Berkeley enforces the California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) plus local Reach Code amendments encouraging all-electric construction, after the 9th Circuit struck down the 2019 first-in-nation gas ban in 2023.
Berkeley adopts CALGreen Title 24 Part 11 and adds Reach Code amendments setting energy targets stricter than statewide minimums for new construction and major renovations. In 2019 Berkeley became the first US city to ban natural gas in new construction; the Ninth Circuit in California Restaurant Association v. Berkeley struck down that ordinance in 2023 as preempted by federal appliance-efficiency law. Berkeley responded by reframing its electrification strategy through performance-based building standards, pollution disclosure, and large-building emissions rules under the Climate Action Plan. Solar-ready and EV-ready provisions remain mandatory. Permit reviews include CALGreen worksheets and energy modeling.
Failure to meet CALGreen mandates can block permit issuance and certificate of occupancy. Misrepresentation in CALGreen worksheets is grounds for permit revocation and contractor license referral.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Berkeley, CA
Berkeley has no municipal ordinance limiting lawn ornaments, statues, or yard art on private property. HOA architectural guidelines under the Davis-Stirling ...
Berkeley, CA
Berkeley has no municipal ordinance limiting inflatable holiday decorations on private property. HOA architectural rules under the Davis-Stirling Act apply i...
Berkeley, CA
Berkeley has no municipal ordinance limiting holiday lights on private residential property. Restrictions come from HOA architectural rules under the Davis-S...
Berkeley, CA
Permanent outdoor kitchens in Berkeley require building, plumbing, electrical, and/or gas permits under BMC Chapter 19.28 (Building Code) when they include u...
Berkeley, CA
Berkeley treats outdoor smokers as open-flame cooking devices under California Fire Code 308.1.4 as adopted in BMC 19.48. Multifamily balcony setbacks (10 ft...
Berkeley, CA
Berkeley enforces the California Fire Code (CFC) as adopted in BMC Chapter 19.48. CFC 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking on combustible balconies or within...
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