Reach Code Initiative

In March 2020, the Hayward City Council adopted a reach code ordinance to electrify buildings and vehicles in new construction. The new requirements will result in safer and more comfortable buildings, increase our electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and reduce our carbon footprint. The ordinance requires all new low-rise residential buildings (three stories and less) to be all-electric, and encourages all-electric construction in high-rise residential and non-residential buildings. The ordinance also requires electric vehicle charging infrastructure beyond that required in the 2019 California Green Building Standards 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

Several Bay Area Cities have utilized reach codes in the past, including Fremont, Oakland, Palo Alto, and San Mateo. As of March 27, 2020, thirty 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.