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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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Name not shown inside Neighborhood 7
April 12, 2024, 11:30 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)?

    1) One thing we never want to do is add repairs and/or replacements as part of this process - and, thankfully, they are not part of this proposal. 2) Another thing we should never want to do is make remodels so onerous that residents will not want to do them. 3) More emphasis should be placed on hardships: I recall a young couple expecting a child who wanted to add a bedroom/bath to their 1-bedroom, less than 900 sq ft home - the criteria being proposed would have cost them several thousand dollars more. 4) Peg Pinard's email to Council points out a previous City plan - later scrapped - that would have addressed an urban fire hazard. CO2 emissions from a fire can un-do the gains from energy efficiency measures.

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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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