HomeMy WebLinkAboutEnergy Efficient Renovations Draft Ordinance Packet
ORDINANCE NO. ____
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS,
CALIFORNIA, ADDING SECTION 8.04.066 OF THE PALM
SPRINGS MUNICIPAL CODE TO REQUIRE SINGLE
FAMILY BUILDINGS BUILT BEFORE 2011 UNDERGOING
ADDITIONS, ALTERATIONS OR REMODELS TO MAKE
CERTAIN TARGETED ENERGY EFFICIENCY UPGRADES.
City Attorney's Summary
This Ordinance amends the 2022 California Energy Code,
Title 24, Part 6 California Code of Regulations. It adds Section
8.04.066 to the Palm Springs Municipal Code , requiring
single-family buildings built before 2011 undergoing additions,
alterations or remodels to make certain targeted energy
efficiency upgrades, where applicable and feasible, to bring
them closer to 2022 California Energy Code provisions.
WHEREAS, Palm Springs is one of the oldest urban areas in the Coachella Valley,
and many of its residential buildings were built before energy efficiency codes were
enacted.
WHEREAS, according to the greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory prepared by the
City’s consultant, residential buildings contributed 22.6% of the estimated 2020 citywide
GHG emissions.
WHEREAS, the Sustainability Plan adopted by City Council in June 2016
establishes a vision that Palm Springs is resilient and carbon neutral and sets the
following goals:
• Develop strategies to reduce community-wide contributions to GHG
emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 and 80% below 1990 by 2050;
• Encourage the building or retrofitting of one million square feet of green
buildings;
• Reduce the total energy use by all buildings built before 2012 by 10%;
• Reduce energy use and carbon use from new homes and buildings;
• Supply 50% of all energy from renewable sources by 2030.
WHEREAS, the Safety Element of the Palm Springs General Plan adopted by City
Council on [September 26], 2024, pursuant to California Government Code Section
65302(g) (Safety Element), sets a goal of making Palm Springs a community resilient to
climate-change-related hazards.
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WHEREAS, in addition to the above Sustainability Plan and General Plan goals,
SB 350 signed in 2015 codified California’s goals of doubling energy efficiency savings in
electricity and gas end uses by 2030. SB 32 signed in 2016 and AB 1279 signed in 2022
respectively require the California Air Resources Board to ensure that statewide GHG
emissions are reduced at least 40 percent below 1990 levels by December 31, 2030 , and
85% below 1990 levels by 2045. AB 3232 enacted in 2018 requires the California Energy
Commission (CEC) to assess the potential for the state to reduce GHG emissions from
the state’s residential and nonresidential building stock by at least 40 percent below 1990
levels by January 1, 2030.
WHEREAS, a report issued in 2021 by the United Nations Intergovernmental
Panel on Climate Change has warned that climate change impacts are accelerating faster
than expected and that drastic action is needed to avoid worst-case scenarios.
WHEREAS, the 2022 California Energy Code effective January 1, 2023, has set
minimum building energy efficiency standards. Local government entities retain
discretion, pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 17958 to exceed the standards
established by the California Energy Code based on express findings that such changes
or modifications are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, topographical, or
geological conditions pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section s 17985.5, 17958.7,
and 18941.5.
WHEREAS, the local amendments and changes to the California Energy Code are
reasonably necessary because of the following climatic, geologic, and topographical
conditions, as set out in the Safety Element:
1. Climatic conditions:
2. Climate change is expected to affect future occurrences of natural
hazards in and around Palm Springs. Many of these hazards will
likely become more frequent and intense in coming years and
decades. In some cases, these trends have already begun, such as
droughts, extreme heat, and wildfires. According to California’s
Fourth Climate Change Assessment,1 Palm Springs can expect to
experience various changes to climate change hazards.
3. Both droughts and floods are expected to become more frequent
because precipitation is expected to occur in fewer, more intense
storms. Although Palm Springs is likely to experience only a slight
increase in overall annual precipitation levels, the region is expected
to see an increase in the number of extreme precipitation events. As
a result, floods are expected more often in Palm Springs, and climate
change may expand the parts of the city that are considered flood
1 Bedsworth, Louise, Dan Cayan, Guido Franco, Leah Fisher, Sonya Ziaja. (California Governor’s Office
of Planning and Research, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, California Energy Commission,
California Public Utilities Commission). 2018. Statewide Summary Report. California’s Fourth Climate
Change Assessment. Publication number: SUMCCCA4-2018-013.
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prone. Climate change is also expected to increase the frequency
and severity of droughts, straining aquatic habitats and water
supplies in the city.
4. Warmer temperatures are projected to cause an increase in extreme heat
events, which are days when the high temperature significantly exceeds
normal levels. The number of extreme heat days is expected to rise in Palm
Springs, in addition to an increase in the average daily high temperatures.2
Extreme heat poses a significant human health risk, especially to children,
outdoor workers, seniors, persons experiencing homelessness, and
undocumented persons. Some infrastructure and community services may
be damaged by very high temperatures, constraining their ability to meet
community needs.
5. Climate change can increase the rates of infection for various diseases
because many of the animals that carry diseases are more active during
warmer weather. There are several diseases that are linked to climate
change and can be harmful to the health of Palm Springs community
members, such as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, Lyme disease, and
West Nile virus. Many of these diseases are carried by animals, such as
mice and rats, ticks, and mosquitos, which are usually seen as pests even
if they do not cause infections. Warmer temperatures earlier in the spring
and later in the winter can cause these animals to be active for longer
periods, increasing the time that these diseases can be transmitted.
6. Severe weather events, such as high winds, sandstorms, and heavy rainfall,
may become more frequent and intense. Climate change is expected to
cause an increase in intense rainfall, which can cause flash flooding. In
Palm Springs, most severe weather is linked to high winds. These winds
can also pick up dust and other particulate matter from the desert or dry
lakebed of the Salton Sea, causing sandstorms that lower visibility and
cause toxic particulate matter to get into buildings and cause respiratory
illnesses. The types of dangers posed by severe weather vary widely and
include injuries or deaths, damage to buildings and structures, and roads
blocked by debris or sand.
7. Wildfires can be sparked by lightning, malfunctioning equipment, vehicle
crashes, and many other causes. Warmer temperatures, an increase in
drought conditions, and extreme wind events are likely to create more fuel
for fires in natural and rural areas, leading to a greater chance that a spark
will grow into a dangerous blaze.
2 In late June and early July 2024, Palm Springs experienced high temperatures of 110 degrees or above
for 22 straight days, the second longest stretch in its recorded weather. The National Weather Service
reported that in July 2024 Palm Springs set a new record for the highest monthly average temperature
(of any month) at 100.0 degrees.
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8. Geologic conditions:
a) Geologic hazards may increase due to increases in severe weather and
heavy precipitation events due to climate change. Scientists project that
climate change will increase the frequency and intensity of heavy rainfall
in Palm Springs, which will likely increase landslides, debris flows,
erosion, and sedimentation.
b) More frequent drought conditions could lead to a heavier reliance on
groundwater, increasing the probability of ground subsidence. Ground
subsidence can cause earth fissures, sinkholes, depressions, and
disruption of surface drainage. Permanent (irreversible) subsidence can
occur if groundwater is removed from clay and silt layers in an underlying
aquifer.
c) The City of Palm Springs is in an area with numerous active faults. At
least two active faults, the San Andreas and Garnet Hill Faults , extend
through the northern portions of the city. Both fault zones, along with
other faults in the greater region, such as the San Gorgonio Pass and
San Jacinto Faults, also have the potential to produce strong seismic
shaking in Palm Springs.
9. Topologic conditions:
a) Erosion is a significant geologic hazard in the Palm Springs area due to
topography and weather conditions. Erosion and sedimentation are
influenced by several factors, including climate, topography, soil and
rock types, and vegetation.
b) Because of the high topographic relief in and around Palm Springs,
erosion and sedimentation are significant elements of the natural
setting. Erosion may eat away at the mountains of western Palm
Springs, and sedimentation may deposit the eroded material into
eastern Palm Springs via water or wind.
10. Climate change is also expected to extend the fire season throughout much
(or even all) of the year. Because wildfires burn the trees and other
vegetation that help stabilize a hillside and absorb water, more area burned
by fire may also lead to an increase in landslides and debris flows.
WHEREAS, the City acts to address environmental conditions that impact public
health and welfare. Sustainability and resiliency are core values of the City’s Sustainability
Plan and General Plan. Energy efficiency promotes public health and welfare by
enhancing the environmental and economic health of the City through green practices in
maintenance and operation of buildings. Installation of energy efficient systems in homes
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built before 2011 protects the public health and welfare by reducing air pollution, GHG
emissions, average and peak energy demand, and adverse impacts from power outages.
WHEREAS, amendments to the California Energy Code, including the provisions
of the 2025 Energy Code, are reasonably necessary to promote energy efficiency and
conservation in the City, reduce GHG emissions, promote green development patterns,
and maintain a long-term balance between environmental, social, and economic impacts
that protect public health and welfare.
