Reach Codes
Peninsula Clean Energy is supporting our municipalities to adopt building codes that will result in safer and more comfortable buildings, increase our electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and reduce our carbon footprint.
For more information, please visit BayAreaReachCodes.org
What are reach codes?
In addition to California State required building codes, cities and counties may adopt more advanced, or enhanced, building codes. These are jurisdiction-specific policies that “reach” beyond the state building code. Reach codes can provide additional health, safety and environmental benefits.
Adoption of reach codes has been spreading throughout California. Over 60 jurisdictions have now adopted a form of reach code to encourage healthier buildings and decarbonization.
Why establish reach codes?
Reach codes can help lower costs, improve internal air quality which can be helpful to people with certain respiratory conditions, lower the risk of fire, and reduce climate change pollution. We are working with the cities and the county to adopt codes that encourage the electrification of buildings and transportation. Through electrification, we can transition from burning natural gas and other fossil fuels to power provided by clean, carbon-free sources of electricity. As a result, residents, businesses—the entire community—benefit.
For more information including model codes, resources, how to receive funding and technical assistance, and more, please visit BayAreaReachCodes.org
Our communities that have enacted reach codes
Atherton
Belmont
Brisbane
Burlingame
Colma
County of San Mateo
Daly City
East Palo Alto
Half Moon Bay
Hillsborough
Menlo Park
Millbrae
Pacifica
Portola Valley
Redwood City
San Bruno
San Carlos
San Mateo
South San Francisco
Reaching Beyond New Construction
In order to meet California’s ambitious climate goals, our communities must decarbonize new construction, and existing buildings. Many of our jurisdictions now mandate all-electric new building construction. Portola Valley and City of San Mateo recently passed reach codes which include cost-effective requirements for existing buildings. The Bay Area Reach Codes team has developed model code language, which is available at http://bayareareachcodes.org.