Oakland Municipal Code Art. III Non-Administrative (Technical) Amendments

1. For newly constructed single-family buildings, the total source energy (EDR1) of the Proposed Design Building shall be less than the EDR1 of the Standard Design Building by a compliance margin of 4.5.

2. For newly constructed low-rise multifamily buildings, the energy budget, expressed in terms of source energy, shall be at least eight (8) percent lower than that of the Standard Design Building.

(Ord. No. 13860, § 4, 9-15-2025)

1. Newly constructed multifamily residential buildings of two (2) or more habitable floors shall be equipped with mechanical ventilation systems that provide balanced, filtered air to each dwelling unit.

2. The filtration provided shall be rated at a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) of sixteen (16) or shall have a particle size efficiency rating equal to or greater than fifty (50) percent in the 0.3—1.0 micrometer range and equal to or greater than eighty-five (85) percent in the 1.0—3.0 micrometer range.

(Ord. No. 13860, § 4, 9-15-2025)

1. The mandatory provisions of this Section shall apply to alterations of existing residential buildings or dwelling units for which a building permit application is submitted and where the total construction valuation exceeds twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000).

All projects:

Electrical Panel Readiness Assessment

Evaluate the main electrical service panel to determine its capacity to support foil electrification of the building. This includes assessing readiness for converting existing gas systems to electric, installing one low-amperage one hundred twenty-volt or two hundred forty-volt electric vehicle (EV) charger if dedicated onsite parking is available, and integrating commercially available, power-efficient design measures such as circuit-sharing or circuit-pausing devices. Load calculations should be performed in accordance with California Electrical Code Article 220.83 or 220.87 to document the panel's ability to accommodate potential future electrical loads.

Projects subject to this section shall in addition to the above, install any two (2) of the following measures:

a. Heat Pump Water Heater Ready, as specified in Section 150.0(n)1 or 160.9(e), 160.9(f) of the California Energy Code.

b. Heat Pump Space Heater Ready, as specified in Section 150.0(t) or l60.9(b) of the California Energy Code.

c. Electric Cooktop Ready, as specified in Section 150.0(u) or 160.9(c) of the California Energy Code. For existing buildings, it shall be acceptable to install a dedicated 120V 20A receptacle behind an existing gas range, for installation of a future power managed electric range.

d. Electric Clothes Dryer Ready, as specified in Section 150.0(v) or 160.9(d) of the California Energy Code. For smaller buildings with room for only a single machine it shall be acceptable to provide a combination NEMA 5-20/NEMA 6-20 receptacle for a future all-in-one washer and heat pump dryer.

e. Level 1 or Level 2 EV Charger Ready. Install a dedicated one hundred twenty-volt or two hundred forty-volt branch circuit and receptacle for a future Level 1 or Level 2 Electric Vehicle charger. Provision of one-inch trade size conduit to a suitable EV charging location, and a reserved breaker shall be sufficient, allowing for future load management means wires to be pulled. If the home has both driveway parking and garage parking, conduit must be pulled to both locations.

f. Attic and wall insulation. Install attic and wall insulation in attic and walls as per prescriptive requirements for the buildings framing. However, for wall insulation on older stucco homes the applicant must demonstrate the walls have sufficient integrity of the water barrier, to avoid wet insulation failure.

g. Energy Storage Systems (BESS) ready as specified in Section 150(s) of the California Energy Code. Buildings with an existing ESS cannot use this item.

h. Solar System ready as specified in Section 150(r) of the California Energy Code. Meeting all requirements of Section 110.10 applicable to the building project.

Exemptions: 1) Buildings constructed on or after January 1, 2023 are exempt from all requirements, as these buildings are substantially more energy-efficient than older buildings, 2) Panel capacity is not required to exceed the existing utility electrical service to the building to meet the requirements of this section, 3) Emergency housing, 4) ADU conversions pursuant to Government Code 66323, 5) Structural only alterations such as foundation replacement, 6) Noninterior alterations such as exterior cladding replacement/repairs, windows, decks.

(Ord. No. 13860, § 4, 9-15-2025)

(Ord. No. 13860, § 4, 9-15-2025)

Amendments to Oakland Municipal Code Chapter 15.04 Part 11 (2025 California Green Building Standards Code)