Commission reviews 'reach code' options to push building electrification; staff seeks feedback ahead of council

City sustainability staff on Oct. 8 presented four local building-code amendment options aimed at accelerating building electrification and energy efficiency during renovations and equipment replacements.

Andrea Chow, sustainability analyst for the City of San Mateo, and Taylor Taylor, a TRC consultant working with Peninsula Clean Energy, outlined four options: mandatory heat‑pump or equivalent efficiency measures when installing or replacing space cooling (separate single‑family and nonresidential versions); a FlexPath (or “lehi path”) requirement that major renovations meet a points target of efficiency and electrification measures; and an electric‑readiness requirement to add electrical circuits/conduits where gas appliances are being replaced or installed.

Why it matters: Buildings account for a large share of local greenhouse‑gas emissions; reach codes let cities adopt local standards that exceed baseline state requirements (Title 24, Part 6 and Part 11/CalGreen) provided the measures are cost‑effective. Staff said reach codes are a way to capture emissions reductions during the higher‑volume renovation cycle rather than waiting for new construction.

Key technical points and costs

- Option 1 (cooling upgrades for single‑family homes, townhouses and duplexes): At time of air‑conditioner replacement or addition, property owners would either install a heat pump (which can provide heating and cooling) or install an air conditioner plus a…