DATE: November 18, 2025
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Director of Public Works
SUBJECT
Title
Introduction of Revised Electrification Reach Code Ordinance: 1) Modifying the 2025 California Building Standards Code; 2) Finding that the Action is Exempt from CEQA; and 3) Repealing Previous and Current Reach Code Ordinances
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
That the City Council adopts a resolution (Attachment II) and introduces the revised electrification Reach Code ordinance (Attachment III) that: 1) modifies the 2025 California Building Standards Code; 2) finds the action to be exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); and 3) repeals the previous Reach Code ordinances 22-11, 25-01 and 25-08. The proposed revised Reach Code references the 2025 California Building Standards Code and would result in no changes to the City’s existing electric vehicle charging requirements.
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SUMMARY
Hayward’s current Reach Code has two primary components - one that addresses the installation of natural gas infrastructure in new buildings (Ordinance 22-11); and one that addresses the installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure for new buildings, and modifications to existing buildings that result in new parking spaces (Ordinance 25-08). On June 24, 2025, the City Council adopted a revised Reach Code ordinance to modify the EV charging requirements included in the 2022 California Building Standards Code. The 2022 Code will expire on December 31, 2025, and the 2025 Code will become effective on January 1, 2026. To continue Hayward’s existing requirements for EV charging, a new Reach Code explicitly modifying the 2025 Code must be adopted.
At this time, staff is not recommending a new Reach Code ordinance addressing the use of natural gas in new or existing buildings. The 2025 California Building Standards Code will require significantly more electric appliances, electric readiness and energy efficiency for new buildings. In addition, recent state law requires that local jurisdictions allow mixed-fuel residential construction.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment I Staff Report
Attachment II Resolution
Attachment III Ordinance
Attachment IV Article 1, Building Code
Attachment V Article 2, Off Street Parking Regulations
Attachment VI Charging Requirements Table