WHEREAS, Public Resources Code Section 25402.1(h)(2) and Section 10 -106 of
the California Energy Code establish a process by which local governments may adopt
more stringent energy efficiency standards provided that the more stringent standards
are cost effective and the CEC finds that the standards will require buildings to be
designed to consume no more energy than permitted by the California Energy Code.
WHEREAS, the California Energy Codes & Standards Program 2022 Cost-
Effectiveness Study: Existing Single-Family Residential Building Upgrades demonstrates
that the local amendments are cost-effective and do not result in buildings consuming
more energy than is permitted by the California Energy Code.
WHEREAS, the Palm Springs City Council at its public meeting held on [January
23], 2025, herby adopts its determination that the proposed standards are cost-effective,
are more stringent than the California Energy Code and will require buildings to be
designed to consume less energy than permitted by the California Energy Code.
WHEREAS, improving the energy efficiency of homes built before 2011
undergoing additions, alterations, or remodels and increasing their resilience to climate
change while reducing energy costs for the building owner or occupant are significant
steps the City can take to continue reducing community -wide GHG emissions and meet
the above Sustainability Plan, General Plan and state goals.
WHEREAS, the Sustainability Commission of the City of Palm Springs, by vote of
_ to _ at its meeting of November 19, 2024, approved the draft ordinance and
recommended its adoption by City Council.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS DOES HEREBY
ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The above recitals are true and correct and are incorporated herein
by this reference herein as material findings in support of this Ordinance.
SECTION 2. Article I of Chapter 8.04 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code is
amended and restated to read as follows:
Article I. Building Codes
8.04.005 Citation of Building Code.
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8.04.010 California Building Code-Adopted.
8.04.015 California Building Code-Additions, Amendments and Deletions.
8.04.016 California Residential Code-Adopted.
8.04.017 California Residential Code-Additions, Amendments and Deletions.
8.04.020 California Mechanical Code-Adopted.
8.04.021 California Mechanical Code-Additions, Amendments and Deletions.
8.04.030 California Plumbing Code-Adopted.
8.04.031 California Plumbing Code-Additions, Amendments and Deletions.
8.04.035 International Property Maintenance Code-Adopted.
8.04.036 International Property Maintenance Code -Additions, Amendments
and Deletions.
8.04.040 California Existing Building Code-Adopted.
8.04.045 California Historic Building Code-Adopted.
8.04.050 California Electrical Code-Adopted.
8.04.055 California Electrical Code-Additions, Amendments and Deletions.
8.04.065 California Energy Code-Adopted.
8.04.066 California Energy Code-Additions and Amendments.
8.04.070 California Green Building Standards Code-Adopted.
8.04.072 Reserved.
8.04.080 Reserved.
SECTION 3. Section 8.04.066 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code is hereby
added to read as follows:
8.04.066. California Energy Code-Amendments and Additions
The California Energy Code adopted herein by reference is hereby modified by the
following additions and amendments:
Section 100.0 is modified to add new sections (i) as follows:
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(i) Single-Family Building Remodel Energy Reach Code - Purpose and
Intent. In addition to all requirements of the California Energy Code applicable to Single-
Family building additions and alterations, the energy efficiency and renewable energy
measures specified in Section 150.0 (w) shall be required for Covered Single-Family
Projects.
Section 100.1(b) is modified by adding the following definition:
COVERED SINGLE-FAMILY PROJECT shall mean a Single Family residential
project in a building originally permitted for construction before 2011 that includes any of
the following: 1. Any additions, or any change, rearrangement or addition, other than a
repair, of the structural elements of an existing building including foundations, footing,
sub-floors, lintels, beams, columns, girders, slabs, roof trusses, staircases, lo ad bearing
walls, door frames, window frames, or any other part of the building that resists force or
moment. 2. Change or rearrangement of the plan configuration of walls and full -height
partitions of an existing building. 3. Modification of the electrica l system, heating or cooling
equipment or gas plumbing. A Covered Single-Family Project shall not include a project
that is considered to be a newly constructed building under the California Energy Code,
Title 24, Part 6.
The first two paragraphs of Section 150.0 SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
BUILDINGS – MANDATORY FEATURES AND DEVICES are modified to read as
follows:
Single-family residential buildings shall comply with the applicable requirements of
Sections 150(a) through 150.0(v); in addition, Covered Single Family Projects shall
comply with the applicable requirements of Section 150.0(w).
NOTE: The requirements of Sections 150.0(a) through 150.0(v) apply to newly
constructed buildings. Sections 150.2(a) and 150.2(b) specify which requirements of
Sections 150.0(a) through 150.0(v) also apply to additions or alterations, with the
exception that Covered Single Family Projects shall also be required to comply with
Section 150.0(w).
A new Section, (w), is added to Section 150.0 as follows:
(w) A Covered Single Family Project shall install a set of measures based on
the building’s vintage and the project’s permit value from the Measure Menu Table, Table
150.0-J, to achieve a total Measure Point Score that is equal to or greater than the Target
Score in Table 150.0-I. In addition, all mandatory measures listed in Table 150.0 -J shall
be installed. Measure verification sh all be explicitly included as an addendum to the
Certificate of Compliance to be filed pursuant to the 2022 California Energy Code Title
24, Part 6, Section 10-103. Installed measures shall meet the specifications in Table
150.0-K.
Building vintage is defined as the year in which the original construction permit for
the building was submitted, as documented by building department records, or the permit
issue date of an addition or alteration that satisfied the Performance Standards (California
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Energy Code, Title 24, Part 6, Section 150.1(b)) that were in effect at that time. Unless
otherwise specified, the requirements shall apply to the entire dwelling unit, not just the
additional or altered portion. Measures from the Measure Menu table that already exist
in the home may be counted towards compliance with these requirements. Measures
from the Measure Menu table that are to be installed to satisfy requirements under the
California Energy Code, Title 24, Part 6, may not count towards compliance with these
requirements. Where these requirements conflict with other California Energy Code
requirements, the stricter requirements shall prevail.
The permit value of a covered single-family project shall be calculated using the
total sum of all addition or alteration permits issued within the past three years, except
that additions or alterations made prior to the initial adoption of this ordinance shall not
be counted towards the permit value for the project for the purposes of this Section.
Exception 1 to Section 150.0(w): If the applicant demonstrates that the Energy
Budget of the Proposed Building Design would be less than or equal to the Energy Budget
of the building under the project if it included any set of measures that would achieve
compliance under this Section 150.0(w).
Exception 2 to Section 150.0(w): Mobile Homes, Manufactured Housing, or
Factory-built Housing as defined in Division 13 of the California Health and Safety 12
Code (commencing with Section 17000 of the Health and Safety Code).
Exception 3 to Section 150.0(w): Due to conditions specific to the project, including
historic preservation design guidelines pursuant to Chapter 8.05, it is technically or
economically infeasible to achieve compliance, the Chief Building Official or such official’s
designee may reduce the Target Score and/or waive some or all the mandatory
requirements.
Exception 4 to Section 150.0(w): A measure that is necessary for compliance is
prohibited because of a covenant or other deed restriction on the property, such as a
homeowners association covenant.
Exception 5 to Section 150.0(w): The Chief Building Official or such official’s
designee may reclassify the vintage of the building based on existing conditions.
Exception 6 to Section 150.0(w): A Covered Single -Family Project that is limited
solely to a newly created attached Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) or Junior Accessory
Dwelling Unit (JADU). A newly created ADU and JADU shall include either additions or
conversions of existing space. Note, this exception does not apply to a Covered Single -
Family Project of an existing ADU or JADU.
Exception 7 to Section 150.0(w): A dwelling unit that is occupied by a resident who
can demonstrate that they qualify as a low-income utility customer by being eligible for
the California Alternative Rates for Energy (CARE) or Family Electric Rate Assistance
Program (FERA) programs is exempt from the requirements of this Sec tion 150.0(w)
other than those in Table 150.0-K Items E1 and E2 if the cost of the set of measures that
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would be required for compliance is not fully funded without recourse to the residents of
such housing.
Exception 8 to Section 150.0(w): A Covered Single Family Project, other than an
addition, that would not otherwise be subject to this Section 150.0(w) but for installation
of a solar photovoltaic (PV) system, solar water heating, electric vehicle (EV) charging,
electrical upgrades for solar PV or EV charging, or energy storage.
Exception 9 to Section 150.0(w): A Covered Single -Family Project that consists
solely of medically necessary improvements or solely of seismic safety improvements.
