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Council delays local heat-pump mandate, directs staff to return with 2025 code amendments
Summary
The council voted to defer adoption of local amendments requiring heat-pump space conditioners for certain AC replacements, directing staff to bring the measures back alongside the 2025 California Building and Energy Code with supporting findings after public speakers raised equity and cost concerns for renters.
The Glendale City Council on Sept. 9 directed staff to draft local amendments to the city’s building and energy code for consideration with the 2025 California Building and Energy Code, after council members said the ordinance cannot meet the Sept. 30 AB 130 deadline and public speakers urged wider outreach.
Staff told the council the draft ordinance introduced on Aug. 19 could not become effective by Sept. 30 because of a tie vote at a subsequent meeting; staff recommended bringing a new ordinance with the required general-plan findings when the 2025 code amendments are presented later this year.
Council voted 3–2 to proceed with staff’s recommendation. The roll call recorded Yes votes from Council members Zelzhadrian, Brotman and Kasakhian, and No votes from Council member Carpetian and Mayor Najarian.
Public commenters — including Patrick Murphy, who urged broader outreach and questioned how rebates would be funded, and Jesus Rojas from the Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles, who said many apartment-owner members are mom-and-pop landlords — told the council that the proposed requirement (as drafted) could shift costs to renters and to apartment households because some rebates would be paid from the city’s public-benefit fund.
Beth Brooks, another public commenter, asked the city to publish clearer, plain-language materials describing costs, benefits and the mechanics of proposed rebate programs so residents could judge pocketbook impacts.
Staff and the council discussed equity concerns, rebate design, the interaction with AB 130/AB 1 30 timing, and the technical alternatives available where homeowners retain gas furnaces. Staff said rebates being discussed include an incentive described in prior briefings as $1,000 per ton of HVAC capacity for certain conversions; staff also recommended evaluating how rebates are funded and urged broader public outreach before formal adoption.
What the council decided - Direction: Staff to prepare a new ordinance with supporting findings and present it as part of the 2025 California Building and Energy Code local amendments later this year. - Vote: Motion passed 3–2.
Why it matters The ordinance would have required that certain replacement/installation projects in existing single-family homes, duplexes and townhomes either install heat-pump space conditioners or install specific energy-efficiency measures in addition to new air conditioners. Opponents told the council a near-term mandate could impose disproportionate costs on renters and some owners unless rebate and funding design account for equity across household types.
Next steps Staff will return with the amendment package for the 2025 code cycle and recommended general-plan findings, along with refined outreach and cost-equity analysis.
