Reach Code Program for Building and Transportation Electrification

Clean Power Alliance (CPA) is a non-profit, community-owned energy provider of renewable, carbon-free electricity to its member communities. We support policies that enhance the delivery of this clean energy to our homes, businesses, industrial customers, and vehicles.

The reach codes program provides technical assistance to help cities perform stakeholder outreach, adopt local building codes that drive the electrification of building and vehicle energy systems, and implement the codes simply and consistently. Support includes answering technical questions, presenting at meetings, complete code customizations, reviewing staff presentations and reports, and developing implementation tools to help cities and counties enforce their reach codes.

If your city or county is interested in adopting a reach code, please see the model reach codes and resources for building electrification and electric vehicle infrastructure below. Please contact us if you are interested in adopting a reach code.

About Reach Codes

Modern apartment buildings and fast electric car charging statio

What are Reach Codes?

Every three years, cities and counties across the state can adopt local reach codes in line with the new Building Standards Code (Standards) or Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations. Cities and counties may adopt building codes more advanced than those required by the state, which are known as reach codes, typically as either Part 11 (CALGreen) or Part 6 (Energy Code) amendments.

Reach codes can also take the form of local municipal code amendments that extend beyond the state code minimum requirements for energy efficiency and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. These municipal code amendments are not tied to the three-year state code cycle and can be adopted indefinitely.

Why Establish Reach Codes?

The benefits of greenhouse gas (GHG) free electricity can best be realized by the electrification of new and existing buildings and transportation vehicles. Electrification transitions buildings and vehicles away from natural gas and gasoline—which are extremely challenging to decarbonize—to clean energy provided by CPA.

By developing electrification reach codes, cities and counties in CPA’s service area can reduce the cost of new construction, save energy, eliminate future retrofit costs, and make progress toward mitigating climate change. With improved indoor air quality and no combustion or fire risk, all-electric buildings are safer and healthier to live in along with being cost effective, especially when adopted at the new construction stage.

Model Reach Code Recommendations

Coming soon! We will work with CPA members to enhance electrification codes adopted by over 70 jurisdictions throughout California and post model codes in the summer of 2023. The building electrification reach code language will be informed by anticipated Investor-Owned Utilities Codes and Standards Program (IOU’s C&S) cost-effectiveness studies.

These will initially represent Part 11 building code amendments, but alternative code types will become available based on city need.