A. 
The California Energy Code, 2025 Edition including the Appendices, except as may be amended by this Chapter, are hereby adopted by reference as the Energy Code of the City.
B. 
One copy of the California Energy Code shall be at all times maintained in the office of the Building Official for use and examination by the public.
(Ord. 16-06 § 11; Ord. 19-15 § 2; Ord. 22-15 § 2; Ord. 25-02, 6/3/2025; Ord. 25-11, 12/2/2025)
A. 
Chapter 1 "All Occupancies — General Provisions," Section 100.1(b), "Definitions and Rules of Construction," of Chapter 1 of the Energy Code is amended to add the following definitions:
ELECTRIC HEATING APPLIANCE.
A device that produces heat energy to create a warm environment by the application of electric power to resistance elements, refrigerant compressors, or dissimilar material junctions, as defined in the California Mechanical Code.
KITCHEN, INSTITUTIONAL COMMERCIAL
is a kitchen dedicated to a foodservice establishment that provides meals at institutions including schools, colleges and universities, hospitals, correctional facilities, private cafeterias, nursing homes, and other buildings or structures in which care or supervision is provided to occupants.
KITCHEN, QUICK-SERVICE COMMERCIAL
is a kitchen dedicated to an establishment primarily engaged in providing fast food, fast casual, or limited services. Food and drink may be consumed on premises, taken out, or delivered to the customer's location.
NET FREE AREA (NFA)
is the total unobstructed area of the air gaps between louver and grille slats in a vent through which air can pass. The narrowest distance between two slats, perpendicular to the surface of both slats is the air gap height. The narrowest width of the gap is the air gap width. The NFA is the air gap height multiplied by the air gap width multiplied by the total number of air gaps between slats in the vent.
(Ord. 25-02, 6/3/2025)
A. 
Section 120.2 "Required Controls for Space-Conditioning Systems" of Subchapter 3 is amended to add Section 120.2(l) to be numbered, entitled and to read as follows:
(a) - (k) 
Subsections 120.2(a) - (k) are adopted without modification.
(l) 
HVAC Hot Water Temperature. Zones that use hot water for space heating shall be designed for a hot water supply temperature of no greater than 130 °F.
B. 
Section 120.6 "General" of Subchapter 3 is amended to add Section 120.6 to be numbered, entitled, and to read as follows:
(a) - (j) 
Subsections 120.6(a) - (j) are adopted without modification.
(k) 
Mandatory requirements for commercial kitchens. Electric Readiness for Newly Constructed Commercial Kitchens shall meet the following requirements:
1. 
Quick-service commercial kitchens and institutional commercial kitchens shall include a dedicated branch circuit wiring and outlet that would be accessible to cookline appliances and shall meet all of the following requirements:
a. 
The branch circuit conductors shall be rated at 50 amps minimum.
b. 
The electrical service panel shall have a minimum capacity of 800 connected amps.
2. 
The electrical service panel shall be sized to accommodate an additional either 208v or 240v 50-amp breaker.
EXCEPTION 1 to Section 120.6(k): healthcare facilities.
EXCEPTION 2 to Section 120.6(k): all-electric commercial kitchens.
(Ord. 25-02, 6/3/2025)
A. 
Section 130.0 "Lighting Systems and Equipment, and Electrical Power Distribution Systems — General" of Subchapter 4 is amended to read as follows:
a. 
The design and installation of all lighting systems and equipment in nonresidential and hotel/motel buildings, outdoor lighting, and electrical power distribution systems within the scope of Section 100.0(a), shall comply with the applicable provisions of Sections 130.0 through 130.6.
NOTE: The requirements of Sections 130.0 through 130.6 apply to newly constructed buildings. Section 141.0 specifies which requirements of Sections 130.0 through 130.6 also apply to additions and alterations to existing buildings.
B. 
