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 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 Codes

Exterior View of Single Family Homes

The electrification reach code language is informed by Investor-Owned Utilities Codes and Standards Program (IOU’s C&S) cost-effectiveness studies.

For any questions or support with adopting and customizing these codes, please reach out to CPAReachCodes@cleanpoweralliance.org.

Building Electrification

Energy Performance Approach (Source Energy Margin) Model Code

This model reach code was designed to mitigate 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 model code.

Electric Vehicle Infrastructure

Electric Vehicles Charging

Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Model Code

This model code was designed to exceed the 2022 CALGreen Intervening Code updates that will go into effect on July 1, 2024. In addition, this code took into account the proposed 2025 CALGreen Code updates to help minimize the amount of reach code updates the jurisdiction will need to conduct in upcoming years.

Adoption Process

Contact CPA to understand resources available

Conduct community engagement

Draft local amendments

Submit to council for review

File with Building Standards Commission

Reach Codes Resources & Adoption Tools

CPA Reach Code Slide Deck Library

A PowerPoint library with a wealth of reach code and electrification education and resources. Topics include: CPA Reach Code Program Overview, Reach Code 101, Electrification Benefits, Reach Code Examples, EV Infrastructure, FAQs and more.

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.

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.

FAQ

CPA FAQ Thumbnail

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