Community members who missed recent workshops on a new proposed policy now have an opportunity to weigh in online.
The City of SLO recently held two community workshops to get public input on a proposed policy that would help cut greenhouse gas emissions in existing buildings. City staff have heard from a variety of constituents and encourage anyone who is interested and impacted by this proposed policy to weigh in online at Open City Hall by April 12, 2024 at 11:59 PM.
Buildings are the second largest source of climate pollution in San Luis Obispo. The City’s Climate Action Plan sets the goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions from energy use in existing buildings by 50 percent by 2030. A mix of incentives, rebates, and new public policies are needed to help the community hit that target.
An Energy Efficient Renovations Policy is currently being developed by the City and will have proposed requirements for energy-efficient improvements when major renovations or additions are planned for existing single-family residential buildings in San Luis Obispo. Community input will be considered as City staff makes final touches to the proposed policy before it is presented to the City Council on Tuesday, May 21, 2024.
The proposed Energy Efficient Renovations Policy would:
- Require major residential additions of 500 or more square feet and major residential alterations affecting 50% of a home’s total floor space to include energy efficiency measures;
- Offer three compliance pathways for project owners to choose from including installing energy efficiency measures such as attic and pipe insulation, installing a heat pump water heater, or installing a heat pump air heating/cooling system;
- Require zero-emission readiness via reserved breakers, conduit, and wiring runs, and labeled outlets for future zero-emission appliance upgrades in projects that are electively upgrading their electrical service and electrical panel; and
- Provide exemptions for projects that are the result of a repair, have previously installed energy efficiency measures, or projects that would be financially or physically infeasible.
Importantly, the proposed policy would not regulate gas cooking equipment or other kitchen equipment or appliances, require electrification, or be triggered by small projects like floorings, window replacement, kitchen upgrades, or single appliance replacements, due to regulatory limitations.
For more information about the City’s Climate Action Plan and associated policies and programs, visit www.slocity.org/ClimateAction.