Green Building Code: Palo Alto vs San Jose
How do green building code rules compare between Palo Alto, CA and San Jose, CA?
Palo Alto and San Jose have similar restriction levels.
Palo Alto, CA
Santa Clara County
Santa Clara County Title B adopts the California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen, Title 24 Part 11) plus reach-code amendments requiring all-electric new construction, EV-ready parking, and heat-pump water heating in unincorporated areas effective 2023.
View full Palo Alto rules →San Jose, CA
Santa Clara County
San Jose's Green Building Ordinance (SJMC Chapter 17.84) plus its CALGreen Tier 1/Tier 2 reach code require new construction to meet enhanced energy, electrification, water-efficiency, and EV-readiness standards beyond statewide California Green Building Standards Code Title 24 Part 11.
View full San Jose rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Palo Alto | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| Code section | SCC Title B (CALGreen + reach) | - |
| All-electric | Required new construction 2023+ | Required new construction |
| Waste diversion | 65% construction debris | - |
| Water reduction | 20% below baseline | - |
| EV-ready | Expanded over CALGreen baseline | - |
| State baseline | - | Title 24 Part 11 CALGreen |
| Local code | - | SJMC Chapter 17.84 |
| Tier 2 threshold | - | 10+ units or 25k sq ft |
| Climate goal | - | Carbon neutral by 2030 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Palo Alto FAQ
Does the all-electric requirement apply to remodels?
Most reach-code measures apply only to new construction and major additions. Like-for-like appliance replacements in existing buildings remain allowed; check the SCC Office of Sustainability reach-code guidance for specific remodel triggers.
Are cities in the county subject to the same reach code?
No. Each city adopts its own reach code separately. Many Santa Clara County cities, including San Jose, Mountain View, Palo Alto, and Cupertino, have parallel all-electric reach codes with varying effective dates.
San Jose FAQ
Do I need EV chargers in my new home?
Yes. New single-family homes must include at least one EV-ready Level 2 circuit in the garage. Multifamily and commercial projects require higher percentages of EV-installed and EV-capable spaces.
Can I install gas appliances in new construction?
Generally no. San Jose's all-electric reach code requires new buildings to be wired for and use only electric heating, cooking, and water systems. Limited exemptions exist for restaurants and emergency power.
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