Reach Code Initiative
Current Reach Code
What Are Reach Codes?
Reach codes are building codes that are more advanced than those required by the state. Every three years, cities and counties across California adopt the new Building Standards Code or Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations. Cities can also choose to adopt local reach codes, on top of these Standards, at anytime. Reach codes that are related to energy efficiency must be proven to be cost-effective.
Reach codes may include:
- Prescriptive Codes: Require one or more specific energy efficiency measures, solar photovoltaic (PV), electric vehicle (EV) charging, or battery storage
- Performance Codes: Require a building to perform more efficiently based on accepted computer modeling and allow trade-offs between energy efficiency measures, solar PV, EV, or battery storage
As of December 2021, 54 Cities and Counties across California have adopted reach codes to reduce the use of natural gas.
Why establish reach codes?
As the grid becomes cleaner, the benefits of greenhouse gas (GHG) free electricity can best be realized by electrification of buildings and vehicles. Instead of burning natural gas and gasoline to operate buildings and vehicles, Hayward can reduce emissions by powering buildings and vehicles with clean electricity provided by East Bay Community Energy. All-electric buildings are safer and healthier to live in and are cost effective, especially when designed at the new construction stage.
Reach Code Checklists
Fill out one of these checklists to ensure your development is in compliance with the City of Hayward's Reach Code:
Upcoming Meetings
October 6, 2022 – Sustainability Committee – Agenda and report will be available here
Previous Meetings
June 14, 2022 – City Council Work Session report titled 2023 Electrification Reach Code: Information and Discussion - Presentation
May 26, 2022 – Planning Commission report titled Proposed 2023 Reach Code Update - Presentation
May 9, 2022 - Sustainability Committee report titled 2023 Reach Code - Information and Discussion - Presentation
March 14, 2022 - Sustainability Committee report titled Considerations for the 2023 Reach Code - presentation
March 3, 2020 - City Council report titled Electrification Reach Codes: Adopt a Resolution and Introduce an Ordinance to Adopt Electrification Reach Codes for the 2019 California Energy Code and California Green Building Standards Code - presentation
October 30, 2019 - Sustainability Committee report titled Revised Draft Electrification Reach Codes for 2019 California Energy Code and California Green Building Standards Code - presentation
September 17, 2019 – Sustainability Committee report titled Draft Electrification Reach Codes for 2019 California Energy Code and California Green Building Standards Code - presentation
May 13, 2019 – Sustainability Committee report titled Update on Possible Reach Code for Building and Vehicle Electrification - presentation
January 14, 2019 – Sustainability Committee report titled Natural Gas Use in New Construction - presentation
July 16, 2018 – Sustainability Committee report titled Building Electrification & Reducing Natural Gas Use - presentation
Resources
- Bay Area Working Group Website (a collaboration of East Bay Community Energy, Peninsula Clean Energy, Silicon Valley Clean Energy, Alameda County, Santa Clara County and the San Mateo County Office of Sustainability)
- BayREN Guide to Understanding and Adopting Reach Codes
- Statewide Cost-Effectiveness Studies
- Reach Code Ordinances (adopted by local governments across California)