This chapter shall be known and may be cited and referred to as the "Green Building Code for the City of Sunnyvale."
(Ord. 3168-20 § 2)
The "2025 California Green Building Standards Code" adopted by the State Building Standards Commission in California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 24, Part 11 is hereby adopted by reference, with changes and modifications as hereinafter set forth, as the green building code of the city of Sunnyvale.
(Ord. 3168-20 § 2; Ord. 3202-22 § 43; Ord. 3248-25, 10/21/2025)
2025 California Green Building Code Chapter 1 is hereby amended as follows:
101.3. Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to grading and to the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal, and demolitions of every building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or structures within the city, including all plumbing and drainage systems, mechanical systems, and electrical wiring and fire safety systems, energy systems, green building standards, or parts thereof, within and serving such building or structure, excluding therefrom the following:
(1) | Any building or structure located on real property belonging to: | |
(A) | United States of America, | |
(B) | State of California, or any political subdivision thereof, | |
(C) | Any chartered city or non-chartered city, or | |
(D) | Any school district, except when the proposed use is for non-classroom facilities; | |
(2) | Work located primarily in a public way; | |
(3) | Public utility towers and poles; | |
(4) | Mechanical equipment not specifically regulated in any of the codes; and | |
(5) | Hydraulic flood control structures. | |
It is not the intent that this code substitute or be identified as meeting the certification requirements of any green building program.
(Ord. 3248-25, 10/21/2025)
Note: Ord. 3168-20; and Ord. 3202-22, were repealed by Ord. 3248-25, 10/21/2025.
(a)
2025 California Green Building Code Section 4.503 is amended to read as follows:
4.503.1. General. Any installed wood stove or pellet stove shall comply with U.S. EPA New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) emission limits as applicable, and shall have a permanent label indicating they are certified to meet the emission limit.
This section shall not apply to the repair, reconstruction or replacement of any lawful, existing wood-burning appliance.
(b)
2025 California Green Building Code Section 5.503.1 is amended to read as follows:
5.503.1 Fireplaces. Install only a direct-vent sealed or pellet stove. Any installed pellet stove shall comply with U.S. EPA New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) emission limits as applicable, and shall have a permanent label indicating they are certified to meet the emission limits. Pellet stoves and fireplaces shall also comply with applicable local ordinances.
This section shall not apply to the repair, reconstruction or replacement of any lawful, existing wood-burning appliance.
It is unlawful to burn the following in any fireplace or wood-burning appliance:
(Ord. 3248-25, 10/21/2025)
Note: Ord. 3168-20; Ord. 3202-22; and Ord. 3230-24, were repealed by Ord. 3248-25, 10/21/2025.
2025 California Green Building Code Section 201 (Definitions) is hereby amended by adding the following definitions:
A vehicle space with electrical panel space and load capacity to support a branch circuit and necessary raceways, both underground and/or surface mounted, to support EV charging. Raceways linking the electrical panel and parking space only need to be installed in spaces that will be inaccessible in the future, either trenched underground or where penetrations to walls, floors, or other partitions would otherwise be required for future installation of branch circuits. The panel circuit directory shall identify the overcurrent protective device space(s) reserved for EV charging as "EV CAPABLE." Construction documents shall indicate future completion of raceway from the panel to the parking space, via the installed inaccessible raceways.
A parking space served by a complete electric branch circuit, overprotection device, a raceway (both underground and/or surface mounted) that may include multiple circuits as allowed by the California Electrical Code, wiring, and either a) a receptacle labeled "Electric Vehicle Outlet" with at least a 1/2" font adjacent to the parking space, or b) electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE).
A parking space that includes installation of electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE). EVCS installation may be used to satisfy a Level 2 EV Ready Space requirement.
A parking space that includes installation of electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) connected to a circuit serving a Level 3 EV Ready Space. EVCS installation may be used to satisfy a Level 3 EV Ready Space requirement.
A system designed to manage load across one or more electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) to share electrical capacity and/or automatically manage power at each connection point. ALMS systems must be designed to deliver at least 3.3kW to each EV Capable, EV Ready or EVCS space served by the ALMS.