Table 150.0-I Target Score
Building Vintage
Pre-1978 1978 - 1991 1992 - 2010
Permit Value Target Score
All Projects LED +
Photosensors
LED +
Photosensors
LED +
Photosensors
$10,000 - $24,999 + Water Heating
Package
+ Water Heating
Package
+ Water Heating
Package
$25,000 - $49,999 + Water Heating
Package & 16
points
+ Water Heating
Package & 12
points
+ Water Heating
Package & 6
points
$50,000 - $99,999 + Water Heating
Package & 32
points
+ Water Heating
Package & 25
points
+ Water Heating
Package & 12
points
$100,000 + + Water Heating
Package & 48
points
+ Water Heating
Package & 37
points
+ Water Heating
Package & 17
points
Table 150.0-J: Measure Menu
Building Vintage
Table
150.0-K ID
Measures Pre-1978 1978 - 1991 1992 - 2010
E1 Lighting Measures Mandatory
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E2 Water Heating Package Mandatory for all projects with a permit value
of $10,000 or more
E3 Air Sealing 1 1 --
E4.A R-38 Attic Insulation 7 3 1
E4.B R-49 Attic Insulation 8 4 1
E5 Duct Sealing 9 10 1
E6.A New Ducts, R-6
Insulation + Duct
Sealing
17 13 5
E6.B New Ducts, R-8
Insulation + Duct
Sealing
18 14 5
E7 Windows 12 10 3
E8 Wall Insulation 5 -- --
E9 Reserved for future use -- -- --
E10.A R-19 Raised floor
insulation 4 4 --
E10.B R-30 Raised floor
insulation 4 4 --
E11 Cool Roof 2 2 1
E12 Radiant Barrier Under
Roof 4 3 1
FS1 Heat Pump Water
Heater Replacing Gas 11 11 11
FS2 High Eff. Heat Pump
Water Heater Replacing
Gas
11 11 11
FS3 Heat Pump Water
Heater Replacing
Electric
4 4 4
11
FS4 High Eff. Heat Pump
Water Heater Replacing
Electric
4 4 4
FS5 Heat Pump Space
Conditioning System 2 1 1
FS6 High Eff. Heat Pump
Space Conditioning
System
5 3 2
FS7 Dual Fuel Heat Pump
Space Conditioning
System
2 1 1
FS8 Heat Pump Clothes
Dryer 1 1 1
FS9 Induction Cooktop 1 1 1
PV Solar PV 17 17 17
ER1 Electric-Readiness –
Service Upgrade Mandatory (see Note 2 below)
ER2 Electric-Readiness –
End Uses Mandatory (see Note 3 below)
Notes to Table 150.0-J
Note 1: Cool Roof (Measure E11) and Radiant Barrier (Measure E12) required when
replacing 50% or more of an existing roof.
Note 2: Electric Readiness Service Upgrade (Measure ER1) required to claim Solar PV
credit.
Note 3: Electric Readiness – End Uses (Measure ER2) required for the following project
scopes:
• If the service panel is being upgraded or to claim the Solar PV credit, satisfy any
[one / two] of the electric-readiness measures from ER2 in Table 150.0-K.
• If the kitchen is being remodeled, make the range electric ready as specified in
ER2, Item D in Table 150.0-K and upgrade the panel board as specified under
ER1 in Table 150.0-K. Exception: If an electrical permit is not otherwise required
for the project other than compliance with this Item.
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• If the laundry room is being remodeled, make the dryer electric ready as specified
in ER2, Item C in Table 150.0-K and upgrade the panel board as specified under
ER1 in Table 150.0-K. Exception: If an electrical permit is not otherwise required
for the project other than compliance with this Item.
The measures in the Measure Menu table shall conform to the specifications in Table
150.0-K.
Table 150.0-K: Measure Specifications
ID Measure Specification
Energy Measures
E1 Lighting Measures – Replace all interior and exterior screw-in incandescent,
halogen, and compact fluorescent lamps with LED lamps. Install photocell
controls on all exterior lighting luminaires.
E2 Water Heating Package: Insulate all accessible hot water pipes with pipe
insulation a minimum of ¾ inch thick. This includes insulating the supply pipe
leaving the water heater, piping to faucets underneath sinks, and accessible
pipes in attic spaces or crawlspaces. Upgrade fittings in sinks and showers to
meet the California Green Building Standards Code (Title 24, Part 11) Section
4.303 water efficiency requirements.
Exception: Upgraded fixtures are not required if existing fixtures have rated
or measured flow rates of no more than ten percent greater than the California
Green Building Standards Code (Title 24, Part 11) Section 4.303 water
efficiency requirements.
E3 Air Sealing: Seal all accessible cracks, holes, and gaps in the building
envelope at walls, floors, and ceilings. Pay special attention to penetrations
including plumbing, electrical, and mechanical vents, recessed can light
luminaires, and windows. Weather-strip doors if not already present.
Verification shall be conducted following a prescriptive checklist3 that outlines
which building aspects need to be addressed by the permit applicant and
verified by an inspector. Compliance can also be demonstrated with blower
door testing conducted by a certified HERS Rater no more than three years
prior to the permit application date that either: a) shows at least a 30 percent
reduction from pre-retrofit conditions; or b) shows that the number of air
changes per hour at 50 Pascals pressure difference (ACH50) does not
exceed ten for Pre-1978 vintage buildings, seven for 1978 to 1991 vintage
buildings and five for 1992-2010 vintage buildings. If combustion appliances
are located within the pressure boundary of the building, conduct a
combustion safety test by a professional certified by the Building Performance
3 Template available at localenergycodes.com.
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Institute in accordance with the ANSI/BPI-1200-S-2017 Standard Practice for
Basic Analysis of Buildings, the Whole House Combustion Appliance Safety
Test Procedure for the Comfortable Home Rebates Program 2020 or the
California Community Services and Development Combustion Appliance
Safety Testing Protocol.
E4.A R-38 Attic Insulation: Attic insulation shall be installed to achieve a weighted
assembly U-factor of 0.025 or insulation installed at the ceiling level shall have
a thermal resistance of R-38 or greater for the insulation alone. Recessed
downlight luminaires in the ceiling shall be covered with insulation to the same
depth as the rest of the ceiling. Luminaires not rated for insulation contact
must be replaced or fitted with a fire -proof cover that allows for insulation to
be installed directly over the cover.
Exception: In buildings where existing R-30 is present and existing recessed
downlight luminaires are not rated for insulation contact, insulation is not
required to be installed over the luminaires.
E4.B R-49 Attic Insulation: Attic insulation shall be installed to achieve a weighted
assembly U-factor of 0.020 or insulation installed at the ceiling level shall have
a thermal resistance of R-49 or greater for the insulation alone. Recessed
downlight luminaires in the ceiling shall be covered with insulation to the same
depth as the rest of the ceiling. Luminaires not rated for insulation contact
must be replaced or fitted with a fire -proof cover that allows for insulation to
be installed directly over the cover. Exception: In buildings where existing R -
30 is present and existing recessed downlight luminaires are not rated for
insulation contact, insulation is not required to be installed over the
luminaires.
E5 Duct Sealing: Air seal all space conditioning ductwork to meet the
requirements of the current California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6) Section
150.2(b)1E. The duct system must be tested by a HERS Rater no more than
three years prior to the Covered Single Family Project permit application date
to verify the duct sealing and confirm that the requirements have been met.
This measure may not be combined with the New Ducts and Duct Sealing
measure in this Table.
Exception: Buildings without ductwork or where the ducts are in conditioned
space.
E6.A New Ducts, R-6 insulation + Duct Sealing: Replace existing space
conditioning ductwork with new R -6 ducts that meet the requirements of
Section 150.0(m)11. This measure may not be combined with the Duct
Sealing measure in this Table. To qualify, a preexis ting measure must have
been installed no more than three years before the Covered Single Family
Project permit application date.
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E6.B New Ducts, R-8 insulation + Duct Sealing: Replace existing space
conditioning ductwork with new R -8 ducts that meet the requirements of
Section 150.0(m)11. This measure may not be combined with the Duct
Sealing measure in this Table. To qualify, a preexisting measure must have
been installed no more than three years before the Covered Single Family
Project permit application date.
E7 Windows: Replace at least 50% of existing windows with high performance
windows with an area-weighted average U-factor no greater than 0.30.
E8 Wall Insulation: Install wall insulation in all exterior walls to achieve a weighted
U-factor of 0.102 or install wall insulation in all exterior wall cavities that shall
result in an installed thermal resistance of R -13 or greater for the insulation
alone.
E9 Reserved for future use
E10.A R-19 Floor Insulation: Raised -floors shall be insulated such that the floor
assembly has an assembly U-factor equal to or less than U-0.037, or shall be
insulated between wood framing with insulation having an R-value equal to
or greater than R-19.
E10.B R-30 Floor Insulation: Raised -floors shall be insulated such that the floor
assembly has an assembly U-factor equal to or less than U-0.028, or shall be
insulated between wood framing with insulation having an R-value equal to
or greater than R-30.
E11 Cool Roof:
Install a cool roof on at least 50% of the roof area. For steep -sloped roofs
(ratio of rise to run greater than 2:12) install a roofing product rated by the
Cool Roof Rating Council to have an aged solar reflectance equal to or
greater than 0.20, and a thermal emittance equal to or greater than 0.75. For
low-sloped roofs, install a roofing product meeting the requirements of
Section150.2(b)1Iiia, and insulate the roof in accordance with Section
150.2(b)1Iiib.
Exceptions for Cool Roof as a mandatory requirement: All exceptions as
stated in Section 150.2(b)1Ii for steep -sloped roofs and Section 150.2(b)1Iiia
for low-sloped roofs are allowed.
Fuel Substitution Measures
FS1 Heat Pump Water Heater (HPWH) Replacing Gas: Replace existing natural
gas water heater with a heat pump water heater.
