Reach Code

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Reach Codes are regulations adopted by local government that try to exceed or enhance the current state Energy Code and Green Building Code. The City of Santa Clara adopts the City Reach Code Ordinance to meet local climate action goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve greater energy savings.

Reach Code Requirements for Energy Efficiency

The 2022 California Building Standards requires solar installation on newly constructed low-rise residential buildings. Also, the City Reach Codes requires minimum size solar photovoltaic (PV) installations on all new non-residential and high-rise residential constructions, with some exemptions. As an option, all projects may provide a permanent solar hot water (solar thermal) system with a minimum collector area of 40 square feet.

Solar Requirements

Table 110.10-A: Solar panel requirements for all new non-residential and
high-rise residential buildings
Square footage of buildings	Size of panels
Less than 10,000 sq. ft.	Minimum of 3-kilowatt PV systems
Greater than or equal to 10,000 sq. ft.	Minimum of 5-kilowatt PV systems

Exception: As an alternative to solar PV system, the building type may provide a solar hot water system (solar thermal) with a minimum collector area of 40 square feet, additional to any other solar thermal equipment otherwise required for compliance with Part 6.

Reach Codes Requirements for Green Buildings

The City Reach Codes require a higher number of different-level electric vehicle (EV) charging/parking spaces than what is required by the State for new construction projects (applied only to newly constructed buildings).

Electric Vehicle Charging

**Definitions for EV Charging Levels**
Levels	Definition
Level 1 EV Ready (LVL1 Ready)	Includes 110/120V 20-amp circuit with an outlet
Level 2 EV Capable (LVL2 Capable)	Includes electrical panel capacity for 208/240V 40-amp circuit and conduit (outlet not required)
Level 2 EV Ready – Low Power (LP LVL2 Ready)	Includes 208/240V 20-amp circuit with an outlet
Level 2 EV Ready (LVL2 Ready)	Includes 208/240V 40-amp circuit with an outlet
Level 2 EV Charging Station (LVL2 EVCS)	Includes electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) connecting to a circuit serving a Level 2 EV Ready space.

**EV Charging Requirements**
Code Elements	Proposed EV Charging for New Construction
Single and Two-family & Townhouses	One LVL2 Ready per dwelling + LVL1 Ready if two spaces 25% of all unassigned spaces – LVL2 Ready 75% of unassigned spaces – LP LVL2 Ready
Multi-family and Affordable Housing	Less than 20 dwelling units with parking – one LVL2 Ready per dwelling 20 or more dwelling units with assigned parking: First 20 dwellings – one LVL2 Ready per dwelling 25% of remaining units with assigned spaces – LVL2 Ready 75% of remaining units with assigned spaces – LP LVL2 Ready Affordable units with parking – 10% LVL2 Ready, 90% LVL1 Ready
Hotels and Motels	10% of parking spaces LVL2 EVCS 50% of parking spaces LVL2 Capable
Offices and Other Non-Residential	35% of parking spaces LVL2 EVCS 35% of parking spaces LVL2 Capable

Reach Code FAQs

General Information

Which projects are required to comply with Reach Codes?
The Reach Codes only apply to newly constructed buildings at this time.

When did Reach Codes become effective?
Per City Reach Code Ordinance No. 2056, Chapter 15.36, California Energy Code and Green Building Code have been in effect since Jan. 1, 2023.

Do all-electric buildings cost more?
In most cases, all-electric buildings are less costly to build. The service and piping for natural gas is an expense that is often ignored when comparing the cost of gas and electric equipment. An all-electric building starts without that expense, so even when electric equipment might be more expensive in some cases than its natural gas counterparts, that cost is offset by the gas infrastructure savings.

Do the reach codes apply to remodels or renovations?
The Reach Codes only apply to newly constructed buildings at this time.

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)

Will a detached garage conversion to an ADU trigger an all-electric requirement and solar panels?
The State California Energy Commission considers a detached garage conversion as an alteration, not a new residential building. Compliance would not be required for additions or alterations to buildings.

Are solar panels required on an ADU addition to an existing house?
No, solar panels are not required on additions to existing buildings. Solar panels are required to be installed on new detached buildings.

Do new detached ADU require solar panels? Where can I place these new solar panels?
A newly constructed detached ADU requires solar panels and these new solar panels can be placed within the same property.

Appliances

Do the reach codes apply to repairs of existing appliances or general maintenance?
No, the repairs or maintenance to existing appliances will not be affected by the Reach Codes.

What if I need to replace a natural gas appliance in my home, such as a water heater, furnace, or stove? Does this mean I need to replace it with an electric version?
No, you do not need to replace existing gas appliances with an electric appliance.

Last Updated:

08-18-2025