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8.B. - Page 4 of 63 Building Official's authority to address higher priority life safety situations. c. Addition to Chapter 9: Reach Codes (addresses City goals): Designed to encourage low-cost, all -electric, or mixed -fuel new construction, as well as facilitating easier electric vehicle charging, further discussed below d. Amendment to Chapter 24: Construction Noise revision (improves oversight of issues related to construction) expands what is deemed to be excessive and unreasonable noises and addresses time limitations for construction related noises. Raarh ('ndp-z Reach Codes are additional amendments to the Energy and Green Buildings Standards Codes. Reach Codes aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) by reducing reliance on natural gas and gasoline through refocusing energy consumption towards electrification. Beginning in July 2019, City staff, Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE), and the San Mateo County Office of Sustainability have worked together to develop Reach Code recommendations for City Council to consider for adoption. PCE is a community choice energy program that provides San Mateo County residents an energy alternative and also implements programs and supports efforts to reduce GHGs. On September 24, 2019, City Council hosted a presentation by PCE. PCE shared information on the Reach Codes and provided an update on City staff's efforts towards developing Reach Code recommendations. In general, Reach Codes would only apply to new construction, but will include single- family, multi -family, office, and other non-residential buildings. Additionally, newly constructed buildings are allowed to be mixed -fuel but must be "All electric capable". For example, this means that a residential or commercial property owner who is building their new structure from the ground up has the ability to install gas for cooking, structural heating and drying. However, the structure must have outlets capable of going all electric should the owner make the decision to switch to all electric appliances. This would include an electrical panel and wiring capable of handling an electric stove range, heater, and dryer. After the presentation, the City Council provided general feedback and sought to understand how the proposed Reach Code may impact residents or businesses. Based on this feedback, staff made changes to the recommendations contained in this report. Councilmembers commented on the following topics: • Providine incentives vs. punitive actions: Staff's recommendation for Reach Codes are to allow mixed fuel options in the event that a property owner chooses to install gas and use gas appliances. For those wishing to switch to all electric appliances, the City provides information on its website on where to find rebates. PCE, Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), and BayREN provide incentives for all electric appliances. • Concern about consistency across iurisdictions: PCE and the County Office of Sustainability have worked to ensure consistency amongst Reach Codes. Nonetheless, it is up to each jurisdiction to adopt what is applicable to them. While there may be variance in Reach Code requirements, there is similar variance in local jurisdictions' amendments to the California Building Code. Contractors may adapt to differences for Reach Codes in the same way that they adapt to other variations in building codes. City of Redwood City 1017 Middlefield Road, Redwood City, CA. 94063 Tel: 650-780-7000 www.redwoodcity.ore 148