NEW BUILDING ELECTRIFICATION ORDINANCE

On November 29, 2022, City Council adopted the New Building Electrification Ordinance as a local amendment to the Green Standards Code section of the 2022 California Building Standards Code (Chapter 15.38 of the Sacramento City Code).

The New Building Electrification Ordinance mandates that all NEW buildings three stories or less be all-electric beginning January 1, 2023, with limited exemptions. The New Building Electrification Ordinance (for newly constructed buildings 1-3 stories) does not apply to EXISTING buildings or modifications to existing buildings, including new additions, alterations, or tenant improvements to existing buildings. Note: Existing all-electric buildings that are three stories or less shall not be converted into mixed-fuel buildings after January 1, 2023.

EFFECTIVE DATES FOR ALL-ELECTRIC REQUIREMENTS

• Phase 1:  January 1, 2023, for newly constructed buildings, three stories or less
• Phase 2:  January 1, 2026, for newly constructed buildings, four stories or more

WHAT DOES ALL-ELECTRIC MEAN?

An all-electric building means a building that does not have fuel gas piping installed on the lot or within the building; and that uses electricity as the sole source of energy, except for emergency power systems that are required to serve essential facilities or are otherwise required by law or regulation.

LIMITED EXEMPTION USES NOT SUBJECT TO THE ORDINANCE

The New Electrification Ordinance provides the following exemptions to electrification requirements for building permit applications filed on or before December 31, 2025.

• Ground floor food establishments for the area of the building with cooking equipment. The exemption is only for fuel gas piping, fixtures, or infrastructure necessary for cooking equipment within the designated food service area.

• Areas of manufacturing or industrial facilities with process loads.

• Water-heating systems and equipment in regulated affordable housing without virtual net energy metering.

WHAT IF IT IS INFEASIBLE TO COMPLY WITH THE ALL-ELECTRIC REQUIREMENTS?

The New Building Electrification Ordinance provides for an Infeasibility Waiver Process for projects where all-electric is shown to be infeasible by the project applicant. On November 29, 2022, City Council adopted an Infeasibility Waiver Guidance Document, which outlines the process and criteria for infeasibility waivers.

RESOURCES

New Building Electrification Ordinance

Chapter 15.38 Sacramento City Code

Infeasibility Waiver Guidance Document

Application for New Building Electrification Infeasibility Waiver