In September 2019, San José City Council approved a building reach code ordinance that encourages building electrification and energy efficiency, requires solar-readiness on nonresidential buildings, and requires electric vehicle (EV)-readiness and EV equipment installation. 

On September 12, 2023, Council approved an administrative update to the reach code to apply to all new construction beginning on October 1, 2023.

On January 30, 2024, Council approved an update to the multi-family electric vehicle reach code to apply to all new multi-family construction beginning on July 1, 2024.

You can find a summary of San José’s current building reach code requirements here.

Currently, the City of San José has a moratorium on the enforcement of the Prohibition of Natural Gas Infrastructure in Newly Constructed Buildings (Chapter 17.845).

What Are Reach Codes?

Reach codes are building codes that are more advanced than those required by the state.

Every three years, cities and counties across California adopt new Building Standards Code (Standards) or Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations. Cities can also choose to adopt local reach codes, on top of these Standards, at anytime.   

WHy establish REACH CODES?

Climate Smart San José is the community’s approved climate action plan. The plan makes San José one of the first major cities to have greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets aligned with the international Paris Agreement. In November 2021, City Council set an aspirational goal of communitywide carbon neutrality by 2030, thereby accelerating Climate Smart, and approved a Pathway to Carbon Neutrality by 2030 in 2022. Reach codes that support energy efficiency, electrification, and renewable energy can save energy and reduce GHG emissions.

San José can reduce emissions by powering new and existing buildings and vehicles with GHG-free electricity. Instead of burning natural gas and gasoline to operate buildings and vehicles, they can run on clean electricity provided by San José Clean Energy (SJCE). SJCE offers a TotalGreen service option which provides 100% renewable power. All-electric buildings are not just cleaner to operate, they are also safer and healthier to live in and are cost-effective, especially when designed at the new construction stage.

Learn more about building electrification initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality in this presentation on building decarbonization.

PUBLIC MEETINGS

Multi-family EV Reach Code Webinar Series

The multi-family EV reach code update was approved by City Council on January 30, 2024 (effective July 1, 2024).

In the fall of 2023, the City of San José conducted additional stakeholder engagement to gather feedback on draft updates to the City’s reach code related to electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in new multifamily developments. View the presentation here.

2023 Building Reach Code Administrative Update Webinars 

The administrative update to the City’s reach code was approved by City Council on September 12, 2023 (effective October 1, 2023).

The City hosted webinars on July 25 and July 27, 2023. View the presentation in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese. View a summary comparison of the 2019 Reach Code and the 2023 Proposed Reach Code.

resources