Timing is everything when it comes to new construction reach codes.
Why? Because new construction reach codes often have a short shelf life. Reach codes that amend the State Building Code generally need to be revisited when a new California building code cycle goes into effect, which typically happens every three years. And often, jurisdictions cannot start developing a reach code for the next code cycle too far in advance because key pieces — such as final code language, compliance software, cost-effectiveness studies, and model ordinance language — may not be available until closer to the next code cycle’s effective date.
For current, time-sensitive updates — including the 2025 code cycle, AB 130, and available reach-code resources — see: Current Reach Code Timing and Study Updates.
Read on to understand how reach codes relate to the building code cycle, how to think about timing, and what your jurisdiction can do now to prepare.
Why timing matters
It takes time to develop, adopt, approve, and implement a reach code.
To adopt a reach code, a jurisdiction typically needs to develop a policy, prepare ordinance language and findings, complete local adoption, submit the adopted ordinance to the California Energy Commission, and file with the California Building Standards Commission. After local adoption, the state approval and filing process can take roughly 60–90 days if there are no major issues.
Ideally, a reach code takes effect near the beginning of a three-year code cycle. That gives the ordinance the longest useful window before the next State Building Code cycle begins.
But there may still be reasons to move forward in the middle of a code cycle. For example, a jurisdiction that anticipates a large wave of new construction permits before the next code cycle may decide it is worth adopting a reach code mid-cycle so the policy can apply to that development activity.
When is the best time to start working on a reach code?
The best time to begin is usually when cost-effectiveness studies for the relevant code cycle are available.
Jurisdictions that want to get started as early as possible can contact the Reach Codes Team and ask whether draft study results or early policy guidance are available. Preliminary results can change, so jurisdictions that start early should be prepared to revise their policy direction as studies, code language, and implementation details are finalized.
You can view cost-effectiveness study results relevant to your city or county in the Cost-Effectiveness Explorer. You can also find model ordinances and other policymaking resources at LocalEnergyCodes.com.
A note about residential reach-code timing
Residential reach-code timing is different right now because AB 130 pauses the regular residential building code update cycle until 2031. As a result, residential reach codes are not following the typical three-year building code cycle at this time.
For current information about residential reach-code timing, AB 130, and available resources, see Current Reach Code Timing and Study Updates or contact the Reach Codes Team.
What if I'm late to the reach codes party?
Even when it's not a good time to start crafting your policy, there are still a number of things you can do now to get ready.
Understand the timing. Since you are reading this article, you are already doing this.
Learn new construction code basics. Make sure key staff understand how the State Building Code, Energy Code, and reach codes relate to each other.
Sign up for updates. Sign up at LocalEnergyCodes.com for the newsletter to be notified about new cost-effectiveness studies, model ordinances, and other resources (very bottom of the page). If you already have, you are all set!
Plan your adoption process. Think through when your jurisdiction would need internal review, stakeholder engagement, council or board hearings, state approval, and implementation.
Start internal conversations. You can educate city leaders, staff, and stakeholders about the importance of timing for new construction reach codes and about reach codes in general. That way they know what to expect, and are primed to take action when the time is right.
Plan your work. With a good understanding of when you want to focus on new reach code development, you can mark your calendars and plan for you and your colleagues to be available.
Understand upcoming development. Use this time to gather data about expected new construction activity during the next code cycle.
Review peer examples. Look at ordinances adopted by similar jurisdictions to understand policy options, implementation approaches, and common issues.
Preparing early can make it easier to act when the timing is right.