Planning commission recommends repealing local green standards, to rely on state CalGreen

The Calabasas Planning Commission voted unanimously on Aug. 7 to recommend that the City Council repeal Municipal Code chapter 17.34, the city’s local green development standards, and rely on the state’s CalGreen building code instead.

Staff told the commission the local chapter originally implemented a LEED-based rating system for new non-residential development above 500 square feet but has become largely duplicative of CalGreen, which the state updates on a three‑year cycle. “Since 2008 we now have a redundant set of standards both doing the same thing,” a staff member said in an oral report, arguing the city would save staff time and public money by aligning with the state code.

The commission’s motion, which was made and seconded during the meeting, directs staff to forward a draft ordinance and resolution to the City Council recommending repeal of Chapter 17.34. The resolution passed unanimously; the commission recorded no nays and noted Chair Fasber and Commissioner Candace were excused from the meeting.

Commissioners and staff debated the practical implications. One commissioner emphasized that repealing the local chapter would not prevent the city from pursuing other environmental measures in the future, such as a ban on artificial turf near protected oak trees or local incentives to encourage heat pumps. Staff said those topics could be considered through separate ordinances or workshops.

Discussion also touched on electrification and reach codes. Staff noted that local 'reach codes' have sometimes been paused or revised after statewide updates or legal challenges: “We tried adopting a reach code and in two years it was obsolete because the base standard of green building caught up,” a staff member said, describing conversations with building officials in peer cities. Commissioners expressed concern about cost impacts for homeowners, supply and grid readiness for all‑electric construction, and the restaurant sector’s resistance to mandatory electric cooking appliances.

The Planning Commission clarified that Exhibit B on the agenda is the draft ordinance that, if adopted by the City Council, would repeal Chapter 17.34; no immediate action on the ordinance itself was required from the commission beyond forwarding the recommendation. The staff report and draft ordinance will be forwarded to the City Council for consideration.

In other business, staff said the department is preparing its annual progress report on General Plan implementation for 2024, which will be presented at the next Planning Commission meeting. A public hearing for a single‑family residence and ADU in the Highlands neighborhood is tentatively scheduled for September.

The meeting was then adjourned.