537) ($1,382)
CZ15 SCE/SCG $1,963 $17 ($1,680) ($1,572) ($1,532)
CZ16 PGE $1,963 $14 ($1,314) ($1,556) ($1,314)
Page 491 of 509
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Table 5. [Pre-1978] Air Sealing at the Ceiling (CARE)
Climate
Zone
Electric/ Gas
Utility
First
Incremental
Cost
First-year
Utility
Savings
Lifecycle NPV Savings
2025
LSC NPV
On-Bill NPV
Modest Gas
Escalation
On-Bill NPV
High Gas
Escalation
CZ01 PGE $1,963 $26 ($465) ($1,212) ($766)
CZ02 PGE $1,963 $14 ($1,114) ($1,550) ($1,302)
CZ03 PGE $1,963 $13 ($1,180) ($1,574) ($1,343)
CZ04 PGE $1,963 $18 ($1,081) ($1,459) ($1,216)
CZ04 CPAU $1,963 $0 ($1,081) ($1,963) ($1,963)
CZ05 PGE $1,963 $12 ($1,230) ($1,604) ($1,395)
CZ05 PGE/SCG $1,963 $11 ($1,230) ($1,648) ($1,467)
CZ06 SCE/SCG $1,963 ($1) ($1,797) ($1,969) ($1,928)
CZ07 SDGE $1,963 ($1) ($1,813) ($1,976) ($1,918)
CZ08 SCE/SCG $1,963 $5 ($1,680) ($1,824) ($1,768)
CZ09 SCE/SCG $1,963 $8 ($1,597) ($1,764) ($1,686)
CZ10 SCE/SCG $1,963 $12 ($1,497) ($1,659) ($1,566)
CZ10 SDGE $1,963 $16 ($1,497) ($1,546) ($1,443)
CZ11 PGE $1,963 $23 ($1,014) ($1,353) ($1,116)
CZ12 PGE $1,963 $17 ($1,147) ($1,503) ($1,279)
CZ12 SMUD/PGE $1,963 $11 ($1,147) ($1,623) ($1,406)
CZ13 PGE $1,963 $22 ($1,114) ($1,394) ($1,205)
CZ14 SCE/SCG $1,963 $23 ($897) ($1,352) ($1,120)
CZ14 SDGE $1,963 $30 ($897) ($1,163) ($905)
CZ15 SCE/SCG $1,963 $27 ($1,297) ($1,334) ($1,266)
CZ16 PGE $1,963 $24 ($581) ($1,270) ($859)
Page 492 of 509
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Table 6. [1978-1991] Air Sealing at the Ceiling (CARE)
Climate
Zone
Electric/ Gas
Utility
First
Incremental
Cost
First-year
Utility
Savings
Lifecycle NPV Savings
2025
LSC NPV
On-Bill NPV
Modest Gas
Escalation
On-Bill NPV
High Gas
Escalation
CZ01 PGE $1,963 $18 ($931) ($1,442) ($1,135)
CZ02 PGE $1,963 $10 ($1,364) ($1,658) ($1,477)
CZ03 PGE $1,963 $8 ($1,480) ($1,734) ($1,598)
CZ04 PGE $1,963 $12 ($1,330) ($1,627) ($1,446)
CZ04 CPAU $1,963 $0 ($1,330) ($1,963) ($1,963)
CZ05 PGE $1,963 $8 ($1,447) ($1,719) ($1,575)
CZ05 PGE/SCG $1,963 $7 ($1,447) ($1,746) ($1,619)
CZ06 SCE/SCG $1,963 ($0) ($1,830) ($1,959) ($1,933)
CZ07 SDGE $1,963 ($2) ($1,896) ($2,003) ($1,964)
CZ08 SCE/SCG $1,963 $3 ($1,797) ($1,886) ($1,848)
CZ09 SCE/SCG $1,963 $4 ($1,747) ($1,859) ($1,813)
CZ10 SCE/SCG $1,963 $7 ($1,663) ($1,790) ($1,736)
CZ10 SDGE $1,963 $10 ($1,663) ($1,710) ($1,641)
CZ11 PGE $1,963 $18 ($1,264) ($1,500) ($1,325)
CZ12 PGE $1,963 $12 ($1,380) ($1,631) ($1,469)
CZ12 SMUD/PGE $1,963 $8 ($1,380) ($1,716) ($1,558)
CZ13 PGE $1,963 $16 ($1,364) ($1,545) ($1,411)
CZ14 SCE/SCG $1,963 $16 ($1,230) ($1,545) ($1,378)
CZ14 SDGE $1,963 $20 ($1,230) ($1,422) ($1,233)
CZ15 SCE/SCG $1,963 $22 ($1,463) ($1,460) ($1,410)
CZ16 PGE $1,963 $16 ($1,014) ($1,491) ($1,211)
Page 493 of 509
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Table 7. [1991-2010] Air Sealing at the Ceiling (CARE)
Climate
Zone
Electric/ Gas
Utility
First
Incremental
Cost
First-year
Utility
Savings
Lifecycle NPV Savings
2025
LSC NPV
On-Bill NPV
Modest Gas
Escalation
On-Bill NPV
High Gas
Escalation
CZ01 PGE $1,963 $11 ($1,314) ($1,642) ($1,452)
CZ02 PGE $1,963 $7 ($1,530) ($1,749) ($1,625)
CZ03 PGE $1,963 $6 ($1,613) ($1,793) ($1,693)
CZ04 PGE $1,963 $8 ($1,530) ($1,729) ($1,609)
CZ04 CPAU $1,963 $0 ($1,530) ($1,963) ($1,963)
CZ05 PGE $1,963 $5 ($1,613) ($1,804) ($1,708)
CZ05 PGE/SCG $1,963 $5 ($1,613) ($1,827) ($1,747)
CZ06 SCE/SCG $1,963 $1 ($1,863) ($1,940) ($1,920)
CZ07 SDGE $1,963 $0 ($1,896) ($1,944) ($1,918)
CZ08 SCE/SCG $1,963 $2 ($1,830) ($1,905) ($1,879)
CZ09 SCE/SCG $1,963 $2 ($1,780) ($1,908) ($1,878)
CZ10 SCE/SCG $1,963 $4 ($1,763) ($1,855) ($1,819)
CZ10 SDGE $1,963 $6 ($1,763) ($1,805) ($1,758)
CZ11 PGE $1,963 $10 ($1,530) ($1,685) ($1,572)
CZ12 PGE $1,963 $7 ($1,580) ($1,759) ($1,654)
CZ12 SMUD/PGE $1,963 $5 ($1,580) ($1,802) ($1,700)
CZ13 PGE $1,963 $9 ($1,580) ($1,732) ($1,644)
CZ14 SCE/SCG $1,963 $9 ($1,530) ($1,722) ($1,615)
CZ14 SDGE $1,963 $11 ($1,530) ($1,652) ($1,529)
CZ15 SCE/SCG $1,963 $12 ($1,680) ($1,696) ($1,667)
CZ16 PGE $1,963 $11 ($1,314) ($1,645) ($1,454)
Page 494 of 509
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3 Lighting Measures
LED lighting and exterior lighting control measures were previously evaluated in the 2019
Cost-Effectiveness Study: Existing Single Family Residential Building Upgrades study.
These measures are not included in the 2022 Cost-Effectiveness Study: Existing Single
Family Building Upgrades study, but have been re-evaluated and included in this memo.
The updated analysis follows the same methodology as the 2019 study, but with updated
costs for equipment and updated utility rates.
The three measures evaluated are LED lighting, exterior photosensor, and LED lighting plus
photosensor. Table 8 through Table 10 show the results for the different lighting measures
evaluated. Each measure is explained in more detail below.
LED Lighting: Replace screw-in (A-based for lamps) incandescent lamps and compact
fluorescent lamps (CFLs) with light-emitting diode (LED) A-lamps. This analysis was
conducted external to the energy model and evaluated replacement of a 13 W CFL lamp
with an 9.6 W LED lamp operating 620 hours annually. Annual hour estimates were based
on whole building average hours of operation from a 2010 lighting study by KEMA (KEMA,
2010). Lifetime assumptions were 10,000 hours for CFLs and 25,000 hours for LED lamps.
For incremental cost calculations it was assumed CFLs have a lifetime of 15 years, are
installed five years prior to the retrofit, and would need to be replaced at year ten and 25.
