Local Updates – Reach Codes

In the last few weeks of October Redwood City and Sunnyvale City Councils voted in favor of continuing their current reach codes in 2023 (each city still has to vote on these codes in a second reading). Additionally, Portola Valley City Council voted in favor of reach codes last week; these reach codes are the first to prohibit gas use in existing homes and buildings (though for certain narrow and targeted use cases). One more interesting development: San Jose City Council held a study session on updates to their Replace on Burnout Ordinance (RBO) Analysis on October 29.

November is also jam-packed with town hall meetings on climate action. On November 1, at the urging of Acterra and others, the Campbell City Council voted unanimously to adopt a strong reach code for both electric appliances and EV charging. The second reading will be on November 15. Pacifica will have a meeting on reach codes on November 14 at 7:00 pm. On November 7, San Mateo City Council will be having its second reading on their new reach code package, which is an important step forward for the region because it includes new and existing buildings. If you want more information on making a public comment in support of reach codes, please fill out this form. The item is currently on the consent calendar.

  – Jared Johnson, Policy and External Relations Senior Manager

EV Advocacy Updates

Statewide EV Advocacy 

The EV Charging for All Coalition, which Acterra co-leads, continues to advocate with state agencies to codify universal access to EV-ready charging in new multifamily housing. Most apartment and condo residents want access to at-home charging before investing in an EV. 

Installing EV charging infrastructure as a retrofit costs 12 times more than installing it during construction. Since the extra cost is usually borne by us ratepayers, not by the builders, our building codes should insist that builders install charging access up front, in an equitable way. Fortunately, there are ways to do this for essentially the same cost as the current code. 

The 2022 CALGreen code, which takes effect on January 1, requires that 40% of new multi-family parking spaces get various levels of EV charging (though only 30% of the spaces must be ready-to-charge). For the Intervening Code Cycle that takes effect on July 1, 2024, we’re asking the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) to expand this requirement to 100% of units with parking. In some cases, our proposal actually saves builders money; in other cases, the additional cost is a tiny fraction of the overall building costs. 

How can you help? Take one minute to send this email to HCD, urging them to ensure equitable access to EV charging for multi-family residents. 

Already sent HCD an email? Take a deeper dive by reading this great article by the Greenlining Institute. 

Prop 30 Guide

Looking for clarity on California Ballot Proposition 30 on electric vehicles? Acterra prepared a guide that summarizes the arguments for and against Prop 30 and explains Acterra’s official stance. Find it here.

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