Climate action and adaptation plan Building energy reach codes

In August 2024, the City adopted its inaugural Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP), a greenprint to achieve carbon neutrality by the year 2045. A community greenhouse gas inventory shows that natural gas usage from residential buildings comprises 25% of total community greenhouse gas emissions. Measure BE-2 of the CAAP directs the electrification of residential buildings to reduce natural gas consumption by 26% by the year 2030. A key strategy listed in the CAAP to make progress towards this goal is the adoption of reach codes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from building energy.

A reach code is a local ordinance which adds additional requirements to the state’s building code in order to address issues such as greenhouse gas emissions reduction, energy efficiency, air quality, public health, safety, and more. Reach codes are informed by community input and feedback as they apply to residential and non-residential building owners.

At this time, the City is currently considering adoption of reach codes for existing single-family residential buildings. If adopted, potential requirements may include installing electrification measures such as a heat pump space conditioning system when replacing or adding a central air conditioner, with the option still available to keep a gas furnace provided other efficiency measures are installed. Learn about the full list of policies under consideration below.

The City plans to adopt reach codes for other building types in the near future to further align with CAAP goals.

Please participate in the development of these codes to ensure they are a reflection of our community vision.


This website is constantly growing with new updates and resources. Check back often!

Project Timeline

July


  • Project website launch
  • Community outreach and engagement
  • Community survey release (coming soon)

August


  • Community Workshop (tentatively 1st week of August)
  • Draft ordinance
  • Final ordinance

September


  • 1st Council reading (tentatively 9/2/2025)
  • 2nd Council reading (tentatively 9/16/2025)

How to participate

Project Contact

Kapil Amin

Sustainability Project Manager

kamin@pinole.gov

510-372-0989

What might reach code requirements look like?

The City is proposing a suite of policies to be considered: FlexPath for remodels of a to be determined square footage, A/C replacement requirements, electric readiness for alterations, and cool roofs.

Potential FlexPath menu options to achieve a target score. Each option has its own point value and the target score may be easily met by minimal options if they have greater energy-efficiency.

Requirements for Air Conditioners with Heat Pump Space Conditioning

Requirements for Air Conditioners without Heat Pump Space Conditioning

What are the benefits of reach codes?

In addition to greenhouse gas emissions reduction, reach codes have many other co-benefits.

Cost-effectiveness studies

Reach codes cannot be adopted without evidence of being cost-effective.