Reach Codes

           The City of Redwood City is suspending enforcement of its Reach Codes at this time.               

The Information below is retained for reference only.

Redwood City Reach Codes

Reach Codes are amendments to the Energy and Green Building Standards Codes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs). Adopting Reach Codes create opportunities for local governments to lead initiatives on climate change solutions, clean air, and renewable energy. Reach Codes establish higher standards for new constructions to provide environmental and health benefits to the community. In September 2020, City Council first approved the Reach Codes ordinance that mandates electrification and energy efficiency for all new construction projects. The Redwood City Reach Codes focuses on new residential, commercial, and multifamily buildings that will be seeking building permits after December 9, 2020. The ordinance does not apply to additions or alterations. 

On November 28, 2022 City Council approved the second reading of updates to the Reach Codes for the 2023 Building Code cycle. This renews Reach Codes for the new Building Code. All exceptions to all-electric Reach Codes for new construction were removed, except for Technical Infeasibility.

Existing construction renovations and rehab are not included in Redwood City Reach Codes. 

Redwood City adopted a Climate Action Plan in 2013 to reduce GHG emissions towards the goal of mitigating and adapting to the impacts of Climate Change. The City Council’s Strategic Plan includes the Guiding Principle of Sustainability: to proactively address environmental concerns to protect our community. The adoption of Reach Codes is one action the Climate Action Plan identifies to reduce GHGs.

Previous Meetings

• November 28, 2022 - Staff presented Reach Codes updates for Council for a second reading. Second reading passed with no changes.
• October 24, 2022 - Staff presented Reach Codes updates for Council review along with updated 2023 Building and Fire Codes. Reach Code updates proposed included removing all exceptions for New Construction except for Technical Infeasibility. Existing Construction not to be included in Reach Codes at this time. First reading passed with no changes. For more, please review the City Council agenda and meeting video. 
• October 28, 2019 - Staff presented a mixed-fuel ordinance for Council review. City Council directed staff to develop an alternative all-electric Reach Codes ordinance for further review
• January 13, 2020 - Staff presented a draft all-electric ordinance. City Council directed staff to conduct additional community and stakeholder outreach on the Reach Codes, including many proposed exceptions to the all-electric ordinance
• January 14 to July 30, 2020 - City staff conducted community and stakeholder outreach to seek feedback on Reach Codes and possible exceptions
• August 20, 2020 - Staff presented the results of the additional community and stakeholder outreach to the Environmental Initiatives Ad Hoc Committee
• September 14, 2020 - City Council approved Reach Codes with eight exceptions
• September 21, 2020- City Council scheduled public hearing and adopted Reach Codes Ordinance