Earlier editions: 2026-09
Title 9 — BUILDING REGULATIONS
San Anselmo Municipal Code Ch. 19 Green Building Requirements
San Anselmo Municipal Code · 2026-10 edition · updated 2026-10-04 · San Anselmo
Cite as: San Anselmo Municipal Code Chapter 19 · Text as of 2026-10-04
Footnotes:
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Editor's note— Ord. No. 2025-1196, § 4, adopted November 10, 2025, repealed the former ch. 19, §§ 9-19.010—9-19.080, and enacted a new ch. 19 as set out herein. The former ch. 19 pertained to similar subject matter and derived from Ord. No. 1181, § 3, adopted September 12, 2023; Ord. No. 1145, § 3, adopted April 28, 2020; Ord. No. 1165, § 4, adopted June 28, 2022; Ord. No. 1076, Div. 2, adopted August 24, 2010.
9-19.010 - Purpose.¶
The
purpose of this chapter is to meet or exceed all applicable mandatory measures of the 2025 California Green Building Standards Code (Title 24, Part 11) and 2025 California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6)and to enhance the long-term public health and welfare by contributing to the overall reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and improving the environmental and economic health of the Town through the efficient design, construction, operation, maintenance and deconstruction of buildings and site development by incorporating green building practices and materials. The green building and energy provisions referenced in this chapter are designed to achieve the following objectives in San Anselmo:
(1) Increase energy efficiency in buildings;
(2) Reduce consumption of fossil fuels;
(3) Encourage water and resource conservation;
(4) Reduce waste generated by construction projects;
(5) Reduce long-term building operating and maintenance costs;
(6) Improve indoor air quality and occupant health;
(7) Contribute to meeting state and local commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and
(8) Satisfy all applicable mandatory measures of the 2025 California Green Building Standards Code (Title 24, Part 11) of the California Code of Regulations.
(Ord. No. 1181, § 3, 9-12-2023; Ord. No. 2025-1196, § 4, 11-10-2025)
9-19.015 - Applicability.¶
The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all construction or development projects defined below as a "covered project."
(Ord. No. 1181, § 3, 9-12-2023; Ord. No. 2025-1196, § 4, 11-10-2025)
9-19.020 - Definitions.¶
For the purposes of interpreting this chapter and the associated standards for compliance, the following terms are defined as follows. When the definitions below differ from those contained elsewhere in this title, the provisions of this chapter shall apply. These definitions are additional to those outlined in Chapter 2 of the CALGreen Code.
(1) "2025 California Energy Code" refers to the requirements outlined in the 2025 edition of the California Energy Code known as California Code of Regulations, Part 6 of Title 24.
(2) "All-electric building" or "All-electric design" means a building or plans for a building that uses a permanent supply of electricity as the source of energy for all space heating (including but not limited to fireplaces), water heating (including but not limited to pools and spas), cooking appliances (including but not limited to barbeques), and clothes drying appliances, and has no natural gas or propane plumbing installed in the building or within the property lines. An all-electric building may also include solar thermal collectors.
(3) "Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)" means a residential unit that meets all of the regulations outlined in Title 10, Chapter 6, Accessory Dwelling Units of the San Anselmo Municipal Code and as set forth in California Government Code sections 65852.2 and 65852.22.
(4) "CALGreen" refers to the California Green Building Standards Code, as included in Title 24, Part 11 of the California Code of Regulations.
(5) "CALGreen mandatory" means those measures that are required under Title 24, Part 11. Residential mandatory measures are contained in CALGreen Chapter 4. Nonresidential mandatory measures are contained in CALGreen Chapter 5.
(6) "CALGreen Tier 1" refers to required pre-requisite and elective measures in addition to the CALGreen mandatory measures, as outlined in CALGreen Appendix A4.602 for residential projects and CALGreen Appendix A5.601.2 for nonresidential projects.
(7) "Conductor ready" means adding 10 gauge 4 wire for any laundry room remodel for future appliance electric upgrades and/or adding 8 gauge 4 wire for any kitchen remodel for future appliance electric upgrades.
(8) "Covered project(s)" means a development project provided below as set forth by the standards for compliance outlined in Section 9-19.050 of the San Anselmo Municipal Code, Table 1, 2, or 3 for which one (1) or more building permits are required:
(i) All residential and nonresidential new construction buildings as defined below in Section 9-19.020 (28); and/or
(ii) Additions or alterations to an existing single-family residential building, except for any projects less than seven hundred and fifty (750) square feet. Conductor ready required for laundry room and kitchen remodels regardless of remodel size;
(iii) Substantial improvements to an existing single-family residential building.
