Millbrae Municipal Code Art. VII Green Building Standards Code

The code of rules and regulations known and designated as the California Green Building Code (CALGreen), 2025 Edition, with the California State Amendments, hereinafter called CALGreen code, which establishes the minimum requirements for the effective use of green building in the design of new residential, commercial and industrial buildings and structures and also includes additions and alterations to all existing buildings and structures, is adopted and by reference incorporated in this chapter as if fully set forth as the green building code of the city establishing the rules, regulations and standards as to all matters therein contained, subject, however, to the amendments, additions and deletions set forth in this chapter. One copy of the CALGreen code shall, at all times, be kept on file in the office of the building official. The mandatory requirements of the adopted appendices to the green building code shall be enforceable to the same extent as if contained in the body of the green building code.

Whenever reference is made within the Millbrae Municipal Code to the Uniform Codes, National Codes or any codes regulating the construction or maintenance of any building, structure or appurtenance thereto, such codes shall commonly mean the currently adopted building code set forth in this chapter.

CALGreen Code Section 202 is amended to revise the definition of "Electrical Vehicle Charging Station (EVCS)" and add definitions related to an Electric Vehicle Charging Station, to read as follows:

Automatic Load Management System (ALMS). A control system that allows multiple EV chargers or EV-Ready electric vehicle outlets to share an electrical circuit and automatically reduce power at each charger. ALMS systems must be designed to deliver at least 1.4kW to each EV Capable, EV Ready, or EVCS space served by the ALMS. The connected amperage on-site shall not be lower than the required connected amperage per Part 11, 2025 California Green Building Code for the relevant building types.

Affordable Housing. Residential buildings that entirely consist of units below market rate and whose rents or sales prices are governed by local agencies to be affordable based on area median income.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Capable. A listed electrical panel with sufficient capacity to provide a minimum 20 amperes to a designated charging space. Raceways from the electrical panel to the charging space(s) shall be installed to a charging space(s) only in locations that will be inaccessible in the future, either underground or where penetrations through walls, floors, or other partitions would otherwise be required for future installation of branch circuits. Raceways shall be at least 1" diameter and may be sized for multiple circuits as allowed by the California Electrical Code. The electric panel circuit directory shall identify the overcurrent protection device space(s) reserved for EV charging as "EV CAPABLE." Construction documents shall identify the location of the raceway from the panel to the charging space.

Electric Vehicle Charging Station (EVCS). A parking space that includes installation of Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) per California Electrical Code and with a minimum capacity of 30 amperes connected to a circuit serving a Level 2 Electric Vehicle (EV) Ready Space. EVCS installation may be used to satisfy a Level 2 EV Ready Space requirement.

1. Level 1 Electric Vehicle (EV) Ready Space.

A complete electric circuit with a minimum 20-ampere capacity, including electrical panel capacity, overcurrent protection device, a minimum 1" diameter raceway that may include multiple circuits as allowed by the California Electrical Code, conductors, and either:

a) A receptacle, labelled "Electric Vehicle Outlet" with a minimum 1/2" font, adjacent to the parking space; or

b) Electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE).

2. Level 2 Electric Vehicle (EV) Ready Space.

A complete electric circuit with a minimum 208/240 Volt, 40-ampere capacity, including electrical panel capacity, overcurrent protection device, a minimum 1" diameter raceway that may include multiple circuits as allowed by the California Electrical Code, conductors, and either a) a receptacle, labelled "Electric Vehicle Outlet" with a minimum 1/2" font, adjacent to the parking space, or b) electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) with a minimum output of 30 amperes.

CALGreen Code Section 4.106.4 "Exceptions" is amended to add the following exceptions:

3. Where there is no commercial power supply.

4. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADU) without additional parking facilities, unless the electrical panel is upgraded, or a new panel is installed in which case only the electrical capacity requirements apply.

5. Spaces accessible only by automated mechanical car parking systems.

CALGreen Code Sections 4.106.4.1 through 4.106.4.2 are amended to read as follows:

Section 4.106.4.1 New one- and two-family dwellings and town-houses with attached private garages.

For each dwelling unit, install a Level 2 EV Ready Space and Level 1 EV Ready Space.

Exception: For each dwelling unit with only one parking space, install a Level 2 EV Ready Space.

Section 4.106.4.1.1 Identification.

The raceway termination location shall be permanently and visibly marked as "Level 2 EV-Ready."

Section 4.106.4.2 New multifamily dwellings.

The following requirements apply to all new multifamily dwellings:

Notes:

1. ALMS may be installed to decrease electrical services and transformer capacity associated with EV Charging Equipment subject to review of the authority having jurisdiction.

2. Installation of Level 2 EV Ready Spaces above the minimum number required level may offset the minimum number Level 1 EV Ready Spaces required on a 1:1 basis.

3. The requirements apply to multifamily buildings with parking spaces including: a) assigned or leased to individual dwelling units, and b) unassigned residential parking.

