In a recent council meeting, city officials discussed the first reading of an energy-efficient renovations ordinance aimed at improving the sustainability of existing buildings in Santa Cruz. Dr. Tiffany Wise West, along with planning staff, presented the ordinance, which is a collaborative effort between the planning department and the city manager's office.

The ordinance focuses on single-family homes, which constitute 87% of the city's buildings, with a significant portion built before 1991 and lacking modern energy-efficient systems. The initiative aligns with the city's climate action plan and aims to address the 20% of greenhouse gas emissions attributed to building energy usage.

Key features of the ordinance include requirements for major renovations of 350 square feet or more, where homeowners must select from a menu of energy-efficient measures. Notably, the ordinance does not mandate electrification or regulate gas cooking equipment. It is designed to provide flexibility while encouraging the adoption of energy-efficient technologies, such as heat pump water heaters and solar PV systems.

The ordinance is expected to impact approximately 110 permits annually, potentially avoiding 850 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions per home. The estimated cost of compliance is projected to be around $66,100, representing a modest increase of about 5% over project valuations. However, when considering actual construction costs, the compliance cost could be as low as 2% for higher-end projects.

Exemptions are included for historic buildings and projects that do not require permits, ensuring that the ordinance does not impose undue burdens on homeowners. The council emphasized the importance of community engagement in shaping the ordinance, which has been in development for over two years.

As California prepares for new zero-emission appliance standards set to take effect in 2027, this ordinance positions Santa Cruz to lead in energy efficiency and sustainability, ultimately benefiting both residents and the environment.