(9) "Mixed-fuel" means a building or unit in a building that is plumbed for the use of natural gas or propane as fuel for space heating, water heating, cooking or clothes drying appliances or has gas plumbing within a building or within the property lines of the premises connected to a gas meter or propane tank.
(10) "Natural gas" has the same meaning as "Fuel Gas" as defined in the California Plumbing Code and Mechanical Code.
(11) "Newly constructed" means a building that has never before been used or occupied for any purpose. Also means "newly constructed" as defined in the California Building Code 2025.
(12) "Qualified green building rater" means an individual who has been trained and certified as a CALGreen inspector, LEED AP w/a specialty, GreenPoint rater, PHIUS consultant, or has similar qualifications and certifications if acceptable to the Chief Building Official.
(13) "Single-family" means a building designed for and/or occupied exclusively by one (1) family. It is used herein to describe one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses with attached private garages. It also includes factory-built, modular housing units, constructed in compliance with the California Building Code.
(14) "Substantial improvement" means any repair, reconstruction, rehabilitation, alteration, addition or other improvement of a building or structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds fifty (50%) percent of the market value of the structure before the improvement or repair is started. If the structure has sustained substantial damage, any repairs are considered substantial improvement regardless of the actual repair work performed. The term does not, however, include either:
Any project for improvement of a building required to correct existing health, sanitary or safety code violations identified by the Building Official and that are the minimum necessary to assure safe living conditions.
Any alteration of a historic structure provided that the alteration will not preclude the structure's continued designation as a historic structure.
(Ord. No. 1181, § 3, 9-12-2023; Ord. No. 2025-1196, § 4, 11-10-2025)
9-19.030 - Requirements for additions and alterations - Local amendments to 2025 California Energy Code.¶
Pursuant to Section 9-1.101(h) of the San Anselmo Municipal Code, the Town has adopted the 2025 edition of the California Energy Code known as California Code of Regulations, Part 6 of Title 24 with additions, and deletions as provided in this subchapter.
The provisions of this subchapter shall constitute local amendments to the cross-referenced provisions of the 2025 California Energy Code and shall be deemed to replace the cross-referenced sections of said Code with the respective provisions set forth in this subchapter.
The California Energy Code, Title 24, Part 6, is hereby amended as underlined and struck through:
Section 100.0 of Subchapter 1 of the 2025 California Energy Code is modified to add new section (i) as follows:
(i) Single-Family Building Remodel Energy Reach Code - Purpose and Intent. In addition to all requirements of the California Energy Code applicable to existing single-family building additions and alterations, the energy efficiency and renewable energy measures specified in Section 150.0(w) shall be required for covered projects of mixed-fuel buildings.
Section 100.1(b) is modified by adding the following definitions:
"All-electric building" or "All-electric design" as defined in Section 9-19.020 (2) of the San Anselmo Municipal Code.
"Covered project(s)" as defined in Section 9-19.020 (8), of the San Anselmo Municipal Code.
"Mixed-fuel" building as defined in Section 9-19.020 (9), of the San Anselmo Municipal Code.
Section 150.0 Single-Family Residential Buildings - Mandatory Features and Devices, first two (2) paragraphs, are modified to read as follows:
Existing single-family residential buildings shall comply with the applicable requirements of Sections 150(a) through 150.0(v), and covered existing single-family projects, other than projects identified as all-electric construction for new residential buildings in Section 9-24.01 et seq. of the San Anselmo Municipal Code, shall comply with the applicable requirements of Section 150.0(w).
NOTE: The requirements of Sections 150.0(a) through 150.0(v) apply to new construction. Sections 150.2(a) and 150.2(b) specify which requirements of Sections 150.0(a) through 150.0(v) also apply to additions or alterations, with the exception that covered existing single-family projects, other than projects identified as all-electric construction for new residential buildings in Section 9-24.01 et seq. of the San Anselmo Municipal Code, shall also be required to comply with Section 150.0(w).
