LA City Council to Propose New Building Electrification Ordinance

The Los Angeles City Council is preparing to present an ordinance that would significantly change the electrification of new buildings. 

The proposed ordinance will mandate decarbonization through electrification for all new buildings as of April 1st, 2023. 

Although the full presentation will be released in early 2023, this is what we know so far about the plan. 

What’s in the Proposed Ordinance?

The proposed ordinance will require all new buildings to be electrified by April 1st, 2023, except for affordable housing units, which have an effective date of June 1st, 2023. 

For hotels, motels, and residential buildings over a certain number of units, the new requirements mandate them to install a solar thermal water heating system if they have a flat roof and a central domestic water heating system. 

However, those that implement a dual plumbing system and/or greywater will be exempt. 

Other exemptions from the electrification mandate include: 

• Manufacturing & Industrial Facilities 
• Hospitals & Laboratories
• Cooking Appliances in Restaurants & Cafeterias 
• Gas-Powered Life-Safety Systems
• Newly Constructed Accessory Dwelling Units 
• Others if needed 

Despite the long list of exemptions, they all must have electrical wiring and panel capacity installed for future conversion to electric. 

To ease the financial costs of the new developments required to electrify, the LA Department of Water and Power will look at establishing an incentive program for the installation of solar thermal water heating systems. 

In addition, the LA Department of Building and Safety will work to leverage existing rebates to help customers with potential increases in their utility costs when transitioning. 

Thus far, the Westside, Sherman Oaks, Hollywood United, and Del Rey neighborhood councils are in favor of this ordinance. Only the Studio City neighborhood council has opposed it thus far. 

More information is expected to come in January 2023 when the full ordinance will be presented. 

To learn more about the proposed building electrification mandate, click here.

Keep up with BOMA on the Frontline to stay up to date about building electrification in your neighborhood.