Exterior Lighting Controls/Photosensor: Evaluation of exterior lighting controls was
completed on a per-luminaire basis external to the energy model and assumes a screw-in
photosensor control is installed in outdoor lighting luminaires. Energy savings of 12.1 kWh
per year was applied based on analysis done by the Consortium for Energy Efficiency,
assuming LED lamps, 2.6 hours per day of operation, and that photosensor controls reduce
operating hours on average 20 percent each day (CEE, 2014). Energy savings will be
higher for incandescent or CFL luminaires.
Exterior Lighting Controls/Photosensor+LED: An additional evaluation was completed
for exterior lighting controls on a per-luminaire basis external to the energy model and
assumes a screw-in photosensor control is installed in outdoor lighting luminaires and
incandescent lamps CFLs are replaced with light-emitting diode (LED) A-lamps. Energy
savings of 14.3 kWh per year was applied based on the sum of the LED lighting and
Exterior Lighting Controls with Photosensor kWh energy savings.
For the measures including a LED, a cost of $3.49 for LED dimmable A19 lamp 60 W
equivalent is used. A cost of $1.74 is used for an equivalent CFL product which was used to
estimate total replacement costs at years 10 and 25. Costs are based on a single LED lamp
replacement. For the photosensor, an incremental cost of $12.62, based on a screw-in
photosensor control, was obtained from an on-line product search of available products. A
five-year lifetime for this type of control was assumed.
Page 495 of 509
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Table 8. [All Vintages] LED Lamp vs. CFL
Climate
Zone
Electric/ Gas
Utility
Measure
Cost
Electricity
Savings
First Year
Utility
Cost
Savings
Customer On-Bill
Modest Gas Escalation
Customer On-Bill
High Gas Escalation
B/C Ratio NPV B/C Ratio NPV
CZ01 PGE $1.75 2.2 $0.77 10.05 $15.82 10.58 $16.74
CZ02 PGE $1.75 2.2 $0.86 11.26 $17.94 11.85 $18.98
CZ03 PGE $1.75 2.2 $0.78 10.14 $15.99 10.68 $16.92
CZ04 PGE $1.75 2.2 $0.80 10.39 $16.42 10.94 $17.38
CZ04 CPAU $1.75 2.2 $0.41 5.32 $7.56 5.60 $8.05
CZ05 PGE $1.75 2.2 $0.78 10.14 $15.99 10.67 $16.92
CZ05 PGE/SCG $1.75 2.2 $0.78 10.14 $15.99 10.67 $16.92
CZ06 SCE/SCG $1.75 2.2 $0.66 8.44 $13.01 8.99 $13.97
CZ07 SDGE $1.75 2.2 $0.95 13.15 $21.24 13.03 $21.04
CZ08 SCE/SCG $1.75 2.2 $0.74 9.51 $14.89 10.14 $15.98
CZ09 SCE/SCG $1.75 2.2 $0.71 9.17 $14.29 9.77 $15.33
CZ10 SCE/SCG $1.75 2.2 $0.73 9.38 $14.65 9.99 $15.72
CZ10 SDGE $1.75 2.2 $1.07 14.86 $24.24 14.74 $24.02
CZ11 PGE $1.75 2.2 $0.85 11.05 $17.57 11.63 $18.59
CZ12 PGE $1.75 2.2 $0.79 10.32 $16.29 10.86 $17.24
CZ12 SMUD/PGE $1.75 2.2 $0.47 6.08 $8.88 6.40 $9.44
CZ13 PGE $1.75 2.2 $0.86 11.27 $17.96 11.86 $19.00
CZ14 SCE/SCG $1.75 2.2 $0.74 9.58 $15.00 10.21 $16.10
CZ14 SDGE $1.75 2.2 $1.06 14.68 $23.93 14.56 $23.71
CZ15 SCE/SCG $1.75 2.2 $0.78 10.01 $15.75 10.66 $16.90
CZ16 PGE $1.75 2.2 $0.77 9.98 $15.71 10.51 $16.62
Page 496 of 509
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Table 9. [All Vintages] Exterior Photosensor
Climate
Zone
Electric/ Gas
Utility
Measure
Cost
Electricity
Savings
First Year
Utility
Cost
Savings
Customer On-Bill
Modest Gas Escalation
Customer On-Bill
High Gas Escalation
B/C Ratio NPV B/C
Ratio NPV
CZ01 PGE $54.03 12.1 $4.16 1.75 $40.75 1.85 $45.74
CZ02 PGE $54.03 12.1 $4.16 1.75 $40.75 1.85 $45.74
CZ03 PGE $54.03 12.1 $4.16 1.75 $40.75 1.85 $45.74
CZ04 PGE $54.03 12.1 $4.16 1.75 $40.75 1.85 $45.74
CZ04 CPAU $54.03 12.1 $2.12 0.89 ($5.69) 0.94 ($3.15)
CZ05 PGE $54.03 12.1 $4.16 1.75 $40.75 1.85 $45.74
CZ05 PGE/SCG $54.03 12.1 $4.16 1.75 $40.75 1.85 $45.74
CZ06 SCE/SCG $54.03 12.1 $3.48 1.45 $24.36 1.55 $29.48
CZ07 SDGE $54.03 12.1 $5.07 2.27 $68.58 2.25 $67.53
CZ08 SCE/SCG $54.03 12.1 $3.48 1.45 $24.36 1.55 $29.48
CZ09 SCE/SCG $54.03 12.1 $3.48 1.45 $24.36 1.55 $29.48
CZ10 SCE/SCG $54.03 12.1 $3.48 1.45 $24.36 1.55 $29.48
CZ10 SDGE $54.03 12.1 $5.07 2.27 $68.58 2.25 $67.53
CZ11 PGE $54.03 12.1 $4.16 1.75 $40.75 1.85 $45.74
CZ12 PGE $54.03 12.1 $4.16 1.75 $40.75 1.85 $45.74
CZ12 SMUD/PGE $54.03 12.1 $1.46 0.62 ($20.73) 0.65 ($18.98)
CZ13 PGE $54.03 12.1 $4.16 1.75 $40.75 1.85 $45.74
CZ14 SCE/SCG $54.03 12.1 $3.48 1.45 $24.36 1.55 $29.48
CZ14 SDGE $54.03 12.1 $5.07 2.27 $68.58 2.25 $67.53
CZ15 SCE/SCG $54.03 12.1 $3.48 1.45 $24.36 1.55 $29.48
CZ16 PGE $54.03 12.1 $4.16 1.75 $40.75 1.85 $45.74
Page 497 of 509
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Table 10. [All Vintages] LED and Photosensor
Climate
Zone
Electric/ Gas
Utility
Measure
Cost
Electricity
Savings
First Year
Utility Cost
Savings
Customer On-Bill
Modest Gas Escalation
Customer On-Bill High
Gas Escalation
B/C Ratio NPV B/C Ratio NPV
CZ01 PGE $55.77 14.3 $4.93 2.01 $56.57 2.12 $62.48
CZ02 PGE $55.77 14.3 $5.02 2.05 $58.70 2.16 $64.72
CZ03 PGE $55.77 14.3 $4.94 2.02 $56.74 2.12 $62.66
CZ04 PGE $55.77 14.3 $4.95 2.03 $57.17 2.13 $63.12
CZ04 CPAU $55.77 14.3 $2.53 1.03 $1.87 1.09 $4.90
CZ05 PGE $55.77 14.3 $4.94 2.02 $56.74 2.12 $62.66
CZ05 PGE/SCG $55.77 14.3 $4.94 2.02 $56.74 2.12 $62.66
CZ06 SCE/SCG $55.77 14.3 $4.13 1.67 $37.37 1.78 $43.45
CZ07 SDGE $55.77 14.3 $6.02 2.61 $89.82 2.59 $88.57
CZ08 SCE/SCG $55.77 14.3 $4.22 1.70 $39.25 1.82 $45.46
CZ09 SCE/SCG $55.77 14.3 $4.19 1.69 $38.65 1.80 $44.82
CZ10 SCE/SCG $55.77 14.3 $4.21 1.70 $39.01 1.81 $45.20
CZ10 SDGE $55.77 14.3 $6.14 2.66 $92.82 2.64 $91.55
CZ11 PGE $55.77 14.3 $5.00 2.05 $58.33 2.15 $64.33
CZ12 PGE $55.77 14.3 $4.95 2.02 $57.05 2.13 $62.98
CZ12 SMUD/PGE $55.77 14.3 $1.93 0.79 ($11.85) 0.83 ($9.54)
CZ13 PGE $55.77 14.3 $5.02 2.05 $58.71 2.16 $64.73
CZ14 SCE/SCG $55.77 14.3 $4.22 1.71 $39.37 1.82 $45.58
CZ14 SDGE $55.77 14.3 $6.13 2.66 $92.51 2.64 $91.24
CZ15 SCE/SCG $55.77 14.3 $4.26 1.72 $40.12 1.83 $46.38
CZ16 PGE $55.77 14.3 $4.92 2.01 $56.46 2.12 $62.36
Page 498 of 509
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4 Water Heating Package
This package includes the following:
• R-6 water heater blanket
• R-3 hot water pipe insulation
• Low flow fixtures: two low flow showerheads and three sink aerators.