(Ord. 3248-25, 10/21/2025)
Note: Former § 16.43.045, Scope, derived from Ord. 3202-22, was repealed by Ord. 3248-25, 10/21/2025.
Note: Ord. 3168-20; Ord. 3202-22; and Ord. 3230-24, were repealed by Ord. 3248-25, 10/21/2025.
(a)
2025 California Green Building Code Section 4.106.4 (Electric vehicle (EV) charging for new construction) is hereby amended to read as follows:
4.106.4 Electric vehicle (EV) charging for new construction. New construction shall comply with Section 4.106.4.1 or 4.106.4.2. Electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) shall comply with the California Electrical Code.
Exceptions:
1.
Where there is no local utility power supply.
2.
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADU) without additional parking facilities, unless the electrical panel is upgraded, or a new panel is installed in which case only the electrical capacity requirements apply.
3.
Spaces accessible only by automated mechanical car parking systems are excepted from providing EV charging infrastructure.
(b)
2025 California Green Building Code Section 4.106.4.1 (New one- and two-family dwellings and townhouse units with attached private garages) is hereby amended to read as follows:
4.106.4.1. New one- and two-family dwellings and townhouse units with attached private garages.
1.
In private garages with two or more parking spaces, install a Level 2 EV Ready Space and Level 1 EV Ready Space.
2.
In private garages with only one parking space, install a Level 2 EV Ready Space.
3.
In each carport space assigned to a dwelling unit, install a Level 2 EV Ready Space.
4.
For parking spaces not assigned to a dwelling unit:
a.
30% of the unassigned parking space(s) shall be provided with at least one Level 2 EV Ready Space. Calculations for the required minimum number of Level 2 EV Ready spaces shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number.
b.
In addition, each remaining unassigned parking space(s) shall be provided with at least a Level 1 EV Ready Space.
(c)
2025 California Green Building Code Section 4.106.4.1.1 (Identification) is hereby amended to read as follows:
4.106.4.1.1. Identification. The raceway termination location shall be permanently and visibly marked as "Level 2 EV-Ready."
(d)
2025 California Green Building Code Section 4.106.4.2.2 (Multifamily dwellings) is hereby amended to read as follows:
1.
EV ready parking spaces with EV chargers and/or receptacles.
a.
Multifamily parking facilities with assigned parking. Where dwelling units are provided with assigned parking spaces, 10% of the number of assigned parking spaces shall be equipped with Level 2 EV chargers. At least fifty (50) percent of the required EV chargers shall be equipped with J1772 or J3400 connectors. 40% of dwelling units with a parking space shall be Level 2 EV Ready (rounded up to the next whole number) and the remaining shall be at least one low power Level 2 EV charging receptacle shall be provided at an assigned parking space for each dwelling unit.
Exception: Areas of parking facilities served by parking lifts, including but not limited to, automated mechanical-access open parking garages as defined in the California Building Code; or parking facilities otherwise incapable of supporting electric vehicle charging.
b.
Multifamily parking facilities with unassigned parking. Where dwelling units are provided with unassigned parking spaces equal to or greater than the number of dwelling units, 10% of the total number of parking spaces shall be equipped with Level 2 EV chargers. At least fifty (50) percent of the required EV chargers shall be equipped with J1772 or J3400 connectors. 40% of the total parking spaces shall be Level 2 EV Ready (rounded up to the next whole number) and the remaining shall be at least one low power Level 2 EV charging receptacle.
1.
Where the total number of dwelling units exceeds the number of unassigned parking spaces, 10% of the total number of parking spaces shall be equipped with Level 2 EV chargers. At least fifty (50) percent of the required EV chargers shall be equipped with J1772 connectors. 40% of the total shall be Level 2 EV Ready (rounded up to the next whole number) and the remaining unassigned parking spaces shall be provided with one low power Level 2 EV charging receptacle.
Exception: Areas of parking facilities served by parking lifts, including but not limited to, automated mechanical-access open parking garages as defined in the California Building Code; or parking facilities otherwise incapable of supporting electric vehicle charging.
c.
