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residents. Redwood City's current draft reach code is one of the weaker reach codes in this <br />region. This is an opportunity for Redwood City to stand strong as a climate leader. <br />Both approaches, a prohibition on natural gas and an all -electric reach code, will greatly <br />simplify the code language, eliminating the need for complex compliance margins and computer <br />modeling. This will simplify the permitting process for both developers and City Staff, as the <br />requirements are straightforward and easy to understand. Developers and community members <br />will benefit from the reduced cost of all -electric buildings, and the City will benefit from the <br />avoided liability of future, inevitable retrofits. <br />The following are provisions we recommend as part of an all -electric reach code. We <br />recommend using Mountain View's Reach Code as a model: <br />- Require electric heating/cooling, water heater, clothes dryer, cooking appliances, fireplaces, <br />and firepits for all building types. <br />- Allow for Commercial restaurants to apply for a waiver for an exemption for gas cooking in <br />situations where no electric alternative is available (Menlo Park and Mountain View use similar <br />waivers) <br />- Allow for some exemptions for certain commercial building types: [Mountain View allows gas <br />for F (factory industrial), H (hazardous materials), and L (laboratories).] <br />- Require pre -wiring for the future installation of electric appliances where gas is installed. <br />- Allow multi -family buildings within % mile of transit (defined as frequent bus service or a light <br />rail station, in a Planned Development Area, with a Transportation Demand Management Plan) <br />to have no parking requirements, thus reducing the cost of EV infrastructure. <br />For reference on a prohibition on natural gas in new construction, we recommend using <br />Berkeley's ordinance as a model. <br />Sincerely, <br />Gladwyn D'Souza, Conservation Committee Chair, Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter <br />