This analysis assumes the homeowner installs these measures themselves and therefore
no labor costs. Costs are based on Home Depot prices from August of 2025. The water
heater package is evaluated over a 15-year analysis period and assumes the modest gas
escalation rate.
Table 11 . [All Vintages] Water Heating Package
Climate
Zone
Electric/ Gas
Utility
Measure
Cost
Gas
Savings
(therms)
Customer On-Bill
First Year Utility
Cost Savings B/C Ratio NPV
CZ01 PGE $125.68 14.69 $31.11 3.96 $371.76
CZ02 PGE $125.68 15.60 $35.20 4.48 $437.15
CZ03 PGE $125.68 15.70 $31.43 4.00 $376.88
CZ04 PGE $125.68 16.05 $32.62 4.15 $395.78
CZ04 CPAU $125.68 16.05 $31.99 4.07 $385.77
CZ05 PGE $125.68 15.83 $31.37 3.99 $375.88
CZ05 PGE/SCG $125.68 15.83 $28.29 3.60 $326.59
CZ06 SCE/SCG $125.68 16.67 $29.18 3.71 $340.84
CZ07 SDGE $125.68 16.75 $37.25 4.74 $469.81
CZ08 SCE/SCG $125.68 16.78 $29.36 3.74 $343.80
CZ09 SCE/SCG $125.68 16.66 $29.27 3.72 $342.34
CZ10 SCE/SCG $125.68 16.58 $28.99 3.69 $337.73
CZ10 SDGE $125.68 16.58 $37.77 4.80 $478.19
CZ11 PGE $125.68 15.87 $32.96 4.19 $401.32
CZ12 PGE $125.68 15.90 $32.85 4.18 $399.47
CZ12 SMUD/PGE $125.68 15.90 $32.85 4.18 $399.47
CZ13 PGE $125.68 16.32 $33.00 4.20 $401.93
CZ14 SCE/SCG $125.68 16.11 $29.79 3.79 $350.57
CZ14 SDGE $125.68 16.11 $39.23 4.99 $501.49
CZ15 SCE/SCG $125.68 17.40 $30.16 3.84 $356.50
CZ16 PGE $125.68 15.14 $31.75 4.04 $381.87
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5 PV
The results for 3 kW PV have been updated from the 2022 study to remove the federal solar
tax credit from the cost-effectiveness calculations. The removal of the solar tax credit has a
substantial impact on many climate zones across all vintages and will impact the FlexPath.
The following describes the impacts and changes to cost-effectiveness from the 2022 study.
These observations are utilizing standard rates. Previously, with the solar tax credit, the 3
kW PV measure in the pre-1978 vintage was on-bill cost effective in all climate zones using
both the modest and high gas escalation rates. However, with the credit removed, Climate
Zones 1-3, 5, 6, and 12 are no longer cost effective on-bill for both the modest and high gas
escalations.
Previously for the 1978-1991 vintage the only cases that were not on-bill cost effective were
climate zones 2 and 6 utilizing the modest gas escalation. Now, with the credit removed,
many more climate zones are no longer cost effective. Using the modest gas escalation,
climate zones 1-3, 5, 6, 12, and 16 are not cost effective on-bill. Using the high gas
escalation, climate zones 1-3, 5, 6, and 12 (SMUD) are not cost effective on-bill.
Previously for the 1992-2010 vintage the following cases were not cost effective on-bill:
climate zones 1-3, 5, and 6 utilizing the modest gas escalation and climate zone 6 using the
high gas escalation. With the credit removed an increased number of climate zones are no
longer cost effective. Using the modest gas escalation, climate zones 1-3, 4 (PGE) 5-9, 10
(SCE/SCG),12, and 16 are not cost effective on-bill. Using the high gas escalation, climate
zones 1-3, 4 (PGE), 5-7, 9, 12, and 16 are not cost effective on-bill.
The cost-effectiveness results are presented in Table 12 through Table 1717.
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Table 12. [Pre-1978] 3 kW PV without Solar Tax Credit (Std)
Climate
Zone
Electric/ Gas
Utility
First
Incremental
Cost
On-Bill Savings
On-Bill B/C
Modest Gas
Escalation
On-Bill NPV
Modest Gas
Escalation
On-Bill B/C
High Gas
Escalation
On-Bill NPV
High Gas
Escalation
CZ01 PGE $13,726 0.80 ($3,074) 0.85 ($2,410)
CZ02 PGE $13,726 0.80 ($3,072) 0.85 ($2,409)
CZ03 PGE $13,726 0.77 ($3,567) 0.81 ($2,930)
CZ04 PGE $13,726 1.11 $1,652 1.16 $2,564
CZ04 CPAU $13,726 1.38 $5,983 1.45 $7,123
CZ05 PGE $13,726 0.78 ($3,431) 0.82 ($2,786)
CZ05 PGE/SCG $13,726 0.78 ($3,431) 0.82 ($2,786)
CZ06 SCE/SCG $13,726 0.87 ($2,118) 0.92 ($1,231)
CZ07 SDGE $13,726 1.31 $4,886 1.30 $4,711
CZ08 SCE/SCG $13,726 1.30 $4,655 1.38 $5,984
CZ09 SCE/SCG $13,726 1.18 $2,821 1.26 $4,030
CZ10 SCE/SCG $13,726 1.29 $4,622 1.38 $5,948
CZ10 SDGE $13,726 1.99 $15,550 1.97 $15,284
CZ11 PGE $13,726 1.55 $8,684 1.64 $9,967
CZ12 PGE $13,726 1.07 $1,117 1.13 $2,002
CZ12 SMUD/PGE $13,726 0.93 ($1,109) 0.98 ($342)
CZ13 PGE $13,726 1.80 $12,597 1.90 $14,085
CZ14 SCE/SCG $13,726 1.58 $9,098 1.68 $10,717
CZ14 SDGE $13,726 2.15 $17,983 2.13 $17,695
CZ15 SCE/SCG $13,726 2.24 $19,477 2.39 $21,774
CZ16 PGE $13,726 1.04 $579 1.09 $1,435
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Table 13. [1978-1991] 3 kW PV without Solar Tax Credit (Std)
Climate
Zone
Electric/ Gas
Utility
First
Incremental
Cost
On-Bill Savings
On-Bill B/C
Modest Gas
Escalation
On-Bill NPV
Modest Gas
Escalation
On-Bill B/C
High Gas
Escalation
On-Bill NPV
High Gas
Escalation
CZ01 PGE $13,726 0.77 ($3,570) 0.81 ($2,932)
CZ02 PGE $13,726 0.71 ($4,549) 0.75 ($3,963)
CZ03 PGE $13,726 0.74 ($4,106) 0.78 ($3,497)
CZ04 PGE $13,726 1.00 $7 1.05 $833
CZ04 CPAU $13,726 1.35 $5,517 1.42 $6,633
CZ05 PGE $13,726 0.75 ($3,985) 0.79 ($3,369)
CZ05 PGE/SCG $13,726 0.75 ($3,985) 0.79 ($3,369)
CZ06 SCE/SCG $13,726 0.73 ($4,249) 0.78 ($3,501)
CZ07 SDGE $13,726 1.17 $2,623 1.16 $2,466
CZ08 SCE/SCG $13,726 1.20 $3,086 1.27 $4,313
CZ09 SCE/SCG $13,726 1.09 $1,487 1.17 $2,609
CZ10 SCE/SCG $13,726 1.18 $2,884 1.26 $4,097
CZ10 SDGE $13,726 1.85 $13,356 1.84 $13,108
CZ11 PGE $13,726 1.41 $6,420 1.48 $7,583
CZ12 PGE $13,726 0.97 ($512) 1.02 $287
CZ12 SMUD/PGE $13,726 0.93 ($1,109) 0.98 ($342)
CZ13 PGE $13,726 1.63 $9,953 1.72 $11,302
CZ14 SCE/SCG $13,726 1.42 $6,655 1.52 $8,115
CZ14 SDGE $13,726 2.00 $15,653 1.98 $15,386
CZ15 SCE/SCG $13,726 1.94 $14,686 2.06 $16,670
CZ16 PGE $13,726 0.95 ($737) 1.00 $49
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Table 14. [1992-2010] 3 kW PV without Solar Tax Credit (Std)
Climate
Zone
Electric/ Gas
Utility
First
Incremental
Cost
On-Bill Savings
On-Bill B/C
Modest Gas
Escalation
On-Bill NPV
Modest Gas
Escalation
On-Bill B/C
High Gas
Escalation
On-Bill NPV
High Gas
Escalation
CZ01 PGE $13,726 0.71 ($4,475) 0.75 ($3,885)
CZ02 PGE $13,726 0.73 ($4,198) 0.77 ($3,593)
CZ03 PGE $13,726 0.72 ($4,411) 0.76 ($3,817)
CZ04 PGE $13,726 0.80 ($3,121) 0.84 ($2,459)
CZ04 CPAU $13,726 1.16 $2,477 1.22 $3,433