Section 130.6 "Electric Readiness Requirements for Systems Using Gas or Propane" of Subchapter 4 is amended to add Section 130.6 to be numbered, entitled and to read as follows:
130.6 Electric Readiness Requirements for Systems Using Gas or Propane.
Where nonresidential systems using gas or propane are installed, the construction drawings shall indicate electrical infrastructure and physical space accommodating the future installation of an electric heating appliance in the following ways, as certified by a registered design professional or licensed electrical contractor.
a) 
Branch circuit wiring, electrically isolated and designed to serve all electric heating appliances in accordance with manufacturer requirements and the California Electrical Code, including the appropriate voltage, phase, minimum amperage, and an electrical receptacle or junction box within five feet of the appliance that is accessible with no obstructions. Appropriately sized conduit may be installed in lieu of conductors; and
b) 
Labeling of both ends of the unused conductors or conduit shall be with "For Future Electrical Appliance"; and
c) 
Reserved circuit breakers in the electrical panel for each branch circuit, appropriately labeled (e.g. "Reserved for Future Electric Range"), and positioned on the opposite end of the panel supply conductor connection; and
d) 
Connected subpanels, panelboards, switchboards, busbars, and transformers shall be sized to serve the future electric heating appliances. The electrical capacity requirements shall be adjusted for demand factors in accordance with the California Electric Code; and
e) 
Physical space for future electric heating appliances, including equipment footprint, and if needed a pathway reserved for routing of ductwork to heat pump evaporator(s), shall be depicted on the construction drawings. The footprint necessary for future electric heating appliances may overlap with non-structural partitions and with the location of currently designed combustion equipment.
(Ord. 25-02, 6/3/2025)
A. 
Section 140.0 "Performance and Prescriptive Compliance Approaches" of Subchapter 5 is amended to read as follows:
Nonresidential and hotel/motel buildings shall comply with all of the following:
a) 
The requirements of Sections 100.0 through 110.12 applicable to the building project (mandatory measures for all buildings).
b) 
The requirements of Sections 120.0 through 130.56 (mandatory measures for nonresidential and high-rise residential and hotel/motel buildings).
c) 
Either the performance compliance approach (energy budgets) specified in Section 140.1 or the prescriptive compliance approach specified in Section 140.2 for the Climate Zone in which the building will be located. Climate zones are shown in FIGURE 100.1-A.
NOTE to Section 140.0(c): The Commission periodically updates, publishes and makes available to interested persons and local enforcement agencies precise descriptions of the Climate Zones, which is available by zip code boundaries depicted in the Reference Joint Appendices along with a list of the communities in each zone.
NOTE to Section 140.0: The requirements of Sections 140.1 through 140.10 apply to newly constructed buildings. Section 141.0 specifies which requirements of Section 140.1 through 140.10 also apply to additions or alterations to existing buildings.
B. 
Section 140.1 "Performance Approach: Energy Budgets" of Subchapter 5 is amended to read as follows:
A building complies with the performance approach if provided that:
1. 
The time-dependent valuation (TDV) energy budget calculated for the Proposed Design Building under Subsection (b) is no greater than the TDV energy budget calculated for the Standard Design Building under Subsection (a), and
2. 
The source energy budget calculated for the proposed design building under Subsection (b) has a source energy compliance margin, relative to the energy budget calculated for the standard design building under Subsection (a), of at least the value specified for the corresponding occupancy type in Table 140.1 - A below.
Table 140.1 — A SOURCE ENERGY COMPLIANCE MARGINS
Occupancy Type
Source Energy Use Compliance Margin
Hotel
7%
Small Restaurant
2%
Office
14%
All Other Building Types
7%
EXCEPTION 1 to 140.1 item 2. A source energy compliance margin of 0 percent or greater is required when nonresidential occupancies are designed with single zone space-conditioning systems complying with Section 140.4(a)2.
(a) - (c): Subsections 140.1 (a) - (c) are adopted without modification.
(Ord. 25-02, 6/3/2025)
A. 
Section 150.0 "Mandatory Features and Devices" of Subchapter 7 is amended as follows:
Single-family residential buildings shall comply with the applicable requirements of Sections 150(a) through 150.0(v).
NOTE: The requirements of Sections 150.0(a) through (v) apply to newly constructed buildings. Sections 150.2(a) and 150.2(b) specify which requirements of Sections 150.0(a) through 150.0(r) also apply to additions or alterations. The amendments to sections 150.0(t) do not apply to additions or alterations.
(a) - (s) 
Subsections 150.0(a) - (s) are adopted without modification.
(t) 
Heat pump space heater ready. Systems using gas or propane furnace to serve individual dwelling units shall include the following:
1. 
A dedicated 240-volt branch circuit wiring shall be installed within 3 feet from the furnace and accessible to the furnace with no obstructions. The branch circuit conductors shall be rated at 30 amps minimum. The blank cover shall be identified as "240V ready." All electrical components shall be installed in accordance with the California Electrical Code.