A new Section (w), is added to Section 150.0 as follows:
(w) Requirements for a covered project are outlined by project type in Table 1 of Section 9-19.050 of the San Anselmo Municipal Code. A covered existing single-family project, as defined in Section 9-19.020 (8)(ii) of the San Anselmo Municipal Code, that includes an electrical panel upgrade, a kitchen remodel or a laundry room remodel shall comply with the requirements for Measure ER2 in Table 2 of Section 9-19.050 of the San Anselmo Municipal Code. In addition, a covered existing single-family project in a building originally permitted for construction on or before December 31, 1991 shall install a set of measures from the Measure Menu in Table 2 of Section 9-19.050 of the San Anselmo Municipal Code, to achieve a total measure point score that is equal to or greater than the target score in said table and shall conform to the List of Measure Specifications in Table 3 of Section 9-19.050 of the San Anselmo Municipal Code, except as otherwise described below:
(i) Projects identified as all-electric construction for new residential buildings in Section 9-24.01 et seq. of the San Anselmo Municipal Code.
(ii) Projects less than seven hundred and fifty (750) square feet that are not considered substantial improvements. Square footage associated with the creation of a new ADU or JADU will not be included in the calculation of project square footage.
(iii) Substantial improvements to an existing single-family residential building.
(iv) Mobile homes, manufactured housing, or factory-built housing as defined in Division 13 of the California Health and Safety 12 Code (commencing with Section 17000 of the Health and Safety Code).
(v) If due to conditions specific to the project, it is technically or economically infeasible to achieve compliance, the Chief Building Official may reduce the target score and/or waive some or all of the mandatory requirements.
(vi) If the applicant demonstrates that the energy budget of the proposed building, as calculated under Section 150.1(b), would be less than or equal to the energy budget of the building if it otherwise complied with this Section, 150.0(w).
(vii) A resident owner or occupant demonstrates that they qualify for the California Alternative Rates for Energy (CARE) or Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program may comply by installing, to the specifications in Table 3 of Section 9-19.050 of the San Anselmo Municipal Code the following:
(a) E1: Lighting Measures; and
(b) E2: Water Heating Package.
In addition, all mandatory measures listed in Table 2 of Section 9-19.050 of the San Anselmo Municipal Code shall be installed.
(Ord. No. 1181, § 3, 9-12-2023; Ord. No. 2025-1196, § 4, 11-10-2025)
9-19.050 - Standards for compliance.¶
The San Anselmo Green Building Requirements define compliance thresholds for different projects that are covered by this ordinance. These standards are summarized below in Table 1. The energy efficiency and electrification measures menu and specifications are detailed in Tables 2 and 3.
Table 1: Requirements by Project Type and Size
| Project Type and Size | Green Building Requirements | Energy Efficiency Requirements | Electric Vehicle Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single and Two-Family New Construction | CALGreen Mandatory | Meet the standards outlined for the project in the 2025 California Energy Code | CALGreen Mandatory |
| Multifamily Residential New Construction | CALGreen Mandatory | Meet the standards outlined for the project in the 2025 California Energy Code | CALGreen Mandatory |
| Nonresidential New Construction | CALGreen Mandatory | Meet the standards outlined for the project in the 2025 California Energy Code | CALGreen Mandatory |
| Single and Two-Family Additions and Alterations less than 750 square feet | CALGreen Mandatory Conductor ready required for laundry room and kitchen remodels regardless of remodel size. | Meet the standards outlined for the project in the 2025 California Energy Code | CALGReen Mandatory |
| Single and Two-Family Additions and Alterations 750 square feet or greater; and Substantial Improvements | CALGreen Mandatory | For homes built before 1992, using the Measure Menu in Table 2, achieve a total score that is equal to or greater than the Target Score for the applicable climate zone and install the electric readiness measures (ER2) as applicable in Table 3 | Mandatory |
| Multifamily Residential Additions and Alterations less than 750 square feet | CALGreen Mandatory Conductor ready required for laundry room and kitchen remodels regardless of remodel size. | Meet the standards outlined for the project in the 2025 California Energy Code | CALGreen Mandatory |
| Multifamily Residential Additions and Alterations 750 square feet or greater; and Substantial Improvements | CALGreen Mandatory | Meet the standards outlined for the project in the 2025 California Energy Code | CALGreen Mandatory |
| Nonresidential Additions and Alterations | CALGreen Mandatory | Meet the standards outlined for the project in the 2025 California Energy Code | CALGreen Mandatory |
The following conditions also apply to Table 1:
(a) Cumulative new construction or remodels during the preceding 36-month period from the acceptance of this application shall be considered as a single covered project, and subject to the highest compliance threshold based on the cumulative project size or valuation.
