DATE: September 8, 2025
TO: Council Sustainability Committee
FROM: Director of Public Works
SUBJECT
Title
Potential Reach Code Amendments for the 2025 Building Code
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
That the Council Sustainability Committee (CSC) reviews this report and provides direction to staff regarding a new Reach Code.
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SUMMARY
The California Building Standards Code is updated every three years and the next version, the 2025 California Building Standards Code, will take effect on January 1, 2026. Hayward’s current Reach Code was prepared and adopted specifically for the current Code, so it will expire on December 31, 2025. For Hayward to continue to make progress on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and further electrification of buildings and vehicles, Hayward will need to adopt a new Reach Code. The 2025 Code requires 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. For these reasons, staff is not recommending adoption of any reach codes for new construction. Staff is seeking the Committee’s input on possible approaches for decarbonizing existing single-family homes. Staff recommends maintaining and re-adopting the City’s existing reach code requirements related to electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment I Staff Report
Attachment II Summary of Electric Ready Requirements