Multifamily parking facilities with assigned and unassigned parking. Where multifamily buildings are provided with both assigned and unassigned parking spaces equal to or greater than the number of dwelling units, 10% of the total number of parking spaces shall be equipped with Level 2 EV chargers. At least fifty (50) percent of the required EV chargers shall be equipped with J1772 or J3400 connectors. 40% of the total parking spaces shall be Level 2 EV Ready (rounded up to the next whole number) and the remaining shall have at least one low power Level 2 EV charging receptacle.
d.
Receptacle power source. EV charging receptacles in multifamily parking facilities at assigned parking spaces shall be provided with a dedicated branch circuit connected to the dwelling unit's electrical panel, unless determined as infeasible by the project builder or designer and subject to concurrence of the local enforcing agency.
Exception: Areas of parking facilities served by parking lifts, including but not limited to, automated mechanical-access open parking garages as defined in the California Building Code; or parking facilities otherwise incapable of supporting electric vehicle charging.
e.
Multifamily parking facilities with unassigned or common use parking. 25% of the total number of parking spaces shall be equipped with Level 2 EV chargers. At least fifty (50) percent of the required EV chargers shall be equipped with J1772 or J3400 connectors. 40% of the total parking spaces shall be Level 2 EV Ready (rounded up to the next whole number) and the remaining shall have at least one low power Level 2 EV charging receptacle.
f.
Ev charger connectors. EV chargers shall be equipped with J1772 or J3400 connectors.
g.
An automatic load management system (ALMS) may be used to reduce the maximum required electrical capacity to each space served by the ALMS. The electrical system and any on-site distribution transformers shall have sufficient capacity to deliver at least 3.3 kW simultaneously to each EV charging station (EVCS) served by the ALMS. The branch circuit shall have a minimum capacity of 40 amperes, and installed EV chargers shall have a capacity of not less than 30 amperes.
h.
Receptacle configurations. 208/240V EV charging receptacles shall comply with one of the following configurations:
1.
For 20-ampere receptacles, NEMA 6-20R.
2.
For 30-ampere receptacles, NEMA 14-30R
3.
For 50-ampere receptacles, NEMA 14-50R
Notes: | |
1. | ALMS may be installed to decrease electrical service and transformer costs associated with EV Charging Equipment subject to review of the authority having jurisdiction. |
2. | Installation of Level 2 EV Ready Spaces above the minimum number required level may offset the minimum number low power Level 2 EV Ready Spaces required on a 1:1 basis. |
3. | If a building permit applicant provides documentation detailing that the increased cost of utility service or on-site transformer capacity would exceed an average of $4,500 for each parking spaces with Level 2 EV Ready Spaces and Level 1 EV Ready Spaces, the applicant shall provide EV infrastructure up to a level that would not exceed this cost for utility service or on-site transformer capacity. |
4. | All accessible parking spaces for covered newly constructed multifamily dwellings shall provide low Level 2 EV Ready Space or Level 2 EV Ready Spaces. |
5. | The requirements apply to multifamily buildings with parking spaces including: a) assigned or leased to individual dwelling units and b) unassigned parking spaces. |
(e)
2025 California Green Building Code Section 4.106.4.2.6 (Hotels and motels) is hereby amended to read as follows:
4.106.4.2.6 Hotels and motels.
1.
EV parking spaces with EV chargers and/or receptacles.
a.
25% of the total number of parking spaces shall be equipped with Level 2 EV chargers. At least 50% of the required EV chargers shall be equipped with J1772 or J3400 connectors. Forty (40) percent of the total number of parking spaces shall be equipped with low power Level 2 EV charging receptacles. The remaining parking spaces shall be provided with a least Level 1 EV Capable.
Exception: Areas of parking facilities served by parking lifts, including but not limited to automated mechanical-access open parking garages as defined in the California Building Code; or parking facilities otherwise incapable of supporting electric vehicle charging. |
c.
An automatic load management system (ALMS) may be used to reduce the maximum required electrical capacity to each space served by the ALMS. The electrical system and any on-site distribution transformers shall have sufficient capacity to deliver at least 3.3 kW simultaneously to each EV charging station (EVCS) served by the ALMS. The branch circuit shall have a minimum capacity of 40 amperes, and installed EV chargers shall have a capacity of not less than 30 amperes.