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FS2 High Efficiency Heat Pump Water Heater (HPWH) Replacing Gas: Replace
existing natural gas water heater with heat pump water heater with a
Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA) Tier 3 or higher rating.
FS3 Heat Pump Water Heater (HPWH) Replacing Electric: Replace existing
electric resistance water heater with a heat pump water heater.
FS4 High Efficiency Heat Pump Water Heater (HPWH) Replacing Electric:
Replace existing electric resistance water heater with heat pump water heater
with a Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA) Tier 3 or higher rating.
FS5 Heat Pump Space Conditioning System: Replace all existing gas and electric
resistance primary space heating systems with an electric-only heat pump
system.
FS6 High Efficiency Heat Pump Space Conditioning System: Replace all existing
gas and electric resistance primary space heating systems with one of the
following:
A. A ducted electric-only heat pump system with a SEER2 rating of 16.5 or
greater, an EER2 rating of 12.48 or greater and an HSPF2 rating of 9.5 or
greater; or
B. A ductless mini-split heat pump system with a SEER2 rating of 14.3 or
greater, an EER2 rating of 11.7 or greater and an HSPF2 rating of 7.5 or
greater
FS7 Dual Fuel Heat Pump Space Conditioning System: Either
A. Replace all existing gas and electric resistance primary heating systems
with a hybrid gas and electric heat pump system, or
B. Install an electric-heat pump system in tandem with a gas furnace and
install controls to operate the heat pump to use the existing gas furnace
for backup heat only.
FS8 Heat Pump Clothes Dryer: Replace existing electric resistance clothes dryer
with heat pump dryer with no resistance element and cap gas line.
FS9 Induction Cooktop: Replace all existing gas and electric resistance stove tops
with inductive stove top and cap the gas line.
FS10 All-Electric Home: Replace all gas appliances with electric appliances that
meet the standards in this table.
Solar PV and Electric-Readiness Measures
16
PV Solar PV + Electric Ready Pre-Wire: Install a solar PV system that meets the
requirements of Section 150.1(c)14. In addition, upgrade the panelboard to
meet the requirements of Item ER1 in this Table and install any [one / two]
other measure[s] from Item ER2.
ER1 Electric Readiness - Service Upgrade. Upgrade the panelboard serving the
individual dwelling unit to provide circuit breaker spaces for a heat pump water
heater, heat pump space conditioning system, electric cooktop and electric
clothes dryer with the capacities specified in Section 150.0(n), (t), (u) and (v);
or, provide electrical load calculations and appliance specifications for serving
all of these end-uses with a minimum 100-amp panel.
ER2 Electric Readiness - End Uses. Meet the requirements below, that otherwise
apply to newly constructed buildings:
A. Heat Pump Water Heater Ready, as specified in Section 150.0(n)1.
B. Heat Pump Space Conditioning System Ready, as specified in Section
150.0(t).
C. Electric Cooktop Ready, as specified in Section 150.0(u).
D. Electric Clothes Dryer Ready, as specified in Section 150.0(v).
E. Energy Storage Systems (ESS) Ready, as specified in Section 150.0(s).
F. EV Charger Ready. Install a dedicated 208/240-volt branch circuit as
specified in the California Green Building Code (Title 24, Part 11),
Section A4.106.8.1,which otherwise applies to new construction.
SECTION 4. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this
Ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a decision of any
court of competent jurisdiction, such decision will not affect the validity of the remaining
portions of this Ordinance. The City Council declares that it would have passed this
Ordinance and each and every section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase not
declared invalid or unconstitutional without regard to whether any portion of the Ordinance
would be subsequently declared invalid or unconstitutional.
SECTION 5. The proposed Ordinance is not subject to the California
Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code Section 21000 et. seq.) pursuant to
Section 15060(c)(2) and 15060(c)(3) of the State Guidelines, because the Ordinance
establishes standards that are more stringent than the state energy standards, there are
no reasonably foreseeable adverse impacts, there is no possibility that the activity in
question may have a significant effect on the environment , and such activity is not
considered a "project," as that term is defined in Section 15378 of the State Guidelines.
17
SECTION 6. The Mayor shall sign and the City Clerk shall certify to the passage
and adoption of this Ordinance and shall cause the same, or the summary thereof, to be
published and posted pursuant to the provisions of law and this Ordinance shall take
effect thirty (30) days after passage. Building permit applications submitted after CEC
approval of these amendments to the California Energy Code shall be required to comply
with the requirements set forth herein.
ADOPTED THIS ___ DAY OF _________, 2025.
_______________________________
RON DEHARTE
MAYOR
ATTEST:
_______________________________
BRENDA PREE, CMC
CITY CLERK
18
CERTIFICATION
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE ) ss.
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS )
I, BRENDA PREE, City Clerk of the City of Palm Springs, California, do hereby
certify that Ordinance No. ____ is a full, true, and correct copy, and was introduced at a
regular meeting of the Palm Springs City Council held on ________, 2025, and adopted
at a regular meeting of the City Council held on ________ , 2025, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the
City of Palm Springs, California, this ___day of ______, 2025.
________________________________
BRENDA PREE, CMC
CITY CLERK
Staff Memo to the Sustainability Commission
Date: 15 October 2024
Subject: Existing Home Energy Efficiency Ordinance
From: Office of Sustainability
Summary
The Sustainability Department would like to provide an update toward the goal to develop an
ordinance to require homes built before 2011 undergoing renovations to make certain targeted
energy efficiency upgrades as mentioned in the 2021 Climate Action Roadmap. This memo
highlights staff’s work developing program and the next steps the City could take to achieve the
goal.
Recommendation
Create and add an ordinance to create a new section, 8.04.066, in the Palm Springs Municipal
Code requiring single family buildings built before 2011 undergoing additions, alterations or
remodels to make certain targeted energy efficiency upgrades. This ordinance will be a “reach
code” - a local building energy code that “reaches” beyond the state minimum requirements for
energy use in building design and construction.
Background
The Warren-Alquist Act authorizes the California Energy Commission (CEC) to adopt rules and
regulations, as necessary, to reduce the inefficient consumption of energy and water in newly
constructed buildings and certain additions and alterations to existing buildings. One of the ways
the CEC satisfies this requirement is through the California Energy Code . The Energy Code
includes all the energy efficiency requirements applicable to newly constructed buildings and
additions and alterations to existing buildings. As a portion of the California Building Code (Title
24), the Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6) follows the same three-year update cycle. The California
Building Energy Efficiency Standards Title 24, Part 6 (Title 24) (CEC, 2019) is maintained and
updated every three years by two state agencies: the California Energy Commission (the
Energy Commission) and the Building Standards Commission (B SC).
Homes in Palm Springs have been built over the years to meet the applicable energy -related
building codes, which were first put in place in 1978. Since then, new homes have gotten
healthier and more efficient while some existing homes, particularly those b uilt before 2011 that
represent most of the Palm Springs housing stock, have been left behind. The city has over
10,000 residential buildings built before 1978. 8,000 between 1978-1991, 4,000 between 1992 -
2010, and 1,000 2010 to present.
To help address this dichotomy, this proposal would require single -family homes built before
2011 undergoing additions, alterations, or remodels to make certain targeted upgrades, where
applicable and feasible, to bring them closer to the provisions of the 2022 California Energy
Code which went into effect on January 1, 2023. The ordinance is also tailored to the
requirements of the 2025 California Energy Code, which the CEC adopted on September 11, to
be effective on January 1, 2026. The City Council and Sustainability Commission dire cted City
staff to investigate such an ordinance as part of the 2021 Climate Action Roadmap. Staff have
collaborated with former Commissioner and current CVAG/Inland Regional Energy Network (I-
REN) Program Manager David Freedman to develop a responsive ordinance draft.
This ordinance would also align with our 2016 Sustainability Master Plan as it will contribute to
the following goals:
• reduce GHG emission by 80% from our 1990 levels
• encourage one million sq feet of green buildings
• help PS become more climate resilient - efficient homes are better able to withstand
extreme temperatures and use less energy.
The ordinance would also align with the Safety Element of the Palm Springs General Plan
scheduled for adoption by City Council at its November 12 meeting, which sets a goal of making
Palm Springs a community resilient to climate-change-related hazards.
Additionally, the California Air Resources Board is required to ensure that statewide GHG
emissions are reduced at least 40 percent below 1990 levels by December 31, 2030, and 85%
below 1990 levels by 2045. According to our 2018 GHG Inventory, residential buildings make up
25% of our GHG emissions just behind Transportation with 45%, meaning that action to reduce
emissions from residential buildings will be essential to achieving our compliance goals
Staff Analysis
Reach Codes
Enacting a reach code that requires upgrades at the point of renovation or alteration is one of
the few ways to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon output of existing buildings.
