Local Updates – Reach Codes

City of San Mateo

Great news: On October 17, the City of San Mateo preliminarily approved the strongest reach code of any city in California. This updated Reach Code for San Mateo requires all-electric new construction and also calls for transitioning to electric in most remodels. (There is some fine print: Remodels will need to be “electric ready” with wiring and where gas water heaters are replaced or air conditioning is installed, efficient electric heat pumps will be required with exemptions available if needed). Local and regional advocates made a difference by providing numerous public comments in favor of strong reach codes.

Phasing out methane gas use in homes and buildings is one of the most impactful local climate actions that our cities can take. And given the major health and safety risks of gas appliances (they are leaking methane & the burning of gas creates unhealthy indoor air pollution), the transition to all-electric will make our homes much healthier.

As the city with the boldest and most health-protective reach code, please send a thank-you note to let City Council know that you appreciate their climate leadership. To make this ordinance final, the Council will have to vote a second time (on November 7). It’s so important for them to hear your support and make sure they have the courage to take this final step!

Thank you for sending a support email to:  citycouncil@cityofsanmateo.org.

Here’s an example email:

Dear Mayor Bonilla and Council Members,

Thank you very much for your leadership on climate and health with the new Reach Code that you voted on, October 17. I am a ______[Mother/Father/Grandparent/Student/Longtime San Mateo Resident, etc.] and i am very concerned about our city’s vulnerability to climate impacts, because ____ [we’re already experiencing extreme heat and drought due to climate change, or name your top concern].

The Reach Code that you are adopting is a practical step to addressing the climate crisis that will make our homes healthier by avoiding unnecessary fossil fuel use. Measures like this make me proud to live in San Mateo and grateful for your action. 

Sincerely,

[Your Name] 

Other Peninsula Cities

This month is jam-packed with town hall meetings on climate change. Last week, San Carlos City Council agreed to have a study session in January to consider an electrification ordinance. San Bruno also adopted an all-electric reach code for new construction! Portola Valley joined in on the action as well, with their Council voting in favor of a comprehensive reach code including water recycling and many sustainability provisions, alongside an all-electric buildings ordinance and a requirement for 2-way heat pump HVACs.

For those of you living in Redwood City and Sunnyvale, you’ll have a chance to put pressure on your city council to vote in favor of reach codes on October 24 and 25, respectively. Check us out on the Climate Action Now app to get updates about these meetings.

– Jared Johnson, Policy and External Relations Senior Manager

EV Advocacy Updates

Statewide EV Advocacy 

Thanks to you, the CA Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) has received over 243 emails from residents urging them to codify equitable access to EV charging in new apartments and condos in the next CALGreen code update. The EV Charging for All Coalition, which Acterra co-leads, continues to advocate with HCD—as well as with other agencies and officials—as they deliberate what the latest EV charging requirements will be. 

If you haven’t spoken up yet, there is still time to send this pre-written email (feel free to personalize it). If you’d like to learn more about our Coalition’s proposal for equitable charging in apartments and condos—and what cold water flats are—this paper in the Harvard Progressive Review will open your eyes.

City EV Advocacy 

It’s reach code season — which has important implications for EV charging. Every three years, California cities and counties have an opportunity to adopt building codes that “reach” beyond the state’s minimum standards. This includes requirements for EV charging infrastructure. Cities and counties that wish to adopt reach codes this cycle must do so by the end of 2022, hence the flurry of reach code advocacy around the Bay Area. 

Acterra has advocated with several cities to adopt more equitable EV charging requirements for new multi-family housing. With our support, the City of Lafayette has preliminarily adopted an best-in-show “EV-for-all” new multifamily ordinance. Bravo to Lafayette for leading on equity!

Last spring, Acterra staff presented our Coalition’s model reach code to key staff in San José. At our urging, San José Mayor Liccardo has asked staff to conduct a feasibility study of providing EV ready parking for all in San José’s updated reach code. This will come before the Council in December. Stay tuned for ways to support. 

– Linda Hutchins-Knowles, E-Mobility and Advocacy Senior Manager