Article 16-51

ENERGY CODE*

Sections:

16-51.010 Adoption of the 2025 California Energy Code. 16-51.020 Electric Readiness Reach Code.

(a) The 2025 California Energy Code, Title 24, Part 6, hereinafter referred to as "the Energy Code," is referred to and, except as to additions, deletions and amendments hereinafter described, such code is hereby adopted and made a part hereof, the same as if fully set forth in this Article, and shall be the Energy Code of the City.

(b) At least one true copy of the Energy Code has been on file with the City Clerk for fifteen days prior to enactment of the ordinance codified in this Article. While the ordinance codified in this Article is in force, a true copy of the Energy Code shall be kept for public inspection in the office of the Building Official. (Ord. No. 414, § 2(App. A), 11-5-2025)

Section 100.0 is modified to add a 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 Single Family building additions and alterations, the electric readiness measures specified in Sections 150.0(w) shall be required for certain single family additions and alterations.

Section 100.1(b) is modified by adding the following definitions:

LEVEL 2 ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV) CHARG-

ING RECEPTACLE is a 208/240-volt 40-ampere minimum branch circuit and a receptacle.

LOW POWER LEVEL 2 ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV) CHARGING RECEPTACLE is a 208/240-

volt 20-ampere minimum branch circuit and a receptacle

*Editor’s note— Ord. No. 414, § 2(App. A), adopted November 5, 2025, repealed the former Article 16-51, § 16-51.010, and enacted a new Article 16-51 as set out herein. The former Article 16-51 pertained to similar subject matter and derived from Ord. No. 395, § 2(App. A), December 7, 2022.

A new section (w), is added to Section 150.0 as follows:

(w) Electric Readiness for Alterations

1. Electric range. Where branch circuits or receptacles are added or altered in a kitchen and the work requires an electrical permit, install electrical components in accordance with the California Electrical Code. The electrical components shall include either of the following:

A. A 125 volt, 20 amp electrical receptacle that is connected to the electric panel with a 120/240 volt 3 conductor branch circuit rated at 50 amps minimum, within 3 feet from the appliance and accessible to the appliance with no obstructions. Both ends of the unused conductor shall be labeled with the word "spare" and be electrically isolated. Space shall be reserved for a single pole circuit breaker in the electrical panel adjacent to the circuit breaker for the branch circuit and labeled with the words "Future Use".

B. A pathway for a future 240 volt 50 amp minimum branch circuit that shall consist of either conductors or raceway from the main electrical service panel. The main electric panel shall have space reserved to allow for the installation of a double pole circuit breaker for a future electric range installation. The reserved space shall be permanently marked as "For Future 240V use". The raceway or conductors shall terminate at a junction box within 3 feet of the appliance. The blank cover shall be identified as "240V ready".

2. Electric dryer. Where a branch circuit is added or altered within 3 feet of a gas or propane clothes dryer and the work requires an electrical permit, install electrical components in accordance with the California Electrical Code. The electrical components shall include either of the following:

A. A dedicated 125 volt, 20 amp electrical receptacle that is connected to the electric panel with a 120/240 volt 3 conductor branch circuit rated at 30 amps minimum, within 3 feet from the appliance and accessible to the appliance with no obstructions. Both ends of the unused conductor shall be labeled with the word "spare" and be electrically isolated. Space shall be reserved for a single pole circuit breaker in the electrical panel adjacent to the circuit breaker for the branch circuit and labeled with the words "Future Use"; or,

B. A pathway for a future 240 volt 30 amp minimum branch circuit that shall consist of either conductors or raceway from the main electrical service panel. The main electric panel shall have space reserved to

(Saratoga Supp. No. 57, 1-26)

438.5

16-51.020

allow for the installation of a double pole circuit breaker for a future heat pump dryer installation. The reserved space shall be permanently marked as "For Future 240V use". The raceway or conductors shall terminate at a junction box within 3 feet of the appliance. The blank cover shall be identified as "240V ready".

3. Heat pump water heater.

A. If wall framing is removed or replaced within 3 feet of a gas or propane water heating appliance, space suitable for the future installation of a heat pump water heater (HPWH) shall be provided. The space shall be at least 2.5 feet by 2.5 feet wide and 7 feet tall and shall include a condensate drain that is no more than 2 inches higher than the base of an installed water heater and allows natural draining without pump assistance or installed piping or tubing within 3 feet of the water heater location to a condensate drain or exterior location. If pump assistance is needed, a receptacle on a 120 volt, minimum 15 amp branch circuit for a condensate pump must be available within 3 feet of the water heater location.

B. Where branch circuits are altered or added within 3 feet of an existing gas or propane water heater or within 10 feet of the designated future location of a heat pump water heater as required under Section 150.0(w)3A, and the work requires an electrical permit, install electrical components in accordance with the California Electrical Code. The electrical components shall include either of the following:

(i) A dedicated 125 volt, 20 amp electrical receptacle that is connected to the electric panel with a 120/240 volt 3 conductor, 10 AWG copper branch circuit rated at 30 amps minimum, within 3 feet from the water heater and accessible to the water heater with no obstructions. Both ends of the unused conductor shall be labeled with the word "spare" and be electrically isolated. Space shall be reserved for a single pole circuit breaker space in the electrical panel adjacent to the circuit breaker for the branch circuit and labeled with the words "Future 240V Use"; or

ps minimum, within 3 feet from the water heater and accessible to the water heater with no obstructions. Both ends of the unused conductor shall be labeled with the word "spare" and be electrically isolated. Space shall be reserved for a single pole circuit breaker space in the electrical panel adjacent to the circuit breaker for the branch circuit and labeled with the words "Future 240V Use"; or

(ii) A pathway for a future 240 volt 30 amp minimum branch circuit that shall consist of either conductors or raceway from the main electrical service panel. The main electric panel shall have space reserved to allow for the installation of a double pole circuit breaker for a future HPWH installation. The reserved space shall be permanently marked as "For Future 240V use".

The pathway shall terminate at a junction box within 3 feet of the appliance. The blank cover shall be identified as "240V ready".

Exception 1 to Section 150.0(w): The project is solely a repair as defined by Title 24 Part 2 Section 202.

Exception 2 to Section 150.0(w): If an electrical permit is not otherwise required for the project other than compliance with this section.

Exception 3 to Section 150.0(w): Where upgrades to the existing electrical panel or utility service are not proposed, electrical panel capacity shall not be required to exceed the existing utility electrical service to the building to meet compliance with this section. Capacity and overcurrent protection spaces shall be reserved to the extent allowable under the existing electrical panel capacity using the methodology in Section 150(w)4. Tandem overcurrent protection devices shall be used to the extent permissible under the California Electrical Code.

Exception 4 to Section 150.0(w): The project is solely a safety improvement to remove a known hazard.

Exception 5 to Section 150.0(w): 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).

Exception 6 to Section 150.0(w): Emergency Housing pursuant to Appendix P of the California Building Code.

Exception 7 to Section 150.0(w): Creation of a new accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit that is within the existing space of a single family dwelling or accessory structure and includes an expansion of not more than 150 square feet beyond the same physical dimensions as the existing accessory structure. An expansion beyond the physical dimensions of the existing accessory structure shall be limited to accommodating ingress and egress. Or, if the project would not otherwise be a Covered Single Family Project were it not for the inclusion of an accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit that meets the criteria above.

(Saratoga Supp. No. 57, 1-26)

438.6

16-51.020

Section 150.2(b) is modified to read:

(b) Alterations. Alterations to existing singlefamily residential buildings or alterations in conjunction with a change in building occupancy to a singlefamily residential occupancy shall meet either Item 1 or 2 below, in addition to the requirements of 150.0(w). (Ord. No. 414, § 2(App. A), 11-5-2025)

438.7

(Saratoga Supp. No. 57, 1-26)

16-52.010