CZ05 PGE $13,726 0.73 ($4,299) 0.76 ($3,700)
CZ05 PGE/SCG $13,726 0.73 ($4,299) 0.76 ($3,700)
CZ06 SCE/SCG $13,726 0.61 ($6,143) 0.65 ($5,520)
CZ07 SDGE $13,726 0.94 ($931) 0.93 ($1,057)
CZ08 SCE/SCG $13,726 0.98 ($242) 1.05 $767
CZ09 SCE/SCG $13,726 0.88 ($1,890) 0.94 ($988)
CZ10 SCE/SCG $13,726 0.96 ($676) 1.02 $305
CZ10 SDGE $13,726 1.51 $8,054 1.50 $7,852
CZ11 PGE $13,726 1.10 $1,569 1.16 $2,477
CZ12 PGE $13,726 0.80 ($3,169) 0.84 ($2,510)
CZ12 SMUD/PGE $13,726 0.93 ($1,109) 0.98 ($342)
CZ13 PGE $13,726 1.27 $4,170 1.33 $5,215
CZ14 SCE/SCG $13,726 1.15 $2,295 1.22 $3,470
CZ14 SDGE $13,726 1.66 $10,386 1.65 $10,164
CZ15 SCE/SCG $13,726 1.37 $5,788 1.46 $7,191
CZ16 PGE $13,726 0.81 ($3,006) 0.85 ($2,338)
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Table 15. [Pre-1978] 3 kW PV without Solar Tax Credit (CARE)
Climate
Zone
Electric/ Gas
Utility
First
Incremental
Cost
On-Bill Savings
On-Bill B/C
Modest Gas
Escalation
On-Bill NPV
Modest Gas
Escalation
On-Bill B/C
High Gas
Escalation
On-Bill NPV
High Gas
Escalation
CZ01 PGE $13,726 0.62 ($6,030) 0.65 ($5,522)
CZ02 PGE $13,726 0.64 ($5,707) 0.67 ($5,182)
CZ03 PGE $13,726 0.60 ($6,344) 0.63 ($5,853)
CZ04 PGE $13,726 0.83 ($2,725) 0.87 ($2,042)
CZ05 PGE $13,726 0.60 ($6,266) 0.63 ($5,771)
CZ05 PGE/SCG $13,726 0.60 ($6,266) 0.63 ($5,771)
CZ06 SCE/SCG $13,726 0.71 ($4,578) 0.75 ($3,852)
CZ07 SDGE $13,726 0.71 ($4,508) 0.71 ($4,604)
CZ08 SCE/SCG $13,726 0.97 ($483) 1.03 $510
CZ09 SCE/SCG $13,726 0.90 ($1,530) 0.96 ($605)
CZ10 SCE/SCG $13,726 0.97 ($465) 1.03 $530
CZ10 SDGE $13,726 1.19 $3,032 1.18 $2,872
CZ11 PGE $13,726 1.07 $1,150 1.13 $2,036
CZ12 PGE $13,726 0.79 ($3,324) 0.83 ($2,673)
CZ13 PGE $13,726 1.23 $3,587 1.29 $4,601
CZ14 SCE/SCG $13,726 1.17 $2,662 1.25 $3,861
CZ14 SDGE $13,726 1.28 $4,436 1.27 $4,264
CZ15 SCE/SCG $13,726 1.57 $8,962 1.67 $10,572
CZ16 PGE $13,726 0.79 ($3,342) 0.83 ($2,692)
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Table 16. [1978-1991] 3 kW PV without Solar Tax Credit (CARE)
Climate
Zone
Electric/ Gas
Utility
First
Incremental
Cost
On-Bill Savings
On-Bill B/C
Modest Gas
Escalation
On-Bill NPV
Modest Gas
Escalation
On-Bill B/C
High Gas
Escalation
On-Bill NPV
High Gas
Escalation
CZ01 PGE $13,726 0.60 ($6,343) 0.63 ($5,851)
CZ02 PGE $13,726 0.56 ($6,845) 0.59 ($6,380)
CZ03 PGE $13,726 0.57 ($6,757) 0.60 ($6,287)
CZ04 PGE $13,726 0.76 ($3,715) 0.80 ($3,085)
CZ05 PGE $13,726 0.57 ($6,686) 0.60 ($6,213)
CZ05 PGE/SCG $13,726 0.57 ($6,686) 0.60 ($6,213)
CZ06 SCE/SCG $13,726 0.61 ($6,195) 0.64 ($5,575)
CZ07 SDGE $13,726 0.62 ($6,004) 0.61 ($6,087)
CZ08 SCE/SCG $13,726 0.91 ($1,483) 0.96 ($555)
CZ09 SCE/SCG $13,726 0.85 ($2,368) 0.90 ($1,497)
CZ10 SCE/SCG $13,726 0.90 ($1,597) 0.96 ($676)
CZ10 SDGE $13,726 1.10 $1,560 1.09 $1,413
CZ11 PGE $13,726 0.98 ($295) 1.03 $515
CZ12 PGE $13,726 0.72 ($4,320) 0.76 ($3,722)
CZ13 PGE $13,726 1.12 $1,893 1.18 $2,818
CZ14 SCE/SCG $13,726 1.07 $1,051 1.14 $2,144
CZ14 SDGE $13,726 1.18 $2,878 1.17 $2,719
CZ15 SCE/SCG $13,726 1.37 $5,735 1.45 $7,135
CZ16 PGE $13,726 0.74 ($4,126) 0.78 ($3,517)
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Table 17. [1992-2010] 3 kW PV without Solar Tax Credit (CARE)
Climate
Zone
Electric/ Gas
Utility
First
Incremental
Cost
On-Bill Savings
On-Bill B/C
Modest Gas
Escalation
On-Bill NPV
Modest Gas
Escalation
On-Bill B/C
High Gas
Escalation
On-Bill NPV
High Gas
Escalation
CZ01 PGE $13,726 0.56 ($6,963) 0.59 ($6,504)
CZ02 PGE $13,726 0.26 ($11,640) 0.20 ($12,611)
CZ03 PGE $13,726 0.55 ($6,997) 0.58 ($6,540)
CZ04 PGE $13,726 0.62 ($5,900) 0.66 ($5,385)
CZ05 PGE $13,726 0.56 ($6,932) 0.59 ($6,471)
CZ05 PGE/SCG $13,726 0.56 ($6,932) 0.59 ($6,471)
CZ06 SCE/SCG $13,726 0.51 ($7,652) 0.55 ($7,127)
CZ07 SDGE $13,726 0.48 ($8,115) 0.48 ($8,180)
CZ08 SCE/SCG $13,726 0.78 ($3,430) 0.83 ($2,629)
CZ09 SCE/SCG $13,726 0.72 ($4,462) 0.76 ($3,728)
CZ10 SCE/SCG $13,726 0.76 ($3,748) 0.81 ($2,968)
CZ10 SDGE $13,726 0.86 ($2,225) 0.85 ($2,340)
CZ11 PGE $13,726 0.79 ($3,259) 0.83 ($2,605)
CZ12 PGE $13,726 0.63 ($5,876) 0.66 ($5,359)
CZ13 PGE $13,726 0.89 ($1,678) 0.94 ($941)
CZ14 SCE/SCG $13,726 0.89 ($1,676) 0.95 ($761)
CZ14 SDGE $13,726 0.95 ($838) 0.94 ($964)
CZ15 SCE/SCG $13,726 0.99 ($142) 1.06 $873
CZ16 PGE $13,726 0.63 ($5,850) 0.66 ($5,333)
Page 506 of 509
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6 References
California Energy Commission. (2017). Rooftop Solar PV System. Measure number: 2019-
Res-PV-D Prepared by Energy and Environmental Economics, Inc. Retrieved from
https://efiling.energy.ca.gov/getdocument.aspx?tn=221366
California Energy Commission. (2021b). Final Express Terms for the Proposed Revisions to
the 2022 Energy Code Reference Appendices. Retrieved from
https://efiling.energy.ca.gov/Lists/DocketLog.aspx?docketnumber=21-BSTD-01
California Energy Commission. (2023). 2025 Energy code Hourly Factors. Retrieved from
https://www.energy.ca.gov/files/2025-energy-code-hourly-factors
California Energy Commission. (2023). Draft 2025 Energy Code Express Terms. Retrieved
from
https://efiling.energy.ca.gov/GetDocument.aspx?tn=252915&DocumentContentId=88
051
California Public Utilities Commission. (2021a). Utility Costs and Affordability of the Grid of
the Future: An Evaluation of Electric Costs, Rates, and Equity Issues Pursuant to
P.U. Code Section 913.1. Retrieved from https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/-/media/cpuc-
website/divisions/office-of-governmental-affairs-division/reports/2021/senate-bill-695-
report-2021-and-en-banc-whitepaper_final_04302021.pdf
California Public Utilities Commission. (2021b). Database for Energy-Efficient resources
(DEER2021 Update). Retrieved April 13, 2021, from
http://www.deeresources.com/index.php/deer-versions/deer2021
E-CFR. (2020). https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-
bin/retrieveECFR?gp=&SID=8de751f141aaa1c1c9833b36156faf67&mc=true&n=pt1
0.3.431&r=PART&ty=HTML#se10.3.431_197. Retrieved from Electronic Code of
Federal Regulations: https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-
bin/retrieveECFR?gp=&SID=8de751f141aaa1c1c9833b36156faf67&mc=true&n=pt1
0.3.431&r=PART&ty=HTML#se10.3.431_197
Statewide CASE Team. (2020). Residential Energy Savings and Process Improvements for
Additions and Alterations.
