Alameda Municipal Code § 13-11 Alameda Energy Code

The California Green Building Standards Code, the 2025 Edition published by the California Building Standards Commission, is adopted by reference and made a part hereof as if fully set forth herein at length, and shall be known as the Alameda Green Building Standards Code.

(Ord. No. 3265 N.S., § 1, 3-3-2020; Ord. No. 3338 N.S., § 3, 12-20-2022; Ord. No. 3389 N.S., § 3, 10-21-2025)

A copy of the California Green Building Standards Code, the 2025 Edition shall be maintained by the Building Official for use and examination by the public.

(Ord. No. 3265 N.S., § 1, 3-3-2020; Ord. No. 3338 N.S., § 3, 12-20-2022; Ord. No. 3389 N.S., § 3, 10-21-2025)

a. Section A4.204.1 is amended to add the following section as mandatory:

A4.204.1 Energy Efficiency. Alterations to existing residential buildings shall comply with Section A4.204.1.1.

A4.204.1.1 Altered Space-Conditioning System Serving Existing Single-Family, Duplex and Townhome Dwelling Units - Mechanical Cooling. When a space-conditioning system serving an existing single-family dwelling, duplex or townhome unit is altered in climate zones 1 through 14 and 16 by installation or replacement of an air conditioner, the altered system shall comply with either a or b below in addition to the requirements for installation specified by Title 24, Part 6, Sections 150.2(b)1E and 150.2(b)1F:

a. A heat pump shall be the primary heating source and sized according to the system selection requirements specified by Title 24, Part 6 of Section 150.0(h)5. Supplemental heating may be provided by gas furnace or electric resistance heating as specified in Title 24, Part 6, Sections 150.0(h)7 and 150.0(i); or

b. An air conditioner shall meet all the requirements in either subsection I or II below:

I. Systems with Existing Duct Distribution Systems:

A. The duct system measured air leakage shall be equal to or less than 10 percent of the system air handler airflow as confirmed through field verification and diagnostic testing, per the requirements in Title 24, Part 6, Reference Residential Appendix Section RA3.1.4.3.1; and

Exception 1 to A4.204.1.1bIA. If it is not possible to meet the duct sealing requirements, all accessible leaks shall be sealed and verified through a visual inspection and a smoke test by a certified ECC-Rater utilizing the methods specified in Reference Residential Appendix Section RA3.1.4.3.5.

Exception 2 to A4.204.1.1bIA: Existing duct systems, constructed, insulated or sealed with asbestos.

B. Demonstrate, in every control mode, airflow greater than or equal to 300 CFM per ton of nominal cooling capacity through the return grilles, and an air-handling unit fan efficacy less than or equal to 0.45 W/CFM. The airflow rate and fan efficacy requirements in this section shall be confirmed through field verification and diagnostic testing, following the procedures outlined in Title 24, Part 6, Reference Residential Appendix RA3.3; and

Exception 1 to A4.204.1.1bIB: Systems unable to comply with the minimum airflow rate and system efficacy requirements shall demonstrate compliance by satisfying all of the following:

1. Following the procedures in Section RA3.3.3.1.5;

2. Installing a system thermostat that conforms to the specifications in Section 110.12;

3. For standard ducted systems (without zoning dampers), meet the applicable minimum total return filter grille nominal area requirements in Table 150.0-B or 150.0-C as confirmed by field verification and diagnostic testing in accordance with the procedures in Reference Residential Appendix Sections RA3.1.4.4 and RA3.1.4.5. The design clean-filter pressure drop requirements specified by Section 150.0(m)12D for the system air filter(s) shall conform to the requirements given in Tables 150.0-B and 150.0-C.

Exception 2 to Section A4.204.1.1bIB: Multispeed compressor systems or variable speed compressor systems shall verify air flow (cfm/ton) and fan efficacy (Watt/cfm) for system operation at the maximum compressor speed and the maximum air handler fan speed.

Exception 3 to Section A4.204.1.1bIB: Gas furnace air-handling units manufactured prior to July 3, 2019 shall comply with a fan efficacy value less than or equal to 0.58 W/cfm as confirmed by field verification and diagnostic testing in accordance with the procedures given in Reference Residential Appendix RA3.3.

C. In all climate zones, refrigerant charge verification requirements shall meet the requirements in Title 24, Part 6 Section 150.2(b)1Fiib, including the minimum airflow rate specified in Section 150.2(b)1Fiia; and

D. Vented attics shall have insulation installed to achieve a U-factor of 0.020 or insulation installed at the ceiling level shall result in an insulated thermal resistance of R-49 or greater for the insulation alone; luminaires not rated for insulation contact must be replaced or retrofitted with a fireproof cover that allows for insulation to be installed directly over the cover; and

Exception 1 to Section A4.204.1.1(b)ID: Dwelling units with at least R-38 existing insulation installed at the ceiling level.