(Ord. 3248-25, 10/21/2025)
Note: Ord. 3168-20; Ord. 3202-22; and Ord. 3230-24, were repealed by Ord. 3248-25, 10/21/2025.
(a)
2025 California Green Building Code Section 5.106.5.3 (Electric vehicle (EV) charging) is hereby amended to read as follows:
5.106.5.3. Electric vehicle (EV) charging. Construction to provide electric vehicle infrastructure and facilitate electric vehicle charging shall comply with Section 5.106.5.3.1 EV capable spaces, Section 5.106.5.3.2 Electric vehicle charging stations, or Section 5.106.5.3.6 Electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS) – Power allocation method, and shall be provided in accordance with regulations in the California Building Code and the California Electrical Code.
Exceptions:
(b)
2025 California Green Building Code Section 5.106.5.3.1 (EV capable spaces) is hereby amended to read as follows:
EV capable spaces shall be provided in accordance with the following requirements:
1.
Raceways complying with the California Electrical Code and no less than 1-inch (25 mm) diameter shall be provided and shall originate at a service panel or a subpanel(s) serving the area, and shall terminate in close proximity to the proposed location of the EV capable space and into a suitable listed cabinet, box, enclosure or equivalent. A common raceway may be used to serve multiple EV capable spaces.
2.
A service panel or subpanel(s) shall be provided with panel space and electrical load capacity for a dedicated 208/240 volt, 40-ampere minimum branch circuit for each EV capable space, with delivery of 30-ampere minimum to an installed EVSE at each EVCS.
3.
The electrical system and any on-site distribution transformers shall have sufficient capacity to supply full rated amperage at each EV capable space.
4.
The service panel or subpanel circuit directory shall identify the reserved overcurrent protective device space(s) as "EV CAPABLE". The raceway termination location shall be permanently and visibly marked as "EV CAPABLE." Note: A parking space served by electric vehicle supply equipment or designed as a future EV charging space shall count as at least one standard automobile parking space only for the purpose of complying with any applicable minimum parking space requirements established by an enforcement agency. See Vehicle Code Section 22511.2 for further details.
(c)
2025 California Green Building Code Section 5.106.5.3.2 (Electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS), is hereby deleted.
(d)
2025 California Green Building Code Section 5.106.5.4.1 Existing buildings or parking areas without previously installed EV capable infrastructure shall be amended:
When EV capable infrastructure does not exist at an existing parking facility or building, and the parking facility or building undergoes an addition or alteration listed in Section 5.106.5.4, construction shall include electric vehicle charging in compliance with either Section 5.106.5.3 or Section 5.106.5.3.6 for the total number of actual parking spaces being added or altered.
(e)
2025 California Green Building Code Section 5.106.5.4.2 Existing buildings or parking areas with previously installed EV capable infrastructure shall be amended:
When EV capable infrastructure is available at an existing parking facility or building, and the parking facility or building is undergoing an addition or alteration listed in Section 5.106.5.4, construction shall include electric vehicle charging in compliance with either Section 5.106.5.3 or Section 5.106.5.3.6. Install EVCS at all existing EV capable spaces, utilizing the existing allocated power and infrastructure for the total number of actual parking spaces being added or altered, prior to adding any new EV capable spaces. If the area being added or altered exceeds the existing EV capable capacity, allocated power and infrastructure, provide additional EV charging as needed to comply with this section.
(f)
2025 California Green Building Code Section 5.106.5.6 (Electric vehicle (EV) charging at public schools and community colleges. [DSA-SS]), is hereby amended to read:
5.106.5.6. Office buildings. In nonresidential new construction buildings designated primarily for office use with parking:
1.
35% of parking spaces shall be provided with at least one Level 2 EVCS. Calculations for the required minimum number of Level 2 EVCS shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number.
2.
