Earlier editions: 2026-09
Title 16 — BUILDING REGULATIONS\
Palo Alto Municipal Code Part 9 Local Modifications to APPENDIX A5 - NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES
Palo Alto Municipal Code · 2026-10 edition · updated 2026-10-05 · Palo Alto
Cite as: Palo Alto Municipal Code Part 9 · Text as of 2026-10-05
16.14.400 Section A5.106.5.3 Electric vehicle (EV) charging for new construction.¶
Section A5.106.5.3 - A5.106.5.3.4 of the California Green Building Standards Code are adopted as mandatory measures and amended to read:
A5.106.5.3 Electric vehicle (EV) charging for nonresidential structures. New non-residential structures shall comply with the following requirements for electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE). All parking space calculations under this section shall be rounded up to the next full space. The requirements stated in this section are in addition to those contained in Section 5.106.5.3 of the California Green Building Standards Code.
A5.106.5.3.1 Nonresidential structures other than hotels. The following standards apply to newly constructed non-residential structures other than hotels.
Comply with Section 5.106.5.3.1 EV capable spaces, Section 5.106.5.3.2 Electric vehicle charging stations and associated Table A5.106.5.3.3, or Section A5.106.5.3.4 Electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS)—power allocation method and associated Table A5.106.5.3.4.
Refer to Section 5.106.5.3.2 for the permitted use of Level 2 or Direct Current Fast Charger (DCFC) to create EVCS. Refer to Section 5.106.3.2.1 for the allowed use of DCFC to comply with both EV capable spaces and Level 2 EVSE. Refer to Section 5.106.5.3.3 for the allowed use of Automatic Load Management System (ALMS).
Table A5.106.5.3.3 - Tier 2 EV Capable 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 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| 10-25 | 8 | 4 | 6 |
| 26-50 | 17 | 9 | 13 |
| 51-75 | 28 | 14 | 21 |
| 76-100 | 40 | 20 | 30 |
| 101-150 | 57 | 29 | 43 |
| 151-200 | 79 | 40 | 59 |
| 201 and over | 45% of actual parking spaces 1 | 50% of EV capable spaces 1 | 75% of EV capable spaces 1 |
| 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. 3. At least one Level 2 EVSE shall be provided. |
Table A5.106.5.3.4 - Tier 2 EVCS - Power Allocation Method
| Total Number of Actual Parking Spaces | Minimum Total kVA at 6.6. kVA | Other than Office and Retail Total kVA Required in any Combination of EV Capable 3,4 , Low Power Level 2, Level 2 1,2 , or DCFC | Office and Retail Total kVA Required in any Combination of EV Capable 3,4 , Low Power Level 2, Level 2 1,2 , or DCFC |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-9 | 19.8 | 19.8 | 19.8 |
| 10-25 | 52.8 | 52.8 | 52.8 |
| 26-50 | 112.2 | 112.2 | 112.2 |
| 51-75 | 184.4 | 184.4 | 184.4 |
| 76-100 | 264 | 264 | 264 |
| 101-150 | 376.2 | 376.2 | 376.2 |
| 151-200 | 521.4 | 521.4 | 521.4 |
| 201 and over | 45% of actual parking spaces x 6.6 | Total required kVA = P x .45 x 6.6 Where P = Parking spaces in facility | Total required kVA = P x .45 x 6.6 Where P = Parking spaces in facility |
| 1. Level 2 EVSE at 6.6 kVA minimum. 2. At least one Level 2 EVSE shall be provided. 3. Maximum allowed kVA to be utilized for EV capable spaces is 75%. 4. If EV capable spaces are utilized, they shall meet the requirements of Section 5.106.5.3.1 EV capable spaces. 5. For office and retail buildings the maximum allowed kVA to be utilized for EV capable spaces is 25%. |
Location. The EVSE, receptacles, and/or raceway required by this section shall be placed in locations allowing convenient installation of and access to EVSE. Location of EVSE or receptacles shall be consistent with all city regulations.
(Ord. 5678 § 2 (part), 2025)
Division A5.4 - ENERGY EFFICIENCY
16.14.410 Section A5.203.1 Performance Approach for Newly Constructed Buildings.¶
Section A5.203.1 of Appendix A5 of the California Green Building Standards Code is not adopted as a Tier 1 and Tier 2 elective measure. Projects shall comply with Chapter 16.17 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code (California Energy Code).
(Ord. 5678 § 2 (part), 2025)
Division A5.4 - MATERIAL CONSERVATION AND RESOURCE EFFICIENCY
16.14.420 Section A5.405.5 Cement and Concrete.¶
Section A5.405.5 of Appendix A5 of the California Green Building Standards Code is adopted as a Mandatory measure for Tier 1 and Tier 2 projects and is amended to read:
A5.405.5 Cement and concrete. Use cement and concrete made with recycled products and complying with the following sections and requirements per PAMC Chapter 16.14.240.
(Ord. 5678 § 2 (part), 2025)
16.14.430 Section A5.408 Construction Waste Reduction, Disposal and Recycling.¶
Section A5.408 of Appendix A5 of the California Green Building Standards Code is adopted as a Mandatory measure for Tier 2 projects and is amended to read:
A5.408.3.1 Waste enhanced construction waste reduction. (80% construction waste reduction) as a mandatory requirement for all non-residential construction, including new construction, additions, and alterations, as long as the construction has a valuation of $25,000 or more. Non-residential projects with a lower valuation shall remain subject to California Green Building Standards Code Chapter 5 mandatory measures.
Exceptions:
Residential stand-alone mechanical, electrical or plumbing permits.
Commercial stand-alone mechanical, electrical or plumbing permits.
A5.408.3.1.1 - Deleted.
A5.408.3.1.2 Documentation. Documentation shall be provided to the enforcing agency which demonstrates compliance with all construction and demolition waste reduction requirements.
(Ord. 5678 § 2 (part), 2025)
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