2. 
The main electrical service panel shall have a reserved space to allow for the installation of a double pole circuit breaker for a future heat pump space heater installation. The reserved space shall be permanently marked as "For Future 240V use."
3. 
A designated exterior location for a future heat pump compressor unit with either a drain or natural drainage for condensate.
(u) - (v) 
Subsections 150.0(u) - (v) are adopted without modification.
(Ord. 25-02, 6/3/2025)
A. 
Section 150.1 "Performance and Prescriptive Compliance Approaches for Single Family Residential Buildings" of Subchapter 8 is amended to read as follows:
(a) 
Section (a) is adopted without modification.
(b) 
Performance Standards. A building complies with the performance standards if the energy consumption calculated for the proposed design building is no greater than the energy budget calculated for the standard design building using Commission-certified compliance software as specified by the Alternative Calculation Methods Approval Manual, as specified in subsections 1, 2 and 3 below.
1. 
Newly Constructed Buildings. The Energy Budget for newly constructed buildings is expressed in terms of the Energy Design Ratings, which are based on source energy and time-dependent valuation (TDV) energy. The Energy Design Rating 1 (EDR1) is based on source energy. The Energy Design Rating 2 (EDR2) is based on TDV energy and has two components, the Energy Efficiency Design Rating, and the Solar Electric Generation and Demand Flexibility Design Rating. The total Energy Design Rating shall account for both the Energy Efficiency Design Rating and the Solar Electric Generation and Demand Flexibility Design Rating. The proposed building shall separately comply with the Source Energy Design Rating, Energy Efficiency Design Rating and the Total Energy Design Rating. A building complies with the performance approach if the TDV energy budget calculated for the proposed design building is no greater than the TDV energy budget calculated for the Standard Design Building AND Source Energy compliance margin of at least 5, relative to the Source Energy Design Rating 1 calculated for the Standard Design building.
EXCEPTION 1 to Section 150.1(b)1. A community shared solar electric generation system, or other renewable electric generation system, and/or community shared battery storage system, which provides dedicated power, utility energy reduction credits, or payments for energy bill reductions, to the permitted building and is approved by the Energy Commission as specified in Title 24, Part 1, Section 10-115, may offset part or all of the solar electric generation system Energy Design Rating required to comply with the Standards, as calculated according to methods established by the Commission in the Residential ACM Reference Manual.
EXCEPTION 2 to Section 150.1(b)1. A newly constructed building with a conditioned floor area less than 1,500 square feet shall achieve a Source Energy compliance margin of 2 or greater, relative to the Source Energy Design Rating 1 calculated for the Standard Design building.
EXCEPTION 3 to Section 150.1(b)1. If due to conditions specific to the project it is technically infeasible to achieve compliance, the Building Official may reduce the compliance margin for a dwelling unit of not more than 1,500 square feet of conditioned floor space.
EXCEPTION 4 to Section 150.1(b)1. A newly constructed Accessory Dwelling Unit, as defined by Goleta Municipal Code Section 17.41.030, shall achieve a Source Energy compliance margin of 0 or greater, relative to the Source Energy Design Rating 1 calculated for the Standard Design building.
2. 
Section (b)(2) is adopted without modification.
3. 
Section (b)(3) is adopted without modification.
(Ord. 25-02, 6/3/2025)
A. 
Section 160.4 “Mandatory Requirements for Water Heating Systems” of Subchapter 10 is amended to remove subsection (a) as follows:
(a) 
Reserved. Systems using gas or propane water heaters to serve individual dwelling units shall include the following components:
1.
A dedicated 125 volt, 20 amp electrical receptacle that is connected to the electric panel with a 120/240 volt 3 conductor, 10 AWG copper branch circuit, within 3 feet from the water heater and accessible to the water heater with no obstructions. In addition, all of the following:
A.
Both ends of the unused conductor shall be labeled with the word "spare" and be electrically isolated; and
B.
A reserved single pole circuit breaker space in the electrical panel adjacent to the circuit breaker for the branch circuit in A above and labeled with the words "Future 240V Use"; and
2.
A Category III or IV vent, or a Type B vent with straight pipe between the outside termination and the space where the water heater is installed; and
3.
A condensate drain that is no more than 2 inches higher than the base of the installed water heater, and allows natural draining without pump assistance; and
4.
A gas supply line with a capacity of at least 200,000 Btu/hr.