Statewide CASE Team. (2023). Multifamily Domestic Hot Water. Retrieved from
https://title24stakeholders.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2025_T24_CASE-
Report-_MF-DHW-Final-1.pdf
Statewide CASE Team. (2023). Residential HVAC PErformance. Retrieved from
https://title24stakeholders.com/wp-
content/uploads/2023/11/Revised_2025_T24_Final-CASE-Report-RES-HVAC -
Performance.pdf
Page 507 of 509
2025 Energy Code: Existing Single Family Building Upgrades
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Statewide Reach Codes Team. (2021). 2019 Cost-Effectiveness Study: Existing Single
Family Residential Buidling Upgrades. Retrieved from
https://localenergycodes.com/content/resources
Page 508 of 509
2025 Energy Code: Existing Single Family Building Upgrades
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Get In Touch
The adoption of reach codes can differentiate
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Revision: 1.0
Last modified: 2025/09/18
Page 509 of 509
2025 Building and Fire Code Adoption
City Council Meeting
11/18/25
Timmi Tway –Community Development Director
Ian Livingston –Acting Building Official
Todd Tuggle –Fire Chief
Josh Daniel –Fire Marshal
Recommendation
Staff Recommends the adoption of two ordinances:
Ordinance 1:Adopt the latest California Building Standards
Code, including the new Wildland-Urban Interface Code
Ordinance 2:Make local amendments to the Energy Code to
support the City’s climate goals by continuing the “Energy
Efficient Alterations” program
State Code Adoption
City is required to adopt the 2025 California Building
Standards Code (effective January 1, 2026)
Updates across building, fire, energy, and green building
standards.
Staff also proposes re-adopting the Uniform Housing Code
(1997), Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous
Buildings (1997), and International Property Maintenance
Code (2024) with amendments
Staff recommending limited local amendments
What’s New in 2025?
AB 130
California enacted AB 130 in 2025
Establishes a moratorium on state and local government
amendments to residential building standards unless they meet
narrow exceptions (Oct 2025–June 2031)
Emergency standards, home hardening, local standards already in
place, changes necessary to align with General Plan
Intended to increase housing production and affordability by
creating predictability
Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Code
State released first edition of WUI Code this year
Contains building hardening standards, water supply and fire access
requirements, defensible space requirements and other provisions to
minimize fire spread.
City staff recommend adopting it “as is” with clarifications that:
Defensible space (Chapter 6) applies only in the Very High Fire Hazard
Severity Zone.
Home-Hardening (Chapter 5) is applied to the whole city.
Violations may be enforced administratively.
Outdated definitions in the Municipal Code replaced with the adoption of WUI
Code
Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Code (cont.)
WUI establishes Zones for defensible space
around buildings
The City will automatically adopt the upcoming
“Zone 0” defensible space rules (0–5 feet from a
structure) once finalized by the State.
NEW CHANGE:
ALL new construction and remodels must now meet
building-hardening standards. Signed on 10/15/25
(SFM EF 01-25)
Energy Code and CalGreen Updates
2025 California Energy Code advances electrification and efficiency
Electric HVAC and water heating prescriptively required in new
homes
Updated solar and battery standards
Updated electric readiness requirements
2025 CalGreen Code
Adds EV charging infrastructure
Introduces embodied carbon reduction requirements for large
buildings
Content of Proposed Code
Local Amendments
Health & Safety Code §17958 - local amendments must be
justified by climatic, geological, or topographical conditions
Re-adoptions of existing City standards that remain necessary and
are compliant with AB 130 (grandfathered and substantially
equivalent)
New local amendments limited to:
Amendment of existing energy retrofit regulations for residential
remodels
Fire sprinkler requirements for certain EV installations
Energy Code Amendments (Existing Homes)
Update local amendments for major additions and alterations to
single-family homes, continuing Energy Efficient Alterations
Program
Key updates:
Shifts from a square footage to a project valuation threshold:
$100,000 → Electric-readiness upgrades
$200,000 → Energy-efficiency retrofits
Exempts homes built after 1992, where upgrades are no longer
cost-effective
Measures remain cost-effective and energy-saving under State analysis
Aligns with AB 130 exemptions and cost-effectiveness studies
Energy Code Amendments
Staff recommends returning to
Council in summer 2026 with
potential local amendments to
standards for new multi-family
and non-residential buildings,
and additions and alterations
for multi-family residential and
non-residential buildings.
Fire Code Amendment (EV Chargers)
Requirement for enhanced fire sprinkler
density (Extra Hazard II) in commercial
parking garages
Installing Level 3 or higher, EV chargers
Applies only around parking spaces with
EV chargers, not the entire structure.
Does not apply to single-family homes or
mechanical-access garages.
Improves public and firefighter safety in
buildings with occupied spaces above
parking garages
Firehouse Magazine 06-20-2023
New WUI Code
•Contains
•building hardening standards
•water supply and fire access requirements
•defensible space requirements
•other provisions to minimize fire spread.
Chapter 3
WUI Areas
Chapter 4
Fire Access and
Water Supply
Standards
Chapter 5
Building Construction
and Hardening
Standards
Chapter 6
Fire Protection Plans,
Landscape Plans, and
Defensible Space
Applicable
Zones
All Fire Hazard
Severity Zones
(FHSZs)
All Fire Hazard
Severity Zones
(FHSZs)
Citywide
Very High Fire Hazard
Severity Zones
(VHFHSZs)
Applicable
Scope
Fire service access to
subdivisions and new
development
New Construction
+ remodels on
buildings built after
July 1, 2008
New landscaping +
existing landscaping
within 100 feet of
buildings
New Construction
and
additions/remodels
Implementation and Next Steps
Implementation of WUI
Enforce state-adopted defensible space requirements in the
VHFHSZ using a complaint-based/reactive method, with an initial
objective of education
The Fire Department will
offer a fee-based voluntary
inspection program and
will continue to seek external
funding to create a subsidy
for voluntary inspections.