(b) Mixed-use (residential and commercial) projects must comply either with the applicable covered project requirements for the respective residential and commercial portions of the project or may propose to utilize a mixed-use rating system, subject to approval by the chief building official.
The following are exceptions to Table 1:
(1) Where the requirements of Tier 1 are infeasible as a result of the market, economy, or technology available as determined by the chief building official the chief building official may provide an alternative or waive the requirement.
Table 2: Energy and Electrification Menu of Measures by Climate Zone
| Measure | Measure | Climate Zone | Steps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Measure | Measure | 2 | 1) Choose your Climate Zone using CEC toolfinder 1 |
| Specification | Spec. ID (Refer to Table 3) | Target Score | 2) Minimum Target Score needed to comply (1 point = 1 MMBTU savings per yr.) |
| Specification | Spec. ID (Refer to Table 3) | 8 | 2) Minimum Target Score needed to comply (1 point = 1 MMBTU savings per yr.) |
| Lighting | E1 | Mandatory | 3) Choose a measure or a combination of measures that adds up to the minimum target score above based on CZ. Measures listed as "Mandatory" MUST be installed. 4) Use the Specification Number (Spec. ID) column as a key and conform to the specifications in Table 3 below. Table 3 describes, specifies, and details compliance with each corresponding measure. |
| Water Heating Package | E2 | 2 | 3) Choose a measure or a combination of measures that adds up to the minimum target score above based on CZ. Measures listed as "Mandatory" MUST be installed. 4) Use the Specification Number (Spec. ID) column as a key and conform to the specifications in Table 3 below. Table 3 describes, specifies, and details compliance with each corresponding measure. |
| Air Sealing | E3 | 1 | 3) Choose a measure or a combination of measures that adds up to the minimum target score above based on CZ. Measures listed as "Mandatory" MUST be installed. 4) Use the Specification Number (Spec. ID) column as a key and conform to the specifications in Table 3 below. Table 3 describes, specifies, and details compliance with each corresponding measure. |
| R-49 Attic Insulation | E4 | 2 | 3) Choose a measure or a combination of measures that adds up to the minimum target score above based on CZ. Measures listed as "Mandatory" MUST be installed. 4) Use the Specification Number (Spec. ID) column as a key and conform to the specifications in Table 3 below. Table 3 describes, specifies, and details compliance with each corresponding measure. |
| Duct Sealing | E5 | 3 | 3) Choose a measure or a combination of measures that adds up to the minimum target score above based on CZ. Measures listed as "Mandatory" MUST be installed. 4) Use the Specification Number (Spec. ID) column as a key and conform to the specifications in Table 3 below. Table 3 describes, specifies, and details compliance with each corresponding measure. |
| New Ducts, R-8 | E6.B | 6 | 3) Choose a measure or a combination of measures that adds up to the minimum target score above based on CZ. Measures listed as "Mandatory" MUST be installed. 4) Use the Specification Number (Spec. ID) column as a key and conform to the specifications in Table 3 below. Table 3 describes, specifies, and details compliance with each corresponding measure. |
| Insulation + Duct Sealing | 3) Choose a measure or a combination of measures that adds up to the minimum target score above based on CZ. Measures listed as "Mandatory" MUST be installed. 4) Use the Specification Number (Spec. ID) column as a key and conform to the specifications in Table 3 below. Table 3 describes, specifies, and details compliance with each corresponding measure. | ||
| Windows | E7 | 3 | 3) Choose a measure or a combination of measures that adds up to the minimum target score above based on CZ. Measures listed as "Mandatory" MUST be installed. 4) Use the Specification Number (Spec. ID) column as a key and conform to the specifications in Table 3 below. Table 3 describes, specifies, and details compliance with each corresponding measure. |
| R-19 Raised floor insulation | E10.A | 8 | 3) Choose a measure or a combination of measures that adds up to the minimum target score above based on CZ. Measures listed as "Mandatory" MUST be installed. 4) Use the Specification Number (Spec. ID) column as a key and conform to the specifications in Table 3 below. Table 3 describes, specifies, and details compliance with each corresponding measure. |