These energy saving improvements are something any home can benefit from, but because
newer homes have already been built to meet more recent Energy Codes, the focus of this
proposal is single-family homes built in Palm Springs before 2011 that are doing additions,
alterations or remodels that trigger the need for a building permit. Potential examples of what
projects would need to comply are:
• Adding square footage
• Adding windows and doors
• Moving interior walls
• Reroofing
• Electric panel upgrades
• Kitchen / bath / laundry room remodels
• HVAC modification or replacement
• Solar PV or thermal installation
These projects would NOT trigger this requirement:
• Projects that are medically necessary
• Repairs to existing equipment
• Additions, alterations, or remodels to homes built after 2010
• Accessory Dwelling Units
• Projects in mobile homes, manufactured housing, or factory -built housing
The ordinance as currently drafted also proposes that residents receiving the CARE/FERA
discounted rates for electricity will be exempted from the requirements of the reach code. The
reach code also only applies to single-family, not multi-family, housing as drafted.
Counties, cities, and towns throughout California are actively implementing or exploring the
ordinances similar to ours. Marin County has adopted Ordinance No. 3776 and the Town of
Corte Madera has implemented Ordinance No. 1040. Both of these ordinances base their
requirements or triggers on additions and alterations to existing single - and two-family
residential buildings that are 750 square feet or large, while our ordinance will be based on
project value of additions and alterations to existing single-family residential buildings.
Requirements
Based on the type and value of the building permit and year in which the home was built,
different energy saving measures would be required. LED lighting and photosensors would be
required (if not already installed) regardless of permit value. Qualifying projects having a permit
value of at least $10,000 would also be required to install the water heating package , consisting
of hot water pipe insulation and shower and sink fitting upgrades . In addition to those
required measures, residents will have flexibility of which additional measures they want to
combine.
Measures fall roughly into two categories – energy efficiency and reduction in fossil fuel use.
Especially in our harsh desert climate, improving the energy efficiency of older buildings is
paramount to make sure that energy bills and energy demand can be controlled. Efficiency a nd
fossil fuel reduction measures will improve thermal comfort in the buildings, improve indoor air
quality, and, as is discussed in more detail below the table, save money over time.
Table 1 - Additional Measures
Air Sealing R-38 Attic Insulation R-49 Attic Insulation Duct Sealing
New Ducts, R-6
Insulation + Duct
Sealing
New Ducts, R-6
Insulation + Duct
Sealing
Windows Wall Insulation
R-19 Raised floor
insulation
R-30 Raised floor
insulation
Cool Roof Radiant Barrier
Under Roof
Heat Pump Water
Heater Replacing
Gas
High Eff. Heat Pump
Water Heater
Replacing Gas
Heat Pump Water
Heater Replacing
Electric
High Eff. Heat Pump
Water Heater
Replacing Electric
Heat Pump Space
Conditioning System
High Eff. Heat Pump
Space Conditioning
System
Dual Fuel Heat Pump
Space Conditioning
System
Heat Pump Clothes
Dryer
Induction Cooktop Solar PV Electric-Readiness-
Service Upgrade
Electric-Readiness-
End Uses
Under Section 10-106 of the Energy Code, local jurisdictions adopting reach codes must
demonstrate that the requirements of the proposed ordinance are cost -effective and do not
result in buildings consuming more energy than is permitted by the Energy Code. Cost-
effectiveness is based on the 2022 Cost-effectiveness Study: Existing Single Family Building
Upgrades prepared for the California Codes and Standards Reach Codes program of the state’s
three investor-owned utilities. Data specific for Palm Springs are derived from the program’s
online Cost-Effectiveness Explorer.
The Cost-Effectiveness Explorer produces a target metric that represents a user -defined
fraction of the total site energy savings for all cost-effective retrofit measures – the Target
Score. The Explorer also produces a table of all available measures, incl uding those that are not
cost-effective, that are weighted using the same site energy metric. Using these values, specific
to each home vintage, an applicant may install any combination of efficiency, solar and
electrification measures that meet or exceed the target value. The study supports separate
Target Scores for three different vintages, all of which are pre -2011. Please see the Ordinance
Summary for more details on the scores and measures.
Impacts
Based on a review of recently issued building permits, approximately 50-60% are qualified for
additional measures under the current the proposed ordinance. This figure aligns with th e
estimates made by our building leadership. Of those qualified permits, 40-50% are for homes
built pre-1978. The following tables outline the potential annual bill savings and GHG emission
reductions for the estimated numbers of qualified home projects:
Table 2 – Estimated Minimum Annual Bill Savings & GHG Emission for Pre-1978 Homes
Permit Value
Number of
home
projects
Measures Annual Bill
Savings
Total GHG
Emission
Reduction
(MTCO2e/year)
$10,000- $24,999 500 Lighting and Water
Heating Package $0 42
$25,000-$49,999 250
+16 point of
additional
measures
$1,500 46
$50,000-$99,999 125
+32 point of
additional
measures
$3,000 48
$100,000+ 5
+48 point of
additional
measures
$4,400 3
Table 3 – Estimated Minimum Annual Bill Savings & GHG Emission for 1978-1991
Homes
Permit Value
Number of
home
projects
Measures Annual Bill
Savings
Total GHG
Emission
Reduction
(MTCO2e/year)
$10,000- $24,999 400 Lighting and Water
Heating Package $0 33
$25,000-$49,999 200
+12 point of
additional
measures
$1,000 37
$50,000-$99,999 100
+25 point of
additional
measures
$1700 38
$100,000+ 5
+37 point of
additional
measures
$3400 20
Table 4 – Estimated Minimum Annual Bill Savings & GHG Emission for 1992-2011
Homes
Permit Value
Number of
home
projects
Measures Annual Bill
Savings
Total GHG
Emission
Reduction
(MTCO2e/year)
$10,000- $24,999 200 Lighting and Water
Heating Package $0 17
$25,000-$49,999 100
+6 point of
additional
measures
$500 37
$50,000-$99,999 50
+12 point of
additional
measures
$1000 14
$100,000+ 5
+17 point of
additional
measures
$800 1
Based on an asse ssment from these tables of homes by building vintage and permit value, we
can project a total minimum reduction of 336 MTCO2e per year. This reduction is equivalent to:
• Avoiding the GHG emission from 106 tons of waste that would otherwise by recycled or
landfilled, or
• Removing 80 gas-powered passenger vehicles from the road per year.
If we assumed a similar pace of projects over 10 years, the collected emissions reductions
would represent just under 1% of the estimated 2020 emissions from Palm Springs.
Implementation Considerations
This ordinance will impact residents/residential building owners, contractors, and City staff.
Residents and building owners are likely to incur additional cost if their initial retrofit project
triggers the ordinance. While all measures are cost-effective, meaning that they pay for
themselves over time via savings, many building owners are price -sensitive when implementing
a new project. Benefits will need to be clearly communicated, especially for more expensive
packages, and supporting resources will need to be available to help with compliance.
Contractors and staff will need additional training and clarification of the ordinance to effectively
communicate the components of the ordinance and to support the benefits of implementing
these changes in buildings. Residents will need help identifying which packag es make sense
for them, and contractors represent their primary source of advising and guidance on many
projects of this scale.
We can consider a few different resources that might help fill some of these gaps:
• Federal, state, and local rebates are available for certain types of equipment that can be
used to comply with the ordinance including heat pumps and heat pump water heaters.
[insert current rebate value]. Rebates are generally not available for things like LED
lighting or insulation, but depending on a building owner or tenant’s income level,
weatherization programs might be available to assist with some funding for these types
of measures.
• The Sustainability Department still offers a scholarship program which currently includes
a $100 rebate for a qualifying home ener gy audit. While energy audits are not required
under the reach code, they can be very helpful in identifying which types of work will
most benefit a particular home. We can consider adding to or making changes to the
scholarship program to support the ordinance and would welcome recommendations
from the Subcommittee.
• Training is available via I-REN for contractors and Building department staff. We would
plan to supplement this with our own resources and are consulting with the Building
department to identify the best ways to support them as the ordinance goes into effect.
Training courses are also available from the College of the Desert.
To ensure that the codes create d would have minimal negative impact on stakeholders and to
ensure that there is a positive impact for community members, we are actively holding
consultative meetings over the next quarter with entities such as the Sustainability Commi ssion,
the Building Department, Public Works, Homeowners, Local contractors, and any others who
are interested the matter. These meetings will help us refine the potential ordinance and support
programs to maximize benefit and minimize cost while also building support for the new
initiative.
Next Steps
Following input from the Subcommittee, staff are presenting the ordinance concept to the
Commission at its October 15 meeting. If the Commission so recommends, once a full draft has
been reviewed by the City’s legal team, the ordinance text will return to the Commission for
review and approval and, if approved, will be presented to City Council for consideration .
Following adoption of the ordinance by City Council, the City must obtain approval from the
CEC and file the ordinance with the Building Standards Commission for the ordinance to be
legally enforceable.
Conclusion
As many buildings in Palm Springs were built long before an Energy Code was ever
conceptualized, the Sustainability Department would like to push forward its pursuit of improving
the livability of our aging homes. Updating and expanding our current energy regulations for
aging single-family buildings will lower energy bills, create a more comfortable house that is
better adapted to extreme heat, and lower our individual and collective carbon footprint. Livable
and climate-smart homes are an essential component of our sustainable future.
