Santa Clara Municipal Code Ch. 15.38 Green Building

§ 15.38.010. Title.¶

This chapter shall be known and may be cited and referred to as the "Green Building Standards Code" for the City of Santa Clara.

(Ord. 2081, 11/4/2025)

Exceptions & meaning →

§ 15.38.020. Adoption by reference.¶

The "2025 California Green Building Standards Code" adopted by the State Building Standards Commission in California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 24, Part 11 is hereby adopted by reference, with changes and modifications as hereinafter set forth, as the Green Building Standards Code of the City of Santa Clara.

(Ord. 2081, 11/4/2025)

Exceptions & meaning →

§ 15.38.030. Definitions.¶

2025 California Green Building Standards Code, Chapter 1, Definitions, Section 202 (Definitions) is hereby amended by adding the following definitions:

EV Capable: A parking space linked to a listed electrical panel with sufficient capacity to provide at least 110/120 volts and 20 amperes to the parking space. Raceways linking the electrical panel and parking space only need to be installed in spaces that will be inaccessible in the future, either trenched underground or where penetrations to walls, floors, or other partitions would otherwise be required for future installation of branch circuits. Raceways must be at least 1" in diameter and may be sized for multiple circuits as allowed by the California Electrical Code. The panel circuit directory shall identify the overcurrent protective device space(s) reserved for EV charging as "EV CAPABLE." Construction documents shall indicate future completion of raceway from the panel to the parking space, via the installed inaccessible raceways. The parking space shall contain signage with at least a 1/2" font adjacent to the parking space indicating the space is designated as EV Capable for future connection of infrastructure at the designed voltage and amperage levels.
Level 1 EV Ready Space: A parking space served by a complete electric circuit with a minimum of 110/120 volt, 20-ampere capacity including electrical panel capacity, overprotection device, a minimum 1" diameter raceway that may include multiple circuits as allowed by the California Electrical Code, wiring, and either a) a receptacle labelled "Electric Vehicle Outlet" with at least a 1/2" font adjacent to the parking space, or b) electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE).
Low Power Level 2 EV Ready Space: A parking space served by a complete electric circuit with 208/240 volt, 20 ampere minimum branch circuit capacity including electrical panel capacity, overprotection device, a minimum 1" diameter raceway that may include multiple circuits as allowed by the California Electrical Code, wiring, and either a) a receptacle labelled "Electric Vehicle Outlet" with at least a 1/2" font adjacent to the parking space, or b) electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) with a minimum output of 15 amperes.
Level 2 EV Ready Space: A parking space served by a complete electric circuit with 208/240 volt, 40-ampere capacity including electrical panel capacity, overprotection device, a minimum 1" diameter raceway that may include multiple circuits as allowed by the California Electrical Code, wiring, and either a) a receptacle labelled "Electric Vehicle Outlet" with at least a 1/2" font adjacent to the parking space, or b) electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) with a minimum output of 30 amperes.
Level 3/Direct Current Fast Charger (DCFC): A parking space that includes the installation of a charger with the capacity to provide at least 80 kW of output.
Electric Vehicle Charging Station (EVCS): A parking space that includes installation of electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) with a minimum capacity of 30 amperes connected to a circuit serving a Level 2 EV Ready Space. EVCS installation may be used to satisfy a Level 2 EV Ready Space requirement. Electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) shall be installed in accordance with the California Electrical Code, Article 625.
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.

(Ord. 2081, 11/4/2025)

Exceptions & meaning →

§ 15.38.040. Residential mandatory measures – Electric vehicle (EV) charging.¶

(a) 2025 California Green Building Standards Code, Chapter 4, Mandatory Measures, Division 4.1, Planning and Design, Section 4.106.4 (Electric vehicle (EV) charging for new construction) is hereby amended to read as follows:

4.106.4. Electric vehicle (EV) charging for new construction. New construction shall comply with Sections 4.106.4.1 or 4.106.4.2 to facilitate future installation and use of EV chargers. Electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) shall be installed in accordance with the California Electrical Code, Article 625.

Exceptions:

As per the CalGreen code, the Chief Building Official will make determinations of exceptions.