An additional 35% shall be provided with at least EV Capable. Calculations for the required minimum number of spaces equipped with Level 2 EVCS and EV Capable spaces shall all be rounded up to the nearest whole number. Construction plans and specifications shall demonstrate that all raceways shall be a minimum of 1" and sufficient for installation of EVCS at all required EV Capable spaces; Electrical calculations shall substantiate the design of the electrical system to include the rating of equipment and any on-site distribution transformers, and have sufficient capacity to simultaneously charge EVs at all required EV spaces including EV Capable spaces; and service panel or subpanel(s) shall have sufficient capacity to accommodate the required number of dedicated branch circuit(s) for the future installation of the EVSE.
Note: |
|---|
ALMS may be installed to increase the number of EV chargers or the amperage or voltage beyod the minimum requirements in this code. The option deis not allow for installing less electrical panel capacity than would be required without ALMS. |
(g)
2025 California Green Building Code Sections 5.106.5.6.1 (EV capable spaces), Table 5.106.5.6.1, 5.106.5.6.2 (Electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS), 5.106.5.6.2.1 (Reduced number of EV capable spaces), 5.106.5.6.2.2 (Multiple connectors), 5.106.5.6.2.3 (Use of automatic load management systems (ALMS)), 5.106.5.6.3 (EVCS alternative compliance), TABLE 5.106.5.6.3, 5.106.5.6.4 (EVCS for alterations of or additions to parking facilities), 5.106.5.6.4.1 (Alterations of and additions to parking facilities), 5.106.5.6.4.2 (Alterations consisting of the installation of photovoltaic systems, and 5.106.5.6.5 (Requirement to install EVSE) are hereby deleted.
(h)
2025 California Green Building Code Section 5.106.6 (Reserved) is hereby amended to read as follows:
5.106.6. Other nonresidential buildings. In nonresidential new construction buildings that are not designated primarily for office use, such as retail or institutional uses:
1.
35% of the available parking spaces onsite shall be equipped with Level 2 EVCS.
2.
An additional 35% shall be at least EV Capable.
3.
A Level 3 EVCS (Direct Current Fast Charger) shall be provided for every 100 spaces on site or fraction thereof.
Calculations for the required minimum number of spaces equipped with Level 2 and Level 3 EVCS and EV Capable shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number.
Exception: Installation of each Direct Current Fast Charger with the capacity to provide at least 80 kW output may substitute for 6 Level 2 EVCS spaces after a minimum of 6 Level 2 EVCS are installed.
Construction plans and specifications shall demonstrate that all raceways shall be a minimum of 1" and sufficient for installation of EVCS at all required EV Capable spaces; electrical calculations shall substantiate the design of the electrical system to include the rating of equipment and any on-site distribution transformers, and have sufficient capacity to simultaneously charge EVs at all required EV spaces including EV Capable spaces; and service panel or subpanel(s) shall have sufficient capacity to accommodate the required number of dedicated branch circuit(s) for the future installation of the EVCS.
Note: ALMS may be installed to increase the number of EV chargers or the amperage or voltage beyond the minimum requirements in this code. The option does not allow for installing less electrical panel capacity than would be required without ALMS.
(Ord. 3248-25, 10/21/2025)
2025 California Green Building Standards Code Division 4.2 (Energy Efficiency) is hereby amended to add Section A4.204 (Requirements for Alterations to Existing Buildings) to read as follows:
A4.204 Requirements for Alterations to Existing Buildings.
A4.204.1 Energy Efficiency. Alterations to existing residential buildings shall comply with Sections A4.204.1.1.
