Building codes can be a bit wonky, but they are critical to our environmental and financial future! They regulate how much and what type of energy will be used, and EV charging options installed in new buildings, which last decades, so getting it wrong now can last a lifetime, or cost thousands to retrofit later.

Knowing new building codes were coming up this year, the County initiated a collaborative process with all jurisdictions in Marin to prepare a model "reach" code, to spur building and vehicle electrification beyond the minimum requirements. Novato's building official participated since last March and the Marin County Civil Grand Jury hailed the result in this excellent report. However, the City now says it's not practical to make local changes (despite months of prior notice and other jurisdictions implementing those same recommendations) and is ignoring its own promises to make climate a priority, after declaring a Climate Emergency Resolution two years ago!

There has been a complete lack of discussion on the topic, despite several requests to do so at the August 23rd Council meeting, and the Grand Jury draft response was not even shared with Novato's own Sustainability Commission which met the prior week!

If the City is committed to its own climate goals and implementation of its own Climate Action Plan, it cannot miss this opportunity to make new buildings all-electric, with built in EV charging infrastructure. 

Sign the petition telling Novato City Council to live up to its promises and adopt the model reach code now!