| Radiant Barrier Under Roof | E12 | 1 | 3) Choose a measure or a combination of measures that adds up to the minimum target score above based on CZ. Measures listed as "Mandatory" MUST be installed. 4) Use the Specification Number (Spec. ID) column as a key and conform to the specifications in Table 3 below. Table 3 describes, specifies, and details compliance with each corresponding measure. |
| HPWH Replacing Gas | FS1 | 12 | 3) Choose a measure or a combination of measures that adds up to the minimum target score above based on CZ. Measures listed as "Mandatory" MUST be installed. 4) Use the Specification Number (Spec. ID) column as a key and conform to the specifications in Table 3 below. Table 3 describes, specifies, and details compliance with each corresponding measure. |
| High Eff HPWH Replacing Gas | FS2 | 13 | 3) Choose a measure or a combination of measures that adds up to the minimum target score above based on CZ. Measures listed as "Mandatory" MUST be installed. 4) Use the Specification Number (Spec. ID) column as a key and conform to the specifications in Table 3 below. Table 3 describes, specifies, and details compliance with each corresponding measure. |
| HPWH Replacing Electric | FS3 | 4 | 3) Choose a measure or a combination of measures that adds up to the minimum target score above based on CZ. Measures listed as "Mandatory" MUST be installed. 4) Use the Specification Number (Spec. ID) column as a key and conform to the specifications in Table 3 below. Table 3 describes, specifies, and details compliance with each corresponding measure. |
| High Eff HPWH Replacing Electric | FS4 | 5 | 3) Choose a measure or a combination of measures that adds up to the minimum target score above based on CZ. Measures listed as "Mandatory" MUST be installed. 4) Use the Specification Number (Spec. ID) column as a key and conform to the specifications in Table 3 below. Table 3 describes, specifies, and details compliance with each corresponding measure. |
| HVAC Heat pump | FS5 | 17 | 3) Choose a measure or a combination of measures that adds up to the minimum target score above based on CZ. Measures listed as "Mandatory" MUST be installed. 4) Use the Specification Number (Spec. ID) column as a key and conform to the specifications in Table 3 below. Table 3 describes, specifies, and details compliance with each corresponding measure. |
| High Eff HVAC Heat Pump | FS6 | 19 | 3) Choose a measure or a combination of measures that adds up to the minimum target score above based on CZ. Measures listed as "Mandatory" MUST be installed. 4) Use the Specification Number (Spec. ID) column as a key and conform to the specifications in Table 3 below. Table 3 describes, specifies, and details compliance with each corresponding measure. |
| Heat Pump Clothes Dryer | FS8 | 1 | 3) Choose a measure or a combination of measures that adds up to the minimum target score above based on CZ. Measures listed as "Mandatory" MUST be installed. 4) Use the Specification Number (Spec. ID) column as a key and conform to the specifications in Table 3 below. Table 3 describes, specifies, and details compliance with each corresponding measure. |
| Induction Cooktop | FS9 | 1 | 3) Choose a measure or a combination of measures that adds up to the minimum target score above based on CZ. Measures listed as "Mandatory" MUST be installed. 4) Use the Specification Number (Spec. ID) column as a key and conform to the specifications in Table 3 below. Table 3 describes, specifies, and details compliance with each corresponding measure. |
| Solar PV | PV | 14 | |
| 1 California Energy Commission climate zone tool finder at https://www.energy.ca.gov/ |
The following conditions also apply to Table 2:
(a) Unless otherwise specified, the requirements shall apply to the entire dwelling unit, not just the additional or altered portion.
(b) Measures from the Measure Menu in Table 2 and specified in Table 3, that already exist in the home, may be counted towards compliance with these requirements, unless otherwise specified in Table 3.
(c) Measures from the Measure Menu in Table 2 that are to be installed to satisfy requirements under the State Energy Code, Title 24, Part 6, may also be counted towards compliance with these requirements. Where these requirements conflict with other Energy Code requirements, the stricter requirements shall prevail.