Exception 2 to Section A4.204.1.1(b)ID: Dwelling units where the alteration would directly cause the disturbance of asbestos unless the alteration is made in conjunction with asbestos abatement.

Exception 3 to Section A4.204.1.1(b)ID: Dwelling units with knob and tube wiring located in the vented attic.

Exception 4 to Section A4.204.1.1(b)ID: Where the accessible space in the attic is not large enough to accommodate the required R-value, the entire accessible space shall be filled with insulation provided such installation does not violate Section 806.3 of Title 24, Part 2.5.

E. Air seal all accessible areas of the ceiling plane between the attic and the conditioned space including all joints, penetrations and other openings that are potential sources of air leakage by caulking, gasketing, weather-stripping or otherwise sealing to limit infiltration and exfiltration.

Exception 1 to Section A4.204.1.1bIE: Dwelling units with at least R-38 existing insulation installed at the ceiling level.

Exception 2 to Section A4.204.1.1bIE: Dwelling units where the alteration would directly cause the disturbance of asbestos unless the alteration is made in conjunction with asbestos abatement.

Exception 3 to Section A4.204.1.1bIE: Dwelling units with atmospherically vented space heating or water heating combustion appliances located inside the pressure boundary of the dwelling unit.

II. Entirely New or Complete Replacement Duct Systems:

A. R-8 duct insulation shall be installed for all new ducts located in unconditioned space; and

B. The total duct system measured air leakage shall be equal to or less than 5 percent of the system air handler airflow as confirmed through field verification and diagnostic testing, per the requirements in Title 24, Part 6, Reference Residential Appendix Section RA3.1.4.3.1; and

C. Demonstrate, in every control mode, airflow greater than or equal to 350 CFM per ton of nominal cooling capacity through the return grilles, and an air-handling unit fan efficacy less than or equal to 0.35 W/CFM. The airflow rate and fan efficacy requirements in this section shall be confirmed through field verification and diagnostic testing, following the procedures outlined in Title 24, Part 6, Reference Residential Appendix RA3.3; and

D. In all climate zones, refrigerant charge verification requirements shall meet the requirements in Title 24, Part 6 Section 150.2(b)1Fiib; and

Exception 1 to Section A4.204.1.1: Where the capacity of the existing main electrical service panel is insufficient to supply the electrical capacity of a heat pump and where the existing main electrical service panel is sufficient to supply a new or replacement air conditioner, as calculated according to the requirements of California Electrical Code Article 220.83 or Article 220.87. Documentation of electrical load calculations in accordance with Article 220 must be submitted to the enforcement agency prior to permitting for both the heat pump and proposed air conditioner.

Exception 2 to Section A4.204.1.1: Where the required capacity of a heat pump to meet the system selection requirements of Section 150.0(h)5 is greater than or equal to 12,000 Btu/h more than the greater of the required capacity of an air conditioner to meet the design cooling load OR the capacity of the existing air conditioner. Documentation of heating and cooling load calculations in accordance with 150.0(h) must be submitted to the enforcement agency prior to permitting for both the heat pump and proposed air conditioner.

Exception 3 to Section A4.204.1.1: Hardship exemptions shall be provided at the discretion of the Building Official for economic hardship or another infeasibility not covered above.

(Ord. No. 3389 N.S., § 3, 10-21-2025)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 3374 N.S., § 1, adopted July 16, 2024, repealed § 13-10.3, which pertained to modifications, amendments and deletions to the California green buildings standards code and derived from Ord. No. 3338 N.S., § 3, adopted December 20, 2022.

The California Energy Code, the 2025 Edition published by the California Building Standards Commission, is adopted by reference and made a part hereof as if fully set forth herein at length, and shall be known as the Alameda Energy Code.

(Ord. No. 3265 N.S., § 1, 3-3-2020; Ord. No. 3338 N.S., § 3, 12-20-2022; Ord. No. 3389 N.S., § 3, 10-21-2025)

A copy of the California Energy Code, the 2025 Edition shall be maintained by the Building Official for use and examination by the public.

(Ord. No. 3265 N.S., § 1, 3-3-2020; Ord. No. 3338 N.S., § 3, 12-20-2022; Ord. No. 3389 N.S., § 3, 10-21-2025)

a. Section 100.0 is modified to add a new section (i) as follows:

(i) Single Family, Duplex and Townhome Building Remodel Energy Reach Code—Purpose and Intent.

