Reach Codes
The City of San Mateo is committed to being a climate leader and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in our community. The development and adoption of amendments to the green building code, also known as “reach codes” can help reduce emissions by requiring all-electric construction and enhancing electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Below is information about current reach codes, that are effective for the 2022 Code Cycle (Jan. 1, 2023 - Dec. 31, 2025).
Why is building electrification and electric vehicle readiness important?
Building electrification refers to the transition from gas equipment to electric equipment for space and water heating, clothes drying, cooking and more. Phasing out the use of fossil gas (also known as natural gas) in buildings is extremely important because fossil gas is a fossil fuel that is primarily composed of methane. Fossil gas contributes emissions with a very high global warming potential. There are also health and safety concerns associated with the use of fossil gas in homes. In contrast, the City's electricity provider, Peninsula Clean Energy, supplies 100% greenhouse gas free electricity to the community.
Electric vehicle charging infrastructure is key to encourage electric vehicle adoption. Transportation accounts for the majority of greenhouse gas emissions in San Mateo. The availability of home charging is specifically important because the lack of at-home charging is considered the primary barrier to EV adoption.
Green Building Reach Codes
Reach Codes for Home Renovations
The reach codes below are implemented starting Jan. 1, 2023 when a permit is issued by the City of San Mateo for home renovations that include the following elements:
Reach Code | Impacted Buildings | Reach Code Requirements for Remodels | ||
Electric-readiness: panel capacity | One- and two-family dwellings and townhouses, duplexes and multifamily buildings | Requires panel replacement and panel upgrade projects to include panel capacity/breaker space for future electrification | ||
Electric-readiness: outlets installed |
| Requires all residential kitchen and laundry renovations include installation of an outlet to allow for the use of electric appliances in the future | ||
Heat pump air conditioning |
| Requires installation of electric air conditioning when new air conditioning is installed or replaced | ||
New gas infrastructure |
| Prohibits the extension of fuel gas infrastructure for uses such as new fireplaces, fire pits, grills, and pools | ||
Heat pump water heaters |
| Requires heat pump water heater installation during addition and alteration projects that include water heater replacement |
Reach Codes for New Construction
All-electric new construction:
Currently, the City of San Mateo’s building electrification reach code requires the new construction of all residential buildings and office buildings be all-electric. The updated reach code requires all new construction to be all-electric. Commercial kitchens and biotech laboratories can apply for exceptions.
Enhanced electric vehicle requirements for new construction:
The updated reach code requires enhanced electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure for new construction projects above the State requirements, as shown in the table below.
Reach Code Requirements | ||
One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Townhouses | One Level 2 EV Ready space per dwelling unit; one Level 1 EV Ready space if second space provided | |
Multifamily Buildings | 15% Level 2 EVCS 85% Level 2 EV Ready (low-power) Total: 100% of spaces | |
Commercial Buildings | Office Use 20% Level 2 EVCS 30% Level 2 EV Capable Total: 50% of spaces | All Other Uses 10% Level 2 EVCS 10% Level 2 EV Capable Total: 20% of spaces |
Related Resources
- San Mateo Municipal Code Chapter 23.70 Green Building Code
- Reach Code Ordinance 2022-13
- City Council meeting, reach code ordinance adoption - November 7, 2022
- City Council meeting, reach code ordinance introduction - October 17, 2022
- City Council Study Session, proposed reach code discussion - September, 19, 2022
- Community Survey Results - August 31 - September 13, 2022
- Community Meeting recording - August 30, 2022
- Sustainability and Infrastructure Commission Meetings with reach codes discussion
- Bay Area Reach Codes: Frequently Asked Questions
- Reach Codes for the 2019 Code Cycle (2020-2022)
- Reach Codes for the 2016 Code Cycle (2017-2019)