Earlier editions: 2026-07
Title 18 — Building Codes and Regulations
Carlsbad Municipal Code Ch. 18.21 California Green Building Standards Code
Carlsbad Municipal Code · 2026-10 edition · updated 2026-10-04 · Carlsbad
Cite as: Carlsbad Municipal Code Chapter 18.21 · Text as of 2026-10-04
§ 18.21.010. Adoption and scope.¶
The 2025 California Green Building Standards Code, California Code of Regulations, Title 24, a portion of the California Building Standards Code, is adopted and incorporated by this reference as the green building standards code except for changes, additions, deletions and amendments in this chapter.
The following sections or chapters of Appendix A5 of the green building standards code are included in the adoption: Sections A5.201, A5.202, A5.203.1.1 through A5.203.1.2.1 Tier 1, and A5.212 through A5.213, except for changes, additions, and deletions as specified in this chapter. The following appendices are deleted: A4 and A6.
(Ord. CS-437 § 12, 2022; Ord. CS-498, 12/2/2025)
§ 18.21.020. Section 202 (Definitions) of the California Green Building Standards Code…¶
Section 202 of the California Green Building Standards Code is amended to revise/add the following definitions:
Electric vehicle (EV) capable space. A vehicle space with electrical panel space and load capacity to support a branch circuit and necessary raceways, both underground and/or surface mounted. For the purposes of this code, an EV capable space shall include a raceway capable of accommodating a 208/240-volt dedicated branch circuit. The raceway shall not be less than trade size 1 (nominal 1-inch inside diameter). The raceway shall originate at the main service or subpanel and shall terminate into a listed cabinet, box, or enclosure in close proximity to the proposed location of the EV capable spaces. The service panel and/or subpanel shall provide capacity to install a 40-ampere minimum dedicated branch circuit and space(s) reserved to permit installation of a branch circuit overcurrent protective device. Future EV capable spaces may qualify as designated parking for clean air vehicles.
Electric vehicle (EV) charger. Off-board charging equipment used to charge an electric vehicle. For the purposes of this code, an EV charging space that is installed with an EV charger shall consist of a dedicated 208/240-volt branch circuit, including a listed raceway, electrical panel capacity, overcurrent protective device, wire, and receptacle. Receptacle shall be equipped with EVSE. The raceway shall not be less than trade size 1 (nominal 1-inch inside diameter) and is required to be continuous at enclosed, inaccessible, or concealed areas and spaces. The branch circuit and associated overcurrent protective device shall be rated at 40 amperes minimum. Other electrical components, including receptacle and EVSE, related to this section shall be installed in accordance with the California Electrical Code.
Electric vehicle (EV) ready space. A vehicle space which is provided with a branch circuit, any necessary raceways, both underground and/or surface mounted, to accommodate EV charging, terminating in a blank cover, receptacle or a charger, with a dedicated 208/240-volt branch circuit, electric panel capacity, overcurrent protective device and wire. The raceway shall not be less than trade size 1 (nominal 1-inch inside diameter) and is required to be continuous at enclosed, inaccessible, or concealed areas and spaces. The termination point shall be in close proximity to the proposed location of an EV charger. The branch circuit and associated overcurrent protective device shall be rated at 40 amperes minimum. Other electrical components, including a receptacle or blank cover, related to this section shall be installed in accordance with the California Electrical Code.
Major residential renovations. Alterations and additions to existing residential structures and construction sites where: 1) for one and two family dwellings, and townhouses with attached private garages, alterations have a building permit valuation equal to or greater than $60,000 or include an electrical service panel upgrade; or 2) for multifamily dwellings (three dwelling units or more), alterations have a building permit valuation equal to or greater than $200,000, interior finishes are removed and significant site work and upgrades to structural, mechanical, electrical, and/or plumbing systems are proposed. Significant site work as used herein means site alterations that: Require a grading permit as required by law or ordinance of the jurisdiction; rehabilitate or install 2,500 square feet or more of landscaping; or repave, replace, or add 2,500 square feet or more of vehicle parking and drive area.
(Ord. CS-437 § 12, 2022)
§ 18.21.030. Section 4.106 (Site Development) of the California Green Building…¶
Sections 4.106.4 and 4.106.4.2 are amended to read as follows:
4.106.4 Electric vehicle (EV) charging for new construction and major residential renovations.
New construction and major residential renovations shall comply with Section 4.106.4.1 or 4.106.4.2 to facilitate future installation and use of EV chargers. Electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) shall be installed in accordance with the California Electrical Code, Article 625. Notwithstanding these requirements, the following exceptions apply:
| 1. | On a case-by-case basis, where the local enforcing agency has determined EV charging and infrastructure are not feasible based upon one or more of the following conditions: |
|---|---|
| 1.1. | Where there is no local utility power supply or the local utility is unable to supply adequate power. |
| 1.2. | Where there is evidence suitable to the local enforcing agency substantiating that additional local utility infrastructure design requirements, directly related to the implementation of Section 4.106.4, may adversely impact the construction cost of the project. |
| 2. | Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADU) without additional parking facilities. |
| 3. | Where major residential renovations for one and two-family dwellings and townhouses with attached private garages do not include an electrical service panel upgrade, the requirements of Section 4.106.4.1 shall apply to the maximum extent that does not require an electrical service panel upgrade. |
| 4. | In major residential renovations, where there is evidence substantiating that meeting the requirements of this section presents an unreasonable hardship or is technically infeasible, the building official may consider an appeal from the project sponsor to reduce the number of EV ready spaces, EV capable spaces, and EVSE installed spaces required or provided for EV charging elsewhere. |
| 5. | Where alternative and innovative parking systems will be installed as determined by the building official. |
4.106.4.2 New multifamily dwellings, major residential renovations to existing multifamily dwellings, hotels and motels, and new residential parking facilities.