•Core City Communications Channels and Tools slocity.org, news stories,
email updates, social media campaigns, explainer videos on social media
and Channel 20, media outreach, Ask SLO
•Partnerships HOAs, landscapers’ networks, Downtown SLO, SLO Chamber
of Commerce, Developer’s Roundtable, neighborhood groups and
community-based organizations, trade associations, property management
groups
•Paid advertisements: TV, radio, print, social media, online search, apps
•Creation of Checklists and Guides: plant/tree guides, development review
checklists, guides for garden suppliers and companies, unified webpage with
all information
WUI Code Public Engagement and Education
WUI Implementation and Public Engagement
•Fire Prevention and Safety (FEMA) Grant (60K) for 2 Community Risk
Reduction (CRR)Interns
•HR and FD are working on finalizing the Job Description
•Will be posting job flyer soon and hosting interviews!
Other Code Implementation Resources
Staff training through California Association of
Building Officials (CALBO) and regional energy
networks (3C-REN)
Public education for homeowners on new WUI and
defensible space rules
Checklists and guides
Information at the Counter
Unified webpage
Technical assistance for energy code compliance,
and rebates and incentives for electric upgrades via
3CE and 3C-REN
California Safe Homes Grant Program – AB 888
•Passed this year
•Creates grant funding to help homeowners harden homes (fire
safe roofs, 5-foot defensible space zone)
•Focuses support on low-income homeowners in high-risk fire
zones
•Helps homeowners qualify for wildfire-mitigation insurance
discounts
•Strengthens long-term insurability in wildfire-prone areas
•Supports communitywide wildfire-risk reduction
•City will continue to monitor progress of implementation of bill
Recommendation & Next Steps
Council introduce recommended ordinances
2nd reading and adoption – December 2, 2025
Submit to CA Building Standards Commission for approval (non-
energy amendments)
Submit to CA Energy Commission (energy amendments)
Main building code updates take effect January 1, 2026
Energy amendments effective February or March 2026
Next Steps for City Council
Future agenda items:
Ordinance updating tree
regulations to support
defensible space requirements
study session on prohibition of
subdivision in VHFSZ
public hearing on additional
energy efficiency requirements
Recommendation
Staff Recommends the adoption of two ordinances:
Ordinance 1: Adopt the latest California Building Standards
Code, including the new Wildland-Urban Interface Code
Ordinance 2: Make local amendments to the Energy Code to
support the City’s climate goals by continuing the “Energy
Efficient Alterations” program
Questions?
Municipal Code Restructure
Chapters 15.02 (Building Codes Adopted) and 15.04 (Construction and
Fire Regulation Amendments) will be replaced with 2025 code language
and restructured for clarity, organization, and transparency
Each adopted code (Building, Fire, Energy, WUI, etc.) will have a
dedicated section, with corresponding local amendments listed in 15.04
Sections without existing or proposed amendments will be “Reserved”
Key Guiding Policies
Land Use Element:
Policy LU 9.7 – Sustainable Design: Energy and resource-efficient
Policy LU 9.12 – Building Code Update: Update energy efficiency and EV charging
Conservation and Open Space Element:
Goal COSE 4.2 – Sustainable Energy Use: Increase renewable energy use
Climate Adaptation and Safety Element:
Policy HE-4.3 – Green and Healthy Buildings: Create safe, low-carbon, buildings
Fire Safety Policies:
Policy FI-5.4 – Fire-Smart Buildings: Require new and rebuilt structures in fire
hazard zones to meet State fire safety standards, use ignition-resistant materials
Policy FI-5.19 – Fire Protection Plans: Detailed fire protection plans in WUI
Climate Action Commitments:
Resolution 11159 (2020) – Climate Action Plan for Community Recovery
Resolution 11381 (2022) – Develop equitable, cost-effective electrification retrofit
policies for additions and alterations
Policy Context
Adoption of CAL FIRE’s 2025 Fire Hazard Severity Zone Maps
•Ordinance 1748 (2025) adopted new FHSZ designations
2025-27 Major City Goal Work Program
•Implement State Fire Hazard Severity Zone Maps and related
requirements (tasks 4.1.c and 4.1.d)
•Adopt and implement the 2025 Buildings Standards Code,
which includes the WUI Code (task 4.3.c)
Climate Adaptation and Safety Element of the General Plan
•Fire Smart Buildings and High or Very High FHSZs (FI-5.2)
•WUI Defensible Space & Home Hardening Program (FI-5.15)
•Fire Protection Plans for New Development (FI-5.19)
27
California maps Fire Hazard
Severity Zones (FHSZs) based
on factors such as fuel, slope,
fire weather, and (since 2025)
wind and ember cast.
•March 10, 2025: California
released updated FHSZ maps
for San Luis Obispo.
•June 17, 2025: City Council
adopted new designations
Designations cannot be
reduced by City
28 28
In 2025, the City went from
38 to 8,782 parcels in FHSZs.
Fire Hazards are Increasing in San Luis Obispo
City Parcels Designated in FHSZs (2025)
•Pre-1800’s, under indigenous
stewardship California burned 4.5 million
acres per year
•Today, 12.7%of Californians live in a
WUI zone
•2025 Palisades and Eaton
•30 fatalities
•16,000+ structures destroyed
•at least $28 billion in property losses
30
Photo by the Atlantic of the Palisades fire
Four Components of Wildfire
Risk
32 32
WUI Code is Part 7 of 12 Parts
Previous il Action
33 33
34 34
•City is required to adopt the WUI Code
•Can only make more restrictive
•Can assist in clarity
•Staff's recommendation:
•Adopt the WUI Code "as is"
WUI:
Wildfire Urban Interface
Includes all Fire Hazard
Severity Zones
35
FHSZ:
Fire Hazard Severity Zones
Includes Moderate (yellow),
High (orange), and Very High
(red)
36
VHFHSZ:
Very High Fire Hazard
Severity Zones
37
Fuel Modification
Zones:
Defined areas around a building
with prescriptive defensible
space objectives, including:
•Zone 0
•Zone 1
•Zone 2
38
39 39
Chapter 3
WUI Areas
Chapter 4
Fire Access and
Water Supply
Standards
Chapter 5
Building Construction
and Hardening
Standards
Chapter 6
Fire Protection Plans,
Landscape Plans, and
Defensible Space
Applicable
Zones
All Fire Hazard
Severity Zones
(FHSZs)
All Fire Hazard
Severity Zones
(FHSZs)
Citywide
Very High Fire Hazard
Severity Zones
(VHFHSZs)
Applicable
Scope
Fire service access to
subdivisions and new
development
New Construction
+ remodels on
buildings built after
July 1, 2008
New landscaping +
existing landscaping
within 100 feet of
buildings
40 40
41 41
Strategic Next Step #1:
Revise the definition of “Wildland-Urban
Interface Fire Area” in the municipal code to
include all FHSZ as defined by state law.
42 42
Strategic Next Step #2:
Include minor WUI-code related
updates in the City’s engineering
standards update in Fall 2025 / Winter
2026 to align with the WUI Code.
43 43
Applies to new development
and construction in all
FHSZs
44 44
SLO FD
at the Palisades Fire
45
Why building hardening, defensible
space, and access are essential
Graphic by Beverly Hills Fire
What is building hardening?
46
Protected |
Graphic by Scientific American 180
47
What is building hardening?
Meant to increase fire
resistance of structures
through requirements for:
•Building materials
•Roofs and eaves
•Underfloor enclosure
•Door and window
48 48
Applies to new development and
construction citywide
•New Buildings
•Remodels/additions to homes built after
7/1/2008, and only the project area
needs to comply.
•Chapter 5 will only impact projects with
building permit. Will not apply
retroactively to existing structures if no
changes to the structure are proposed.
Building hardening compliance will be
confirmed through building permit
process (e.g. plan check and inspections).
Will begin upon adoption of the WUI code
on January 1, 2026.
To support compliance, the City will
continue to train internal staff and support
ongoing education for external stakeholders.
49 49
50 50
Strategic Next Step #3:
a) Adopt Chapter 5 of the WUI
Code as-is
b) Carry over any local
amendments to the building
that have previously been
adopted
c) Make necessary conforming
amendments to Title 15
51 51
Image source:
USA Today
53 53
Chapter 6 focuses on mitigating
fire hazards outside of buildings
through:
•Fire Protection Plans and
Vegetation Plans for new
development
•Verification and enforcement of
ongoing defensible space
maintenance
Photo by CAL FIRE
54 54
Strategic Next Step #4:
Include an amendment to WUI Code
Chapter 6 that clarifies that its provisions
only apply to parcels in VHFHSZs.
