Section 100.0 - SCOPE is amended to add new subsections (i)

(i) Single Family 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 energy efficiency, renewable energy, and electric readiness measures specified in Sections 150.0(w) and 150.0(x) shall be required for certain single-family additions and alterations.

(j) Substantial Remodel (or “50-50-50” Rule). Any project that affects the removal or replacement of 50% or more linear length of the existing exterior walls of the building, 50% or more linear length of the existing exterior wall where the plate height is raised, or 50% or more of the existing roof framing area is removed or replaced, over a 3-year period is considered a substantial remodel.

a. Any permit(s) applied for will trigger a review of a 3-year history of the project. This review will result in determining if a substantial remodel

has occurred.

b. The Chief Building Official or designee shall make the final determination regarding the application if a conflict occurs.

Section 100.1(b) of Subchapter 1 of the California Energy Code is amended by adding the following definitions:

COVERED SINGLE-FAMILY PROJECT shall mean any project in a single-family residential building originally permitted for construction before 2011 that meets any of the following criteria:

All residential building additions and/or alterations exceeding 1,000 square feet, as amended by this chapter and as applicable to the scope

of work.

For covered single-family projects, the area of alterations will include any construction or renovation to an existing structure other than repair

or addition. Alterations include raising the plate height, historic restoration, changes or rearrangements of the structural parts or elements, and changes or rearrangement of bearing walls and full height partitions.

Normal maintenance, reroofing, painting or wall papering, floor finishes, replacement-in-kind of mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems,

or replacing or adding new kitchen counter and similar furniture, plumbing fixture to the building are excluded for the purposes of establishing scope of covered single-family projects.

The area of alteration should be limited to the footprint of element(s) being altered.

The sum of the footprint of the elements being altered with respect to Covered Single Family Projects, shall be calculated using the following

methodology:

Raising the plate height: The calculation with respect to raising of the plate height will be based on the area of the footprint in which the

plate height is being increased. Plate height means the vertical distance measured from the top of the finished floor to the top of the plates.

Historic restoration: The calculation with respect to historic restoration will be based on the area of work covered in the California Historical

Building Code (Title 24, Part 8).

Structural parts or elements: The calculation with respect to changes or rearrangements of the structural parts or elements will be based on the sum of the individual footprints of each structural change or rearrangement. The footprint shall be calculated based on the proposed design and inclusive of any demolished structural parts or elements.
1. Bearing walls and full height partition: The calculation with respect to changes or rearrangement of walls and full height partitions will be based on the footprint of any demolished wall or full height partition and any new wall or new full height partition.

Exception: Attached and detached Accessory Dwelling Units, ADU conversions of existing structures shall meet the California Energy Code Mandatory measures only.

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 of Building Energy Efficiency Standards for residential and nonresidential buildings.

ELECTRIC EQUIPMENT OR APPLIANCE means one or more devices that use electric energy to serve the needs for heating and cooling, water heating, cooking, and electric vehicle charging. In addition, ancillary equipment such as an electric panel, photovoltaic equipment, and energy storage systems that are deployed to support such devices shall be considered Electric Equipment or Appliance.

ELECTRIC HEATING APPLIANCE is a device that produces heat energy to create a warm environment by the application of electric power to resistance elements, refrigerant compressors, or dissimilar material junctions, as defined in the California Mechanical Code.

SUBSTANTIAL REMODEL (or “50-50-50”RULE). Any project that affects the removal or replacement of 50% or more linear length of the existing exterior walls of the building, 50% or more linear length of the existing exterior wall where the plate height is raised, or 50% or more of the existing roof framing area is removed or replaced, over a 3-year period is considered a substantial remodel. (Refer to Section 100.0(j)).

(Ord. 5665 § 2 (part), 2025)