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Mill Valley introduces reach‑code to raise energy performance for many single‑family remodels; 500‑sq‑ft trigger proposed
Summary
The council introduced a first reading of an ordinance amending Title 14 to require higher energy performance for single‑family projects using a points‑based "flex" path and a 500‑square‑foot trigger; staff said enforcement requires California Energy Commission and California Building Standards Commission approval and would begin in 2026 after outreach.
The Mill Valley City Council on Aug. 11 introduced a first‑reading ordinance that would amend Title 14 of the Mill Valley Municipal Code to raise energy‑performance requirements for specified single‑family remodels.
"What we're proposing is this mandatory requirement for electric readiness..." Grace Ledwood, sustainability coordinator, told the council, describing a flexible 'menu' of measures and a target six‑point score for projects that meet the 500‑square‑foot trigger for additions and major remodels. Staff said measures on the menu include electric readiness (prewiring), heat‑pump water heaters, solar PV and LED exterior lighting; exemptions were proposed for very new homes, low‑income households (based on CARE qualification) and hardship cases reviewed by the building official.
Planning Director Patrick Kelly said the proposed reach code is modeled after Marin County's flex path and is designed to be achievable for local remodels. Staff noted the ordinance is an amendment to the 2022 code to comply with state timing and that final local enforcement will require approval from the California Energy Commission (CEC) and the California Building Standards Commission (CBSC). Staff projected outreach and education in fall 2025, with enforcement beginning in January 2026 after the 2025 code adoption.
Council members asked detailed questions about implementation, including whether previously installed measures would receive credit, how upgrades to service panels would interact with utility (PG&E) approvals, and how "low income" would be defined. Staff replied that implementation details and education are intended to be adjusted during rollout and that low‑income exemption would follow CARE/related program eligibility.
After public comment from local residents and professionals urging clarity on utility coordination and staff capacity, the council voted to introduce the ordinance and set a second reading and adoption for Aug. 18.
Next steps: staff will package materials and cost‑effectiveness studies to submit to the CEC/CBSC, conduct outreach through fall 2025 and return for second reading and adoption on Aug. 18, with local enforcement anticipated in early 2026.