Sections (b) to (f) are adopted without amendments.
B. 
Section 160.9 "Mandatory Requirements for Electric Ready Buildings" of Subchapter 10 is amended to read as follows:
(a) - (c) 
Subsections 160.9(a) - (c) are adopted without modification.
(d) 
Individual Heat Pump Water Heater Ready. Systems using gas or propane water heaters to serve individual dwelling units shall include the following components and shall meet the requirements of Section 160.9(f):
1. 
A dedicated 125 volt, 20 amp electrical receptacle that is connected to the electric panel with a 120/240 volt 3 conductor, copper branch circuit rated to 30 amps, within 3 feet from the water heater and accessible to the water heater with no obstructions. In addition, all of the following:
A. 
Both ends of the unused conductor shall be labeled with the word "spare" and be electrically isolated; and
B. 
A reserved single pole circuit breaker space in the electrical panel adjacent to the circuit breaker for the branch circuit in A above and labeled with the words "Future 240V Use";
2. 
A condensate drain that is no more than 2 inches higher than the base of the installed water heater, and allows natural draining without pump assistance,
3. 
The construction drawings shall indicate the location of the future heat pump water heater. The reserved location shall have minimum interior dimensions of 39"x39"x96",
4. 
A ventilation method meeting one of the following:
A. 
The designed space reserved for the future heat pump water heater shall have a minimum volume of 700 cubic feet; or
B. 
The designed space reserved for the future heat pump water heater shall vent to a communicating space in the same pressure boundary via permanent openings with a minimum total net free area of 250 square inches so that the total combined volume connected via permanent openings is 700 cu. ft. or larger. The permanent openings shall be:
i. 
Fully louvered doors with fixed louvers consisting of a single layer of fixed flat slats; or
ii. 
Two permanent fixed openings, consisting of a single layer of fixed flat slat louvers or grilles, one commencing within 12 inches from the top of the enclosure and one commencing within 12 inches from the bottom of the enclosure.
C. 
The designed space reserved for the future heat pump water heater shall include two 8" capped ducts, venting to the building exterior:
i. 
All ducts, connections and building penetrations shall be sealed.
ii. 
Exhaust air ducts and all ducts which cross pressure boundaries shall be insulated to a minimum insulation level of R-6.
iii. 
Airflow from termination points shall be diverted away from each other.
(e) 
Central Heat Pump Water Heater Electric Ready. Central water heating systems using gas or propane to serve multiple dwelling units shall include the following:
1. 
The system input capacity of the gas or propane water heating system shall be determined as the sum of the input gas or propane capacity of all water heating devices associated with each gas or propane water heating system.
2. 
Space reserved shall include:
A. 
Heat Pump. The minimum space reserved shall include space for service clearances and air flow clearances and shall meet one of the following:
i. 
If the system input capacity of the gas water heating system is less than 200,000 BTU per hour, the minimum space reserved for the heat pump shall be 2.0 square feet per input 10,000 BTU per hour of the gas or propane water heating system, and the minimum linear dimension of the space reserved shall be 48 linear inches.
ii. 
If the system input capacity of the gas water heating system is greater than or equal to 200,000 BTU per hour, the minimum space reserved for the heat pump shall be 3.6 square feet per input 10,000 BTU per hour the gas or propane water heating system, and the minimum linear dimension of the space reserved shall be 84 linear inches.
iii. 
The space reserved shall be the space required for a heat pump water heater system that meets the total building hot water demand as calculated and documented by the responsible person associated with the project.
B. 
Tanks. The minimum space reserved shall include space for service clearances and shall meet one of the following:
i. 
If the system input capacity of the gas water heating system is less than 200,000 BTU per hour, the minimum space reserved for the storage and temperature maintenance tanks shall be 4.4 square feet per input 10,000 BTU per hour of the gas or propane water heating system.
ii. 
If the system input capacity of the gas water heating system is greater than or equal to 200,000 BTU per hour, the minimum physical space reserved for the storage and temperature maintenance tanks shall be 3.1 square feet per input 10,000 BTU per hour of the gas or propane water heating system.
iii. 
The space reserved shall be the space required for a heat pump water heater system that meets the total building hot water demand as calculated and documented by the responsible person associated with the project.
3. 
Ventilation shall be provided by meeting one of the following:
A. 
Physical space reserved for the heat pump shall be located outside, or
B. 
