Green Building Code: Palo Alto vs Santa Clara
How do green building code rules compare between Palo Alto, CA and Santa Clara, CA?
Palo Alto and Santa Clara 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 →Santa Clara, 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 Santa Clara rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Palo Alto | Santa Clara |
|---|---|---|
| Code section | SCC Title B (CALGreen + reach) | SCC Title B (CALGreen + reach) |
| All-electric | Required new construction 2023+ | Required new construction 2023+ |
| Waste diversion | 65% construction debris | 65% construction debris |
| Water reduction | 20% below baseline | 20% below baseline |
| EV-ready | Expanded over CALGreen baseline | Expanded over CALGreen baseline |
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.
Santa Clara 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.
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