Timing is everything when it comes to new construction reach codes. Why? Because typically, new construction reach codes have a short shelf-life. They expire when a new California building code cycle goes into effect, which happens every three years. And often, you can’t start working on a new building reach code for the next code cycle too far in advance because the necessary pieces do not come together until about six months before the next code cycle takes effect.
Read on to understand more about reach codes and the building code cycle, getting the timing right, and what you can now do to prepare.
Should I consider adopting a reach code for the current code that is now in effect?
The current building code cycle will sunset on December 31, 2025 and it will take some time to develop and adopt an ordinance and have it approved at a regular business meeting of the California Energy Commission, which typically takes about 60 days after local adoption.
Ideally, you would like to start the process early so that the reach code will take effect at the beginning of a three-year code cycle. But there are reasons to consider moving forward in the middle of a code cycle.
Jurisdictions that anticipate a large wave of new construction permits before the next code cycle may decide that it is worth it to forge ahead in the middle of the current cycle – that way they can get a reach code adopted in time to affect that surge of new development.
You can view 2022 cost-effectiveness study results, relevant to your city, right in the Cost-Effectiveness Explorer for new single family residential, multifamily residential, or non-residential buildings. You can also find model ordinances and other policy making resources for 2022 new construction reach codes at LocalEnergyCodes.com.
When can I get started on developing a reach code for the next building code cycle?
To adopt a reach code, you typically start with results from a state-wide cost-effectiveness study focused on that cycle. Findings from these studies layout cost-effective and energy saving reach code opportunities. But these studies usually are not ready until about six months before the effective date of the new code cycle.
The best time to begin is when the cost-effectiveness studies for the new code cycle are published. Jurisdictions that want to get started as early as possible can contact the Reach Code Team and request access to study results when they are still in draft form. Preliminary results often change for a number of reasons, so if you go this route, be prepared to spend more time on revising your policy.
What can I do now to prepare?
Even when its 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).
Understand new construction code basics.
Sign up at LocalEnergyCodes.com for the newsletter to be notified about new cost-effectiveness studies (very bottom of the page). If you already have, you are all set!
Plan for how and when to adopt your reach code.
Start conversations internally. 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 what kind of construction is coming. You can use time now to gather data about what kind of development to expect during the next code cycle.