Green Building Code Requirements

• New buildings and substantial remodels must achieve a higher source energy compliance requirement than the State Code. The source energy requirements for various types of occupancy are listed below.
• A Certified Energy Analyst (CEA) is required on all projects subject to the enhanced efficiency requirements.
• New buildings and substantial remodels must comply with electric readiness requirements, such as, but not limited to, pre-wiring for future electrical appliances when installing a gas-fueled appliance or system. 
• Residential addition and alteration projects that include the replacement or addition of a gas-fueled appliance or system must also comply with electric readiness requirements.

¹ Exception: A new single-family home or detached ADU that does not require a PV system in accordance with CA Energy Code Section 150.1(c)14 needs a Source Energy compliance margin of at least 2 points.

² Exception: A source energy compliance margin of 0 percent or greater is required when nonresidential occupancies are designed with single zone space‐conditioning systems complying with California Energy Code Section 140.4(a)2.

While both all-electric or mixed-fuel buildings can be constructed under the City's 2023-2025 reach codes, we strongly encourage you to consider electrifying appliances and mechanical systems. Going all-electric promotes health and saves money in the long run.

Learn more about going electric at Go Electric.

At their November 14, 2022 meeting, the City Council adopted the 2022 Proposed Green Building and Local Energy Codes. These Green Building Code Requirements aim to increase water conservation and reduce water loss, lower embodied carbon in new construction projects, reduce fossil fuel use in buildings, and facilitate electric vehicle adoption by community members and visitors to Palo Alto. These goals are consistent with Palo Alto’s sustainability goals, including the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2030. 

Below are the new requirements that the City Council adopted. The new green building code requirements are in effect 2023 - 2025. 

1. Require covers for all new pools and spas (no exceptions for solar-heated pools)
2. Require newly constructed cooling towers to achieve the maximum number of cycles to optimize process water use
3. Adopt low-carbon concrete standards for all new construction projects
4. Expand EV charging infrastructure requirements for new construction projects above the State minimum requirements
5. Adopt a "Substantial Remodel" definition that triggers the all-electric building requirements. The proposed definition is as follows:

• For the purposes of electrification, substantial remodel shall mean the alteration of any structure, including any cumulative project or additions to the existing structure within any three (3) year period*, affects the removal or replacement 50% or more of the linear length of the existing exterior walls of the building, 50% or more of the linear length of the existing exterior wall plate height is raised, and/or 50% or more of the existing roof framing area.  The Chief Building Official or designee shall make the final determination regarding the application if a conflict occurs. *The 3-year period is measured between the first building permit issuance to the submittal of the next building permit application for any remodel or building addition.  

On February 26, 2024, due to a Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling barring cities from prohibiting natural gas piping in new buildings,Palo Alto City Council suspended enforcement of the all-electric building requirement for new buildings and substantial remodels, the heat pump water heater replacement requirement for residential addition and alteration projects, and new outdoor appliances (PAMC 16.14.090, 16.14.110 and 16.14.300) effective immediately. All other Palo Alto Municipal Code sections of the 2022 Green Building Standards Code remain in effect.

On Friday, October 4, 2024 (subject to California Energy Commission approval) new Energy Reach Code requirements took effect in Palo Alto. Building permits for new buildings and substantial remodels submitted on or after October 5 are required to comply.

2023-2025 Code Update Timeline

Related Online Resources 

• November 14 Staff Report
• October 17 Staff Report
• 2023-2025 Code Cycle Summary Document(PDF, 149KB)
• Palo Alto Green Buildings
• Green Building Ordinance 5481 - Effective 01/01/2020
• Energy Reach Code Ordinance 5485 - Effective 04/01/2020
• California Green Building Standards Code (Part 11, Title 24, California Code of Regulations), or CALGreen
• Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance
• 2022 Code Update PowerPoint Presentation