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Council introduces 'reach code' to require heat‑pump replacements for AC replacements; residents warn of costs
Summary
Council introduced a local amendment requiring heat‑pump replacements when residential AC units are replaced, while directing staff to return with incentive details to offset upfront costs.
Councilmembers introduced an ordinance that would amend the Glendale Building and Safety Code to require that projects replacing air‑conditioning systems in single‑family homes, duplexes and townhomes either install a heat‑pump space conditioner as the primary heating system or include specified additional energy‑efficiency measures (01:31:39).
Management Services framed the ordinance as a "reach code" that supplements the 2022 California Building and Energy Code and is intended to reduce peak electricity demand and greenhouse‑gas emissions by encouraging higher‑efficiency heat‑pump technology. Councilmembers emphasized that the measure applies only when a home is already replacing an air‑conditioning system, not to force immediate replacement (01:31:39).
Public commenters were broadly critical. "The state of California is not requiring this code change. So why is the city of Glendale?" Patrick Murphy asked, calling the outreach insufficient and warning of higher electricity bills and a potential wave of litigation (01:31:39). Several speakers, including seniors and homeowners, asked that participation be voluntary or that robust rebates cover the differential cost (01:31:39).
Councilmembers urged staff to tie an incentive package to the ordinance. Several members said they would support the ordinance only if funding through the Public Benefit Charge (PBC) or other rebate programs was available to cover the cost differential between a conventional AC replacement and a heat‑pump system. The council directed staff to return with options and to place associated incentive materials prominently in permit paperwork so homeowners can see rebate details when they apply (01:31:39).
Councilmember Brotman noted heat pumps reduce peak demand and save residents money over time, while others stressed the need to protect low‑income and fixed‑income homeowners from steep upfront costs. Staff said the ordinance would be introduced at this meeting and would return for adoption after the administration finalizes rebate details and links to GWP programs (01:31:39).
Why it matters: Reach codes push municipalities to accelerate climate mitigation by requiring cleaner technology beyond state minimums. The proposed rule alters the economics of residential replacing HVAC equipment and depends on incentive funds to offset higher upfront costs for some homeowners.
What's next: The council introduced the ordinance and asked staff to return with draft language tying enforcement or timing to available incentives; the ordinance will return for adoption in a subsequent meeting.
