HomeMy WebLinkAboutCED Tri-Annual Building Code Ordinance Amendments PPT1
Triennial Building Code Amendments
San Rafael City Council
August 18, 2025
Agenda
1.Background
2.Code Amendments
1.Triennial Code adoption
2.Amendments to Building Code
3.Amendments to Reach Codes
3.Public Hearing, Questions, and Discussion
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Background – State Codes Adoption
•Triennial State building code cycle
•Last updates in 2022 & 2024
•New 2025 Codes need to be in effect January 1, 2026
•San Rafael Codes include “Reach Codes” which go
over and above State energy efficiency standards for:
•New Construction
•Existing Buildings Renovations
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Background – 2025 State Code Changes
For all new permits starting Jan 1, 2026
•Changes to some definitions & classifications
•New safety-related rules, including fire-safety
•Expanded exemptions and exceptions
•Expanded use of heat pumps & electric readiness
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Background – Local Building Code Amendments
Proposed amendments to codes
•Incorporates State Code in City Code Titles and
Sections
•New definition of Kitchen
•Increased space for stairwell fire suppression devices
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Background – Local Reach Code Amendments
AB 130
•Trailer bill to budget bill in July
•Focused on making new housing and build-back
easier
•Restricts triennial code development until 2031
•Restricts new Reach Codes after September 30
•With some exceptions
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Background – Local Reach Code Amendments
What's New
•State Codes have caught up to San Rafael Reach Codes
•Proposed amendments no longer contain Reach
Codes for New Construction or Electric Vehicle
Charging
•Only proposed amendment is for remodels of existing
residential
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Background – Local Reach Code Amendments
Current FlexPath Reach Code
•Applies to single family remodels
•Over 500 sq. Feet
•Focus on energy efficiency
•Menu of options
•Tied to building "vintages"
•Supported by State cost-effectiveness studies
•Developed with local builders and commissioners
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Flex Path – How it Works
Applicants Identify Vintage
Applicants choose measures
Total must meet target score
•Pre 1978 = 12 points
•1978 – 1991 = 8 points
•1992 – 2005 = 4 points
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FlexPath – Proposed Amendments
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Building Vintage Pre-1978 1978-1991 1992-2000
Target Score - Current 12 8 4
Target Score – January 1, 2027 16 9 0
Target Score – January 1, 2029 19 12 0
Max Score Allowed for Cost-Effectiveness*29 17 0
*Note: the menu includes many other
measures with significant points
Background – Local Reach Code Amendments
Proposal: Amend FlexPath Target Scores
•Meets September 30 deadline
•Allows for enforcement in the future
•Allows for non-enforcement should data not
support them
•January 1, 2027 and January 1, 2029
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Open Public Hearing
Entertain Questions
San Rafael City Council
August 18, 2025