Fresno endures triple-digit summer temperatures, so the General Plan 2035 and California building standards push cool roofs, shade trees, and reflective paving to reduce neighborhood heat exposure and cooling demand.
Fresno's General Plan 2035 includes urban heat-island mitigation policies addressing one of California's hottest summer climates. New nonresidential construction must comply with California Title 24 cool-roof reflectance values, and large parking lots must meet shade-tree coverage standards under Fresno Municipal Code Chapter 16-08. The Climate Action Plan reinforces these goals by funding tree-planting grants, reflective playground surfacing at schools, and shade structures over bus stops served by Fresno Area Express. Equity-focused investments target Latino-majority south Fresno neighborhoods historically lacking canopy.
Projects missing cool-roof or shade-tree requirements receive building permit corrections, must redesign before final inspection, and may face Title 24 reinspection fees.
Fresno, CA
Fresno falls in California Climate Zone 13, so Title 24 mandates reflective cool-roof products on most new nonresidential roofs and many residential roof rep...
Fresno, CA
Fresno Municipal Code Chapter 16-08 places parkway strip trees under city control. Residents must obtain permits and choose from the approved species list be...
See how Fresno's heat island mitigation rules stack up against other locations.
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