Appendix A – Ordinance Framework Summary
Appendix B - Single Family Residential Building Cost-Effectiveness Explorer – Palm Springs
Possible Palm Springs Existing Home Energy Efficiency Ordinance – Or, “Energy
Efficient Renovations”
Overview: An ordinance of the City of Palm Springs, California, adding section
8.04.066 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code to require single family buildings built
before 2011 undergoing additions, alterations or remodels to make certain targeted
energy efficiency upgrades. This ordinance will be a reach code - a local building
energy code that “reaches” beyond the state minimum requirements for energy use in
building design and construction .
Main concept: The permit amount of an alteration to a home will require or “trigger”
Energy Efficient (EE) measures.
Background: From our 2020 GHG Inventory, residential buildings make up 2 2.6% of
our GHG emissions. This was a suggested action in our 2021 Climate Action Plan. In
the 2016 Sustainability Plan, established a vision that Palm Springs is resilient and
carbon neutral and set the following goals:
• reduce GHG emission by 80% from our 1990 levels
• encourage one million sq feet of green buildings
• reduce energy and carbon use from new homes and buildings
• supply 50% of energy from renewable sources by 2030
• help PS become more climate resilient - efficient homes are better able to
withstand extreme temperatures and use less energy
Additionally, the California Air Resources Board is required to ensure that statewide
GHG emissions are reduced at least 40 percent below 1990 levels by December 31,
2030, and 85% below 1990 levels by 2045 through AB 1279.
As every city is unique in terms of the climatic, geologic, and topographical conditions,
amending the California Energy Code to fit local needs would be reasonable. Enacting a
reach code of this type is one of the few ways (other than bans on connections, sale of
appliances, etc.) to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon output of existing
buildings.
Key Provisions and Implications: A section will define a Covered Single -Family
Project as a project that was constructed before 2011 has been permitted for any of the
following:
• Any additions, or any change, rearrangement or addition, other than a repair, of
the structural elements of an existing building including foundations, footing, sub -
floors, lintels, beams, columns, girders, slabs, roof trusses, staircases, load
bearing walls, door frames, window frames, or any other part of the building that
resists force or moment.
• Change or rearrangement of the plan configuration of walls and full -height
partitions of an existing building.
• Modification of the electrical system, heating or cooling equipment or gas
plumbing
The exceptions include the following:
• Specific house conditions like historic preservation design guidelines
• HOA covenant/deed restrictions on the property
• Mobile Homes, Manufactured Housing, or Factory-built Housing
• Individuals who receive CARE/FERA via the utilities
• building vintage reclassification
• medically necessary improvements or solely of seismic safety improvements , etc.
Based on the permit value, you have to do the mandatory measures plus a combo of
additional measures as long it totals the minimum points. It will give flexibility to
residents of which additional measures they want to combine.
Additional measures include Air Sealing, R -49 Attic Insulation, Duct Sealing, New
Ducts, R-6 Insulation + Duct Sealing, New Ducts, R -8 Insulation + Duct Sealing,
Windows, Wall Insulation, Cool Roof, Heat Pump Water Heater Replacing Gas, High
Efficiency Heat Pump Water Heater Replacing Gas, Heat Pump Water Heater
Replacing Electric, High Efficiency Heat Pump Water Heater Replacing Electric, Heat
Pump Space Conditioning System, High Efficiency Heat Pump Space Conditioning
System, etc. These measures will have different value points based on cost-
effectiveness and GHG emission reduction.
Table 150.0-I Target Score
Building Vintage
Pre-1978 1978 - 1991 1992 - 2010
Permit Value Target Score
All Projects LED +
Photosensors
LED +
Photosensors
LED +
Photosensors
$10,000 - $24,999 + Water Heating + Water Heating + Water Heating
$25,000 - $49,999 + Water Heating &
16 points
+ Water Heating &
12 points
+ Water Heating &
6 points
$50,000 - $99,999 + Water Heating &
32 points
+ Water Heating &
25 points
+ Water Heating &
12 points
$100,000 + + Water Heating &
48 points
+ Water Heating &
37 points
+ Water Heating &
17 points
Table – Proposed Measure Scores
Table 150.0-J: Measure Menu
Building Vintage
Table 150.0-K
ID
Measures Pre-1978 1978 - 1991 1992 - 2010
E1 Lighting
Measures
Mandatory
E2 Water Heating
Package
Mandatory for all projects with a permit value of
$10,000 or more
E3 Air Sealing 1 1 --
E4.A R-38 Attic
Insulation 7 3 1
E4.B R-49 Attic
Insulation 8 4 1
E5 Duct Sealing 9 10 1
E6.A New Ducts, R-
6 Insulation +
Duct Sealing
17 13 5
E6.B New Ducts, R-
8 Insulation +
Duct Sealing
18 14 5
E7 Windows 12 10 3
E8 Wall Insulation 5 -- --
E9 Reserved for
future use -- -- --
E10.A R-19 Raised
floor insulation 4 4 --
E10.B R-30 Raised
floor insulation 4 4 --
E11 Cool Roof 2 2 1
E12 Radiant Barrier
Under Roof 4 3 1
FS1 Heat Pump
Water Heater
Replacing Gas
11 11 11
FS2 High Eff. Heat
Pump Water
Heater
Replacing Gas
11 11 11
FS3 Heat Pump
Water Heater
Replacing
Electric
4 4 4
FS4 High Eff. Heat
Pump Water
Heater
Replacing
Electric
4 4 4
FS5 Heat Pump
Space
Conditioning
System
2 1 1
FS6 High Eff. Heat
Pump Space
Conditioning
System
5 3 1
FS7 Dual Fuel Heat
Pump Space
Conditioning
System
2 1 1
FS8 Heat Pump
Clothes Dryer 1 1 1
FS9 Induction
Cooktop 1 1 1
PV Solar PV 17 17 17
ER1 Electric-
Readiness –
Service
Upgrade
Mandatory (see Note 2 below)
ER2
Electric-
Readiness –
End Uses
Mandatory (see Note 3 below)
Note 1: Cool Roof (Measure E11) and Radiant Barrier (Measure E12) required
when replacing 50% or more of an existing roof.
Note 2: Electric Readiness Service Upgrade (Measure ER1) required to claim
Solar PV credit.
Note 3: Electric Readiness – End Uses (Measure ER2) required for the following
project scopes:
If the service panel is being upgraded or to claim the Solar PV credit, satisfy any
[one / two] of the electric-readiness measures from ER2 in Table 150.0-K.
If the kitchen is being remodeled, make the range electric ready as specified in
ER2, Item D in Table 150.0-K and upgrade the panel board as specified under
ER1 in Table 150.0-K. Exception: If an electrical permit is not otherwise
required for the project other than compliance with this Item.
If the laundry room is being remodeled, make the dryer electric ready as specified
in ER2, Item C in Table 150.0 -K and upgrade the panel board as specified
under ER1 in Table 150.0-K. Exception: If an electrical permit is not otherwise
required for the project other than compliance with this Item.
LEGAL NOTICE: This tool was prepared by Pacific Gas and Electric Company and funded by the California utility customers under the auspices of the California Public
Utilities Commission. Copyright 2024, Pacific Gas and Electric Company. All rights reserved, except that information from this tool may be used, copied, and
distributed without modification. Neither PG&E nor any of its employees makes any warranty, express or implied; or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for
the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any data, information, method, product, policy or process disclosed in this tool; or represents that its use will not infringe
any privately-owned rights including, but not limited to, patents, trademarks or copyrights.
