Citywide Decarbonization Policy

In 2018, the City of Santa Cruz declared a climate action emergency and City leaders specified that urgent action must be taken to combat catastrophic climate change. Part of that action included adopting codes, policies, and programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address public health and safety concerns by decarbonizing buildings, small off-road equipment, and municipal vehicles. For more details about the City’s decarbonization and electrification strategies and goals please read the City’s Climate Action Plan 2030 (CAP 2030). You can also get more information about climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, decarbonization and electrification at the City's Climate Education Resource page.

Building Decarbonization Incentives

Incentives for existing and new building electrification are constantly changing. It is hard to keep up! Please consult the following websites for the best, most up-to-date information about incentives.

Switch is On

  • Best interface and is user friendly
  • Has a few options that won’t appear on EnergyStar or DSIRE such as rebates through Comfortably CA and California Energy Smart Homes
  • Doesn’t include rebates for commercial buildings, electric vehicles, charging stations, top performing gas appliances
  • Doesn’t include loan programs such as the EACS or mortgages

EnergyStar

  • Lays out all available rebates for residential and commercial without having to filter by type of home improvement, but allows you to easily navigate filters with section off to left
  • Plenty of commercial rebates (dishwashers, refrigerators and freezers, ovens, etc.)
  • Displays rebates offered through Golden State Rebates, but not MESP, Comfortably CA, California Energy-Smart Homes and TECH Clean California

DSIRE

  • Offers the most diverse options for energy related programs.

In the market for a new stove?

Consider trying out an Induction Cooktop for free by checking out a kit from the Santa Cruz Public Library!

New Info! Existing Building Decarbonization

The City of Santa Cruz is considering policy options to accelerate the equitable decarbonization of existing buildings. The City conducted 4 listening sessions on June 27, 2022 with different sectoral groups to understand concerns, questions and issues related to existing building electrification. After spending 2023 revising the new construction reach code, over 2024 staff developed the proposed Energy Efficient Renovations Ordinance and associated materials for public review. 

Staff will accept comments on the ordinance via this form and through public comment at the upcoming City Council meeting on 11/19:

 

Suspension of the City of Santa Cruz’s Natural Gas Ban Ordinance

The Prohibition of Natural Gas Infrastructure in New Buildings, Chapter 6.100, went into effect July 1, 2020 with limited exemptions. However, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit has overturned the City of Berkeley’s natural gas ban, ruling that it is preempted by federal law. Consequently, in June, 2023, the City of Santa Cruz temporarily suspended enforcement of its natural gas ban on new buildings (SCMC 6.100).

New Buildings Energy Reach Code Ordinance

In November, 2023 City Council adopted a new ordinance consistent with state and federal law in the form of a source energy reach code for new buildings to provide developers with a range of options with regard to the type of equipment and energy that will be supplied to new buildings and that will help to meet the CAP 2030 GHG emissions target. The ordinance increases the compliance margin for the source energy design rating required for compliance with the California Energy Code. The ordinance was approved by the California Energy Commission and put into effect in May, 2024.

Community Engagement

In 2020 the City Climate Action and Green Building program reached out to Individuals and entities interested or impacted by such reach codes including: developers, realtors, and homeowners. Additional engagement was conducted in 2021 and 2022 to support the Climate Action Plan 2030 development and adoption in September, 2022.

Informational Handouts

Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers Ordinance

Gas-powered leaf blowers are a significant source of carbon emissions that contribute to global warming, and negatively impact public health. City Council adopted an ordinance that would prohibit the use of gas-powered leaf blowers citywide with limited exceptions which is currently to go into effect on January 1, 2025.. This regulation is specified as a CAP 2030 decarbonization action that will help the City meet local and state goals of reducing carbon emissions to 40% of 1990 levels by 2030

Community Engagement

Rebate Programs and Incentives

Incentives for electric landscaping equipment are constantly changing. Residents and businesses in Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito Counties are potentially eligible for rebates and incentives programs to help them switch from gas-powered landscaping tools to new, zero-emissions equipment. For information on current rebate programs, please visit: Monterey Bay Air Resources District Rebate Program. Please check the availability of state incentives programs at the California Clean Off-Road Equipment voucher incentive project website.

Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers Ordinance FAQs