In addition to all requirements of the California Energy Code applicable to Single Family building additions and alterations, the electric readiness measures specified in Sections 150.0(w) shall be required for certain single family, duplex and townhome residential structures additions and alterations.

b. Section 100.1(b) is modified by adding the following definitions:

LEVEL 2 ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV) CHARGING RECEPTACLE is a 208/240-volt 40-ampere minimum branch circuit and a receptacle.

LOW POWER LEVEL 2 ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV) CHARGING RECEPTACLE is a 208/240-volt 20-ampere minimum branch circuit and a receptacle

c. A new Section, (w), is added to Section 150.0 as follows:

(w) Electric Readiness for Alterations.

1. Electric range. Where branch circuits or receptacles are added or altered in a kitchen and the work requires an electrical permit, install electrical components in accordance with the California Electrical Code. The electrical components shall include either of the following:

A. A 125 volt, 20 amp electrical receptacle that is connected to the electric panel with a 120/240 volt 3 conductor branch circuit rated at 50 amps minimum, within 3 feet from the location of the appliance and accessible to the appliance with no obstructions. Both ends of the unused conductor shall be labeled with the word "spare" and be electrically isolated. Space shall be reserved for a single pole circuit breaker in the electrical panel adjacent to the circuit breaker for the branch circuit and labeled with the words "Future Use".

B. A pathway for a future 240 volt 50 amp minimum branch circuit that shall consist of either conductors or raceway from the main electrical service panel. The main electric panel shall have space reserved to allow for the installation of a double pole circuit breaker for a future electric range installation. The reserved space shall be permanently marked as "For Future 240V use". The raceway or conductors shall terminate at a junction box within 3 feet of the appliance. The blank cover shall be identified as "240V ready".

2. Electric dryer. Where a branch circuit is added or altered within 3 feet of a gas or propane clothes dryer and the work requires an electrical permit, install electrical components in accordance with the California Electrical Code. The electrical components shall include either of the following:

A. A dedicated 125 volt, 20 amp electrical receptacle that is connected to the electric panel with a 120/240 volt 3 conductor branch circuit rated at 30 amps minimum, within 3 feet from the appliance and accessible to the appliance with no obstructions. Both ends of the unused conductor shall be labeled with the word "spare" and be electrically isolated. Space shall be reserved for a single pole circuit breaker in the electrical panel adjacent to the circuit breaker for the branch circuit and labeled with the words "Future Use"; or,

B. A pathway for a future 240 volt 30 amp minimum branch circuit that shall consist of either conductors or raceway from the main electrical service panel. The main electric panel shall have space reserved to allow for the installation of a double pole circuit breaker for a future heat pump dryer installation. The reserved space shall be permanently marked as "For Future 240V use". The raceway or conductors shall terminate at a junction box within 3 feet of the appliance. The blank cover shall be identified as "240V ready".

3. Heat pump water heater.

A. If wall framing is removed or replaced within 3 feet of a gas or propane water heating appliance, space suitable for the future installation of a heat pump water heater (HPWH) shall be provided. The space shall be at least 2.5 feet by 2.5 feet wide and 7 feet tall and shall include a condensate drain that is no more than 2 inches higher than the base of an installed water heater and allows natural draining without pump assistance or installed piping or tubing within 3 feet of the water heater location to a condensate drain or exterior location. If pump assistance is needed, a receptacle on a 120 volt, minimum 15 amp branch circuit for a condensate pump must be available within 3 feet of the water heater location.

B. Where branch circuits are altered or added within 3 feet of an existing gas or propane water heater or within 10 feet of the designated future location of a heat pump water heater as required under Section 150.0(w)3A, and the work requires an electrical permit, install electrical components in accordance with the California Electrical Code. The electrical components shall include either of the following:

(i) A dedicated 125 volt, 20 amp electrical receptacle that is connected to the electric panel with a 120/240 volt 3 conductor, 10 AWG copper branch circuit rated at 30 amps minimum, within 3 feet from the water heater and accessible to the water heater with no obstructions. Both ends of the unused conductor shall be labeled with the word "spare" and be electrically isolated. Space shall be reserved for a single pole circuit breaker space in the electrical panel adjacent to the circuit breaker for the branch circuit and labeled with the words "Future 240V Use"; or

(ii) A pathway for a future 240 volt 30 amp minimum branch circuit that shall consist of either conductors or raceway from the main electrical service panel. The main electric panel shall have space reserved to allow for the installation of a double pole circuit breaker for a future HPWH installation. The reserved space shall be permanently marked as "For Future 240V use". The pathway shall terminate at a junction box within 3 feet of the appliance. The blank cover shall be identified as "240V ready".