| ID | Measure Specification |
|---|---|
| Energy Efficiency Measures | |
| E1 | Lighting Measures - Install lighting with an efficiency of 45 lumens per watt or greater in all interior and exterior screw-in fixtures. Install photocell, occupancy sensor or energy management system controls that meet the requirements of 150.0(k)3 in all outdoor lighting permanently mounted to a residential building or to other buildings on the same lot. |
| E2 | Water Heating Package: Insulate all accessible hot water pipes with pipe insulation a minimum of ¾ inch thick. This includes insulating the supply pipe leaving the water heater, piping to faucets underneath sinks, and accessible pipes in attic spaces or crawlspaces. Upgrade fittings in sinks and showers to meet current California Green Building Standards Code (Title 24, Part 11) Section 4.303 water efficiency requirements. Exception: Upgraded fixtures are not required if existing fixtures have rated or measured flow rates of no more than ten (10%) percent greater than 2022 California Green Building Standards Code (Title 24, Part 11) Section 4.303 water efficiency requirements. |
| E3 | Air Sealing: Seal all accessible cracks, holes, and gaps in the building envelope at walls, floors, and ceilings. Pay special attention to penetrations including plumbing, electrical, and mechanical vents, recessed can light luminaires, and windows. Weather-strip doors if not already present. Verification shall be conducted following a prescriptive checklist that outlines which building aspects need to be addressed by the permit applicant and verified by an inspector. Compliance can also be demonstrated with blower door testing conducted by a certified ECC Rater no more than three years prior to the permit application date that either: a) shows at least a thirty (30%) percent reduction from pre-retrofit conditions; or b) shows that the number of air changes per hour at 50 Pascals pressure difference (ACH50) does not exceed ten for Pre-1978 vintage buildings, seven for 1978 to 1991 vintage buildings and five for 1992-2010 vintage buildings. If combustion appliances are located within the pressure boundary of the building, conduct a combustion safety test by a certified ECC Rater or a professional certified by the Building Performance Institute, in accordance with the BPI Technical Standards for the Building Analyst Professional. |
| E4.B | R-49 Attic Insulation: Attic insulation shall be installed to achieve a weighted assembly U-factor of 0.020 or insulation installed at the ceiling level shall have a thermal resistance of R-49 or greater for the insulation alone. Recessed downlight luminaires in the ceiling shall be covered with insulation to the same depth as the rest of the ceiling. Luminaires not rated for insulation contact must be replaced or fitted with a fire-proof cover that allows for insulation to be installed directly over the cover. Exception: In buildings where existing R-30 is present and existing recessed downlight luminaires are not rated for insulation contact, insulation is not required to be installed over the luminaires. |
| E5 | Duct Sealing: Air seal all space conditioning ductwork to meet the requirements of the 2022 Title 24, Part 6, Section 150.2(b)1E. The duct system must be tested by a ECC Rater no more than three years prior to the Covered Single-Family Project permit application date to verify the duct sealing and confirm that the requirements have been met. This measure may not be combined with the New Ducts and Duct Sealing measure in this Table. Exception: Buildings without ductwork or where the ducts are in conditioned space. |
| E6.B | New Ducts, R-8 insulation + Duct Sealing: Replace existing space conditioning ductwork with new R-8 ducts that meet the requirements of 2022 Title 24 Section 150.0(m)11. This measure may not be combined with the Duct Sealing measure in this Table. To qualify, a preexisting measure must have been installed no more than three years before the Covered Single-Family Project permit application date. |
| E7 | Windows: Replace at least fifty (50%) percent of existing windows with high performance windows with an area-weighted average U-factor no greater than [0.27 in Climate Zone 2]. |
| E8 | R-15 Wall Insulation: Install wall insulation in all exterior walls to achieve a weighted U-factor of 0.095 or install wall insulation in all exterior wall cavities that shall result in an installed thermal resistance of R-15 or greater for the insulation alone. |
| E9 | Reserved for future use. |
| E10.A | R-19 Floor Insulation: Raised-floors shall be insulated such that the floor assembly has an assembly U-factor equal to or less than U-0.037 or shall be insulated between wood framing with insulation having an R-value equal to or greater than R-19. |
| E12 | Radiant Barrier: A radiant barrier that meets the requirements of Section 150.1(c)2 shall be installed under at least fifty (50%) percent of the roof surface. |
| Fuel Substitution and Solar PV Measures | Fuel Substitution and Solar PV Measures |
| FS1 | Heat Pump Water Heater (HPWH) Replacing Gas: Replace existing natural gas water heater with a heat pump water heater that meets the requirements of Sections 110.3 and 150.2(b)1.H.iii.b. |
