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. On March 16, 2026, the San Mateo City Council adopted an ordinance with the following reach code requirements for the 2025 Code Cycle (January 1, 2026 - December 31, 2028). The following reach codes are pending the Building Standards Commission (BSC) and California Energy Commission (CEC) approval.

Reach Codes for Cooling Upgrades and Planned Home Renovations 

Covered Project

Building Type

Reach Code Requirement

Cooling Upgrades

Single Family, Townhome, Duplex

Install heat pump or AC system with energy efficiency measures that exceed State Code

Cooling Upgrades

Nonresidential Building

Install heat pump or AC system with energy efficiency measures that exceed State Code

Renovation of 1,000 SF or more

Single Family, Townhome, Duplex

Choose from a menu of energy efficiency, electrification and/or electric readiness measures to meet target score of 12 points

Kitchen renovation, laundry area renovation

Single Family, Townhome, Duplex

Electric-readiness measures (reserved breakers space, receptacles, conduit)

New Construction

Single Family, Multifamily, Nonresidential buildings

Energy performance margins; cost effectiveness studies should be available in 2026 and would have to be reviewed at a future date if Council directs action

 

Related Resources:

Outreach Schedule: