South San Francisco Municipal Code Ch. 15.26 California

§ 15.26.010. California Energy Code, 2025 Edition, adopted by reference.¶

The California Energy Code, 2025 Edition, published by the International Code Council, as modified by the amendments, additions and deletions set forth hereinafter, is hereby adopted by reference as the California Energy Code, 2025 Edition, of the city of South San Francisco, and may be cited as such.

(Ord. 1679-2025, 10/22/2025)

Exceptions & meaning →

§ 15.26.020. Amendments to the Energy Code/Building Energy Efficiency Standards.¶

The California Energy Code/Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Cal. Code Regs. Title 24, Part 6) are amended as follows. Section and table numbers used herein are those of the California Energy Code. Sections, subsections, paragraphs, and texts not amended are not included below and shall remain in full force and effect.

(a) SUBCHAPTER 1 ALL OCCUPANCIES-GENERAL PROVISIONS

(1) SECTION 100.0 - Scope

(e)	Sections applicable to particular buildings. TABLE 100.0-A and this subsection list the provisions of Part 6 that are applicable to different types of buildings covered by Section 100.0(a).
1.	All buildings. Sections 100.0 through 110.12 apply to all buildings.
EXCEPTION to Section 100.0(e) 1: Spaces or requirements not listed in TABLE 100.0-A.
2.	Newly constructed buildings.
A.	All newly constructed buildings. Sections 110.0 through 110.12 apply to all newly constructed buildings within the scope of Section 100.0(a). In addition, newly constructed buildings shall meet the requirements of Subsection B, C, D or E, as applicable.
(i)	Newly constructed residential buildings shall be an All-Electric Building as defined in Section 100.1(b). For the purposes of All-Electric Building requirements under this subdivision A-1, newly constructed residential buildings as defined in Section 100.1 shall include a construction project where an alteration includes "renovations" to residential buildings where either: (1) replacement of over 50% of the existing foundation for purposes other than a repair or reinforcement as defined in California Existing Building Code Section 202; or (2) when over 50% of the existing framing above the sill plate is removed or replaced for purposes other than repair. If either of these criteria are met within a 3-year period, measured from the date of the most recent previously obtained permit final date, that structure is considered new construction and shall be subject to the All-Electric Building requirements. The final determination whether a project meets the definition of substantial reconstruction/alteration shall be made by the Director of Economic & Community Development or his or her designee.
Exception 1: If the applicant establishes that there is not an all-electric prescriptive compliance pathway for the building under the Energy Code, and that the building is not able to achieve the performance compliance standard applicable to the building under the Energy Code using commercially available technology and an approved calculation method, then the Director of Economic & Community Development or his or her designee may grant a modification. If the Director of Economic & Community Development or his or her designee grants a modification pursuant to this Exception, the applicant shall comply with the pre-wiring provision of Note 1 below. The applicant shall have the burden of proof in establishing that an exception is warranted under this Exception 2. The Director of Economic & Community Development or his or her designee may establish administrative guidelines to implement this Exception 2.
Exception 2: Newly constructed nonresidential buildings and all nonresidential occupancies in a mixed-use building shall be exempted from the requirements under this subdivision (2)(i).
Note 1: If natural gas appliances are used in any of the above Exceptions 1-2, natural gas appliance locations must also be electrically pre-wired for future electric appliance installation. They shall include the following:
1. A dedicated circuit, phased appropriately, for each appliance, with a minimum amperage requirement for a comparable electric appliance (see manufacturer's recommendations) with an electrical receptacle or junction box that is connected to the electric panel with conductors of adequate capacity, extending to within 3 feet of the appliance and accessible with no obstructions. Appropriately sized conduit may be installed in lieu of conductors;
2. Both ends of the conductor or conduit shall be labeled with the words "For Future Electric appliance" and be electrically isolated;
3. A circuit breaker shall be installed in the electrical panel for the branch circuit and labeled for each circuit, an example is as follows (i.e., "For Future Electric Range"); and
4. All electrical components, including conductors, receptacles, junction boxes, or blank covers, related to this section shall be installed in accordance with the California Electrical Code.
Note 2: If any of the Exceptions 1-2 are granted, the Director of Economic & Community Development or his or her designee shall have the authority to approve alternative materials, design and methods of construction or equipment per California Building Code Section 104.

(2) SECTION 100.1(b) - Definitions.

ALL ELECTRIC BUILDING is defined as a building that has no natural gas or propane plumbing installed within the building property lines, and instead uses only electricity as the source of energy for its spaceheating, water heating (including pools and spas), cooking appliances, and clothes drying appliances. All Electric Buildings may include solar thermal pool heating, or fossil fuels for backup power generation. For the purposes of "renovations" to residential buildings listed under Section 100.0(e)(2)(i), where there is existing natural gas or propane plumbing service facilities or equipment within the building property lines, such preexisting service facilities or equipment may remain on the property, but service shall cease, and all facilities and lines must be capped off at the service point to the building.

(Ord. 1679-2025, 10/22/2025)

Exceptions & meaning →