Applies to Very High Fire
Hazard Severity Zones
Fire Protection Plans
(Section 602)
Applicable to new
construction in VHFHSZs.
The WUI Code authorizes the City to require a Fire Protection Plan for a
new construction project in the VHFHSZ.
56 56
A Fire Protection Plan must address:
•Size and nature of project
•Map identifying fuel modification
zones,proposed plants, access routes
•Reducing vegetation around access and
evacuation routes, common areas
•Legally binding statements regarding community
responsibility for maintenance of fuel zones
•Fire Protection Plans are most
applicable to subdivisions and
larger scale developments
•The City’s current entitlement
review process for subdivisions
and larger developments
already requires information in
a Fire Protection Plan
57 57
Strategic Next Step #5:
Require Fire Protection Plans for
subdivisions and larger scale development
projects as part of the building permit process
58 58
Vegetation Plan (Section
603)
Applicable to new construction
and all new plantings in
VHFHSZs.
Landscape plan example provided by Ten Over Studio
•Sets the standard for new
plantings of vegetation in
VHFSZ
•Defines fire-smart
vegetation (shrubs, trees)
•Specifies planting distances and
maintenance within 30 feet of
buildings
61 61
Photo by Yana Valchovic
Limb Branches
Strategic Next Step #6:
Require a Landscape Plan for all
new landscaping associated with
a project that requires a building
permit within a VHFHSZ.
62 62
Maintenance of Defensible Space (Section 604)
Applies to all parcels including new
and existing structures in VHFHSZs.
64 64
65 65
Fuel Modification Zones:
Zone 0 = 0-5 ft (DRAFT): Ember-
Resistant Zone around the structure, kept
free of all combustible material.
Zone 1 = 5-30 ft : Fuel Reduction Zone,
where fuel is reduced and fire-resistant
plants are used.
Zone 2 = 30-100 ft: Reduced Fuel Zone,
focuses on maintaining space and
reducing vegetation height to slow fire
spread, with increased spacing on slopes
and where vegetation is more flammable
Zone 1 and Zone 2
regulations are
enforceable now for all
parcels in VHFHSZ.
Zone 0 (DRAFT):
•Will apply to new
construction upon WUI
code adoption
•For existing buildings
3-year grace period for
existing structures
All new plantings in the VHFHSZ
must comply with WUI code
requirements for vegetation spacing,
location, and defensible space.
Compliance is required even if new
vegetation is installed as part of routine
maintenance, landscaping services,
replanting gardens in the spring, etc.
67 67
Strategic Next Step #7:
Include an amendment clarifying that the
City will enforce Chapter 6 administratively
(including referenced defensible space
requirements)
68 68
Enforcement Options
•Complaint-based
(DSI-reactive)
•Mandatory
(DSI-proactive fee based)
•Voluntary
(DSI – fee based)
•Inspection upon sale
(AB 38 inspection)
69 69
Strategic Next Step #8:
Enforce state-adopted defensible space
requirements in the VHFHSZ using a
complaint-based/reactive method, with
an initial objective of education
70 70
71 71
Strategic Next Step #9:
The Fire Department will offer a
fee-based voluntary inspection
program and will continue to seek
external funding to create a
subsidy for voluntary inspections.
72 72
Strategic Next Step #10:
Do not perform AB 38
inspections upon the sale of
real property in Very High or
High FHSZs at this time.
73 73
Chapter 3
WUI Areas
Chapter 4
Fire Access and
Water Supply
Standards
Chapter 5
Building Construction
and Hardening
Standards
Chapter 6
Fire Protection Plans ,
Landscape Plans, and
Defensible Space
Applicable
Zones
All Fire Hazard
Severity Zones
(FHSZs)
All Fire Hazard
Severity Zones
(FHSZs)
Citywide
Very High Fire Hazard
Severity Zones
(VHFHSZs)
Applicable
Scope
Fire service access to
subdivisions and new
development
New Construction
+ remodels on
buildings built after
July 1, 2008
New landscaping +
existing landscaping
within 100 feet of
buildings
One home spared on a street devastated by fire in Pacific Palisades
From YouTube: https://youtube/Bm7247crWdM?si=gspnX7KGlpmBKP92
Previous il Action
75 75
Key Findings:
•Complying with the “as-is” requirements will require significant changes to
help ensure the community is taking necessary steps to prepare for and
mitigate the risks and effects of wildfires.
•However, the City could adopt more restrictive building standards, expand
designated WUI areas, and adopt supplemental appendices regarding Fire
Protection Methods and/or Vegetation Management Plan Requirements.
76 76
•Strategic Next Step #11:
Adopt the WUI Code without substantive local
amendments to its requirements.
•Strategic Next Step #12:
Community Development Department and Fire
Department staff will develop guidance and
requirements for vegetation management plans
as part of the building permit application process.
77 77
Previous il Action
78 78
•Property owners concerned about retaining fire insurance; some may
qualify for discounts.
•SLO is still a Fire Risk Reduction Community; which means improved
access to grants and potential insurance benefits for locals.
79 79
•Sellers of property in a Very High and High must disclose the
designation and related requirements.
•Sellers of single-family homes in High or Very High FHSZs built before
2010 must disclose their zone, provide a list of low-cost hardening
retrofits, and note any wildfire-vulnerable features.
•These state law requirements are not new, but with adoption of the
updated FHSZ maps, they apply to a much larger number of
parcels/property owners
80 80
General Plan Update: The City must amend
the Climate Adaptation and Safety Element
to reflect expanded VHFHSZ designations.
Subdivision and Specific Plan Impacts:
Updated FHSZ maps expand parcels
restricted from subdivision (Policy FI-5.2)
and place much of the Froom Ranch
Specific Plan in VHFHSZ, requiring General
Plan and Specific Plan amendments to allow
previously planned development.
81 81
•Strategic Next Step #13:
Amend the Climate Adaptation and Safety Element
of the General Plan as required by Government
Code section 65302 to reflect the updated FHSZ
maps.
•Strategic Next Step #14:
Agendize a study session to reevaluate the
prohibition on subdivisions within the VHFHSZ and
discuss possible amendments to the Climate
Adaptation and Safety Element of the General Plan.
82 82
83 83
The City’s Tree Ordinance is not
directly inconsistent with the WUI
Code but can be amended to
facilitate WUI Code compliance
and reduce the burden on property
owners.
84 84
Strategic Next Step #15:
Amend the Tree Ordinance to clarify
the process for trees impacted by the
WUI code.
Previous il Action
85 85
86 86
•Spring 2025: Extensive public
engagement on draft FHSZs via
sessions, Open City Hall, social
media, and Council Study Sessions.
•Pre-October 2025: Targeted
outreach to affected residents and
stakeholders through mail, digital
communications, and media.
87 87
Post-Study Session: Build awareness and reduce confusion about new requirements, and
encourage compliance over time through:
•Core City Communications Channels and Tools (e.g., slocity.org, news stories, email
updates, social media campaigns, explainer videos on social media and Channel 20, media
outreach, Ask SLO, etc.)
•Partnerships (e.g., HOAs, landscapers’ networks, Downtown SLO, SLO Chamber of
Commerce, Developer’s Roundtable, neighborhood groups and community-based
organizations, trade associations, property management groups, etc.)
•Paid advertisements: TV, radio, print, social media, online search, apps
88
89
1.Receive a presentation on the 2025 California Wildland Urban Interface
(WUI) Code, including defensible space requirements;
2.Direct staff to return to City Council to adopt the WUI code as-is, and provide
direction on strategic next steps pertaining to WUI code implementation; and
3.Provide direction on strategic next steps on the City’s approach to community
education, inspections, and enforcement of the WUI Code and other
considerations, including real estate disclosures, risk mitigation, and the
effects of the 2025 Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps and statewide codes on
existing City policies.
Do you agree with the following strategic next steps?
WUI Code Chapter 3: Revise the definition of “Wildland-Urban Interface Fire
Area” within Chapter 15.04 of the City’s municipal code to conform to the
definitions provided by state law to include all FHSZs.
WUI Code Chapter 4: Include any necessary updates related to Chapter 4 of the
WUI code in the City’s upcoming engineering standards update.
WUI Code Chapter 5: Adopt Chapter 5 of the WUI Code as-is, carry over any
local amendments to the Building Code that have previously been adopted by the
City, and make necessary conforming amendments to existing provisions of Title
15 (e.g., references to Chapter 7A of the building code and clarifying that all
building hardening requirements of Chapter 5 are applicable Citywide.)
