Stricter electric codes heading to Redwood City

During Monday’s meeting, councilmembers agreed to update the city’s reach code policy by doing away with those exceptions and instead stating exceptions will be granted on a case-by-case basis.

Beginning Jan. 1, developers interested in incorporating gas appliances in their projects will have to seek approval from staff who may only grant the exception if the applicant can prove using electric utilities instead would be infeasible. Even then, the exception would only be granted for a portion of a project and not the development as a whole.

The city’s reach codes will still only apply to new developments, leaving remodels and additions exempt from the policy.

The change was made as part of a broader update to the city’s building and fire codes including moving where the city calls out its 50% sprinkler rule, which requires sprinklers to be added to all buildings except single-family homes or duplexes if at least 50% of the building is being changed.

While in support of the update, councilmembers also stressed the importance of educating the community on available rebate programs and called on staff to update online documents the community might look to for other projects.

Since previously discussing the code updates in October, when councilmembers shared similar concerns, staff updated the ordinance and city website to reflect a number of local, state and federal programs. A handout is also being developed that will be given out to applicants when they first inquire with the building department about permitting.

Among those programs are a number from Peninsula Clean Energy offering residents $1,000 to $3,500 for upgrading electrical panels and installing heat pump water heater or electric heat pump heating, cooling and ventilation unit. The two heat pump offerings can be paired with similar $1,000 incentive programs from BayREN.

“I’m really excited to see the addition of a rebate handout,” Mayor Giselle Hale said. “I think that’s going to help us accelerate our greenhouse gas emissions reductions and building electrification because, as you showed, there are so many great rebates and it’s about finding them at the right time.”

Hale also asked that staff update the city’s website with the newest information on building codes and requirements. Recounting an experience a resident had when attempting to build an accessory dwelling unit, Hale said they found outdated information and shared concerns residents may be making important decisions based on those documents rather than the most up-to-date information.

Councilmember Jeff Gee also expressed concerns about how the city’s codes and requirements may be impacting decision-making, specifically highlighting concerns that city fees may be a barrier for residents looking to expand. He asked that staff return in a year with a building review update and information on how many residents inquire about making additions compared to those who follow through.

From there, Gee said the city could better understand where adjustments can be made to be more “friendly” to residents interested in expanding or renovating.

“I’m really concerned more about our single-family homeowners who may want to do a room addition or add onto their home, that it doesn’t become cost prohibitive from a city fee standpoint,” Gee said. “I think it’s important for everyone to be aware of what the layer of codes means and whether or not we’re doing a good job of letting our community know, specifically our single-family homeowners know, the cost associated with a major renovation or addition.”