Where there is no local utility power A4.204.1.1 Altered Space-Conditioning System Serving Existing Single-Family Dwelling Units – Where there is no local utility power Mechanical Cooling. When a space-conditioning system serving an existing single-family dwelling unit is altered in climate zone 4 by installation or replacement of an air conditioner, the altered system shall comply with either a or b below in addition to the requirements for installation specified by Title 24, Part 6, Sections 150.2(b)1E and 150.2(b)1F:
a. A heat pump shall be the primary heating source and sized according to the system selection requirements specified by Title 24, Part 6 of Section 150.0(h)5. Supplemental heating may be provided by a gas furnace or electric resistance heating as specified in Title 24, Part 6, Sections 150.0(h)7 and 150.0(i); or | |
b. An air conditioner shall meet all the requirements in either subsection I or II below: | |
I. Systems with Existing Duct Distribution Systems: | |
A. The duct system measured air leakage shall be equal to or less than 10 percent of the system air handler airflow as confirmed through field verification and diagnostic testing, per the requirements in Title 24, Part 6, Reference Residential Appendix Section RA3.1.4.3.1; and | |
Exception 1 to A4.204.1.1.b.I.A. If it is not possible to meet the duct sealing requirements, all accessible leaks shall be sealed and verified through a visual inspection and a smoke test by a certified ECC-Rater utilizing the methods specified in Reference Residential Appendix Section RA3.1.4.3.5. | |
Exception 2 to A4.204.1.1.b.I.A: Existing duct systems, constructed, insulated or sealed with asbestos. | |
B. Demonstrate, in every control mode, airflow greater than or equal to 300 CFM per ton of nominal cooling capacity through the return grilles, and an air-handling unit fan efficacy less than or equal to 0.45 W/CFM. The airflow rate and fan efficacy requirements in this section shall be confirmed through field verification and diagnostic testing, following the procedures outlined in Title 24, Part 6, Reference Residential Appendix RA3.3; and | |
Exception 1 to A4.204.1.1bIB: Systems unable to comply with the minimum airflow rate and system efficacy requirements shall demonstrate compliance by satisfying all of the following: | |
1. Following the procedures in Section RA3.3.3.1.5; | |
2. Installing a system thermostat that conforms to the specifications in Section 110.12; | |
3. For standard ducted systems (without zoning dampers), meet the applicable minimum total return filter grille nominal area requirements in Table 150.0-B or 150.0-C as confirmed by field verification and diagnostic testing in accordance with the procedures in Reference Residential Appendix Sections RA3.1.4.4 and RA3.1.4.5. The design clean-filter pressure drop requirements specified by Section 150.0(m) 12D for the system air filter(s) shall conform to the requirements given in Tables 150.0-B and 150.0-C. | |
Exception 1 to A4.204.1.1.b.I.B: Systems unable to comply with the minimum airflow rate and system efficacy requirements shall demonstrate compliance by satisfying all of the following: | |
Exception 3 to Section A4.204.1.1.b.I.B: Gas furnace air-handling units manufactured prior to July 3, 2019 shall comply with a fan efficacy value less than or equal to 0.58 W/cfm as confirmed by field verification and diagnostic testing in accordance with the procedures given in Reference Residential Appendix RA3.3. | |
C. In all climate zones, refrigerant charge verification requirements shall meet the requirements in Title 24, Part 6 Section 150.2(b)1.F.ii.b, including the minimum airflow rate specified in Section 150.2(b)1.F.ii.a; and | |
D. Vented attics shall have insulation installed to achieve a U-factor of 0.020 or insulation installed at the ceiling level shall result in an insulated thermal resistance of R-49 or greater for the insulation alone; luminaires not rated for insulation contact must be replaced or retrofitted with a fireproof cover that allows for insulation to be installed directly over the cover; and | |
Exception 1 to Section A4.204.1.1.b.I.D: Dwelling units with at least R-38 existing insulation installed at the ceiling level. | |
Exception 2 to Section A4.204.1.1.b.I.D: Dwelling units where the alteration would directly cause the disturbance of asbestos unless the alteration is made in conjunction with asbestos abatement. | |
Exception 3 to Section A4.204.1.1.b.I.D: Dwelling units with knob and tube wiring located in the vented attic. | |
Exception 4 to Section A4.204.1.1.b.I.D: Where the accessible space in the attic is not large enough to accommodate the required R-value, the entire accessible space shall be filled with insulation provided such installation does not violate Section 806.3 of Title 24, Part 2.5. | |