90
Do you agree with the following strategic next steps?
4.WUI Code Chapter 6: Include an amendment to WUI Code Chapter 6 that
clarifies that its provisions only apply to parcels in VHFHSZs.
5.WUI Code Chapter 6, Section 602: Require new subdivision and large
developments to provide Fire Protection Plans as described in Section 602 of the
WUI Code as part of the building permit process.
6.WUI Code Chapter 6, Section 603: Require a Landscape Plan for all new
landscaping associated with a project that requires a building permit within a
VHFHSZ.
91
Council Feedback on Strategic Next Steps (3/5)
Do you agree with the following strategic next steps?
7.WUI Code Chapter 6, Section 604: Include an amendment clarifying that the City
will enforce Chapter 6 of the WUI Code (including referenced defensible space
requirements) administratively pursuant to Administrative Code Enforcement
Procedures of the City’s Municipal Code (Chapter 1.24).
8.WUI Code Chapter 6: Enforce state-adopted defensible space requirements in
the VHFHSZ using a complaint-based/reactive method, with an initial objective of
education.
9.WUI Code Chapter 6: Continue to seek external funding to support voluntary
inspections
10.WUI Code Chapter 6: Do not perform AB 38 inspections upon the sale of real
property in Very High or High FHSZs at this time.
92
Council Feedback on Strategic Next Steps (4/5)
Do you agree with the following strategic next steps?
11. Potential Local Amendments to the State WUI Code: Adopt the
WUI Code as-is without substantive local amendments.
12. Potential Local Amendments to the State WUI Code: Develop
guidance and requirements for vegetation management plans as
part of the building permit application process.
93
Council Feedback on Strategic Next Steps (5/5)
Do you agree with the following strategic next steps?
13. Other Considerations: Amend the Climate Adaptation and Safety
Element to reflect the updated FHSZ maps.
14. Other Considerations: Agendize a study session to reevaluate the
prohibition on subdivisions within the VHFHSZ and discuss possible
amendments to the Climate Adaptation and Safety Element of the
General Plan.
15. Other Considerations: Amend the Tree Ordinance to clarify the
tree removal process for trees that must be removed under the WUI
code.
94
Appendi
x
97 97
Fuel Modification Zone Requirements:
Zone 0 = 0-5 ft (DRAFT)
•Remove plants: Remove all grass, ornamental or native plants, shrubs and branches, with the exception
of potted plants under certain conditions.
•Maintain trees so there are no dead or dying branches, and all branches are 10 feet above the building’s
roof, 10 feet away from chimneys and stovepipe outlets, and 5 feet away from the sides of any building.
•Use hardscape materials like gravel, pavers, or concrete. No mulch or combustible bark.
•Eliminate dead vegetation: Remove all dead and dying plants, weeds, and debris (leaves, needles,
etc.) from the roof, gutter, deck, porch, stairways, and under any areas of the building.
•Replace combustible fencing, gates, and arbors attached to building with noncombustible alternatives.
•Remove combustible items including combustible boards, timbers, firewood, synthetic lawn, attached
window boxes, and trellises. Consider relocating garbage and recycling containers, boats, RVs, vehicles,
and other combustible items outside this zone.
98 98
Fuel Modification Zone Requirements:
Zone 1 = 5-30 ft (or to property line)
•Clear all dead or dying plants, grass, shrubs, trees, branches, and weeds.
•Regularly trim trees to maintain a 10-foot gap from others.
•Maintain space between trees, shrubs, and flammable items like patio
furniture.
•Move all firewood and wood piles to Zone 2.
•Ensure outbuildings and LPG tanks have 10 feet of clear space to bare soil
and no flammable vegetation within an additional 10 feet around them.
99 99
Fuel Modification Zone Requirements:
Zone 2 = 30-100 ft (or to property line)
•Clear all dead or dying plants, grass, shrubs, trees, branches, and weeds.
•Regularly trim trees to maintain a 10-foot gap from others.
•Maintain space between trees, shrubs, and flammable items like patio
furniture.
•Move all firewood and wood piles to Zone 2.
•Ensure outbuildings and LPG tanks have 10 feet of clear space to bare soil
and no flammable vegetation within an additional 10 feet around them.
Zone 2 - Horizontal Clearance Requirements
Zone 2 - Vertical Clearance
Requirements
Continuous Canopy Compliance Method for Zone 2
Link to Detailed FHSZ
Map
https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/a51155e46
d504bfab3b7a107c3eb6643/page/Planning/
Four Components of Wildfire
Risk
•Hazard:natural or built condition that has the
potential to initiate or exacerbate wildfire
exposure or spread
•Probability:the likelihood or chance that a
hazard event will occur within a given timeframe
or under given conditions
•Vulnerability:the susceptibility of exposed
assets to suffer damage given the hazard event
•Consequence: the outcome if the hazard occurs
What is Home
Hardening?
Home-hardening is increasing the ignition resistance of your home
thereby assisting in structural survivability.
Best practices are...
•Class A roof assembly
•Enclosed eaves
•Gutters, downspouts, and exterior doors made of noncombustible material
•Exterior glazing
•Ember resistant vents
What is the WUI Code?
Chapter Overview Roadmap:
a)Chapter Applicability and Intent
b)Code Content
c)Local Implementation
d)Key Findings and Strategic Next Steps
106 106
•Key Findings: Compliance with requirements of Chapter 5
related to ignition-resistant building materials and construction
will be verified through the City’s building permit process upon
adoption of the WUI code, starting January 1, 2026. No further
action is needed. To support permit applicants and City plan
reviewers, in the fall of 2025, the City will begin training internal
staff on the WUI code and will continue to support ongoing
external stakeholder education.
•Strategic Next Step #3: Adopt Chapter 5 of the WUI Code as-
is, carry over any local amendments to the building that have
previously been adopted by the City, and make necessary
conforming amendments to existing provisions of Title 15 (e.g.,
references to Chapter 7A of the building code and clarifying
that all building hardening requirements of Chapter 5 are
applicable Citywide.)
108 108
•Overview: States that WUI Areas in Local Responsibility Areas
(LRAs) are to be mapped by the State Fire Marshal as FHSZs.
•Key Finding: 2025 CAL FIRE maps designate High and Moderate
FHSZs within the City, making the City’s definition of WUI Area
outdated because it only includes Very High FHSZs.
•Strategic Next Step #1: Upon adoption of the Building Code in
November, revise the definition of “Wildland-Urban Interface Fire
Area” within City’s municipal code to conform to the definitions
provided by state law to include all FHSZs.
109 109
Section 602:
•Overview: Chapter 6, Section 602 authorizes the code official to require a Fire
Protection Plan for a new construction project in VHFHSZs.
•Applicability: Section 602 is applicable to new construction in VHFHSZs. As the
required elements of a Fire Protection Plan are most applicable to subdivisions
and larger scale developments, staff recommends only requiring Fire Protection
Plans for large scale developments, such as subdivisions, seeking building
permits in VHFHSZs.
111 111
•Overview: Chapter 6 defines how the City will inspect and verify that private
property owners have adequately mitigated fire hazards for new construction on
parcels in VHFHSZs, and sets forth specific requirements for managing or
removing vegetation and combustible materials in a buffer around a structure.
•Key Finding: Chapter 6 only applies to the VHFHSZ as described in the user
notes in the beginning of the chapter, and as supported by other existing law
such as Government Code 51182 and Section 1299.03 of Title 14 of the
California Code of Regulations.
•Strategic Next Step #4: Include an amendment to WUI Code Chapter 6 that
clarifies that its provisions only apply to parcels in VHFHSZs.
112 112
Sections 605-612:
•Overview:These provisions do not represent new regulations but are carried
over from various other locations:California Building Code, California Fire Code,
or California Code of Regulations.These sections are related to spark arrestors
(Section 605), liquified petroleum gas (Section 606), storage of firewood and
other combustible materials (Section 607), building siting and setbacks (Section
608), ridgelines and fuel breaks (Section 609), Fire Safe Development
Regulations (Section 610), Subdivision Review Surveys (Section 611), and
General Plan Safety Elements (Section 612).
•Applicability:No further action is currently required.
113 113
•Require new subdivisions and large developments to provide Fire Protection
Plans as described in Section 602 of the WUI Code as part of the building permit
process
114 114
Visual Depiction of Current Zone 1 and Zone 2 for
Residential Building
Rural Home Compliant with Zone 0, 1, 2 Requirements
118