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
What are Reach Codes?
Every three years, cities and counties across the state adopt the new California Building Standards Code (Title 24). At any time, cities and counties may adopt building codes that are more advanced than those required by the State, which are known as reach codes. Reach codes are called “local amendments” because they amend the statewide Standards within a local jurisdiction.
Currently, any city or county can pursue reach codes for nonresidential buildings. If a city or county would like to pursue a reach code for residential buildings, State law requires that cities have a previously-adopted General Plan that includes GHG reduction strategies, or previously-adopted reach codes. These requirements for residential reach codes are required by AB130, passed in 2025, and will remain in effect through May 31, 2031.
Adoption Process
Model Reach Codes
The electrification reach code language is informed by Investor-Owned Utilities Codes and Standards Program (IOU’s C&S) cost-effectiveness studies. New model codes are being developed for 2025.
For any questions or support with adopting and customizing these codes, please reach out to CPAReachCodes@cleanpoweralliance.org.
Existing Building Reach Codes
Single Family FlexPath and Electric Readiness
Produced in collaboration with the Statewide Reach Codes Program, this reach code encourages decarbonization in Single Family Homes, Duplexes and Townhomes during remodels of a certain size and scope. When a square footage or valuation threshold is exceeded, homeowners are then provided a menu of efficiency measures (such as insulation) and technology options (such as heat pumps). Each measure has a score, and the policy will include a target score – homeowners can choose to stack several low-score measures, or to leverage fewer high-score measures to reach the target score. Electric appliances are not required. This reach code does not include small projects, unpermitted work, or repairs.
Electric Readiness Reach Codes leverage smaller permitted renovation projects that are close to gas equipment. These reach codes ensure homes are equipped with electric-ready infrastructure like outlets, paving the way for future compliance with SCAQMD and CARB regulations at the lowest possible cost. While these standards may not immediately reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, they prepare buildings to reduce emissions in the future.
Learn more from the recent webinar.
Two-Way AC for Single Family Homes
Produced in collaboration with the Statewide Reach Codes Program, and also known as “AC to Heat Pump”, this reach code requires that existing single-family homes replacing or installing new air conditioning must install either a heat pump or a conventional air conditioner alongside other energy conservation measures. The model code is available to amend either Part 6 or Part 11 of the Standards and both sets of amendments are vetted by the California Energy Commission, though the process is more streamlined for Part 6 amendments.
Two-Way AC for Nonresidential Buildings
Produced in collaboration with the Statewide Reach Codes Program, and also known as “AC to Heat Pump”, this reach code requires that existing non-residential buildings that are replacing an existing rooftop air conditioning system or installing a new rooftop air conditioning system install a heat pump or other energy conservation measures.
New Construction Reach Codes
2022 Energy Performance Approach (Source Energy Margin) Model Code
This model reach code mitigates legal risk by providing compliance pathways for all-electric and mixed-fuel buildings. The amendment is for Title 24 Part 6 of the California Code of Regulations, and can be used for Single Family, Multifamily, and Non-Residential New Construction buildings. It leverages a Design Rating, which is a carbon-based performance metric used to regulate energy performance. San Luis Obispo, San Jose, and Santa Cruz have adopted reach codes similar to this reach code. An updated Energy Performance Approach model code will be released in early 2026.
Electric Vehicle Infrastructure
Submission Documents
Once a reach code is approved by the local governing body, it is ready to go to the appropriate state authorities for final approval. Once approved by the California Energy Commission and/or filed with the Building Standards Commission, the reach code can officially go into effect.
Reach Code Adoption Resources: Slide Decks and Recordings
A PowerPoint library providing an overview of Reach Code basics. Topics include: CPA Reach Code Program Overview, Reach Code 101, Electrification Benefits, Reach Code Examples, FAQs and more.
Existing Buildings Reach Code Working Group #1: Single Family Policy Review for Adoption
Learn about Single Family Reach Code policy options: Two-Way AC (aka AC to HP), Electric Readiness, and FlexPath. In this webinar, we go into detail about the background, scope, requirements, and resources available for these policies.
Existing Buildings Reach Code Working Group #2: Single Family Policy Review for Implementation
Learn about the installation requirements for the Single Family Reach Code policy options: Two-Way AC (aka AC to HP), Electric Readiness, and FlexPath. In this working group, we discuss the policy scope, requirements, potential barriers, and resources available for these policies.
Charting the Course for 2025 Reach Codes
A Bay Area Reach Code workshop on 2025 CA Energy Code updates and reach code options hosted by TRC.
2024 CPA Model Reach Code Webinar: How to Reduce GHG Emissions in Buildings
Reach codes can help your jurisdiction meet GHG reduction targets in buildings and improve indoor air quality. Watch our webinar to learn about new reach code options, and the technical and financial support available from CPA to pursue them for your member agency.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions and Common Concerns
Typical questions about reach code impacts and benefits, grid readiness, building technologies, and electric vehicles. Don’t see your question or concern? Send us an email: CPAReachCodes@cleanpoweralliance.org
