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Council advances REACH code updates and 2026 building standards to encourage electrification
Summary
East Palo Alto council voted to introduce and waive first reading of an ordinance adopting the 2026 California building code with local REACH-code amendments (two-way AC to heat pump options, FlexPath for major renovations and electric readiness). Staff and consultants and climate groups framed the policy as future-proofing and reducing indoor/outdoor pollution.
The East Palo Alto City Council on March 4 introduced an ordinance to adopt the 2026 California Building Standards and a package of local REACH codes aimed at encouraging electrification and energy efficiency in alterations, additions and equipment replacements.
City Attorney Lee and consultant Taylor Taylor (TRC) summarized four REACH-code options: two-way AC-to-heat-pump provisions for single-family and nonresidential buildings (allowing either heat-pump installation or additional energy-efficiency measures when…
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