1.		On a case-by-case basis, where the local enforcing agency has determined EV charging and infrastructure are not feasible based upon one or more of the following conditions:
	1.1	Where there is no local utility power supply or the local utility is unable to supply adequate power.
	1.2	Where there is evidence suitable to the local enforcing agency substantiating that additional local utility infrastructure design requirements, directly related to the implementation of Section 4.106.4, may adversely impact the construction cost of the project.
2.	Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADU) without additional parking facilities, and without electrical panel upgrade or new panel installation. ADUs and JADUs without additional parking but with electrical panel upgrades or new panels must have reserved breakers and electrical capacity according to the requirements of 4.106.4.1.	Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADU) without additional parking facilities, and without electrical panel upgrade or new panel installation. ADUs and JADUs without additional parking but with electrical panel upgrades or new panels must have reserved breakers and electrical capacity according to the requirements of 4.106.4.1.
3.	Spaces Accessible only by automated mechanical car parking systems are excepted from providing EV charging infrastructure.	Spaces Accessible only by automated mechanical car parking systems are excepted from providing EV charging infrastructure.

(b) 2025 California Green Building Standards Code Chapter 4, Residential Mandatory Measures, Division 4.1, Planning and Design, Section 4.106.4.1 (New one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses with attached private garages) is hereby amended to read as follows:

4.106.4.1 New one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses.

1.	In private garages with two or more parking spaces, install one Level 2 EV Ready Space and one Level 1 EV Ready Space.	In private garages with two or more parking spaces, install one Level 2 EV Ready Space and one Level 1 EV Ready Space.
2.	For each dwelling unit with only one parking space, install a Level 2 EV Ready Space.	For each dwelling unit with only one parking space, install a Level 2 EV Ready Space.
3.	For parking spaces not assigned to a dwelling unit:	For parking spaces not assigned to a dwelling unit:
	a.	25% of the unassigned parking space(s) shall be Level 2 EV Ready Space(s).
	b.	75% of the unassigned space(s) shall be Low Power Level 2 EV Ready Space(s).
Calculations for the required minimum number of EV Ready spaces shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number.

(c) 2025 California Green Building Standards Code, Chapter 4, Residential Mandatory Measures, Division 4.1, Planning and Design, Section 4.106.4.1.1 (Identification) is hereby amended to read as follows:

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

(d) 2025 California Green Building Standards Code, Chapter 4, Residential Mandatory Measures, Division 4.1, Planning and Design, Section 4.106.4.2.2 (Multifamily dwellings) is hereby amended by adding the following text to the end of that section:

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Multifamily dwellings with less than 20 dwelling units. The following requirements apply to all new multifamily dwellings with less than 20 units, and the residential portion of mixed-use buildings with less than 20 units

a. One parking space per dwelling unit with parking shall be provided with a Level 2 EV Ready Space.

Multifamily buildings with 20 dwelling units or more and for the residential portion of mixed-use buildings with 20 dwelling units or more:

a. Provide one Level 2 EV Ready Space for each of the first 20 dwelling units with parking space(s)

b. For all additional dwelling units above 20 with parking space(s):

i. 25% of dwelling units with parking space(s) shall be provided with at least one Level 2 EV Ready Space

ii. 75% of dwelling units with parking spaces shall be provided with at least one Low Power Level 2 EV Ready Space

All multifamily residential developments shall include secured bicycle parking with 110v electrical outlets.

Exception: For all Multifamily Affordable housing, 10% of dwelling units with parking space(s) shall be provided with at least one Level 2 EV Ready Space. Calculations for the required minimum number of Level 2 EV Ready spaces shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number. The remaining dwelling units with parking space(s) shall each be provided with at least one Level 1 EV Ready Space.

Construction plans and specifications shall demonstrate that all raceways shall be a minimum of 1" and sufficient for installation of Level 2 Ready Spaces and all required 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 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.

Notes:

1.	ALMS may be installed to decrease electrical service and transformer costs 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 multifamily requirements apply to multifamily buildings with parking spaces including: a) assigned or leased to individual dwelling units, and b) unassigned residential parking.
4.	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.

(Ord. 2081, 11/4/2025)

Exceptions & meaning →

§ 15.38.050. Nonresidential mandatory measures – Electric vehicle (EV) charging.¶

(a) 2025 California Green Building Standards Code Chapter 5, Nonresidential Mandatory Measures, Division 5.1, Planning and Design, Section 5.106.5.3 (Electric vehicle (EV) charging) is hereby amended by adding the following exception after exception 2:

3.	Installation of each Level 3/Direct Current Fast Charger with the capacity to provide at least 80 kW output may substitute for 11 Level 2 EVCS spaces after a minimum of 11 Level 2 EVCS spaces are installed.