4. Multifamily residential building projects that have been granted entitlements within one year before the effective date of this ordinance shall provide at least ten (10) percent of the total number of parking spaces on a building site, provided for all types of parking facilities, with Level 2 EV Ready Circuits. Calculations for the required number of EV spaces shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number.

5. The City may consider allowing exceptions, on a case by case basis, if a building permit applicant provides documentation detailing that the increased cost of utility service or on-site transformer capacity would exceed an average of $4,500 among parking spaces with Level 2 EV Ready Spaces and Level 1 EV Ready Spaces. If costs are found to exceed this level, the applicant shall provide EV infrastructure up to a level that would not exceed this cost for utility service or on-site transformer capacity.

6. In order to adhere to accessibility requirements in accordance with California Building Code Chapters 11A and/or 11B, it is recommended that all accessible parking spaces for covered newly constructed multifamily dwellings are provided with Level 1 or Level 2 EV Ready Spaces.

Section 4.106.4.2.1. Electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS).

When EV chargers are installed, EV spaces shall comply with at least one of the following options:

1. The EV space shall be located adjacent to an accessible parking space meeting the requirements of the California Building Code, Chapter 11 A, to allow use of the EV charger from the accessible parking space.

2. The EV space shall be located on an accessible route, as defined in the California Building Code, Chapter 2, to the building.

Exception: Electric vehicle charging stations designed and constructed in compliance with the California Building Code, Chapter 11B, are not required to comply with Section 4.106.4.2.1.1.

Note: Electric vehicle charging stations serving public housing are required to comply with the California Building Code, Chapter 11B.

CALGreen Code Sections 5.106.5.3 to 5.106.5.3.4 are amended to read as follows:

Section 5.106.5.3 Electric vehicle (EV) charging.

[N] New construction shall comply with Section 5.106.5.3.1 or Section 5.106.5.3.2 to facilitate future installation and use of EV chargers. Electrical vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) shall be installed in accordance with the California Building Code, the Electrical Code.

Exceptions:

1. Where there is no commercial power supply.

2. Spaces accessible only by automated mechanical car parking systems.

Section 5.106.5.3.1 Office buildings: In non-residential new construction buildings designated primarily for office use with parking:

1. When 10 or more parking spaces are constructed, 10% of the available parking spaces on site shall be equipped with Level 2 EVCS;

2. An additional 10% shall be provided with at least Level 1 EV Ready Spaces; and

3. An additional 30% shall be at least EV Capable.

Calculations for the required minimum number of spaces equipped with Level 2 EVCS, Level 1 EV Ready Spaces and EV Capable spaces shall all be rounded up to the nearest whole number.

Construction plans and specifications shall demonstrate that all raceways shall be a minimum of 1" and sufficient for installation of EVCS at all required Level 1 EV Ready and EV Capable spaces; Electrical calculations shall substantiate the design of the electrical system to include the rating of equipment and any on-site distribution transformers, and have sufficient capacity to simultaneously charge EVs at all required EV spaces including Level 1 EV Ready and EV Capable spaces; and service panel or subpanel(s) shall have sufficient capacity to accommodate the required number of dedicated branch circuit(s) for the future installation of the EVSE.

Note: ALMS may be installed to increase the number of EV charges or the amperage or voltage beyond the minimum requirements in this code. The option does not allow for installing less electrical panel capacity than would be required without ALMS.

Section 5.106.5.3.2 Other non-residential buildings:

In non-residential new construction buildings that are not designated primarily for office use, such as retail or institutional uses:

1. When 10 or more parking spaces are constructed, 6% of the available parking spaces on site shall be equipped with Level 2 EVCS;

2. An additional 5% shall be at least Level 1 EV Ready. Calculations for the required minimum number of spaces equipped with Level 2 EVCS and Level 1 EV Ready Spaces shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number.

Exception: Installation of each Direct Current Fast Charger with the capacity to provide at least 80 kW output may substitute for 6 Level 2 EVCS and 5 EV Ready Spaces after a minimum of 6 Level 2 EVCS and 5 Level 1 EV Ready Spaces are installed.

Section 5.106.5.3.3 Clean Air Vehicle Parking Designation.

EVCS qualify as designated parking as described in Section 5.106.5.2 Designated Parking for Clean Air Vehicles.

Notes:

1). The California Department of Transportation adopts and publishes the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (California MUTCD) to provide uniform standards and specifications for all official traffic control devices in California. Zero Emission Vehicle Signs and Pavement Markings can be found in the New Policies & Directives number 13-01. www.dot.ca.gov/hq/traffops/policy/13-01.pdf.

2). See Vehicle Code Section 22511 for EV charging spaces signage in off-street parking facilities and for use of EV charging spaces.

3). The Governor's Office of Planning and Research published a Zero-Emission Vehicle Community Readiness Guidebook which provides helpful information for local governments, residents and businesses. www.opr.ca.gov/docs/ZEV\_Guidebook.pdf.

4). Section 11B-812 of the California Building Code requires that a facility providing EVCS for public and common use also provide one or more accessible EVCS as specified in Table 11B-228.3.2.1.

5). It is encouraged that EV Ready Spaces in shared parking are designated as "EV preferred."