| FS2 | High Efficiency Heat Pump Water Heater (HPWH) Replacing Gas: Replace existing natural gas water heater with heat pump water heater with a Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA) Tier 3 or higher rating that also meets the requirements of Sections 110.3 and 150.2(b)1.H.iii.c. |
| FS3 | Heat Pump Water Heater (HPWH) Replacing Electric: Replace existing electric resistance water heater with a heat pump water heater that meets the requirements of Sections 110.3 and 150.2(b)1.H.iii.b. |
| FS4 | High Efficiency Heat Pump Water Heater (HPWH) Replacing Electric: Replace existing electric resistance water heater with heat pump water heater with a Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA) Tier 3 or higher rating that also meets the requirements of Sections 110.3, and 150.2(b)1.H.iii.c. |
| FS5 | Heat Pump Space Conditioning System: Replace all existing gas and electric resistance primary space heating systems with an electric-only heat pump system that meets the requirements of Sections 110.3 and 150.2(b)1.C, 150.2(b)1.E, 150.2(b)1.F, 150.2(b)1.G. |
| FS6 | High Efficiency Heat Pump Space Conditioning System: Replace all existing gas and electric resistance primary heating systems with a system that meets the requirements of Sections 110.3 and 150.2(b)1.C, 150.2(b)1.E, 150.2(b)1.F, and 150.2(b)1.G and one of the following: A ducted electric-only heat pump system with a SEER2 rating of 16.5 or greater, an EER2 rating of 12.48 or greater and an HSPF2 rating of 9.5 or greater; or A ductless mini-split heat pump system with a SEER2 rating of 14.3 or greater, an EER2 rating of 11.7 or greater and an HSPF2 rating of 7.5 or greater. |
| FS7 | Dual Fuel Heat Pump Space Conditioning System: Install a heat pump space conditioning system that meets the requirements of Sections 110.3 and 150.2(b)1.C, 150.2(b)1.E, 150.2(b)1.F, and 150.2(b)1.G and either: Replaces all existing gas and electric resistance primary heating systems with a hybrid gas and electric heat pump system, or Is an electric-heat pump system in tandem with a gas furnace and controls to use the gas furnace for backup heat only. |
| FS8 | Heat Pump Clothes Dryer: Replace existing electric resistance clothes dryer with heat pump dryer with no resistance element and cap gas line. |
| FS9 | Induction Cooktop: Replace all existing gas and electric resistance stove tops with inductive stove top and cap the gas line. |
| PV.A | Solar PV: Install a solar PV system that meets the requirements of Section 150.1(c)14. |
(Ord. No. 1181, § 3, 9-12-2023; Ord. No. 2025-1196, § 4, 11-10-2025)
9-19.060 - Incentives for compliance.¶
In addition to the required standards for compliance, the Town Council may establish by resolution, financial or application processing incentives and/or award or recognition programs to encourage higher levels of green building compliance for a project.
(Ord. No. 1181, § 3, 9-12-2023; Ord. No. 2025-1196, § 4, 11-10-2025)
9-19.070 - Administrative procedures.¶
The procedures for compliance with the provisions of this chapter shall include, but not be limited to the following:
(a) Project design. Applicants for a covered project are strongly encouraged to involve a qualified green building rater in the initial design phases of the project in advance of submittal of an application to determine applicable green building compliance thresholds and the most cost effective and appropriate means of achieving compliance.
(b) Planning applications. If a discretionary planning application is required for a covered project, applicants should be prepared to identify expected green building measures to be included in the project to achieve the compliance thresholds. Applicants should identify any anticipated difficulties in achieving compliance and any exemptions from the requirements of this chapter that may be requested.
(c) Building plan check review. Upon submittal of an application for a building permit, building plans for any covered project shall include a green building program description and completed checklist. The checklist shall be incorporated onto a separate full-sized plan sheet included with the building plans. Evidence that the project, as indicated by the project plans and green building program description, will achieve the standards for compliance outlined in Section 9-19.050 shall be provided prior to issuance of a building permit.
(d) Changes during construction. During the construction process, alternate green building measures may be substituted, provided that documentation of the proposed change and the project's continued ability to achieve the standards for compliance to the chief building official shall be provided.
(e) Final building inspection. Prior to final building inspection and occupancy for any covered project, evidence that project construction has achieved the required compliance set forth in the standards for compliance outlined in Section 9-19.050 shall be provided. The Chief Building Official shall review the documentation submitted by the applicant and determine whether the project has achieved the compliance threshold as set forth in the standards for compliance outlined in Section 19.04.140. If the Chief Building Official determines that the applicant has met these requirements, the final building inspection may proceed.
