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San Mateo introduces reach‑code ordinance to accelerate electrification; council votes to proceed
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Summary
The City Council voted 5–0 to introduce an ordinance package of four reach‑code options—cooling upgrades, nonresidential AC standards, a FlexPath scoring requirement, and electric‑readiness rules—and directed staff to file the ordinance with state agencies and provide public guidance and a one‑year check‑in.
The San Mateo City Council on March 2 introduced an ordinance package of reach codes intended to accelerate building electrification and energy efficiency as part of the 2025 building‑code cycle. The staff recommendation, led by sustainability analyst Andrea Chow with technical support from TRC and Peninsula Clean Energy, bundles four options: more stringent cooling‑upgrade requirements (encouraging heat‑pump replacements), nonresidential system efficiency upgrades for larger AC systems, a FlexPath menu that requires 12 points for certain residential additions/alterations of 1,000 square feet or more, and electric‑readiness prewiring for future electrification during specific projects.
Chow said staff developed the ordinance following city council direction from a November study session and a public engagement effort in fall 2025. Staff noted the city’s climate action goals and that residential and nonresidential buildings contribute a significant share of community greenhouse‑gas emissions. The package relies on local amendments to the 2025 California energy code and will require filing with the California Energy Commission and Building Standards Commission; staff estimated state approvals could take roughly three to four months after filing.
Several dozen members of the public called or appeared to urge adoption, citing air‑quality improvements, long‑term cost savings, and public‑health benefits of reduced indoor combustion. Speakers included local climate and public‑health advocates, the Sierra Club, Citizens’ Climate Lobby and youth activists; many urged adoption of all four code options and requested a one‑year review of effectiveness—particularly for the FlexPath thresholds.
Council members who spoke expressed support for the staff recommendation and asked staff to provide an early progress report and education materials to help homeowners and contractors meet FlexPath scoring requirements. Staff agreed to prepare outreach materials, checklists and a public education campaign targeted to contractors and residents once the ordinance is filed and approved by state agencies. The council moved to introduce the ordinance and make required findings; roll call vote was 5–0. Staff will file the ordinance with the state and return with implementation materials and monitoring reports.
Council members also discussed timing and monitoring: staff will provide a one‑year written update on implementation and the council will consider results during the next code‑cycle review scheduled in 2027.
