City Council Proposes New Energy Code Amendments for Residential and Nonresidential Buildings

In a recent special meeting, the Encinitas City Council discussed significant updates to the city’s energy and green building codes aimed at enhancing sustainability and energy efficiency in new and remodeled homes. These amendments are designed to prepare the community for a greener future while addressing current energy needs.

One of the key proposals is the electric readiness reach code, which mandates that new single-family homes equipped with gas furnaces must be prepared for future electric heat pump installations. This includes adding a drainage line for condensation, ensuring that homes can transition smoothly to more efficient heating options.

Additionally, the council introduced the existing building energy efficiency reach code. This requires both single-family and multifamily remodels with a permit valuation of $50,000 or more to implement at least one energy efficiency measure. Among the options available, a water heating package stands out as the most cost-effective choice, requiring a modest upfront investment of $230 while promising annual savings of $30 on utility bills.

The meeting also highlighted new requirements for electric vehicle (EV) charging. Under the proposed amendments, new single-family homes with garages must be designed to be EV ready, which includes installing the necessary electrical outlets and conduits. Furthermore, nonresidential remodels valued at $500,000 or more will need to include level 2 EV charging stations in 8% of their parking spaces.

Another significant amendment discussed was the gray water requirement, which mandates that new single-family homes be pre-plumbed for gray water systems. This initiative aims to promote water conservation by allowing homeowners to reuse water for irrigation.

While these amendments are poised to enhance energy efficiency and sustainability in Encinitas, the council noted that two existing code amendments are still pending further cost-effectiveness studies. These include higher performance energy efficiency requirements for new buildings and solar PV system installations for large-scale nonresidential remodels.

As Encinitas moves forward with these initiatives, the city aims to not only meet current energy demands but also to foster a more sustainable environment for its residents. The council's commitment to these updates reflects a proactive approach to addressing climate change and promoting energy efficiency within the community.