Green Building
The Goal of the Palo Alto Green Building initiatives is to design, build, and operate a new generation of efficient, environmentally responsible, and healthy buildings in the City of Palo Alto. The green building requirements reside within PAMC 16.14 and are based on the California Green Building Code. The City believes that the practice of green building can have a significant impact on reducing energy, water, and natural resource consumption, and improve Palo Alto citizens' well-being through improved indoor air quality and comfort.
2022 Green Building and Local Energy Reach Code Update; New Changes Take Effect October 4, 2024
The City’s updated green building regulations and energy reach code became effective date of January 1, 2023. The regulations aim to increase water conservation and reduce water loss, lower embodied carbon in new construction projects, reduce fossil fuel use in buildings, and facilitate electric vehicle adoption by community members and visitors to Palo Alto. These goals are consistent with Palo Alto’s sustainability goals, including the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2030.
In February 2024, in light of the Ninth Circuit court decision, the City stopped enforcing its all-electric construction requirements. A new set of code requirements are the replacement. On Friday, October 4, 2024 (subject to California Energy Commission approval) new Energy Reach Code requirements will take effect in Palo Alto. Building permits for new buildings and substantial remodels submitted on or after October 5 will be required to comply.
Learn more and gain resources about this update here.
Green Building Compliance Process
The City of Palo Alto has developed a streamlined compliance process to meet the requirements of the Palo Alto Green Building related ordinances. The requirements have been defined during the planning, plan check, construction and inspections, and occupancy, Our intent is to enforce the green building ordinance while clarifying the requirements to ensure prompt compliance review. The compliance process has been identified for all building types, sizes, and scope. Visit the Green Building Compliance Page to determine the requirements that are applicable to your project.
Construction & Demolition (C&D) Debris Diversion
The Development Services Department has deployed the use of Green Halo Systems, an online debris tracking website that has helped contractors to document their diversion of thousands of tons of construction debris from landfill, for recycling or reuse. Construction and demolition (C&D) debris diversion is required for all demolition permits (complete structure and interior non-structural) as well as all building permits with valuations of $25,000 or greater. The website enables contractors to track their project's diversion rate, to ensure compliance with the City's debris diversion requirements outlined in the Green Building section of the municipal code. A minimum diversion rate of 75%-80% is required for covered projects. Visit the Debris Diversion Program page for more information.
Green Building Rebates and Incentives
Building green can save you green! Identify financial incentives and for green building features and/or strategies that your project is pursuing. Rebates and incentives are based on the energy and water saving features of a building. The City of Palo Alto Utilities department administers all incentives and rebates. For more information on Rebates and Incentives, visit Utilities Residential Rebates Page or Utilities Business Rebates Page for non-residential projects.
Trainings
- On Demand Training
Visit the GREEN BUILDING COMPLIANCE PAGE to View Our On-Demand Trainings!
The Development Services department has created a series of on-demand video trainings to help residential and non-residential project applicants understand the requirements and submittals for permit applications. In addition, two videos have been created especially for energy modelers working on both residential and non-residential projects. Visit the Green Building Compliance page to view the trainings.
Green Building Counter Hours
Green Building Counter Hours are closed temporarily due to the Santa Clara County Shelter In Place Order. To live chat with us or to submit an inquiry, visit copa.greencarpetservice.com. You can also email copa@greencarpetservice.com or call (650) 329-2179 to get your code questions answered. We are open for chat Monday - Friday from 9am-12pm PST (excluding holidays).
Green Building Inspections
Do you need a green building inspection? Please read the directions on the Green Building Compliance Page for residential or non-residential final inspections. To schedule a building inspection, please call 650-329-2496 and press 2.