Reach Codes

construction workers


What is a reach code?

Reach codes are a local requirement that go beyond the State code requirements on green buildings. These can include new requirements on all-electric buildings, more electric vehicle chargers, energy efficiency, and more. 

To fulfill the Climate Action Plan 2021 commitments, City of San Leandro has adopted local reach codes as of January 2023. In San Leandro, these codes generally require newly constructed residential and non-residential buildings to be all-electric and increase electric vehicle charging requirements. Check out the Building Division page for more details on the building code.

Reach Codes make public health a top priority

When they go all-electric, buildings, vehicles, and off-road equipment transition from carbon-based fuels such as natural gas, gasoline, and diesel to clean energy provided by EBCE. By developing reach codes, San Leandro can do our part to save energy, reduce GHG emissions, and meet our climate goals.

Every three years, cities and counties across the state can adopt local reach codes in line with the new Building Standards Code (Standards), or Title 24, of the California Code of Regulations.

Several cities within Alameda County have utilized reach codes, including Albany, Berkeley, Fremont, Hayward, and Oakland. Over 50 cities across California have adopted reach codes and more are developing them now. 

Reach codes may include:

Prescriptive Codes

One or more specific energy efficiency measures are required, such as high-efficiency all-electric heating equipment.

Performance Codes

Requires that a building must perform more efficiently, based on accepted computer modeling. Performance codes allow trade-offs between energy efficiency measures.

How To Participate

Staff organized public listening sessions over February 2022 to ensure that input and concerns from developers, industry leaders, and property managers were incorporated into the design of the local San Leandro reach code. Approximately 20 individuals, including commercial property owners, commercial tenants, and representatives from the industrial/manufacturing and residential development sectors participated across four listening sessions. Their input was incorporated into the draft reach codes. Public presentations to the Planning Commission and City Council were provided in April 2022 to provide a summary of feedback received and staff’s recommendations on the development for each reach code policy. 

Materials from those outreach events are posted here. Public presentations to Planning Commission and City Council were given in late 2022.