Los Altos Hills Municipal Code Ch. 1.6 California Energy Code

(a) The 2022 California Energy Code, Part 6, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, a portion of the California Building Standards Code, as defined in the California State Health and Safety Code Section 18901 et seq., (hereinafter referred to as the "Energy Code"), and any rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto are hereby adopted and incorporated by reference herein.

(b) One copy of the Energy Code shall be kept on file at the Town of Los Altos Hills.

(§ 1, Ord. 558, eff. February 15, 2015; § 1, Ord. 568, eff. March 16, 2017; § 1, Ord. 585, eff. January 18, 2020; § 1, Ord. 604, eff. November 17, 2022)

Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 8-1.6.01, the Energy Code is amended as follows:

(a) Section 100.0 Scope under subsection (e)(2)(D) Low-rise residential buildings is amended to read as follows:

i. Sections applicable. Sections 150.0 through 150.1 apply to newly constructed low-rise residential buildings. In addition, all newly constructed residences, newly constructed detached accessory dwelling units, and other newly constructed detached habitable structures shall be electrically heated mixed-fuel buildings as defined in Section 100.1(b).

(b) Section 100.1(b) Definitions is amended by adding or amending the following definitions to read:

All-electric building

is a building that has no natural gas or propane plumbing installed within the building, and that uses electricity as the source of energy for its space heating, water heating, cooking appliances, and clothes drying appliances.

Certified energy analyst

is a person registered as a Certified Energy Analyst with the California Association of Building Energy Consultants as of the date of submission of a Certificate of Compliance as required under Section 10.103.

Electrically heated mixed-fuel building

is a mixed-fuel building that uses electricity as the source of energy for its space heating and water heating appliances.

Free standing accessory dwelling unit

is a detached building that is not intended for sale separate from the primary residence, on a lot that is zoned for single-family or multi-family use, located on the same lot as an existing dwelling, and does not exceed 1,200 square feet of total living area.

Mixed-fuel building

is a building that is plumbed for the use of natural gas or propane as fuel for space heating, water heating, cooking appliances and/or clothes drying appliances.

(c) Section 150.0 Mandatory features and devices is amended to read as follows:

Low-rise residential buildings shall comply with the applicable requirements of Sections 150(a) through 150.0(s).

NOTE: The requirements of Sections 150.0(a) through 150.0(s) apply to newly constructed buildings. Sections 150.2(a) and 150.2(b) specify which requirements of Sections 150.0(a) through 150.0(s) also apply to additions or alterations.

(d) Section 150.0(h) Space-conditioning equipment is amended by adding the following:

5. Systems using gas or propane space heating equipment to serve new residences, new detached accessory dwelling units, and new detached habitable structures are not permitted.

(e) Section 150.0(n) Water heating system is amended by adding the following:

1. Systems using gas or propane water heaters to serve new residences, new detached accessory dwelling units, and new detached habitable structures are not permitted.

(f) Section 150.0(s) is added to read as follows:

(s) Clothes Drying and Cooking. Buildings plumbed for natural gas or propane clothes drying or cooking equipment shall include the following components for each gas terminal or stub out:

1. Clothes Drying.

A. A dedicated 208/240-volt, 30-amp or greater electrical receptacle that is connected to the electric panel with conductors of adequate capacity, within 3 feet of the appliance and accessible with no obstructions;

B. Both ends of the unused conductor shall be labeled with the words "For Future Electric Clothes Dryer" and be electrically isolated;

C. A double pole circuit breaker in the electrical panel labeled with the words "For Future Electric Clothes Dryer"; and

D. Other electrical components, including conductors, receptacles or blank covers, related to this section shall be installed in accordance with the California Electrical Code.

2. Cooktop.

A. A dedicated 208/240-volt, 50-amp or greater electrical receptacle that is connected to the electric panel with conductors of adequate capacity, within 3 feet of the appliance and accessible with no obstructions;

B. Both ends of the unused conductor shall be labeled with the words "For Future Electric Range" and be electrically isolated;

C. A double pole circuit breaker in the electrical panel labeled with the words "For Future Electric Range"; and

D. Other electrical components, including conductors, receptacles or blank covers, related to this section shall be installed in accordance with the California Electrical Code.

3. Stand Alone Cooking Oven.

A. A dedicated 208/240-volt, 20-amp or greater or greater receptacle within 3 feet of the appliance and accessible with no obstructions;

B. Both ends of the unused conductor shall be labeled with the words "For Future Electric Oven" and be electrically isolated;

C. A double pole circuit breaker in the electrical panel labeled with the words "For Future Electric Oven"; and

D. Other electrical components, including conductors, receptacles or blank covers, related to this section shall be installed in accordance with the California Electrical Code.

(§ 1, Ord. 589, eff. March 19, 2020)