Livermore, CA Building Safety: Green Building Code (2026)

Chapter 15.26 of the Livermore Municipal Code adopts the Green Building Standards Code, 2025 Edition (Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations), and amends it with locally-specific standards administered by the Community Development Director. Projects may alternatively demonstrate compliance through LEED, Build It Green's GreenPoint Rating System, or another recognized third-party rating system, with equivalency certified by a design professional (§ 15.26.050). The most consequential local amendment is § 15.26.170, which requires that all newly constructed buildings be all-electric buildings, meaning no combustion equipment or plumbing for combustion equipment for space heating, water heating, cooking or clothes drying.

Exceptions exist for multifamily projects with entitlements approved before the effective date (which may install fuel gas for shared water heating), accessory dwelling units built on a lot with an existing gas-fueled residence, buildings lacking a feasible all-electric compliance pathway under the Building Energy Efficiency Standards, and non-combustion fuel cells. Where combustion equipment is allowed under an exception, § 15.26.180 requires the construction drawings to show reserved electrical capacity, labeled conduit and circuit breakers, and physical space for a future electric heating appliance, certified by a design professional or licensed electrical contractor.

The chapter also sets EV-charging infrastructure quotas for new construction: one- and two-family dwellings must provide a Level 2 EV Ready space per unit (§ 15.26.080), and new multifamily buildings must make 15 percent of parking spaces EVCS with Level 2 EV Ready and 85 percent Low Power Level 2 EV Ready, with one DC fast charger substitutable for up to five EVCS spaces (§ 15.26.090). Nonresidential office buildings must provide 20 percent EVCS Level 2 EV Ready and 30 percent Level 2 EV Capable spaces (§ 15.26.200), while hotels and motels use a 5/25/10 percent split (§ 15.26.210).