Residential Products Online content is now on probuilder.com! Same great products coverage, now all in one place!

San Diego County moves toward code amendments to promote energy-efficient homes

Changes could add $2,300 to new-home costs but would even out within 18 months.

September 11, 2014

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors has directed its staff to draft building code amendments designed to promote energy efficiency in new homes. The supervisors voted to have builders:

Install electrical panels large enough to accommodate future improvements;
Put in a conduit that could be used for roof-mounted solar panels;
Reserve space on south-facing roofs where PVs could be added; and
Include a conduit to the garage that could be used for an electric vehicle charging station.

The prospective mandates could add $2,300 to the cost of a new house but would lead to savings of about the same amount on energy bills within 18 months.

PB Topical Ref

Codes + Standards

Housing Zone* UNPUBLISHED

features