The City Council of San Jose (California, United States, 1 million inhabitants) has approved a new set of requirements for new constructions. The accepted proposition bans the use of natural gas in all new construction of accessory dwelling units (ADUs), single-family homes, and low-rise and multi-family buildings. This includes the installation of stoves, water heaters and furnaces that use natural gas. Upon this ruling, which will go into effect in 2020, San Jose becomes one of the largest cities in the US to ban such devices in new homes.
Beyond the use of natural gas, multi-family buildings are required to include 70% electric vehicle capable spaces, at least 20% electric vehicle ready spaces, and at least 10% electric vehicle service equipment spaces. The city will also explore the costs of solar and battery energy storage systems (BESS), electric vehicle infrastructure, and potential fee and tax reductions for new all-electric high-rise multi-family and commercial building constructions.
The move follows a similar one take in the city of Berkeley in July 2019, which also comes into effect on 1 January 2020.
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