Reach Codes (2023-2025)

The City of San Mateo is committed to being a climate leader and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in our community. The development and adoption of amendments to the green building code, also known as “reach codes” can help reduce emissions by requiring all-electric construction and enhancing electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Below is information about reach codes that were effective during the 2022 Code Cycle (Jan. 1, 2023 - Dec. 31, 2025). 

Why is building electrification and electric vehicle readiness important?

Building electrification refers to the transition from gas equipment to electric equipment for space and water heating, clothes drying, cooking and more. Phasing out the use of fossil gas (also known as natural gas) in buildings is extremely important because fossil gas is a fossil fuel that is primarily composed of methane. Fossil gas contributes emissions with a very high global warming potential. There are also health and safety concerns associated with the use of fossil gas in homes. In contrast, the City's electricity provider, Peninsula Clean Energy, supplies 100% greenhouse gas free electricity to the community. 

Electric vehicle charging infrastructure is key to encourage electric vehicle adoption. Transportation accounts for the majority of greenhouse gas emissions in San Mateo. The availability of home charging is specifically important because the lack of at-home charging is considered the primary barrier to EV adoption.

Reach Codes for Home Renovations

The reach codes below were implemented starting Jan. 1, 2023 when a permit is issued by the City of San Mateo for home renovations that include the following elements:

Reach Code

Impacted Buildings

Reach Code Requirements for Remodels

Electric-readiness: panel capacity

One- and two-family dwellings and townhouses, duplexes and multifamily buildings

Requires panel replacement and panel upgrade projects to include panel capacity/breaker space for future electrification

Electric-readiness: outlets installed

One- and two-family dwellings and townhouses and duplexes

Requires all residential kitchen and laundry renovations include installation of an outlet to allow for the use of electric appliances in the future

Energy performance reach code for new construction (effective beginning May 1, 2025):

New buildings must meet the following performance margins:

Compliance Margin Requirement

Single Family Residential Buildings

Exceed the standard EDR1 requirement by at least 9

Multi-Family Residential (Low-rise, ≤ 3 stories)

Exceed the standard Source Energy requirement by 10%

Multi-Family Residential (High-rise, ≥ 4 stories)

Exceed the standard Source Energy requirement by 4%

Non-Residential

Exceed the standard Source Energy requirement by 7%

Enhanced electric vehicle requirements for new construction:

The updated reach code requires enhanced electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure for new construction projects above the State requirements, as shown in the table below.

Reach Code Requirements 

One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Townhouses

One Level 2 EV Ready space per dwelling unit; 
 one Level 1 EV Ready space if second space provided

Multifamily Buildings

15% Level 2 EVCS
 85% Level 2 EV Ready (low-power)
Total: 100% of spaces

Commercial Buildings

Office Use
 20% Level 2 EVCS
 30% Level 2 EV Capable
Total: 50% of spaces

All Other Uses
 10% Level 2 EVCS
 10% Level 2 EV Capable
Total: 20% of spaces

 

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