(b) 2025 California Green Building Standards Code Chapter 5, Nonresidential Mandatory Measures, Division 5.1, Planning and Design, Section 5.106.5.3.1 (EV capable spaces) is hereby amended to read as follows:

5.106.5.3.1 EV Capable Spaces

Nonresidential buildings (excluding hotels and motels) and nonresidential portions of mixed-use buildings: EV capable spaces shall be provided as specified below and per the following requirements:

For retail uses: 15% of parking spaces shall be EV Capable. For Places of Religious Worship: 10% of parking spaces shall be EV Capable. For all other nonresidential buildings (excluding hotels and motels) and nonresidential portions of mixed-use buildings: 35% of parking spaces shall be EV Capable.
Raceways complying with the California Electrical Code and no less than 1-inch (25 mm) diameter shall be provided and shall originate at a service panel or a subpanel(s) serving the area and shall terminate in close proximity to the proposed location of the capable space and into a suitable listed cabinet, box, enclosure or equivalent. A common raceway may be used to serve multiple capable spaces.
A service panel or subpanel(s) shall be provided with panel space and electrical load capacity for a dedicated 208/240 volt, 40-ampere minimum branch circuit for each capable space, with delivery of 30-ampere minimum to an installed at each
The electrical system and any on-site distribution transformers shall have sufficient capacity to supply full rated amperage at each capable space.
The service panel or subpanel circuit directory shall identify the overcurrent protective device space(s) as "EV CAPABLE". The raceway termination location shall be permanently and visibly marked as "EV CAPABLE."

Calculations for the required minimum number of 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 at all required EVCS; 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 EVCS including 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 EVCS.

Calculations for the required minimum number of 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 at all required EVCS; 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 EVCS including 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 EVCS.

(c) 2025 California Green Building Standards Code Chapter 5, Nonresidential Mandatory Measures, Division 5.1, Planning and Design, Section 5.106.5.3.2 (Electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS)) is hereby amended to read as follows, but Sections 5.106.5.3.2.1 through 5.106.5.3.2.4.1 shall remain unchanged:

5.106.5.3.2 Electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS)

**Nonresidential buildings (excluding hotels and motels) and nonresidential portions of mixed-use buildings:**In addition to the EV Capable Space requirements of Section 5.106.5.3.1, nonresidential buildings (excluding hotels and motels) and nonresidential portions of mixed-use buildings shall comply with the following:

1.	For retail uses: an additional 15% of parking spaces shall be provided with EVCS. For Places of Religious Worship: an additional 10% of parking spaces shall be provided with EVCS. For all other nonresidential buildings (excluding hotels and motels) and nonresidential portions of mixed-use buildings: an additional 35% of parking spaces shall be provided with EVCS.
2.	Required EVCS may be provided in any combination of Level 2 and Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC), except that at least one Level 2 EVSE shall be provided.

Notes:

1.	Calculations for the required minimum number of spaces equipped with EVCS shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number.
2.	ALMS may be installed to increase the number of EV chargers 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.

(d) 2025 California Green Building Standards Code Chapter 5, Nonresidential Mandatory Measures, Division 5.1, Planning and Design, Section 5.106.5.3.3 (Use of Automatic Load Management System (ALMS)) is hereby amended to read as follows:

5.106.5.3.3. Use of Automatic Load Management Systems (ALMS) ALMS shall be permitted for EVCS. When ALMS is installed, the required electrical load capacity specified in Section 5.106.5.3.1 and Section 5.106.5.3.2 for each EVCS may be reduced when serviced by an EVSE controlled by an ALMS. Each EVSE controlled by an ALMS shall deliver a minimum 30 amperes to an EV when charging one vehicle and shall deliver a minimum 3.3 kW while simultaneously charging multiple EVs.

(e) 2025 California Green Building Standards Code Chapter 5, Nonresidential Mandatory Measures, Division 5.1, Planning and Design, Section 5.106.5.3.5 (Electric vehicle charging station signage) is hereby amended by adding the following text immediately following Section 5.106.5.3.5:

5.106.5.3.5.1 Raceway Identification. The raceway termination location shall be permanently and visibly marked as "EV Ready".

(Ord. 2081, 11/4/2025)

Exceptions & meaning →