Codes and Standards - California Climate and Energy Collaborative

Barrier 11: Codes and Standards

Barrier Statement

While California has one of the nation’s strongest statewide energy codes, weak enforcement and limited local capacity undermine its impact. Efforts to go further through local reach codes can be highly political and result in legal challenges, and are now constrained by a legislated moratorium.

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How communities are experiencing this barrier

View the details on what communities have shared with SLECC from across the state.

Key challenge discussed in - Los Angeles, San Diego

Recent legislative efforts—such as AB 130 (previously AB 306)—threaten to restrict or block local building code updates and reach codes, which are among the most effective tools cities and counties use to advance electrification in new construction. Weakening this local authority would “take arrows out of the quiver” for jurisdictions, undermining long-term residential decarbonization and local climate leadership.

Key challenge discussed in - Los Angeles

There is also concern that building codes and health codes, when used as triggers (e.g., at point of sale or equipment replacement), can increase costs without adequate subsidies, potentially burdening low-income households

Key challenge discussed in - Los Angeles

Some practitioners argued that “a lot is already in the code” and questioned the push to keep layering on new requirements. They noted that overlapping priorities and multiple code updates create confusion and regulatory fatigue.

Key challenge discussed in - Los Angeles

Stakeholders highlighted the need for statewide standardization of codes for electrification so that small cities without capacity aren’t left behind. Currently, smaller jurisdictions often lack the resources to design or enforce performance standards, leaving uneven implementation

Key challenge discussed in - Los Angeles

Codes and standards work well for new construction but are less effective for retrofits of existing or historic buildings, which face cumbersome permitting and compliance hurdles. This slows down energy efficiency and retrofit projects.

Local Solution Opportunities

SLECC stakeholders have brainstormed the following solution opportunities that can be taken by local leaders. Existing examples of progress or pathways to make further progress are highlighted if known.

Local Solution

Jurisdictions who wish to adopt reach codes that are unable to due to 2025 legislation (AB130/306) can use the “General Plan” exemption as a pathway forward.

Existing Examples of Progress:

Further Progress Pathways

Region(s): Statewide

Local Solution

Streamline review and compliance processes – Local governments called for clearer guidance and support to reduce duplicative or inconsistent requirements across jurisdictions when adopting or implementing codes

Existing Examples of Progress:

Further Progress Pathways

Region(s): San Diego

Local Solution

Regional coordination – Collaborative planning at the regional governance level was recommended to help align standards across jurisdictions and minimize conflicts

Existing Examples of Progress:

Further Progress Pathways

Region(s): San Diego

State Solution Opportunities

SLECC stakeholders have brainstormed the following solution opportunities that can be taken by state leaders. Existing examples of progress or pathways to make further progress are highlighted if known.

State Solution

Encourage top-down planning tools like reach codes for new construction.

Existing Examples of Progress:

Further Progress Pathways

Region(s): Los Angeles

State Solution

Adopt building and health code updates to mandate or incentivize replacement of gas appliances at point-of-sale or end-of-life.

Existing Examples of Progress:

Southern California Edison is working with Clean Power Authority on reach code programs, electrification, and supporting municipal policies; provides cost-effectiveness studies.

Further Progress Pathways

Region(s): Los Angeles

State Solution

Clarify state authority vs. local authority – State should provide clearer statutory guidance on the extent of local authority to adopt codes under moratorium conditions, to reduce risk of lawsuits

Existing Examples of Progress:

Further Progress Pathways

Region(s): San Diego

Solution Spotlight

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Additional Resources

Please share any additional resources you would like to include by emailing eecoordinator@civicwell.org.