When parking is provided, parking spaces for new multifamily dwellings, hotels and motels shall meet the requirements of Section 4.106.4.2.2. The provisions of this section shall also apply to major residential renovations. Calculations for spaces shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number. A parking space served by electric vehicle supply equipment or designed as a future EV charging space shall count as at least one standard automobile parking space only for the purpose of complying with any applicable minimum parking space requirements established by ordinance or any other applicable law.
4.106.4.2.3 EV space requirements.
Single EV space required. When a single EV ready space or EV capable space is required, it shall be an EVSE installed space. A raceway is not required if a minimum 40-ampere 208/240-volt dedicated EV branch circuit is installed in close proximity to the location or the proposed location of the EV space, at the time of original construction in accordance with the California Electrical Code.
Multiple EV spaces required. Construction documents shall indicate the raceway termination point and the location of EVSE installed spaces, EV ready spaces, EV capable spaces or receptacles, or EV chargers. Construction documents shall also provide information on amperage of installed or future receptacles or EVSE raceway method(s), wiring schematics, and electrical load calculations. Plan design shall be based upon a 40-ampere minimum branch circuit. Required raceways and related components that are planned to be installed underground, enclosed, inaccessible, or in concealed areas and spaces shall be installed at the time of original construction.
Exception. Notwithstanding subsection (2), a raceway is not required if a minimum 40- ampere 208/240-volt dedicated EV branch circuit is installed in close proximity to the location or the proposed location of the EV space at the time of original construction in accordance with the California Electrical Code.
4.106.4.2.4 Identification.
The service panel or subpanel circuit directory shall identify the overcurrent protective device space(s) reserved for future EV charging purposes as "EV CAPABLE" in accordance with the California Electrical Code.
(Ord. CS-437 § 12, 2022; Ord. CS-476, 10/29/2024; Ord. CS-498, 12/2/2025)
§ 18.21.040. Section 5.106 (Planning and Design) of the California Green Building…¶
Table 5.106.5.3.1 is amended to read as follows:
TABLE 5.106.5.3.1 EV CABALE SPACES AND EVCS
| Total Number of Actual Parking Spaces | Number of Required EV Capable Spaces | Other than Office and Retail Number of Required EVCS 2,3 | Office and Retail Number of Required EVCS 2,3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-9 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 10-25 | 4 | 2 | 3 |
| 26-50 | 8 | 4 | 6 |
| 51-75 | 13 | 6 | 8 |
| 76-100 | 17 | 8 | 13 |
| 101-150 | 25 | 12 | 19 |
| 151-200 | 35 | 18 | 26 |
| 200 and over | 20 percent of total 1 | 50 percent of EV capable spaces 1 | 75 percent of EV capable spaces 1 |
Notes:
| 1. | Calculation for spaces shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number. |
|---|---|
| 2. | Each EVCS shall reduce the number of required EV capable spaces by the same number. The number of required EVCS (EV capable spaces provided with EVSE) in column 3 count toward the total number of required EV capable spaces shown in column 2. |
| 3. | At least one Level 2 EVSE shall be provided. |
(Ord. CS-437 § 12, 2022; Ord. CS-498, 12/2/2025)
§ 18.21.050. Appendix A5 (Nonresidential Voluntary Measures) of the California Green…¶
A. Appendix A5, Sections A5.201, A5.202, A5.203.1.1 through A5.203.1.2.1 Tier 1, and A5. 212 through A5.213 are adopted and amended herein and are mandatory requirements for the construction of nonresidential buildings and structures, multi-family buildings and structures, hotels/motels, and alterations thereto having a building permit valuation of at least $200,000.00 or additions of at least 1,000 square feet.
B. Section A5.203.1.1.2 of the California Green Building Standards Code is amended to read as follows:
A5.203.1.1.2 Service water heating in restaurants.
Newly constructed restaurants shall comply with California Energy Code Section 140.5.
C. Section A5.211 of the California Green Building Standards Code is added to read as follows:
A5.211.1 On-site renewable energy.
Use on-site renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, geothermal, low-impact hydro, biomass and bio-gas for at least 1 percent of the electric power calculated as the product of the building service voltage and the amperage specified by the electrical service overcurrent protection device rating or 1 kW, (whichever is greater), in addition to the electrical demand required to meet 1 percent of the natural gas and propane use. The building project's electrical service overcurrent protection device rating shall be calculated in accordance with the California Electrical Code. Natural gas or propane use is calculated in accordance with the California Plumbing Code.
A5.211.1.1 Documentation.
Using a calculation method approved by the California Energy Commission, calculate the renewable on-site energy system to meet the requirements of Section A5.211.1, expressed in kW. Factor in net-metering, if offered by local utility, on an annual basis.
A5.211.3 Green power.
If offered by local utility provider, participate in a renewable energy portfolio program that provides a minimum of 50 percent electrical power from renewable sources. Maintain documentation through utility billings.
Exception to A5.211.1, A5.211.1.1 and A5.211.3: All new nonresidential, high-rise residential, and hotel/motel buildings, and alterations thereto having a building permit valuation of at least $1,000,000 and affecting at least 75 percent of existing floor area, or alterations that increase roof size by at least 2,000 square feet, shall instead comply with California Energy Code Section 140.10.
(Ord. CS-437 § 12, 2022; Ord. CS-498, 12/2/2025)
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