(f) Conflict with other laws. The provisions of this chapter are intended to be in addition to and not in conflict with other laws, regulations and ordinances relating to building construction and site development. If any provision of this chapter conflicts with any duly adopted and valid statutes or regulations of the federal government or the State of California, the federal or state statutes or regulations shall take precedence.
(Ord. No. 1181, § 3, 9-12-2023; Ord. No. 2025-1196, § 4, 11-10-2025)
9.19.080 - Exemptions.¶
(a) The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to:
(1) Buildings which are temporary (such as construction trailers).
(2) Building area which is not or is not intended to be conditioned space.
(3) Any requirements of this chapter which would impair the historic integrity of any building listed on a local, state or federal register of historic structures, as determined by the Chief Building Official and as regulated by the California Historic Building Code (Title 24, Part 8). In making such a determination, the Chief Building Official may require the submittal of an evaluation by an architectural historian or similar expert.
(4) Accessory Dwelling Units as defined in Section 9-19.020(3).
(5) All residential and nonresidential buildings structures constructed after 1991.
(b) As outlined in the 2025 CALGreen Code, Sections 4.106.4 and A5.106.5, applicants may be exempted from the electric vehicle changing requirements on a case-by-case basis where the local enforcing agency has determined EV charging and infrastructure are not feasible based upon one (1) or more of the following conditions:
(1) Where there is no commercial power supply or the local utility is unable to supply adequate power.
(2) Where there is evidence suitable to the local enforcing agency substantiating that additional local utility infrastructure design requirements, directly related to the implementation of Sections 4.106.4 and A5.106.5 may adversely impact the construction cost of the project.
(3) ADUs and JADUs without additional parking facilities.
(4) Parking spaces accessible only by automated mechanical car parking systems are not required to comply with CALGreen Code Sections 4.106.4 and A5.106.5.
(c) Hardship or infeasibility exemption. If an applicant for a covered project believes that circumstances exist that make it a hardship or infeasible to meet the requirements of this chapter, the applicant may request an exemption as set forth below. In applying for an exemption, the burden is on the applicant to show hardship or infeasibility.
(1) Application. Based on the following, the applicant shall identify in writing the specific requirements of the standards for compliance that the project is unable to achieve and the circumstances that make it a hardship or infeasible for the project to comply with this chapter. The applicant may not petition for relief from any requirement of the 2025 California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6) and referenced standards, or the 2025 California Green Building Standards (Title 24, Part 11) of the California Building Standards Code. Circumstances that constitute hardship or infeasibility shall include one (1) of the following:
a. That the cost of achieving compliance is disproportionate to the overall cost of the project;
b. That strict compliance with these standards would create or maintain a hazardous condition(s) and present a life safety risk to the occupants.
(2) Granting of exemption. If the chief building official determines that it is a hardship or infeasible for the applicant to fully meet the requirements of this chapter and that granting the requested exemption will not cause the building to fail to comply with the 2025 California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6) and referenced standards, or the 2025 California Green Building Standards (Title 24, Part 11) of the California Building Standards Code, the chief building official shall determine the maximum feasible threshold of compliance reasonably achievable for the project. In making this determination, the chief building official shall consider whether alternate, practical means of achieving the objectives of this chapter can be satisfied, such as reducing comparable energy use at an off-site location within the county. If an exemption is granted, the applicant shall be required to comply with this chapter in all other respects and shall be required to achieve the threshold of compliance determined to be achievable by the Chief Building Official.
(3) Denial of exception. If the chief building official determines that it is reasonably possible for the applicant to fully meet the requirements of this chapter, the request shall be denied, and the applicant shall be notified of the decision in writing. The project and compliance documentation shall be modified to comply with the standards for compliance.
(4) Appeal. Any aggrieved applicant or person may appeal the determination of the chief building official regarding the granting or denial of an exemption or compliance with any other provision of this chapter. An appeal of a determination of the chief building official shall be filed in writing and processed in accordance with the provisions of Section 10-1.06 of this Code.
(Ord. No. 1181, § 3, 9-12-2023; Ord. No. 2025-1196, § 4, 11-10-2025)
Editor's note— Ord. No. 1181, § 3, adopted September 12, 2023, set out provisions intended for use as § 19.04.170. For purposes of classification, and at the editor's discretion, these provisions have been included as § 9.19.080.
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