8. ADOPTION OF ORDINANCES 

a. Management Services, re: Local Amendments to the 2026 Edition of the California Building and Energy Code to require projects in single-family homes, duplexes and townhomes involving replacement or alteration (but not repair) of an existing air conditioning system or installation of new air conditioning systems to include either a heat pump space conditioner as the primary heating system, or install specific energy efficiency measures in addition to a new air conditioner

1. Adoption of Ordinance of the Council of the City of Glendale, California Amending the 2026 Glendale Building and Safety Code, Volume IX (Green Building Standards) to Require Energy Conservation Measures for Air Conditioner Alterations, Replacements and Installations in Existing Single-Family Residential Buildings, and Required Findings Related Thereto (Brotman, 11/04/25)

REPORT / ORDINANCE /  CUSTOM COST EFFECTIVENESS STUDY

Executive Summary from Report:

“In 2022, the City of Glendale adopted local Reach Codes requiring all-electric new construction, photovoltaic (PV) systems, and electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. Enforcement of the all-electric requirement was suspended in June 2024 following the Federal 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling invalidating Berkeley’s natural gas ban, while PV, EV, and electric-readiness measures remained in effect.

On August 12, 2025, the City Council directed staff to begin developing an Air Conditioner to Heat Pump (AC2HP) Reach Code to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging electrification in existing single-family homes, duplexes, and townhomes.

The proposed ordinance is based on modified CALGreen voluntary provisions and would Item Type: Action Item Approved for November 18, 2025 calendar 12 require that when a new or replacement air conditioning system (excluding repairs) is installed, property owners must either install a heat pump for heating and cooling; or, retain a gas furnace but implement additional energy-efficiency upgrades. The ordinance aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, advance state and local climate goals, and align with Glendale’s General Plan Safety Element, Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP), and Greener Glendale Plan. Compliance provisions vary based on whether existing ducts are reused or replaced, with specific duct sealing, airflow, an insulation requirements.

City Council also directed staff to create a heat pump rebate program that provides direct payments—rather than utility bill credits—to offset the cost difference between a heat pump and a standard air conditioner.

The ordinance was originally introduced on August 19, 2025, but failed adoption on August 26, 2025. Consequently, it could not take effect before the new September 30, 2025, statutory deadline establish by AB 130 for local code amendments to existing Building and Safety Code. However, the City still has the option to pursue reach code adoption if the proposed amendments meet certain statutory conditions in AB 130, which includes the “General Plan Exception” (Health and Safety Code §17958(b)(5)). This exception allows building and safety code amendments that are aligned with a General Plan adopted before June 10, 2025, that permit mixed-fuel construction, and support greenhouse gas reduction. Glendale adopted its updated General Plan Safety Element in April 2025. The 2025 Safety Element provides a qualifying framework for the proposed AC2HP amendments under the General Plan Exception. Additionally, the ordinance permits mixed-fuel construction in compliance with federal law, and the ordinance aligns with the goals, policies, measures and actions in the City’s Greener Glendale Plan and Climate Action and Adaptation Plan. The proposed ordinance incorporates the necessary findings for adoption of local amendments to the newly adopted 2026 Building and Safety Code. The ordinance was reintroduced at the November 4, 2025, City Council Meeting. At the meeting City Council requested that within one (1) year of adoption, staff provide a report outlining how may applications have been received, how long it took for the applications to be processed and highlight any challenges faced by residents in adhering to the AC2HP ordinance.”

OUTCOME: PASSED (3:2, Aye: Asatryan, Brotman, Kassakhian; No: Gharpetian, Najarian)