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Building Energy Retrofits

What do you think about the City's proposed policy that would require major residential building renovations to be more energy efficient?

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75 registered responses


Did you view the workshop video provided above?

Response Percent Response Count
Yes 89.3% 67
No 10.7% 8

What feedback do you have on the proposed policy (including project applicability, compliance measures, and exemptions)?

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Jennifer Grinager outside Neighborhoods
April 4, 2024, 9:02 AM
  • Did you view the workshop video provided above?
    • Yes
  • What feedback do you have on the proposed policy (including project applicability, compliance measures, and exemptions)?

    I don't agree that 500 sf should be defined as a large project, but rather it would be more accurate to define it as a percentage of the total new square footage. For example, adding 500 sf to a 1000 sf home is substantial, but adding 500 sf to a 2000 sf home is not. I like the exemptions that are put into place. All that being said, any restriction on individual property owners is a restriction on individual freedoms, has a cost associated with it, and thus increases the cost of building that gets passed down to the consumer. While there are tax benefits and rebate programs available now, they won't always be available and then this becomes cost prohibitive. If the City is seeking to reduce the cost of living, this has the opposite effect.

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Step 1: Read this:

To help cut greenhouse gas emissions fom energy use in San Luis Obispo, City staff have developed a draft policy for major additions and major alterations to exiting buildings. The proposed 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. 

Step 2: Download and review the presentation slides OR watch the video below. 

Staff presented the proposed policy at two workshops in March of 2024. At these workshops, staff provided an in-depth presentation about the proposed policy. A recorded version of the presentation is available below. Download and review the presentation slides. 

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