A pathway shall be reserved for future routing of supply and exhaust air via ductwork from the reserved heat pump location to an appropriate outdoor location. Penetrations through the building envelope for louvers and ducts shall be planned and identified for future use. The reserved pathway and penetrations through the building envelope shall be sized to meet one of the following:
i. 
If the system input capacity of the gas water heating system is less than 200,000 BTU per hour, the minimum air flow rate shall be 70 CFM per input 10,000 BTU per hour of the gas or propane water heating system and the total external static pressure drop of ductwork and louvers shall not exceed 0.17 inch when the future heat pump water heater is installed.
ii. 
If the system input capacity of the gas water heating system is greater than or equal to 200,000 BTU per hour, the minimum air flow rate shall be 420 CFM per input 10,000 BTU per hour of the gas or propane water heating system and the total external static pressure drop of ductwork and louvers shall not exceed 0.17 inch when the future heat pump water heater is installed.
iii. 
The reserved pathway and penetrations shall be sized to serve a heat pump water heater system that meets the total building hot water demand as calculated and documented by the responsible person associated with the project.
4. 
Condensate drainage piping. An approved receptacle that is sized in accordance with the California Plumbing Code to receive the condensate drainage shall be installed within 3 feet of the reserved heat pump location, or piping shall be installed from within 3 feet of the reserved heat pump location to an approved discharge location that is sized in accordance with the California Plumbing Code, and meets one of the following:
A. 
If the system input capacity of the gas water heating system is less than 200,000 BTU per hour, condensate drainage shall be sized for 0.2 tons of refrigeration capacity per input 10,000 BTU per hour.
B. 
If the system input capacity of the gas water heating system is greater than or equal to 200,000 BTU per hour, condensate drainage shall be sized for 0.7 tons of refrigeration capacity per input 10,000 BTU per hour.
C. 
Condensate drainage shall be sized to serve a heat pump water heater system that meets the total building hot water demand as calculated and documented by the responsible person associated with the project.
5. 
Electrical.
A. 
Physical space shall be reserved on the bus system of the main switchboard or on the bus system of a distribution board to serve the future heat pump water heater system including the heat pump and temperature maintenance tanks. In addition, the physical space reserved shall be capable of providing adequate power to the future heat pump water heater as follows:
i. 
Heat Pump. For the Heat Pump, the physical space reserved shall comply with one of the following:
A. 
If the system input capacity of the gas water heating system is less than 200,000 BTU per hour, provide 0.1 kVA per input 10,000 BTU per hour.
B. 
If the system input capacity of the gas water heating system is greater than or equal to 200,000 BTU per hour, provide 1.1 kVA per input 10,000 BTU per hour.
C. 
The physical space reserved supplies sufficient electrical power required to power a heat pump water heater system that meets the total building hot water demand as calculated and documented by the responsible person associated with the project.
ii. 
Temperature Maintenance Tank. For the Temperature Maintenance Tank, the physical space reserved shall comply with one of the following:
A. 
If the system input capacity of the gas water heating system is less than 200,000 BTU per hour, provide 1.0 kVA per input 10,000 BTU per hour.
B. 
If the system input capacity of the gas water heating system is greater than or equal to 200,000 BTU per hour, provide 0.6 kVA per input 10,000 BTU per hour.
C. 
The physical space reserved supplies sufficient electrical power required to power a heat pump water heater system that meets the total building hot water demand as calculated and documented by the responsible person associated with the project.
(f) 
The building electrical system shall be sized to meet the future electric requirements of the electric ready equipment specified in Sections 160.9a - e. To meet this requirement the building main service conduit, the electrical system to the point specified in each subsection, and any on-site distribution transformers shall have sufficient capacity to supply full rated amperage at each electric ready appliance in accordance with the California Electric Code.
(Ord. 25-02, 6/3/2025)
A. 
Section 170.1 "Performance Approach" of Subchapter 11 is adopted with amendments as follows:
A building complies with the performance approach if the TDV energy budget calculated for the proposed design building under Subsection (b) is no greater than the TDV energy budget calculated for the Standard Design Building under Subsection (a). Additionally,
1. 
The energy budget, expressed in terms of source energy, of a newly constructed low-rise multifamily building (three habitable stories or less) shall be at least 7 percent lower than that of the Standard Design Building.
Subsections (a) to (d) are adopted without amendments.
(Ord. 25-02, 6/3/2025)