On November 19, 2024, the County of San Mateo adopted local amendments to the California Energy Code. These local amendments are commonly referred to as “Reach Codes”. This latest version focuses specifically on enhancing energy performance as compared to the 2022 Energy Code.

Summary

The reach code aims to strengthen local building energy standards to reduce energy use and carbon emissions in new buildings. These changes affect the performance pathway of the existing Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6).

The reach code sets a stricter requirement for energy use and emissions in new buildings. This includes the "EDR1" metric for single-family homes and "Source Energy" for all other building types, both of which serve as proxies for carbon emissions. The new reach code is effective August 29, 2025

For further information on the new reach code, please view the summary or the new ordinance

Questions can be directed to Christopher Ragland.