Generated October 03, 2024 from the Cost-Effectiveness Explorer
https://explorer.localenergycodes.com/jurisdiction/palm-springs-city/study-results/15-SCE?only_study_type=existing-buildings
Cost-Effectiveness Results Summary
City of Palm Springs
Climate Zone 15
Single Family | Built before 1978 (12,598 units)
Study Source: Existing Single Family Building Upgrades¹ | Release Date: 05/23/2024 | Newest Version | Code Cycle: 2022
Table 1 of 2
Benefit/Cost Ratios Per Home Results
Measure On-Bill (2022
Esc)
On-Bill (2025
Esc)
2022 TDV LSC Incremental
Cost
Annual Bill
Savings
≥ 1.0 is cost effective ≥ 1.0 is cost effective ≥ 1.0 is cost
effective
≥ 1.0 is cost
effective
(on-bill)
Heat Pump Space Conditioner --0.1 --0.4 $1,324 $8
Dual fuel heat pump space conditioner --0.3 --0.7 $1,906 $14
R-19 Raised Floor Insulation 2.5 2.8 --2.0 $3,633 $335
R-30 Raised Floor Insulation 2.5 2.8 --2.0 $4,113 $377
R-13 Wall Insulation 3.8 4.2 --2.7 $2,950 $413
R-38 Attic insulation 2.6 2.8 --1.7 $6,762 $625
R-49 Attic insulation 2.6 2.8 --1.7 $7,446 $697
Windows 2.9 3.1 --1.7 $11,463 $1,170
Radiant Barrier Under Roof (when
re-roofing)
11.2 12.0 --6.5 $893 $358
Cool roof .20 Solar Reflectance 6.0 6.4 --3.3 $893 $255
Page 1 of 30
Cost-Effectiveness Results Summary
City of Palm Springs - Climate Zone 15
ResultsGenerated October 03, 2024 from the Cost-Effectiveness Explorer
https://explorer.localenergycodes.com/jurisdiction/palm-springs-city/study-results/15-SCE?only_study_type=existing-buildings
Single Family | Built before 1978 (12,598 units)
Study Source: Existing Single Family Building Upgrades¹ | Release Date: 05/23/2024 | Newest Version | Code Cycle: 2022 (Continued)
Table 1 of 2
Benefit/Cost Ratios Per Home Results
Measure On-Bill (2022
Esc)
On-Bill (2025
Esc)
2022 TDV LSC Incremental
Cost
Annual Bill
Savings
≥ 1.0 is cost effective ≥ 1.0 is cost effective ≥ 1.0 is cost
effective
≥ 1.0 is cost
effective
(on-bill)
New Ducts, R-6 Insulation + Duct Sealing 10.0 10.7 --6.1 $4,808 $1,715
New Ducts, R-8 Insulation + Duct Sealing 7.8 8.3 --4.7 $6,311 $1,749
Duct sealing 9.0 9.6 --5.4 $2,590 $832
Heat Pump Water Heater 1.7 2.3 --1.7 $4,332 $510
High Eff Heat Pump Water Heater 1.5 2.0 --1.5 $5,193 $541
High Eff Heat Pump Space Conditioner 0.7 0.9 --0.8 $4,346 $222
Solar PV 3.0 3.2 --1.7 $9,608 $1,249
Air sealing 0.6 0.6 --0.4 $4,684 $99
Heat pump water heater with Elec Base 3.3 3.5 --1.1 $3,829 $732
High Eff Heat Pump Water Heater (repl
electric)
2.8 3.0 --1.0 $4,690 $764
Page 2 of 30
Cost-Effectiveness Results Summary
City of Palm Springs - Climate Zone 15
ResultsGenerated October 03, 2024 from the Cost-Effectiveness Explorer
https://explorer.localenergycodes.com/jurisdiction/palm-springs-city/study-results/15-SCE?only_study_type=existing-buildings
Single Family | Built before 1978 (12,598 units)
Study Source: Existing Single Family Building Upgrades¹ | Release Date: 05/23/2024 | Newest Version | Code Cycle: 2022 (Continued)
Table 1 of 2
Benefit/Cost Ratios Per Home Results
Measure On-Bill (2022
Esc)
On-Bill (2025
Esc)
2022 TDV LSC Incremental
Cost
Annual Bill
Savings
≥ 1.0 is cost effective ≥ 1.0 is cost effective ≥ 1.0 is cost
effective
≥ 1.0 is cost
effective
(on-bill)
Water Heating Package 1.4 ------$229 $0
Page 3 of 30
Cost-Effectiveness Results Summary
City of Palm Springs - Climate Zone 15
ResultsGenerated October 03, 2024 from the Cost-Effectiveness Explorer
https://explorer.localenergycodes.com/jurisdiction/palm-springs-city/study-results/15-SCE?only_study_type=existing-buildings
Single Family | Built before 1978 (12,598 units)
Study Source: Existing Single Family Building Upgrades¹ | Release Date: 05/23/2024 | Newest Version | Code Cycle: 2022
Table 2 of 2
Per Home Results City-Wide Estimates
Measure Flexible Score Affected Units Emissions Reductions Lifecycle Savings
annual energy savings (lifecycle)(lifecycle MTCOe)(on-bill)
Heat Pump Space Conditioner 2 1,575 4,684 $238,292
Dual fuel heat pump space conditioner 2 1,575 4,494 $385,583
R-19 Raised Floor Insulation 4 1,575 3,127 $9,414,409
R-30 Raised Floor Insulation 4 1,575 3,525 $10,607,745
R-13 Wall Insulation 5 1,575 3,962 $11,618,140
R-38 Attic insulation 7 1,575 5,269 $17,603,584
R-49 Attic insulation 8 1,575 5,817 $19,603,735
Windows 12 1,575 7,770 $32,919,002
Radiant Barrier Under Roof (when re-roofing)4 1,575 2,612 $10,071,119
Cool roof .20 Solar Reflectance 2 1,575 1,166 $7,190,038
New Ducts, R-6 Insulation + Duct Sealing 17 1,575 11,494 $48,274,761
Page 4 of 30
Cost-Effectiveness Results Summary
City of Palm Springs - Climate Zone 15
ResultsGenerated October 03, 2024 from the Cost-Effectiveness Explorer
https://explorer.localenergycodes.com/jurisdiction/palm-springs-city/study-results/15-SCE?only_study_type=existing-buildings
Single Family | Built before 1978 (12,598 units)
Study Source: Existing Single Family Building Upgrades¹ | Release Date: 05/23/2024 | Newest Version | Code Cycle: 2022 (Continued)
Table 2 of 2
Per Home Results City-Wide Estimates
Measure Flexible Score Affected Units Emissions Reductions Lifecycle Savings
annual energy savings (lifecycle)(lifecycle MTCOe)(on-bill)
New Ducts, R-8 Insulation + Duct Sealing 18 1,575 11,845 $49,234,496
Duct sealing 9 1,575 5,772 $23,417,345
Heat Pump Water Heater 11 1,575 18,360 $14,348,178
High Eff Heat Pump Water Heater 11 1,575 18,610 $15,230,046
High Eff Heat Pump Space Conditioner 5 1,575 6,255 $6,250,004
Solar PV 17 1,575 10,616 $35,149,002
Air sealing 1 1,575 1,000 $2,777,884
Heat pump water heater with Elec Base 4 1,575 2,219 $20,609,440
High Eff Heat Pump Water Heater (repl electric)4 1,575 2,469 $21,492,246
Water Heating Package 1 1,575 1,336 $0
Page 5 of 30
Cost-Effectiveness Results Summary
City of Palm Springs - Climate Zone 15
ResultsGenerated October 03, 2024 from the Cost-Effectiveness Explorer
https://explorer.localenergycodes.com/jurisdiction/palm-springs-city/study-results/15-SCE?only_study_type=existing-buildings
Single Family | Built from 1978 to 1991 (6,245 units)
Study Source: Existing Single Family Building Upgrades¹ | Release Date: 05/23/2024 | Newest Version | Code Cycle: 2022
Table 1 of 2
Benefit/Cost Ratios Per Home Results
Measure On-Bill (2022
Esc)
On-Bill (2025
Esc)
2022 TDV LSC Incremental
Cost
Annual Bill
Savings
≥ 1.0 is cost effective ≥ 1.0 is cost effective ≥ 1.0 is cost
effective
≥ 1.0 is cost
effective
(on-bill)
Heat Pump Space Conditioner ------0.2 $1,324 -$75
Dual fuel heat pump space conditioner ------0.4 $1,906 -$72
R-19 Raised Floor Insulation 2.5 2.7 --1.9 $3,633 $324
R-30 Raised Floor Insulation 2.5 2.7 --1.9 $4,113 $370
R-38 Attic insulation 2.9 3.2 --1.8 $2,555 $269
R-49 Attic insulation 2.6 2.8 --1.6 $3,612 $332
Windows 2.3 2.5 --1.3 $11,463 $937
Radiant Barrier Under Roof (when
re-roofing)
7.8 8.3 --4.3 $893 $248
Cool roof .20 Solar Reflectance 4.6 4.8 --2.5 $893 $193
New Ducts, R-6 Insulation + Duct Sealing 7.6 8.1 --4.6 $4,808 $1,305
Page 6 of 30
Cost-Effectiveness Results Summary
City of Palm Springs - Climate Zone 15
ResultsGenerated October 03, 2024 from the Cost-Effectiveness Explorer
https://explorer.localenergycodes.com/jurisdiction/palm-springs-city/study-results/15-SCE?only_study_type=existing-buildings
Single Family | Built from 1978 to 1991 (6,245 units)
Study Source: Existing Single Family Building Upgrades¹ | Release Date: 05/23/2024 | Newest Version | Code Cycle: 2022 (Continued)
Table 1 of 2
Benefit/Cost Ratios Per Home Results
Measure On-Bill (2022
Esc)
On-Bill (2025
Esc)
2022 TDV LSC Incremental
Cost
Annual Bill
Savings
≥ 1.0 is cost effective ≥ 1.0 is cost effective ≥ 1.0 is cost
effective
≥ 1.0 is cost
effective
(on-bill)