E. Air seal all accessible areas of the ceiling plane between the attic and the conditioned space including all joints, penetrations and other openings that are potential sources of air leakage by caulking, gasketing, weather-stripping or otherwise sealing to limit infiltration and exfiltration. | |
Exception 1 to Section A4.204.1.1.b.I.E: Dwelling units with at least R-38 existing insulation installed at the ceiling level. | |
Exception 2 to Section A4.204.1.1.b.I.E: Dwelling units where the alteration would directly cause the disturbance of asbestos unless the alteration is made in conjunction with asbestos abatement. | |
Exception 3 to Section A4.204.1.1.b.I.E: Dwelling units with atmospherically vented space heating or water heating combustion appliances located inside the pressure boundary of the dwelling unit. | |
II: Entirely New or Complete Replacement Duct Systems | |
A. R-8 duct insulation shall be installed for all new ducts located in unconditioned space; and | |
B. The total duct system measured air leakage shall be equal to or less than 5 percent of the system air handler airflow as confirmed through field verification and diagnostic testing, per the requirements in Title 24, Part 6, Reference Residential Appendix Section RA3.1.4.3.1; and | |
C. Demonstrate, in every control mode, airflow greater than or equal to 350 CFM per ton of nominal cooling capacity through the return grilles, and an air-handling unit fan efficacy less than or equal to 0.35 W/CFM. The airflow rate and fan efficacy requirements in this section shall be confirmed through field verification and diagnostic testing, following the procedures outlined in Title 24, Part 6, Reference Residential Appendix RA3.3; and | |
D. In all climate zones, refrigerant charge verification requirements shall meet the requirements in Title 24, Part 6 Section 150.2(b)1.F.ii.b; and | |
E. If the air handler and ducts are located within a vented attic, vented attics shall have insulation installed to achieve a U-factor of 0.020 or insulation installed at the ceiling level shall result in an insulated thermal resistance of R-49 or greater for the insulation alone; luminaires not rated for insulation contact must be replaced or retrofitted with a fireproof cover that allows for insulation to be installed directly over the cover; and | |
Exception 1 to Section A4.204.1.1.b.II.E: In dwelling units with at least R-19 existing insulation installed at the ceiling level. | |
Exception 2 to Section A4.204.1.1.b.II.E: Dwelling units where the alteration would directly cause the disturbance of asbestos unless the alteration is made in conjunction with a asbestos abatement. | |
Exception 3 to Section A4.204.1.1.b.II.E: Dwelling units with knob and tube wiring located in the vented attic. | |
Exception 4 to Section A4.204.1.1.b.II.E: Where the accessible space in the attic is not large enough to accommodate the required R-value, the entire accessible space shall be filled with insulation provided such installation does not violate Section 806.3 of Title 24, Part 2.5. | |
F. Air seal all accessible areas of the ceiling plane between the attic and the conditioned space including all joints, penetrations and other openings that are potential sources of air leakage by caulking, gasketing, weather-stripping or otherwise sealing to limit infiltration and exfiltration. | |
Exception 1 to Section A4.204.1.1.b.II.F: Dwelling units with at least R-19 existing insulation installed at the ceiling level. | |
Exception 2 to Section A4.204.1.1.b.II.F: Dwelling units where the alteration would directly cause the disturbance of asbestos unless the alteration is made in conjunction with asbestos abatement. | |
Exception 3 to Section A4.204.1.1.b.II.F: Dwelling units with atmospherically vented space heating or water heating combustion appliances located inside the pressure boundary of the dwelling unit. |
Exception 1 to Section A4.204.1.1: Where the capacity of the existing main electrical service panel is insufficient to supply the electrical capacity of a heat pump and where the existing main electrical service panel is sufficient to supply a new or replacement air conditioner, as calculated according to the requirements of California Electrical Code Article 220.83 or Article 220.87. Documentation of electrical load calculations in accordance with Article 220 must be submitted to the enforcement agency prior to permitting for both the heat pump and proposed air conditioner. | |
Exception 2 to Section A4.204.1.1: Where the required capacity of a heat pump to meet the system selection requirements of Section 150.0(h)5 is greater than or equal to 12,000 Btu/h more than the greater of the required capacity of an air conditioner to meet the design cooling load OR the capacity of the existing air conditioner. Documentation of heating and cooling load calculations in accordance with 150.0(h) must be submitted to the enforcement agency prior to permitting for both the heat pump and proposed air conditioner. |
(Ord. 3244-25, 8/26/2025; Ord. 3248-25, 10/21/2025)