Collaboration is Key in Reach Code Development
San Rafael has a tradition of strong collaboration with its stakeholders as well as fellow jurisdictions and county government in Marin County. So it was natural to continue this tradition as the city staff focused on developing a new reach code following the repeal of its all-electric reach code in the wake of the Berkeley decision. Notes Cory Bytof, Sustainability Program Manager, “it was important for the city to include the perspectives not only of its own residents, but of stakeholders across the county. We’ve been fortunate to have committed partners in government both at the county level and in other cities around Marin. Our Chief Building Official has a strong working relationship with local architects and construction firms, which helps us understand how regulations will work on the ground.”
The city staff also worked to develop a measure that would be both effective in helping achieve its long-term climate goals but also achievable for homeowners, since single family homes make up just over 50% of San Rafael’s existing housing stock and will be key in reducing emissions. “We focused on creating an entire process that would be flexible enough for our residents, paired with education and tools that simplified compliance,” added Bytof.
The resulting measure, adopted by the City Council in June 2024 and approved by the California Energy Commission in September 2024, provides a flexible path for single-family remodel projects over 500 feet2 that were built before 2010. This “Flex Path” seeks to increase energy efficiency and encourage electrification in homes, while the homeowner is already making significant changes to their homes.
