Santa Cruz County Municipal Code Ch. 12.20 Energy Conservation—new Residential Development

[1]

Adopting by reference Energy Conservation Standards for New Residential Buildings, Sections 2-5351 and 2-5352 of the California Administrative Code, Part 2.

The purpose and intent of this chapter is to establish standards which promote the wise and efficient use of energy in new residential structures by requiring cost effective energy conservation measures.

(Ord. 3346 § 1, 1982)

(A) Electrical and natural gas energy used to heat residential structures is essential to the health, safety and welfare of the community. Since the 1973 oil crisis, the United States has faced rising prices and uncertain supplies of energy. This uncertainty results in an increasing economic burden on the citizens of Santa Cruz County.

(B) Local action to promote energy conservation through the application of appropriate energy conservation standards to new residential buildings can address this serious problem. Conservation of energy in this manner results in decreased energy use in buildings and lower energy bills for consumers and diminishes the threat to the health and welfare of residents posed by energy shortages and by pollution or hazards from additional energy generating facilities.

(C) Energy conservation measures exist which are cost effective and simple to install. The California Energy Commission conducted an extensive financial analysis demonstrating the cost-effectiveness of specified energy conservation standards. A chapter to require energy conservation standards in new residential buildings at the time of construction is, therefore, necessary to protect the economic and social well-being and the health and safety of the occupants of housing within the County of Santa Cruz.

(Ord. 3346 § 1, 1982)

All new residential building plans (full set drawings) which are submitted for approval of a building permit after January 1, 1983, must comply with the building energy regulations set forth in the California Administrative Code, Title 24, Part 2, Sections 2-5351 and 2-5352.

(Ord. 3346 § 1, 1982)