4. Outdoor gas appliances. Where a gas line is added or extended to any pool water heater, spa water heater, sauna, fireplace, outdoor cooking appliance, or outdoor heating system, install infrastructure and reserve physical space to accommodate future installation of an electric equivalent of that system that serves the same function, as certified by a registered design professional or licensed electrical contractor.

A. Install conduit designed to serve a future electric appliance(s) with the same function, including the appropriate voltage, phase, minimum amperage, and an electrical receptacle or junction box within five feet of the appliance that is accessible with no obstructions, in accordance with manufacturer requirements and the California Electrical Code. In lieu of or in addition to conduit, electrically isolated branch circuit wiring may be installed; and

B. Label both ends of the unused conduit or conductors "For Future Electrical Appliance"; and

C. Reserve circuit breakers in the electrical panel(s) for each branch circuit, appropriately labeled; and

D. Designate physical space for future electric appliances, including equipment footprint, on the construction drawings. The footprint necessary for future electric appliances may overlap with the location of currently designed combustion equipment.

Exception to Section 150.0(w)4: Generator systems used for emergency power generation.

5. Electrical Power Upgrades. Increases in the electrical power infrastructure capacity serving a building shall only be permitted when all the following are documented and submitted to the building official:

A. Calculations in accordance with California Electrical Code Article 220.83 determine that future loads will exceed the capacity of the current electrical power infrastructure.

B. Where data is available, calculations in accordance with California Electrical Code Article 220.87 determine that future loads exceed the capacity of the current electrical service infrastructure.

C. Calculations for item (A) and item (B) above shall include at least one of the following:

i. At least one power management or circuit controlling device, serving electric-only appliances such as:

a. Water heater(s);

b. Clothes dryer(s);

c. Range(s);

d. Level 2 EV Charging Receptacle; or

e. Low Power Level 2 EV Charging Receptacle.

ii. At least one of the following electric-only appliances operating on 120V:

a. Water heater(s);

b. Clothes dryers(s);

c. Range(s).

iii. Circuit control between whole home load and Level 2 EV Charging Receptacle or Low Power Level 2 EV Charging Receptacle.

a. Exception 1 to Section 150.0(w)5: The upgrade is solely the result of a project proposing electrical improvements supporting loads related to devices and uses not regulated by 150.0(w)5.

b. Exception 2 to Section 150.0(w): The project is the result of a repair as defined by Title 24 Part 2 Section 202.

c. Exception 3 to Section 150.0(w): If an electrical permit is not otherwise required for the project other than compliance with this section.

d. Exception 4 to Section 150.0(w): Where upgrades to the existing electrical panel or utility service are not proposed, electrical panel capacity shall not be required to exceed the existing utility electrical service to the building to meet compliance with this section. Capacity and overcurrent protection spaces shall be reserved to the extent allowable under the existing electrical panel capacity using the methodology in Section 150(w)5. Tandem overcurrent protection devices shall be used to the extent permissible under the California Electrical Code.

e. Exception 5 to Section 150.0(w): The project is the result of a safety improvement to remove a known hazard.

f. Exception 6 to Section 150.0(w): Mobile Homes, Manufactured Housing, or Factory-built Housing as defined in Division 13 of the California Health and Safety 12 Code (commencing with Section 17000 of the Health and Safety Code).

g. Exception 7 to Section 150.0(w): Emergency Housing pursuant to Appendix P of the California Building Code.

h. Exception 8 to Section 150.0(w): Creation of a new accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit that is within the existing space of a single-family dwelling or accessory structure and includes an expansion of not more than 150 square feet beyond the same physical dimensions as the existing accessory structure. An expansion beyond the physical dimensions of the existing accessory structure shall be limited to accommodating ingress and egress. Or, if the project would not otherwise be a Covered Single-Family Project were it not for the inclusion of an accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit that meets the criteria above.

i. Exception 9 to Section 150.0(w): Hardship exemptions shall be provided at the discretion of the Building Official for economic hardship or another infeasibility not covered above.

(Ord. No. 3389 N.S., § 3, 10-21-2025)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 3338 N.S., § 3, adopted December 20, 2022, repealed § 13-11.3, which pertained to local amendments and derived from Ord. No. 3300 N.S., adopted June 1, 2021.