Laserfiche WebLink
7.A. - Page 7 of 285 <br />As previously noted, the goal of the Reach Codes is to reduce fossil fuel usage. The proposed Reach Codes <br />in Attachment A and B only apply to newly constructed buildings. Reach Codes will not apply to additions <br />or remodels that may fall under the requirement for fire sprinklers or to tenant improvements in existing <br />buildings. <br />Reach Code Approaches and Exceptions <br />Reach codes are local amendments that exceed the State Energy Code and/or Green Building Standards <br />Code. In order to adopt the local amendments, the additional requirements must be cost effective as it <br />relates to the incremental cost of the additional requirement compared to the energy cost savings over <br />the life of 15 years. PCE recommended a cost-effectiveness study prepared for the Southern California <br />Edison Company for utility users throughout the state. Staff worked with PCE to interpret the results of <br />the study and infer what options may or may not be cost-effective for the building types that are <br />prevalent in Redwood City. Additionally, staff worked with PCE to evaluate options for central water - <br />heating systems in high-rise residential buildings which were not analyzed in the cost-effectiveness <br />study. Staff is only recommending local amendments that were analyzed in the cost-effectiveness study. <br />PCE and their consultants have also provided support to assist other cities in understanding the cost- <br />effectiveness study results when adopting Reach Codes, and they will continue to assist City staff in this <br />analysis. <br />Difference between Mixed -Fuel and All -Electric Approaches <br />There is one Reach Code ordinance approach drafted by PCE intended to allow for mixed -fuel buildings. <br />The Mixed -Fuel ordinance approach provided property owners with two options for constructing <br />buildings with a reduced GHG footprint: Performance and Prescriptive. The Performance option allows an <br />applicant to design a building as long as it is energy efficient based on accepted computer modelling. The <br />Prescriptive option requires one or more specific energy efficient improvements. Additionally, under the <br />Prescriptive option most buildings would be required to be electric capable for major energy uses such as <br />drying, space conditioning (heating and cooling), and cooking. <br />After the October 2811 meeting where City Council asked staff to prepare an All -Electric ordinance, staff <br />examined what other cities prepared and worked with PCE to develop an All -Electric Reach Code. Many <br />communities have adopted All -Electric Reach Codes with certain exceptions included. The All -Electric <br />approach developed by staff is primarily based on the City of Menlo Park and City of Mountain View's all - <br />electric reach codes, in addition to some other cities' exceptions. <br />Below are nine potential exceptions to an all -electric Reach Code option for City Council consideration <br />based on exceptions adopted in other communities: <br />Exception 1— Non -Residential Buildings containing a Health Facility as defined in Chapter 7, Article <br />2 of the 2019 California Administrative Code may contain a non -electric space -conditioning and <br />water -heating systems. <br />• The largest use of energy for most homes and businesses relates to space conditioning. <br />One of the alternatives to gas -powered space conditioning is the use of electric heat <br />pumps, which typically reduce energy usage since they are more efficient. Heat pumps <br />can be the primary space conditioning system or be complementary to other space <br />Page 7 of 12 <br />City of Redwood City 1017 Middlefield Road, Redwood City, CA. 94063 Tel: 650-780-7000 www.redwoodcity.ore <br />259 <br />