New Ducts, R-8 Insulation + Duct Sealing 6.0 6.4 --3.6 $6,311 $1,338
Duct sealing 10.9 11.6 --6.7 $2,590 $1,004
Heat Pump Water Heater 1.0 1.6 --1.7 $4,332 $344
High Eff Heat Pump Water Heater 0.9 1.4 --1.5 $5,193 $375
High Eff Heat Pump Space Conditioner 0.3 0.4 --0.6 $4,346 $99
Solar PV 2.6 2.8 --1.7 $9,608 $1,079
Air sealing 0.4 0.5 --0.3 $4,684 $71
Heat pump water heater with Elec Base 2.5 2.7 --1.1 $3,829 $566
High Eff Heat Pump Water Heater (repl
electric)
2.2 2.3 --1.0 $4,690 $597
Water Heating Package 1.4 ------$229 $0
Page 7 of 30
Cost-Effectiveness Results Summary
City of Palm Springs - Climate Zone 15
ResultsGenerated October 03, 2024 from the Cost-Effectiveness Explorer
https://explorer.localenergycodes.com/jurisdiction/palm-springs-city/study-results/15-SCE?only_study_type=existing-buildings
Single Family | Built from 1978 to 1991 (6,245 units)
Study Source: Existing Single Family Building Upgrades¹ | Release Date: 05/23/2024 | Newest Version | Code Cycle: 2022
Table 2 of 2
Per Home Results City-Wide Estimates
Measure Flexible Score Affected Units Emissions Reductions Lifecycle Savings
annual energy savings (lifecycle)(lifecycle MTCOe)(on-bill)
Heat Pump Space Conditioner 1 781 1,256 -$1,047,309
Dual fuel heat pump space conditioner 1 781 1,216 -$1,007,314
R-19 Raised Floor Insulation 4 781 1,447 $4,516,637
R-30 Raised Floor Insulation 4 781 1,657 $5,161,206
R-38 Attic insulation 3 781 1,073 $3,746,967
R-49 Attic insulation 4 781 1,322 $4,633,366
Windows 10 781 3,138 $13,075,552
Radiant Barrier Under Roof (when re-roofing)3 781 892 $3,462,817
Cool roof .20 Solar Reflectance 2 781 450 $2,694,542
New Ducts, R-6 Insulation + Duct Sealing 13 781 4,179 $18,208,855
New Ducts, R-8 Insulation + Duct Sealing 14 781 4,352 $18,673,448
Page 8 of 30
Cost-Effectiveness Results Summary
City of Palm Springs - Climate Zone 15
ResultsGenerated October 03, 2024 from the Cost-Effectiveness Explorer
https://explorer.localenergycodes.com/jurisdiction/palm-springs-city/study-results/15-SCE?only_study_type=existing-buildings
Single Family | Built from 1978 to 1991 (6,245 units)
Study Source: Existing Single Family Building Upgrades¹ | Release Date: 05/23/2024 | Newest Version | Code Cycle: 2022 (Continued)
Table 2 of 2
Per Home Results City-Wide Estimates
Measure Flexible Score Affected Units Emissions Reductions Lifecycle Savings
annual energy savings (lifecycle)(lifecycle MTCOe)(on-bill)
Duct sealing 10 781 3,146 $14,007,527
Heat Pump Water Heater 11 781 9,106 $4,796,136
High Eff Heat Pump Water Heater 11 781 9,229 $5,234,685
High Eff Heat Pump Space Conditioner 3 781 1,889 $1,379,360
Solar PV 17 781 5,263 $15,050,186
Air sealing 1 781 349 $992,432
Heat pump water heater with Elec Base 4 781 1,103 $7,892,953
High Eff Heat Pump Water Heater (repl electric)4 781 1,227 $8,331,967
Water Heating Package 1 781 662 $0
Page 9 of 30
Cost-Effectiveness Results Summary
City of Palm Springs - Climate Zone 15
ResultsGenerated October 03, 2024 from the Cost-Effectiveness Explorer
https://explorer.localenergycodes.com/jurisdiction/palm-springs-city/study-results/15-SCE?only_study_type=existing-buildings
Single Family | Built from 1992 to 2005 (2,318 units)
Study Source: Existing Single Family Building Upgrades¹ | Release Date: 05/23/2024 | Newest Version | Code Cycle: 2022
Table 1 of 2
Benefit/Cost Ratios Per Home Results
Measure On-Bill (2022
Esc)
On-Bill (2025
Esc)
2022 TDV LSC Incremental
Cost
Annual Bill
Savings
≥ 1.0 is cost effective ≥ 1.0 is cost effective ≥ 1.0 is cost
effective
≥ 1.0 is cost
effective
(on-bill)
Heat Pump Space Conditioner ------0.1 $1,324 -$157
Dual fuel heat pump space conditioner ------0.2 $1,906 -$155
R-38 Attic insulation 1.0 1.1 --0.6 $1,781 $63
R-49 Attic insulation 1.7 1.9 --1.1 $1,827 $113
Windows 0.7 0.7 --0.4 $11,463 $271
Radiant Barrier Under Roof (when
re-roofing)
3.5 3.7 --1.9 $893 $111
Cool roof .20 Solar Reflectance 2.3 2.4 --1.3 $893 $96
New Ducts, R-6 Insulation + Duct Sealing 2.8 3.0 --1.8 $4,808 $484
New Ducts, R-8 Insulation + Duct Sealing 2.3 2.4 --1.5 $6,311 $509
Duct sealing 2.2 2.3 --1.4 $1,400 $109
Page 10 of 30
Cost-Effectiveness Results Summary
City of Palm Springs - Climate Zone 15
ResultsGenerated October 03, 2024 from the Cost-Effectiveness Explorer
https://explorer.localenergycodes.com/jurisdiction/palm-springs-city/study-results/15-SCE?only_study_type=existing-buildings
Single Family | Built from 1992 to 2005 (2,318 units)
Study Source: Existing Single Family Building Upgrades¹ | Release Date: 05/23/2024 | Newest Version | Code Cycle: 2022 (Continued)
Table 1 of 2
Benefit/Cost Ratios Per Home Results
Measure On-Bill (2022
Esc)
On-Bill (2025
Esc)
2022 TDV LSC Incremental
Cost
Annual Bill
Savings
≥ 1.0 is cost effective ≥ 1.0 is cost effective ≥ 1.0 is cost
effective
≥ 1.0 is cost
effective
(on-bill)
Heat Pump Water Heater --0.3 --1.7 $4,332 $65
High Eff Heat Pump Water Heater --0.4 --1.5 $5,193 $97
High Eff Heat Pump Space Conditioner ------0.4 $4,346 -$24
Solar PV 1.9 2.0 --1.6 $9,608 $763
Air sealing 0.2 0.2 --0.2 $4,684 $37
Heat pump water heater with Elec Base 1.3 1.3 --1.1 $3,829 $279
High Eff Heat Pump Water Heater (repl
electric)
1.1 1.2 --1.0 $4,690 $311
Water Heating Package 1.4 ------$229 $0
Page 11 of 30
Cost-Effectiveness Results Summary
City of Palm Springs - Climate Zone 15
ResultsGenerated October 03, 2024 from the Cost-Effectiveness Explorer
https://explorer.localenergycodes.com/jurisdiction/palm-springs-city/study-results/15-SCE?only_study_type=existing-buildings
Single Family | Built from 1992 to 2005 (2,318 units)
Study Source: Existing Single Family Building Upgrades¹ | Release Date: 05/23/2024 | Newest Version | Code Cycle: 2022
Table 2 of 2
Per Home Results City-Wide Estimates
Measure Flexible Score Affected Units Emissions Reductions Lifecycle Savings
annual energy savings (lifecycle)(lifecycle MTCOe)(on-bill)
Heat Pump Space Conditioner 1 290 318 -$811,825
Dual fuel heat pump space conditioner 1 290 300 -$801,468
R-38 Attic insulation 1 290 94.7 $324,523
R-49 Attic insulation 1 290 174 $584,659
Windows 3 290 411 $1,403,562
Radiant Barrier Under Roof (when re-roofing)1 290 149 $576,891
Cool roof .20 Solar Reflectance 1 290 84.6 $496,451
New Ducts, R-6 Insulation + Duct Sealing 5 290 577 $2,504,177
New Ducts, R-8 Insulation + Duct Sealing 5 290 605 $2,634,332
Duct sealing 1 290 121 $562,219
Heat Pump Water Heater 11 290 3,381 $334,017
Page 12 of 30
Cost-Effectiveness Results Summary
City of Palm Springs - Climate Zone 15
ResultsGenerated October 03, 2024 from the Cost-Effectiveness Explorer
https://explorer.localenergycodes.com/jurisdiction/palm-springs-city/study-results/15-SCE?only_study_type=existing-buildings
Single Family | Built from 1992 to 2005 (2,318 units)
Study Source: Existing Single Family Building Upgrades¹ | Release Date: 05/23/2024 | Newest Version | Code Cycle: 2022 (Continued)
Table 2 of 2
Per Home Results City-Wide Estimates
Measure Flexible Score Affected Units Emissions Reductions Lifecycle Savings
annual energy savings (lifecycle)(lifecycle MTCOe)(on-bill)
High Eff Heat Pump Water Heater 11 290 3,427 $499,903
High Eff Heat Pump Space Conditioner 2 290 497 -$123,595
Solar PV 17 290 1,953 $3,950,031
Air sealing --290 66.9 $193,851
Heat pump water heater with Elec Base 4 290 410 $1,446,198
High Eff Heat Pump Water Heater (repl electric)4 290 457 $1,612,085
Water Heating Package 1 290 246 $0
Page 13 of 30
Cost-Effectiveness Results Summary
City of Palm Springs - Climate Zone 15
ResultsGenerated October 03, 2024 from the Cost-Effectiveness Explorer
https://explorer.localenergycodes.com/jurisdiction/palm-springs-city/study-results/15-SCE?only_study_type=existing-buildings